June 27, 2022
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Dear Neighbors, |
I am working hard this summer on a number of issues and projects for both the county and Forest Preserve.
I want to thank the Lake County Division of Transportation for doing such an amazing job on the road projects in our area. After two summers of the local road grid being completely covered in construction cones, the wait was absolutely worth it. Our local roads are now a pleasure to use with new pavement and new amenities that are helping traffic move more efficiently in our area. A few additional projects will get done this summer including a couple off of Thompson.
Our county is also thrilled to welcome a new sustainability program manager, who will help us get through our agenda on the Energy and Environment Committee, where we are working toward having cleaner air in our county, providing our residents with more options for affordable solar panels to save on electricity and working toward eliminating our carbon footprint, among a host of other projects. It has been a challenging time in our country in the past couple of weeks. The way you all can have a say as to what happens for our future is to head to the polls this week to vote Tuesday in our primary. I encourage each of you to exercise this most important right and be involved in what happens in your own community.
Please go out and enjoy the beautiful weather and check out a Forest Preserve trail you have not been to yet.
Best,
Marah Altenberg Lake County Board District 20 Marah Altenberg Webpage Sign Up For My Newsletter

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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Health News
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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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This Summer is Really Heating Up! Stay Safe
While Lake County is seeing a reprieve from the extreme temperatures, this summer demonstrates that our temperatures and humidity will vary, and sometimes those temperatures can be quite dangerous. It’s important that everyone should take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses during hot weather. Practice these heat safety tips to help keep yourself healthy. Remember there are cooling centers throughout Lake County if you need to seek relief from the heat.
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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 them at 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 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.
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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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