1.9 million meals. 6.5 million pieces of PPE. $22.2 million invested in water and sanitary sewer upgrades. These numbers are just a few examples of how Lake County has allocated $135.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.  

Learn how these investments are making an impact in our communities  

Remember, the second installment of your property tax payment is due on Sept. 4. There are convenient options available, including the free eCheck feature, by mail, by phone and at your local bank. 

Learn more about the payment options 

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County is partnering with Deerfield, Bannockburn, and North Shore Unitarian Church for a Reuse and Recycle Rally from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 24 at North Shore Unitarian Church, 2100 Half Day Road, Deerfield. 

This is a free event to bring accepted household items, which will be reused, recycled and donated. Up to six banker boxes of confidential documents also can be brought to this event to be shredded.   

The Lake County Forest Preserves’ Board of Commissioners authorized two significant acquisitions to protect nature.  

In Winthrop Harbor, $4.59 million will purchase 120.8 acres along Lewis Avenue to create a new forest preserve, featuring wetlands, open space and scenic views next to the Robert McClory Bike Path. Near Round Lake, $3.59 million will add the 143.6-acre Wilson Road Livestock property to Kestrel Ridge Forest Preserve. Learn More »  

The Lake County Forest Preserves approved a $610,000 sale of 4.7 acres to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand Fort Sheridan National Cemetery. 

The land, part of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest, will be used to install columbaria for cremated remains. It includes two parcels, one east and one west of the existing cemetery. Proceeds from the sale will support the Every Acre Strong campaign led by the Preservation Foundation, helping us care for Fort Sheridan—forever. Read More »  

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville has earned reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, placing it among fewer than 3% of museums nationwide to hold this distinction. 

The honor recognizes the museum’s commitment to excellence, education and community service, following a rigorous review process. Operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, the Dunn Museum showcases Lake County’s history and serves as a vibrant cultural hub for residents and visitors. Read More » 

Residents can sign up for basic digital skills courses at the Zion-Benton Public Library and the North Chicago Public Library happening September through December 2025.  

Participants will explore computer basics - like identifying parts of a computer, logging on, accessing an email and other beginner skills. These courses are “Learn to Earn” courses, meaning residents who meet certain requirements may earn a laptop to take home after completing all course dates.  

View a full schedule of class dates on the Zion-Benton Public Library website and the North Chicago Public Library website. Registration in advance is required. Reach out to Lake County Digital Navigators to register for programming: 

CALL 847-377-3442 

EMAIL digitalnavigators@lakecountyil.gov 

VISIT lakecountyil.gov/4930   

Every year, the Lake County Health Department acknowledges August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), sharing information on the tragedy of drug overdose death and raising awareness that drug overdose is preventable.  

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, there is help. The Lake County Health Department has naloxone and other overdose prevention resources available for community members.  Find resources  

The Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) will be hosting a series of town halls where you will have the opportunity to learn about what the GVPI is, their mission, the programs and services offered to Lake County residents and goals.  

The GVPI welcomes you to participate to provide feedback, ask questions and engage with the GVPI so that we may continue to serve Lake County in an effective way. 

As children across Lake County return to school, it is important to remember that unlocked and easily accessible firearms can turn curiosity into catastrophe. Responsible storage isn't just a precaution. It’s a commitment to protecting children from preventable tragedy, suicide and violence.   

The Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative is committed to promoting responsible firearm ownership and safety. Through education, outreach, and partnerships with local and state organizations, the GVPI promotes secure firearm storage to reduce firearm homicides, firearm suicides and incidental shootings in Lake County. 

The new integrated records management system for the Lake County Clerk’s Office Recording Division, implemented in partnership with GovOS, is live. This milestone marks a major advancement in modernizing the office’s operation, streamlining how land records are accessed and managed across the county.  

Lake County residents and recording customers will benefit from modern, intuitive searching of land records and historical documents and easily accessible online search and ordering tools. Learn more about the new records system