June 26, 2024
Transportation News
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Provide Your Input on Riverwoods Road and Duffy Lane "3R" Project
 The Lake County Division of Transportation invites the community to provide feedback on potential improvements to Riverwoods Road from IL Route 22 to Deerfield Road, and Duffy Lane from Riverwoods Road to the I-94 Bridge in the Village of Lincolnshire and Riverwoods.
Visit the project website to learn more about this project and to access the public comment map to see comments already submitted and to provide your input. The virtual public forum is open until July 12.
Milwaukee Avenue Closing at Rail Crossing
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that repairs by Metra at a crossing on Milwaukee Avenue (IL 21) north of Lake Street in Libertyville will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, at 9 a.m. July 8. A posted detour will direct motorists to Park Avenue (IL 176), Butterfield and Winchester roads. The work is expected to be complete by 7 a.m. July 18.
2024 Pavement Rejuvenator Locations
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will be applying pavement rejuvenator, a glue-type substance that can extend the life of a road by five years, to several newly completed road surfaces in Lake County over the coming days.
Applying pavement rejuvenator is one of the many pavement management techniques LCDOT uses to preserve the county highway system. Learn more by watching this video and visiting LCDOT's website.
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Oak Spring Road - Closure for Bridge Replacement
The Libertyville Township Road District will be replacing the Oak Spring Road Bridge over the Des Plaines River this summer. The work will consist of a full removal and replacement of the bridge structure.
It is currently anticipated that Oak Spring Road will be closed at the Des Plaines River crossing starting July 8, and the closure will remain in place into the summer of 2025. Motorists needing to cross the Des Plaines River in this area are encouraged to do so via IL 176 (Park Ave).
View the Township Road District's project website to learn more
Transportation Links
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
Forest Preserves News
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Grants Improve Preserves
The Lake County Forest Preserves received more than $2 million in grants over the past 13 years from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF). The Foundation ceased its grant-making activities due to the exhaustion of its funds.
Two notable grants recently benefited the Forest Preserves. The first is $233,600 to help preserve 18.2 acres as an addition to Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve in Wadsworth. The second grant is designated to support volunteer efforts at Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich. It offers $3 in matching funds for every $1 raised to support the project, up to $21,000. It also provides $4,000 once volunteers donate at least 400 hours at the preserve, for a total grant of $25,000. Read more »
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Sensory-Friendly Hour
A "Sensory-Friendly Hour" is taking place at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, June 29. The Museum will be open to those who need a calm and quiet visit before it is open to the public. A quiet room for stimulation breaks will be accessible. Creative crafts hands-on activities will be available in the cafe space. Adult supervision is required. Get Ticket »
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Family Ponding Drop In
"Family Ponding" takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 17 at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa. Participants will discover and identify aquatic life through ponding. This is a drop-in event. Adult supervision is required for the free educational program. Follow forest preserve event signs and meet by the canoe launch. Learn More »
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Lake County Government News
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County Is Recognized Nationally for Digital Equity and Mental Health Initiatives
Lake County has received two Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties for its innovative efforts to address digital equity and provide critical outreach to individuals in a mental health crisis.
The first award recognized the County’s Digital Growth Initiative (DGI), which was created in 2023 to better understand the current state of high-speed internet service and digital equity in Lake County and then implement solutions for improvement.
The Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST) was also recognized for its effort to ensure the safety of residents who struggle with mental health issues. This multi-agency team became operational in January 2022. When a mental health related call is received, a social worker, clinician or peer specialist will partner with a police officer or a Sheriff’s deputy from one of the team agencies to respond. Learn more
Partners’ Big Event Looks at How Ai is Transforming Society
Lake County Partners brought together key stakeholders, business leaders and innovators from across the region at its annual Big Event, making it a catalyst for collaboration, idea exchange, inspiration and networking.
The program is renowned for its cutting-edge economic development insights, and this year focused on the monumental impact of artificial intelligence. Watch this video to learn more.
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Sustainability News
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Keep Clothes Out of the Landfills. Find A Bin Near You
Health News
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Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
A mosquito pool, or batch of mosquitoes, sampled on June 12 in Highland Park has tested positive for West Nile virus. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2024. Learn how to practice the “4 Ds of Defense” to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes.
The Lake County Health Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program coordinates mosquito trapping results throughout Lake County. Mosquitoes are tested weekly for West Nile virus. The program also monitors reports of dead birds (an early sign of the presence of the virus) and investigates areas of stagnant water for the presence of mosquito larvae, specifically from the Culex mosquito, which is the primary carrier of West Nile in Illinois.
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Job News
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Job Center on the Move Bonus Events
The Job Center of Lake County is on the move with these bonus events. Meet with a Job Center representative for one-on-one support at these times. Check the Job Center calendar to learn more about all the upcoming events.
- 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 26 at Avon Township, 433 E. Washington St., Round Lake Park
- 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 27 and 9 a.m. to noon Friday, June 28 at Waukegan Township, 149 S. Genesee St.
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Getting Hired After Age 50
The older one gets, the more difficult it may be to find employment. Join a virtual workshop from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 27, offered by the Job Center of Lake County to better understand how to use your experience and seasoning to find that next opportunity faster. Register to attend
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.
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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Public Defender's Office News
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Joy Gossman Retires After Serving Office 37 Years
Congratulations to Joy Gossman, who recently retired from the Public Defender’s Office after serving 37 years, including 17 years as the Chief Public Defender.
She was recognized at the June County Board meeting for her many contributions to the office, including creating an Immigration Investigator position to help attorneys navigate complex immigration issues faced by their clients. She was also the first Public Defender in the nation to be granted a certified facility dog, Duo Dog Simba, who works with adult clients and abused and neglected minors in juvenile court.
Joy also was known for her unwavering commitment to her clients. She empowers her staff to guide clients to treatment alternatives over incarceration, low-cost housing opportunities and created a necessities bank to distribute donated toiletries, shoes, clothing and luggage needed by clients.
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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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Community Events and News
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Visit Lake County Shares Its Fourth of July Guide
Lake County is the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth of July, offering a variety of exciting activities for all ages. From dazzling fireworks displays to festive parades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out Visit Lake County’s guide to explore the best ways to celebrate Independence Day in Lake County.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all Lake County board and committee meetings 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.
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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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