Dear Neighbors,
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As we slowly waltz to the longest day of the year, I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well and enjoying the green glory around you.
It’s been a dynamic month at the county, but I wanted to first pass along some good news from the Lake County Forest Preserves. We received word last week that our state General Assembly approved a $1 million planning grant to create a strategic plan for the footprint of the Route 53 corridor. As you know, a task force of county board members, municipal leaders and environmentalists—along with myself—recommended converting the highway right of way into a new Lake County greenway trail.
With our experience developing regional trails that span multiple jurisdictions, the Forest Preserves is an ideal agency to take the lead on this project. Turning the approximately 1,000 acres into a greenway trail is an eco-friendly move that would help the county better address stormwater and ecological concerns. It would boost broad-based economic development and increase land values for property owners along the corridor. A greenway would also reduce our county’s carbon footprint and improve air and groundwater quality
Community Projects Greenlighted
I’m pleased to report that our county’s Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) has approved three projects that will benefit our communities. Note: I serve as an alternate member of SMC and highly supported these stormwater improvements, which represent $6.4 million in public safety and infrastructure upgrades:
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Gages Lake Area Drainage Improvements. As SMC works to reduce flooding, it’s also increasing storm sewer capacity in a $2.5 million project.
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Grayslake Manor. Addressing long-standing water issues in “The Manor,” SMC will also boost storage, storm sewer capacity and mitigate roadway and neighborhood flooding.
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Linden Avenue. SMC will elevate this road to mitigate roadway and neighborhood flooding from Mill Creek. An unrelated project to restore a wetland area along the creek will be finished in coming weeks. If you live in this area, thanks for your continued patience.
We are awaiting final approval for funding these projects from the state. I will keep you updated on construction details.
Transportation News
Our Public Works and Transportation Committee also was briefed by the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) on several transportation projects in our area.
The intersection at Center and Atkinson in Grayslake is being studied for possible improvements, including a sidewalk/bike path from Atkinson to U.S. 45 along Center Street. A new path on Alleghany Road from IL 120 to Peterson is also in LCDOT’s long-range plan for future consideration.
Also In Our Communities
I was also honored to participate in Grayslake’s Memorial Day and Pride Parades recently. Thanks to all who support building and protecting our communities. We are better together.
Finally, heartfelt thanks to Roy Anderson and Terry Toth for serving on the Avon-Fremont Drainage District and Grayslake Fire Protection District Boards, respectively. They have honored and strengthened our communities by serving on these boards for many years. Thanks to fine, engaged citizens like these, our local public services continue to thrive.
As always, it’s my honor to serve you. If you have immediate needs for county services, please call 2-1-1. The national suicide prevention line is 9-8-8. If you need to reach me for county or forest preserve matters, I’m at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
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Sustainability News
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Shoes and Shred Event June 14
Bring your shoes to be reused or recycled and confidential documents to be shredded the Shoes and Shred event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 at the Village of Round Lake Park Village Hall. Shoes will be donated to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Learn more
Electronic and Textile Recycling Event
Bring your old electronics and textiles to be recycled at a special event from 1 to 7 p.m. June 20 and 9 a.m. to noon June 21 at the Warren Township Center. Also, donations will be taken for the Warren Township Food Pantry.
This event is hosted by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, Lakeshore Recycling Services and State Representative Joyce Mason. Learn more
Switch Together Helps Homeowners Who Consider Solar
Switch Together - previously called Solar Switch - is a program offered by Lake County, Midwest Renewable Energy Association and Citizens Utility Board that makes it more affordable for homeowners to go solar. Optional add-ons such as battery storage and electric vehicle chargers are also available through the program.
Switch Together provides free educational webinars and in-person events to guide you through the process of going solar. Through the current program, the average household can save $4,838 solar installation. It is free to register, and there is no obligation. Register at SwitchTogether.com/Solar/LakeCounty by June 25.
Forest Preserves News
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Summer Horizons Now Live
The summer issue of Horizons magazine is now online. The cover captures a storybook moment at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove, where two white-tailed deer fawns stand together in the summer landscape. Their dappled coats help them blend into the sunlight-speckled forests and meadows.
Inside, discover the calming practice of forest bathing and the fascinating lifecycle of bumble bees in Lake County. This issue also includes upcoming programs, museum exhibitions and stories to inspire your next outdoor adventure. Learn more »
Cicada Campaign Earns Top Honors
Our 2024 Celebrating Cicadas marketing campaign earned a Bronze Anvil Award—the top national honor in media relations—from the Public Relations Society of America. It’s like the Oscars of PR, recognizing creativity, storytelling and teamwork.
The campaign had it all: a Dunn Museum exhibit, school programs, custom illustrations by a Lake County artist, a Horizons feature—and even a cicada-themed beer. More than a communications effort, it was a full agency collaboration that elevated our visibility like never before. Learn More »
Carved Cathedral Makes Chicago Debut
A hand-carved folk-art cathedral from the Dunn Museum in Libertyville is now on display at the Intuit Art Museum in Chicago. Crafted by Mundelein artist Charles Warner (1884–1964), the piece was inspired by his childhood in Poland. Intuit curators discovered it through the Dunn Museum’s virtual exhibit Color & Light: Charles Warner’s Miniature Cathedrals.
It’s featured in Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-taught Art in Chicago, which showcases work by 22 migrant and immigrant artists. The exhibit runs through January 11, 2026. This collaboration helps spotlight Warner’s story and raises awareness of the Dunn Museum’s collections. Read more »
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Celebrates Pride Month
Demonstrating our commitment to support the dignity, worth and freedom of the
LGBTQIA+ community, the Lake County Board will display the LGBTQIA+
Pride Flag through June in Lincoln Plaza at the Lake County Administrative Complex in Waukegan.
We're proud to stand with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and celebrate the diversity that makes Lake County strong.
Thank You to Our Auxiliary Deputy Unit
The Lake County Board recognized the members of the Auxiliary Deputy Unit for their dedicated and valuable service. Last year, the Auxiliary Deputy Unit spent 13,000 hours supporting the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The Auxiliary Deputy Unit assists during emergencies, provides traffic and crowd control, searches for missing persons, supports community events and more Their commitment to public safety and community support makes a difference every day in Lake County.
Lake County Addresses Homelessness
The results from the most recent annual assessment of unhoused individuals in Lake County are now available. This assessment, called the Lake County Point-in-Time Count, is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night every January.
Watch this video to learn more about the Lake County Point-in-Time Count and the dedicated work by the volunteers and County staff to address homelessness in Lake County.
Treasurer's Office News
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Access Searchable List of Uncashed Checks
The Lake County Treasurer’s Office maintains a searchable list of uncashed checks. These are checks that were issued by Lake County and have not been cashed by the payee.
These outstanding checks have been issued by the Lake County Treasurer (Accounts Payable, Juror and Payroll) or the Lake County Collector (primarily property tax refund checks). Mirroring several neighboring counties and the Illinois Treasurer's ICASH system, the Lake County Treasurer “Uncashed Checks” log was created.
If the public wishes to request a replacement check, the Treasurer's Office provides instructions to request a new check that will be mailed to the recipient.
“This process has created more transparency, gets money back in the hands of intended payees faster, and lessened administrative burden across County departments – a win, win, win,” Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim said.
Visit the uncashed checks website to access the searchable list of uncashed checks and how to request a replacement check.
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Stormwater Management News
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Work Continues to Address Stormwater Infrastructure
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) was awarded a $122 million appropriation from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to complete stormwater capital improvement projects and reduce flooding in hard hit communities countywide.
Half of the planned DCEO capital improvement projects are now funded, but there is still more work to be done.
Learn more about the efforts to address stormwater infrastructure
Construction Begins on Bangs Lake to Alleviate Flooding
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), along with the Lake County Board and the Village of Wauconda, celebrated the beginning of construction on the Bangs Lake Outfall Improvements Project with a ceremonial groundbreaking.
This infrastructure improvement will help alleviate flooding to more than 70 properties and eight roads in Wauconda. Learn more
Digital Growth Initiative News
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Build Basic Computer Skills Through No-cost Programs
The Lake County Digital Growth Initiative is hosting no-cost digital skills programs at libraries across the County this summer. If you are looking to build your basic computer skills, including using email, accessing telehealth, or using tools like Microsoft Word, or if you just need a refresher, these programs are for you!
The programs are offered in English and Spanish and are designed to help residents feel confident using everyday technology.
Classes will take place at:
Learn more about summer programming here, or click the links above to view a calendar of events at each library. Registration is required to participate.
Transportation News
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Snap the Journey: Show How Illinois Moves
For the second consecutive year, the Illinois Department of Transportation invites you to highlight how transportation connects communities with a photo contest. Submit original photos that demonstrate why transportation is important to you.
Through June 20, IDOT will accept original photos that showcase transportation at work in Illinois, including biking, walking and rolling, rails-to-trails projects, highways, bridges, work zones, transit, airports and waterways.
Enter today
Health News
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Follow These Tips to Swim Safely
Whether enjoying the waters at your local pool or your favorite beach, it is important to protect yourself from illness, prevent the spread of germs and practice safe swimming.
The Lake County Health Department monitors lake water for E.coli bacteria in over 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure that the water is acceptable for swimming. Now through Labor Day, beach closure information can be found through the interactive map on the Health Department’s Beach Monitoring and Advisories web page, which is updated daily by 10 a.m.
Learn more about ways to protect yourself from illness at pools and water parks
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Sheriff's Office News |
Go Online Safely by Following These SMART Tips
June is recognized as National Internet Safety Month. The Illinois Office of the Attorney General, which is a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, wants to remind everyone of the importance of protecting children online and encourages families to discuss online safety. Follow these SMART parenting tips for online safety.
Job News
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Upcoming Job Fair
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet with top employers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 N Civic Center Way. Veterans will receive early access at 10:30 a.m. There will be on-the-spot interviews, networking opportunities and a wide range of industries and job roles. 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.
Watch this video as the Job Center team guides you through the virtual and onsite resources available to job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Hire Lake County
Check 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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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other 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 languages. The service is free and confidential.
Learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.
Community Events & News
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Discover the Top 10 Things to Do in June in Lake County
Summer has officially arrived, and Lake County is ready to deliver an unforgettable season filled with festivals, live music, lakefront adventures and community celebrations. Check Visit Lake County’s guide to everything Lake County has to offer this month.
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee 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 meeting schedule.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meeting
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