September 27, 2023
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Dear Neighbors, |
As leaves turn their resplendent colors and we enjoy my favorite month, I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well.
At the County Board meeting, we finished updating the 2023 Lake County Strategic Plan, which is a blueprint for our policies going forward. I know that sounds about as interesting as raking leaves, yet I am excited to highlight some progress.
At my insistence, I convinced my colleagues to develop a "green space access improvement plan" that provides better access to green space throughout the county. While we're upgrading and maintaining our highways and trails, I'm hopeful we can equitably connect communities to our great parks, trails, greenways and forest preserves.
Our strategic plan also included stronger guidance on environmentally sound development, planting trees and reducing our overall carbon footprint. We want to:
- Identify policies to mitigate the local effects of extreme heat and lead the effort to prevent further increases in global temperature, mitigate climate change effects and protect and enhance our natural environment;
- Further decrease the county's use of single-use plastics;
- Apply an environmental lens on policy and decision making through utilization of nature-based solutions, climate adaptation initiatives, open space strategies and environmental harm-reduction practices.
I know these are ambitious policies, but I don't think we have any choice given that we're ending one of the hottest years in history. From Canada's toxic wildfire smoke to the epic July 2 rainfall, the climate this summer was a challenge. Lake County needs to take the lead on reducing man-made sources of pollution and greenhouse gases. Our strategic plan gives us solid marching orders.
Since I'm a small business owner, I also wanted to see Lake County supporting "Mom and Pop" firms (generally under 100 employees or less). The resulting strategic direction is to direct our workforce development staff to study how we can better help small businesses.
Read the full strategic plan here. Do you have more suggestions? Let me know. You can always contact me at JWasik@Lakecountyil.gov.
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Around the District
Fall is such a bustling season, so I trust you're getting out to enjoy various festivals and hiking our forest preserves. I was invited to a number of events throughout the area:
Celebrating Scholarship Winners
I was honored to attend a breakfast celebrating scholarship winners awarded by Coalicion Latinos Unidos de Lake County to Adrina Ulloa, Alejandra Soto, Eileen Rodriguez, Klaudya Padilla and Leilani Vasquez. Felicitaciones to the winners. Muchas Gracias to Luis Fuentes and this great community organization.
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Paying for College
I was thrilled to present an informational session on private "debt-free degree" college grants at the University Center at the College of Lake County.
Thanks to State Rep. Laura-Faver Dias for inviting me and hosting the session, which featured informative presenters on state savings BrightStart 529 plans and state scholarship programs. For information on Illinois grant opportunities, contact Maureen Heun in Rep. Faver-Dias's office via email at maureen@repfaverdias.com.
Festival Fun
Thanks to the organizers of Grayslake's Craft Beer Festival, which I attended, sponsored by the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce and the Exchange Club. Both groups raised money for college scholarships. Learn more about the scholarship opportunities the club offers.
On the same day, I also stopped by the Fiestas Patrias in Round Lake. Thanks to the excellent organizers at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lakes.
As always, it's my pleasure to serve you. If you have need of county services, please call 2-1-1. And I am available to speak to your community group.
Lake County Government News
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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.
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Transportation News |
Grand Avenue Closed for Railroad Repairs
Grand Avenue (Illinois 132) west of Central Avenue in Lake Villa is closed as the Illinois Department of Transportation announced repairs by the Canadian National Railroad.
A detour will direct motorists to Milwaukee Avenue (Illinois 83), Monaville and Cedar Lake roads. The work is expected to be complete by 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.
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Environmental News
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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
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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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.
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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 |
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.
Forest Preserves 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
"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 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 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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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 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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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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ComEd To Perform Tree Trimming in Coming Months
Arborists will be performing tree trimming for ComEd within your neighborhood within the next three months. Trees and branches that interfere with power lines can create safety hazards and cause power outages. Preventative tree maintenance helps avoid power outages. 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. |
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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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