October 24, 2023
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Dear Neighbors, |
As we prepare for Halloween, please ensure that your children are highly visible and mindful of traffic. Have a safe and fun Halloween!
In transportation news, if you live near the Canadian National Railroad or Metra tracks, as most in our district do, you've no doubt noticed train engineers are blasting their horns 24/7. A lot of folks are losing sleep, myself included.
The reason for the relentless train horns? About four years ago, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) updated crossing safety regulations and required all villages from Buffalo Grove to Antioch in a designated "quiet zone" to comply. Unfortunately, some 12 villages didn't finish their work by the FRA deadline, which meant train horns were required at crossings at all hours until the work was completed.
I asked U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider's office for a status update on the train horns, and they told me the quiet zone won't be reinstated by the FRA until all of the villages complete their safety improvements.
Although several of the crossings involve county highways, the Lake County Division of Transportation stated it's the sole responsibility of villages to perform or contract the upgrades. It's hoped that quiet will return before the end of the year. Learn more about this in the story below.
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Forest Preserve News
Sometimes forward-thinking climate action is rewarded in government.
That's why I was pleased to join top-notch leadership from the Forest Preserves in accepting a coveted award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts for "green practices" recently.
Among other things, the Forest Preserves dedicated itself to ensuring new and retrofitted facilities will be models of long-lasting, energy-efficient design. Four net-zero energy buildings are complete, under construction or in the engineering phase.
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The Ryerson Woods Education Center in Riverwoods should be complete this year and aims to achieve net-zero energy.
“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.”
"For decades, the Forest Preserves has been committed to ensuring all 31,100 acres function at their highest ecological level," Kovach said.
Other initiatives include:
- Reducing mowed turf.
- Transitioning to hybrid passenger vehicles.
- Introducing electric light-duty maintenance vehicles.
- Purchasing only compostable cups at the wildly popular Beer Garden at Independence Grove. The effort will divert an estimated 40,000 cups annually from landfills.
If you need county services, please call 2-1-1. Need to contact me or invite talk to your community group? You can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be Well,
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Lake County Government News
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Patrice Sutton Recommended to be Lake County’s Next County Administrator
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart is pleased to announce that the County will enter into contract negotiations with Patrice Sutton to become Lake County’s next County Administrator. Ms. Sutton currently serves as Lake County’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a role she has held for the last six years.
Prior to her appointment as CFO, Ms. Sutton was Lake County’s Deputy Finance Director for six years. She has considerable experience and expertise in the financial and management arena, having served in multiple roles in public and private sectors throughout her career.
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Unincorporated Residents Are Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts
Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $281 a year on their flood insurance policies. Currently, there are more than 910 flood insurance policies in unincorporated Lake County.
Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up to 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums. Property owners should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information. Learn more
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East and West Skokie Drainage District Consolidation Complete
The Skokie East and West Drainage Districts in Lake County completed their consolidation on August 31 to form the Skokie Consolidated Drainage District (SCDD). The combination of the two districts follows four years of discussion and work performed by an Ad Hoc Drainage District Consolidation Committee that was appointed by the Lake County Board in 2019.
Current property assessment fees, operational activities and level of service will remain the same following consolidation, with an expected cost benefit from improved administrative and operational efficiency. The funding that is freed up will be dedicated to streambank stabilization projects. Learn more
Transportation News
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Expect to Hear Train Horns Sound When Trains Approach Railroad Crossings
A quiet zone was established in 2007 through a joint partnership with local municipalities to limit trains from sounding their horns at certain crossing locations within Lake County. This quiet zone has been temporarily suspended by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) until modifications are made at 12 identified crossing locations.
It is the responsibility of the participating quiet zone municipalities, not the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), to complete the modifications to the crossings to bring them into compliance with FRA guidelines. LCDOT is responsible for reviewing and issuing permits for work performed within the county highway right-of-way. All impacted communities are working swiftly to complete the required improvements and anticipate the quiet zone to be reinstated by the new year.
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Oh Deer! Watch Out for Deer on the Roads this Fall
Environmental News
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Don’t Trash It! Smash It! Let’s Keep Pumpkins Out of the Landfill
Divert your pumpkin from the landfill and instead help turn it into useful compost by bringing your pumpkin to one of numerous Pumpkin Smash locations across Lake County. The Pumpkin Smash is an annual effort by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and communities across the county.
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The Leaves are Falling! The Leaves are Falling!
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in Lake County, a chance to enjoy the cooler weather and changing leaves. Fall also signifies a time of year that is all too familiar with property owners, leaf cleanup! As you glance at the colorful leaves now laying at your feet, consider mulching or composting as some options when collecting those leaves this fall.
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Health News
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Properly Dispose Your Unused, Expired Prescription Drugs
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Lake County is joining National Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 28 and urges you to properly dispose unused drugs to save lives and the environment.
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County Clerk's Office News |
Be Aware of Misleading Lien Notices
Lake County residents need to be aware of “official-looking” letters that may claim a lien on a resident’s property but can involve false information and requests for higher charges for documents or services that the Lake County Clerk’s Office would charge.
These letters will look like they originated from an official government office with names such as “Lake County Public Judgment Record.” Learn more
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Sheriff's Office News
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Donate New, Gently Used Winter Clothing to Help Veterans, Families
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Midwest Veterans Closet are collecting donations of new and gentled used winter clothing for veterans and their families now through Dec. 4. Please bring your donation to one of seven locations.
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Forest Preserves News
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2024 Budget Approved
In order to continue moving toward its 100-Year Vision to preserve and sustain Lake County's natural landscape and extend community outreach and education, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2024 budget earlier this month.
The $66,825,199 budget represents a decrease of $23,663,504 (26.15%) from the previous year’s modified budget. The decrease is due to a reduction in capital expenditures. The budget covers expenditures for the period from January 1 through December 31, 2024. “I’m proud of this conservative budget and everything that it will help us accomplish,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Learn more »
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Illuminate Your Nights
Struggling to enjoy nature with the earlier sunsets? Starting Sunday, November 5, explore two Lake County forest preserves under the soft glow of solar-lit trails.
Small solar lights guide the way so hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Mettawa, and along a hilly 1.65-mile section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
The solar lights serve as a guide along the trails. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight or headlamp for added illumination. Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 10. Learn more »
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Dunn Museum Sensory-Friendly Hour
Experience a special hour at the Dunn Museum. An exclusive Sensory-Friendly Hour takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, November 19. Dive into history in a tranquil setting before public hours and find solace in a designated quiet room.
Creative crafts and hands-on education tools will be provided in the café space. Registration is required. All ages are welcome. Price is available on the website. Get a ticket»
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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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Trick or Treat, Lake County!
It's time when the young and young-at-heart adorn their creative costumes, embracing Halloween with enthusiasm and anticipation. Explore the captivating world of kid-friendly trick-or-treating in Lake County, where holiday magic awaits around every corner.
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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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