Recycle your bicycles, eyeglasses and shoes at the Green Living Fair on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University Center at the College of Lake County. 

This free, family friendly event will feature over 50 exhibitors focusing on environmentally sustainable practices, including environmental clubs from local high schools. There will be information provided about gardening, composting, renewable energy, conservation and more. Learn how to lead a greener life at the Green Living Fair!

April 4 is Election Day. Local elections are vitally important to our communities. Many issues that affect our everyday lives are decided at the local level. Expanded early voting across Lake County will start on March 20, and the final date to request a Vote By Mail ballot is March 30 (but don’t delay!).  Voter registration is open through Election Day. 

See below for more information on how to find out who is on your ballot, how to register to vote and voting site locations and hours of operation. For questions, call the Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega’s office at 847-377-2314.

If you are looking for something to do on one of these dreary late winter days, check out the latest exhibit at the Lake County Forest Preserves' Dunn Museum, “Through Darkness To Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad."

The exhibit features beautiful color photographs of locations along a well researched path of the Underground Railroad in the early 1800s. The photos are taken from a first person view to allow viewers to see what freedom seekers would have seen along their epic journey north to Canada. 

The pictures are truly breathtaking and thought provoking and appropriate for all ages. There is also information on Lake County’s role in the Underground Railroad. This exhibit is available through March 19 so do not delay.

Lake County Government News  

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

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!

Watch the video

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. 

• View a list of candidates
• View a list of referenda

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 

Economics News

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

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

Health News 

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

Environmental News 

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.

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.

Lake County COVID-19 Update   

Get Help  

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 

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

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 » 

The annual Native Plant Sale will take place in person and online this year. Join us from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at the North Bay Pavilion within Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. 

Prefer to shop from home and have purchases shipped to your door? Online sales are open NOW through Possibility Place Nursery’s website. Find details » 

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.

Community Events & News

The Windy City may be dying the river emerald. Lake County will paint the county green! Erin Go Bragh in Lake County! Have a shamrockin’ St. Patrick’s Day. Check Visit Lake County’s guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Lake County.

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.