February 27, 2025
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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well. Like you, I can't wait for spring. I saw some hungry robins this past weekend, so I hope that bodes well.
Spring brings renewal, but it also offers a new opportunity to plant vegetable gardens, native plants and trees. To help green your community, Lake County launched in 2024 its tree initiative for municipalities, park districts, schools, library districts and townships. I was thrilled to support this program. Our goal is to plant 4,000 trees where they are most needed.
Through this program, publicly maintained and publicly accessible lands can
- Receive free native trees from local nurseries that will be planted on qualified sites by a tree planting crew; and
- Share educational outreach materials with residents about the importance of urban forestry in Lake County; and
- Collaborate with County staff on concepts for a regional Lake County Tree Strategy.
The most recent application period just ended, but the opportunity for public entities and groups partnering with public entities to apply will open once again in August. Please note the tree initiative is solely open to local units of government and is not open to individual homeowners. Visit the County's tree initiative website to learn more about this wonderful program.
Want to get a jumpstart on your garden or land landscaping? Come on by the Seed Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the College of Lake County. We'll have thousands of seeds to give away and countless experts from the Forest Preserve and University of Illinois Master Gardeners to offer advice.
Finally, I'll be going to Washington, DC on Saturday to lobby for federal dollars that directly support Lake County programs and projects. As you know, there's a vexing amount of uncertainty surrounding federal programs and agencies.
As chair of the Lake County Board Legislative Committee, I will be visiting with all of our county's congressional representatives and senators. This year we will be fighting for federal funds promised to Lake County that were approved for a variety of projects and programs from the Cedar Lake Road Realignment Project to veteran-related and other social services.
I've reached out to our staff, school districts and county social service partners to see how federal funding cuts will impact our community. I'm bringing their stories to Capitol Hill. If there's a story you need to tell that involves how federal funds support local services, I need to hear from you. You can best reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
As always, it's a honor to serve you. If you have immediate need of county services, please call 2-1-1.
Be well,
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Public Works News
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Board Approves Grant for Water Main Replacement in Unincorporated Grayslake
The Lake County Board recently approved a resolution accepting a $959,752 grant to replace water main pipe in the Idlewild and Dady & Decker neighborhoods in unincorporated Grayslake. This Public Works project aims to replace 10,000 linear feet of pipe installed more than 50 years ago. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
The funding was earmarked through the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The grant was secured through the office of Congressman Brad Schneider.
Lake County Government News
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Lake County’s Device Distribution Program
Lake County officially kicked off the Digital Growth Initiative (DGI), a program working to make sure every Lake County resident can get online and access important resources.
You can help. Do you know of an organization hosting any special events in 2025? Whether a nonprofit, business or institution, the DGI wants to partner with these events to distribute laptops and other technology to those in need in our communities.
If you know of an organization that has an event that might be a good fit, please fill out this Microsoft Form. Please note that events should be shared five weeks in advance.
Lake County Opioid Initiative Celebrates 11 Years of Impact
The Lake County Opioid Initiative (LCOI) was founded in 2014 in response to the growing crisis of opioid overdoses in our community, which were claiming an alarming number of lives through both fatal and near-fatal incidents.
In its 11 years of service, LCOI has become a vital collaborative force in the fight against the opioid epidemic, uniting key stakeholders to work together rather than in isolation.
Today, the LCOI celebrates the success of its programs, looks forward to continuing its mission, and introduces its newly appointed Executive Board.
Learn more about the Lake County Opioid Initiative and its impact
County’s ARPA Funds Support Mobile Healthcare Program
The Wauconda Fire Protection District recently welcomed Lake County board members for a presentation on their advanced cardiac monitors and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) along with the Mobile Integrated Healthcare-Community Paramedicine program. The Lake County Board allocated $311,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for these two projects.
Learn more about how the County is using these funds to support projects and programs to improve lives, solve problems and make our County more resilient to future challenges.
Community Weather Preparedness Training Comes to Vernon Hills
Learn where to monitor weather information, how to be prepared when severe weather hits and how to get involved in reporting severe weather in Lake County.
The Lake County Emergency Management Agency will hold the annual NWS community weather preparedness training from 7 to 9 p.m. March 20 at Vernon Hills High School auditorium.
Take an important role to help our communities and the National Weather Service. Participants ages 10 and older are invited to join this free course taught by a NWS Chicago meteorologist. No registration is required. Visit the NWS website to learn more about the course.
Sustainability News
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Garden Learning Series Returns
The Garden Learning Series has begun! The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County along with the University of Extension Master Gardeners and Lake County Forest Preserves will offer programs for gardeners and those wanting to learn to garden through December.
Presentations will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. All sessions are free, virtual on Zoom, and are not recorded. Registration closes the Tuesday before each session at 11:59 p.m. Zoom link, slides and handouts will be emailed to registrants by 2 p.m. the day of the presentation.
View the 2025 Garden Learning Series, including how to register
Forest Preserves News
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Job Fair Set for March 10
The Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting a job fair from 2 to 6 p.m., Monday, March 10 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. An array of temporary positions is available.
Organizers say participants should dress professionally and bring multiple copies of resumes. Interviews for temporary positions will be held on the spot at the job fair. No registration is required. For more information, call 847-367-6640.
Read More »
Endowment Campaign Underway
Preserving and protecting the Forest Preserves requires a close partnership between public support and private philanthropy. On average, the cost of every acre is:
- $40,000 to preserve it.
- $15,000 to restore it.
- $75 every year to keep it healthy.
The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves will create a $20 million endowment to protect the forest preserves you love, ensuring every acre of habitat we restore remains ecologically healthy. Forever. An endowment is a powerful tool that delivers a dependable, perpetual funding source.
Learn More »
Top Communications Honors Earned
We received awards from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and the AVA Digital Awards.
The IPRA Agency Showcase honors Illinois agencies for outstanding marketing and communications across print and multimedia. The AVA Digital Awards is an international competition celebrating excellence in creative work.
Horizons magazine took first place in the IPRA contest, while the video "It's Not About Us" came in second. Read More »
Health News
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Protect Yourself and Others from Getting, Spreading the Flu
The Illinois Department of Public Health recently reported that the Illinois respiratory illness level is high with the flu making up most of the cases. View the IDPH Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard to keep track of levels.
The Lake County Health Department advises you to protect yourself and others by taking precautions from getting and spreading the flu. Prevent the spread of flu by covering coughs and sneezes, wash your hands and stay home when sick.
Everyone six months and older should get vaccinated against the flu. The flu vaccine can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and hospitalizations. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a location near you to get the flu vaccine.
Job News
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Lake County Educator Job Fair
Connect with hiring schools at the fourth annual Lake County Educator Job Fair. The fair will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. March 15 at Grayslake North High School. Veterans will be given early access at 7:30 a.m. Register to attend
Workforce Development Helps Navy Recruits Transition to Civilian Careers
Members of the Lake County Workforce Development team recently addressed 85 Navy recruits transitioning from the military, delivering essential career services to prepare for their transition to civilian careers.
The team covered available resources at the American Job Center, the benefits of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and employability skills. The presentation also included valuable resume-writing tips to better prepare the recruits for their job searches.
Overall, the session provided a comprehensive guide on leveraging workforce development resources for a successful career transition.
Learn How Lake County Is Upskilling Today’s Workforce
Lake County Workforce Development is thrilled to share its latest success story through a new video, “Manufacturing: Upskilling Today’s Workforce in Lake County.” The video showcases the impact of Incumbent Worker training programs and On-the-Job Training, featuring testimonials from manufacturers, upskilled employees and training providers.
Through partnerships with employers, the initiative provides tuition assistance, invests in skill development aligned with industry needs and equips workers with relevant expertise to support business growth.
These efforts ensure Lake County manufacturers have the skilled workforce necessary to succeed in today’s competitive environment. Watch the video to see how we’re driving growth and innovation in our community!
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.
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
Community Events and News
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Enjoy a Shamrockin’ St. Patrick’s Day in Lake County
Get ready to go green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Lake County. Whether you're looking for lively parades, festive dining experiences, hands-on crafts or live music, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the luck of the Irish. Check Visit Lake County’s guide to the best ways to celebrate.
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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