June 24, 2022
Dear Neighbors,
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Despite the scorching weather, I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well and staying cool. Some exciting things have been happening in our area to promote inclusivity and recognize the diversity and strength of our community.
On June 12, I was honored and proud to march in Grayslake's first full Pride Parade to brilliantly cap off Pride Week. Thousands of ebullient neighbors cheered as we celebrated human rights and progress for the LBGTQ community. Special thanks to our Grayslake/Round Lake Chapter of PFLAG, which is fighting every day for our families. BTW, did you know Lake County has a LBGTQ Resource Center? Click HERE for more information.
Forest Preserve News
Speaking of a wider, long-overdue recognition of local and national cultural history, we recently completed the renaming of a Lake County creek to "Manitou Creek,” a Native American word that means spirit. The 15-mile creek had a derogatory name and runs from Hawthorn Woods through Fremont, Avon and Grant townships.
Jim DeNomie, a citizen of the Bad River Band of Chippewa Indians of Lake Superior, performed a special blessing ceremony for Manitou Creek at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake Tuesday night. Jim has hosted Native American events at the College of Lake County and reminded us that stewarding our land is a "spiritual reality." Thanks so much, Jim!
The Forest Preserves now has a land acknowledgement statement that is "dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystems and history of northeastern Illinois. We acknowledge Native people as the original caretakers of the land the forest preserves now resides on. These are the traditional homelands of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi nations. Many other nations including the Miami, Illinois, Kickapoo, Peoria, Meskawki, Sauk & Fox, Winnebago, and Ho-Chunk have settled in, traveled through, and welcomed others to this area."
This is really important to note: "American Indian groups still exist today despite the historic and cultural campaigns of removal. They maintain cultural traditions and call Lake County home. The Forest Preserves strives to build relationships with American Indian communities today." Overall, we hope to build a greater reconciliation that respects, cherishes, restores and preserves what Mother Earth gifts us each day. Thanks to the Manitou Watershed Alliance/Sierra Club, Pat Duby and Nan Buckardt for their hard work.
In other Forest Preserve news, we are hoping the extend the Millennium Trail through Round Lake (most likely along Cedar Lake Road -- see below) and from McDonald Woods to Raven Glen forest preserves; improve access to the Duck Farm Dog Exercise Area and address Mill Creek Flooding in Rollins Savanna in Grayslake. These are long-term projects, for sure, but they are definitely on our radar screen. I'd like to see all of our trails connected.
Speaking of Rollins, the Forest Preserves Board also approved a plan to begin sanitary sewer improvement work along Linden Road on the west side of Third Lake (just east of Rollins). Thanks to our county Public Works Department and Linden Avenue neighbors who invited us to their neighborhood to explain the project, which should take about two months or so to complete. It will improve service for this system, which was in bad condition and needed to be fixed. We apologize for any inconvenience!
As an unrelated side note, I can tell you that the forest preserve trails are in excellent shape as I write this. I started my warm-season "bike ride bucket list" beginning with the Millennium and Des Plaines River trails. I hope to bike every major trail this summer and fall season.
Transportation News
The Cedar Lake Realignment Project is aiming to improve the alignment of Cedar Lake Road through the downtown Round Lake area. Upon my request -- and those in the downtown Round Lake business community -- the boards from a recent public hearing showing the preferred alternative improvements were translated into Spanish.
The Lake County Division of Transportation is reviewing all comments and is continuing to coordinate with the Village of Round Lake, local area businesses and the residents. The Cedar Lake Road Realignment has cleared the first hurdle for the federal Community Projects funding initiative, which I am lobbying for as chair of the County Board's Legislative Committee. For more information about the project, visit cedarlakeroadrealignment.org.
Vote in the General Primary June 28
Every election is important, but this one is critical to decide which candidates will be on the November 8 General Election ballot. Nearly every federal, state, county and local (precinct/party positions) candidate is on this ballot. The Avon Township Center is a convenient local place to cast your ballot before or on election day. Please support democracy! Learn more about the June 28 General Primary Election.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. I'm happy to speak before any faith, community or service group.
Enjoy summer, watch out for ticks and stay hydrated!
Warmest regards,
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John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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County Board Recognizes Numerous June Observances at Board Meeting
Celebrating Lake County’s great diversity and bringing focus to the county’s commitment to public safety, the Lake County Board recognized several June observances at its June 14 meeting. This includes Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, Juneteenth, LGBTQ+ Pride Month and National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Watch the full presentations
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Election News
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General Primary Election is June 28. Here’s Where to Vote
Election Day is Tuesday, June 28, and all voting sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned neighborhood voting site.
If you need to register for the first time or update your name or address on a current record, grace period registration is available at your assigned Election Day voting site. You are required to meet all age, citizenship, and residency requirements; present two forms of valid identification; and vote at the time of registration.
Visit LakeCountyClerk.info and click on the “June 2022 Primary ” icon to review the candidate list, a Voter Information Guide, your personalized sample ballot and more.
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Environmental News |
Lake County Hires New Sustainability Program Manager
We are currently implementing many initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint in Lake County such as the new Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program, a policy to prohibit single-use plastics within many Lake County government operations starting in 2023, and more. To help facilitate these programs, we’re excited to say that Lake County recently hired a sustainability program manager. This individual will work with county departments, local agencies, and the public on countywide projects and will help us work toward our goal to promote a sustainable environment.
Health News
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This Summer is Really Heating Up! Stay Safe
Fight the Bite This Summer
Fight the Bite” this summer and protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus, an illness spread by mosquitoes. Follow the 4 Ds of Defense to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to protect yourself from bites.
The Lake County Health Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program collects mosquitoes in traps around the county and tests them weekly for West Nile virus. Visit the Fight the Bite website to find more prevention tips and information on West Nile virus.
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Sheriff's Office News
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Scammers Target Residents Pretending to Be Local Government Officials
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and 19th Judicial Circuit have become aware of a scam, which involves con artists calling Lake County residents and introducing themselves as a member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Learn how to protect yourself
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Fourth of July Traffic Safety Campaign to Encourage Safe and Sober Driving
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will have a stepped-up Fourth of July traffic enforcement campaign with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers. The safety campaign will run now through the early-morning hours of July 5 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day. Follow these tips to ensure a safe, happy holiday.
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Property News
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State Program Helps Low-Income Residents During Extreme Weather
The intense heat that Lake County is experiencing reminds us how difficult it may be for some to keep homes comfortable during the extreme weather. Help is available. The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) is designed to help low-income residents save fuel and money, while increasing the comfort of their homes. Learn more
Forest Preserves News
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Construction on Environmental Education Facility Begins
Construction has started on the first phase of a new environmental education facility that aims to achieve net-zero energy. The building at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods is designed to replace and expand Lake County Forest Preserves education programming that has been offered in two 1940s-era cabins.
A net-zero energy building produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, reducing the use of nonrenewable energy. The building uses cost-effective measures to reduce energy spent.
Forest Preserve commissioners, staff and funding partners in the project recently gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking and look at some of the materials and systems that will be employed in the new building. "As stewards of healthy landscapes and proponents of climate resiliency, the Lake County Forest Preserves is leading the way in sustainable building technologies," said Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach. Learn more »
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Current Horizons Magazine Online
Paddling Programs
Lake County Forest Preserves environmental educators are offering several paddling programs this summer. Participants are able to experience nature from the water and learn about aquatic ecosystems and paddling in the preserves. The sessions include:
Registration and tickets are required. 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
The Job Center of Lake County has partnered with local employers to help connect jobseekers with local companies that are hiring. 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.
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Community Events and News
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Discover A Farmers Market Near You
Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, baked treats and more while supporting local businesses at one of Lake County’s farmers markets. Check out our Farmers Market Finder to find a farmers market near you.
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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. |
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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.
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