April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Blue Kids program out of the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC) helps create awareness and keep children safe. The LCCAC served nearly 2,800 child victims last year. At this month’s Law and Judicial Committee meeting, we had a chance to talk to the director of the program and discuss this the Blue Kids program in in greater detail. Please visit the LCCAC web site to learn more or find help.  

As a reminder, Lake County's new countywide paratransit service called "Ride Lake County" is set to launch on May 1, 2022. Seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities that are interested in using the new service are encouraged to register by calling the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446. 

There will be a Bird Walk program at Rollins Savanna at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 21. Please meet in the Washington Street parking lot. As you may know, Rollins is a haven for multiple bird species and features numerous observation areas.  

At this month’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting, we discussed an opportunity to increase the overall canopy cover of the county and how to tackle invasive species. The county canopy cover is just around 33%, with a theoretical limit of over 80%. The committee felt strongly about thinking big and asking county staff to begin exploring ways that we could start to make this a focus of the county. Lake County was disproportionately impacted by the damage from the Emerald Ash Borer and invasive species like buckthorn and honeysuckle. I’m excited to explore the possibilities and will report on this throughout the year.  

There is an open house scheduled on April 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, 878 Lyster, Highwood to discuss the Veteran Affairs (VA) request to transfer 4.7 acres of the Sheridan Forest Preserve to the VA to expand the Fort Sheridan National Cemetery. The public is encouraged to attend. Additionally, I know residents are concerned about the recent fire at the comfort stage at the Forest Preserve. Please see more information below and reach out with questions. 

Lastly, I wanted to send a special thank you Lake Forest Community Service Officer Caringello. This past week, I did something that I haven’t done in all my 30 + years of driving…I ran out of gas! I was stuck on the side of Route 60, a quarter mile west of Waukegan Road (which isn’t the greatest place to run out of gas) and was quickly spotted by Officer Caringello who had some gas handy for me and couldn’t have been more friendly and supportive! 

As always, please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.  

Warm regards, 

Forest Preserves News

The toilets at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest received major damage last week from a fire and are not usable. The Ranger Police are currently investigating the incident. The Forest Preserves have placed portable toilets at the location until the damaged area can be rebuilt. Meanwhile, there are toilets located adjacent to the Fort Sheridan National Cemetery on the northwest side of the preserve.

View Fort Sheridan’s webpage or the interactive trail map for help navigating.

The work of a legendary comic book artist is coming to the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville. Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution will be on exhibit through September 5.

Sienkiewicz (pronounced sin-KEV-itch) is best known for revolutionizing the style of comic and graphic novel illustration over the past four decades. His landmark works, including Marvel Comics' Elektra: Assassin and his acclaimed graphic novel Stray Toasters, have earned him an international reputation and cult-like following across media industries. Learn more » 

Annual summer programs have a new look, but will continue to provide lifelong connections and memories, according to educators at the Lake County Forest Preserves. 

"In 2022, we're offering a variety of hands-on nature, history and conservation education programs for children and teenagers ages 4-16. Programs range from consecutive 3-day and 5-day options, to program series where you can choose to attend some or all sessions, to programs you can experience with your child," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "Talented educators prioritize safety, inclusion and experiential learning in all Summer Adventures programs."  For a list of all Summer Adventures programs, visit LCFPD.org/summer, or call 847-968-3321. To register »

Transportation News

More than 35 transportation projects will be under construction in 2022, featuring intersection improvements, bridge and culvert replacements, bike path connections, and resurfacings as part of the Lake County Division of Transportation annual construction program.

The program includes $90 million for infrastructure projects to improve traffic congestion, increase safety, and reduce carbon emissions on Lake County's transportation system.  Learn more

Lake County Government News  

Homeowners who have fallen behind on monthly mortgage payments and/or related housing expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may seek emergency assistance through the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund. 

Struggling homeowners will be eligible for up to $30,000 in free assistance to pay past due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and delinquent homeowner and/or condo association fees.

Homeowners who need assistance can find more information on program eligibility and begin an application at www.illinoishousinghelp.org. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. May 31.

Earlier this year, Lake County established waste hauler agreements with Groot Recycling & Waste and Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). This means that starting on June 1, Groot will provide garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup services to many unincorporated areas in the northern half of Lake County, and LRS will provide similar services to the southern half of unincorporated Lake County.

One question I've been receiving frequently is - do these agreements impact me? If you live in unincorporated Lake County, view this map. If you reside in a red or blue shaded area, then it's highly likely that these agreements impact you. The only exception would be if you live in a neighborhood with a Home Owner's Association (HOA) that has a single contract with a specific hauler, signed in writing by your HOA that was effective prior to Jan. 11, 2022. If you believe this is the case in your neighborhood but are not sure, contact your HOA.

There has been some misinformation in the community about the rates negotiated with the new waste haulers. In the majority of cases, unincorporated residents will see a decrease in their waste hauling rate. On average, the new rate will range for residents between $240 and $310 annually, depending on the area of the county. Both haulers also provide a 10 percent senior discount, and there's a cap on how much your bill can be increased each year to protect residents from large increases annually. I do want to note that there may be some cases where residents see an increase in their bill, but those instances will be few and far between.

I hope you find this information helpful as we head into this transition. I'll continue to post updates in this newsletter as we get closer to the June 1 date. For additional information, visit Lake County's website at lakecountyil.gov/wastehauling. If you have specific questions about waste collection, recycling carts, and your specific rate, contact the hauler directly.

Environmental News 

Reuse-A-Shoe: Don't throw away your unwanted shoes! Make sure they get recycled or reused! Drop off your shoes at one of several locations across Lake County. New sites have been added. View all drop-off locations

Clothing and textiles: Did you know 85 percent of clothing ends up in the landfill? Instead, bring your new, gently used, and used clothing to be reused or recycled. Even clothes with stains or holes will be taken. Learn more, including what is acceptable and where to drop off your items.

Household chemical waste: Get rid of unwanted pesticides, cleaners, batteries, gasoline, fertilizer and other household chemical waste items at SWALCO’s Gurnee facility and mobile collection events across Lake County. These collections are for residential waste only. Learn more, including acceptable items and additional collections scheduled.

Election News 

Join Lake County’s election judge community and be the proud face of democracy in action.

The Lake County Clerk’s Office is looking for election judges for the June 28, 2022 General Primary Election. Election judges are responsible for the proper and lawful conduct of the election within their community – a rewarding and very important civic duty! Learn more

Lake County and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) invite residents to join a meeting at 6 p.m. tonight at the Lake County Central Permit Facility in Libertyville as we gather your input on the greatest hazard preparedness needs in the community. 

Your participation in this meeting is critical as Lake County updates its All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and we work together to reduce or prevent loss of life and property in the event of a disaster. Residents may attend the meeting in person or register to join via Zoom. Register to attend virtually

Attend the Lake County Educator Career Fair from 9 a.m. to noon April 23 at Lakes Community High School Field House.

Meet school leaders from districts throughout Lake County to hear about available career opportunities, including, but limited to teaching, support staff, student support services, athletics and activities and maintenance and custodial. Register to attend

The Job Center of Lake County has partnered with local employers to help connect jobseekers with local companies that are hiring. View the April calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.

Lake County COVID-19 Update   

Get Help  

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 

Community Events & News

The College of Lake County has a full fun week of activities planned through April 23 to celebrate Earth Week. Explore how rap helps us understand sustainability. Get up close to snakes and take a fun walk or bike ride and much more. Activities are planned virtually and at the Grayslake and Southlake campuses. Check out the full line-up

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings 

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:

• Law and Judicial Committee: April 5, 2022
• Health and Community Services Committee: April 5, 2022
• Legislative Committee: April 5, 2022
• Public Works Planning and Transportation Committee: April 6, 2022
• Energy and Environment Committee: April 6, 2022
• Financial and Administrative Committee: April 6, 2022