July 29, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
|
 Last week, I had the opportunity to visit all of the student teams participating in Youth Conservation Corps’ Summer Conservation Program.
High school and college students who participate in this summer intern-type program work on various projects throughout the Lake County Forest Preserves to enhance them. Projects range from removing buckthorn to upgrading existing trails to building new fences. Our work crews brave the elements to accomplish these important projects.
Many of the students are thinking about or are already involved in environmental type majors. As a member of the Youth Conservation Corps Executive Board for the past five years, I enjoy visiting our crews and admire their passion for helping to improve our beautiful preserves.
I also enjoyed attending our kickoff meeting of Housing Lake County, an effort to partner with municipalities across the county to develop more housing at different price points to accommodate new workers and families seeking opportunities to make a home here.
Statistics show in several years we will be facing a critical housing shortage in our county. We need to plan now and work together to develop housing plans that will help to improve opportunities available to potential renters and buyers.
As the chair of the Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee, I am proud to help lead this important effort to get all of our communities involved.
|
I am also excited about our efforts to complete the repair of the Sylvan Lake Dam. Our Stormwater Management Commission worked with the community for years to come up with a repair plan.
We also want to thank Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and retiring Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky for helping secure more than $1 million for this project. Schakowsky, who represents the Ninth District, who only inherited part of Lake County a little more than two years ago, has embraced the area and is now beginning her farewell tour after decades in Congress.
Don’t forget to spend some time outside and visit one of our beautiful forest preserves. You can also take your dog to visit one of their our lovely dog parks with lots of space for your dog to run.
Best,
|
Lake County Government News
|
Lake County Board Unites with Counties Nationwide to Push Key Resolutions
I was honored to join several Lake County Board Members to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, where we participated in important policy discussions and helped advance county priorities on the national stage.
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
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.
Digital Equity Coalition News
|
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.
Register for the July 29 meeting where participants will:
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 »
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
| 
