Lake County Government News
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Lake County Website Is Redesigned with You in Mind
 Lake County has redesigned its website, LakeCountyIL.gov, offering improved accessibility and a cleaner layout to help you find what you need, when you need it.
The site map has been updated to improve navigation and make it easier to access our services. Every web page includes a new header, providing easy access to a translate button, our new department directory, the County home page, and a search bar. You can find contact information and links to each department's social media accounts, if active, at the bottom of their webpage.
Celebrating Innovations in Public Health, Safety, Justice and More
Lake County joins the nation’s 3,069 counties to recognize National County Government Month, highlighting the work we do to protect and enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents.
Lake County delivers a vast range of services that touch every aspect of residents’ lives, maintaining roads, assisting veterans and their families, providing public safety, giving medical care and more. We also spearhead local, state and federal intergovernmental partnerships.
Visit our website to learn all about the services we provide, and sign up to receive general news and information about Lake County.
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Transportation News
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Lake County Announces $127 Million 2024 Construction Program
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) announced the 2024 construction program that includes $127 million for infrastructure projects to increase driver and pedestrian safety, improve mobility and reduce carbon emissions on Lake County's transportation system.
More than 20 transportation projects will be under construction in 2024, featuring intersection improvements, non-motorized paths, resurfacings and bridge maintenance. Learn more about this year’s construction program
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Initial Alternatives for Rollins Road Project To Be Presented
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is hosting a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. April 17 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center to show the preferred alternative for the Rollins Road Resurfacing and Sidewalk Improvements Project. Everyone is invited to attend.
The purpose of this project is to fill sidewalk travel gaps on both sides of Rollins Road and resurface the existing pavement. Learn more about this project.
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Sheriff's Office News |
Lake County Sheriff’s K9 Retires
The Lake County Sheriff's Office recently held a ceremony for K9 Dax to recognize his retirement and celebrate him for 10 years of dedicated service to Lake County.
K9 Dax, who joined the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in spring 2015, has thrived in his role as a police canine.
K9 Dax and his partner, Deputy John Forlenza, have located over 400 missing endangered people or fleeing felons. He has hundreds of kilos of illegal drugs, millions of dollars seized, dozens of firearms discarded by offenders, dozens of seized vehicles, and has participated in hundreds of community and school demonstrations.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg has accepted K9 Dax’s official retirement request from Deputy Forlenza and ordered him to be turned over to Deputy John Forlenza, to enjoy his retirement. K9 Dax will undoubtedly miss going to work every day but will enjoy relaxing with Deputy Forlenza and his family. Learn more
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Sheriff’s Office to Purchase 15 Flock Safety Cameras
The Lake County Board has approved the purchase of 15 Flock Safety Cameras to be used by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office joins over 20 Lake County municipalities who use Flock Safety Cameras. The cameras provide a tool for law enforcement agencies to locate missing or endangered persons, stolen vehicles and suspects wanted for violent crimes. They are not used for traffic enforcement purposes. Learn more
State's Attorney's Office News
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Free Gun Locks Are Available to Residents
The Gun Violence Prevention Initiative is partnering with the Veteran’s Administration and the Illinois Department of Public Health to distribute thousands of free gun locks to Lake County residents.
This effort aims to meet Lake County residents where they are by utilizing libraries, fire departments, gun shops, doctor’s offices, mental health providers, faith institutions, and more as distribution sites. Residents can pick up gun locks and education information (in English and Spanish) free and anonymously with no questions asked.
The goal of this project is to make it as accessible as possible for Lake County residents to receive gun locks and information about safe firearm storage (in English and Spanish) to reduce firearm suicide and unintentional firearm injuries, especially among children.
If your organization is interested in serving as a gun lock distribution site, please fill out this form.
Health News
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IDPH Issues Updated Sport Fish Consumption Advisories
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its updated consumption advisories for sport fish caught in Illinois waters. The advisories are based on routine testing conducted by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program, which was updated last fall to include testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.”
IDPH maintains an interactive Fish Advisory Map that includes consumption advisories for more than 100 publicly accessible bodies of water in Lake County and across the state. While there is no known immediate health hazard from eating contaminated fish from any Illinois water body, there are concerns about effects of long-term exposure to PCBs, PFAS, and methylmercury in fish.
Learn more about the sport fish consumption advisories
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Stormwater Management News
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Public Is Invited to Manitou Creek-Fish Lake Drain Watershed-Based Plan Stakeholder Meeting on April 24
The public is invited to attend the second stakeholder meeting for the Manitou Creek-Fish Lake Drain Watershed-Based Plan. The meeting will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. April 24 at the Round Lake Area Public Library.
The Manitou Creek-Fish Lake Drain Watershed Plan update will cover the portions of Lake County that drain to Manitou Creek, including the Fish Lake Drain watershed. The updated Watershed-Based Plan will identify practices, projects, and programs that can be implemented by stakeholders to reduce pollution and flood damage and protect natural resources. Your input and ideas are important.
Sustainability News
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Earth Day Is Coming! Discover Ways To Celebrate All Month Long
 Earth Day is almost here, an opportunity to raise awareness about the need to protect our natural resources. Lake County is focused on supporting the environment, mitigating the effects of climate change, protecting natural resources and planning for the future.
This includes providing resources to recycle and compost, supporting a sustainable transportation system to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions and providing resources to look at renewable energy sources such as solar power.
Check above for some suggestions as to how you can celebrate Earth Day, and look to my next newsletter to learn more about celebrating Earth Day in Lake County.
Save the Date for International Compost Awareness Week
Enjoy a week of fun, informative events from May 5 to 11 to learn the role composting plays and the benefits it offers when the Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition celebrates International Compost Awareness Week.
There will be a variety of programming including Adventures in Composting, a virtual legislative lunch to learn about the status of food scrap and compost-related policies and over a dozen compost giveaways across the county. There are still ways that you can also participate by hosting an event.
Learn more about ICAW and ways you can participate
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Forest Preserves News
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Joel Sartore Headlines May 17 Gala
World-renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore is the featured speaker at a May 17 gala benefiting the Lake County Forest Preserves. Sartore will delve into his ambitious National Geographic Photo Ark project dedicated to documenting every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries.
The evening features a cocktail reception, seated dinner and a photo-filled presentation. The Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves, is holding the event at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. To purchase tickets or a table, visit LCFPD.org/gala or call 847-968-3110. Read more »
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Strategic Partnership Formed
The College of Lake County (CLC) and the Lake County Forest Preserves have joined in a partnership to revitalize the Green Youth Farm, renamed Greenbelt Farm. The strategic partnership aims to foster sustainable farming, environmental education and community engagement. Together, the agencies aspire to create a thriving space that not only contributes to the local ecosystem but also serves as a dynamic educational hub for area teenagers.
This 1.25-acre sustainable farm is nestled within Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago. It’s the second farm in CLC’s local food portfolio, joining the Grayslake Campus Farm. Discover more »
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Buzzy Podcast Episode
Emergency Management News
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Learn How to Stay Safe When Flooding Threatens
Flooding can occur without warning and is especially dangerous for several reasons. It can wash away vehicles and mobile homes and cause extensive property damage.
Knowing the difference between a flood watch and flood warning, finding out how to get emergency alerts, reviewing flood insurance policies, and protecting your property are all ways you can prepare. Use these resources to stay prepared.
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Did You Know Radio Operators Assist During Emergencies?
Did you know the Lake County Emergency Management Agency partners with a group of radio operator volunteers that are specially trained to assist during emergencies?
Learn more about the Lake County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services, or RACES, group and their work to support our Emergency Management Agency’s work with our latest Did You Know video.
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Property News
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Remember JULIE Before You Dig
Each year, homeowners plant, build, add, and fix things outdoors or hire someone for projects like installing a fence, replacing a mailbox post, planting trees or shrubs, adding a deck, erecting a swing set, or putting in a pool. All these projects require digging. Before you dig, contact the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators or JULIE.
Striking an underground utility line can interrupt critical services such as electricity, natural gas, water, phone, cable TV, Internet, fiber optics, and more. It can result in costly repairs and can cause serious injury.
It’s easy to contact JULIE before you dig. Submit a locate request online or call 811 or (800) 892-0123.
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Job News
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Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers. The website now has a new look including improved navigation and streamlined content.
Navigate to the featured content, including workforce solutions for businesses, career resources for job seekers, job opportunities vetted by our business service team and a robust calendar of events. And while on the website, try the “select language” feature in the upper right corner of the page.
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Save the Date for Upcoming Job Fairs
Lake Zurich Job Fair
Participating businesses will actively recruit for specific job openings between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. April 18 at Lake Zurich High School. Businesses will perform on-the-spot interviews with candidates. Learn more
College of Lake County Job Fair
The job fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24 at the CLC Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan. Over 20 employers will offer opportunities in various industries including agriculture, technology, construction and transportation. Learn 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.
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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Spring Has Sprung! Discover the Top 10 Things to Do in April
Spring festivities have begun in Lake County. Boating enthusiasts will eagerly anticipate to hit the water, and visitors can see the scenic beauty of Lake County’s Forest Preserves come to life. There are festivals, farmers markets and much more.
Check out Visit Lake County’s Guide to the Top 10 things to do in April and make your spring plans.
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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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