Lake County Government News
|
Dear Neighbor,
First, thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter-I hope you find it informative!
I've received some questions regarding the former Scooters site on the corner of Waukegan Road and Route 176. Scooters closed several years ago and the new owner, who also owns the nearby Shell station, applied for a Lake County liquor license. During the application process, it was found that there were three violations at the Shell station for selling liquor to minors. For this and other reasons, the liquor license was denied. This decision was upheld by the Lake County Courts. Click here to read the Court Order. The owner re-applied and was again denied.
When someone applies for a liquor license in Lake County, a thorough background check is completed, which includes fingerprinting and a search through law enforcement databases. It also includes researching any other establishments the applicant owns or manages in the state of Illinois. I am comfortable with the decision I made in consultation with the three board members who also serve on the Liquor Commission and am pleased that the courts upheld the decision.
I take my position as Liquor Commissioner very seriously. It would be devastating if something terrible happened as a result of a minor getting alcohol at an establishment in which I approved a liquor license.
The leaves are changing and our Forest Preserves are looking better than ever! Check out Hike Lake County: Our annual fall walking program is a great way to enjoy time outdoors and reconnect with nature while exploring trails in preserves across the county.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have about Lake County Government or our Forest Preserves. I would be happy to speak with you. It is an honor to serve as your representative.
Thank you,
Lake County Rental Assistance Program Now Open
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 11, Lake County renters who faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for the new Lake County Rental Assistance (LCRA) Program, which provides help for individuals paying rent. The application period will run through Nov. 15.
|
County To Receive $16.2 Million in Federal Funds for Flood Mitigation
The Stormwater Management Commission was selected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive $16.2 million in federal funding for flood mitigation projects throughout Lake County. A special thanks to Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) for bringing these projects through the legislative process.
These projects will protect Lake County residents and businesses from future flood-related impacts and would not be possible without the support from the following governmental partners: United States Navy, FEMA Region 5, Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Illinois Department of Transportation Region 1 (IDOT), East Skokie Drainage District (ESDD), City of North Chicago, City of Park City, Fremont Township, City of Zion, and Zion Park District.
Lake County Receives $1 Million Grant To Address School Violence
The Lake County Regional Office of Education (LCOE) has been awarded a $1 million grant that will be used toward training school personnel and educating students on preventing school violence, including strategies to improve the school climate. This grant will provide students, through technology-enabled means, the ability to ask for and receive mental health, wellness, community and other types of support.
Intensive support will be provided to marginalized youth, who have been referred to online learning or virtual school settings who may be at a higher risk of harm to self or others. I am grateful to Dr. Karner and his team for applying for this important grant that can help change the trajectory of a young person's life. Learn more
Lake County Accepting Funding Requests for Projects
Many organizations continue to help those who are struggling as a result of the pandemic. Lake County is seeking to evaluate strategic investments from community partners that will benefit residents for years to come. We are accepting funding requests from nonprofit organizations and local units of government to aid in the response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Requests will be evaluated based on a number of criteria. After the requests have been evaluated, a prioritized list, based on this review, will be presented at a Lake County F&A Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery meeting for consideration and possible funding. Learn more
|
County To Review Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget
The Lake County Board will hold our annual hearings on the County’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 recommended budget on Oct. 18, 19 and 20. During these hearings, we will carefully examine the proposed budget and make recommendations prior to adopting the final budget in November.
I am proud that Lake County has held the property tax levy flat for the last three years. The proposed $597.7 million budget is flat compared to last year and the operating funds budgets are up only 1.6%. The budget incorporates the County Board’s guidelines, which included strategic review of personnel, limited new or expanded programming, environmentally sustainable alternatives, and ensuring the ability to move forward with a new regional operations and communications facility project. The proposed budget also includes a significant increase in funding toward capital projects, including facilities and technology.
After the budget hearings, further revisions will likely be made to the budget, and the board is anticipated to vote on the final budget at its Nov. 15 meeting.
The public may attend these meetings virtually and in person at the Lake County Administrative Building, 18 N. County St., 10th Floor, Waukegan. View the schedule of all Board and committee meetings and agendas on the County website.
|
 |
Election News
|
Vote-by-Mail Application Deadline is Nov. 3
Want to vote by mail in the Nov. 8 General Election? Applications must be received by the Lake County Clerk's Office by 5 p.m. Nov. 3. Applications can be downloaded from the County Clerk’s website and submitted electronically, mailed or hand-delivered to our office.
Your mailed ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 8 or deposited into one of the Lake County drop boxes or hand-delivered to the County Clerk’s Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. For your convenience, Lake County has drop boxes at 18 early voting sites as well as six 24-hour drop boxes.
View the drop box locations and hours
|
Health News
|
Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Boosters
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 12 years and older receive the updated bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna release an updated booster in early September. Pfizer-BioNTech’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s updated booster shot is recommended for adults 18 and older.
Visit Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters for more information. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding the new booster.
Visit Vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you.
|
COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
|
Use 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 languages. Learn more
|
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.
Check Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
|
Additional Resources
-
Food for families in need: Check out the Northern Illinois Food Bank calendar for a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Find food
-
Veterans assistance: 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. Learn more
-
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
See Yourself in Cyber. Take Steps To Be Safe Online
While cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, it’s really all about people. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so take time to learn smart decisions you can make, whether on the job, at home or at school, to stay safe online. Learn more
|
Put Some Green in Your Halloween
Forest Preserves News
|
Residents Give High Marks
Lake County's forest preserves are clean, safe and popular places to relax and enjoy nature, as rated by local residents in a countywide attitude and interest survey. Results are based on a survey of 698 households conducted earlier this summer by aQity Research & Insights.
Through the countywide survey, 77% of residents rated the Forest Preserves positively, with 40% holding us in the highest regard. Residents believe our top priorities should be to care for the trails and preserves and to restore and manage natural lands for native plants and wildlife and for the services that nature provides, such as flood mitigation, cleaner air and water, and carbon storage. Learn more »
|
Helping Pollinators Program Planned
"Ethel Untermyer Conservation Forum: Helping Pollinators" program takes place from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, October 16 online and at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville.
Pollinator Ecologist Alma Schrage and Environmental Educator Eileen Davis will discuss current research about native bees in the preserves. Attendees will discover important ways home gardeners can support native bees and other pollinators. The free program is designed for adults. Get a ticket »
|
Halloween Hikes
The much-loved Halloween Hikes event is back. Capturing the hearts of children and adults since 1986, this two-night production in the woods leads families along trails aglow with luminaria, intricately carved jack-o-lanterns and nature-themed skits.
The program features fun, donuts and cider on Friday, October 21 or Saturday, October 22 at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. Get a ticket »
|
Community Events & News
|
Check Out Visit Lake County’s Top 10 Things To Do in October
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.
|
|
