Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you, family and friends relishing these last days of summer.
Although many families are preparing for their kids going back to school, it's also prime time for the beginning of the Hike Lake County season, which starts on Aug. 15.
The premise of Hike Lake County is simple: hike seven of 12 designated Lake County forest preserve trails and you'll receive a commemorative shield for your hiking stick or a zipper pull/dog tag for your pooch.
I try to walk every trail annually and thoroughly enjoy this smorgasbord of our trail system. This year, our shield/medallion features one of our star attractions: a periodical cicada. You'll also have a chance to see our new "net-zero energy" Ryerson Education Center in Riverwoods. The building, within the Ryerson Conservation Area, aims to produce as much energy as it consumes each year. It's an educational opportunity to learn how the Forest Preserves –– and county government –– are directly addressing climate change.
Keep in mind that getting outdoors for a walk is good for your mind, body and spirit. It's also a free and enriching family activity.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you have an immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. I am available by emailing JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
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Transportation News
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County Announces $850 Million Transportation Improvement Program
 The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has launched a new interactive dashboard displaying the more than 300 projects in its 2024-2029 Transportation Improvement Program that was recently adopted by the Lake County Board.
The program is designed to maintain more than 900 lane miles of county highways, increase driver and pedestrian safety, improve mobility and reduce carbon emissions. This program is updated annually to show the projects planned in the current year and the next five years.
Attend Pace's Public Hearing Permanent Expansion Round Lake Area On Demand Service on Aug. 13
Pace is holding a public hearing on the proposed permanent expansion of the Round Lake Area On Demand service. The hearing will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Village of Round Lake Heights Board Room, 619 W. Pontiac Court.
As part of a pilot project that began in August 2023, the Round Lake Area On Demand service zone was expanded, and an additional in-service vehicle was added to accommodate the larger service area. Since the expansion, ridership has increased. As the pilot period comes to an end, Pace is proposing to make the Round Lake Area On Demand service changes permanent.
To comment on these proposed changes, attend the public hearing or submit comments at Pace’s website, by email to public.hearings@pacebus.com, by calling 847-354-7943, or by mail to: Pace, Community Relations Department, 550 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4412. All comments submitted at Pace’s website must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 13.
Learn more
Lake County Government News
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LakeComm Board Meets for First Time
The first meeting of the Member Board of Directors for the newly formed entity Lake Consolidated Emergency Communications (LakeComm) was held.
When fully operational, LakeComm, will serve as the new consolidated Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the partnering agencies, municipalities, and unincorporated areas of Lake County. A PSAP is a 9-1-1 call center responsible for answering calls to an emergency telephone number for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. It is the first critical step in ensuring that emergency calls are quickly and efficiently answered, and information is routed to the appropriate response units, thereby enhancing public safety and reducing response times.
With the establishment of the Member Board of Directors, the next level of planning will focus on LakeComm's transition to consolidated operations in the new Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility in 2025.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the founding LakeComm member agencies as well as other potential member organizations. There are currently 23 LakeComm member agencies.
Learn more
Health News
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Executive Director Mark Pfister Announces His Retirement
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center Executive Director Mark Pfister will retire on Sept. 3. Mark worked at the Health Department and served the Lake County community for over 30 years and served as its Executive Director for seven years.
The Health Department has contracted with GovHR USA, a national search firm that specializes in executive government recruitment. The search will begin in early August and is anticipated to take approximately 12 weeks to complete. Learn more
 The Lake County Health Department is seeking passionate people to become Youth Mental Health First Aid USA instructors and help fight the stigma surrounding mental health.
Approved instructors learn how to teach the Youth Mental Health First Aid course, including the five-step action plan, evidence-supported treatment, and self-help strategies. Applications are due Aug. 29. Learn more
Election News
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Complete One-Time Application for Permanent Vote By Mail Program
The notice for permanent vote by mail will soon be arriving in mailboxes across Lake County. Voters wishing to enroll in permanent vote by mail can do so by completing a one-time application and returning it to the Lake County Clerk's Office. Voters who do not wish to receive future notifications can also opt-out of notifications as this mailing is required every two years.
Public Act 102-0015 was signed into law in 2021 and requires the election authority to notify eligible voters about the ability to enroll in permanent vote by mail. Learn more
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Sustainability News
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Don’t Throw Away the Shoes! Remember Reuse-A-Shoe
As school supply shopping gets underway, one item on many lists is to get a pair of new shoes. But that means every year, millions of shoes end up in landfills.
Instead, donate your new, gently-used, or used shoes to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Help divert waste from landfills and support those in need.
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Forest Preserves News
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Afrofest Planned for August 17
Afrofest is taking place from 12 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17 at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. The event is a vibrant celebration of African culture and heritage.
Live music performances will fill the day, with headliner, Delivery Point, taking the stage at 6 pm. Known for their energetic performances and diverse musical repertoire, Delivery Point blends traditional African rhythms with modern sounds to create a unique fusion that captivates audiences, event organizers said. Read more »
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Brewed XIII Returns to Beer Garden
For a limited time, Brewed XIII (13) is back on tap at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove in Libertyville. Thanks to our friends at Harbor Brewing Co. in Lake Villa for brewing another batch of the hibiscus shandy. This periodical cicada-inspired beverage has been the No 1. best-selling beer of the summer at the Beer Garden.
In addition, we created a limited-edition Brewed XIII T-shirt to commemorate the special beer, aptly named after the brood of cicadas that emerged this summer after spending 17 years underground. Like the cicadas, once the shirts run out—they are gone. Get a Shirt »
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Ponding and Water Play Planned
Join the “Drop-in Ponding and Water Play” program that takes place 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Independence Grove in Libertyville. This free family program lets children explore and play in the water, discovering aquatic critters they may have never seen before.
Educators will explain why it’s so important to take care of the water as children play with the water, rocks and mud to create whatever their imaginations dream up. Learn More »
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Stormwater Management News
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You're Invited! 2024 HOA Workshop and Expo
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission invites you to attend a free Homeowners Association Workshop on Sept. 12. The workshop presentations will be hosted in a hybrid format (in-person and via Zoom). The Vendor Expo will only be available in-person. View the workshop agenda here.
- Vendor Expo: 4:30 p.m. (in-person)
- HOA Workshop: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (hybrid)
Where: Central Permit Facility, Second Floor Large Conference Room, 500 W. Winchester Road Libertyville, IL 60048 OR via Zoom
Each attendee should RSVP individually. In-person space is limited to 80 participants.
In-Person Registration
Zoom Registration
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Sheriff's Office News |
New Boat Dedicated in Honor of Tony Borcia and Y-noT Project
 Sheriff John D. Idleburg recently held a ceremony, dedicating the Lake County Sheriff’s Office new Chain O’Lakes Patrol Boat in Tony Borcia’s honor.
Tony’s life was tragically taken on July 28, 2012, when he was enjoying a day with his family on the Chain O’Lakes. Tony was tubing, and he fell off the tube. A reckless and careless boater, operating a boat under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, struck and killed Tony.
Tony’s family vowed to make our recreational waterways safer, and founded the Y-noT Project. The Y-noT Project, which is dedicated to keep recreational Chain O’Lakes users safer when enjoying the waterways, donated $75,000 to the Sheriff’s Office to use to fund equipment and arrest impaired boaters. The donation helped to purchase a new Chain O’Lakes patrol boat. Learn more
State's Attorney's Office News
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Annual Report Highlights Crime Statistics, New Programs
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart provided his annual report, which included crime statistics and detailed the office’s new programs and budgetary needs. As part of the report, State’s Attorney Rinehart shared the ongoing work of law enforcement and the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, work to execute a comprehensive strategy to the opioid crisis and preliminary data regarding the SAFE-T Act.
Learn more about the annual report
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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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
Go to 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 & News
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Discover the Top 10 Things to Do in August in Lake County
August in Lake County offers a fantastic lineup of activities to enjoy the last days of summer. From festivals and outdoor concerts to road trips and unique local experiences, there's always something to explore. Check out Visit Lake County’s Top 10 Things to Do in August to find ways to savor the season’s last warm breezes.
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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 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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