Take voter engagement survey, Join Digital Equity Coalition, Lake County Fair and More

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 07/22/2025 11:35 AM CDT

view as a webpage • translate

Newsletter Sign Up • Contact Me • Website

July 22, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

Midsummer melodies from murmuring cicadas float in the sultry air with fireflies aloft. I hope this finds you and yours well and keeping cool.

As part of an awesome ongoing summer series at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, the Forest Preserves presents concerts on Tuesday nights. I was honored to introduce a band a few weeks ago and promote the Preservation Foundation's "Every Acre Strong" campaign. We're raising money to enhance and protect your preserves for future generations.

Managed by the Preservation Foundation, the Forest Preserves’ charitable partner, the endowment will generate about $800,000 each year to support long-term care of restored lands. The endowment will also permanently fund innovative, climate-informed preserve management practices such as:

Re-treating invasive species, including buckthorn, honeysuckle and teasel.
Re-planting native seeds, trees and shrubs that can adapt to a changing climate.
Conducting prescribed burns to keep land healthy.
Monitoring plants, animals and insects to ensure our actions are effective.

What's great about the Tuesday night concerts is that parking revenue is invested in the endowment. So thanks for supporting the Foundation, music lovers! Learn more about the Preservation Foundation.

Mill Creek Improvement Project

In other news, the Mill Creek Improvement project is coming to a close along Linden Road north of Washington. This is where we are restoring a wetland to filter the water flowing into Third Lake. It's also the site of the state's first native wetland plant nursery. Thanks for your patience.

IL 120 Study

Finally, a long-awaited public meeting on the IL 120 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. The meeting will take place in Conference Room A013 on the lower level of the A Wing at the College of Lake County Grayslake Campus. The college is located at 19351 W. Washington St.

As you will recall, the Illinois Department of Transportation is studying ways of addressing traffic flow, pedestrian safety and environmental concerns along the IL 120 corridor. I hope to have more details before the meeting and will report back to you.

It's always an honor to serve you. If you have immediate need of county services, call 2-1-1. The national suicide prevention hotline is 9-8-8. You can reach me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.

Be well,

John Wasik
Lake County Board, District 6
View My County Board Web Page

Lake County Government News

Lake County Board Unites with Counties Nationwide to Push Key Resolutions

Several Lake County Board Members recently returned from the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, where they participated in important policy discussions and helped advance county priorities on the national stage. Learn more

Lake County Ranks in Top 10 Nationally for Economic Development

Lake County has been named one of the top 10 counties in the nation to do business in by Site Selection Magazine, recognizing the County’s ongoing efforts to foster a business-friendly environment while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The magazine publishes its “America's Best Counties” report annually, ranking counties based on their performance in attracting corporate facility projects, capital investment and jobs created. Learn more

Transportation News

Provide Your Input on Fairfield Road Resurfacing Project

The Lake County Division of Transportation is planning to resurface Fairfield Road from Rollins Road to Monaville Road, and we want to hear from you!

Visit the virtual forum to share your ideas and questions through Aug. 15.

County Clerk's Office News

Provide Your Feedback on the Election Experience

The Lake County Clerk’s Office is launching a Voter Engagement Survey to hear directly from you to help improve voter outreach, education and the overall election experience in Lake County. Please complete the survey before July 30.

Take the voter engagement survey

Treasurer's Office News

Rebuilding and Boosting Your Credit

At noon Aug. 25, join the Lake County Treasurer’s Office online for their next financial literacy class, "Recovery Shake: Rebuilding and Boosting Your Credit." Taking an injury isn't the end. Discover practical steps to rebuild your credit, improve your score and strengthen your financial health.

Register to join

View the full Fiscally Fit schedule and watch videos of previous classes

Digital Equity Coalition News

Computer Skills for Beginners

Learn computer basics, the internet, email and cybersecurity. Qualified individuals who attend all six sessions may earn a free laptop computer if they do not own a laptop, desktop computer, tablet or only have a school-issued device. The first class will be Aug. 11. Classes will be held at the Lake County Job Center, 1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Space is limited.

Register to attend

Join Lake County’s Digital Equity Coalition

Connect with other Lake County organizations dedicated to promoting digital equity in our County. Each monthly Digital Equity Coalition meeting offers organizations the opportunity to learn from one another and from subject matter experts in the field.

Learn digital skills teaching tips
Hear about a new partnership with The Patricia A. Jones Center
Learn about Digital Growth Initiative accomplishments and upcoming programming
Receive marketing materials to boost Digital Growth Initiative participation

If you would like to join the Coalition, please complete this interest form.

Forest Preserves News

National Recognition Earned

The Lake County Forest Preserves received two national awards from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials.

The Ryerson Education Center in Riverwoods was honored for its energy-efficient design and environmental education programs. The 2,900-square-foot net-zero energy facility serves 25,000 students annually. The Periodical Cicadas campaign was recognized for its creative public outreach during the 2024 emergence. The effort engaged over 10,000 people locally and reached 213 million worldwide through media and online content. Read More »

Gospelfest Returns to Greenbelt Cultural Center

Award-winning gospel artist Dr. Frozene Lott Hayes headlines this year’s free Gospelfest from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 27 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. The indoor event features powerful performances, food vendors and family-friendly fun.

Additional acts include Rose & Co., Light of the World, Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church and Tara Pipes. Admission and parking are free. Learn More »

Launch Your Next Adventure

Make the most of summer at Fox River Marina in Port Barrington. Enjoy easy access to the Fox River with a daily launch pass.

Launch your boat, jet ski, kayak or paddleboard from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Whether you're out for a quick cruise or a full day on the water, this scenic spot is ready when you are. Temporary slips are also available.

Health News

First 2025 Human Case of West Nile Virus in Lake County

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is reporting the first human case of neuroinvasive West Nile virus in Lake County for 2025.

Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness. However, some may become ill usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. People older than 50 years and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

Follow the 4 Ds of Defense to protect yourself from mosquitoes

Helping Those Who May Have a Mental Health Crisis

Did you know that the Lake County Health Department has a Mobile Response team to respond to residents experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis?

Learn more about this Health Department team of specialists that go out into the community to help those in crisis by watching this video.

Visit the Health Department's Mobile Response Program web page to also learn more about this program, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sheriff's Office News

Meet the New K9s

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office introduces its new K9s, Simba, Hemi and Lux, who join the men and women to help protect the residents of Lake County. The K9s will help to track suspects and missing persons, sniff out illegal narcotics and protect their partners in the line of duty.

Join the Lake County Sheriff's Office at the Lake County Fair July 23 to 27 to see exciting K9 demonstrations. Watch our skilled handlers and their incredible K9 partners showcase obedience, detection and apprehension work. Meet our team and learn more about the vital work our K9s do every day to help keep Lake County safe.

View the demonstration schedule

Thank You K9 Boomer for Your Service to Lake County

K9 Boomer honorably served the Lake County Sheriff’s Office as an explosives-detection and patrol K9, partnered with Deputy Brian Kilpatrick. Throughout his career, which began in May 2017, Boomer was a critical asset to both local and federal law enforcement operations.

From tracking fleeing suspects to locating missing children in dangerous conditions, K9 Boomer saved lives and helped apprehend dangerous individuals. He conducted countless deployments searching for explosives at the scenes of bomb threats and was deployed to check for explosives at nationally attended events across the Midwest.

Retiring last June, K9 Boomer’s legacy will live on in the safety he provided and the countless lives he impacted.

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

Cape Up and Chow Down at the Lake County Fair

The Lake County Fair is swooping in July 23 to 27 with superhero-sized excitement for its 96th year of legendary entertainment. From high-flying motocross to monster trucks, a demolition derby and pulse-pounding bull riding, this fair is an ultimate action adventure.

Check out Visit Lake County’s list of the top six must-see activities at the Lake County Fair and go to the Lake County Fair website to check out all the fun planned this year.

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.