I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well and getting your hands dirty in your neighborhood or community gardens.

This is a verdant time of the year as we prepare our gardens for the growing season. I was delighted to visit the District 127 organic plant sale at Prairie Crossing farm. Students from Grayslake North and Central high schools grew plants in a greenhouse.

This education is invaluable. Is there anything better than growing your own food? We need more young farmers. Thanks to the District 127 teachers, administrators and school board, who supported this hands-on learning.

That wasn’t the only plant sale in recent weeks. The Forest Preserve and University of Illinois Extension in Grayslake also had their sales. If you want to order native grasses, forbs and flowers and help the Forest Preserve, you can still do so online.

Speaking of planting, need advice on growing? The master gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension are available. They volunteer year round and also have access to a seed library. They are a sterling community resource. Check out their website 

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, please safely enjoy all of your outdoor activities. Remember to thank those who served in our armed forces to preserve and protect our democracy and commemorate the fallen who gave their "last full measure of devotion" to this country. 

I am available to speak before your community group. If you have a need for a wide range of county services, call 2-1-1.

Be well,

Lake County Government News  

All County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. To recognize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service to this country, Lake County has created a website for family, friends and those who have served with fallen heroes to honor individuals who fought and died for our freedom.

Visit the website and submit an Honor Post, which can include a photo, written tribute and the hometown of the fallen hero.  Once submitted, the post will be added to the Honor Map along with your written tribute.

Lake County Recognizes Our Veterans

Lake County will join the nation in observing Memorial Day, honoring the members of our U.S. Military who gave the ultimate sacrifice to help protect our country.  We appreciate the dedication and commitment of these men and women. To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and their families. 

On May 17 and 18, Lake County Government held two community visioning sessions, one virtual and the other in person, to gain input for the County’s Strategic Plan. The updated strategic plan will provide a roadmap for achieving the County’s goals and objectives over the next four years. It ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, and that progress towards the goals are monitored and measured.

If you missed the virtual community visioning session, you can watch the full program here. Watch the community visioning session in Spanish here.

In addition to the virtual and in-person community visioning sessions, a survey and ideas wall were provided to the public as an opportunity to provide input toward the strategic plan. Working with a consultant, the County will develop recommendations to present to the County Board, who will approve the strategic plan later this year.

Lake County has been selected to receive an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizing its policy to prohibit single-use plastics within government operations.  The NACo Achievement Awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

Approximately one million single-use plastics will be eliminated from Lake County government operations this year as part of the new policy, which went into effect in January 2023. The policy ceases single-use plastics from being purchased, sold, or distributed within county government operations, including the cafeteria, coffee kiosk, and vending machines. 

The new policy applies only to what Lake County government can purchase and sell and does not apply to Lake County businesses and residents. Plastics can still be brought to Lake County government facilities by the public and employees.

Transportation News

The Lake County Division of Transportation will be applying pavement rejuvenator, a glue-type substance that can extend the life of a road by five years, to several newly completed road surfaces in Lake County over the next few weeks. Learn more

View a map to see where pavement rejuvenator will be applied in 2023. 

Pavement rejuvenator is one of the many pavement management techniques LCDOT uses to preserve the county highway system. Learn more by watching this video and visiting LCDOT's website. 

Health News

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and the Lake County Anti-Tick Team would like to share some information about Lyme disease. Ticks may be small in size, but it is important to protect ourselves, our families, and our pets against the diseases they can carry, especially Lyme disease.  

Visit the Health Department’s Facebook page to hear tips from the Anti-Tick Team

Visit the CDC website to learn more about ticks and Lyme disease

Treasurer's Office News

The first installment of your Lake County property tax bill is due June 5. Paying your taxes is as quick and easy as a trip to your local bank or paying by eCheck online for free. See a list of banks in your area or learn more about your payment options.

County Clerk's Office News

According to the FBI, property and mortgage fraud is the fastest growing white-collar crime. The Lake County Recording Division is continually evaluating ways to improve the quality of our services. Property Check is an easy, convenient and free tool for homeowners to use to protect their biggest investment.

Property Check is a free, online service that will alert subscribers, via email or text message, whenever a document is recorded against their name and/or property. To address this concern, register today.

Forest Preserves News 

Imagine warm breezes, spectacular sunsets over the lake and award-winning music performers on stage at the outdoor venue for the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Nine concerts will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 13 through August 15. The concerts take place at the preserve's outdoor Millennia Plaza overlooking a 129-acre lake. This marks the 20th season for the popular series.

From Beatles tributes to the blues, from rock and country to swing and jazz, there’s something for just about any music taste in this season's entertainment schedule. View the 2023 concert lineup.

Start your fun in the sun at Fox River Marina in Port Barrington. The Marina is your boat's slip, launch and storage location. The 169-slip Marina offers 20, 25 and 30-foot slips. Larger slips provide electric and water access, and optional in/out privileges. Take advantage of a four-lane launch for boats and personal watercraft. Indoor dry storage is available.

The Marina is open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset daily. The surrounding water makes a great playground for a variety of sports, including wakeboarding, water-skiing, tubing and fishing. Learn more »

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville is a Blue Star Museum. Active-duty military personnel (with ID) and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, can enjoy free admission from May 20 through September 4.

The Dunn Museum is nationally recognized. It is among the elite group of 3% of U.S. museums that are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Plan your visit »

Get Help

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 person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. 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.

Community Events and News

Boating is one of the most popular activities in Lake County, and it’s no surprise as the area has over 170 lakes, rivers and waterways to visit. Check out Boating Lake County as your resource, including maps of all the county’s public boat ramps, lakefront dining, upcoming events and more.

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings