Lake County Government News  

Last week I attended a ribbon cutting for the new site for Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago. The building is going up quickly, thanks to public and private donations, and will be a wonderful resource for veterans to get access to basic needs, from food to furniture. Lake County has the second greatest number of veterans in the state of Illinois, and I'm proud of the investment Lake County and our partners like Midwest Veterans Closet and the Veterans Assistance Commission are making in support of veterans. 

I was thrilled to attend the groundbreaking for the new school in Forrestal Village in North Chicago, a federally owned housing development for military members and their families. Through a federal grant, North Chicago School District was awarded over $57 million from the Department of Defense to build a new school. The rebuild of Forrestal School signifies our collective dedication to the well-being and success of military-connected students. It's an investment that will yield benefits for generations to come. 

I also attended the celebration of the completion of the Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project in Lake County. Illinois Beach State Park required immediate intervention to restore the natural lakefront, which was eroding at more than 100 feet per year and putting rare habitat at risk. The new offshore stone breakwater structures shelter the Lake Michigan shoreline from wave energy, preserves the surrounding ecosystems, assists in retaining the newly placed sand, and enhances public access to the beach.The project received the 2024 Best Restored Beach award through the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA).  Illinois Beach State Park is part of a larger 4,500-acre complex of globally significant habitat - it has been designated a Wetland of International Importance, and the State's investment will accelerate the protection of this critical landscape.

At our recent Finance & Administrative Committee meeting, staff gave an update on our Strategic Plan and presented the annual report. Our Strategic Plan serves as a road map, guiding us in delivering exceptional services that align with our mission. From ensuring safe communities to creating economic opportunities, investing in adaptive infrastructure, promoting a healthy and inclusive
community and providing superior county operations, we are focused on driving innovation, excellence and sustainability. The committee heard from Lake County Workforce Development, Lake County Partners, and Visit Lake County about the great work they do in helping individuals find work, get certifications, and driving economic growth through business partnership and increasing tourism. 

I attended a tour of the Aspire Academy in Waukegan to learn about the great work they are doing connecting people with disabilities to possibilities for learning, jobs, and living arrangements. People with disabilities experience greater challenges in many environments at twice the rate of non-disabled people due to a lack of housing options, funding, support services, job skills training opportunities, social isolation, transportation, and biases in the hiring process.

Many people don’t have access to the internet, as we know from our Broadband committee. Thanks to Abbott Labs and in partnership with Waukegan Public Library, a private space for people wishing to access virtual medical services can use a new Telehealth kiosk at no charge. Through a grant from Abbott, residents can reserve space, which offers a blood pressure monitor, scale, and thermometer. It is a great resource for people who otherwise need to use the public space for their private telehealth visits.

This past Friday we thanked our many appointees who serve on Lake County districts and commissions, like fire protection and drainage districts as well as our Ethics Commission and Board of Health. I'm proud of the careful work they do on their respective boards, which can also include evaluating whether the district is still necessary. I'm pleased that we have dissolved a number of small districts, removing that levy from property tax bills.

Election News

Planning to Vote by Mail?

If you've requested a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election, keep an eye on your mailbox. You can track your Vote-by-Mail ballot using BallotTrax and follow its progress from printing to acceptance.

Remember, applications for a mail-in ballot must be received in the County Clerk's Office by 5 p.m. on or before Oct. 31. Mail-in ballots returned via USPS must be postmarked no later than Election Day, Nov. 5.  View the Voting by Mail webpage to learn more

Be Vote Ready Lake County

The Lake County Clerk's Office has launched a new resource to make sure every Lake County voter has the information they need to confidently cast their ballot in the Nov. 5 General Election. Download the Vote Ready brochure, available in English and Spanish, to find important dates, voting options and more.

Lake County Forest Preserves Referendum Question

It's important to disconnect and spend time in nature, and there is no better place than your forest preserves. The potential expansion of these natural sanctuaries is now in the spotlight.

On November 5, voters will decide on a Forest Preserves referendum. Today, we manage more than 31,200 acres of protected areas and 200-plus miles of multiuse trails in Lake County. Just 1.87% of property taxes collected in Lake County go to fund the Forest Preserves. The additional property tax on a $300,000 home would be less than $33 a year or $2.75 a month. Learn More » 

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC) announced the receipt of $1 million in state funding that will be used toward implementing and integrating a medical forensic clinic, in partnership with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. In 2023, the LCCAC conducted approximately 790 forensic interviews – 590 were sexual assaults, but only 120 received sexual assault exams. Medical evaluations serve as a key component in the success of criminal cases. The new medical unit within the LCCAC will facilitate the immediate medical care of children who are brought to the center when there has been an allegation of abuse.It was approved under the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA) as a Pediatric Health Care Facility.   Learn more

Lake County Celebrates New Solar Array to Power Central Permit Facility

On an unseasonably hot and very sunny day in mid-September, we held our ribbon cutting to celebrate our new solar array system that will power the Lake County Central Permit Facility.  By adopting solar power, we're not only showcasing our dedication to combating climate change through the expansion of renewable energy and the decarbonization of our local energy sector, but we're also achieving significant cost savings for Lake County. Learn more

FY2025 Proposed Budget Hearings October 15 & 16

Lake County staff is presenting the proposed FY2025 Recommended Budget at our annual budget hearings. The $651.9 million FY2025 Budget reflects the priorities in alignment with the Lake County Strategic Plan. The themes of this year’s budget – Excellence, Innovation and Sustainability – came directly from the County Board’s Vision.

The Lake County Board will hold its annual budget hearings starting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15 and Wednesday, Oct. 16. At the meetings, the Board will carefully examine the proposed budget and make recommendations prior to adopting the final budget on Nov. 12.

The public is encouraged to attend these meetings virtually (October 15 Hearing Registration, October 16 Hearing Registration) and in person at the Lake County Administrative Building, 18 N. County St., 10th Floor, Waukegan.

Tree Planting Program for Local Governments

As part of our sustainability efforts, Lake County has a goal to plant 4,000 native trees over 1,200 acres across Lake County by the end of 2026. Not only does it beautify our county, this progfram contributes to green infrastructure, allowing better absorption of stormwater; filtering out pollutants and limiting runoff to sewers, streams and rivers. Our first tree planting was in Waukegan, and we are planting over 400 trees in this first phase.

The Tree Planting Program is part of the larger Lake County Tree Initiative, an innovative project that not only gets new trees planted throughout the county, but also focuses on raising awareness about urban and community forestry. 

Watch this video to learn more 

Advancing Digital Inclusion Across Lake County

The Lake County Digital Growth Initiative is committed to advancing digital inclusion across Lake County by bringing together community members and organizations to close the digital divide.

As part of the Initiative, the Lake County Digital Equity Coalition holds monthly meetings. The next meeting is on October 29, 2024 and will feature topics related to Cybersecurity and Health Literacy, and how they relate to digital equity in our communities. REGISTER for Lake County’s next virtual Digital Equity Coalition meeting on October 29, 2024, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM on Zoom. 

Transportation News 

New Bike Path Planned Along IL 137

The Lake County Board approved a resolution at our Oct. 8 meeting that moves Segments 2 and 3 of the proposed Patriot Path into Phase II Engineering. The Patriot Path is slated to run off-road along IL 137 from near Independence Grove Forest Preserve to Naval Station Great Lakes. It will be 5.5 miles long and serve as a key connection to other regional trails such as the Robert McClory Bike Path and Des Plaines River Trail. Segments 1 and 4 have already advanced to these next steps, so all four segments are now in the detailed design phase with construction programmed to begin as early as 2027.The Patriot Path is among many of the non-motorized projects LCDOT is currently working on. Whenever possible, shared-use paths are added during a reconstruction and widening project, and bike-friendly shoulders are added where appropriate during resurfacing projects.  Learn more

Busy IDOT Construction Season, including US 41 at Illinois 176

Highlighting one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that 12 major projects in Lake County are planned or underway, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program. The projects combined represent a total investment of $74.3 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.  

The project at Illinois 176 and Route 41 is anticipated to begin in spring 2025 and be completed in fall 2026. It includes a pump station, ADA improvements, and storm sewers. Daily lane closures are needed to complete construction. Other projects on the list: 

Expected to be completed this fall:

• Illinois 83 from Illinois 120 to Illinois 137 and Atkinson Road
• Illinois 120 at O'Plaine Road 
• Illinois 137 over Bull Creek 
• U.S. 12 from State Park Road/East Street to Fox Lake Road 
• Illinois 60 (Townline Road) at Des Plaines River 
• U.S. 41 at Stearns School Road 
• Illinois 132 from Cleveland Avenue to Central Avenue
• Illinois 22 from U.S. 14 (Northwest Highway) to U.S. 12
• Illinois 59 at Metra's Milwaukee District North Line & Rollins Rd

Expected to be complete in Fall 2026:

• U.S. 41 at Illinois 176 (Rockland Road) 
• Sheridan Road over Two Creeks 
• U.S. 12 (Rand Road)/Illinois 59 from Illinois 120 to south of Old Rand Road and at Case Road

 Learn more

In an effort to increase safety, reduce traffic delays, and improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, LCDOT has prepared a proposal for this busy intersection and needs your feedback!  

Join us at a public meeting on Oct. 16 at Woodland Intermediate School, 1115 Hunt Club Road, Gurnee.

This is an open house, so you may attend any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Exhibits will be on display and project team members will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. Learn more

Seeking Snowbirds for Winter Snow and Ice Season

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is seeking temporary road maintenance workers, often called "snowbirds," to join our team for the upcoming winter season.

Each year, these positions become valued members of the Lake County team that clears snow and ice from roads. Snowbirds operate trucks with plows and salt spreaders and perform a variety of maintenance and traffic tasks to preserve and upkeep County highways, bridges, drainage structures, and more. These positions operate tools and highway maintenance equipment.  Learn more

Health News

Dispose Unused, Expired Prescription Drugs Safely

Since early 2024, every county in Illinois must have at least one medication collection location per 50,000 residents that is financed by pharmaceutical manufacturers. These collection locations will accept both controlled and non-controlled substances free of charge. Click here to find a collection site convenient to you. In addition, additional sites will be offered on October 26, National Take Back Day. 

Coming Soon! Order Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests

U.S. households will once again be eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. COVID-19 tests are great to have on hand and a useful tool when making decisions to prevent the spread of disease. Visit COVID.gov/tests for your free tests.

Check any unused and "expired" tests before throwing them out. Some test expiration dates have been expanded. Visit the FDA to check your tests.

Suicide Is Preventable. Learn What’s Available to Help

In 2023, suicide claimed the lives of 83 Lake County residents. Suicide is preventable. Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm and following up with loved ones are actions we can all take to help others.  The Health Department offers Mental Health First Aid training, teaching people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit the Health Department’s Crisis Care Program page for more resources. Services are anonymous and free to all.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. It can occur in both men and women. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early. The Lake County Health Department offers free breast cancer screenings to eligible Lake County residents, ages 40 and older, through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program on the 2nd Floor at the 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan.

Eligible women can receive medical exams, clinical breast exams and referrals for a free mammogram at a local hospital. To find out if you are eligible, call (847) 377- 8430 or visit the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program page.

Sheriff's Office News

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Mourns Loss of K9 Dax

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office as well as so many in Lake County will forever be grateful for the lives Sheriff’s K9 Dax saved and the dangerous criminals he apprehended. On April 12, K9 Dax passed away.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “K9 Dax will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we are incredibly saddened by his passing. K9 Dax will be remembered for the lives he saved, violent offenders he apprehended, and drugs he kept from being distributed in our community.”

Watch this moving tribute to Sheriff’s K9 Dax

Sustainability News

Lake County Is Working to Debunk Recycling Myths

Lake County is actively working to debunk the myth that recyclables end up in landfills. According to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s Executive Director Walter Willis, around 40% of the county’s waste is recycled or composted each year.

Recycling is real and valuable, with materials like aluminum and plastics being processed and sold for reuse. Recently, the county has expanded its efforts through the Hefty ReNew program, which accepts hard-to-recycle plastics, reducing contamination and improving the efficiency of local recycling facilities.

Starting in October, the program will be offered in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Gurnee, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Villa, Lincolnshire, North Chicago and Riverwoods and the unincorporated areas of five townships including Avon Township, Moraine Township, Shields Township, Warren Township and West Deerfield Township.

The program’s orange bags will be used in homes to collect and contain hard-to-recycle plastics such as chip bags, foam egg cartons, plastic pet food bags, plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, foam cups, plastic utensils and other flexible film and packaging. The program is intended to complement, not replace, current recycling efforts. Learn more

Emergency Management News

Pets Need to be Ready for an Emergency Too! Here’s What to Know

Hey pet owners! Although National Preparedness Month has passed by, remember it's always a good idea to make a disaster plan for your pets before an emergency. Some important items to have ready include vet records, microchip information, a two-week supply of water, food, and medications, and a leash and collar with ID. Get more tips for pet preparedness

Volunteers Win State Competition for Workshop Creation

Lake County Emergency Management Agency volunteers won a state competition for creating a workshop that will be incorporated into the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security’s new Professional Development Series training curriculum.  
The designers of the workshop are Jason Segal, Michael Baygood, Poojitha Reddy Giri, and Jeff Caudill. Jeff and Jason presented their workshop to 15 attendees from various backgrounds in emergency management at the IEMA OHS Training Summit Sept. 4 in Springfield. Congratulations!  

Forest Preserves News 

Fall Horizons Available!

The cover image of 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯𝘴 magazine beckons you to visit your forest preserves this fall—including the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan. In the picture, the trees, sky and Lake Michigan combine to paint a picture-perfect autumn color palette.

The award-winning publication also features information about the upcoming referendum, details about the new Ryerson Education Center that opened in the spring, Hike Lake County and Art for Everyone: Bob Ross ® special exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Read Horizons »

Serenity and Stability

Nature has the power to heal, and Jonathan's story in the Daily Herald proves it. For 30 years, he faced the challenges of bipolar disorder. Now, thanks to daily walks in the Lake County Forest Preserves, he’s found peace and stability.

The Grayslake man, affectionately calling the preserves his friends, credits nature and his wife for helping him through tough times. The couple has hiked thousands of miles and raised awareness for mental health along the way. Note: Readers may have to pay to access this content. Read More »

Get Help 

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 

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.

Take a virtual tour to learn about the services the Job Center provides, and view the full Job Center calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.   

Check Hire Lake County
Visit Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.

Community Events and News

Visit Lake County’s Top 10 Things to Do in October

From pumpkin picking at family-friendly farms to thrilling haunted houses, there's no shortage of excitement for all ages this month in Lake County. Explore the top 10 must-do activities in Lake County this October and make unforgettable memories this fall.

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings 

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.