July 7, 2023
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Dear Neighbors, |
 Today was an incredibly exciting day for Lake County. I was privileged to attend the groundbreaking for the county’s new Regional Operations and Communications Facility, a regional 911 center and more. This project has been a decade in the making and I am extremely proud to be part of the board that got it over the finish line.
This facility will house the consolidated Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP), Lake County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA), including the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and the Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB). The new facility is nicknamed the ROC. Staff chose this nickname to highlight the togetherness, strength and resiliency, that encompasses the overall passions of all of these important agencies working together to help safeguard our Lake County communities.
I am grateful to Congressman Brad Schneider for throwing his support behind this project and securing some federal funding to get it moving. I also want to thank other local agencies who contributed dollars to the process.
The new emergency facility is scheduled to open in 2025 in Libertyville.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Please make an effort to get outside and try out a new forest preserve that you have not been to.
Best,
Transportation News
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Here’s What You Should Know about the Aptakisic Road Project
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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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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Lake County Government News
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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 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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Environmental News
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Lake County Sets New Standard for Sustainability with Green-Forward Leadership Initiatives
Lake County has received a 2023 Achievement Award from the National Associations of Counties (NACo), 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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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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County Clerk's Office News
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Fee Schedule Changes Began 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 have become effective beginning July 1.
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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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 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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Produce Is Fresh and Local. 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 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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