Friends,
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This week is one of the most important of the year for Lake County Board Members. We will hold our budget hearings on Tuesday, Oct. 15 and Wednesday, Oct. 16. The meetings will begin both days at 8:30 a.m., and the public is encouraged to attend either virtually or in-person. Find out how by clicking HERE.
At these budget hearings, we will carefully discuss each line of the budget and make recommendations for reducing waste and inefficiency, while prioritizing our strategic plan initiatives. The Lake County Board has just published our 2024 Lake County Strategic Plan Annual Report. You can read this report by clicking HERE.
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Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Lake County is fortunate to have many outstanding professionals standing by and ready to help people who are experiencing this type of violence. Such organizations include but are not limited to: A Safe Place for Help, the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic. To connect with these support services and more, please dial 211 or access the 211 Lake County website HERE.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please take a few moments to read through this month’s newsletter to learn more about ongoing efforts to promote early detection and intervention and how you can prioritize breast health.
Also in this newsletter, you’ll learn about Lake County’s ongoing effort to bring improved broadband and wireless internet service to all of our residents, to spread the word about the effectiveness of the county’s recycling program and to plant 4,000 new trees countywide. This tree planting program is coming to both Hawthorn Woods and Vernon Hills, and we are so grateful to the park districts of each of these communities for their collaboration with the county on making this initiative a success.
Election Day Nov. 5 is just around the corner. Before you vote, please read below about a Lake County Forest Preserve District referendum that you will find on your ballot. You will learn more about this proposed property tax increase so you can make the best decision about whether or not to support it.
Please also consider joining me tonight, Monday, Oct. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Vernon Township Community Service Building, 2900 N. Main St., Buffalo Grove to learn more about this ballot initiative directly from Forest Preserve District staff members. Please share this flyer widely and spread the word.
And finally, in-person, early voting opens at locations across the county on Oct. 21. Mail-in voting has already begun. You can request a mail-in ballot HERE. Please note that the Lake County Clerk’s Office must receive your completed ballot application by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. Your voted ballot must be hand delivered to the Lake County Clerk's Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, or it may be returned via mail with a postmark no later than Election Day. Long lines are expected at the polls on Election Day, so be sure to make a plan to vote early.
As always, I would love to hear from you directly about any issue you may be having with the county. It would be my pleasure to help you resolve them. Please reach out to me anytime at sknizhnik@lakecountyil.gov to share your concerns or ask questions.
Happy Voting!
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Lake County Government News
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Hearings Scheduled on Proposed FY2025 Recommended Budget
Lake County is proud to present the proposed FY2025 Recommended Budget. 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 and in person at the Lake County Administrative Building, 18 N. County St., 10th Floor, Waukegan.
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 held its first in-person meeting on Sept. 24, with 44 community members and 22 organizations participating in meaningful collaboration centered around Broadband and Digital Equity in Lake County. Thank you to everyone who joined us to move this important work forward.
As we continue building on this momentum, Lake County invites you to participate in Digital Inclusion Week 2024 to help raise awareness about the importance of digital access for all. Looking ahead, please mark your calendars and register for Lake County’s next virtual Digital Equity Coalition meeting on Oct. 29 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Help us keep this energy going as we work together to create a more connected Lake County for all! Learn more
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Transportation News
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Provide Feedback on State’s Long-Range Transportation Plan
The Illinois Department of Transportation has begun the next phase of Move Illinois: the 2024 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The plan will strategically outline goals, objectives and strategies for Illinois' diverse transportation network for the next 20 to 30 years.
The LRTP serves as a guiding document for policymakers, transportation agencies, and stakeholders to aid in decision-making, funding allocation, and project prioritization. Residents are invited to provide feedback for the plan by filling out the survey and staying informed via the online meeting.
County is Hiring 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
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Election News |
Planning to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 5 General Election?
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
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Public Works News
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White Deer Run Reservoir Update
Construction on the new White Deer Run Reservoir is 70 percent complete. The new 2-million-gallon reservoir tank will increase the resiliency of the Vernon Hills Water System, allowing Lake County Public Works to reliably serve the community in the event of planned or emergency shutdowns. The reservoir is located at 240 W. Gregg’s Parkway in Vernon Hills. Construction is expected to be finalized by the summer/fall of 2025. Learn more
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Sustainability News
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Next Mobile Household Chemical Waste Collection Oct. 19
To help you get rid of items that are difficult to dispose, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will hold a mobile Household Chemical Collection event from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Vernon Hills Metra Station. The program is for residential waste only, and an appointment is required. Learn more
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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 Walter Willis, Executive Director of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, 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.
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County Officials Gather to Celebrate Tree Planting Program
Lake County and the City of Waukegan gathered with community members to celebrate the first plantings from the Lake County Tree Planting Program. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this project highlights the County’s commitment to sustainability.
The City of Waukegan is one of the six divisions of local government, including Antioch Township, Village of Hawthorn Woods, Park District of Highland Park, Village of Lindenhurst and Vernon Hills Park District, awarded grants to plant a total of 403 trees.
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
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Forest Preserves News
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Fall Horizons Available Online
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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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Health News
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Dispose Unused, Expired Prescription Drugs Safely
This year’s National Take Back Day is Oct. 26, an annual event to dispose unused, expired prescription drugs safely, conveniently and responsibly at locations across Lake County.
Visit a Take Back Day location near you
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 50 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 Health Department’s website.
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Treasurer's Office News
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Treasurer’s Office Finds Over $1 Million State Treasurer I-Cash, Comptroller Checks
The Lake County Treasurer’s Office is encouraging residents, businesses and other government bodies to check whether they have unclaimed funds with the State of Illinois held by either the Illinois Comptroller’s or Illinois Treasurer’s Offices.
Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim discovered when searching just Lake County Government in the State Treasurer’s I-CASH database, nearly $400,000 in unclaimed funds appeared. Over the next year, Treasurer Kim took steps to claim the money from Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office in order to deposit it back to Lake County Government, where it belongs. Learn more
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 as the Job Center team guides you through the virtual and onsite resources available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about 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 & News
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Check Visit Lake County’s Guide to 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.
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Lake County CERT training
Fall training dates for the Fremont Township, Mundelein and Round Lake Area Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be Oct. 18 to 20, with review and final exercise set for Oct. 26. Training is free, and membership in the CERT is not required. Participants will receive hands-on training for common emergency situations occurring in the home or in the community. E-mail Lou5535@gmail.com for information. You must be 16 or older to participate.
Learn Basics of Geothermal at Free Virtual Geo Power Hour
Join a free, live hour-long Geo-Power Hour, hosted by Grow Geo Chicagoland to learn about the basics of geothermal, how it can save you money and how it benefits our community. The virtual program will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 17.
Property owners are invited to explore the program, which utilizes community education and qualified installers to make geothermal more accessible and affordable. Learn the basics of geothermal heat pumps, their financial benefits and incentives available. Register to attend
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.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meetings
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