Lake County Government News  

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our public health programs, local economy, businesses, and our communities. Through the American Rescue Plan Act, Lake County has a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in programs to improve lives, meet community needs, and make our county more resilient.

Provide your suggestions by participating in an online survey. Individuals can access the survey in English and in Spanish.

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In light of the tragic shooting at the City of Highland Park Fourth of July Parade, our local partners have compiled the following resources, including how to make a blood donation, a family resource center and more.  

Donating Blood 
NorthShore University Health Systems is seeking blood donations for the victims of the shooting. Donations can be made through Vitalant or directly to NorthShore Hospital by appointment: DonateBlood@northshore.org, 847-570-2242. 

Family Assistance Center for Victims of Highland Park Shooting 
A Family Assistance Center (FAC) opened on July 6 at Highland Park High School to offer support services and crisis assistance to those directly impacted by the events at the Highland Park 4^th of July Parade. Victims are not just those who are physically injured, but also those were present and may be experiencing emotional distress. Services including counseling and mental health services, spirtual care, and financial assistance. More info.  

Vigils 
A number of planned vigils have been scheduled in the City of Highland Park. Learn more on the City’s website. 

Lake County Crisis Line 
Call 847-377-8088 for mental health resources or support. Crisis Counselors are available 24 hours a day to speak with you by phone. Information and referrals to other Health Department programs are also available.

Need Help? Call 211 
211 is a free, confidential one-step resource that connects you to services you need. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak to a live, highly trained expert navigator who will lead you to the help you need. 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available in more than 150 different languages. 

Additional Updates 
The Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Highland Park Police, and FBI are leading the investigation into the shooting incident that took place July 4 in Highland Park. The Lake County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) is currently staffing the Emergency Operations Center, actively monitoring and responding to requests for assistance from our local partners as needed. In addition, they are coordinating with other area EMAs and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). 

On Tuesday, Governor Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation to grant the State of Illinois the ability to expedite the use of state resources, personnel, or equipment to help communities recover. 

Stay Informed 
Sign up for City eNews for direct updates from the City of Highland Park as additional resources become available. You also can go to the City of Highland Park website for information. 

The Lake County Division of Transportation has extended its public comment period to July 15 for the proposed improvement plan for Cedar Lake Road between Nippersink Road and Hart Road in the Village of Round Lake. Public comments may be made by email, by completing the online form or by mail. Learn more 

Health News 

The Lake County Health Department is investigating a single case of a probable monkeypox infection in a resident of Lake County.

The Lake County Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control, the patient, and the patient’s healthcare providers to conduct contact tracing and identify any individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while infectious. 

This is the only identified, probable monkeypox case within Lake County at this time. Monkeypox does not spread easily between people, and the risk to Lake County residents remains low. For information, check out our Myth vs. Fact Flyer or visit the CDC’s Monkeypox page.  

Starting on July 16, dialing 988 will be available to everyone across the United States. 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The current Lifeline number (800-273-8255) will continue to be available even after 988 is available. For information, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.  

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office recently swore in their newest K9 officers Axel and Echo! Axel and Echo received their badges, and they also got to meet the Lake County students who selected their names. K9 Axel with partner Deputy Kevin Gauer and K9 Echo with partner Deputy Tyler Girmscheid are now ready for their first assignments.

Public Works News

The presence of lead in drinking water can still be an issue for some homeowners, especially homes built before 1986. While Lake County Public Works provides safe water, with no lead water pipes in their distribution system, homeowners could have lead lines on their property causing them harm.

Investigate around your home to see if you have lead service lines or fixtures. Review these tips to help you determine if there is lead piping within your home.

Treasurer's Office News 

Join online the next financial literacy class, "Nearing the Finish Line: A Class for Older Adults" at noon July 27. Learn how to protect yourself against identity theft and other forms of financial exploitation and how to prepare financially for unexpected life events. Register to join 

View the full class schedule

Lake County COVID-19 Update   

Get Help  

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 

The Job Center of Lake County has partnered with local employers to help connect jobseekers with local companies that are hiring.

The Job Center of Lake County will offer three hybrid job search workshops in July.  Attend in person at the Round Lake Area library or online via ZOOM. Read details about these and all events and resources available in the July event calendar. 

The Job Center is On the Move 
Meet Job Center personnel at four bonus locations including the Zion Benton Public Library, Legacy Reentry Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, and the North Chicago Public Library.  Discuss your career transition, develop a resume, or connect with funding for training.  See the summer schedule for Job Center on the Move.

Forest Preserves News

Staff from several departments at the Lake County Forest Preserves worked with WGN Radio to produce an informative video segment about Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The piece is part of the station’s Destination Illinois feature that runs throughout the state.  

Centered around a 115-acre lake, the segment highlights the history of the picturesque preserve as well as the amenities it has to offer from bike rentals to a beer garden. Watch segment »

A video on our DunnTV YouTube channel about Fort Sheridan is available to view. The U.S. Army post at Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest was established in 1887 and became a cavalry post with the arrival of the 7th Cavalry in 1892.

Cavalry officers were the “knights in shining armor” of their day and were trained using the Fort’s uneven terrain of ravines and bluffs. Their horsemanship was enjoyed at public polo matches and horse shows, where the officers performed stunts such as jumping through hoops of fire. The Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves proudly supports DunnTV. Watch video »

“Lake County Bats” is a free education program taking place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville.

The program will answer questions relating to if bats are really flying rats and if they eat mosquitos. The session is designed for families with children ages 12 and under. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to inquire about accommodations. Learn more »

Community Events & News

Summer is in full swing, and the experiences that you can partake in are just as hot as the weather. Make sure to check out Visit Lake County’s comprehensive list of Top 10 Things to Do in July.

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.