Dear Neighbors,
|
After a sultry summer, I'm excited about the fall, which is my favorite season. I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well.
This past week, I attended the second meeting of the Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the IL 120 Study. Joined by fellow community members, we are working with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to review ways of improving the IL 120 corridor from Almond Road to IL 60.
While not one alternative idea was presented at the meeting, IDOT says it is considering ideas to improve traffic flow along the corridor. Several suggestions, such as a grade crossing (underpass or overpass) at the Canadian National Railroad tracks at IL 83 (which I favor) are being considered, although IDOT has not formally proposed this improvement.
At the meeting, I stated my view that road planners give safety and environmental concerns a top priority. The corridor is bookended by one Illinois Nature Preserve and two Lake County Forest Preserves at each end. I'd also like to know how carbon emissions and other pollutants would be generated by expanding the road.
IDOT says it will have another CAG meeting, but has not scheduled it yet. Learn more by viewing the IDOT IL 120 study presentation.
|
Around the District
I was delighted to be invited to visit Round Lake High School again last Tuesday for its first Community Civics Stakeholder presentations of the year. I met with and listened to dozens of engaged students.Thanks to teachers Doug Barnshaw and Nick Miller, who invite me to the school on a regular basis. I am always thrilled to engage with future community leaders.
|
Forest Preserve News
Mark your calendars for the first Festival de Cultura, Comida y Vida at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake. I'm enthralled about this event taking place from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 29.
This is a family-friendly Latino celebration of culture, cuisine and community! Enjoy the vibrant rhythms of a mariachi band, other live performances and bilingual education programs designed for adults and children.
Savor delicious offerings from local food vendors or bring your own picnic. Connect with organizations dedicated to supporting the Latino community in Lake County. This a free event open to all ages.
Remember, the Forest Preserves gives you the tool to view the festival's webpage and any of their webpages in the language you need. Look to the top right corner of the webpage to select the language. Also, to view this information and all the valuable County information within my newsletter, use the "translate" link at the top of my newsletter.
|
Want to support veterans? Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve will be the site of the eighth annual Ruck March at 9 a.m. Sept. 14.The event is sponsored by the Veterans and Family Services Foundation, based in Grayslake.
This unique event will be raising money for the foundation, which provides vital services for local veterans. You can either join the walk or hike on your own -- with or without a ruck sack now through Sept. 22. I will be doing the suggested 22 kilometers on my own during my Hike Lake County walks.
Learn more about Hike Lake County
Finally, I'm pleased to have supported a $25,000 grant from the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves to our partners at Openlands for a pilot study to promote and educate on sustainable landscaping practices.
We have a shared goal with Openlands to eliminate harmful invasive species such as buckthorn while encouraging the planting of native species.
Part of our larger goal is to enhance the splendid biodiversity of Lake County, which hosts more endangered plant and animal species (such as the Blanding's Turtle) than any other county in Illinois. Learn more about the Blanding's Turtle Recovery Program.
It should be noted that your County Board recently voted to approve updating our Unified Development Ordinance to "protect our natural heritage and make it easier for newly planted (native) plants and shrubs to flourish."
We're grateful to be working with Sarah Surroz from Openlands on these projects. As one of the metropolitan area's largest environmental groups, Openlands has become an essential partner for the Forest Preserves and county in preserving, protecting and restoring invaluable green space. I am proud to advocate for these environmental measures.
As always, I am honored to represent you and available to talk to local community, school and scouting groups. You can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov. If you have an immediate need for county services, call 2-1-1.
Be well,
Lake County Government News
|
Share Your Voice. Attend Digital Equity Coalition Meeting Sept. 25
Join the conversation as the Lake County Digital Equity Coalition holds its first in-person meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 25 at the College of Lake County Lakeshore Campus Eleanor Murkey Community Center in Waukegan.
This meeting will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and focus on improving digital access in our community. We’ll introduce updates to programs that will be launching this fall and hear from Latinx organizations and community members. Refreshments will be provided.
All members of the community are invited to be part of the discussion. This is a great opportunity to share ideas and work together to close the digital divide. Your voice is important, and we hope to see you there! Register to attend
To learn more about Lake County’s Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan, the County’s Digital Growth Initiative, Lake County Digital Equity Coalition, Digital Equity Funding Opportunities and more, visit the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative website.
|
Help Redesign the State’s Flag
For the first time in more than half a century, Illinois is getting a new state flag and the Illinois Flag Commission is asking for your help. Submit your new flag design for consideration via online and mail. Submissions will be accepted until Oct. 18. View the guidelines and how to submit your design
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit News
|
Meet Desi, County’s New Four-Legged Employee
 The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court's newest employee has four legs, curly apricot-colored hair, a fuzzy tail and an uncanny ability to make everyone smile. Desi is a one-year-old purebred standard poodle donated to the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit as the Court's first Facility Dog, one of the only designated courthouse facility dogs in Illinois.
Desi's training equips her to perform a wide range of specific skilled tasks in the courthouse, from helping victims, petitioners, and defendants in court to welcoming and spending time with jurors, visiting children in Kids' Korner, and even supporting employees and our justice partners including judges and attorneys throughout the workday. Learn more
Health News
|
Cases of West Nile Virus, First Human Death of 2024 Reported
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is reporting the first human cases of neuroinvasive West Nile Virus (WNV) in Lake County for 2024. Three individuals tested positive for WNV, up from just one case reported last year. One of the affected individuals, in their 80s, experienced symptom onset in mid-August and passed away shortly thereafter.
The Health Department regularly monitors mosquito populations to identify the type of mosquito known to spread West Nile Virus and notifies local governments when there is an increased level of activity.
Find prevention tips and more on West Nile Virus at www.FightTheBiteNow.com. Residents can call the Health Department’s West Nile hotline at 847-377-8300 to report stagnant water, dead bird locations and learn more about West Nile Virus symptoms.
|
Emergency Management News
|
Prepare to Protect. Here’s Steps to Follow
 Severe weather can approach quickly. As Lake County recognizes September as National Preparedness Month, remember these steps that you can do now to keep you and your family safe.
Public Works News
|
Fall Hydrant Flushing Begins Sept. 9
Lake County Public Works will conduct its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program beginning Sept. 9, depending on weather conditions.
The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., per the hydrant flushing schedule and will continue until all water mains throughout our water systems have been flushed. The anticipated completion date is Oct. 25.
Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main. Signs will be posted in each area before the start of hydrant flushing. Visit the Lake County Public Works website for the complete hydrant flushing schedule or call our office at 847-377-7500 for information.
|
 |
|
Sheriff's Office News |
Register to Join Fall Community Police Academy Class
Sheriff John D. Idleburg announces the return of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Community Police Academy, which will begin the week of Sept. 16 and will run until Nov. 18. Classes will be held on Mondays at the sheriff’s substation in Libertyville and headquarters in Waukegan.
The Community Police Academy is open to all Lake County residents aged 18 or older of good moral character with no felony convictions. In this free program, participants will get an in-depth view of all the various responsibilities of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, including an inside look at our Corrections Division, Patrol Division, Court Security Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Crash Investigations Unit, Evidence Collections/Processing Unit and more.
The application deadline is Sept. 12. Apply today
Lake County Honors a True Hero, K9 Dax
K9 Dax is a hero that Lake County will always remember. The Lake County Sheriff's Office and the residents will forever be grateful for the lives he saved and the dangerous criminals he apprehended. View this beautiful video tribute as the community came together to recognize Sheriff's K9 Dax retirement.
Treasurer's Office News
|
How Do You Interpret Go USA? Enter the Annual Art Contest
Sixth through eighth-grade students are invited to show how they interpret the theme, “Go USA” and enter the Lake County Treasurer’s Office annual Art Contest.
Student artists who live in Lake County are encouraged to interpret the theme and submit a drawing that reflects their own interpretation. The deadline to enter is Nov. 22. View all the rules and how to enter
|
Sustainability News
|
Don't Trash Those Items! Bring Them to the Free Reuse-O-Rama
Don’t throw away your clothing, shoes, books and household electronics! Bring these items to the next Reuse-O-Rama from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 21 at Fremont Township Campus, 22376 Erhart Road, Mundelein.
Hosted by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and Fremont Township, this free event is a great chance to drop off items to be reused, recycled and donated and kept out of the landfills. View the complete list of items you can bring.
|
Forest Preserves News
|
Free Latino Festival at Nippersink
Experience a FREE vibrant celebration of culture, food and life at Festival de Cultura, Comida y Vida taking place 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake. Enjoy performances featuring a mariachi band, live music and other dynamic cultural showcases.
Savor delicious offerings from local food vendors or bring your own picnic. Engage in bilingual environmental education programs designed for both adults and children. Connect with organizations dedicated to supporting the Latino community in Lake County. Learn More »
|
Fall Entertainment Lineup Announced
Bob Ross Exhibition Opens
A special exhibition, “Art for Everyone: Bob Ross®,” has opened Aug. 31 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. It runs through January 20, 2025. Ross captivated audiences of all ages through his television series, “The Joy of Painting®.” Famous for his serene landscapes and memorable phrases, such as "happy little trees,™" Ross made art feel approachable.
The Museum's exhibit showcases 75 of his original pieces, illustrating his original techniques and commitment to making art accessible to all. It celebrates how Ross used painting to spread joy and encourage creativity. Read More »
|
Job News
|
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.
The Job Center is celebrating Workforce Development Month in September with extra events, including three job fairs and workshops covering job search, financial empowerment and digital skills. View the list of programs planned
Check Hire Lake County
Visit Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
|
Get Help
|
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.
|
Community Events & News
|
Embrace the Season at County’s Fall Festivals
Fall is a time of vibrant colors, cool breezes and community celebrations that bring people together. As the leaves turn to shades of red and gold, local festivals pop up across the county, offering everything from pumpkin patches to craft fairs.
Check Visit Lake County's guide to Fall Festivals in Lake County to embrace the season's spirit and create unforgettable memories.
|
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
|
The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee 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.
|
|
