News Release: Several Lake County Offices Closing at Noon Today Due to Winter Storm 

Several Lake County government offices will be closing at noon on Thursday, Dec. 22 due to the winter storm moving through the area this afternoon. Many Lake County offices are closed Friday and Monday as well for the holidays. All offices will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 27 for normal business operations. 

Employees involved in essential services and emergency operations will continue to report to work, but other routine matters will have to wait until the County reopens.  

• The Election's Division in the Lake County Clerk's Office will remain open today until 3:30 p.m. All other departments within the County Clerk's Office will close at noon.
  
  
• The 19th Judicial Circuit is closing at noon today, with the exception of Bond Court, which will be heard remotely at 1:30 p.m. Other than Bond Court, all matters scheduled for the afternoon of December 22 will be rescheduled to a date determined by the assigned judge, and notices will be generated by the Circuit Clerk. Bond court and any necessary juvenile detention hearings will be held remotely during the mornings of Dec. 23, and Dec. 24. 
  
  
• The Lake County Health Department is closing at noon, with the exception of the Addictions Treatment Program, Community Integrated Living Arrangement, Crisis Care Program, Mental Health Group Home, and Women’s Residential Services.
  
  
• The Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission's office will be closed starting at noon today. They are scheduling all appointments remotely today, and will be available remotely on Friday, Dec. 23.

Officials made the decision to close after a careful evaluation of these dangerous conditions. Ultimately, the safety of community members and employees outweighs the inconvenience of a minor disruption in services. Closing government offices will keep additional people off the road, hopefully easing the burden on emergency responders who will be working around the clock to keep community members safe during this weather event.