August 26, 2022
Dear Neighbor,
It was great to see so many people at the Lake Bluff Farmer's Market today! Thank you for stopping by to speak with me about Lake County Government and the Forest Preserves. Several mentioned how much they love the biking and walking trails and the new paratransit service - Ride Lake County - for seniors and people with disabilities. I'm glad that Lake County will be the first in the state with Pace's all-electric fleet of buses, instead of the current diesel-powered vehicles, by 2026. This will go a long way to making the air cleaner, particularly in Waukegan, where the bus terminal is located.
211 continues to be a great success in Lake County, connecting people with assistance on housing, utilities, food, mental health, and other critical needs. The most recent quarterly report shows that the vast majority of calls are for Housing & Shelter, followed by Utilities and Mental Health & Addiction Services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please consider calling 211.
If you've spoken with me at all you know that the mental health crisis is something I've been working on since joining the board. The Living Room Wellness Center, a vital partnership between the Independence Center and Lake County Government, provides a safe comfortable, inviting environment where skilled Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) provide crisis intervention referrals and other needed services for guests experiencing a crisis. The Living Room is an alternative to the emergency room and is a life-saving addition to the mental health services provided by caring individuals and non-profits in Lake County.
Lastly, the Lake County Board is holding monthly Committee of the Whole meetings focused on the impact of gun violence. Earlier this month we heard from Mayors Rockingham (North Chicago) and Rotering (Highland Park) about how gun violence affects their communities and the ripple effects they can expect to see for the future. We also heard from experts regarding the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative here in Lake County and the state of Illinois. Our next meeting will be on September 9, 2022 at 9am and will focus on the public health implications of Gun Violence locally and beyond.
As always, it is an honor to serve as Chair and your representative on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Lake County Government News
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New Bus Shelter for Lake County Veterans
I'm very pleased that the new bus shelter for the Midwest Veterans Closet (MWV) is installed! I worked closely with the City of North Chicago, MVC, and Pace to place a much-needed bus shelter on Green Bay Road in front of the Midwest Veterans Closet. Finally our veterans have a clean and dry bus shelter in front of this wonderful non-profit facility that does so much to help veterans get back on their feet.
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Lake County Collects ARPA Public Input
Lake County recently collected resident input on community needs as we consider how to best utilize a portion of our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Lake County held two in-person events and one virtual webinar to go along with an online survey that had more than 2,000 responses. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide input!
The survey results have been collected and analyzed and the funding categories by order of importance are: Public Health; Household Assistance; Infrastructure & Facility Investments; and Economic & Business Investments. You can watch the most recent F&A Special Committee on COVID 19 Pandemic Recovery & Investment here.
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Property News
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Second Installment of Property Tax Bill Is Due
The second installment of 2021 Lake County property taxes is due Sept. 6. Please note, you received one bill in May, and you will not receive another bill for the second installment. If you misplaced your second installment coupon, print a copy from the Treasurer's Office website by entering your PIN number or address.
Some people go to the Lake County Treasurer’s Office to pay in person, but there are other convenient options. Pay your property tax bill at your local bank, online, by phone, or by mail. Learn more about your payment options.
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Health News
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Become A Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
The Lake County Health Department is seeking passionate people to become Youth Mental Health First Aid USA instructors and help fight the stigma surrounding mental health.
Approved instructors learn how to teach the Youth Mental Health First Aid course, including the five-step action plan, evidence-supported treatment, and self-help strategies. Applications are due Aug. 31. Learn more
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Transportation News
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Apply Now To Adopt A Highway
The Lake County Division of Transportation is now accepting applications for enrollment in the Lake County Adopt A Highway program through Sept. 2. Currently, there are 39 roads available for adoption. Learn more
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Did You Know? Discover the DOT Sign Shop
Ever wondered where those street signs you drive past come from? Most don’t ever think about where they come from, but the Lake County Division of Transportation actually creates thousands of signs for the County. Learn more with our latest Did You Know video.
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Sheriff's Office News
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Help Name Sheriff’s Office Two New Canines
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is selecting the newest canines to join its canine unit. In keeping with tradition, we’re asking for kids to help name them. Lake County youth currently enrolled in kindergarten through senior year are invited to enter. Name submissions are due by noon Sept. 9. Learn more
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Honors Given to Sheriff’s Office Members and Residents at Recent Ceremony
The Lake County Sheriff's Office recognized members of the Sheriff's Office as well as presented Citizen awards to local residents at a recent awards ceremony. Also, honored at the ceremony were the winners of the canine naming contest. Watch now
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County Clerk's Office News
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Join Election Judge Team for Nov. 8 General Election
Election judges are responsible for the proper and lawful conduct of the election and ensure that every person qualified to vote is permitted to vote. Join Lake County’s election judge community and be the proud face of democracy in action.
Did you know that high school juniors or seniors in good standing enrolled in a public or private secondary school can serve as an election judge as well? Learn more about becoming an election judge, including qualifications and accessing the online application.
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Stormwater Management News |
Learn About Flood Prevention, Funding at Free Workshop
Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is excited to offer a free Homeowners Association Workshop on Sept. 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is for associations and property owners who are responsible for maintaining detention ponds, wetlands, and natural areas.
Grants and funding opportunities will also be discussed. The event will be hosted in a hybrid format (in-person at the Central Permit Facility and via Zoom). Register here. Each attendee should RSVP individually. In-person space is limited to 50 participants.
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Environmental News
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Learn Steps to Put Your Garden To Sleep
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and University of Illinois Extension have added a sixth bonus workshop as part of their Garden Learning Series, “Putting the Garden to Sleep” at 6 p.m. Sept. 14. We’ll talk about benefits of applying compost in fall, discuss how autumn garden tasks can take into account overwintering birds, insects, and pollinators, along with other topics. Register today
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Public Works News |
Save the Pipes! Don’t Flush Wipes
Did you know products that are labeled "flushable" can lead to clogs, costly repairs to our sewer infrastructure and can negatively impact the sewer systems around your home and neighborhood?
Just because a product is marked 'flushable' does not mean that it can be flushed because they do not degrade like toilet paper and can end up clogging pipes. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed. All other products should be properly disposed.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
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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 live 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 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.
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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
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Hike Lake County Kicks Off
The annual Hike Lake County program is underway. The initiative provides a way to get a dose of wellness while walking in a beautiful preserve.
Complete seven of 12 designated walks before November 30 and you'll earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull. Each year features different trails and a colorful new shield or zipper pull. Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program. Dogs on leash are welcome to join where permitted. At each selected preserve, look for Hike Lake County logo signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead to get you on the right route. Learn more »
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Exhibition Earns Award
“Our Voice is Black History: Past, Present, Future,” a special exhibition that ran last year virtually and in-person at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville, recently earned national recognition. The National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) comprises 117 park and special recreation districts from across the country, of which the Lake County Forest Preserves is a member organization. The association issued the coveted honor.
The exhibition was a collaboration between the Dunn Museum and the College of Lake County’s Black Student Union (CLC). It examined and explored multigenerational stories and experiences through graphic design, poetry, writing, art and video interviews that portray the voice of African Americans' past and present. Learn more »
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Bonner Farm Tour
A “Historic Bonner Farm Tour” takes place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 31 at Bonner Heritage Farm, 201 Country Place, Lindenhurst. The program will address the people, the land and the events of the historic 1850s farmstead.
Registration is required for the tour that is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to inquire about accommodations. Get tickets »
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Community Events and News
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Fall and Winter Theatre Schedule Is Released
Live theatre is a unique experience. Feel the inner emotions with a deeply dramatic Shakespeare rendition. Delight the inner child with a live performance of a favorite classic tale. Or tear up with laughter and feel like your sides are about to split. We are lucky to have several theatres and auditoriums in Lake County to witness these spectacles. Check Visit Lake County’s 2022 fall-winter theatre schedules.
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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.
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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