Dear Neighbors,
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Happy mid-summer. I hope you, family and friends had a great holiday week. I have a truck full of transportation news for you.
This Tuesday, your county board approved $850 million in transportation projects for the next five years. Our Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has been diligent in selecting the most important projects to upgrade safety and modernize our road system to improve traffic flow. Many of these proposed improvements are in our area and include:
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Casey Road/Midlothian Road Resurfacing. These roads will be resurfaced between US 45 and Winchester Road. This is a preservation project that will refresh the pavement to provide a smoother ride. The condition of the existing bike path will also be looked at and upgraded if needed.
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Cedar Lake Road. The section from IL 120 to IL 60 will be studied for potential improvements, including considering a new bike path. This is in addition to the $52 million realignment of Cedar Lake Road where it intersects with Nippersink Road. After extensive lobbying, we received a $19 million federal grant for this project. I was proud to be part of the team that landed this money, which is one of two construction grants in the national RAISE Grant program awarded in the entire state.
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Center Street and Atkinson. This intersection will be studied to determine if any improvements are necessary to improve safety and traffic flow. A bike path extension from Bobolink Drive to US 45 will also be considered.
I was happy to advocate for these projects. Not only will they fix the roads we have, we will make them safer for motorists, pedestrians and bike riders, reduce congestion and carbon emissions.
On the topic of transportation safety, I will be attending our annual National Association of Counties conference this weekend to support a strong resolution calling for enhanced railroad safety regulation. As you know, rail traffic through our communities has been rising in recent years. We need more federal oversight to protect our communities.
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Forest Preserve News
We now have a web page with some details on the referendum that will be placed on the November ballot to sell $155 million in bonds. If approved, the estimated annual tax increase on a Lake County home valued at $300,000 is just under $33 annually.
What will the money be used for?
- $90 million for public access improvements and habitat restoration.
- $65 million for land acquisition to ensure our preserves can be enjoyed by future generations in every part of Lake County.
- Protect biodiversity and restore wildlife habitat that is home to native plants and animals, some of which are threatened or endangered. Lake County has more endangered species than any other county in Illinois.
- Build important trail connections, including the Millennium Trail, which runs through the heart of your local preserves.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you have an immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. Dial 9-8-8 for the suicide and crisis hotline. You can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be well and stay cool!
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Sustainability News
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Join the Reuse and Recycle-O-Rama
 Help keep household items out of our landfills by participating in the Reuse and Recycle-O-Rama from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20 at the Hainesville Village Hall. This is a free event. Items collected will be reused, recycled, and donated. Also bring your confidential documents to be shredded.
Transportation News
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Old McHenry Crossings Update
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) had a great turnout at our recent public information meeting for the Old McHenry Crossings Project. The project aims to improve safety, traffic operations and connectivity for drivers, bikers and pedestrians within and surrounding the Old McHenry Road and CN Railroad area and along Quentin Road in Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich and Kildeer.
Those who missed the meeting can still be involved. Watch the video to see the proposed improvements. Visit the project website to view the materials shared at the meeting, and share your input through the interactive form.
County Clerk's Office News
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Audit Letters Mailed to All Registered Voters in County. What To Do
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.
Increasing Accessibility and Creating an Easier Voter Experience
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, which also includes a summary from the March 2024 election.
State's Attorney's Office News
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Use New Online Tool to Locate Sites to Obtain Free Gun Locks
Lake County’s Gun Violence Prevention Initiative has launched its Free Gun Lock Distribution Site Finder to find out where you can get free gun locks at designated sites around the county.
View this information available in English and Spanish to learn more about the importance of practicing secure gun storage.
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Public Works News |
Summer Water Restrictions Are In Effect
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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Forest Preserves News
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Gospelfest Planned for 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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Two Leaders Honored
Two members of the Lake County Forest Preserves team recently earned national recognition. The National Association of County Park and Recreational Officials honored Event Operations Manager Stephanie Bosack with the New Professional award while Preservation Foundation President Nels Leutwiler was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer award.
Leutwiler was recognized for his significant efforts to increase the fiscal resources for the Preservation Foundation, the 501c3 charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Bosack was awarded as an up-and-coming leader who exhibits a visionary blend of service-oriented dedication and refined business acumen. Learn More »
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Referendum on November Ballot
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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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Job News
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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.
Job Center on the Move Expanded Outreach
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
Health News
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Know the Four Steps to Summer Food Safety
With summer in full swing, many enjoy cookouts, picnics and family gatherings. The Lake County Health Department reminds you to keep foodborne illness at bay by following the four steps of food safety:
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Clean: Wash your hands, surfaces, and utensils frequently.
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Separate: Keep raw foods and ready-to-eat foods separate.
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Cook: Cook food to the correct temperature.
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Chill: Refrigerate food promptly.
Learn more
EMA News
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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
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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Enjoy Excitement for the Whole Herd at Lake County Fair
The Lake County Fair returns July 24 to 28 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. From the Ferris wheel to funnel cakes, monster trucks to livestock competitions, there is so much to enjoy during the fair. Visit the Lake County Fair’s website to learn more.
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.
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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