April 25, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
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Spring has sprung! I love seeing all the blooming trees and flowers on my daily walks around town. We planted two new trees in our backyard after losing a large tree to the drought a few years ago. Our backyard now looks much more lively since birds and squirrels now have more places to hang out. We chose a maple tree and a red bud tree that are native to our area since native trees and plants are more hardy, support our local wildlife and pollinators and are lower maintenance.
We are also holding off on mowing our lawn for a few weeks as part of “No Mow May,” a movement to help support our pollinators that spend the winter in our yards among leaves and plants. It is a simple way to help them start spring strong when they have access to clover and other plants in our yards. It also encourages people to wait a few weeks before applying weed treatments to their yards.
Spring is also a great time to sort through closets and clean out clothes and shoes that you no longer need. The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) has 84 collection bins located at nearly 60 sites throughout the region as part of its Clothing and Textiles Collection Program. Many bins are available 24/7. Unlike some other organizations that accept clothing, SWALCO works hard to ensure all the clothing is truly reused or recycled and not just sent to landfills. Any proceeds from their textile and shoe donations support environmental and community outreach and education programs.
I always drop my clothing off at the drive-by donation bins on the county property right off Winchester Road in Libertyville.
If you know a church, school, library, corporation office, business or other organization that would like to become a host site for textile and/shoe donations and to participate in this wonderful community effort, please contact SWALCO at 847-377-4950.
Happy Spring!
Lake County Government News
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Offering No-Cost Digital Skills Software to Local Organizations
Lake County is distributing 29 licenses for digital skills software at no cost through Northstar Digital Literacy, a Literacy Minnesota program, to nonprofit, educational and government organizations that engage in skill-building programs with residents who meet specific criteria.
Interested organizations should have experience serving Lake County populations disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the operational capacity to offer trainings and experience with administering skill-building programs. Organizations should also be prepared to share a plan for promoting and delivering the curriculum to the community. Learn more
Evaluating Options Amid Federal Funding Uncertainty
In mid-March, Lake County was informed that more than $3 million in federally earmarked funds were eliminated from the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget. These funds were intended to support critical infrastructure and affordable housing in the County.
Despite this setback, Lake County remains committed to advancing these vital projects. The County is currently evaluating all available options to move forward and secure alternative funding to address these community needs. Learn more
Lake County Board Chair Joins State Trade Delegation to Mexico
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart recently joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and a delegation of public and private sector leaders on a trade mission to Mexico. The trip focused on strengthening economic ties and fostering greater collaboration to create opportunities that will benefit communities across the state, including right here in Lake County. Learn more
County Clerk's Office News
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Record-Breaking Turnout and Cost Savings Mark April Election
Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega officially certified the results of the April 1 Consolidated Election at 3 p.m. Monday, April 21.
This historic election marked Lake County’s first countywide implementation of vote centers, giving voters the freedom to cast their ballot at any site throughout the county on Election Day. Over 15% of Election Day voters took advantage of this flexibility, voting at a location other than their assigned polling place. Learn more
Get Your County Vital Records Easily Online
Through VitalChek, request a copy of your Lake County marriage, divorce, birth or death certificates online. Visit the Lake County Clerk’s Office website for more information regarding requesting your records online.
The option to request your records in person is still readily available by visiting the County Clerk’s Office during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Room 101 in the County Administration Building in Waukegan.
Forest Preserve News
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Native Plant Sale Planned
Save the date for the in-person Native Plant Sale at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The sale runs Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Choose from a wide selection of native flowers, grasses and hardy forbs. Learn how sustainable landscaping can benefit your home, your wallet and your community. Experts will be onsite to answer questions and offer guidance. This year, more of each plant species will be available to give more people the chance to bring native plants home. Prices vary and inventory is limited, so come early. Be sure to bring boxes for easy transport. Read More »
Explore, Learn and Play This Summer
This upcoming summer, children and teens can dive into nature and history through engaging programs led by expert educators. With hands-on activities for every age, participants will uncover local history, explore native wildlife and enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures.
From animal tracking to time-traveling through Lake County’s past, there’s something for every curious mind. All Summer Adventures programs are guided by experienced staff who prioritize safety, inclusion and learning through experience in a supportive, fun environment. Learn More »
Summer Concert Series Announced
Enjoy summer evenings filled with live music, nature and community at Independence Grove in Libertyville. The 2025 concert lineup for the popular Concerts in the Plaza series has been announced, featuring free outdoor performances at Millennia Plaza, set against a scenic 129-acre lake.
Shows run Tuesday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m., from June 10 through August 5. This year’s schedule includes local favorites and tribute acts covering everything from the Beatles and Steely Dan to ‘90s hits, country, reggae and blues. Dance, picnic or unwind under the sunset—there’s something for everyone.
Read More »
Sustainability News
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Celebrating Earth Month and the Planet
While people around the world hold events to celebrate Earth Day April 22, in Lake County we’re always looking to ways to raise awareness about the health of our environment and provide resources to residents to be more sustainable and create a healthier planet.
Through thoughtful planning and action, we are advancing initiatives that protect natural resources and promote long-term sustainability. Recent examples include adopting bird-friendly building design ordinances, constructing the Regional Operations and Communications Facility, which will be Lake County government’s first Net Zero building and working with communities to plant 4,000 native trees countywide as part of the Lake County Tree Initiative.
Learn more about Lake County’s sustainability efforts
Celebrate at These Community Events
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County is proud to share a variety of community events planned to share a passion for sustainability and raise awareness. Check out the latest SWALCO Scoop to see a list of community events and collection drives planned.
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Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost
Join activities designed for all ages not only in Lake County but across the Chicago area and worldwide as part of International Compost Awareness Week from May 4 to 10.
There will be compost adventures including compost giveback events, garden tours, farm festivals and much more as well as virtual events to learn about Illinois policy related to food scraps and composting.
Learn more
Health News
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Dispose Medications Properly at a Collection Box Near You
Dispose your old, unneeded and expired medications safely and anonymously at a drop-off location near you between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
There will be thousands of local drop-off locations nationwide. Proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives and protects the environment and our overall community. Find a collection site near you.
State's Attorney's Office News
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County Unveils Firearm Fatality Dashboard
In a significant step toward understanding and preventing gun violence, Lake County has unveiled the Firearm Fatality Dashboard. The Dashboard is a tool designed to provide residents, government partners and organizations with the most recent data on firearm fatalities across the county.
This data collection and public education program is part of the broader Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI)’s work to identify trends, to effectively allocate resources, and to broaden the community conversation about ending gun violence. Learn more
Sheriff's Office News
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Meet the New K9s
The Lake County Sheriff's Office introduces the newest members of its K9 team. They are K9 Simba, partnered with Deputy Chris Sinceno, K9 Hemi, partnered with Deputy Kevin Zerbe, and K9 Lux, son of the legendary K9 Dax, who will be partnered with Deputy John Forlenza.
All six have started their basic training and will soon serve the residents of Lake County.
Get Help
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Use 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 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.
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Community News and Events
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Let’s Snap Lake County!
There is an abundance of scenic, historical, adventurous shots of Lake County. Share your best pictures as Visit Lake County has its third Let’s Snap Lake County Photo Contest.
All submissions will be accepted, but Visit Lake County is looking to fulfill these six categories. Outdoor Photos, Family/People Imagery, Dining/Libations, Lake County Events, Video and Other Travel Culture. Individuals may submit up to five photos. The contest runs now through June 30.
Learn more and submit your photos
Watch 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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