January 22, 2025
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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors safe and comfortable. Maybe I can warm you up a little by telling you a true story about some everyday Lake County heroes.
A man went for a walk in the Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve in frigid weather late last year. Authorities were alerted when he didn't return home that evening. His hoodie and gloves were found in the dense, brush-filled preserve, which lacks developed trails.
It was a frigid 12 degrees when drones and K-9 units were deployed. Officers from other agencies suspended the search after about six hours.
At sunrise the next morning, upon learning the man had not returned home, Sgt. Bradley Ehrhardt reactivated the search. All available Lake County Forest Preserves on-duty officers divided up and continued the effort on foot, combing through the heavily wooded area.
After about two hours of searching, Officer Michael Viramontes found the man at about 10 a.m. standing in a forested area near the train tracks at the southern end of the preserve.
The man explained he had started walking in the preserve as night fell but became lost and unable to find his way home. He was immediately transported to the hospital, where he was treated for frostbite, exposure and an irregular heartbeat, likely due to the cold.
The Board of Commissioners for the Forest Preserves recently recognized Officers Ehrhardt and Viramontes for their heroic efforts. “We’re incredibly grateful that he’s safe and recovering well,” Commander Scott Banaszynski said of the man who was rescued.
Thanks for an extraordinary effort to save a life -- something all of our first responders do 24/7.
 Talking A Little Trash
Well, I'm actually talking with you about a lot of trash. Our County Board recently approved an initial agreement with Waste Management to host a waste transfer facility on the grounds of the Countryside Landfill in Grayslake.
This host agreement begins a process that will involve future public hearings -- most likely this summer -- on the proposal to create a new facility to transfer trash that will no longer be buried at the landfill, which is slated to close in 2027 or 2028. Below is a rendering of the waste transfer facility.
The new facility will produce most of its clean power on site, feature electric waste transfer trucks and a "green campus" recycling facility that will accept electronics, paper, glass, aluminum, kitchen waste and textiles. I've requested that the facility take some items that are typically not recycled such as foam polystyrene plastics and carpets. Talks are ongoing with Waste Management and the Village of Grayslake to expand the scope of this facility, which I expect will be the premiere recycling center in Lake County.
Our board also approved most of a countywide solid waste management plan that will enhance our ability to recycle everything from kitchen waste to hazardous household chemicals. We are still asking for more information on proposed "alternative" technologies (cited in the plan) to recycle plastics. We don't want those processes to create more pollution-causing chemicals. Thanks to all of those who joined me on a citizens advisory committee to help draft this plan.
 Duck Farm Improvements
Improvement projects are nearing completion at Duck Farm Forest Preserve in Lake Villa, including expanding access to the off-leash dog area. Our Forest Preserves staff expects that project will be completed sometime this spring.
Highland Lake Shoreline Project
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission has approved an initial project to rehabilitate the shoreline of Highland Lake with native plantings near Hartnett Park. Aided by the work of local volunteers, the project will also remove nuisance trees and clear vegetative overgrowth. Thanks to the Highland Lake Community and HOA for your cooperation and assistance!
It's A Great Time to Go Solar
I know we haven't seen too much sun lately, but it's a great time to go solar. Lake County supports the Solar Switch solar group buying program offered through several non-profit organizations.
If you buy your solar panels through this program, you may be eligible to receive a group discount. I bought our home solar system through this entity years ago and have saved hundreds of dollars on our electric bills.
The great thing about the program is that you're generating the most amount of clean power when you are using the most electricity in the summer for air conditioning. You receive credits on your electric bill that reduce your utility cost. The credits accrue over time. Learn more here.
As always, it's an honor to serve you. If you need immediate county assistance, call 2-1-1. The national suicide prevention hotline is 988. You can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be well and stay warm!
Sustainability News
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Recycling Matters! Follow These Guidelines to Recycle Right
Every day, Illinois sends around $1 million worth of recyclable materials to landfills, wasting resources that could be reused. However, by recycling these materials correctly, we can conserve natural resources, combat climate change and strengthen the circular economy.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County provides these recycling guidelines to help you brush up on your recycling habits and make a difference.
Learn About Discount Solar Installation through Solar Switch
Solar Switch is a solar group buying program that allows homeowners and small businesses to secure a discounted price on rooftop solar installation for their homes or small businesses. Optional add-ons such as battery storage and EV chargers are also available through the program.
Through the most recent group buying period, Lake County customers saved an average 16% on solar panel installation. A total of 157 residents have utilized Solar Switch since Lake County joined the program in 2023. Federal and State incentives can further reduce system costs. It is free to register, and there is no obligation to purchase a system. Learn more about Solar Switch
The County has taken important steps towards operating with solar power. Our Central Permit Facility in Libertyville now operates entirely on solar power. Since connecting to the system, the solar panels have generated energy equivalent to saving over 3,400 gallons of gasoline, 2,600 pounds of methane and 22,000 gallons of water.
Learn more about the County’s sustainability efforts.
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Is Recognized as a 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer
Lake County was one of 60 recipients, representing municipal, county and regional governments to be named a 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
Recognizing the array of interests and unique barriers of its community members, Lake County joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazers this year who are working to close the digital divide and pave the way for digitally inclusive communities.
Learn more about what Lake County is doing to prioritize digital inclusion.
Talent, Leadership, Industries Fuel Growth in 2024
Lake County’s talent, leadership and thriving industries fueled record growth in 2024, building on one of the best runs of economic development in county history.
The strong year was celebrated with major investments, new jobs, continued collaboration and the implementation of strategic initiatives that support business, advance economic mobility and enhance quality of life. See Lake County Partners Year in Review and learn why 2024 was a standout year for business.
Health News
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Health Department Names New Executive Director
The Lake County Board of Health announced Christopher Hoff, MPH, will become the new Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center effective March 10.
Hoff is currently the Deputy Director, Public Health for the DuPage County Health Department where he has made significant contributions for over 10 years. Learn more
Stormwater Management News
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Projects Address Critical Stormwater Issues Across County
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) accepted a second grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for $30 million for regional stormwater projects.
The 16 projects to be funded by this grant are targeted for Zion, Wauconda, Kildeer, the Round Lake and Buffalo Grove areas, North Barrington, North Chicago, Lake Zurich, Lindenhurst, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire and Vernon Hills. Watch this video to learn more about these SMC projects.
County Addresses How to Use Road Salt Effectively
Lake County takes salt usage seriously. For the past 15 years, the County has teamed up to offer winter best practice workshops to public agencies and private contractors to show how to use road salt effectively. Watch this video to learn more about this event and our salt conserving efforts.
Forest Preserves News
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Museum to Expand with Alex Ross Exhibition
The Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, is expanding to include a new gallery for larger special exhibitions. The inaugural exhibit will feature the work of renowned comic book artist Alex Ross, whose art has captivated audiences worldwide.
The idea for the expansion ties back to Alex Ross’ first exhibition at the Libertyville museum, “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross,” held about five years ago. Often called the “Norman Rockwell of comics,” Ross—who lives locally—was thrilled by the show’s success, which introduced a whole new audience to the Dunn Museum. The exhibition is expected to open this summer. Read Now »
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Land Deals Approved
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of additional land to expand Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch and finalized an agreement with the Village of Gurnee.
The Forest Preserves purchased a 27.9-acre parcel, known as the Yatowt property, on Deep Lake Road, about a half mile south of Route 173 in Antioch. More than 14 acres of the former residential property are valuable wetlands and buffer. A land exchange with Gurnee at Lake Carina Forest Preserve was also approved, adding more protected floodway parcels. Read Now »
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Officers Honored for Saving Man
Two Lake County Forest Preserves police officers were honored for their extraordinary dedication in locating a missing man.
Sgt. Bradley Ehrhardt was presented with a Meritorious Service Award, while Officer Michael Viramontes received a Lifesaving Award. Both officers were recognized with proclamations for their heroic efforts in rescuing a man who had been lost in Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve for about 13 hours in frigid 12-degree temperatures. Learn More »
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Election News
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Election Day Vote Center Model Adopted for Enhanced Voter Convenience
The Lake County Clerk’s Office is transitioning to a vote center model for Election Day voting, offering increased accessibility, convenience and efficiency for all voters in Lake County.
Under this model, starting with the February 25 Consolidated Primary Election cycle, Lake County voters will still be assigned a Preferred Election Day Voting Site but are no longer restricted to voting at that location. Instead, they can cast their ballot at any of the fully equipped vote centers located throughout Lake County, regardless of their residential address.
While February 25 Consolidated Primary Election only applies to voters in the cities of North Chicago and Waukegan, this vote center model will be implemented for all subsequent elections as well, including the April 1 Consolidated Election, which applies to all voters in Lake County.
Learn more about the Election Day Vote Center Model.
Get Help
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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
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Job Center 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.
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Community Events and News
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Winter Festivals in Lake County
Embrace the winter chill with a diverse range of activities at winter festivals across Lake County. Explore snowy landscapes, encounter fascinating creatures and marvel at breathtaking snow murals. Check Visit Lake County’s guide to this year’s winter festivals and experience the joy of winter.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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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.
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