September 27, 2022
Dear Neighbors
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The gorgeous fall weather is perfect for hiking, biking and some apple picking. The Hike Lake County Challenge still has two months to go, so choose a new trail and see the sights.
I was so excited to be part of the groundbreaking for the Oak Spring Lane Storm Sewer Project. This long-awaited project will offer flooding relief to not only that area, but also Tanya Trails, Terre Fair and Countryside Manor. Learn more about the project and our great partners by watching this video.
The recent heavy rains were a good reminder that September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. If you and your family haven’t made a plan or packed a kit, here are some good resources for you.
To best serve you, we need to know what issues are most important. I hope you have the time to take the survey below.
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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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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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
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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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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Election News |
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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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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Transportation Links
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
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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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
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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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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
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 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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