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Dear Neighbors, |
Happy February, the month when we celebrate Valentine's Day and presidents. I hope this finds you, family, friends and neighbors well.
Do you have any plans for President's Day? If not, I want to personally invite you to join me for a special presentation at 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Forest Preserve's Dunn Museum in Libertyville.
I will be presenting "Lincoln in Lake County and Beyond," a special talk for the entire family. I will tell how Lincoln came to Lake County while campaigning for president in 1860 and a little-known story on how his focus on public works led to building our great country.
Better yet, my talk will be a fundraiser for our amazing Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves, which supports programming. I will be selling and signing my book "Lincolnomics" and donating 100% of the sale proceeds to the foundation. Come on out and learn something new about Honest Abe.
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Thinking of spring and gardening? I'd also like to invite you to the Annual Seed Expo at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.
Not only will thousands of seeds be given away, experts from the Forest Preserves and Lake County University of Illinois Extension can advise you on planting and cultivation for everything from garden vegetables to native landscaping.
Road Update
I've been receiving several questions on the Atkinson Road/Route 137 project. I know it's still a mess, but our engineers at the Lake County Division of Transportation assure me it should be done by the end of this year.
In the coming months, Ivanhoe Road will be closed off with two cul-de-sacs while Atkinson Road will be extended across Route 137 to create a new link with Route 83. We appreciate your patience.
As always, it's an honor to serve you. If you have immediate need for county services, please call 211. If you'd like me to speak to your group, you can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Best,
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Forest Preserves News
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Four Coveted Awards Earned
Two Illinois organizations recognized the outstanding contributions of the Lake County Forest Preserves with four esteemed awards for excellence in public communications and design. Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) announced the honors at the largest state park and recreation conference in the nation.
The Forest Preserves secured second place in the top Overall Agency Showcase category. This acknowledgment encompassed the entire spectrum of print, digital and social media materials submitted. The team also earned:
1st Place: Brochure–for Horizons magazine. LCFPD.org/horizons to subscribe.
2nd Place: Marketing Campaign–for the 25th anniversary of Hike Lake County.
3rd Place: Social Media Campaign–for promotion of the Beer Garden at Independence Grove. Read more »
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Wedding Event Planned
Expect exciting changes in both events and culinary offerings at Independence Grove in Libertyville. Relish Events at Independence Grove is now the on-site caterer for special occasions and café operator.
Explore the picturesque venue and connect with event vendors at an introductory “Fall in Love” gathering specializing in weddings. It takes place Sunday, February 18 from 11 am. to 2 p.m. at Audubon Hall at Independence Grove. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be served. Click to RSVP »
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Scientific Research Published
Our impact extends beyond the footprint of Lake County. Recently, Restoration Ecologist Dan Sandacz published a research article in the scientific journal Frontiers in Conservation Science. Pati Vitt, director of natural resources, is a co-author.
The article delves into the decline of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri), a federally threatened plant species. Sandacz's research casts light on how the thistle's drop in population has negative implications for the plant-pollinator community in Door County, Wisconsin. The work emphasizes how the loss of a vital plant species impacts its ecosystem. Discover more »
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Sustainability News
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Solar Switch is Gaining Momentum in Lake County
If you are considering solar panel installation for your home or business, beat the Feb 21 decision deadline to harness the power of group buying and secure a discounted price from local installers through Solar Switch.
Solar Switch is a solar group buying program to promote renewable solar energy options, open to residents and businesses in unincorporated Lake County. Learn about the basics of solar, how it can lower energy costs, and how the program can make it more affordable.
Watch this video and visit the Solar Switch website to learn more
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SWALCO Upgrades Its Special Materials Collection
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has upgraded its special materials collection and now will accept car seats in addition to other hard to recycle items such as latex paint, single-use propane, and fire extinguishers.
The collection events are open only to Lake County residents and will begin in March. The special materials collection services are available by appointment only. Learn more
Please note this service is separate from the household chemical waste collection that SWALCO also operates.
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Lake County Government News
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County Officials Attend White House Communities in Action Forum
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart attended an event at the White House to discuss the positive impacts of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda for communities in Illinois and Indiana.
The “Communities in Action” forum, held on Feb. 1, gathered leaders who shared their success stories about community revitalization, economic recovery, sustainable energy initiatives, and increased access to health services. Learn more
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Lake County Provides Shared Expectations for Vista Medical
Center East
On February 2, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that Vista Medical Center East is no longer an Illinois Designated Level II Trauma Center in EMS Region 10. This change in status was due to the absence of a number of requirements for Vista to retain its trauma designation. As a result those requiring a higher level of care may need to travel further for definitive care during an emergency.
On Monday, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek, Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister, and Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart held a joint press conference to address community impact and health systems implications regarding recent challenges facing Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, Illinois. You can read more about the press conference and the shared expectations for Vista Medical Center East via the press release.
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Qualified Candidates Sought for Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals
Lake County is seeking qualified candidates to serve on the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The ZBA is established under the statutory provisions of the County’s Code and focuses on zoning in the unincorporated areas of Lake County.
Residents of Lake County, whether they reside in the unincorporated area or in a village/city who are interested in serving on the ZBA are encouraged to apply online. Those interested in serving are encouraged to apply by March 1. Learn more
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Lake County Celebrates 211 Day
Lake County will soon celebrate 211 Day, celebrating this free 24/7 easy-to-remember helpline that connects residents to a wide range of essential health and human services.
If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 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. Expert navigators are trained specialists who listen, identify underlying problems, and guide people to available resources.
Since its start, 211 has made more than 250,000 connections in every zip code in Lake County, providing help for housing and shelter, rent and utility assistance, mental health and addictions, food, healthcare and more.
Visit 211 to learn more
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Election News |
Early Voting for March 19 General Primary Election Begins Feb. 8
The Lake County Clerk's Office announced early voting will begin Thursday, Feb. 8 for the March 19 General Primary Election. Voters may begin casting their ballots at the Lake County Administrative Complex lobby, 18 N. County St., Waukegan. This location will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, through March 1.
County-wide early voting opens at designated locations on March 4. Lake County voters may use any early voting site regardless of where they live.
View the full list of early voting locations Hours and dates vary at each location. Some sites offer extended weekend and evening hours.
Find more election information
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Transportation News
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Report Potholes on County Highway
Has your time on the roads been a little bumpy lately? The break from snow is allowing the Lake County Division of Transportation crews to catch up on the recent crop of potholes following the freeze and thaw cycles.
If you encounter potholes or any road issue on a County highway, you can report your concern to the LCDOT through this online form.
If it’s a state highway or interstate, you can report it to the Illinois Department of Transportation by calling 800-452-IDOT (4368).
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Sheriff's Office News |
Join the Community Police Academy
Get an in-depth view of the various responsibilities of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office by joining the next Community Police Academy. The academy will meet Mondays starting the week of Feb. 19 to April 29. Classes will be held at the sheriff’s substation in Libertyville and headquarters in Waukegan.
Participants must be ages 18 or older of good moral character with no felony convictions. The deadline to apply to join this free program is Feb. 12. Learn more and apply
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Nineteenth Judicial Circuit News |
Applications Taken to Seek Grant from Crime Victims Services Fund
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit is accepting applications from non-profit organizations, agencies and local governments that provide services to crime victims and their families and seek grant funding through the Crime Victims Services Fund.
Last year, $100,000 in grants were awarded to the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and Prairie State Legal Services to further efforts to provide services to crime victims and their families.
Access instructions to complete the Crime Victims’ Services Funding application. Completed applications are due by April 1, and grants will be awarded by May 1. Submit an application via email to CrimeVictimsServicesFund@lakecountyil.gov.
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Job News
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Looking for a Great Job? Pace is Holding Pre-Hire Events
Pace is holding events in Lake County and across the Chicago area to showcase employment opportunities to job seekers.
Attend a a pre-hire event from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake. Meet with Pace staff and complete the screening process. Learn more about the pre-hire events and this job opportunity.
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Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
Community Events & News
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Planning A Memorable Valentine’s Day? Here Are Some Ideas
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.
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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