January 17, 2023
Dear Neighbor,
Happy 2023! I am honored to have been re-elected in early December by my colleagues to serve as Chair of the Lake County Board for the next two years. I am proud of what we've accomplished over the years in partnership with other government entities, non-profits, and volunteers, but especially through the guidance and support of our Lake County Government employees. They are incredibly knowledgeable, and many are recognized across the state of Illinois and the entire Midwest as leaders in their field. One of the best parts of my job is getting to work with them, and learn from them. They are truly dedicated to serving the people of Lake County and keeping Lake County moving in the right direction.
When I was elected, I stated that there will be times when board members will disagree. Everyone comes to the table with new ideas and a different perspective. But always, we must listen to understand, debate respectfully, and seek common ground. By working together we will deliver a government that you deserve- one that is responsive, innovative, fiscally responsible, and environmentally progressive.
Last week I attended the kickoff for the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership which includes the City of Chicago and the counties of DuPage, Kane, Lake, Will, McHenry, Cook and Kendall. The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership will focus on promoting the region’s many assets, including extensive freight infrastructure, diverse talent, strong exporting industries, and world-class institutions of innovation, research, and culture. World Business Chicago (WBC) will manage the new Chicagoland Partnership and will complement existing municipal and county programs, like Lake County Partners (LCP). I especially want to thank Kevin Considine, LCP President, for his leadership in this important initative.
My district has changed slightly with the recent reapportionment process. While I still represent Lake Bluff and portions of Great Lakes, Gurnee, Waukegan, and North Chicago, I sadly no longer represent Heather Ridge and the Wildwood area. However, my new district now includes Knollwood (unincorporated Lake Bluff) and additional areas in Gurnee, including the "old Gurnee" area (north of Washington, east and west of 41 up to Viking Park). You can use this link to look up specific addresses and find the corresponding county board district, or this link to see the all the districts.
As always, it is an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
 
Lake County Government News
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New Laws of 2023
More than 180 new laws took effect on Jan. 1, 2023, covering a range of issues big and small that affect Illinois residents. Lake County received a list of those new laws from Senate President Don Harmon's office. View the complete list
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Lake County Joins New Collaboration to Drive Economic Growth and Advance Equity Across the Region
A new era of regional economic cooperation in Chicagoland has begun. Lake County recently joined Cook, DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Kendall, and Will counties, and the City of Chicago to announce the Chicagoland Economic Partnership to promote economic development across the entire Chicagoland region.
The metro is one of the largest and most diverse economies in the world, with an $800+ billion gross domestic product (GDP). This new partnership brings together an incredible set of leaders and resources, announcing a unified front for business attraction on the world stage. Learn more
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President Biden Signs Legislation Appropriating Nearly $5 Million to Lake County Infrastructure Projects
In December, President Biden signed into law the omnibus bill that included federal funding for infrastructure projects in Lake County. Lake County is slated to receive nearly $5 million in infrastructure funding as part of a new federal bill. We are very grateful to Congressman Schneider for his unwavering commitment to the residents of Lake County as we work to improve infrastructure to aid in transportation and stormwater projects.
The funding was awarded for the $4 million Cedar Lake Road realignment project and $750,000 to the Lake Bluff Downtown Flood Mitigation Project. Learn more
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Help Needed! Review the FCC's New National Broadband Map
Last week we held our first Special Committee on Broadband. Having a high-speed internet connection is necessary in today’s world and is an essential need in our education, work, health care, and communication. State and federal funding is available to counties to increase resident access and affordability to broadband. Over the next few months, the Committee will look at the currently available infrastructure and programs to determine the best way to meet these needs.
In the meantime, we need your help! Over 107,000 households and businesses representing over 266,000 residents are either unserved or underserved in terms of broadband in Lake County.
The FCC has created a new National Broadband Map showing where high-speed internet service is - and is not- across the United States. And now they need your assistance reviewing the map.
- Go to broadbandmap.fcc.gov to search for your home or small business to see if your location and service availability are accurate. Learn more about using the map.
- If the information is accurate, no action is needed from you.
- If you think the map is incorrect or incomplete, submit a challenge to the FCC to correct it. Learn more about the different types of challenges.
Learn More
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Do You Know About the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program?
Senior citizens may defer part or all of their property taxes on their personal residence if they qualify for the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program.
The deferral is similar to a loan against the property's fair market value. Deferred amounts are borrowed from the state, who then pays the tax bill to the County Collector's Office. Interest on the amount paid by the State accumulates and a lien is placed on the property for all deferred tax payments and interest. Applications will be accepted through March 1. Visit the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program page for details and how to receive an application.
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Help End Homelessness. Join The Next Point-in-Time Count
Join the fight to help end homelessness by joining Lake County’s 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. On the night of January 25, teams will search across Lake County to interview and offer assistance to unsheltered people. I have done this for several years and really learned so much about the causes of homelessness and how we can help. I also met wonderful people, some of whom had experienced homelessness and wanted to give back. Volunteers can create their own teams of three to five people or volunteer as an individual and be paired up with a team. All volunteers are required to attend a virtual training. Learn more and register to join
The data gathered during the PIT Count will capture a picture of what homelessness looks like on any given day, help coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness, and provide organizations with the information needed to work towards the goal of ending homelessness in Lake County.
Want to make a difference but are unable to attend the PIT Count? Visit the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless website to learn other ways year-round to make an impact in the lives of residents experiencing homelessness.
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Lake County Bar Association Free Legal Advice Clinic on Tuesday, January 17 in Waukegan
Volunteer attorneys with Lake County Bar Association are available in person and via zoom (meeting ID 893 1887 1086) at the Waukegan Public Library (128 N. County Street) to confidentially discuss:
- Immigration
- Driver's Licenses
- Estate Planning
- Expungement
- Real Estate
- Traffic Defense
- Evictions
- Family Law
I apologize for the short notice on this. I learned that this is a quarterly event and will add the next date to an upcoming newsletter. Many thanks to the volunteer attorneys for giving their time to this clinic.
Juvenile Expungement Clinic on Saturday, January 21 @ Waukegan Library
The existence of juvenile records can seriously impede individuals in their attempts to find work, housing and educational opportunities later in life. A 2017 state law made it easier for juveniles to have their records expunged when they are cleared of the charges without having to wait until they are eighteen years old.
The Lake County Juvenile Justice Council, in partnership with the Lake County Bar Association, will host “New Year, New Beginning: Juvenile Record Expungement Clinic” from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 21 at the Waukegan Public Library. Bring the case number and arrest details, and a team of volunteers will help you fill out the paperwork. Learn more
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Environmental News |
Out with the Old and In with the New. But Don't Throw the Old Away!
Did you receive electronics, clothing or snazzy new shoes this past holiday season and looking to purge older items? Don’t throw them away! Check out these programs available through the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County so you can discard those items responsibly and keep items out of the landfills.
Clothing and Textile Program
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County makes it easy to recycle clothing and other textiles, providing 69 collection bins across the county to keep it out of the landfill. View what’s accepted and unaccepted, and then find a drop-off location near you to bring your new, gently used or worn items that can be reused, repurposed and or recycled/upcycled.
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Reuse-A-Shoe
Donate new and gently used shoes to SWALCO’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Individuals or families with a few pairs can visit the drop-off locations.
Groups or families who have a large number of shoes or who want to collect them can contact Merleanne Rampale at SWALCO at 847-377-4954 to set up a seasonal collection site or drive. View acceptable and unacceptable items.
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Transportation News
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Enroll In Adopt A Highway By January 31
Volunteer with friends, family or coworkers to help pick up litter and debris along Lake County highways and bike paths. Participants adopt a section of a county highway and commit to cleaning it twice a year. View a map of available sections and apply to volunteer.
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IDOT Issues New Guidelines to Protect Endangered Northern Long-Eared Bat
The northern long-eared bat, which is found in Lake County and across the northern and north central United States and Canada, has been reclassified from 'threatened' to 'endangered' by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Illinois Department of Transportation, in coordination with state and federal environmental resource agencies, recently issued new guidance to protect northern long-eared bat habitats. The guidance places restrictions on when trees can be cleared for transportation projects, and a new process to be followed for bridge and culvert work. This means you may see the Lake County Division of Transportation team in more than just snow plows this winter. Crews will be actively preparing for projects ahead of what will be another busy spring and summer construction season in 2023. Learn more
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Pace Transit App Helps You Navigate Commuter Bus System More Easily
The Pace Transit Royale app makes it easier to take advantage of the local commuter bus system with its recently upgraded features. This upgraded version of the Transit app shows all bus routes, along with future departure times, tracks vehicles and even shows transit lines that aren’t Pace routes. Users can also set reminders to leave to catch the bus and get notifications on when to transfer, plus more. The Pace Transit Royale app is available now in app stores on phones and mobile devices. Learn more
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County Clerk's' Office News |
Recorder of Deeds Office Officially Merges with County Clerk’s Office
The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office has officially merged with the County Clerk’s Office and is known as the Recording Division of the Lake County Clerk’s Office. Accounts will remain intact; phone numbers will remain unchanged; processes will remain the same; and the public will still find the friendly, knowledgeable staff on the sixth floor at the Lake County Administrative Complex in Waukegan. However, residents will now make checks out to the Lake County Clerk when submitting payments. This is the result of the passage of the referendum in November 2020 to merge these two offices.
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Health News
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Check Radon Levels in Your Home This Winter
Radon gas builds up in homes over time and can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled—making it easy for radon problems to go unnoticed.
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center recommends that all residents test the radon levels in their homes and apartments during the winter season, when indoor radon levels are highest. Short-term test kits are available for $10, which includes return postage, laboratory analysis and interpretation by Health Department staff. Learn more
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Lake County Residents Can Save on Prescriptions with Live Healthy Program
Lake County residents can save up to 80 percent on generics and up to 40 percent on name brand medications at more than 65,000 pharmacies across the nation through the National Association of Counties (NACo) Live Healthy Prescription Discount Program.
The Live Healthy Discount Program, which is provided to County residents in a joint effort by participating county governments and NACo, provides savings on prescriptions and other health services to support individuals and families. Learn more
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Sheriff's Office News
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Advance Your Career in Law Enforcement. Join the Lake County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff John D. Idleburg is excited to announce we are hiring both new-entry deputies and lateral deputies. There has never been a better time to apply to join an amazing crew of colleagues and play a role in keeping our community safe! Watch this video to learn more.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
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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 live 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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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.
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Forest Preserves News
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Winter Horizons Available Now
The winter issue of Horizons magazine is now available. Horizons is a quarterly publication of your Lake County Forest Preserves featuring articles on Lake County wildlife, nature, history, news, programs and events.
This issue features Winter & Wildlife: How Animals Survive the Season, a story about how animals have three strategies: migrate, active or dormant. The magazine also highlights Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington and previews the next special exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad opens January 28 and runs through March 19. Read Horizons online or subscribe to receive the magazine FREE in your mailbox: LCFPD.org/horizons.
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Wildlife Tracking System Installed
A new, groundbreaking effort to study animal migrations and connect researchers, scientists and students to real-time migratory data across the globe is underway. Lake County is one of the newest links in the chain.
The Motus Wildlife Tracking System uses automated radio telemetry to study the movements of birds, bats and large insects. Tiny, digitally encoded transmitters are safely attached to an animal and detected by receiving stations on the landscape. The newest local site is now operational at Ryerson Conservation Area. The station was funded through grants from the Margot Merrick Fund and the Annual Fund of the Preservation Foundation. Read more
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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.
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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