July 28, 2022
Dear Neighbors
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The great weather has allowed us to get in a number of bicycle rides through your Lake County Forest Preserves. In the last two weeks, we’ve cycled through a dozen.
For many years I’ve worked on getting better signage for cyclists along County and Forest Preserve trails.
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I'm excited that the new signage along the North Shore path is going to be expanded. While it is almost August, there is still a lot to do in Lake County. Information on the Lake County Fair is below, and you can always check out the Lake County Visitor’s Bureau for more ideas.
I’ve heard from a number of you with concerns about sick looking oak trees in your property and in some forest preserves. The culprit seems to be the chestnut oak borer which, despite its name also feeds on oak trees. You can read more it here.
This month’s job spotlight is on the College of Lake County, which works with numerous organizations to develop programs that are needed in the local workforce. Their degrees and certificates include manufacturing, engineering, business, hospitality and more. Find out all they have to offer.
We all know that summer is construction season. In addition, to the County road projects, the railroads and the State are also working on projects. Don’t be caught off guard by a road closure. Be sure to visit Lake County Passage for real-time traffic updates (get the app for your phone).
As always, feel free to contact me about these or other issues. I am available to meet with groups in a setting that is comfortable for you.
Sincerely,
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Property Tax News
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Join Virtual Programs on Understanding Your Property Assessment
Lake County property owners will soon receive their property assessment notices in the mail. It’s important for taxpayers to read, understand and check this notice for accuracy as it contains important information about their property. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their local township assessor’s office if they have questions regarding the valuation of their property.
Join me, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and other experts who will explain how tax bills and assessments are determined and also answer your questions. The virtual programs will be Aug. 23 for Vernon Township residents and Aug. 30 for Libertyville Township residents. Each session will focus on one area, but anyone is welcome to sign up for either session, no matter your location.
Register for the Aug. 23 Event
Register for the Aug. 30 Event
Appeal Information
Property owners that decide to appeal must do so electronically. Property owners can appeal their assessment on their own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. Appeals can be done in a few minutes by using the new SmartFile E-Filing Portal.
Learn more
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Lake County Government News
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Your Input Is Wanted! Attend Final ARPA Community Night
Your feedback is requested to help the county identify local needs for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and move Lake County forward.
The final community input night will be held in person on August 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way. This event is open to the public to give residents an opportunity to learn more, share information, and provide their input. No registration is required.
All residents are encouraged to complete the online survey to provide their input. Individuals can access the survey in English and Spanish. The deadline to complete the survey is 5 p.m. Aug. 11.
Lake County recently held a virtual event that provided information and answered questions from residents about ARPA. Watch the recording in English or Spanish to learn more about the topics that will be covered at the Round Lake Beach event on Aug. 10.
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Resources Available Following the Highland Park Shooting Incident
Lake County is working with the City of Highland Park, governmental agencies and community organizations to provide resources and assist those affected by the tragic shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade. View the available resources, and be sure to follow HPStrong.info for the most up-to-date information.
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Did You Know?
Ready to up your summer game? Watch this video to find out how Lake County can help you find different fun activities to do throughout Lake County including bike paths, forest preserves and the nearest farmer’s market.
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Forest Preserves News
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YCC Receives Gift
Vernon Hills-based Gewalt Hamilton Associates Inc. gave a generous contribution of $10,000 to the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Todd Gordon, CEO of Gewalt Hamilton Associates, presented a check recently to Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves.
YCC participants Spencer Steeves and Debanhi Jimenez were at the event. The YCC program provides an opportunity to gain valuable conservation and forestry education and hands-on experience for high school and college students interested in preserving Lake County’s wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Learn more »
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Gospelfest takes place July 31
New Vizion, a music group from Washington, D.C., is the headliner at this year’s free Gospelfest event at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. The music festival takes place from 3–7 pm Sunday, July 31. The Greenbelt Cultural Center is located at 1215 Green Bay Road.
Admission and parking are free. All ages welcome. Concertgoers should bring a blanket or lawn chair and pack a picnic. A local vendor will also be available to purchase food. Waukegan resident Vernill Pipes will perform a solo during the festive event where other surprise guests will also sing. Learn more »
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Health News
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Fight the Bite
Do you know the 4 Ds of Defense to fight the bite this summer? Protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus and mosquito bites by following the 4 Ds of Defense and more helpful tips. Visit Fight the Bite to learn more.
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Beat the Heat This Summer! Follow These Tips
During the summer months, the temperatures can reach dangerous levels. Extreme heat can be particularly hazardous for children, seniors, those with special needs, and pets. To protect yourself and others, familiarize yourself with these guidelines.
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Environmental News
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Dispose Your Hard to Recycle Items Using New Service
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) launched a new program to handle your "hard-to-recycle" items including small propane tanks, residential fire extinguishers and latex paint. The items collected will be either recycled or refurbished for reuse.
There are minimal fees to help cover handling and processing costs. Schedule an appointment online to drive through and drop off materials on scheduled special materials event days. Learn more
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Clerk of the Circuit Court News
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Interest and Collection Fees Waived During Amnesty Week
All collection fees and accrued interest will be waived on any past due criminal and traffic fines owed at the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office for payments made Aug. 1 through 5. Full and partial payments will be accepted. Before submitting a payment, please contact the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office at any of their locations to find out the balance that is owed without the interest and collections fees. Learn more
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Transportation News
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Transportation Links
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
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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Additional Resources
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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.
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers. Watch this video to learn more about the virtual and onsite resources that are available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and resources.
Check Get Hired Illinois
Get Hired Illinois is 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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Lake County Fair is Coming
The 93rd annual Lake County Fair returns July 27 to 31 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Enjoy motor cross, monster trucks, a demolition derby, pig races and more. From ferris wheels to funnel cakes, there’s so much to enjoy.
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Around District 21
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 St., 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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