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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well. I just saw flocks of sandhill cranes flying above. Could they be trumpeting the advent of spring?
When I started doing environmental volunteering more than two decades ago, I was hard-pressed to see a single bird in Rollins Savanna. Now they are abundant, thanks to ongoing habitat restoration.
Back on the ground, I have a few updates for you on road and public works projects in our area.
* Work is progressing on extending Atkinson Road across Route 137 in Grayslake west to Route 83. You may have seen a lot of utility relocation on the east side of the road, and roadway construction is expected to start later this year. Eventually the Ivanhoe-Route 83 "cutoff" will be closed and traffic will be routed through Atkinson to Route 83.
* The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) recently initiated a Phase I study to evaluate potential improvements along Route 120 from east of Route 83 to east of Route 45. There have been continued talks with IDOT, and we’re hopeful they will study the grade separation at Route 83 as part of this study as well.
* Speaking of railroad grade crossings, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is beginning to study potential grade separations at the railroad crossings on Peterson and Monaville Roads. Both are busy LCDOT highways that are routinely blocked by rail traffic.
* At the request of constituents, I asked LCDOT to check the safety of an access road on Route 83 and Washington Street. LCDOT checked the driveway and confirmed it meets the sight distance criteria. The IL Route 83 access is controlled by IDOT, so they will need to provide input on that driveway.
* Thanks to extensive public input, we have a name for a new water tower on Route 120 east of Route 45 that will be built within the next two years. The name chosen, thanks to your feedback, is Gages Lake. Read the story below for more details.
Forest Preserve News
The Lake County Forest Preserves recently hired a bi-lingual environmental educator as one strategy toward its objective to reach a broader audience. Requests from local schools and community members for programs delivered in Spanish emphasized the need for multilingual programming. Learn more about programs you can check out.
Even though it's not quite spring, it's definitely maple syrup time. Join us for maple syrup hikes at our Ryerson Woods Preserve starting at noon Saturday, March 11. You can also see our new "net-zero" environmental education building under construction and take a pleasant walk in the woods.
Know someone looking for a summer job? Our Forest Preserves job fair will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. March 16 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center.
Enjoy the coming of spring. If you have any requests for county services, please call 2-1-1. As always, it's my honor to serve you.
Be Well,
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Lake County Government News
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County To Eliminate One Million Single-Use Plastics from Operations
Approximately one million single-use plastics will be eliminated from Lake County government operations this year as part of a new policy promoting sustainability and supporting the environment.
The new policy applies only to what Lake County government can purchase and sell and does not apply to Lake County businesses and residents. Learn more
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Meet Our Team When You Need Help To Do County Business
Did you know the Lake County Administrative Complex in Waukegan has an Information Desk to help visitors and callers with their business at the County? Learn more about one of our lesser-known services and enjoy a quick, fun tour of a few areas of our Waukegan campus!
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Public Works News |
A New Water Tower Name Is Chosen! Thank You For Your Feedback
Lake County Public Works will be constructing a new water tower at 18534 W. Old Gages Lake Road, Grayslake. LCPW is excited to announce it will be named the Gages Lake Water Tower.
Thank you to everyone that submitted their name preference. The name Gages Lake was the community’s top choice and will be painted on the south side of the tower. The north side will be left blank. Construction is anticipated to start later this year, dependent upon material delivery timelines.
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Transportation News |
Provide Your Input for Upcoming Rollins Road Project
The Lake County Division of Transportation seeks your input as it initiates a study for potential non-motorized improvements on Rollins Road. LCDOT seeks to resurface the road and look for ways to fill sidewalk gaps on Rollins Road between Fairfield Road and Civic Center Way in Round Lake Beach and Round Lake Heights.
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Election News |
How to Vote in April 4 Election
April 4 is Election Day for local offices including city and village officials, school board members, park district and library board members and more. Referendum questions will also be on the ballots for some communities.
Vote by Mail
Voters are encouraged to vote by mail and avoid lines during early voting or on Election Day. The final date is request a vote-by-mail ballot is March 30. Request a ballot or track your request at lakevoterpower.info.
Early Voting
Early voting will be available March 10 to 17 at the Lake County Administrative Complex in Waukegan. Beginning March 20 to April 3, early voting sites will open across Lake County. Sites will offer extended hours including evenings and weekends. View early voting hours and locations
Election Day April 4
Polling sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must go to your assigned voting site on election day
Learn more about the April 4 election
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Economics News
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Working With Lake County is as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Lake County is celebrating National Procurement Month in March to increase awareness of contracting and subcontracting opportunities with Lake County. Vendors and businesses, including those owned by minorities, veterans and women, are invited to a webinar titled "Contracting and Sub-Contracting with Lake County is as Easy as 1, 2, 3 at 9 a.m. March 20.
Vendors and businesses will learn about the three-step process to work with Lake County – Get Registered, Get the Business, and Get Paid! Hear about upcoming projects and procurement opportunities directly from Lake County's Purchasing and Facilities teams. Learn how businesses can work with Lake County, and various initiatives and programs including job order contracting.
Sign up to Attend Free Webinar Through Zoom
Learn More
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Lake County Celebrates Increases in Population, Businesses and GDP
Lake County is a model of strong economic development, according to recent economic indicators. Presented by Lake County Partners, the County is anticipating to see an uptick in jobs and is seeing the number of businesses exceed pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment is low, and job growth and outputs are high. View the report by Lake County Partners
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Health News
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Health Department Offers Reduced Well Water Testing Rates
The Lake County Health Department is offering a reduced well water testing fee for homeowners who use well water as their primary source of drinking water. Now through March 17, the $18 fee for testing for bacteria and nitrates will be reduced to $15. Learn more
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Environmental News
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Are You Prepared for Severe Weather?
Severe weather can happen at any time of the year. As Lake County recognizes Severe Weather Preparedness Week through Friday, March 10, remember preparing for floods, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms before they strike will help you stay safe.
To better prepare for weather emergencies, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service have developed a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide.
Learn what to do before, during and after weather threats. Find out what you should put in your emergency supply kit and learn about sources to use to find out additional information about severe weather.
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Stormwater Management News |
Passionate about Stormwater Management? Join the Team
As the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) continues to expand its capital infrastructure program, they seek to fill new positions.
If you have a strong background in water resources, engineering design, or wetland science and are passionate about stormwater management, apply today. Join a dynamic and growing infrastructure program that is making a tremendous impact for the region. View the SMC job listings.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
Finding the help you need may be three numbers away. If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other 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. The service is free and confidential. 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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Dunn Museum Celebrates Five Years
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum is celebrating its five-year anniversary at its current location at 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville.
"To recognize the occasion and thank Lake County residents, free admission will be offered between March 25 and April 2 with the donation of a non-perishable food item or toiletry," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "The collected items will benefit the Libertyville Township Food Pantry." Learn more »
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Dates Set for Native Plant Sale
Nature as Your Backdrop
Dates are still available for your event in 2023 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago and the Lodge at ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park. Combining the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of the indoors, our venues are perfect for your wedding, corporate meeting or special event.
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove in Libertyville is also available to rent for birthday parties, reunions, picnics, corporate retreats and other events from late spring through late fall. Reach out to our experienced event producers to get a custom quote and schedule a venue tour. Fill out an online inquiry form at LCFPD.org/rentals.
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Community Events & News
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Paint the County Green St. Patrick’s Day! Here’s How
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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