September 27, 2022
Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well. With the cooler weather and coming resplendent colors, I'm finding more reasons to get outdoors.
A few weeks ago, I was pleased to join my friends at Grayslake's splendid Carillon North community for a short hike in Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve. Special thanks to my friends Bill and Suzanne Morris for organizing.
We headed out to the observation platform, which is a good place to view migratory birds. About 20 years ago, I was hiking out to the middle of the savanna to monitor populations of boisterous sandhill cranes as a volunteer, which were rare and endangered then. Thanks to massive restoration of habitat in Rollins Savanna and throughout the county, you can now see many more during migratory season. We have been aided by countless volunteers over the years in this work, which is invaluable.
Speaking of endangered species, our ace Forest Preserve naturalists have spotted the rare rusty-patched bumblebee in several of our preserves. The colorful pollinator is featured on our Hike Lake County Challenge medallion this year.
Why is this good news? The rusty patched bumble bee population has declined by 87% in the past 20 years, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The bee was placed on the federally endangered species list in 2017.
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“We’re ecstatic to see these elusive bumble bees in the forest preserves,” said Pati Vitt, director of natural resources. “Increased monitoring and awareness, including a new program that trained volunteers in the field, are factors in spotting the additional bees.”
I urge you, friends and family to sample our trails, which are in every part of our county. Some trails are short and kid friendly with generous play areas, while others are two miles long and count as two hikes. Hike the equivalent of seven trails and you can acquire a hiking stick shield or dog medal for free. I tell my dog Brogan, who accompanies me, that the tag is for his heroic patience in walking every Forest Preserve trail.
Transportation News
In the fall, construction activity slows down for our transportation division, but they remain busy planning future projects.
I recently had a meeting with the department to discuss the Cedar Lake Road Realignment. I also met with a group a local Round Lake business owners who were concerned about the project, which will realign the road and create more opportunities for civic and economic development. We will continue to talk as this project moves forward. Learn more about this project.
In other local projects, planning has begun for a non-motorized improvements along Washington Street from Sextant Drive to Almond Road. The Lake County Division of Transportation will have an online public forum between Oct. 13 and 27. The purpose of the forum is to present the preferred alternative along with other information such as preliminary feedback and the project schedule. Click on this link for more information about the project.
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As always, it's my honor and privilege to serve you. I am available to speak before any civic, faith or service group. You can contact me at jwasik@lakecountyil.gov.
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Provide Your Feedback on the County Website
When was the last time you visited LakeCountyIL.gov? We want your feedback. Please take a minute to complete this quick survey to share your thoughts and help us improve our website.
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Did You Know Lake County Makes It Easy to Add Solar Panels to Your Property?
Want to save money on your energy costs and help the environment? Lake County Planning Building & Development has made the process of adding solar panels to your property easier than ever. Learn more about harnessing the sun’s energy and going solar with our latest Did You Know video.
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Environmental News
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SWALCO To Hold First Free Compost Giveaway
Reap the benefits of compost for your flower gardens, vegetable gardens and lawn landscaping! The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, University of Illinois Extension Lake County with the Master Gardeners will give away free compost to Lake County residents from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 at the University of Illinois Extension in Grayslake. Learn more
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Special Recycling Events Are Coming in Lake County
Join the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) and area partners for special recycling events. Both events are free and open to the public.
Recycle-O-Rama in Riverwoods
The Village of Riverwoods, the Riverwoods Preservation Council and SWALCO will host a Recycle-O-Rama event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 1 at Riverwoods Village Hall. View items that will be accepted.
Waukegan Community Recycling Event
Sponsored by the Waukegan Park District, the City of Waukegan and SWALCO, a community recycling event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 8 at the park maintenance facility. View items that will be accepted
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Stormwater Management News |
Libertyville Flood Mitigation Project Underway
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Libertyville Township celebrated as construction begins on the Oak Spring Lane Storm Sewer Project. The project will help alleviate flood issues in unincorporated Libertyville Township. Watch this video to learn more about the project.
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Transportation News
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Apply To Work as “Snowbird” for Winter Snow and Ice Season
The Lake County Division of Transportation is hiring 11 temporary road maintenance workers, often called “snowbirds” to join the team this winter. Snowbirds operate trucks with plows and salt spreaders and perform a variety of maintenance and traffic tasks to preserve and upkeep the County’s highways, bridges, drainage structures and more.
Apply today online
Learn more
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Election News
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Early Voting to Begin for Nov. 8 General Election
Early voting will begin Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Lake County Administrative Complex lobby in Waukegan and will open Oct. 24 at sites countywide for the Nov. 8 General Election. Early voting is available to any Lake County resident who meets all voter registration requirements. You can use any early voting site regardless of where you live. Some locations will even offer extended hours. View the early voting sites
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Health News
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Don’t Forget Your Pets When Making An Emergency Plan
Hey pet owners! As Lake County concludes National Preparedness Month, remember to make a disaster plan for your pets before an emergency. Some important items to have ready include vet records, microchip information, a two-week supply of water, food, and medications, and a leash and collar with ID. Get more tips for pet preparedness
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Treasurer's Office News |
Student Artists Are Invited to Enter Annual Art Competition
Sixth through eighth grade students who live in Lake County are invited to showcase their artistic talent and participate in the Lake County Treasurer's fourth annual art contest. Interpret the theme, "Hands" however you wish and submit a drawing that reflects your interpretation. Enter by Nov. 21. Learn more
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Job News |
Interested in A Paid Work Experience or Funding for Training?
Lake County Workforce Development may be able to cover your tuition costs or wages to address skills gaps. The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law to provide federal funding to local governments for response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In Lake County, some of those funds have been designated to assist residents to enter jobs that provide higher wages or career advancement.
Learn more
Apply today
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Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
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.
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Forest Preserves News
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Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Sightings Up
An uptick in sightings of the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee is creating a buzz in Lake County. Nine rusty patched bumble bees were found at six of 13 Lake County forest preserves recently surveyed.
The rusty patched bumble bee has declined by 87% in the past 20 years, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The bee was placed on the federally endangered species list in 2017.
“We’re ecstatic to see these elusive bumble bees in the forest preserves,” said Pati Vitt, director of natural resources. “Increased monitoring and awareness, including a new program that trained volunteers in the field, are factors in spotting the additional bees.” Learn more »
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Director of Education Recognized
Nan Buckardt, director of education at the Lake County Forest Preserves, was recognized for her leadership in the area of natural resources. The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) Board of Directors inducted Buckardt into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.
The induction is a testament to Buckardt's passion for outdoor recreation and conservation, judges said. Buckardt has "inspired a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts in Illinois."
"Nan is a prime example of the dedicated staff that keep your picturesque forest preserves operating on a daily basis," Executive Director Ty Kovach said. "We've been in the business of caring for and providing access to forest preserves in Lake County for more than six decades. The staff does a remarkable job and takes tremendous pride in what they do." Learn more »
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ON TO 2050 Exhibition Begins
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 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
Community Events and News
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Check Visit Lake County’s Fall Outdoor Guide
Fall is the best time of year to explore Lake County. With 170 lakes and rivers, the fall colors are on full display in our parks, trails and farms. Plus, with nearly 31,000 acres to explore within the Lake County Forest Preserves, discover outdoor beauty by hiking, biking, boating, fishing, bird watching, color watching, star gazing, golf and more. Check Visit Lake County’s Fall Outdoors Guide to plan your fall fun.
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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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