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Dear Neighbor,
I hope this email finds you well and ready to greet Spring! While we have great weather coming, it often comes interspersed with periods of heavy rain. Lake County Stormwater Management Commission has made many infrastructure improvements across the county, but there is always more to do. See below for two upcoming meetings about flooding - one for the Lake Michigan watershed and the other, for the Knollwood area.
When I was elected Chair over five years ago, my first priority was to make sure that you could view committee meetings at your convenience so that you could hear the deliberations on important items that affect you. If you usually watch our meetings via Comcast or AT&T, please know that LCTV is being updated and it will not be available until the project is completed, likely in two months. In the meantime, you can watch LCTV through lakecounty.tv, and our committees and board meetings will continue to be broadcast live on Zoom. To register to watch via zoom, please follow the instructions on our agendas, which can be accessed via Legistar.
I am very proud of our outstanding Finance team (formerly led by our current County Administrator, Patrice Sutton) for again being awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association. The award recognizes Lake County’s annual comprehensive financial report. Lake County is a long-standing recipient of the award. As I stated in the press release, this prestigious recognition is a testament to our staff’s strategic and ongoing commitment to financial transparency and sound fiscal management built upon a foundation of data-driven decision making. Lake County is dedicated to providing clear, easily understandable financial information to our residents and stakeholders.
As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent you on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Lake County Government News
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April 23 - Knollwood Community Drainage Improvements Meeting
Flooding is an issue across Lake County, including Knollwood. We hope you will join the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission for an overview of current and potential drainage improvements, and help identify local drainage issues.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
April 23
Knollwood Fire Station
14 N. Skokie Highway
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April 4: Hunt Club at Stearns School Road Public Meeting
The Lake County Division of Transportation is hosting a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 4 at the Holiday Inn Chicago North, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee to show the initial range of alternatives for the Hunt Club at Stearns School Road Intersection Improvement Project. Everyone is invited to attend!
The purpose of this project is to increase safety, reduce delays at the intersection and to increase pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Learn more about this project
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April 11- Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study Virtual Public Meetings
The Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study (GLCRS) is a cost-shared study with the Great Lakes States: Illinois, Indiana, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to provide a comprehensive watershed assessment of the Great Lakes coastal areas and identify vulnerable areas and identify a range of actions to improve coastal resiliency.
The Illinois session is at 10:00 am on April 11; click here to see the entire schedule and register (you can attend other state sessions). Sessions will be recorded.
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Lake County Addresses Legislative Priorities at Annual Event
Lake County works closely with our state and federal legislators, supporting important issues such as the removal of the coal ash ponds from the shores of Lake Michigan in Waukegan to advocating for federal funding for County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO), who provide assistance on a range of veteran benefits. On March 9, Lake County and the Lake County Municipal League (LCML) partnered to hold their annual Joint Legislative Breakfast.
Over 100 county and local government officials attended the event for a discussion about legislative priorities. Our 2024 Program addresses public safety, sustainability, and other important issues at the local level.
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Advocating for Capital Project Funding
While in Washington D.C. for the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference, John Wasik (Legislative Committee Chair) and I met with several Illinois members of Congress to advocate for funding for Lake County’s 2024 Capital Priorities projects.
Lake County's Capital Priorities are projects that could potentially be eligible for federal funding. We are very grateful to our federal partners for their continued advocacy and past support of many important infrastructure imporovements across Lake County. The future projects aim to improve public safety and transportation, spur economic development, provide clean water, mitigate flood-prone areas, and protect and enhance our natural environment. Read the news release to learn more
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Lake County Board Members Present at National Legislative Conference
At the recent National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference in Washington D.C., two Lake County Board members, Jennifer Clark and Sara Khiznhik, were featured panelists in different sessions. These sessions, one focused on expanding broadband access to rural and underinvested communities, the other on the success of Lake County's Gun Violence Prevention Initiative spearheaded by States Attorney Eric Rinehart, highlight the innovative work Lake County Government is doing to improve the quality of life for our residents. Lake County continues to be a leader in addressing pressing issues for counties across the U.S. Learn more
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See Shared Use Paths Planned for the Future
You can now view the shared use paths that are currently available and planned by Lake County for the future through an interactive map.
Planned shared use paths in the Lake County Division of Transportation's (LCDOT) 5-Year Plan are shown in purple on the map, and paths in the 2040 Non-Motorized Plan are shown in red. Learn more about the County’s existing and planned shared use paths
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Provide Your Input on Reducing Single-Occupancy Vehicle Usage
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) seeks your thoughts on a draft report that provides strategies and recommendations to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips in the county.
When transportation agencies refer to single-occupancy vehicles, or SOVs, we mean people primarily driving alone in their cars, trucks, and vans for their work commutes. In Lake County, 80 percent of those trips are taken in SOVs! LCDOT initiated a study to see if there is anything we can do to reduce that percentage. After engaging the public and stakeholders and researching SOV reduction programs throughout the country, LCDOT has compiled a draft report that is ready for public comment.
Reducing SOV trips - even by a small percentage, has been shown to reduce trip times, air pollution and carbon emissions. Provide your comment now through April 8. Learn more about the report and provide your input
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Lake County Div. of Transportation Interactive Dashboards for the Public
Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) offers different interactive dashboards for the public:
Crash Data Map shows crash types (pedestrian, cyclist, and/or vehicle), severity, and years (cumulative or by year), and location. LCDOT uses crash data to make important improvements for safer travel.
Five Year Transportation Improvement Plan is the scheduling component of the county’s Long Range Transportation Plan.
Planned Paths: See existing and planned shared use paths across Lake County.
The Bikeway and Trailway map shows Lake County's bike trails (emphasizing those under LCDOT jurisdiction, showing trail type, surface material section length, and total path length.
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Great News for Lake County Taxpayers! $1.9 Million Earmarked Towards Infrastructure as Part of New Legislation
Lake County is slated to receive more than $1.9 million as part of a bill that President Biden signed into law on March 9. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, includes federal funding for two Lake County Public Works infrastructure projects.
The projects are the Idlewild and Dady & Decker Water Main Replacement in unincorporated Grayslake and New Century Town Water Reclamation Facility upgrades in Vernon Hills. Learn more
Spring Hydrant Flushing Begins April 1
Lake County Public Works will conduct its semi-annual hydrant flushing program beginning April 1, depending on weather conditions.
The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., per the hydrant flushing schedule and will continue until all water mains throughout our water systems have been flushed. The anticipated completion date is May 24. View the hydrant flushing schedule
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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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New Programs to Help Remove Barriers to EV
ComEd has unveiled two new programs that are geared toward removing barriers to electric vehicles (EV) and charging availability and furthering the goal of widespread transportation electrification, a key goal outlined in the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
The first is a residential rebate program, where residents can receive up to a $3,750 rebate on Level 2 EV charging equipment and installation costs. Learn more about the program and apply today.
Business owners and public entities can get up to $180,000 in rebates for electrifying their vehicles. Plus, they may be eligible to receive up to $8,000 per port in rebates for make-ready electrical charging infrastructure for L2 chargers and up to $1,000/kW for infrastructure serving DCFC chargers. Learn more about the business and public sector rebate program.
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Drop-Off Locations Added to Accept Clothing and Textile Donations
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has added two more locations where residents can drop off your new and gently used clothing and textiles to be recycled or reused - Lake Zurich and Port Barrington.
There are 72 collection bins across the county, including in Lake Bluff and Gurnee, where you can bring men, women and children’s clothing. New and gently used items will be reused, and worn, torn and stained items will be recycled or upcycled. Help divert these materials responsibly and keep them out of the landfills.
View the full list of clothing and textiles drop-off locations
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Job News |
Apply for the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program by April 20
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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Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
Education News
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Spell W-I-N-N-E-R! Lake County Student Heads to National Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Ian Leong from Matthews Middle School in Island Lake, who won Lake County’s Regional Spelling Bee competition and will move on to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship in May. Ian and Debarghya were among the top four winners from each sectional spelling bee who advanced to compete in the regional competition. A total of 62 Lake County schools registered and took part in the initial school-wide spelling bees, which led to the sectional and then regional events.
Kudos also goes to the regional spelling bee runner-up, Debarghya Das from Hawthorn Middle School South in Vernon Hills.
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Regional Office of Education Program is Named Top 10 Finalist in National Education Showcase
The Lake County Regional Office of Education’s Illinois Virtual Schools and Academy (IVSA) program under Dr. Michael Karner was announced as one of the Top 10 finalists in the 2024 Education Innovation Showcase. The IVSA was chosen as a Top 5 finalist in the impact category. The Education Innovation Showcase honors K-12 education system leaders advancing innovation in their community and fostering meaningful change. Congratulations and thank you to Dr. Karner and his team for your leadership! Learn more
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Forest Preserves News
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Learn about Lake County's Cicada Symphony
The dynamic spring issue of Horizons magazine is available online. The vibrant hues on the front cover reveal the focus of the main feature—periodical cicadas. “The alarm clock is ready to ring for the periodical cicadas of Lake County,” writes Environmental Communications Specialist Brett Peto. Expect the impressive bugs to emerge late in May.
This elegantly crafted issue offers a variety of informative news, showcasing the new on-site catering service at Independence Grove in Libertyville, details on the Native Plant Sale, Summer Adventures and an evening gala featuring National Geographic Photo Ark photographer Joel Sartore. Read more »
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Self-Guided Tours Available
Embark on a journey of discovery at the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods where self-guided maple syrup trails await. Beginning at the Ryerson Welcome Center trailhead, learn how trees produce sap and the journey to becoming syrup through informative signs.
This tranquil walk through nature's classroom is open 6:30 a.m. to sunset, free of charge. Enjoy at your leisure and immerse yourself in the sweet science of syrup making. Read 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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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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