Happy New Year! I hope this finds you, friends and family thriving. It's going to be an exciting year.

Last month, I sent out a survey asking for your opinion on various subjects. The first question was "do you support the proposal to sell forest preserve land to extend a runway at Waukegan National Airport."

About five years ago, the Waukegan Port Authority, which runs the airport, asked the Forest Preserves to sell 52 acres of its land, which is part of the Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve near Wadsworth. The land would be used to help build a 7,000-foot runway. At the time, I was chairing the Forest Preserve's Planning Committee. I requested multiple times that the Port Authority provide in-depth information on public health, environmental impact, including noise, carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants from increased flights. To date, my questions have not been answered, although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required an initial environmental assessment detailing the longer runway. 

Of those who responded to my survey, nearly 71% opposed the sale of forest preserve land to the airport with about 22% favoring and 7% with no opinion. While this is not a broad-based, scientific sample of the sixth district, it does reflect the opinion of many constituents who have approached me on this topic. While we were hoping to see a final environmental report and have a FAA hearing on this subject last year, it's uncertain when we will know more on this matter.

In my survey's second question, what are your top concerns for county government, I received a variety of responses.

The top concern, voiced by some 40% of those responding, was environmental protection, followed by lower property taxes, public safety and affordable housing. Some other responses included:

• Restraining development of currently vacant of undeveloped property;
• Infrastructure maintenance, rail safety/bomb trains and clean lakes;
• Finish the Millennium Trail; and
• Roads: "We need Route 120 to be expanded in Grayslake and Hainesville."

Many thanks to all of those who took the time to respond. This year, as in past years, I am prioritizing environmental protection with a specific focus on funding a planning study for the Route 53 Greenway corridor proposal and expanding the Forest Preserves. All of the other concerns are definitely things I will be examining in more detail this year.  

Forest Preserve News
Between the holidays, I was delighted to join Nippersink Forest Preserve site volunteers to cut  invasive buckthorn. This will open up serene views in this preserve and allow for native plants to flourish. 

Want to volunteer in your preserves or seed nursery? We have opportunities year round and rewarding activities. If you are in need of high school service hours, searching for a Scouting project or just want to help with ongoing restoration projects, please keep us in mind. Learn more about these volunteer opportunities.  

Speaking of forest preserve restoration, the Dunn Museum in Libertyville is presenting a special exhibition, "Managing Healthy Landscapes," Feb. 10 through April 7. This is one of the most important subjects of this century. Healthy landscapes enhance our physical and mental well-being, counteract climate change and help prevent the loss of Lake County's native species.

If you have an immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. I am available to speak to any community group. Contact me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.

Be well,
JW

Lake County Government News  

More than 300 new laws took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, covering a range of issues that affect Illinois residents. This includes a ban to vaping in public spaces, creation of a 24-hour hotline to allow police to track stolen cars, and a requirement to animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois. View the full list of Illinois’ new laws in 2024.

Join the fight to help end homelessness by joining Lake County’s 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. On the night of Jan. 31, teams will search across Lake County to interview and offer assistance to unsheltered people.

Volunteers can create their own teams of two to five people or volunteer as an individual and be paired up with a team. All volunteers must be over the age of 18 and attend a virtual training.

Want to make a difference but are not able to attend the PIT Count? Visit the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless website to learn other ways year round to make an impact in the lives of residents experiencing homelessness.

Lake County invites subcontractors to attend an upcoming event from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Jan. 18 to meet the County's newest Job Order Contracting (JOC) General Contractors. 

Attending this event provides a great opportunity to hear directly from Lake County's Purchasing and Facilities teams about upcoming projects and procurement opportunities. You will also learn about how your business can work with Lake County such as the Lake County JOC program.

Registration is encouraged but optional to attend this meeting.
Learn more about doing business with Lake County

Get Help  

If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other 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. The service is free and confidential. 

Watch this video to learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.

The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.

Watch this virtual information session about the Job Center of Lake County, apply for training or work experience, and access important documents. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about 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.

Transportation News

It’s winter, and the snow is coming. Before you get in the car and navigate the roads, use Lake County PASSAGE to see live traffic conditions taken from our Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras and our snow plows.

Visit the PASSAGE website or download the Lake County PASSAGE app. Drive safe, Lake County!

Health News 

With the winter season well on its way, it is good to be prepared in case there is snow, ice, or cold temperatures in the forecast.

When it is cold outside, your body can lose heat faster than it can be produced, leading to serious health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite. Dress yourself, family, and pets appropriately, especially if extreme cold is forecasted. View the warming center finder to find centers around Lake County if you or someone you know needs a warm place to get out of the cold.

If snow or ice is forecasted and you have to drive, check for alerts or advisories and road conditions before leaving for your destination. If you have to drive, make sure you have a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone and an emergency kit. For more ways to protect yourself in winter weather, visit ready.gov.

Have you been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? The Lake County Health Department's Animal Care & Control (AC&C) and other shelters and rescue groups face overcrowding, and the partner rescues that we work with have experienced a decline in adoptions from their facilities.

Some pets currently housed at the Health Department have been there since August 2023, and they desperately need and deserve good homes. AC&C doesn’t offer pet adoptions at their shelter. Rather, they work closely with rescue groups that can only take animals from the AC&C shelter as space is available.

Adopting a pet will change not only that animal’s life and yours but will also open space up for other animals for rescue and care. If you are considering adopting a pet, take time to research to ensure pet ownership is right for you. Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Pet Ownership page for things to consider when bringing a pet into our home.   

Visit the Health Department’s Animal Care & Control page to learn more about services offered and links to our partner rescues.

Freezing temperatures can potentially cause frozen pipes, which can be costly to repair. No matter the material, exposed pipes face the risk of freezing and bursting, causing significant damage. Protect your home this winter by taking the proper precautions. Learn more

Environmental News 

Electronics Recycling
Bring your unwanted electronics to one of the year-round residential electronics recycling drop-off locations. View the list of acceptable and items not accepted at these sites for recycling. These drop-off locations are open free to Lake County residents. View the list of year-round drop-off locations and hours.

Clothing and textile recycling
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County makes it easy to recycle clothing and other textiles, providing collection bins across the county. View what’s accepted and unaccepted, and then find a drop-off location near you to bring your new, gently used or worn items that can be reused, repurposed and or recycled/upcycled.

Reuse-A-Shoe
Donate new and gently used shoes to SWALCO’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Individuals or families with a few pairs can visit the drop-off locations. Groups or families who have a large number of shoes or who want to collect them can contact Merleanne Rampale at SWALCO at 847-377-4954 to set up a seasonal collection site or drive. View acceptable and unacceptable items.

Senior citizens may defer part or all of their property taxes on their personal residence if they qualify for the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program.

The deferral is similar to a loan against the property's fair market value. Deferred amounts are borrowed from the state, who then pays the tax bill to the County Collector's Office. Interest on the amount paid by the State accumulates and a lien is placed on the property for all deferred tax payments and interest.

Applications will be accepted through March 1. Visit the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program page for details and how to receive an application. 

You're invited to attend the Lake County State's Attorney's Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) two remaining community town halls on Jan. 10 in Highland Park and Jan. 18 in Vernon Hills.

These town halls are part of a series of town halls the GVPI has been hosting to listen to the community's concerns regarding gun violence in their neighborhoods and also collect data to inform and shape our Comprehensive Violence Reduction Plan.

View the town hall schedule and register to attend

The Lake County Clerk's Office inaugurated its cutting-edge Vote-By-Mail Processing Center, a milestone in the county's commitment to accessible, secure, and efficient election administration. Funded by federal dollars, this project is a testament to the County Board's dedication to advancing voting accessibility for all residents. Watch this video to learn more. 

Lake County held its 12^th annual Veteran's History Project, an opportunity to gather the oral histories of veterans. The transcripts are archived at the Library of Congress, making accessible the personal accounts of American veterans for future generations to hear the stories directly from the members of the military.

This year’s group included veterans of the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Navy who were involved in the military during both conflicts and times of peace dating back to World War II. Watch this video to learn more

Forest Preserves News

The winter issue of Horizons magazine is available. The quarterly publication features articles on forest preserves, Lake County nature and history, news, programs and events.

In this issue, learn about the intricate formation of snowflakes, discover the Dunn Museum's upcoming exhibitions and read about our Tree Canopy Monitoring Program. Read online or subscribe to receive the magazine FREE in your mailbox. Read more »

Want to elevate your expertise in native gardening? The “Native Gardeners Club: Ready, Set, Grow” meets 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 25 online.

Discover the wonders of native plants and master their integration into your home landscapes. Join our monthly program and choose to register for either the month or the entire year. Adults. FREE for Lake County residents. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to inquire about accommodations. Get ticket »

New year, new stationery. Boxed sets of custom notecards are now available for purchase in the Dunn Museum's Gift Shop in Libertyville or online at LCFPD.org/store. The cards feature original nature illustrations of black-eyed Susan, bur oak, butterfly weed and prairie smoke by Samantha Gallagher, a talented artist based in Lake County.

These are one-of-a-kind—you won't find them anywhere else. Each set contains 16 folded notecards, 18 envelopes and 16 envelope seals.

Community Events & News

From frosty festivals to serene outdoor escapes, January in Lake County holds a treasure trove of delights waiting to be discovered. Come see as Visit Lake County unveils the top 10 things to do this January, guiding you through a month of memorable adventures and seasonal magic. 

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings 

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.