December 13, 2024
Lake County Government News
|
Frontline Care Center to Support Veterans, First Responders and their Families
The Village of Round Lake is now home to Frontline Care Center, the first wellness location dedicated to Veterans, First Responders and their families in Lake County. This new community-based facility offers behavioral health services designed to support those who have served and sacrificed for our communities and country.
Frontline Care Center will provide screenings, crisis intervention, therapy, holistic wellness services and more. All services can be provided both in person and by telehealth.
On December 9, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, the Lake County Board, Living Pono Counseling, the 100 Club of Illinois and the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County came together to mark the grand opening of the facility. Learn more about the Frontline Care Center.
County Board Members Sworn In, Board Chair and Vice-Chair Re-elected
Seven Lake County Board members, re-elected in the November 5 General Election, were officially sworn into office on December 2. Also at this meeting, the County Board re-elected Sandy Hart as its chair and Mary Ross-Cunningham as its vice-chair.
The Lake County Board has 19 elected members, each representing a specific geographic district. The Board approves the budget and all financial matters as well as ordinances, affecting all county government departments. Bios and contact information for all 19 Lake County Board Members can be found on Lake County’s website.
Use the Warming Center Finder to Locate a Place to Get Out of the Cold
As the temperatures drop, residents who do not have access to heat can utilize a warming center. View our Warming Center Finder to find a warm place you or someone you know can go. Before going, please call in advance to confirm availability and hours.
|
Unincorporated Residents Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts
Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $241 a year on their flood insurance policies. Currently, there are more than 508 flood insurance policies in unincorporated Lake County.
Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up to 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums. This results in a potential annual total savings of $121,526 overall for residents across the county. Property owners should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information. Learn more
|
Forest Preserves News
|
New Leadership Elected
At a special meeting on Monday, December 2, the Board of Commissioners elected Jessica Vealitzek (District 10) to serve as president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Board also elected Gina Roberts (District 4) to serve as vice president. Both will serve two-year terms ending December 2026.
"I’m honored to be elected by my peers to this role," said Vealitzek, who has been on the board for six years. “Lake County Forest Preserves is a world-class institution led by experts in their fields and I look forward to working with each of them," she said during the special meeting. Read More »
|
Winter Horizons Available
The winter issue of our Horizons magazine is now available. Read it online or flip through the pages below. Horizons is the quarterly publication of the Lake County Forest Preserves. It’s packed with stories on conservation, wildlife, trails, recreation and education about nature and history.
|
Holiday Tree Recycling
From holiday cheer to helping nature: recycle your tree. Give your holiday tree a second life in your forest preserves. By recycling your real, undecorated tree, you help create wood chips for trails and landscaping that enhance the preserves.
Drop off your tree at one of eight marked sites across Lake County, open daily from 6:30 a.m. to sunset through February 1, 2025. No yard waste or commercial drop-offs are accepted. Learn More »
|
Snowmobile Safety Class Offered
Interested in snowmobiling? The Forest Preserves Ranger Police are holding a snowmobile safety education course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 18 at the Operations and Public Safety Facility, 19808 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa.
Registration is required. To secure your spot, call 847-968-3404 from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. There is no cost to attend the course. Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources online for more information about Snowmobile Safety Education.
|
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.
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.
|
Transportation News
|
Lake County’s Snow Plow Routes
The snow will soon be falling again, and that means snow plows will be driving the roads to help clear the snow and ice and keep the roads safe. Just because you’re driving across Lake County, remember that doesn’t mean that every road is cleared by the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT).
Our incredible crew at LCDOT provides 24/7 snow and ice response on 26 plow routes marked on blue on this map, covering nearly 840 County highway lane miles. Everything else is plowed by the State, township or local municipality.
See the Snow Plows in Action
Each plow truck is equipped with a dashboard camera that takes snapshots every few minutes. View where our plows are and see what they see on Lake County PASSAGE.
Share Roads with the Snow Plows
When you are driving in snow and icy conditions, you will be sharing the road with LCDOT snow plows. Remember slow down and don’t crowd the plow. Watch this video about snow plow safety.
|
Sustainability News
|
Recycle Your Holiday Lights
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County offers recycling for old and unwanted strings of lights at no cost. Wire string holiday lights and extension cords are accepted. Items that are not accepted include live trees, artificial trees, wreaths, garland, ornaments and inflatables. Find a drop-off location near you.
|
Lose That One Mitten? Don’t Throw It Away. Recycle!
Winter is coming, and it's the perfect time to clean out closets and donate to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s Clothing and Textile Collection Program. Don't throw away single mittens or gloves.
The Clothing and Textile Collection Program accepts these items along with coats, sweatshirts, scarves and hats.
|
Health News
|
Prepare for Your Holiday Season by Getting Your Yearly Immunizations
With the holidays upon us, the Lake County Health Department reminds you to make sure you and your family are up to date with your vaccines.
Viruses spread more commonly during fall and winter, especially respiratory viruses that cause flu, COVID-19, and RSV illness. For many, gathering with loved ones to celebrate the holidays during this season is an important tradition. Fortunately, there are steps to help you and your loved ones stay healthy this holiday season. Learn more
|
Sheriff's Office News
|
Special Investigations Group Is Recognized
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) was awarded Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area’s (HIDTA) “2024 Initiative of the Year” award.
SIG was selected from all the Chicago HIDTA initiatives for their success of recently disrupting or dismantling nine drug trafficking organizations, making over 50 arrests, seizing nearly 200 illegally possessed firearms, and seizing significant quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. Learn more about this recognition
|
Sheriff's Office Goes Holiday Shopping with Kids
Over 40 Lake County children had the chance to go shopping with deputies from the Lake County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) as part of the Shop with a Sheriff event. Each child was given $150 to purchase clothing, toys and other necessities. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the deputy assistant shoppers, the holiday season will be brighter for these children and their families.
Treasurer’s Office News
|
Prepayments for Tax Year 2024 Are Accepted to December 20
The Lake County Treasurer’s Office will be accepting prepayments for tax year 2024 (payable in calendar year 2025) through December 20. This is a great option for people who want to reduce their first installment amount or for those who want to take advantage of a tax payment during calendar year 2024.
The Treasurer’s Office is not required to take prepayments. The program is offered as a courtesy to residents. Prepayment amounts are limited to a maximum of 50% of the amount from the previous year's tax bill.
Prepayment can only be made by check. Write "prepayment" in the memo field and include your PIN (Parcel ID number). Prepayments must be received at the Treasurer’s Office by December 20. Watch this video to learn more about the process. For more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 847-377-2323 or e-mail Treasurer@LakeCountyIL.gov.
Treasurer’s Office Holds Annual Toy Drive
The Lake County Treasurer’s Office is holding its annual toy drive, collecting new, unwrapped gifts through Friday, December 13. All toys will be donated to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to help brighten the holiday season for children in need. View the places to drop off new unwrapped toys. Please call in advance to coordinate a drop-off.
|
Congratulations to the Art Contest Winners
The Lake County Treasurer’s Office received wonderful submissions from sixth through eighth-grade students across Lake County who were invited to interpret the theme, “Go USA” and enter the annual Art Contest. View the winning submissions
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
|
Community Events and News
|
Holiday Your Way in Lake County
From dazzling light displays and festive markets to tree lightings and unique holiday shopping, Visit Lake County provides you a guide of the Top 10 Holiday Things in Lake County, which is packed with activities to brighten your season. Experience memorable moments with Santa, enjoy enchanting performances and explore the charm of communities.
|
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
|
The public is welcome to attend all 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.
|
|
