Lake County Government News  

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.

Summer Youth Employment Program Wraps Up

The 2022 Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program recently wrapped up another exciting summer as 165 youth gained meaningful work experience while earning a paycheck.
Funded by the Lake County Board, this program was offered in a hybrid format this year with an option for youth participants to partake in the traditional model working at a physical location or to participate in an online Work Readiness Bootcamp. Learn more about the summer program and year-round programming for youth.

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.

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

Stormwater Management News

Flood Mitigation Project Is Underway in Fox Lake

Lake County and the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) recently celebrated the beginning of another stormwater improvement project to reduce flooding events within Lake County. SMC, along with the Village of Fox Lake, the Lake County Board and state legislators, broke ground on the Knollwood Subdivision flood mitigation project on Aug. 30.  
During times of heavy rain area roads fill with stormwater, prohibiting access to residences, school buses, trash collection and even emergency services. Grant funds will be utilized for the design and construction of drainage and road improvements, including the elevation of roadways, and the construction of culverts and drainage channels within Knollwood subdivision. Watch this video to learn more about the project. 

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.

Environmental News

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

Special Recycling Events Are Coming 

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

Household Chemical Waste Collection Events To Be Limited  

Due to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency temporary suspension of collections, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) must limit their household chemical waste collection events to one event per month. SWALCO also will only be able to collect certain materials. Learn more

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

The 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.  

Transportation News 

Lake County Announces 2022-2027 Transportation Program

The Lake County Division of Transportation released the 2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program that includes more than 300 projects to increase safety, improve mobility, and reduce carbon emissions. 
This program is annually created to show the projects that are currently programmed in the current year and the next five years. Learn more

Apply To Work as “Snowbird” This Winter 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

Discover the DOT Sign Shop

Ever wondered where those street signs you drive past come from? The Lake County Division of Transportation actually creates thousands of signs for the County, DOT, other departments, and custom designed signs for municipalities. Learn more by watching our Did You Know video.

Health News

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 

Resources are available to those who are dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. There are organizations available to help.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is important to end the stigma surrounding this topic. Having suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, visit our Crisis Care Program page for more resources. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available by dialing 988.

Stay Ahead of the Flu Season

Stay ahead of flu season by getting your seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. It is recommended that everyone ages six months and older get the flu shot. The flu and COVID-19 are not the same virus, though some symptoms can be similar, and they are both contagious.  You can find a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine location near you on Vaccines.gov. 

Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How

Learn life-saving skills such as CPR and first aid. Check your insurance policies for hazards you may face. Know practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas. As Lake County joins in observing National Preparedness Month through September, work with your family and community to develop an action plan, so you can be prepared if an emergency should occur. Check these resources to help you plan. 

Don’t Forget 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

New Website, Providing Transparency, Feedback Options is Launched

The Lake County State’s Attorney Office has launched a new, more accessible website. Among the features, view the Data Dashboard and the community panels, programs and activities the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has spearheaded. The new website also provides multiple forms for feedback, including a Victim Feedback form and a labor violations form.

Register to Join the Veterans History Project 

Registration is open to join the Library of Congress Veterans History Project by the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois.
Registered participants will be interviewed by volunteer lawyers regarding their wartime experiences. These oral histories will be recorded and transcribed by court reporters and then archived in the Library of Congress. Once archived, these first-hand accounts of American war veterans will be accessible online to serve as both an inspiration for generations to come, and to be available for use by researchers so that Americans can better understand the realities of war.

Civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (war industry workers, such as “Rosie the Riveter,” USO workers, civilian flight instructors and pilots, medical personnel, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories.To register, contact Lorena Hernandez at lhernandez@lakecountyil.gov. For information, visit the 19th Judicial Circuit’s website.

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

Lake County COVID-19 Update  

COVID-19 Helpful Links

• Find a Vaccine 
• Find a COVID-19 testing location  
• Illinois Vaccine Administration Data 
• Lake County Coronavirus Data Hub 

Get Help 

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 

Forest Preserves News 

SeptOberfest Begins

Live music, guided hikes, meet-and-greets with local brewers, and trivia are all part of SeptOberfest, which kicked off at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.

The Beer Garden at Independence Grove will now be open with special hours from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday evenings through October 31. The beer garden will also remain open from 1 to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Learn more » 

OAKtober Celebration Planned 

Turn October into OAKtober. Bring the family to the Lake County Forest Preserves’ OAKtober Celebration: Tree & Shrub Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 2 at Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods. Purchase native trees and shrubs for your yard. Enjoy nature-themed activities and guided woodland tours from 12 to 2 p.m. Experts will be available to answer questions and help select the best plants for your yard.
Free admission for all ages. Adult supervision is required. Plant inventory is limited. First come, first served. Plant prices vary. Learn more » 

Habitat Restoration Taking Place 

Have you wondered why trees may be removed from a forest preserve, leaving the land temporarily ragged and brown? The answer is habitat restoration, a series of land management activities that improves the health, productivity and array of species at a particular site.
"That's how nature heals. It's not immediate, but a gradual process. We introduce native seeds to speed up the process a bit," says a restoration ecologist with the Lake County Forest Preserves. Read more online.

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 »

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 » 

ON TO 2050 Exhibition Begins

"ON TO 2050: The Long-Range Plan for Northeastern Illinois" special exhibition opened Saturday, September 24, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. The exhibit runs through November 13 at the nationally accredited Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves.

ON TO 2050 is a long-range plan designed to help seven counties and 284 communities in northeastern Illinois achieve an inclusive and thriving region. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) in collaboration with partners developed the plan. Learn more »

Community Events and News

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.

Celebrate Fall! Check Visit Lake County's Fall Festivals Guide 

It’s fall in Lake County! Enjoy the aromas of pumpkin spice, brisk air and a huge selection of delicious treats.
Celebrate by checking out Visit Lake County’s guide to fall festivals in Lake County. While out and about, don’t forget the Let’s Snap Lake County Photo Contest runs through Halloween. Capture pictures of everyday life and share them with us for an opportunity to win cool prizes.

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.