July 23, 2024
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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you, family and friends soaking up these long summer days.
Remember the Lake County Fair is in town this week with its usual array of delights. I always love stopping by the animal barns and main pavilion to see what our 4-Hers are doing. Did you know our University of Illinois Extension Office in Grayslake has been sponsoring 4-H for more than a century? These days, 4-Hers do everything from art to robotics. I proudly display an award-winning painting on my desk my daughter did when she was in 4-H.
One troubling concern of our summer season, though, is not only the hotter and more violent weather, it's outdoor water quality. Climate change is a factor.
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Recently, our Lake County Health Department (LCHD) was asked to test the water in our community's lake, Aldo Leopold. The Health Department routinely tests water quality near swimming beaches and pools throughout Lake County for bacteria levels. If specific bacteria (E.coli) levels are deemed unsafe, our LCHD team can close a beach.
Fortunately, the most recent test of our lake didn't show dangerous levels of bacteria. Yet there is a growing threat that "blue-green algae," -- actually a bacteria that produces toxins harmful to humans and pets -- may "bloom" in the warmer weather. This bacteria is also fed by "nutrients" such as fertilizers and lawn chemicals containing phosphorus.
That's why we water lovers need to be vigilant so that we can spot these blooms and request testing. We're fortunate to have a health department with a highly trained staff. Working with homeowner associations and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they are routinely working to ensure that our swimming beaches are safe.
LCHD conducts routine monitoring at roughly 100 swimming beaches for E.coli bacteria and harmful algal blooms at 15 locations. They will also respond to event-based sampling if harmful algal blooms are spotted on lakes.
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Anyone who cares about environmental quality can get involved. You can monitor your local lakes for algal blooms and report them to the LCHD. which advises:
"Algal bloom conditions can change quickly on a lake and dissipate and reappear. By the time we receive sample results, the lake could be in a different condition." That is why LCHD stresses “When in Doubt, Stay Out!” and avoid areas with the visible bloom which can include areas that:
- Look like spilled green or blue-green paint
- Has surface scums, mats of films
- Has a blue or green crust at the shoreline
- Is discolored or has green colored streaks
- Has greenish globs suspended in the water below the surface.
Are you concerned about an algal bloom? Contact the LCHD at 847-377-8020 or HealthEHS@lakecountyil.gov.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. For county service referrals, please call 2-1-1. If you want to reach me, I'm at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be well,
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Lake County Government News
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Board Members Lead at National Association of Counties Annual Conference with Policy Resolutions
I recently joined Lake County Vice-Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham and fellow Board Members Marah Altenberg, Jennifer Clark and Angelo Kyle to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference where we played a role in shaping national policy
Vice Chair Cunningham proposed a resolution, urging Congress to provide additional federal funding for county deflection initiatives. These initiatives aim to divert non-violent individuals from jails to treatment programs during behavioral health crises.
Addressing public safety and environmental health concerns along rail lines, Board Member Clark presented a resolution, focusing on issues such as blocked crossings, freight train lengths and the routing of hazardous materials. She also proposed that Congress reauthorize the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided free or low-cost internet services to eligible low-income residents. Learn more
Provide Your Input as County Develops Plans to Address Opioid Crisis
Lake County is receiving funds from several lawsuits to address the opioid crisis. As we develop a data-driven strategic plan as to how to use these funds, we seek your ideas as to successful ways to use these funds. You’re invited to attend a meeting in person or virtually to share your ideas.
The in-person meeting will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. July 31 at Waukegan Township, 149 S. Genesee St. The virtual meetings will be held from 7 to 8 a.m. July 31 and 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 1. Register to attend
If you are unable to attend an in-person or virtual meeting and want to provide feedback, contact Lake County Opioid Coordinator Liz Nelson at 847-377-4528 or email at enelson@lakecountyil.gov.
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County, Great Lakes Naval Station Sign Intergovernmental Support Agreement
Lake County and Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) officials gathered today to ceremoniously sign an Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) at the County’s Libertyville campus, strengthening their partnership.
Through the agreement, Lake County will provide sand, gravel and soil removal for NSGL. Lake County has an existing contract for the purchase of these services that allows NSGL to team up with the County for joint purchasing. As part of the IGSA, Lake County also will assist NSGL with material procurement. Learn more
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Get A Glimpse at the First Responders Expo
Fire department personnel joined law enforcement to participate in the 25th annual First Responders Expo in Gurnee. The family-friendly event was filled with activities, fire safety tips, squad cars, demonstrations and more. Watch this video to learn more about the annual event.
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Property Assessment News
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Property Assessment Notices Are Going to Be Mailed Soon
The 2024 property assessment notices are expected to be mailed beginning the end of July and continue through September to homeowners across Lake County.
It’s important to read and understand this notice for accuracy as it contains important information about your property. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their local township assessor’s office if they have questions regarding the valuation of their property.
Appeal Information
Property owners that decide to appeal must do so electronically. Property owners may appeal their assessment on their own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. Appeals must be filed using the SmartFile E-Filing Portal.
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Deadline to Apply for Homestead Exemptions is Approaching
Lake County residents who last year applied for and received the Low-Income Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze, the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, and the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities need to apply and request to renew the exemption.
These exemptions are available to provide tax relief to homeowners. There are specific eligibility requirements for each exemption. The final date to renew is July 31. View the Tax Relief page to learn more.
Changes to Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities
There was a change in the law regarding the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities, which will affect the 2023 property tax bill, payable in 2024. This exemption provides a reduction in the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of a primary residence occupied by a veteran with a disability or the veteran's surviving spouse.
The $250,000 EAV cap has changed to a $250,000 maximum exemption. The changes are implemented following the passage of HB 612. Also, beginning in 2024, payable in 2025, veterans of World War II, irrespective of disability status, and their surviving spouse is eligible to apply for this exemption.
To qualify, applicants must be a Lake County resident and have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard or U.S. Reserve Forces. All applications must be submitted online through the Smartfile E-Filing Portal. You can receive assistance by phone or in person by calling or visiting the Chief County Assessment Office or the local township assessor's office.
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Sustainability News
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Attend Free Solar Power Hour to Learn About Making the Switch
If you’re interested in switching from regular electricity to solar power but are unsure as to where to begin, you can learn more about making the switch to solar by joining the Solar Power Hour at 7 p.m. tonight.
This free program is hosted by Solar Switch Chicagoland and open to anyone who wants to learn the basics of solar power and how to lower their energy costs. Register to attend this virtual program
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Learn Ways to Create A Healthy Yard
Join the next session in this year’s Garden Learning Series, “Healthy Yard, Healthy Home, Healthy Planet” on Aug. 14. Merleanne Rampale from the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) will share resources, tips and how-to information on ways to create a healthy yard, including information on the importance of healthy soil/compost/composting.
The sessions run from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the second Wednesday of the month. These classes are free, virtual via Zoom and are not recorded. Register to join
Next Mobile Household Chemical Waste Collection Aug. 17
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will hold its next mobile household chemical waste collection from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at 796 Haley St., Antioch.
The mobile HCW collections are now by appointment. The appointment scheduler works online and on mobile devices allowing you to book an appointment at your convenience. Schedule your appointment
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Forest Preserves News
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Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve to Expand
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of about 18 acres to expand Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest at a special board meeting earlier this month.
The U.S. Department of the Navy is selling the $6 million property located on the east side of Patten Road in unincorporated Highwood. It consists of a bluff surrounded on three sides by the ravines of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, a 71.5-acre parcel. The property was gifted to the Forest Preserves last summer by Openlands, a Chicago-based regional conservation organization and land trust, as an addition to Fort Sheridan. Read more »
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Tackle Climate Change with Smart Gardening
What we plant and how we plant it can make a significant difference in addressing climate change. An educational program, “Landscaping for a Changing Climate,” will explore nature-based solutions tailored for the home gardener. This session looks at practical strategies and tips that help mitigate the impacts of climate change through thoughtful landscaping choices.
The program will take place on Zoom from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20. It is designed for adults and offers valuable information for both novice and experienced gardeners. Lake County residents can attend for free, while nonresidents are charged $5. Get a Ticket »
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From Classroom Bees to Museum Murals
Wadsworth artist Samantha Gallagher has transformed her lifelong loves for insects and drawing into a business. The Lake County Forest Preserves commissioned Gallagher to create 11 cicada illustrations that make up a large part of the Dunn Museum’s special exhibition, “Celebrating Cicadas.” Additionally, she worked on illustrations of native fish for a fishing guide and native flowers, trees and shrubs to promote the Native Plant Sale.
“The Forest Preserves prioritize precise and accurate illustrations to enhance educational efforts,” said Jeanna Martinucci, communications and design manager. “This is why we selected Samantha.” Read in the Daily Herald »
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Election News
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Go Behind the Scenes to How Mail-in Ballots are Verified and Counted
The final part of the “Did You Know” video series on Voting by Mail is here to share the behind-the-scenes details of how the County Clerk’s office verifies mail-in ballots and counts your vote!
Learn the full details of the process with this video, and register to vote by mail for this fall’s election at lakecountyil.gov/VoteByMail.
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Veteran News
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Veteran Medical Foster Home Program is Launched, Individuals Sought to Become Medical Foster Home Caregivers
Aligning with the Veterans Health Administration's commitment to provide the highest levels of care in the least restrictive settings while honoring veterans’ wishes, the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) has established the Veteran Medical Foster Home Program.
A Medical Foster Home provides a safe, supportive, long-term care option for veterans in a comfortable home environment. Medical Foster Homes can be an alternative to nursing homes for veterans. A Medical Foster Home may be appropriate for those who need nursing home care but prefer a non-institutional setting with fewer residents.
The Lovell FHCC is actively seeking individuals to open their homes to become Medical Foster Home caregivers for veterans. Caregivers must live in the home as their primary residence and need to identify at least one approved relief caregiver. Caregivers and relief caregivers are thoroughly vetted and receive VA background checks.
Learn more
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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Job Center 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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Community Events and News
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End Summer Boredom! Check Visit Lake County’s Kids Summer Fun Guide
Take advantage of all the fun Lake County has to offer this summer. Whether it’s exploring nature, history or diverse attractions, there’s so much to do. Visit Lake County has lots of ideas in its Kids Summer Fun Guide to explore.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public 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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