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Dear Neighbors, |
The windy and wet weather means its spring in Lake County. But this weather can also mean dangerous storms. Make sure your family is prepared for emergencies. Read more below about how to stay safe.
On a positive note, the longer daylight hours mean there is more time to visit your forest preserves and dog parks. You can hear the sounds of spring—woodcocks, sandhill cranes and red-winged black birds.
I know many of you are always looking for ways to improve our environment. A native garden is a great step to take. The Forest Preserve will have our annual Native Plant Sale in May. Look for details next month. If you are part of a homeowners association, you might be interested in the National Wildlife Guide to Passing Wildlife-Friendly Property Maintenance Ordinances.
Of course, spring also means the start of construction season. The Skokie Valley Bike Path is closed around Deerpath Road.
To keep up on this and other projects visit the Lake County Construction site. It’s also a good idea to visit Lake County Passage for real-time traffic updates (get the app for your phone).
Spring cleaning? There are many organizations that will take items you don’t need. And check out the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County site for more information on recycling. Many communities have neighborhood programs. Check and see if yours does.
I know the change in waste haulers has caused a lot of concern for those in the unincorporated areas. By this time, you should have received a postcard giving you information on the program. There is also more information below. If you have more questions, let me know.
I’m very excited that Ride Lake County will be rolling out in May. The fragmented paratransit system was not serving our residents well. I have been advocating for a fair system for over a decade, and I thank all those who worked so hard on collecting data and analyzing systems to get this ready. I’ll have more information later, but for now you can read Ride Lake County user’s guide in English or read the guide in Spanish.
As always, feel free to contact me about these or other issues. I am available to meet with groups in a setting that is comfortable for them.
Lake County Government News
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Are You Prepared for Floods, Tornadoes or Other Natural Hazards?
Are you prepared for floods, tornadoes, and other natural hazards? Take this online survey to help Lake County better understand the preparedness needs and risk perceptions of its residents and update the County’s All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (ANHMP).
This plan was first developed by the County and participating municipalities to identify activities and projects to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards such as tornadoes, floods and severe storms.
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Waste Hauling Update in Unincorporated Lake County
Residents who live within unincorporated Lake County will see, starting June 1, 2022, their garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup services provider change to Groot Recycling & Waste (unincorporated northern half of the county) or Lakeshore Recycling Systems (unincorporated southern half of the county).
Those who live within a neighborhood association with pre-existing waste contracts or in the franchised townships of Avon, Ela, Fremont, Lake Villa, Shields, and Warren will not be affected by the agreements Lake County has established with the two waste haulers. Learn more
Apply Today to Summer Youth Employment Program
Applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program 2022 will be accepted now through April 15. Applicants will be randomly selected by a computer program. Selected applicants will be contacted for an intake. Work opportunities for participants will begin June 20, 2022 at sites throughout Lake County. The program lasts approximately six weeks. To qualify for employment, youth must be:
- Age 14 to 18 (by April 15) OR age 14 to 22 with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Attending middle school or high school
- Receiving free or reduced-price lunch OR meet low-income guidelines.
Qualified applicants are invited to apply now.
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Forest Preserves News
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Hiring for Temporary Positions
Looking to spend the summer outdoors in a beautiful, natural setting? The Lake County Forest Preserves is in the process of hiring an array of temporary positions. "We offer a wide variety of seasonal employment opportunities with openings available this spring," said Laurel Diver, manager of human resources and risk. Several full-time positions are also available, including a social media specialist.
To apply for employment opportunities, and to watch for future job openings, visit www.LCFPD.org/jobs or call 847-968-3242 to learn more about the available positions. Learn more »
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Special Event Venues
Planning a special event this year? The Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago and The Lodge at ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park are booking events for 2022! These versatile spaces can be reserved for business meetings, memorials, showers, weddings and other special events. Both indoor and outdoor options are available.
For pricing and availability, contact Greenbelt at 847-968-3477 or Greenbelt@LCFPD.org and ThunderHawk at 847-968-3450 or ThunderHawkEvents@LCFPD.org.
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Hooting Season Underway
We’re in the heart of the hooting season, when local owls pair up to mate. Environmental Educator Jen Berlinghof writes about the joy of listening for the nightly calls of great horned owls, barred owls, and eastern screech owls in a recent blog post.
“Owling takes real effort,” she writes. “But the reward comes in the quiet glow of a winter sunset, where the silence of the moonrise is cracked by the chorus of howling owls.” Read more on the Lake County Nature blog.
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Environmental News
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Preserving Native Wetlands Around Lake County for Last 20 Years
The Stormwater Management Commission recently celebrated 20 years of work regulating the isolated wetlands of Lake County. Over the years, staff has reviewed nearly 500 permit applications that would have impacted 154 acres of isolated wetlands across the county, and through mitigation efforts they were able to add an additional 58 acres to our conservation efforts.
These 58 acres can have a huge impact on reducing the flood risk throughout the county as each acre of wetland is estimated to be able to hold one million gallons of flood water. Learn more
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Lake County Launches Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program
A new innovative program that encourages commercial property owners to make energy efficient improvements is now available in Lake County.
The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program, often referred to as C-PACE, provides long-term financing to private building owners for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, electrical vehicle charging and resiliency projects to be installed in commercial buildings. Learn more
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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New Mask Guidelines Are Implemented in Illinois
With COVID-19 positivity rates continuing to decline and the majority of eligible Illinois residents vaccinated, Governor Pritzker released an updated executive order lifting the mask requirement in most indoor settings. Learn more
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Additional Resources
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Rental assistance: Lake County’s new program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more
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Food for families in need: Check out the Northern Illinois Food Bank calendar for a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Find food
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Veterans assistance: The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Learn more
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Mental health support: The Lake County Health Department offers a free, 24/7 confidential hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Call 847-377-8088 any time. Learn more
Employment Resources
Transportation News
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Flashing Yellow Arrows: A Safer Signal in Lake County
New traffic signals have been activated at the intersection of Butterfield Road and Allanson Road that have flashing yellow arrows, the first in Lake County to have this feature. The activation is part of a project to install new traffic signals with flashing yellow arrows at seven intersections along the Butterfield Road corridor between IL 137 and Allanson Road.
When you approach a yellow flashing yellow arrow, motorists must first yield to oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians, then turn left with caution. Learn more
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Sheriff's Office News |
Hey Kids! Help Sheriff’s Office Name Two New Canines
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will be adding two new canines to their canine unit, and Sheriff John D. Idleburg is asking for Lake County’s youth to help name our two newest canine partners. Lake County youth currently in kindergarten through senior year of high school are invited to participate.
The Sheriff’s Canines have a proven track record of success, locating hundreds of missing people, fleeing suspects, numerous discarded firearms or other evidence, and hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs. Learn more
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Nineteenth Judicial Circuit News
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Kids Corner Is Open and Joining Read Across America in March
The Kids’ Korner, which is located on the first floor of the Lake County courthouse, has reopened to provide a safe, fun waiting area for children whose parents or guardians are conducting court business. To help celebrate, the Kids' Korner is participating all this month in Read Across America to celebrate Dr. Seuss birthday and build excitement for reading.
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Community Events & News
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Spring is Almost Here! Check Out Top Things to Do in March
Top of the morning to you as we view the top 10 things to do in March 2022. Although we lose an hour of sleep, everyone has had just about enough of a Lake County winter wonderland. Spring will soon be here! Celebrate March by checking out Visit Lake County’s list of top 10 things to do.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99).
The public also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule. All meetings are recorded and are posted on the Lake County website.
Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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