April 27, 2022
Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well and enjoying the bountiful flocks of migratory birds gracing our skies and yards. Even with our bi-polar spring weather, I hope you've had a chance to get outside.
As the summer approaches, it's also time for "blue card" tax assessments and bills to hit your mailbox. Do you need help understanding your tax assessment and how to appeal it? I will be hosting a special free information session with our Lake County Assessor Bob Glueckert and Treasurer Holly Kim at 7 p.m., May 31 at the Avon Township Hall, 433 E. Washington St. in Round Lake Park. You can also get more information by checking out your Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which I authored with Treasurer Kim.
Forest Preserve News
Our country celebrated Earth Week in countless ways last week. I was grateful to join a corps of veterans, College of Lake County students and other volunteers at Rollins Savanna on April 16 and 23. Along with our great Forest Preserve staff, we cleared numerous piles of invasive buckthorn, which will allow prairie grasses and trees to grow (pictured with Commissioner Jessica Vealitzek). We couldn't do this restoration work without our hundreds of volunteers. We heartily appreciate your time and energy!
Special thanks to Paul Baffico and his team at the Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation and the students from the College of Lake County's Sustainability program, directed by David Husemoller. Everyone who volunteers -- or just hikes/bikes/rides our amazing Forest Preserve Trails -- is making a difference. It's also great for physical, mental and spiritual well being. If you want to volunteer at the Rollins Savanna native seed nursery, learn more!
By the way, you are welcome to attend or watch all of our county and Forest Preserve committee meetings, particularly our Energy and Environment Committee.
Speaking of Forest Preserve activities, I'm told that the Independence Grove Beer Garden is fermenting its second season, which is slated to begin Memorial Day weekend. Keep on eye on events coming up at the forest preserve and many others in coming months.
If you need immediate county services, please call 2-1-1. I am also available to speak to your community, service or faith group. It is my honor to represent you.
Be well,
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John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Extends Gratitude to Help County Address Infrastructure Needs
Lake County will receive $14 million in infrastructure funding to address efforts to mitigate flooding, strengthen emergency operations, replace aging infrastructure and expand behavioral health services as part of a recently passed federal bill. Watch this video as County Board Chair Sandy Hart and I extend thanks to our federal legislators for their tireless work and share how the funding will address the county’s infrastructure needs.
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Property Tax News |
Property Tax Bills to Be Mailed First Week of May
Lake County property owners will soon get their property tax bills in the mail. There are quick, easy ways to pay your property taxes. Some people go to the Lake County Treasurer’s Office to pay in person, but you can also pay without driving as far. The first installment is due June 6, and the second is due by Sept. 6.
Learn more about your payment options.
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State's Attorney's Office News
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Join Events This Week to Raise Awareness About Crime Victims’ Rights
The Lake County State's Attorney's Office invites residents to observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by attending events through Saturday, April 30, focused on educating the community about victim rights, services offered, and resources available to victims. Learn more
Sheriff's Office News
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Dispose Of Unused, Unwanted Medications Property. Here’s How
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Lake County is joining National Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30 and urges you to properly dispose expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs, controlled and non-controlled substances.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be at locations across the County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30 to take your unused or unneeded medications for safe disposal. There also are 34 permanent prescription drug disposal boxes at police departments across the County.
View items accepted and not accepted in disposal boxes
Find a collection box near you
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Honor Our Fallen Police Officers at Police Memorial
Join Lake County as we honor all police officers who have been killed in the line of duty at the annual Police Memorial. The event will take place at noon May 13 at Lincoln Memorial Plaza, 18 N. County St., Waukegan. Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg and other dignitaries will speak during the event.
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Election News
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Request Your Vote by Mail Ballot for June 28 Primary
As we approach the June 28 General Primary Election, voters are encouraged to vote by mail and avoid lines during early voting or Election Day. Feel safe in the comfort of your own home and vote from there. You can now request a ballot online and then drop off your completed ballot at locations across the County. Visit the Lake County Clerk’s Office website to learn more about the June 28 election.
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Environmental News
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Learn How to Make the Most of Composting
Learn why to compost, how to compost and how to use compost to make a positive contribution to your garden and the environment as the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and University of Illinois Extension present the next Garden Learning Series program, “Composting: How to Make the Most of It” at 6 p.m. May 11. Register today
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Forest Preserves News
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Help Prevent Vehicle Break-ins
Warmer weather coupled with a challenging economy are leading to an increase in vehicle break-ins. Parking lots, including those in the forest preserves, are prime locations for these crimes. Every vehicle that has been burglarized had a valuable item left inside.
The Lake County Forest Preserves Ranger Police are reminding the public that during difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to take additional precautions to protect against vehicle break-ins. Ranger police are strongly urging preserve visitors to lock car doors, close windows, and keep personal property out of plain view, take it with you, or leave it at home. Learn more »
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Summer Teacher Institute
Middle and high school teachers can earn professional development credits this summer at our Teacher Institute week offered August 1 to 5. Register for individual days or the full week.
An array of topics will be addressed, including what the landscape can tell us about the past and the continuing impacts of humans in Lake County. Participants will learn the local effects of climate change, and how species monitoring and phenology help us adapt land management practices and create more resilient ecosystems. Learn more »
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Spring Bird Walk
Bring binoculars if you have them. The event is free and no registration is required. Adult supervision is required. Meet at the Welcome Center parking lot. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to inquire about accommodations. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Come Explore Lake County’s Outdoor Beauty
There are numerous outdoor venues to explore nature in Lake County during the springtime! With 170 lakes and rivers, enjoy Illinois Beach State Park in Zion off the shores of Lake Michigan and Chain O’Lakes State Park in Spring Grove. Plus, with nearly 31,000 acres of land to explore at the Lake County Forest Preserves, Lake County offers outdoor beauty and trails for those interested in hiking, fishing, bird watching, golf and much more. Learn more
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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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 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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Other Resources for Help
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Food for Families in Need: Northern Illinois Food Bank operates a traveling food pantry that delivers nutritious food directly to those in need and coordinates pop-up food markets across Lake County. Find food
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Help for Veterans: 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. Call 847-377-3344.
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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
Check Get Hired Illinois
The State of Illinois launched Get Hired Illinois, designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state.
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. |
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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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