May 6, 2022
Dear Neighbors,
Over the last several months I have received many questions regarding the stormwater project that may impact Lake Bluff. I hope you will consider joining me and project partners to learn more about the project and answer any questions you may have. See below for more details. Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the project.
I am so pleased to announce the launch of Ride Lake County, a borderless, countywide paratransit service for seniors and people with disabilities to anywhere in Lake County. People schedule their trips in advance and Pace provides curb-to-curb service from the rider’s desired pick-up and drop-off destinations. Before scheduling their first ride, residents must register through Pace by calling 1-800-201-6446. The service is available 6am - 6pm, seven days a week with the exception of certain holidays. Click here for details.
The Lake County Board’s mission is to deliver exceptional, financially and environmentally responsible services that promote a safe, affordable, healthy, and resilient community. Providing this critical transportation service is in perfect alignment with this goal.
|
Next Tuesday my colleagues and I will vote on Lake County's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, led by Lake County Partners. Although economic development has traditionally focused on business alone, we know that equitable growth directly impacts our overall economic success. A greater focus on issues like attainable housing, quality childcare, and a commitment to sustainability is necessary for our economic success. I look forward to partnering with our business community, local government agencies, and non-profits to ensure the future vibrancy and resiliency of Lake County for decades into the future.
As always, it is a privilege and an honor to represent you on the Lake County and Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
 Sandy Hart
Lake County Board District 13
Sandy Hart Webpage
Lake County Government News
|
Property Tax Bills Are In the Mail
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.
|
New State Program To Provide Emergency Housing Assistance
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 may 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.
|
County Plans $90 Million in Projects for 2022 Construction Program
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
|
Thank You to Our Lake County Federal Legislators!
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 Legislative Committee Chair John Wasik and I extend thanks to our federal legislators for their tireless work and share how the funding will address the county’s infrastructure needs.
|
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.
|
Election News
|
New Voter Registration Cards To Be Sent To All Registered Voters
The Lake County Clerk's Office has determined the polling places for Lake County for the June 28 General Primary Election and will mail out new voter registration cards to all registered voters in the county.
The new cards will have your polling site location, congressional and state legislative districts and your new precinct number. Go to Voter Power, which will be updated soon with your new information.
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.
|
Election Judges Are Needed for June 2022 General Primary
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
|
Recycle First, Trash Last
If you’re starting your spring cleaning, think recycle first, trash last. The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County offers many options to recycle your shoes, clothing and textiles, household chemicals and electronics.
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.
|
Update on Waste Hauling in Unincorporated Lake County
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 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.
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. If you have specific questions about waste collection, recycling carts, and your specific rate, contact the hauler directly.
|
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
|
Lake County COVID-19 Update
|
COVID-19 Helpful Links
|
Get Help
|
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
|
Other Resources for Help
-
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
-
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.
-
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
The Job Center of Lake County is your career solution! Their mission is to cultivate and connect Lake County employers and workers to fuel economic growth and well-being in Lake County. View the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and 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.
Forest Preserves News
|
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 »
|
New Exhibition Is Open at the Dunn Museum of Lake County
The work of a legendary comic book artist is at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville. Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution will be on exhibit from April 16 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 »
|
Summer Adventures Offered
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.
The Lake County Forest Preserves offers a variety of hands-on nature, history and conservation education programs for children and teenagers ages 4-16. Programs range from 1-day, 3 or 5-day options, and parent-child options. For a list of all Summer Adventures programs, visit LCFPD.org/summer, or call 847-968-3321. To register »
|
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 »
|
Summer Teacher Institute
Middle and high school teachers can earn professional development credits this summer at our Teacher Institute week offered August 1-5. 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 »
|
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:
|
|
