March 19, 2024
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Dear Neighbors, |
With spring beckoning us with every sandhill crane, robin and blackbird, I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well.
After nearly a year's worth of hard work by our staff and Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee, we now have a stringent county ordinance regulating fill/grade operations. View the ordinance to learn more about the change.
Although the new ordinance only applies to unincorporated county properties going forward, it will tightly restrict operations that dump tons of fill onto lots. I was proud to support these new rules.
I was honored to present a resolution recognizing March 17 to 23 as National Agriculture Week. Members of our Lake County Farm Bureau, led by Executive Director Greg Koeppen, accepted a certificate of recognition at our County Board meeting last week. We were grateful to have them as our guests. Some of the farmers have been growing crops and raising animals for several generations.
Did you know Lake County has more than 300 farms, tilling 30,000 acres, and 94% of them are family owned? We certainly need farmers to produce food locally to lower the carbon footprint of agriculture and supply our farmer's markets. We can't do enough to support family farms, which bolster food security and strengthen our communities.
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People News
Congratulations to Grayslake resident Linda Metts for serving the Lake County Health Department for 30 years. She's positively affected the lives of more than 4,000 women on their courageous journey to recovery. In the words of her coworkers, "Linda's been an amazing, motivated counselor."
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Hearty congratulations to two local young men, Orion Nerge and Cadel Emmons, who recently ascended to the rank of Eagle Scout. As an Eagle Scout myself, I was humbled to honor them with a certificate of recognition from the County Board. They have already served the community and will continue to do more as they enter college.
And last, thanks to the more than 100 legislators, mayors and staff members who attended our recent annual legislative breakfast. Working with the Lake County Municipal League, we discussed our local legislative agendas. Thanks to officials from Round Lake and Grayslake who attended and our area's Springfield delegation of Rep. Laura Faver-Dias and State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen.
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Forest Preserve News
I don't know about you, but I'm jazzed about the coming emergence of a massive brood of cicadas. These harmless, boisterous red-eyed insects will create a chorus of curiosity. The Forest Preserves is celebrating the emergence with an array of educational programs and events such as Cicada Fest, a free celebration on June 9.
Plan your visit to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville to experience the special exhibition, "Celebrating Cicadas," which opens April 27 to Aug. 4. Learn more about the captivating insects and related family events in Horizons magazine.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you have immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. I am also available to talk to your 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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 Exciting News! Lake County’s Website Is Getting a New Look
Redesigned with you in mind, Lakecountyil.gov is getting updated to be easier to navigate on mobile devices, provide translation and improved user accessibility, along with a refreshed design and look.
Be on the lookout for these changes coming soon!
Lake County Addresses Legislative Priorities at Annual Event
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 and listened to a joint presentation provided by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, County Legislative Committee Chair John Wasik, and LCML President Mayor Nandia Black. Eight members of Lake County’s state delegation were in attendance for the presentation and answered questions from the attendees regarding their priorities.
The County’s Legislative Program addresses public safety, sustainability, and other important issues at the local level. Learn more about the county’s Fiscal Year 2024 Legislative Program.
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Happy 185th Birthday Lake County!
Join Lake County as we celebrate our 185th birthday. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to join the celebration, learn more about our rich history and discover fun activities to fill your spring such as a birthday-themed bingo game.
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Public Works News |
$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 Schedule Will Begin 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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Election News
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Today is the General Primary Election. Here's What to Know
Whether you’re curious about what’s on your ballot, want to track your vote-by-mail ballot, or need to find your Election Day polling place, go to Voter Power to find your election information.
Election Results
After the polls close on Election Day, and once early vote and vote-by-mail results are uploaded, Election Day site totals also will begin to upload to our Election Results portal. Access the unofficial election results
Per Illinois election law, election results are not final until 14 days after Election Day. There may be votes that need to be counted from verified provisional ballots and late-arriving vote-by-mail ballots postmarked no later than Election Day.
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Transportation News
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See Initial Alternatives for Hunt Club at Stearns School Road Project
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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Health News
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Health Department Offers Reduced Well Water Testing Rates
Homeowners who use well water as their primary source of drinking water can take advantage now through Friday, March 22 of a reduced well water testing fee, provided by the Lake County Health Department. The normal $18 fee for testing bacteria and nitrates will be reduced to $15.
Sterile test bottles and sampling instructions are available at the Lake County Central Permit Facility at 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, the Health Department's headquarters at 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan, and 19 township or municipal offices located throughout Lake County. Find a location near you to pick up a water sample kit. Water sampling kits also can be mailed to residents for an additional postage fee. 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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Technology Improves Communication
The Lake County Forest Preserves 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. Discover 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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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.
Kudos also goes to the regional spelling bee runner-up, Debarghya Das from Hawthorn Middle School South in Vernon Hills.
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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.
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Get Help
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. Speak to a person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Job Center is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Watch this video to learn more about the virtual and onsite resources that are available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about various 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.
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Community Events and News
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Discover Fun Spring Break Ideas in Lake County
Spring break brings springtime joy, offering opportunities to venture into the wonders of Lake County. Discover a plethora of engagements, ranging from egg hunts to vibrant parades, catering to a spectrum of preferences from high-energy adventures to leisurely pursuits.
Embrace spring break in Lake County by checking out Visit Lake County’s guide and immerse yourself in the seasonal delights!
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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. |
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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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