Dear Neighbors,
|
As we head into the heart of autumn and the beginning of our holiday season, I hope this finds you, family and friends well.
My most exciting news is that work is beginning on the Mill Creek wetland restoration project near Third Lake in Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve in Grayslake. I was thrilled to work with Third Lake Mayor Butch Buckley, our fine staff at the Forest Preserves, county administration and Stormwater Management teams to make this happen.
This is a promising project that will not only restore a wetland to filter water from Mill Creek flowing into Third Lake, but it will also be home to a pioneering wetland plant nursery. A double bonus is that the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission will also be able to provide additional stormwater storage along Linden Avenue.
 Funded with a $1 million federal grant, the Mill Creek project will also clear out cattails and provide habitat for numerous bird and native plant species. It will expand the capacity of nearby Rollins Seed Nursery and is an experiment to see how we can cultivate emerging wetland plants in a natural setting that we can relocate throughout the county.
There will be two access points for construction vehicles. One will be at the cable gate opposite the bus turnaround and the other will be at the south end of Linden near Washington Street. We have asked our contractors to not impede traffic and apologize in advance for any inconvenience. The project is expected to be completed by 2026.
As you can see at the top of the image above, sediment is flowing from Mill Creek into Third Lake. This project is designed to mitigate this problem while creating healthier plant and animal habitat.
On another Rollins-related event, I was pleased to lead a nature walk for residents on Oct. 27. I hope to do more of these walks next year. Thanks to all who came with their hiking shoes and excellent questions.
Out and About
I was honored to speak to the Highland Lake Homeowner's Association annual meeting recently and listen to residents' concerns. Thanks to President Ann Bidwell and everyone in the engaged Highland Lake community.
It was a pleasure attending the Grayslake Arts Alliance fall showing last weekend. We have countless fine artists in our community who will have their works on display in the village hall at the annual Holiday Festival of Lights event on Nov. 29.
A special thank you to everyone who made this past election possible from candidates to election judges. You are the front line of our democracy.
Finally, thanks to all Veterans and current military personnel who have served our country. I will honor many of our sterling service members at the annual Veteran's Day Breakfast at the College of Lake County. They have devoted their lives to preserve our freedoms and democracy.
It's always an honor to serve you. If you have immediate need of county services, please call 2-1-1. The national suicide prevention hotline is 9-8-8. You can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be well,
|
Election News
|
Nov. 5 General Election Results
The Nov. 5 General Election results will be posted on the Lake County Clerk's Office Election Results portal on Election Day, Nov. 5, after 7 p.m. The results for early voting and vote-by-mail will be posted shortly after 7 p.m.
Per Illinois election law, election results are not final until 14 days after Election Day and are not official until the certification of the election is signed by the County Clerk at 3 p.m. Nov. 22. There may be votes that need to be counted from verified provisional ballots and late-arriving vote-by-mail ballots postmarked no later than Election Day. Read further for more information about election results
Lake County Government News
|
Central Permit Facility Goes Solar
The Central Permit Facility is the first Lake County government building to utilize solar power. Now connected, the new ground-mounted solar array system consisting of more than 2,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels will provide enough electricity to power the entire facility. The solar array was constructed by Standard Solar with the electricity being provided to CPF via a solar power purchase agreement.
Watch this video to learn more about this and other efforts the County is doing to focus on sustainability.
|
211 Lake County Celebrates First Five Years of Impact
In partnership with Lake County and community partners, United Way of Lake County celebrated the five-year anniversary of 211, a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline.
Since its launch in September 2019, 211 has become Lake County’s one-stop shop for help and made more than 350,000 connections to critical resources and services. 211 connects people to a wide range of resources by phone, text and online, including mental health and healthcare services, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, supplemental food programs, housing and shelter, employment and education support, financial assistance, volunteer opportunities and more.
Resource navigators, who are trained specialists, guide people to the best available resources and support. The comprehensive 211 service is multilingual with English and Spanish-speaking staff and interprets to more than 150 languages.
To learn more about 211, visit 211LakeCounty.org. To access 211, dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
|
Digital Equity Coalition Update
 The latest Lake County Digital Equity Coalition meeting on Oct. 29 was a tremendous success with 27 dedicated attendees representing 19 organizations. A highlight of the event was a featured presentation by Dr. Amanda Simanek, Founding Director of the Center for Health Equity Research at Rosalind Franklin University, who shared valuable insights on using health-related data, identifying health information needs and navigating health misinformation.
The Coalition also discussed Cybersecurity Awareness Month and highlights of Digital Inclusion Week activities, which included a Special Recognition of Digital Inclusion Week at the Oct. 8 County Board meeting. A recording and slides from the October meeting can be found on the Digital Equity Coalition website.
You’re invited to attend the final meeting of 2024 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 21 via Zoom. Register to attend the Nov. 21 Digital Equity Coalition meeting
Transportation News
|
Complete This Daily Travel Survey
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is extending the invitation once again to Lake County residents to complete a survey called My Daily Travel, seeking your feedback to better understand the travel needs of residents in northeastern Illinois. A mailing is being sent to a number of Lake County households to request your participation.
Take the My Daily Travel survey
|
Veteran News
|
Supporting Lake County’s Veterans
 The Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Lake County provides free services to all honorably discharged Veterans and their spouses/children. With Veterans Day approaching on Nov. 11, now is the perfect time to learn about the support they offer.
If you're a Veteran living in Lake County, the highly trained staff at the VAC would be honored to meet with you. In 2023, the VAC helped secure $18.6 million in new VA benefits for Lake County Veterans. Learn more about the services provided and how to contact the VAC
 |
|
State's Attorney's Office News |
County's Human Trafficking Task Force is Making Significant Strides
The Lake County Human Trafficking Task Force will receive an additional $700,000 from the Department of Justice to be spent over the next three years. Co-led by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and A Safe Place, the Task Force was created in 2022 to reduce human trafficking, support survivors and prosecute traffickers.
Lake County was the first county in Illinois, outside of Cook, to secure this competitive grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, a division of the Department of Justice. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and A Safe Place were one of only six applicants that received the OVC Fiscal Year 2021 Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking grant.
“We are proud to have received additional funding from the DOJ. We will continue to prosecute traffickers who would threaten, exploit, and abuse others for their own profit,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.
Dealing with Loss During the Holidays
“Dealing with Loss During the Holidays,” a program for anyone who has lost a loved one due to gun violence, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the North Chicago Public Library. This program is hosted by the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative and its Violence Prevention Coordinating Council. Register to attend. Walk-ins also will be welcome.
Health News
|
Fight the Bite to Stay Safe This Season
Fall is one of the peak seasons for tick activity. Protect yourself and family from tickborne diseases by following tips provided by the Lake County Health Department. Visit Fight the Bite to learn more and how to protect yourself and your family from the diseases that mosquitoes and ticks can carry.
Sustainability News
|
Learn How to Start Native Plants from Seed
Starting native plants from seed can be challenging until you know the tricks. Join the final program as part of the 2024 Garden Learning Series, Starting Native Plants from Seed from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13. The virtual program is free to attend. This series is hosted by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, Lake County Forest Preserve and University of Illinois Extension Lake County.
Register to attend
Forest Preserves News
|
Solar-lit Trails Open
Feeling the pinch of earlier sunsets? From now through Sunday, March 9, you can enjoy nature after dark by exploring two Lake County forest preserves with illuminated trails.
With small solar lights to guide the way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Mettawa, and along a hilly 1.65-mile section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Read More »
|
Author to Visit Museum
Author James Ciccone joins us for the release of his new book, The Lake County Trilogy. Ciccone's ancestor was the brother of Amos Bennett, Lake County's first African American settler.
Ciccone will be available for autographs at the event that takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Get Ticket »
|
Donations Support Forest Preserves
An anonymous private foundation and Wintrust Financial Corporation, a financial services company founded in Lake County, have together donated $1.5 million to endow two popular forest preserves. The funds will be used to care for nearly 1,000 acres of public land and ensure they remain ecologically healthy for future generations.
Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago and Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan are islands of green in one of Lake County’s most densely populated regions. The Forest Preserves relies on public funds to preserve land and restore it to diverse woodlands, wetlands, prairie and savanna. Charitable gifts like these protect the preserves against ongoing threats such as invasive species, exotic pests and climate change. Learn More »
|
Education News
|
Students Get Introduced to Careers at Navig8 Lake
Over 4,200 middle and high school students explored displays and activities provided by more than 100 area businesses and employers at the Navig8 Lake event.
The event, hosted by the Lake County Regional Office of Education at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, introduced students to different careers ranging from agriculture to manufacturing. The event served as an opportunity for the students to explore various careers and see what may connect with their interests as they look ahead to their education.
|
Schools Ranked Commendable or Exemplary on State Report Cards
Recently the Illinois School Report Cards were released for schools in the State of Illinois. The Lake County Regional Office of Education shared that 84.2% of Lake County schools received a rating of Commendable or Exemplary.
Lake County continues to be one of the top counties in the State of Illinois for education. Schools in the top 10% statewide are exemplary. Schools in the top 20% are commendable. A total of 33 schools received an Exemplary rating, and 122 schools received a Commendable rating.
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.
Watch this video as the Job Center team guides you through the virtual and onsite resources available to job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Job Center on the Move
Meet with a Job Center representative one on one at strategic locations across the county to work on the next steps in your career. Choose from a menu of services when you register. View the On the Move schedule
Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
|
Community Events & News
|
Discover the Top 10 Things to Do in November
Get ready to indulge your taste buds and embrace the holiday cheer! Don't overlook the prelude to holiday festivities in Lake County. Experience the magic of tree lightings, local festivals, enjoy student-created films at the College of Lake County, explore Lake County's forest preserves and more. Check Visit Lake County’s guide to the top 10 things to do in November.
|
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 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 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 meeting
|
|
