Dear Neighbors,
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I had a wonderful time this past week learning from colleagues from other parts of the country at the National Association for Counties (NACo) national conference for County Board members, which was held in a historical city, Philadelphia.
I enjoy collecting ideas on how to make our County more efficient, more creative and more service-oriented. As a County Board Member, I am looking at ways to incorporate more technology that will create efficiencies, more creative ways to deliver health and community services and more environmental ways to save the county important dollars that can be used to bolster important services for residents. Congratulations to NACo on 90 years, representing an important agenda for County Board Members.
I am also so proud to announce that Illinois has been named by CNBC as the 13th best state to do business in, an all-time high for our state. Lake County has made a significant contribution to this status. Earlier this month, Site Selection Magazine named Lake County number 10 among the Top 10 Best Counties in America for economic development. I am proud to serve on the Lake County Partners Board, which works to help attract businesses to locate on our county. Lake County Partners has been incredibly successful in these past few years in making this happen. Our numbers show a very successful picture of our county attracting businesses large and small to help increase our bottom line.
The State of Illinois also moved up one spot in the sustainability rankings to number 6 this year. By the year 2030, Lake County is committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 50 percent and achieving at least 60 percent diversion rate of recyclables and organics from its own waste stream.
Please continue to enjoy your summer and check out one of our beautiful forest preserves.
Best,
 
Lake County Government News
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Regional Facility to Strengthen Preparedness and Response
After more than a decade of planning and coordination, regional 9-1-1 consolidation partners and federal, state and local officials gathered on June 27 to celebrate the completion of the Lake County Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility, a central hub that will strengthen 9-1-1 services and emergency response across the county.
Transportation News
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What's Coming to Lake County Roads and Paths
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has launched an interactive dashboard to share detailed information about projects in its newly updated 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program.
This $865 million, five-year program adopted by the Lake County Board today includes a wide range of infrastructure improvements designed to maintain and modernize Lake County’s transportation system. Projects in the plan will move through various stages of development, from planning and design to construction in the coming years.
Learn more
Sustainability News
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Certain Types of Batteries Now Taken at HCW Collections
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) has expanded its household chemical waste (HCW) accepted materials list to include a larger variety of household battery types.
SWALCO offers two options for HCW disposal, year-round collection events twice a month at its Gurnee facility and mobile events from May through September at various Lake County locations.
The next mobile HCW collection event will be July 19 at Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa. HCW events are free for Illinois residents, and appointments are required.
Reuse-O-Rama
Bring your hard-to-recycle items to the Reuse-O-Rama from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 19 at the Hainesville Village Hall.
Also, bring your confidential documents to be shredded. A maximum of four banker boxes per vehicle will be accepted. All items will be reused, recycled, refurbished or donated. View the full list of items that will be accepted
Forest Preserves News
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Exclusive Artwork Unveiled at the Dunn Museum
Legendary comic book artist Alex Ross unveiled two brand-new paintings—Harley Quinn and The Joker—created exclusively for the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. These iconic DC villains debuted with the opening of the Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains, a special exhibition taking place now.
What inspired Alex to draw comics in the first place? Turns out it was the Spider-Man character on the classic children's TV series, "The Electric Company," that lit the creative spark. Step inside his world in a behind-the-scenes interview: Read More »
Shifting the Narrative
Learn how to shift the way we share local history to better reflect women, people of color and underserved communities at a presentation from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17. “Storytelling For Civic Pride: There’s More Here” takes place at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville or virtually.
Presenter Laura Sievert-Hesseltine will share practical ways to shift the narrative and explain why inclusive storytelling isn’t just about fairness—it’s also a smart investment in Illinois’ cultural and economic future. The event is free, but registration is required. Presented in partnership with Illinois Humanities and sponsored by USG.
To register »
Health News
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Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus
A mosquito “pool” (batch of mosquitoes) sampled on June 24 at a Southlake Mosquito Abatement District trap in Highland Park has tested positive for West Nile virus. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2025.
Find prevention tips, including the 4 Ds of mosquito protection as well as information on West Nile virus at Fight the Bite Now.
Residents can also call the Health Department’s West Nile hotline at 847-377-8300 to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus.
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Sheriff's Office News |
Strengthening Waterway Safety
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced a new public-private partnership with Nielsen Enterprises and Kawasaki to enhance waterway safety through the addition of two Jet Skis, now deployed with the Sheriff’s Marine Unit.
Thanks to Kawasaki’s national loan program in support of law enforcement and first responders, and through the assistance of Nielsen Enterprises, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received two Jet Skis at no cost for use during the 2025 boating season. These high-performance personal watercrafts launched July 1 on Lake County waterways to support emergency response, water rescues and proactive safety patrols.
Learn more
Digital Growth Initiative News
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There’s Still Time to Apply for a Digital Skills License
Want to help Lake County residents build essential digital skills? Apply for a Northstar Digital Skills License today.
Lake County’s Digital Growth Initiative has partnered with Northstar Digital Literacy to offer no-cost digital skills licenses for local nonprofit, educational and government organizations that provide digital skill-building programs to residents.
With a Northstar license, your organization can provide in-person or online learning through ready-to-go lesson plans, curricula and digital skills assessments.
Help ensure everyone in our community has the skills they need to succeed in today’s world. Apply for a license now! Email broadband@lakecountyil.gov to learn more or apply.
Job News
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Workshops Help Veterans Transition to Career
The Off-Base Transitional Training (OBTT), provided by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, provides employment preparation, education, and opportunities that allow attendees to maximize their career potential.
The OBTT program is an opportunity for for Veterans, Veterans currently serving in the National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses. The next career workshops will be offered July 17 and July 30.
Learn more about OBTT and register online to attend
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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Get Ready for an Incredible July in Lake County
As the peak of summer heats up, it’s time to chase adventure. This season, let your journey lead you through the scenic beauty, rich history and outdoor charm of Lake County. Click here to dive into Visit Lake County’s Road Trips guide and keep scrolling for the top 10 can’t-miss experiences happening this July.
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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