March 26, 2025
 |
|
Dear Neighbors, |
Happy spring. We’ve been busy prepping our garden plots and planting our kitchen garden. I hope this finds you, family and friends well.
This past week, I and our county lobbying team were in Springfield. We were soliciting support for several bills we hope will become law. Several of the proposals are environmentally focused and will improve the health and well-being of everyone. Here’s a sampling of what we’re promoting:
-
Composting. This process employs natural bacteria to break down kitchen scraps into fertile soil. This waste should not be trucked to landfills. We’re trying to reduce the amount of methane generated when this waste decomposes. Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases. We are advocating for several bills that will promote composting and creating markets for compost, which can be used in every garden and public space.
-
Household Hazardous Waste. As long as I can remember, we’ve tossed everything from bug killers to paint in the garbage, which is then buried in our landfills. For years, we’ve been trying to pass laws that enforce “extended producer responsibility.” This would require that manufacturers of these products to take back and recycle the most toxic chemicals.
-
Recycling Electronics. Did you know Grayslake Public Works hosts the largest electronics recycling facility in Illinois (on Barron/IL 83 between Center and Washington)? We’re hoping to continue that service and expand it.
While we’re on the subject of landfill waste, I’m reviewing a proposal to create a large-scale recycling facility on the grounds of the Countryside landfill in Grayslake, which will close in a few years. Many thanks to the Village of Grayslake for working with Waste Management to make this center one of the premier recycling facilities in the state. More details to come in upcoming newsletters.
All told, our lobbying team connected with most of our Lake County General Assembly delegation. Thanks to Senators Mary Edly-Allen and Adriane Johnson and Representatives Laura Faver-Dias, Joyce Mason, Bob Morgan and Tom Weber who met with us or sponsored our bills. I’ll have more to report after Memorial Day, when the current session ends.
Forest Preserve News
I’m truly excited to report that the Lake County Forest Preserves is considering relocating its general offices from Libertyville to Grayslake. I am a strong advocate of this proposal, which could offer an accessible, environmentally friendly complex for all of Lake County.
If the proposal passes several hurdles, the new office will be a “net-zero energy” building that generates all the power it needs. Better yet, it would be next door to the College of Lake County’s main campus, on the site of Brae Loch Golf Club. Locating the offices on this property would eventually allow access to the Millennium Trail, Rollins Savanna and the seed nursery, plus plenty of public transportation options. It’s also centrally located. I am enthusiastic about the next step and joined my colleagues in approving $75,000 from the referendum bond sale to explore the concept and develop a plan.
“The goal isn't merely to build a structure, but to develop a destination,” Ty Kovach, Forest Preserves executive director, told us. “This new space will better serve our staff and the public while reflecting our mission of conservation, education and outdoor recreation.”
 Finally, thanks to all who came out last Saturday for our monthly workday at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake. I joined, as brush pile burn boss, many friends who brought along energetic students who were interns with the Illinois Beaver Alliance. We cut, burned and cleared buckthorn under the excellent direction of our site steward Carolina Schottland and Forest Preserves Ecologist Kelly Schultz.
If you’re a student needing service hours or just relish a satisfying outdoor ecological restoration experience, you’re welcome to join us. We have workdays in nearly every preserve throughout the month. To join our more than 1,600 volunteers, check out this site. You’ll have fun restoring your precious forests, prairies and wetlands and meet some great people.
It's my pleasure to serve you. If you have an immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. You can reach me directly at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Election News
|
Here’s What to Know for the April 1 Consolidated Election
The April 1 Consolidated Election is right around the corner. The Lake County Clerk’s Office is dedicated to helping every eligible voter be prepared to participate in the election.
Visit the County Clerk’s website to confirm your voter registration, view your sample ballot, locate your preferred polling place and more.
Lake County Government News
|
Take Survey to Help County Identify Needs Surrounding Internet Access
Lake County is inviting residents to respond to a brief 10-minute online survey about their home or business broadband or high-speed internet access. Open through April 11, the responses will help better identify the needs and issues surrounding internet access within the County and find appropriate solutions for our County’s future.
All Lake County residents are invited to fill out the survey while connected to their home or business internet to provide the most accurate responses. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.
Learn more about the County’s efforts to address internet access.
Sustainability News
|
Keep Shoes Out of the Landfills! Remember Reuse-A-Shoe
With Earth Month right around the corner, now is the perfect time to declutter your closet and donate your unwanted shoes. The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s Reuse-A-Shoe program offers year-round drop-off sites across Lake County for individuals and families.
SWALCO also supports short-term collection events for schools, workplaces and organizations. SWALCO can provide custom posters and supplies. Short-term collection is flexible, easy and free. An organization can collect for a week, a month or more.
Learn more about the Reuse-A-Shoe program
Forest Preserves News
|
Board Approves Land Purchases
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of two land parcels—55 acres in Fremont Township and 34 acres in Antioch Township.
The larger of the two, known as the Steffenhagen property, will extend Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Located on Gilmer Road, it sits less than a mile north of Route 176. The board also agreed to buy 34 acres to expand Lotus Country Conservation Preserve in Antioch. The land, known as the Elliott W. Frank LLC property, is on Rena Avenue, about a quarter mile south of Grass Lake Road. It protects the county's largest egret and heron rookery.
Learn More »
Waukegan Illustrator’s Lasting Legacy
Born in Waukegan 137 years ago this month, Mary Louise Spoor Brand (1887–1985) made her mark as a children’s book illustrator. After graduating with high honors from Waukegan High School, she studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and built a thriving career.
If the name Spoor rings a bell, her brother, George K. Spoor, co-founded Chicago’s Essanay Studios. He even cast 8-year-old Mary Louise in a short film, making her—she joked—the first “child star.” Read History Blog »
Public Works News
|
Spring Hydrant Flushing Begins March 31
Lake County Public Works will conduct its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program beginning March 31, depending on weather conditions.
The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., per the hydrant flushing schedule and will continue until all water mains throughout our water systems have been flushed.
Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main.
Stormwater Management News
|
Provide Your Feedback as County Addresses Stormwater Concerns
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is hosting two public meetings across Lake County in April to receive feedback from residents to assist in updating the 2025 Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. SMC staff will be available to discuss your stormwater and drainage concerns.
The meetings will be:
- Wednesday, April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m., Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd, Highland Park
- Thursday, April 17 from 5 to 7 p.m., Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake
Learn more about the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan
SMC Seeks Comments on Manitou Creek-Fish Lake Drain Watershed-Based Plan
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) has opened a public comment period through May 5 for the draft Manitou Creek-Fish Lake Drain Watershed Based Plan. The plan recommends voluntary actions to reduce flood damages, improve water quality and restore water resources in the Manitou Creek-Fish Lake Drain watershed in Lake County.
There will be informational meetings April 9 in Round Lake and virtually on April 10 where staff will present an overview of the plan and answer questions. The public also can provide their feedback about the plan at the meetings.
Learn more about the plan and the public information meetings
Transportation News
|
Provide Feedback to Metra on Potentially Renaming Lines
Metra invites you to complete a survey and provide feedback as to what you think about potentially renaming lines to make the system easier to understand for new and occasional riders.
Take the survey
Learn more about the signage and wayfinding project
Illinois Tollway Invests to Improve Operations and Safety
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors approved a construction contract totaling $13.8 million for toll plaza improvements on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway between Barrington Road and Arlington Heights Road.
Nearly $117.3 million in contracts has been approved by the Tollway Board this year, including $82 million as part of the 14th year of the Tollway’s 16-year, $15 billion Move Illinois capital program and $35.3 million as part of the first year of the seven-year, $2 billion Bridging the Future plan. The Tollway’s 2025 capital program calls for investing $1.15 billion.
Learn more about the Illinois Tollway capital program
Emergency Management News
|
Helping Residents Be Better Prepared for Severe Weather
The Lake County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service held their annual Community Weather Preparedness Training on March 20 at Vernon Hills High School.
A lead meteorologist from NWS spoke on topics ranging from severe thunderstorms to heat safety and flooding. Courses like these are crucial to help residents be better prepared for all types of weather, understand weather data and increase community resiliency.
Learn more about resources the Lake County EMA provides to help you prepare for extreme weather
Education News
|
Virtual Education Will Expand to More Illinois School Districts
Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy (IVSA), in partnership with the University of Illinois System, is launching an expanded initiative to bring high-quality virtual education to more school districts across Illinois following a successful pilot in Lake County.
IVSA is a program of the Lake County Regional Office of Education, providing access to more than 380 course options, including credit recovery, Advanced Placement, core curriculum, electives and world languages. The U of I System plays a critical role by funding stipends for in-person teachers to support virtual learners at each of the participating schools.
Learn more about this partnership for student success
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
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.
Community Events and News
|
Save the Date for the First Responders Expo
Don’t miss the First Responders Expo, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 at Gurnee Mills Parking Lot E.
This family-friendly event will feature displays by over 45 police and fire departments, safety demonstrations as well as the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit.
Explore Outdoors this Spring in Lake County
There are numerous outdoor venues to explore nature in Lake County. With 170 lakes and rivers, enjoy Illinois Beach State Park in Zion off the shores of Lake Michigan and Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove.
Plus, with nearly 31,000 acres of land to explore at the Lake County Forest Preserves, there’s many choices to visit for hiking, fishing, bird watching, golf and more.
Check Visit Lake County’s Spring Outdoor Guide to give you suggestions for enjoying the season.
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.
| 
