September 27, 2023
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Board Adopts New Strategic Plan for the Future
The Lake County Board has adopted a new Strategic Plan, serving as the road map guiding and influencing how Lake County will prioritize resources. The plan was adopted at the Board’s Sept. 12 meeting and will be utilized for the next four years.
The 2023 Lake County Strategic Plan details six strategic priorities that will help the county further its mission to provide exceptional services and support for people, communities, and the environment.
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Lake County Administrator Gary Gibson Announces Retirement
Gary Gibson, Lake County Administrator has announced his retirement effective at the end of his contract on February 16, 2024. Gibson’s career spans 34 years in the public sector, with 28 years with Lake County government and the last four as County Administrator.
Through his leadership as the County Administrator, Lake County navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic, allocated more than $250 million via CARES Act and ARPA funds, secured funding for the Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility, and maintained the County’s triple-A rating from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.
Moving forward, County Board Chair Sandy Hart will be leading an internal search for a new County Administrator that will be initiated this week. Lake County employees will have an opportunity to apply for the position.
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Bridge Industrial Development Update
Lake County has received final confirmation from a Bridge Industrial representative that they will not be pursuing the project to redevelop the Baxter headquarters property in the unincorporated Deerfield area. In light of this information, Lake County's web page on this topic will remain live until October 6, at which time we will unpublish the page from our website.
Health News
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Access Lake To Increase Access to Affordable Specialty Healthcare
On Sept. 13, the Access Lake Board held its first official board meeting to launch its formation as a non-profit. Board members from area hospitals, Erie Family Health, Lake County Government and the Lake County Health Department held a kickoff event introducing Access Lake to the community.
Access Lake will coordinate and increase access to affordable specialty healthcare services to uninsured residents of Lake County, Illinois. Through this collaboration, participating health systems will provide additional healthcare services to low-income, uninsured individuals and increase the impact of these services. We are excited about the Health Department's role in Access Lake and look forward to sharing more updates in the future.
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Lake County Takes Steps to Address Opioid Epidemic With Settlement Funds
The Lake County Board has authorized to spend over $1.5 million the county has received so far through national settlements to address the effects of the opioid epidemic. Funds will be used to hire an opioid coordinator and implement an Opioid Education Program.
Lake County is estimated to receive about $215,000 per year for 18 years for a total of approximately $3.9 million. As of July 2023, the County has received the first five years of payments totaling near $1.5 million.
The funds must be used to address the opioid epidemic through remediation. This includes focusing on the misuse and abuse of opioid products, treating or mitigating opioid use or related disorders, and mitigating other alleged effects of the opioid abuse crisis, including those injured as a result of the crisis.
It’s Respiratory Virus Season! Here’s Tips to Stay Healthy
COVID-19 News
Like other viruses, COVID-19 continues to change over time, causing new variants to develop. The most recent variants are notable because of genetic differences from previous versions. It is important to continue to protect yourself and others by:
The FDA recommends an updated COVID-19 vaccine that will be effective at reducing severe disease and hospitalization. When the vaccine becomes available, find a vaccination location near you by visiting Vaccines.gov.
You can order four free rapid COVID-19 tests for your household. Visit COVID.gov/tests to order. Also, make sure to check any "expired" tests you have before throwing them out. Some test expiration dates have been expanded. Check your tests
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Get Your Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Stay ahead of flu season by getting your seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. It is recommended that everyone ages six months and older get the flu shot sometime in September or October. Still, flu vaccinations will continue for the duration of the flu season.
Getting the flu shot can keep you from getting the flu, help to reduce the severity, and prevent hospitalizations.
You can find flu shot locations near you on Vaccines.gov.
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Environmental News |
Check Out These Upcoming Recycling Events
Join the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) and area partners for special recycling events. Both events are free and open to the public.
Community Recycling Event in Waukegan
Bring electronics, clothing and textiles, shoes, electronics and more to a community recycling event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Waukegan Park Maintenance Facility, 2211 Ernie Krueger Circle. The event is a partnership between SWALCO, the City of Waukegan and Waukegan Park District. Learn more
Shred and Seeds
SWALCO and the Village of Vernon Hills will hold a Shred and Seeds event from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 7 at the Vernon Hills Metra Station. Bring sensitive documents to be shredded and recycled. And while there, get a packet of seeds for plants that will benefit pollination. Learn more
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Treasurer's Office News
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Now Is the Time to Enter the Annual Art Contest
Sixth through eighth grade students who live in Lake County are invited to showcase their artistic talent and participate in the Lake County Treasurer's Office annual art competition. Interpret the theme, "Now is the Time" however you wish and submit a drawing that reflects your interpretation. Enter by Nov. 17. Learn more
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Stormwater Management News
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Register to Join the Virtual Deicing Workshops
Road salt is the most commonly used tool to manage snow and ice removal, but there are best practices to follow and sensible methods and alternatives to use that can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The 2023 Deicing Event is a virtual workshop for snow and ice management professionals of Northeast Illinois.
Register now! Registration will be open until all spaces are filled.
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State's Attorney's Office News
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Military and Civilian Partnership Training on Domestic and Sexual Violence
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the State's Attorney's Office in collaboration with A Safe Place, Navy Fleet & Family Support Center, and Rosalind Franklin University are hosting a domestic and sexual violence training presented by the Office of Victims of Crime from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 29.
Get Help
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Use 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 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 upcoming events and resources.
Check Hire Lake County
Visit Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
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Forest Preserve News
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Dinosaur Exhibition Coming to the Dunn Museum
Dinosaurs will visit the Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville with the opening of a special exhibition, Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed. The exhibit runs from October 7 through January 15, 2024 at the nationally accredited Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
The new exhibition explores the bones and fossils belonging to the giant creatures that once roamed the earth. Visitors can view and even touch six full dinosaur skeletal molds including a Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor. Learn more »
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OAKtober Native Tree & Shrub Sale Set
The Lake County Forest Preserves is holding its popular OAKtober Native Tree & Shrub Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, October 1 at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.
"Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. Plant metabolism is slowing, and this lessens the stress for the newly planted tree. "Choose your favorite plants from our extensive planting list that includes oak, hickory, hawthorns, dogwood, hazelnut and more. The OAKtober woody plant sale offers native tree and shrub species with genetics adapted for our region." Learn more »
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Green Practices Applauded with Esteemed Award
The Lake County Forest Preserves earned a prestigious award in the Best Green Practices category of an Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) contest.
“The IAPD Best Green Practices Award is presented to a park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation or special recreation agency that has taken the initiative to incorporate and encourage environmentally friendly business practices and policies,” according to the association.
“We’re thrilled by this recognition,” said Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach. “It’s a testament to the talent and dedication of our hardworking staff and to the visionary leadership of our elected board of commissioners.” Learn more »
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Grant Garnered for the Dunn Museum
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville received funding assistance to improve museum facilities through the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) administered the program.
The Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, received a $161,100 grant to make needed HVAC system modifications. The project updated its current heating and cooling system to provide more detailed temperature and humidity control throughout the collections space.
The improvement project also involved adding a humidity control system to five permanent floor cases in the Museum's exhibit galleries. These cases are where the Museum’s most sensitive items are on display. Learn more »
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Community News and Events
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Look Who’s Moooo-ved into Lake County? But She Needs A Name!
The Lake County Farm Bureau announced the arrival of its new cow, born Sept. 20, and they are asking you to help name her! Standing at the Farm Bureau office in Grayslake, she stands 14 feet high, 23 feet long and weighs 1,000 pounds.
Be creative and have fun. The Farm Bureau Board of Directors will review all names submitted and choose the winner. Submit your entry by noon Oct. 31.
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Watch 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 St., 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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