Dear Neighbors,

Again this summer, as the liaison to the Youth Conservation Corps, based in Waukegan, I was thrilled to go out to several forest preserves in our county to visit our youth who were working this summer for YCC at our many forest preserves.

I am so impressed with these high school and college students who are stationed at certain forest preserves all summer performing duties such as wood chipping, working at invasive species removal and planting native species. Buckthorn removal is also an important duty they perform.

Many of these young workers are trying out different environmental duties as they decide their future career aspirations. Our forest preserves really benefit from this annual program. If your teen has an interest in working outdoors and helping the environment, they should certainly check this YCC program out for next summer. I am proud of this valuable program that YCC in partnership with the Forest Preserve has built and improved year after year. 

A reminder that the Canadian Railroad crossing on Buffalo Grove Road near Main Street will remain closed for repairs through this Friday. Please think about other routes if you normally travel through that area. 

Enjoy the beautiful weather and visit Independence Grove and other great outdoor facilities from the Forest Preserve as we enjoy the end of summer. 

Best,

Lake County Government News 

Have you shared your input? Public feedback is requested to help identify community needs for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and move Lake County forward. 

Attend the community input night on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way. This event is open to give residents an opportunity to learn more, share information, and provide their input. No registration is required. 

There are two assistance opportunities for small businesses for businesses who were impacted by the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade shooting.

SBA Offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Small businesses who suffered due to the Highland Park Parade Mass Shooting and related investigation can now apply for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Apply in person at the Business Recovery Center located at the First Bank of Highland Park, 1835 First St. Applications will be accepted in person until Thursday, Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. Applicants also can apply online via SBA’s website. The filing deadline is April 25, 2023.

These loans apply to Illinois small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by the shooting and related investigation on July 4-10. Eligible applicants are from the declared area of Lake County and the adjacent counties of Cook and McHenry in Illinois; and Kenosha County in Wisconsin.

Additional questions can be sent to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov, or call (800) 659 2955, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The 2022 property assessment notices are being mailed to homeowners across Lake County through August.  It’s important to read and understand this notice for accuracy as it contains important information about your property. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their local township assessor’s office if they have questions regarding the valuation of their property.

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. 

• Watch this video to learn how to file an appeal online 
• Begin filing an appeal online 

Special Instructions for Property Owners in Cuba, Ela, Grant, Libertyville and Vernon Townships
The assessment appeal process for the following five townships is different than other townships in Lake County because they have chosen to use a different software system. This decision to move to a separate system impacts how taxpayers in these townships review and appeal their assessments. View important information as to the appeal process for these five townships

Transportation News

Ride Lake County is 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.

At the July 27 Public Works Planning and Transportation Committee meeting, staff from the Lake County Division of Transportation shared data about the service since its launch last May. Watch the discussion

Environmental News 

Did you know in Illinois, rotting food is the number one contributor to landfill greenhouse gas emissions? That’s why curbside composting programs are popping up all over Lake County. The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has many resources to help you get started! Learn how to start composting!

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 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.  

Read the latest Success Newsletter
The latest edition of the Success newsletter shares the stories of three people who benefited from using the resources of Lake County Workforce Development and the Job Center of Lake County.  Find details in the Success newsletter

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.

Forest Preserves News

“A Long Time Ago: Star Wars From 1977-1983” is a free program that takes place 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 18 online. College of Lake County sociology instructors Maria Jose Tenuto and John Tenuto will share their research and explore how the culture reacted to and was influenced by the original trilogy of films.

Stories, forgotten trivia, photographs and art will be shared during this look at what it was like when Star Wars premiered a long time ago and why it resonates today. Participants must register to attend the free event sponsored by USG. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions. Register» 

The Concert in the Plaza scheduled for July 5 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville has been rescheduled to take place Tuesday, August 23. This will be the final concert of the summer series. Kaleidoscope Eyes will perform and has been named one of Chicago’s best and most fun lovin’ acoustic Beatles tribute bands.

Entrance is $10 per car after 5 p.m. For your safety, and as a courtesy to preserve neighbors, please park in preserve lots only. Cars will be turned away when parking lots are full. Learn more »

The forest preserves provide critical habitat for native pollinators, including the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee (𝘉𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴). But we can all BEE helpful at home to help pollinators, too!

“Add native plants to your garden,” writes Environmental Educator Eileen Davis. “Choose a variety of plants to provide blooms throughout the growing season. Eliminate pesticide use. Skip the fall garden clean-up and leave your leaves.” Read more on the Lake County Nature blog.

Community Events & News

August may mean that summer is starting to draw to a close. But that does not mean that the fun ends for the season! Looking for an idea? Plan a weekend road trip when you “Let The Ride Take You!” on Lake County Road Trips. Drive along Illinois Route 21, U.S Route 45, Illinois Route 83, Illinois Route 41 and U.S Route 12 and see all that they have to offer.

Want more? Here are Visit Lake County’s top 10 things to do in August.

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.