May 16, 2023
Dear Neighbor,
Spring is finally here and I hope you are enjoying some sunny days! We are busy on many different fronts, from road construction to Strategic Plan development to public health enhancements. I feel extremely fortunate to serve on a board that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the residents of Lake County and to work with so many dedicated professionals, volunteers, and elected colleagues who work hard every day to bring innovative ideas to Lake County government.
This past Saturday we held an appreciation breakfast for the many people who give their time to serve on a variety of boards and commissions, like Board of Health, our Ethics Commission, Fire Protection Districts, and Housing & Community Development Commission. Each of these groups are a critical part of our government, ensuring that agencies and residents receive the support they need to deliver services to the county and the region.
Lake County is part of an important migratory bird route including the Lake Michigan Flyway, one of the busiest migratory corridors in North America. Light attracts and disorients migrating birds, making them more likely to land in areas where they are more vulnerable to collisions and other dangers. Because of this, we should "dim the lights at night” to protect them. Last week two residents showed me two beautiful Indigo Buntings that were found dead in their yard, likely from hitting plate glass windows. If you find an injured bird or animal, you can contact a Wildlife Rehabilitation specialist to see if they will take them in.
As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent you on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserves Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
 
Lake County Government News
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We Want Your Input for Our Strategic Plan!
Lake County Government is reviewing our strategic plan, which will lay out goals and objectives for the long term. The plan’s success depends on input from you. Take a short survey or go to our Ideas Wall and provide your thoughts, ideas and suggestions as to where Lake County should focus over the next several years. You also are invited to attend community visioning sessions to provide your input. There will be a virtual session May 17 and an in-person session May 18 at the Central Permit Facility in Libertyville. Please complete the survey by May 19. Learn more
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Doing Business With Lake County
Lake County is committed to working with the County’s diverse and inclusive vendor community. We understand that doing business with government can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. So we hosted a recent webinar, Working with Lake County is as Easy as 1, 2, 3 , to help explain the process and make it more user-friendly. The recording of the webinar can be found on our website.
Workshops have been scheduled to help navigate the procurement process with Lake County and provide an interactive discussion on possible challenges one may face. Learn more
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County Board Presents Numerous Special Recognitions
One of my favorite things to do as Board Chair is to recognize and thank the many different professionals, organizations, and special days at our County Board meeting. Most recently, we recognized, among other things, Women's History Month, Autism Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, National Police Week, World Migratory Bird Day, and the introduction of the Lake County Asthma Van. Last month we were joined by a young man and his mother (minute 23:30) and they talked about living with autism. We applauded him when he told us that his greatest joy is making everybody happy and that everyone wants to be loved and treated kindly. Board Member Vealitzek (minute 11) talked about why Women's History Month is so important, and we heard about incredibly generous Lake County couple who took the tragedy of losing their son to exercise-induced asthma into a non-profit to help low income families identify and treat asthma, preventing simillar losses for families across the Chicagoland area.
The Board also honored the Citizens Corps Council (minute 21) of Lake County for receiving the Community Partnership Award from the Illinois Emergency Management Association. The CCCLC is comprised of over 200 volunteers, who have selflessly put in thousands of hours of work over the last few years and are dedicated to improving the health and safety of our community.
Lake County Announces $88 Million in Projects for 2023 Construction Program
The Lake County Division of Transportation recently announced its 2023 construction program that includes $88 million for infrastructure projects to reduce traffic congestion, increase safety, and reduce carbon emissions on Lake County's transportation system.
More than 20 transportation projects will be under construction this year, featuring intersection improvements, bridge and culvert replacements, bike path connections, resurfacings, and a new roundabout. View the Lake County projects that will be under construction by viewing the interactive construction map. Learn more about this year’s program by watching this video.
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Are You Aware of Scott’s Law?
Scott's Law requires that when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers must change lanes, if possible, slow down, and proceed with caution.
Remember, Scott’s law applies to more than just police and fire vehicles. It applies to road maintenance workers, tow truck drivers, and even passenger cars with hazard lights flashing too. As we approach construction season, remember to move over and slow down. Watch this video to learn more
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Discover Bike Lake County
It’s a great time to go for a bike ride! Find more than 550 miles of trails and bikeways, connecting forest preserves and communities across Lake County by visiting Bike Lake County, a terrific tool provided by the Lake County Division of Transportation.
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Health News |
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here in Lake County, it is time to focus on educating the public about mental illness, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and celebrating recovery from mental illness. Because of misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health issues, people may suffer in silence and do not seek treatment for their conditions.
The Lake County Health Department Crisis Care Program provides help to individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Crisis counselors can provide support and direction to other resources that can provide further assistance.
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Free Mental Health First Aid Classes!
Mental Health First Aid is a FREE course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The Lake County Health Department’s Mental Health First Aid initiative is now offering classes virtually. This includes a two-hour self-paced course, followed by four hours of instructor-led training delivered virtually. The virtual course curricula includes expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care.
The course teaches:
- How to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge
- How to listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge
- How to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services
This hands-on learning experience includes discussion topics, scenarios, and other activities to keep you engaged in the course and give you an opportunity to practice helping skills.
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Treasurer's Office News
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Property Tax Bills Are Being Mailed
The 2022 property tax bills, payable in 2023 have been mailed. Remember, property owners will only receive one property tax bill for the year. The first installment will be due June 5, and the second installment will be due Sept. 5.
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Environmental News
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First Mobile HCW Event of 2023 Planned. Schedule Your Appointment
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County provides a program to help Illinois residents dispose of household chemical waste (HCW). To move forward with the safety and efficiency of residents in mind, HCW one-day mobile events will be open to residents by appointment only. The first HCW mobile event will be May 20 in Mundelein. The appointment scheduling tool works online and on mobile devices, allowing you to book an appointment at your convenience.
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Boat Shrink Wrap Recovery Pilot Program to Divert Plastics from Landfills
A pilot project will help marinas in Lake County recover and recycle boat shrink wrap and keep this valuable plastic film out of landfills. Through this new approach, boat shrink wrap would be collected, recycled, and the material would be given a new life in new plastic products. This will create both economic and environmental benefits for the region.
The Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), in collaboration with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), Charter Next Generation (CNG), Chicago Harbors, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems), and Myplas USA, are joining forces to implement the project.
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Stormwater Management News |
Hats On and Shovels Ready, SMC Construction Is Starting
Spring is construction season in Illinois. Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is gearing up for several infrastructure projects to vastly improve regional and local stormwater issues that will help reduce flooding impacts for hard-hit communities across Lake County.
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Public Works News
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Public Works Launches Water Service Line Map
To better protect communities from lead exposure, Lake County Public Works (LCPW) has launched a new map that shows the location and materials of water service lines that connect to LCPW's drinking water system. The amount of lead in water depends on many factors, but there is always a potential for danger with lead pipes since they are the primary source of lead poisoning. Learn more
LCPW recommends property owners investigate around their homes and businesses to see if they have any lead service lines or fixtures. Since you can’t see, taste or smell lead in drinking water, it’s important to know whether there are harmful lead pipes connected to your drinking water supply.
Learn how
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Job News & Volunteer Opportunities! |
Job Seekers, Grow Your Skills. Small Businesses Attract Talent
If you’re in Lake County and want to advance your career or you won a small business, now is a great time to work with Lake County Workforce Development as they actively work with job seekers to move into careers and help local businesses to find talent. 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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Volunteer Your Time in the Kids Korner
The Kids Korner is a fun place where kids can wait in the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan while their parents or guardians take care of court business. Volunteer in the Kids Korner and help provide this helpful service to those who come to the courthouse.
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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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Forest Preserves News
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Spring Walk at Independence Grove
May is the month for songbird migration. Join a skilled birder on this FREE walk and then stop by our annual native plant sale. Bring binoculars! No registration required; adult supervision required.
Meet at the North Bay Parking Lot. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to inquire about accommodations.
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Native Plant Sale on Saturday, May 20!
Do more good with your garden. Shop online for native flowers, ferns, forbs, grasses, shrubs and trees and our partners at Possibility Place Nursery will ship to your door. Choose from 100-plus plant species and several starter kits.
Prefer to shop in person? Mark your calendar for the Native Plant Sale. 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 in Libertyville. See more
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Wildflower Trivia Night Planned
Illinois Wildflowers Trivia Night, a free event, takes place virtually from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 18.
Join us for an entertaining nature trivia evening. Questions will cover Illinois wildflowers. Learn about these local beauties and where to find them in your forest preserves. USG sponsors the program that is geared toward adults. Registration is required. Register here »
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St. Francis Woods Gains Recognition
St. Francis Woods, located within Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, has gained prestigious national recognition.
St. Francis Woods is the first northern Illinois forest inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN). The network is a nonprofit organization working to connect people with nature by creating a national network of protected, publicly-accessible forests and a network of people to protect them. OGFN also educates about the extraordinary ecological and human wellness benefits of mature and old-growth forests and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific forests.
The roughly 80-acre forest on the north end of Independence Grove is dominated by red and white oak. Other tree species present include hickories, basswood, black cherry and sugar maple. “Most of the trees there are under 200 years old,” said Ken Klick, restoration ecologist for the Forest Preserves; however, “there may be an ancient tree up to 400 years old. Generally, trees live to be about 150 years old in our region.” Learn more »
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See Ready, Set, Go! Lake County's Racing History
See "Ready, Set, Go! Lake County's Racing History," through Sept. 10 at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Inspired by artifacts in the Museum's collections and those shared by other Lake County historical organizations, the exhibit examines racing venues and many forms of racing that have occurred in Lake County.
The exhibit features photographs and artifacts of boat races on the Chain O' Lakes, harness racing at the Lake County Fair, motor racing at Half Day and Waukegan speedways, runners at 5Ks and the Lake County Races and more. Find details
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Updated Fishing Guide Online
Catch them if you can with the new, definitive guide to fishing in your Lake County Forest Preserves.
Plan your day of fun with detailed bathymetric maps of 17 major fishing locations and sport fish species typically found there. Read helpful tips from Forest Preserves staff, including recommended reels, lure colors, best times of day to fish and more. Enjoy original illustrations created by freelance illustrator Samantha Gallagher and staff. Read it online »
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Visit Beer Garden At Independence Grove
Enjoy craft brews and scenic views at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove in Libertyville. Weather permitting, it is open from 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in May.
Planning an event? Take advantage of private and semi-private rental options. The beer garden features casual lakeside seating and a variety of local beers on tap, plus packaged snacks and other beverages. See more
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Students Remove Buckthorn
When their Service Learning Day kicked off, the majority of the 65 participating Lake Forest Academy students did not know what buckthorn was or looked like.
The students knew after the three-hour workday that buckthorn is a non-native, invasive tree that harms native plants and wildlife. The group spent the morning cutting down buckthorn on their school campus and piling up the pesky species which would later be removed and burned. Other Academy students partnered with organizations throughout Lake and Cook counties to work on a variety of projects.
“Buckthorn is an invasive large shrub or small tree that grows up to 25 feet tall, often in dense thickets. Birds eat the plant’s fruit, which has little to no nutritional value and a laxative effect, causing widespread distribution of the seeds,” Environmental Educator Mark Hurley told student. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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High School Students Can Apply for One-Week Free Summer Internship
Do you have a high school student or know one that is creative, analytical and has a passion and desire to make the world and communities a better place to live?
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is accepting applications for its 2023 Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) program. FLIP is a free summer program for high school students to explore the field of urban planning and learn about the issues that shape our region and communities. Students learn about planning topics through engaging sessions, activities, and site visits. Students must apply online by May 30. Learn 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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