April 26, 2024
Friends,
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Last week was a big one for Lake County as we strive to improve public safety. This week’s newsletter highlights so much of the great work being done including the introduction of a new software system that not only will result in faster response times for our first responders (firefighters, paramedics and EMTs, law enforcement officers) when you call 911; it will also make better use of taxpayer funds by streamlining our emergency response system.
Other public safety initiatives that you can learn about in this week’s newsletter include free boating safety training and our 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is a comprehensive approach to prioritizing public safety by preserving, modernizing and expanding county-owned infrastructure.
Finally, as one of the founders of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office’s Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, I am thrilled to announce the publication last week of our first-ever comprehensive, county-wide Violence Prevention Plan. You can read the plan here.
The GVPI’s 2024 Violence Prevention Plan is a lengthy document, but there is an excellent two-page executive summary near the beginning that will give you a great overview of this innovative program for addressing not only the acute problem of violence but also its underlying root causes.
If you have questions or concerns about any of the approaches Lake County is taking to improve public safety, please contact me anytime at
SKnizhnik@lakecountyil.gov. I would love to hear from you.
Best wishes,
Lake County Government News
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Cutting Edge Public Safety Software Launches for 40+ Agencies in Lake County
In the latest move towards improving 9-1-1 call-taking, emergency dispatch services and public safety in Lake County, more than 40 local law enforcement and fire agencies have gone live with state-of-the-art computer software that will improve the way they receive and manage information and work together.
The new computer software consolidates more than 15 systems used by local agencies into one, resulting in greater collaboration and efficiency when minutes matter. Learn more
Congrats to Brenda O’Connell Who Will Support State’s Homeless Response
Lake County Community Development Administrator Brenda O’Connell is moving May 1 to a statewide policy role at the Illinois Housing Development Authority to support the statewide homeless response.
During her tenure at Lake County, Brenda partnered with the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless in achieving national recognition for innovative efforts to end veteran homelessness. During the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, she led the County’s efforts in overseeing emergency rental assistance, shelter and food support, administering over $60 million in CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act funds to support our most vulnerable residents. All the while, Brenda and her team continued to administer the County’s annual award of federal, state and local funding to address affordable housing, homeless services, public infrastructure, public services and behavioral health.
Learn more about the services offered by Lake County Community Development
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Transportation News
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Regional Transit Authority News
Reduced fares are available through the Metra system to riders experiencing low incomes through the Regional Transportation Authority Access Pilot Program. All Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipient household members within RTA’s six-county jurisdiction are eligible for reduced fare. The pilot program will end July 31, 2025. Learn more, including how to apply.
RTA also coordinates discounted fare and free ride programs to qualifying riders in the region. Learn more about these programs
The RTA offers a free Travel Training Program to teach older adults and people with a disability how to use public transportation in the RTA region. The goal is to increase travel independence and is customized based on a person’s need. To sign up, email traveltraing@rtachicago.org or call 312-913-3120.
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Sheriff's Office News
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Sheriff’s Office is Awarded POW/MIA Chair of Honor
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office recently accepted the POW/MIA Chair of Honor, donated by Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapter 2.
The POW/MIA Chair of Honor, which will be displayed in the Office’s Training Room, is a commemorative symbol of the sacrifices made by American military families. The Sheriff’s Office was selected for this honor because of the office’s commitment to those who have served, are serving, or will serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Watch this video to learn more
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Take Free Boating Safety Course
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Fox Waterway Agency, is hosting an Illinois Department of Natural Resources boating safety course. The course will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 at the Fox Waterway Agency, 45 S. Pistakee Lake Road, Fox Lake. The course is free, but registration is limited. Email boatsafe509@gmail.com to register.
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Sustainability News
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Earth Day is Every Day
While people around the world held many events to celebrate Earth Day April 22, in Lake County we’re always looking to ways to protect the environment and provide resources to residents to be more sustainable.
Visit the County’s Sustainability website to see how we are working to be more sustainable and resources you can use including a discounted way to move toward rooftop solar installation and ways to make your home bird friendly inside and out.
There are many other resources in Lake County to protect and enjoy our natural resources. Check out the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County website to learn about recycling services and composting. Also, visit the Lake County Forest Preserves website to explore over 31,000 acres of protected natural land for recreational activities, trails, education and more.
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SWALCO, Village of Lake Zurich Hold Spring Compost Giveback
Reap all of the benefits of applying and incorporating compost into your spring plantings or yard by coming to the Spring Compost Giveback on Saturday, April 27 at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and Village of Lake Zurich will provide a maximum of 20 gallons of compost free to each household. Please bring your own bucket. Compost will be available as supply lasts. Also, individuals can bring sensitive confidential documents to be securely shredded between 9 a.m. and noon. Learn more
Learn the Benefits of Composting
Join compost giveaways, community garden tours, library story times and more May 5 to 11 as the Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition and Solid Waste Agency of Lake County educate communities about the role composting plays and the myriad of benefits it offers during International Compost Awareness Week. View Illinois’ ICAW schedule of events
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Public Works News |
Five-year Capital Improvement Program is Released
Lake County Public Works has released its 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program. Some of these projects will be part of this year's busy construction season.
Our team continues to be proactive in preserving, modernizing, and expanding infrastructure through the Capital Improvement Program. In some areas, we will be replacing more than 60+ year old pipes, and in other areas crews will be building new infrastructure to ensure our service areas can keep up with increased demand.
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Health News
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Dispose Your Medications Properly by Using Collection Boxes
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose.
Lake County is joining the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27 and urges you to properly dispose unused drugs to save lives and the environment. There are permanent prescription drug disposal boxes across the county where you can properly dispose of old and unneeded medications safely and anonymously. Find a collection box near you
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Animal Care and Control Has New Facebook Group
The Lake County Health Department’s Animal Care and Control program has a new Facebook group. Here, you can find updates on found, reunited and rescued pets in Lake County. Join the group
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Veteran News |
Legislative Initiatives Address Claims and Appeals for Veterans
Superintendent Andrew Tangen of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on Capitol Hill on several pending and proposed legislative initiatives considered by Congress.
These initiatives focus on improving the processing of claims and appeals for benefits in the veteran community. These legislative initiatives may bring faster, more accurate decisions to veterans and survivors and clearer communication from the VA so that veterans and survivors have a better understanding of the decisions they receive on benefits.
The Veterans Assistance Commission provides a variety of services to veterans and their families including VA disability claims advocacy, financial assistance, burial benefits and survivor’s benefits. All services are provided at no charge to the veteran. Learn more
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Get Help
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Call 211 To Get 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 live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 languages. Learn more
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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. View the full Job Center calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Check Hire Lake County
Visit Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
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Forest Preserve News
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Cicada Symphony
The Dunn Museum in Libertyville is combining a spectacle of nature with a special exhibition. Dedicated to the emergence of the 17-year periodical cicadas, “Celebrating Cicadas” runs from April 27 to Aug. 4.
Every 17 years, billions of periodical cicadas emerge from the ground, creating a natural phenomenon that captures the imagination of people worldwide. The Dunn Museum's exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the biology, behavior and ecological significance of these remarkable creatures.
Cicadas are expected to emerge in Lake County in late May and early June, once the temperature of the upper 8 inches of soil reaches 64 degrees. Read more »
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Native Plant Sale Planned
Enhance your gardening efforts with our upcoming Native Plant Sale. The sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11 and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, May 12 at the North Bay Pavilion within Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Inventory is limited and first come, first served. The best plant selection will be on Saturday. Plants are not restocked overnight. We encourage shoppers to bring boxes to transport plants home.
Possibility Place Nursery provides the plants. Admission to Independence Grove is free for all Native Plant Sale customers. Plant prices vary. The Native Plant Sale is an annual fundraiser benefiting our environmental education programs and events. Discover more »
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Beer Garden Opens May 4
The popular venue features a variety of Lake County craft brews on tap, along with packaged snacks and other beverages. Plenty of casual lakeside seating is available. The hours are:
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Beginning May 4: Friday through Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m.
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Special hours Monday, May 27: 1 to 9 p.m.
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Beginning May 28: Tuesday through Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday: 1 to 9 p.m.
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Learn more »
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Community News and Events
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Join the First Responders Expo Celebration
Join the 25th annual First Responders Expo, featuring safety activities, food trucks, live demonstrations and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18 at Gurnee Mills Parking Lot E. Over 45 police and fire departments will participate. Also, experience the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit with a private tour from 9/11 New York firefighters.
Then on May 19, see the Rods for Remembrance Car Show from noon to 5 p.m. The free family-friendly car show is in support of first responders, their families and veterans. The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit will again be open to view. Learn more
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Watch 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 St., 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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