Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you well and you had a chance to enjoy recent outbursts of warmer weather. Spring is so close we can taste it.
On the environmental front, there are always projects in our county legislative pipeline that take years to bear fruit. One of the most important items for our area is the Route 53 corridor greenway.
Covering more than 1,000 acres, the greenway would stretch from Lake-Cook Road to Route 120 in Grayslake. We were able to persuade Illinois Gov. Pritzker's office to propose $1 million for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources 2024 budget, which will fund strategic planning for the greenway. Of course, anything can happen between now and the end of May when the General Assembly has to vote on the budget. Yet we're fairly confident we can move forward with that line item and make the greenway a reality.
Since I was a member of the task force that recommended the greenway proposal to the General Assembly about two years ago, I salute the dynamic, active team of local citizens who were behind it. I want to thank former State Sen. Melinda Bush, the Sierra Club, Openlands, Midwest Sustainability and countless local environmentalists and fellow board members who are supporting this project.
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It takes more than a village to establish a state natural area, but it's important to know that the greenway has numerous economic and ecological benefits. I will continue to support this project, which, as chair, I proposed to the County's Legislative Committee and Board, which passed this unanimously. It has been one of my legislative priorities.
At the same time, we are pushing for multiple transportation alternatives, including recently expanded Pace On Demand and paratransit service in our area.
One other piece of good news: We will soon offer closed captioning and Spanish subtitles for recordings of our committee and County Board meetings. Thanks to the constituents who asked me to support this essential communication improvement.
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Forest Preserve News
Although we've enjoyed some pleasantly warm walks in our forest preserves recently, we're also gearing up for a variety of indoor activities during the upcoming spring break.
The Dunn Museum in Libertyville, which is always home to some fascinating family exhibits, will sponsor a food drive March 25 to 29. Visitors will receive free admission with the donation of at least one non-perishable food item or toiletry per person.
And keep your eyes and ears open an abundance of cicadas expected to emerge in May. The Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, is running a special exhibition, “Celebrating Cicadas” from April 27 through Aug. 4.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. I am available to speak to any community or faith group. You can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be well,
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Lake County Government News
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Illinois Broadband Internet Map in Progress: Confirm its Accuracy!
 The State of Illinois has initiated a challenge process that provides Illinoisans an opportunity to review its new broadband availability map. The updated map will determine which locations are eligible for funding through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. Your participation could help bring broadband funding to Lake County.
Review your home and/or business on the map and ensure their broadband internet information is accurate. Lake County residents, businesses, and property owners may submit a challenge if there are inaccuracies. View the full news release to learn more.
County Receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Lake County has once again been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award recognizes Lake County’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for the fiscal year that ended Nov. 30, 2022.
The GFOA's Certificate of Achievement is awarded to governmental entities that demonstrate a high standard of financial reporting. To be eligible for this recognition, a government must go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and exhibit a commitment to transparency, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in its financial reporting. Lake County is a long-standing recipient of the award. Read the full news release to learn more.
Apply to Join the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program
There is still time to apply and join the Summer Youth Employment Program. This popular program, funded by the Lake County Board, will provide meaningful work experiences in various worksites for about 175 young people this summer.
The deadline to apply is April 20 on the Job Center of Lake County website. Work opportunities for participants will begin on June 17.
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Election News
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Early Voting Is Available Countywide for March 19 Election
Early voting for the March 19 General Primary Election is now available county-wide. Lake County residents, who meet all voter registration requirements, can access convenient locations across the county where they can cast their ballots. Use any early voting site regardless where you live.
View the list of early voting locations and hours
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Health News
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A Way Out Program Provides Access to Substance Use Treatment
The Lake County Health Department, Lake County Opioid Initiative, and participating police departments are proud to announce that the A Way Out program has served over 1,000 clients, providing access to substance use treatment and reducing overdoses.
Through this program, a person can walk into a participating police department, turn in any drugs and paraphernalia without fear of criminal charges, and access inpatient or outpatient care. A Way Out is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone age 18 and over can participate in A Way Out. Citizenship status and language do not affect eligibility.
Learn more about A Way Out
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Sustainability News
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Build An Abundant Vegetable Garden at Virtual Class
Imagine tasting your own vegetables picked fresh from your garden. Learn steps to plan and tend your garden in the next session, Vegetable Gardening as part of the 2024 Lake County Garden Learning Series at 6 p.m. March 13.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County along with University of Extension Master Gardeners and the Lake County Forest Preserves will offer wonderful programs for gardeners and those wanting to learn to garden. The virtual classes meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All are free to attend. Register for the March 13 class and view the 2024 class schedule
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Job News |
Revive Lake County Provides Skills to Re-enter Labor Force
Is your arrest of conviction keeping you from gaining or retaining employment?
Revive Lake County is a three-week program, provided by the Job Center of Lake County that provides returning citizens with the skills needed to ensure success in the labor force. If you're interested in applying, fill out an interest form by March 29.
Complete the interest form
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Annual Educator Job Fair Is Planned March 16
Meet school leaders from multiple districts in Lake County to discover various career opportunities from 8 to 11 a.m. March 16 at Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa. Veterans may be admitted early at 7:30 a.m. Register to join the job fair
Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
Forest Preserves News
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Communication and Accessibility Enhanced
The Lake County Forest Preserves has adopted cutting-edge technology designed to enhance communication and accessibility for visitors to their website.
The Forest Preserves utilizes a computer program, known as chatbot, to simulate conversation with human users through text-based interactions. This technology prioritizes accessibility for all users and bridges language barriers through multi-language translation capabilities. Read more »
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Job Fair Set for March 11
The Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting a job fair from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 11 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. An array of temporary positions are available.
Organizers say participants should dress professionally and bring multiple copies of resumes. Interviews for temporary positions will be held on the spot at the job fair. No registration is required. For more information, call 847-367-6640. Discover more »
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Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
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.
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Community Events & News
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Discover Much of What Lake County Offers This Lively Time of Year
As winter gradually bids adieu and nature awakens, Lake County becomes a hub of activity, offering various experiences to suit every taste and preference. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a culture connoisseur or a seeker of adrenaline-pumping adventures, check out Visit Lake County’s list of Top 10 Things to Do in March.
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Free Income Tax Prep Assistance Is Available to Eligible Taxpayers
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance volunteers who are trained and certified by the IRS to help prepare basic income tax return preparation for low-and-moderate-income taxpayers aged 50 and over now through April 15. Learn more about this free service
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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.
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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