June 27, 2023
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Stormwater Management News |
Major Capital Improvement Project Begins in Park City
Recently the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and the City of Park City celebrated the beginning of construction on the Park City Stormwater Capital Improvement project. This long-awaited infrastructure improvement project will alleviate flooding to more than 800 properties in Park City.
This project was marked as a high priority for a capital improvement grant because this area of Park City is located at the headwaters of the Skokie River, resulting in a large chance of flooding. Construction will include the installation of large box culverts, storm sewer system upgrades extending from Illinois Route 120 south to Greenbelt Forest Preserve, and replacing the stormwater system restrictor plate at the Casmir Pulaski Drive culvert. Additional funding for this project was provided by our local sponsor of Park City who contributed $42,527.
“Increasing rain levels in our area have broken records and caused millions of dollars in damage to properties, in addition to obstructing the lives of Lake County residents and visitors,” said Stormwater Management Commission Executive Director Kurt Woolford. “SMC’s goal is to never see our County’s residents suffer again like they did during the 2017 flood event.”
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Lake County Government News
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EPA To Hold Coal Ash Community Meeting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a community meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 at the College of Lake County in Waukegan to discuss the impacts and regulation of coal ash. The meeting will include presentations from the EPA about coal ash and information on resources available to the community. The community meeting will also include a listening session, during which community members will have an opportunity to voice their thoughts related to coal ash and their community.
Lake County Creates Digital Growth Initiative Webpage
Lake County has created a new webpage to share what the County is doing to improve high-speed internet access in the area and to direct households to services that help connect families struggling to afford internet service.
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Lake County Receives Recognition for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Lake County has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Lake County's commitment to financial transparency and sound fiscal management. Learn more
Lake County Auxiliary Deputy Unit Is Recognized for Dedicated Service
The Lake County Board recognized the Lake County Auxiliary Deputy Unit for their dedication and invaluable service at the June 13 Board meeting.
The Auxiliary Deputy Unit first started in Lake County with 16 members in 1978. Now there are up to 50 members, who volunteer their time to assist the Sheriff’s Office during emergencies, crowd control, searching for missing persons, and more. Last year alone they worked over 12,550 hours.
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Forest Preserves News
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Land Transfer at Fort Sheridan Occurs
The Board of Commissioners of the Lake County Forest Preserves approved a resolution accepting the 77–acre Openlands Lakeshore Preserve during a June 14 board meeting. Openlands and the Forest Preserves have been in conversation about the potential transfer of the acreage and 1 mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, which would be an addition to Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest.
One of the few publicly accessible ravines and blufftop ecosystems in the area, Openlands assumed ownership of the site, part of the former Fort Sheridan Army Base, in phases in 2007 and 2010. The area is of statewide ecological significance and home to at least six threatened and endangered plant species. Thousands of migrating birds rest and refuel at the preserve each year. “We are thrilled to add this additional parcel, which will result in nearly 2 miles of contiguous, publicly-accessible shoreline at Fort Sheridan,” said Alex Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Read more »
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Scientific Research Complete
Our mission goes beyond Lake County. Recently, one of our restoration ecologists, Dan Sandacz, was published in the scientific journal “Frontiers in Conservation Science.” Director of Natural Resources Pati Vitt is a co-author.
Sandacz’s article addresses how the decline of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirisium pitcheri), a federally threatened species, has negative implications for the plant-pollinator community in Door County, Wisconsin. This research will be used to understand future conservation and restoration efforts and also understand how a loss of a keystone species (vital to the ecosystem) impacts the community. Read more »
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Ranger Police Offer Reminders
Warmer weather leads to an increase in vehicle break-ins. Parking lots, including those in the forest preserves, are prime locations for these crimes. The Lake County Forest Preserves’ Ranger Police remind the public to take additional precautions to protect against vehicle break-ins.
Ranger police strongly urge preserve visitors to lock car doors, close windows, and keep personal property out of plain view, take it with you, or leave it at home. Officers say every vehicle that has been burglarized had a valuable item left inside. It takes less than a minute to break a car window, unlock the door and remove things left inside. Often there are no witnesses to these offenses because of the ease and speed. These larcenies can be prevented with a little foresight and planning. Learn more »
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Beer Garden Trivia Night
Beer Garden Trivia Night takes place from 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday June 28, at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove. Grab a tasty brew and a scenic view while testing your knowledge on Lake County’s past and present. Teams will be quizzed on nature, history, the forest preserves and more.
No registration is required. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to secure a table at the beer garden and sign up your team. Trivia starts promptly at 6 pm. Prizes awarded to the first-place team include tokens to the beer garden and are intended for adults 21 and up. Other prizes will be offered to those under 21. Learn more »
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Transportation News
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Ride Lake County Celebrates One Year of Service
Last year, Ride Lake County launched to provide a cost-effective and countywide transportation option for seniors ages 60+ and people with disabilities. Within its first year, the popularity of Ride Lake County has grown, providing 27,000 rides a year for nearly 1,000 people. This service expands transportation options for greater and easier access for important trips to work, shopping and medical appointments.
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New Online Dashboard Shows Crash Data in Lake County
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) recently launched a new online interactive dashboard that shows crash data on all roads throughout the county. With safety always as LCDOT’s top priority, this information is invaluable when planning and designing road projects. Now, the public can access this crash data at any time!
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Health News
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We Care! Learn More About Animal Care and Control
Lake County’s Animal Care and Control provides many services to educate residents and help care for our four-legged residents. Among these are hosting low-cost pet vaccination clinics, providing spay and neuter assistance to qualified pet owners, maintaining a lost and found network and much more.
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Environmental News
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County Sets New Standard with Green-Forward Leadership Initiatives
Lake County has received a 2023 Achievement Award from the National Associations of Counties, recognizing the County's new program that prohibits the purchase, sale and distribution of single-use plastics of food service items within County government operations and all County government sites.
On the heels of the new award, Lake County is also announcing a new food scrap bin in the County cafeteria located at 18 N. County St., Waukegan. The new bin is available for Lake County employees and visiting members of the public to dispose of food scraps from meals. Learn more
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County Clerk's Office News
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Fee Schedule Changes To Begin July 1
The Illinois General Assembly has enacted Public Act 102-1135 which increased the document recording fees charged for the recordation of any real estate-related document. The Recording Division of the Lake County Clerk’s Office said the new recording fees will be effective beginning July 1.
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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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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Community Events and News
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Visit Your Local Farmers Market
Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, baked treats and more while supporting local businesses at one of Lake County’s farmers markets. Check out Lake County’s Farmers Market Finder to find a farmers market near you.
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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 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. |
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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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