Thank you to all who shared their favorite photos from their hikes in Lake County Forest Preserves. Rindy H. sent in this photograph capturing fall in Fort Sheridan. Catch a few more days of great weather before you send in winter photos!

Because of Election Day our Board meetings have been moved to next week.  We’ll be voting on the County Budget at that time.  

As always, please ease contact me with any questions or concerns.  

Lake County Government News  

On Dec. 5, the new Lake County Board district map goes into effect after the County Board is sworn in. Though the apportionment doesn’t go into effect until then, ballots for the November 8 General Election reflect the new County Board district boundaries. The new map is the result of the 2021 reapportionment that reduced the number of districts from 21 to 19. View the new map

Unofficial results for the Nov. 8 General Election will be available online at the County Clerk’s website. Per Illinois election law, election results are not final until 14 days after Election Day. There are votes to be counted yet from provisional ballots and late-arriving mailed ballots postmarked no later than Election Day sent by county residents, military members, or overseas citizens. 

Transportation News

Since launching in May 2022, the new Ride Lake County service has provided more than 12,000 trips to Lake County residents! Ride Lake County is a paratransit service that provides seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities transportation to any area of Lake County for work, shopping, medical appointments and more.

Before Ride Lake County, there was no cohesive countywide paratransit system. Now, residents in need of paratransit services have one number to call, 1-800-201-6446, to enable them to travel around Lake County. Learn more

Environmental News 

Lake County and the Illinois Energy Conservation Authority NFP are hosting a free informational session on Nov. 11 to provide information and answer questions on the Lake County Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program.

The Lake County C-PACE Program launched earlier this year and provides long-term, fixed-rate, non-recourse financing to private building owners for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, electric vehicle charging and resiliency projects to be installed in commercial buildings.

10 to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 11
Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville

Register to attend

Reap the benefits of an autumnal compost cover for your flower gardens, vegetable gardens and lawn landscaping! The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will hold a free compost giveaway from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Adler Pool Parking Lot in Libertyville. Bring two five-gallon buckets or one 10-gallon bucket. A maximum of 10 gallons will be given per household. 

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and City of Lake Forest came together to celebrate the completion of the Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Improvement Project. The completed work, while out of sight, brings flood mitigation relief to homes and businesses in downtown Lake Forest. Learn more

Lake County joins the nation on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 to thank the men and women for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to serve our country. To recognize their service, the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County offers resources to help veterans and their families, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Visit the VAC website or call 847-377-3344 to learn more.

Lake County COVID-19 Update   

Get Help  

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 

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.

Forest Preserves News

A Teacher Open House takes place 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, at the Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home in Mettawa. Teachers are able to learn about exciting programs and resources for their class.

Take part in sessions with history and environmental education staff. Tour this National Historic Landmark at your own pace. Light refreshments provided. The event is FREE for Lake County educators. Registration is required. To Register » 

We have revived the Forest Preserves’ monthly e-newsletter, which is sent on the first of each month to more than 26,000 subscribers. The e-newsletter contains a timely blend of education programs, news items and updates of general interest.

The October and November editions were well received and earned an open rate averaging about 40%. The number of people who opened it was extremely high, as the average open rate for government agencies industrywide is 19.4%, according to Campaign Monitor. Sign up for the monthly digest of news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up »

Having a hard time getting outside in nature now that the sun sets earlier? Taking an evening hike on solar-lit trails in the forest preserves is an option starting Sunday, November 6.

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. It is recommended to bring a flashlight or headlamp along for additional illumination. Learn more »

Each fall and spring, certified crews conduct controlled burns across hundreds of acres throughout the preserves. Without fire, invasive plants such as buckthorn, honeysuckle and other non-native species invade local habitats and shade out native plants.

Safety is our highest priority. Burn crews are comprised of professionals who received training from the U.S. Forest Service. Before starting a controlled burn, we obtain all necessary permits and contact local fire departments. We notify neighbors that are adjacent to the preserves. Learn more »

Community Events & News

It’s time to prepare the belly for delicious food and the spirit for the holiday festivities. Don’t miss out on the warm-ups to the winter holidays and be ready when family asks you what everyone is doing over the weekend. Here is Visit Lake County’s list of the top 10 things to do in November.

The Together Highland Park Unidos Committee announced the July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund raised $5.8 million and distributed 100% of those funds to victims of the mass shooting and nonprofit organizations providing mental health and other services to the community. Learn more

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.