Railroad crossing closure, Stormwater projects, Tick precautions, and More

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/11/2022 06:15 PM CDT

May 11, 2022

Transportation News

Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad Crossing on Butterfield Road to Close for Repairs

The Canadian National (CN) Railroad will close the CN’s Elgin, Joliet & Eastern railroad crossing on Butterfield Road, north of IL Route 60 for repairs. The railroad crossing will be closed beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 23 and end in the late afternoon on Friday, May 27. View detour information

Introducing Ride Lake County

Lake County has launched Ride Lake County, a borderless, countywide paratransit service that provides transportation to anywhere in Lake County for seniors ages 60+ and people with disabilities. Now, residents in need of paratransit services can call 1-800-201-6446, to enable them to travel around Lake County. Learn more

Lake County Government News

Lake County Welcomes $30 Million in Grant Funding from the State for Stormwater Management Projects

Lake County welcomed Illinois Governor Pritzker to Waukegan to announce and share our gratitude for the initial $30 million to support regional stormwater and related infrastructure projects to reduce flooding for hard hit communities across the county. Learn more

Environmental News

Residents Can Now Recycle Latex Paint, Single-Use Propane Cylinders and Fire Extinguishers Starting in May

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will kick off later this month a monthly drop-off service for latex paint, small single-use propane cylinders and fire extinguishers for residents. The associated fees will cover the cost of proper handling, storing and recycling/reuse of these high-demand items.

This new service is available by appointment only and will occur the third Wednesday of the month with the exception of the first event, which is scheduled May 25. Learn more

Health News

Take Steps To Protect Yourself and Pets Against Tick-borne Diseases

It’s the time of year to take precautions against ticks, which live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush and can be most active during the warmer weather. If infected, ticks can transit diseases such as Lyme disease. Learn steps you can take to protect yourself and your pets against tick-borne diseases.

Clerk of the Circuit Court News

Apply or Renew Your Passport at Mobile Passport Events

Making your travel plans this year? Make sure getting or renewing your passport is part of your plans. Apply for or renew your passport at one of the several Mobile Passport Events the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office will host this year.

Passport applications also are processed from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Circuit Clerk's Office in Waukegan. View application requirements, including fee information.

Job News

Employment Resources

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

Job Center on the Move

Individuals can now meet with a Job Center representative at one of four locations. “Job Center On the Move” sites currently include the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Legacy Reentry Foundation, North Chicago Public Library, and Zion Public Library.

Individuals who make an appointment can meet one-on-one with a Job Center representative to discuss services including career transition, resume assistance, paid work experience and more.

Revive Lake County

Revive Lake County is a five-week program that provides additional guidance and assistance to individuals having difficulty obtaining or retaining employment due to a record of arrest or conviction. The program that covers life skills, career awareness, employability skills, and essential workplace skills. Apply by May 20 to join. Learn more

Forest Preserves News

Beer Garden to Open May 14

The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring scenic views and local craft brews, is scheduled to open on weekends and holidays beginning Saturday, May 14. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages are also available at the venue at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.

Additional hours will be added from June through October. Trivia nights will take place on the fourth Wednesday of every month from June through August at the beer garden. Learn more »

Traveling Exhibition Hits the Road

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville is adding a new traveling exhibition to its lineup. “Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution” is the most recent exhibition developed by Dunn Museum staff to hit the road this fall. “We are booking rentals at other museums and cultural institutions now,” said Exhibit Designer Robin Hill.

The new traveling exhibition includes more than 60 framed original drawings and sketches and interview video clips with Sienkiewicz describing his creative process. The inspiration for the Sienkiewicz exhibition came from the recent success of another comic book artist’s traveling exhibition, “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross.” That exhibit was recently in Canton, OH and is now in Sheboygan, WI. Learn more »

Birdwatching Hot Spots

Birdwatching Hot Spots program takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest. Environmental Educator Mark Hurley will assist participants in looking for waterfowl, raptors and other migratory species.

Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available. No registration is required for the free program. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to inquire about accommodations. Learn more »

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

Additional Resources

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
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
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

Community Events & News

Discover Top Things to Do in May in Lake County

Warming weather is giving way to activities throughout our area for May. No matter the hobbies and endeavors you enjoy, there will be something for all to enjoy. Find delicious food, support local business, and be a part of the continuing efforts to revitalize Lake County. Take advantage of Lake County with these top ten things to do in May.

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.