Message from County Administrator Patrice Sutton
Please join me in congratulating Gary Gibson for all his contributions over many years with Lake County, most recently as County Administrator. There will be a reception honoring him on Thursday, February 15. Please see the details below. Gary has been an advocate for and dedicated to Lake County with a long list of accomplishments, and led us through the uncertain and unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. I’m sure many of you have experienced his positive attitude, calm manner, and impressive knowledge of movies and music. We are very grateful and wish Gary a wonderful and well-deserved retirement!
Our new micromarket will open in the lobby of the Administrative Tower on February 13. In the meantime, the vending machines are available in the cafeteria area. Thank you for your patience during this time – we are converting the former coffee kiosk area into a fresh space for the micromarket. When it opens, you’ll find fresh and frozen foods, snacks and a wide variety of hot and cold beverages. To celebrate the grand opening, eight $25 gift cards to the micromarket will be given away. To enter the random drawing, please submit your name using this link.
There is a lot to celebrate, reflect on, learn, and do in February. Check out the great information below.
Thank You.
February Celebrations
February is Black History Month, a yearly opportunity to expand our knowledge of American history, to commemorate the tremendous contributions of African Americans to our country, and possibly learn about different life experiences than our own.
As a country, it's important we reflect on our complex history, while remaining hopeful and confident about the path ahead. We hope you'll take the opportunity to educate yourself and promote Black history and culture this month.
On February 11, we'll be celebrating the 5th annual 211 Day in Lake County. 211 is a free, 24/7 resource to residents in need, and was launched by United Way of Lake County in 2019 with support from the Lake County Board. Since then, more than 250,000 connections have helped residents in every zip code in our county, including help with housing and shelter, rent and utility assistance, mental health and addictions, food, and healthcare.
Simply dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211lakecountyil.org to access needed resources.
|
Early voting for the upcoming March 19 General Primary Election will commence on Feb. 8 at the Lake County Clerk’s Office. Early voting is a convenient way to participate in the democratic process, so mark your calendars and make your voice count!
We recommend that you plan your arrival time accordingly as we anticipate increased foot traffic in the building. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.
|
Meet the Dogs of Lake County
This winter we've been sharing the roads with the snow plows in Lake County. Watch this video as one of our Division of Transportation snow plow drivers shares tips to keep you and all our valuable plow drivers safe. At the end of the day, we are all in this together.
|
It is the goal of the Court Security Division to provide access to our facilities as quickly as possible while ensuring proper screening and safety of all visitors and employees. The new screening contractor, Andy Frain, has opened an employee and attorney only lane in an effort to reduce the wait time of those entering our facilities during the morning rush, Monday through Friday.
To utilize this lane, employees must have their county identification viewable to the screeners. This will reduce the wait time of those entering our facilities during the morning rush.
The County will observe Lincoln's Birthday, Monday, Feb. 12 as a floating holiday. You can either take the day off or bank it for future use. If you have questions about the floating holiday, ask your supervisor.
|
The Health Department is hosting a blood drive to help our community. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Remember to prepare for giving blood by eating well before your donation, hydrating and bringing your ID to your appointment. At this blood drive event, those who donate will also receive a coupon for a free pint of frozen custard from Culvers!
- Thursday, Feb. 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Community Health Center, 3rd floor Board Room, 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan
- Schedule an appointment by calling 877-258-4825 or visit the Vitalant website and use group code ORD00475.
|
 Say Goodbye to County Administrator Gary Gibson
|
Our previous County Administrator Gary Gibson is saying goodbye to Lake County government after 28 years and four years as the County Administrator. Gary came back from retirement in 2019 to serve as Interim Lake County Administrator. We will be celebrating his years of service and his second retirement with a goodbye party!
- Thursday, Feb. 15, 3-4 p.m.
- 10th Floor Assembly Room, Waukegan Administrative Tower
- Cake will be served
|
|
 |
 World Wetland Day
February 2 is World Wetland Day. It’s a day to raise awareness about wetlands, since almost 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s and they are lost at a rate three times faster than forests. Wetlands are a critically important ecosystem that contribute to biodiversity, stormwater management, freshwater availability and more.
Many people might think of swampy or marshy areas like Louisiana or the Carolinas when thinking of wetlands, but wetlands exist all around Lake County. Wetlands can be celebrated and experienced by taking a walk around many neighborhoods, or you can visit one of the Lake County Forest Preserves. There are over a dozen forest preserves in our county that feature wetlands, including
|
Choose a More Eco-Conscious Gift This Valentine’s Day
 Our HR team is working towards building a new communication and learning tool, the HR Quick Tip. Below is our FIRST HR Quick Tip! Please read the information below and be on the lookout for more HR Quick Tips in the weeks to come!
  If you missed a past NINJIO video, contact the Help Desk, and we will send it to you.
Questions? We’re here to help! helpdesk@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-2888.
BRRRRRRRR!!!! Winter has returned to the Midwest! We wear coats, hats, and gloves to keep ourselves warm and protected, but what about our gadgets? The cold can ruin our computers, smartphones, and other devices if they are exposed for too long.
Keep your tech safe from harm during the cold winter months.
IMPORTANT! Don’t leave your laptop, phone, or tablet in the car, or anywhere exposed to freezing temperatures!
- If your hard drive freezes, it can ruin your device, or at the very least, lead to corrupted data.
- Batteries will deplete more quickly and die faster in cold conditions.
If your device DOES get cold, make sure to let it warm up slowly before booting. Move it gradually, in steps, from the coldest spot, - e.g., the garage, to the second coldest room such as a hallway or foyer, and so on. Warming in phases will help to avoid the build-up of condensation which will wreak havoc on the hard drive and possibly render your device useless.
|
Wireless Network Expansion and Modernization
What Do You Need to Know?
Over the next six weeks, Lake County Enterprise IT will be improving the wireless network throughout many County facilities. This includes expanding coverage in targeted areas while modernizing our wireless network equipment.
Overall, impacts are expected to be minimal, and scheduling is being coordinated through each department’s Technical Liaison.
|
