July 9, 2024
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had a great 4th of July with friends and family! So much has been happening with Lake County Government and your Forest Preserves - it's an exciting time!
At last month's board meeting, we took a giant step toward the consolidation of 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch services. We established LakeComm, a consolidated 9-1-1 call center that is responsible for answering emergency calls for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. This agency will play a critical role to ensure that emergency calls are quickly and efficiently answered, enhancing public safety and reducing response times and ultimately saving lives. Dispatchers and Lake County's Emergency Management Agency will be housed in the Regional Operations and Communications Facility, anticipated to be operational in late summer or early fall 2025.
22 member agencies are on board, representing 26 individual public safety departments. This is a tremendous achievement and I want to thank all the partners who spent years working on this collaborative effort. Learn More
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry – ATSDR – released their Lake County report on Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and held a public information session late last month, which I attended. EtO has been a huge concern to the residents of Lake County since November of 2018, when we became aware of two facilities in the county emitting the carcinogenic gas. That concern prompted the Lake County Health Department (LCHD) to request that either the U.S. or the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conduct air testing as a first step in determining the air concentrations, and the risk they posed.
When it became clear that the EPA would not do the air testing, LCHD partnered with the Village of Gurnee and the City of Waukegan to fund and conduct air testing, which began in June of 2019. Later funding from the Illinois EPA facilitated further testing, which extended in three phases into May of 2020.
The goal was to gather data so that the ATSDR could develop a health risk consultation for the residents of the county. That request was made in March of 2019, before the air testing program even began.
In the report, the ATSDR recommends that the Illinois EPA and the two facilities investigate potential sources of EtO emissions, and that additional air testing be conducted around Vantage Specialty Chemicals.
You can provide public comment until August 5, 2024. Read Press Release
The Fort Sheridan Forest Preserves is absolutely spectacular, and visitors come from all across the Chicagoland area (and beyond) to visit this beautiful prairie and ravines on the shores of Lake Michigan. The preserve has grown from the original 250 acres, to 321 acres through a land transfer from Openlands. Earlier today, the Forest Preserve Board voted to approve the purchase of an additional 18 acres from the US Navy, creating a 340 acre preserve stretching along the shores, bluff, ravines, and tableland of Lake Michigan. This purchase has been a goal of our board and staff for over a decade, and I am grateful to our dedicated employees and our partner, the US Navy, for this wonderful agreement that will protect this property (in red, below) in perpetuity.
 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 reach out to me with any questions and concerns.
Thank you,
 Sandy Hart
Lake County Board District 13
Sandy Hart Webpage
Lake County News
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Thanks To Our Federal Partners, Lake County Receives $18.8 Million Grant Toward Infrastructure Project
Lake County will receive an $18.8 million RAISE Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation earmarked toward the Cedar Lake Road Realignment and Mobility Improvements Project. The Biden-Harris Administration's 2024 RAISE Grant Program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. This marks one of the largest federal investments the County has ever received for a local infrastructure project. I want to thank our federal delegation: Representatives Brad Schneider, Mike Quigley, Bill Foster, Jan Schakowsky, and Senators Dick Durbin, and Tammy Duckworth, for their unwavering support for the Cedar Lake Road project. Cedar Lake Road in downtown Round Lake was first studied 44 years ago to investigate safety and capacity challenges. Realigning the road is now closer than ever before. Learn more
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Summer Water Restrictions Are In Effect for Unincorporated Area
Outside water usage is restricted by County ordinance from May 15 through Sept. 15 each year to protect community water supplies during the high-usage summer months. Even numbered addresses can use outside water on even-numbered days, and odd-numbered addresses on odd days. This includes grass or landscape watering, car washing and filling swimming pools. Remember, water is a valuable resource that should not be wasted. Conserving water saves energy, benefits the environment, and can save you money on your water bill. Learn more about water usage and tips you can follow to conserve water.
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Gospelfest Is Coming Up! Join Us On July 28
Award-winning gospel group Nate Martin & SIGN (Singing in God's Name) is the headliner at this year’s free Gospelfest event at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. The music festival takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 28. Founded in May 2016, this Chicago-based ensemble has rapidly carved out a notable presence in the gospel music industry. Their unique sound, shaped by the exceptional vocal and songwriting abilities of their leader, Nate Martin, stands out in the genre. Mentored by the legendary Pastor Charles Jenkins, Martin is committed to keeping the tradition of quartet-style Praise & Worship music vibrant and influential within the gospel community. Read more »
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Lake County Receives Award from United Way for 2-1-1 Support
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Lake County Government is honored to receive the Premier Partner Award for our contribution toward 211, a service that connects residents, 24/7, 211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline connecting individuals and families in need with access to available health and human services. 211 is Lake County's one-stop-shop for help!
The data generated by the calls helps United Way, and Lake County, confirm the needs that most affect our residents: Housing and shelter, utilities, food, and employment. Learn More
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Lake County Nationally Recognized for Mental Health, Digital Equity Programs
I'm very proud that Lake County continues to be a national leader! Lake County has received two Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties for our innovative efforts to provide critical outreach to individuals in a mental health crisis and address digital equity.
The Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST) was 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.
Lake County was also recognized for our 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. Learn more
Lake County Forest Preserves Volunteer and Staffer Receive National Award
Congratulations to Nels Leutwiler and Stephanie Bosack for their national recognition of their work on behalf of Lake County Forest Preserves! Our Forest Preserves are a big reason Lake County is such a wonderful place to live, and we wouldn't be able to do all the incredible restoration, habitat protection, education, and recreation opportunities without amazing volunteers and staff. Read all about it!
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Lake County Passes Bird-Friendly Building Design Ordinance
On the heels of passing a groundbreaking bird-friendly building design (BFBD) policy last month, the Lake County Board approved a new ordinance at our June meeting to mitigate fatal bird collisions with glass on non-residential buildings in unincorporated Lake County. The American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the foremost national advocacy organization for BFBD, maintains a (mostly) current list of all adopted regulations across the US and Canada. Although our ordinance is not yet listed due to its recent adoption, we appear to be one of only three local jurisdictions within Illinois that have adopted regulations. The other two include Cook County and Highland Park.
The ordinance, which will go into effect on August 11, 2024, requires bird-friendly design as part of new construction or major renovation of non-residential development in unincorporated areas of Lake County. Learn more
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We Need Your Feedback On Riverwoods Road and Duffy Lane Project
The Lake County of Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is planning to improve Riverwoods Road and Duffy Lane in southeastern Lake County. We are calling this a "3R" project because our goal is to resurface, restore, and rehabilitate these roads in the coming years.
The project area is Riverwoods Road from Deerfield Road to IL 22 (Half Day Road), and Duffy Lane from Riverwoods Road to west of the I-94 bridge. The project is expected to include a fresh new asphalt surface, the evaluation of wider road shoulders, improved roadway drainage, and enhanced non-motorized travel opportunities that would include a new path along Duffy Lane.
LCDOT created a virtual forum for you to share your ideas and questions on this project through July 12.
Learn more about all ways to share input, including online, email, mail and phone Sign up for project updates
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Audit Letters Mailed to All Registered Voters in County. What To Do
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The Lake County Clerk’s Office has begun mailing audit letters to verify the voter rolls prior to the Nov. 5 General Election. A non-forwardable letter will be mailed to every registered voter in the county. The following are instructions to follow if you receive this letter. English Spanish |
Lake County Clerk's Office Services and Election Updates
The Lake County Clerk provides a myriad of voter and candidate services and administers Lake County elections in a fair, unbiased, accurate, efficient, and timely manner. Their office also maintains vital records, public filings, tax and real estate services. Recently, County Clerk Anthony Vega shared some highlights the office had accomplished the previous year. This includes digitizing over 1.4 million images as part of its integrated record management system and implementing the new ePollbooks and ballot-on-demand printing system to create an easier voting experience. Watch the County Clerk’s full presentation, (click on Agenda Item 8.32, or go to 1:37 of the meeting), which also includes a summary from the March 2024 election.
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Park City Stormwater Improvement Project is Now Complete!
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and the City of Park City marked the completion of the Park City Stormwater Capital Improvement project. This infrastructure improvement will alleviate flooding for more than 800 properties in Park City.
This project was funded by the initial $30 million of $122 million awarded to SMC by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to complete regional stormwater infrastructure projects. Watch this video to learn more about the project.
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and the City of Park City recently marked the completion of the Park City Stormwater Capital Improvement project with a ribbon cutting. This infrastructure improvement has involved years of planning and work and will alleviate flooding for more than 800 properties in Park City. Learn more about this project
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Sylvan Lake Dam Improvement Starting to Protect 300 Homes
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, Fremont Township Highway Department and Lake County Board gathered to celebrate the start of construction on the 100-year-old Sylvan Lake Dam in unincorporated Mundelein.
The Sylvan Lake Dam will be reconstructed to protect nearly 300 nearby homes and Sylvan Lake. Work includes relocating the above-ground sanitary sewer pipe, increasing the dam’s flood storage and installing a sidewalk. Learn more
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Follow These Tips to Swim Safely this Summer
The Lake County Health Department monitors lake water for E.coli bacteria in over 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure that the water is acceptable for swimming. If you are swimming at your local pool or enjoying time at your favorite beach, it is important to protect yourself from illness, prevent the spread of germs, and practice safe swimming. There is a small chance you can get sick from swimming in unclean or contaminated water. Now through Labor Day, beach closure information can be found on the Health Department’s Beach Monitoring and Advisories web page, which is updated daily by 10 a.m. Follow these additional tips by the Health Department to swim safely this summer.
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Lake County Partners Big Event Was A Huge Success!
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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New Annual Report Highlights Exciting Year of Growth in Lake County
After an exciting year of openings and expansions, regional planning and growth, Lake County Partners is reporting the future is bright in Lake County as it recently shared its 2023 annual report. Over the last five years, Lake County Partners work drove $1.2 billion in direct investment, helping to create 4,445 new jobs and keep 4,739 existing jobs in Lake County. The County enjoyed tremendous growth in key industries such as advanced manufacturing and life science and saw enhanced educational opportunities, which will help strengthen our talent pipeline. Read Lake County Partners' 2023 annual report to learn more, including new and expanded projects in Lake County as well as the County's efforts to invest in education.
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Residents Learn Basics of Storm Spotting to Support National Weather Service
It takes a village to keep us safe! The Lake County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) held their annual Severe Weather Spotter Course where over 50 residents ages 10 to 99 were educated about storm safety. Topics of the course included the basics of storm spotting, how to report severe weather, in addition to what to look for and what to report to the NWS when severe weather hits the County. Another Severe Weather Spotter class will be offered in 2025. To be notified about the next course, email lcema@lakecountyil.gov. To learn more about preparing for severe weather, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/Weather.
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Emergency Management Agency: What We Do
Aside from responding to emergencies, did you know that the Lake County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) provides valuable training to first responders and key partners, reviews municipal and partner emergency operations plans, assists with search and rescue, and provides education, outreach and other valuable resources to the community? In 2023, LCEMA was able to train over 500 professionals, partnered in 16 different exercises, conducted over 5,000 volunteer and intern hours, distributed over 730,000 supplies, obtained StormReady Certification through the National Weather Service (NWS), and many other accomplishments. Among the work this year are extensive planning for large events (DNC, RNC, elections), a Family Assistance Center Plan for Lake County, multiple school safety planning efforts, a mass notification regional coordination project, and numerous projects and initiatives centered around their transition into the Regional Operations and Communications Facility (ROC). Learn more about the LCEMA by viewing their annual update (click on Agenda Item #8.16 or go to 1:21:30 of the meeting)
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Learn About Your Forest Preserves Through Our E-Newsletter
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Discover the wonders of the Forest Preserves right in your inbox! Our e-newsletter is your key to unlocking a treasure trove of nature-inspired stories, event updates and restoration news. Dive into the beauty of your natural landscapes, learn about local wildlife and stay informed about upcoming programs and activities for the whole family. Sign up » |
Read Our Horizons Summer Edition Online
The beautiful summer issue of Horizons magazine is available online. Readers will learn why milkweeds matter, the science behind habitat restoration and about the Preservation Foundation’s mission to raise $20 million in a permanent endowment. The cover image features cardinal flowers along the Des Plaines River Trail. The vivid reds are scattered across the understory of a restored woodland. The issue also showcases a variety of other news including upcoming events, information about a rare plant recovery pilot program, Dunn Museum special exhibitions and the summer concerts series schedule.
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Grants Improve Our Lake County Forest 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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Referendum on November Ballot
On Nov. 5, Lake County voters will be asked to consider a referendum to bring additional resources to the Forest Preserves. The Lake County Forest Preserves board of commissioners authorized the question asking voters to approve the sale of $155 million in bonds. The Board has allocated $65 million for land acquisition and $90 million for public access improvements and habitat restoration. The estimated annual increase on a Lake County home valued at $300,000 is just under $33. New funding would be used to acquire and restore additional lands to ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations in every part of Lake County, protect and restore wildlife habitat that is home to native plants and animals, some of which are threatened or endangered and build important trail connections. Learn More
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Lake County Forest Preserves Presents Family Ponding Drop In Event
"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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Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus
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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Joy Gossman Retires After 37 Years in Public Defender's Office
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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Judge Betar Receives Lifetime Advocate Award
Lake County Associate Judge Michael B. Betar received the 2024 Arab American Bar Association (AABAR) of Illinois Lifetime Advocate Award presented by Jawad Shalabi, Vice President of AABAR. The Arab American Bar Association of Illinois is a professional association of attorneys dedicated to the rule of law, equal justice, fellowship, legal education, and community service. They are committed to quality legal representation for all, regardless of background. After high school, Judge Betar served in the United States Marine Corps. He then attended American University in Washington, D.C., and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law. After admission to the Illinois Bar, he practiced civil litigation in the private sector until he was appointed Associate Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in 2008.
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Job News
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Job Center Is On The Move!
The Job Center of Lake County has increased the number of Job Center on the Move outreach sites where you can meet with a Job Center representative one on one to work on the next steps in your career. Choose from a menu of custom services when you register. Job Center on the Move will be available at Avon Township, Catholic Charities Community Center, Highwood Library and Community Center, Legacy Reentry Foundation, North Chicago Public Library, PADS Lake County, Waukegan Township and Zion-Benton Public Library. 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.
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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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 live 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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Discover Farmers Markets in Lake County
Browsing through the vibrant array of produce at Lake County's farmers markets isn't just about supporting the local economy. It's an opportunity to savor the warm summer days with family and friends. Explore an abundance of locally sourced fruits and vegetables along with prepared foods, aromatic spices, succulent meats, artisanal pastries, and freshly baked bread. Check out the comprehensive list of Lake County's farmers markets by clicking the Farmers Market Finder and find a market near you.
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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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