Please Share Your County Priorities 

I’d like to know what you’d like me to prioritize in the coming year. Please take this brief survey to share your thoughts. Your feedback is valued.  

Two Lake County Forest Preserves ranger police officers received recognition for their prompt assistance to an individual in need within the forest preserves. A huge thank you to Officers Sergio Abrego, left, and Molly Carl for their heroic actions and commitment to duty. These officers were commended for their brave and life-saving intervention during a mental wellness emergency. Chief Ron Davis formally congratulated the officers after a recent board meeting.

There’s even more bright news coming from the Forest Preserves. The College of Lake County’s culinary management program obtained a full occupancy permit for the Prairie Cafe to operate at the Forest Preserve’s Brae Loch Golf Club banquet facility. CLC and the Forest Preserves formed a collaborative partnership three years ago stating that the Brae Loch building would be turned into a kitchen and restaurant designed to educate students. Prairie Cafe will host a few events over the winter. A grand opening for the public is planned for mid-April 2024. We’re thrilled that the Forest Preserve is leasing the Brae Loch facility to CLC’s culinary arts program for $1 a year. The program is a growing link to future careers.

Environmental educators from the Forest Preserves are marking their sixth year of collaborative educational programs with Meadowview School in Grayslake. Annually, students engage in a series of nature-based educational programs tailored to their grade level, progressively advancing in complexity and depth of content. In November, more than 400 students and adults participated in planned sessions. Thanks to our phenomenal educators from the Forest Preserves and District 46, the school board and parents. And kudos to our students, who are obtaining a “greener” education.

Matt Ueltzen, manager of restoration ecology, and Environmental Communications Specialist Brett Peto, both with the Forest Preserves, presented a Healthy Hedges program to 41 master gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Grayslake. Ueltzen and Peto discussed the impacts of common buckthorn on local habitats and how to manage this invasive shrub in home landscapes and replace it with native plants. Thanks again to our amazing staffers at the Forest Preserves and our incredible master gardeners, who are available for free advice at the Extension Office at Route 45 and Center Street in Grayslake. The office also has a seed library.

Keep an eye out for the next special exhibition at the Dunn Museum, operated by the Forest Preserves. “Managing Healthy Landscapes” opens Feb. 10, 2024 at the Libertyville museum. Visitors will gain insights into the extensive planning and resource allocation required for high-quality land restoration efforts taking place in your forest preserves. Natural Resources, Museum and Education teams partnered to design a zero-waste exhibit, ensuring that all materials utilized are either reusable or fully recyclable.

Projects On Track for Next Year

Overall, I’m pleased that, working with colleagues, I was able to land a $1.6 federal grant for a first responder/veteran’s mental wellness center. Every month can be a dark time of the year for those suffering from depression and stress, so this new Round Lake facility will open some doors next year to those who need to talk to some trained professionals.

My thanks again to Lake County fire chiefs, notably Greg Formica, chief of the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District, and Bruce Johnson of Nicasa.

We are also progressing towards an engineering design of the Cedar Lake Road realignment and widening of Hainesville Road from Washington Street to Rollins Road. Our transportation department will also be working on sidewalks from Sextant drive in Third Lake to Almond Road.

Lake County Public Works is planning to construct a new water tower at 18534 W. Old Gages Lake Road, Grayslake. Construction is expected to begin in early 2024. No impacts to water service are expected during construction. At times, there may be increased truck traffic and noise near the project site. The tower will serve the communities of Wildwood, Third Lake, Mariner’s Cove and adjacent areas on the county water system.

Thanks to my colleague Jennifer Clark for taking a leadership role in our Lake County Digital Growth Initiative. We are going to spend some federal funds providing broadband connections where internet service is lacking or non-existent. Our consultants have identified several pockets in our area where internet can be offered. We’re also considering public “hotspots” in Grayslake and Round Lake where people can connect for free. The potential sites range from libraries to park district facilities. More on this project as it develops next year. Learn more about the broadband internet action plan.

Also keep an eye out for continuing work on the Atkinson Road extension across Route 137. If construction proceeds smoothly, that project should be done sometime in summer 2024. This is a big, complicated project, so we appreciate your patience and slowing down during construction.

I hope this holiday season finds you and family healthy and enjoying your joyous and peaceful traditions. If you need immediate assistance with any county services, please call 2-1-1. And if you’d like to have me talk with your community or faith group in the coming year, please contact me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.

Lake County Government News  

Lake County is moving forward to address challenges with broadband internet access, affordability, and adoption throughout the county. At its December 12 meeting, the Lake County Board adopted its first-ever Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan to close the digital divide in Lake County.
 

The action plan is designed to expand countywide access to reliable, high-speed broadband infrastructure, remove barriers to affordable internet, device access, and digital skills training, and build an ecosystem of local partners to drive digital inclusion efforts. Learn more

You may know Dax and Hitch, but what about Simba, Odin or Tera? They provide comfort, help patrol our county to keep us safe, and more. Check this Special Dog Edition of our “Did You Know” series and meet all 12 extraordinary dogs working at Lake County. Watch the video

As temperatures drop, residents who do not have access to heat can utilize a warming center. Use the County's warming center locator to get relief from the extreme temperatures this winter. Note it is recommended to call first before arrival. Use the Warming Center Finder

Transportation News

Lake County joined leaders from across the region to spotlight proposed solutions to northeastern Illinois’ transit funding crisis. The recommendations are part of the recently completed Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART).

The PART outlines reforms to address the $730 million fiscal cliff facing our transit system in 2026 and strengthen service across the region. Transit is a vital part of Lake County’s transportation network and an important economic engine in the Chicagoland region. Learn more

The snow will soon be falling again and that means snow plows will be driving the roads to help clear the snow and ice and keep the roads safe. But just because you’re driving across Lake County, remember that doesn’t mean that every road is cleared by the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT).

Our incredible crew of LCDOT snow plow drivers plow everything marked in blue on this map. Everything else is plowed by the State, township, or local municipality.

Learn more by viewing a list of the roads and bike paths maintained by LCDOT 

Environmental News

Are you hosting some upcoming holiday parties and dinners? If you have a large amount of leftovers you can’t finish, instead of dumping it into the trash, compost it.

Our waste stream increases by 25-43% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Composting and diverting that food waste from our landfills makes a big impact! Learn more about how you can compost by watching this video.

Health News

The fall and winter seasons can affect people in many different ways. One of those ways is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that happens during certain seasons of the year and is most often in fall or winter.

As the nights grow longer and the weather gets colder, it's important to know how SAD can affect your mood, energy levels, sleeping patterns, and appetites. These effects can be mild at first but eventually become more severe. Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder

Treasurer's Office News

The Lake County Treasurer’s Office will be accepting prepayments for tax year 2023 (payable in calendar year 2024) through Dec. 21. This is an option for people who want to reduce their first installment amount, or for those who want to take advantage of a tax payment during calendar year 2023.

The Treasurer’s Office is not required to take prepayments but offers this program as a courtesy to residents. Prepayment amounts are limited to a maximum of 50% of the amount from the previous year's tax bill. Learn more

The Lake County Clerk’s Office is delighted to announce the exceptional talents showcased in the “I Voted” sticker design contest. After receiving over 220 submissions from creative young minds across Lake County, three individuals have been selected as winners in their respective categories.

The winning designs will be showcased and celebrated across our various platforms to honor their talent and contributions. See the three winning designs

The Lake County State's Attorney's Gun Violence Prevention Initiative will be hosting a Zion Town Hall Meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Zion-Benton Public Library. The goal is for community members to come together and address concerns surrounding gun violence in the Zion area.

When you register, please leave at least one question or concern you have about gun violence in the community. Register here

The Lake County Regional Office of Education is partnering with Varsity Tutors for Schools to provide online tutoring services. The service will begin in January 2024 and run through June 30, 2027. 

Dr. Michael Karner, Regional Superintendent of Schools, said Lake County is the first county in Illinois to provide online tutoring for all of our County's students. School districts will save money and be able to provide a platform to support their student’s learning. Students can utilize chat-based tutoring in English or Spanish, have writing coaches working with them on their essays, and access additional online course materials.

The Lake County Regional Office of Education is working with the other Regional Offices of Education to expand the program statewide. To learn more, reach out to info@lake.roe34.org.

Forest Preserves News 

The Lake County Forest Preserves offer a winter wonderland of activities, featuring everything from the graceful glide of ice skating to the exhilarating rush of sledding and the serene journey of cross-country skiing. Before embarking on your winter adventure, remember to visit our winter sports webpage for all the latest information.

Let the magic of winter inspire you to step outside and create unforgettable memories. Learn more »

From festive to forest. Recycle your tree for a greener tomorrow at one of eight forest preserves. Don't send your holiday tree to the landfill. Instead, donate it to the Lake County Forest Preserves and they will recycle it into wood chips for trails and landscaping in your forest preserves. Learn more »

The 9th annual Lake County History Symposium takes place virtually on Zoom from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on January 4 and 18. "Good Neighbors: Making a Difference in Lake County," is this year's theme. Experience engaging presentations from a diverse array of historians, ranging from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic hobbyists. This annual event unites individuals with a shared passion for delving into the rich historical tapestry of Lake County.

Each evening features three presentations. Register for both days to experience all six. Breakout rooms will be open at the end of the presentations for participants to ask questions and engage in dialogue. All ages are welcome. USG is sponsoring the free event. Registration is required for each day you would like to attend. Learn more »

Get Help

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 

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.

Community Events and News

Dive into a winter wonderland with our curated list of the top ten festive activities, ensuring you make the most of this magical time. From twinkling holiday lights to visits with Santa Claus, discovering the perfect Christmas tree, festive shopping and immersive holiday villages, Lake County offers a myriad of delights to celebrate the season. 

With an abundance of family-friendly activities and events to explore, go to Visit Lake County to discover all the holiday fun there is to explore in Lake County. 

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings