October 30, 2025
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Discusses Impact of Federal Funding
The Lake County Health and Community Services Committee discussed the potential effects of the federal government shutdown on funding to provide County services at the October 7 meeting. Representatives from Lake County Community Development, Health Department and Workforce Development addressed the impact on their departments and providing services to residents. This is a summary from each department. Watch the meeting discussion to learn more.
Community Development
The impact of the federal government shutdown is being felt by Lake County Community Development (CD). With federal staff furloughed, day-to-day communications with the local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Field Office have ceased. Thankfully, fiscal impacts have been minimal. Existing contracts with HUD are being honored, and CD maintains the ability to draw federally appropriated funds. The department is engaged in planning efforts to ensure that if the shutdown persists, disruptions in service will be minimal.
Health Department
The federal shutdown has been disruptive to the Lake County Health Department (LCHD), affecting meetings, calls and overall communication with both staff and clients. Fortunately, the Health Department has experienced minimal immediate impact on operations as they continue to draw down existing federal grants to maintain operations.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) have indicated that programs they support will continue for now; however, there is growing concern from IDHS about the continuation of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program beyond November. Additionally, routine updates from the CDC regarding outbreaks and infectious diseases have been suspended during the shutdown. Broader concerns also remain about the ongoing political dispute over Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, which could result in as many as 9,800 County residents losing access to the ACA Marketplace.
Workforce Development
Workforce Development and the Job Center have not experienced a disruption in services and are continuing to serve job seekers and employers. The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded all active Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants and has been disbursing grant funds.
As it relates to the WIOA going forward, the statute has expired, and Congress is still negotiating the framework and level of funding. Workforce Development is prepared for a transition period and remaining agile in responding to potential shifts in funding structure and program priorities.
Sustainability News
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Don’t Trash Your Pumpkin! Smash It!
The Pumpkin Smash is an annual effort by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and communities to divert pumpkins from landfills. Bring your pumpkins, gourds, corn and other natural decorations. Pumpkins are 90% water and are full of nutrients, so they are great for our soil and can easily be composted.
Forest Preserves News
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Ray Lake Expansion to Boost Wetlands
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved adding 131 acres to Ray Lake Forest Preserve in Wauconda. The expansion connects vital wetlands, strengthens flood control and supports rare wildlife.
Restoring the area will improve water quality and save about $1.2 million in infrastructure costs. The project enhances both the environment and the quality of life for Lake County residents. Learn More »
Upgrades Continue at Lakewood
Construction continues at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda as part of a master plan to improve access, sustainability and visitor experience. Several new features are open, including a 1.6-mile paved loop and fishing pier.
More improvements are on the way through 2027. Once complete, Lakewood will be better equipped to serve visitors for generations to come. Read More »
Budget Supports Restoration, Sustainability, Public Safety
The Lake County Forest Preserves’ Board of Commissioners approved a balanced budget for 2026, described as “razor thin.” The plan focuses on protecting land and connecting people to nature while keeping property taxes well below 2009 levels.
Spending is down 22.8% from last year, reflecting reduced capital costs and continued fiscal discipline. Funded in part by the 2024 voter-approved referendum, the budget supports restoration, access, sustainability and public safety while maintaining a top Aaa Moody’s bond rating. Learn More »
Transportation News
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Oh Deer! Watch for Deer on the Roads this Fall
While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn through October, November and December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.
Not all deer-vehicle accidents can be prevented, but drivers can reduce their chances of a collision by understanding basic deer behavior and being proactive. The Illinois Department of Transportation provides you these safety driving tips during deer-mating season.
Public Works News
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County’s 2025 Public Works Projects
This year, Lake County Public Works (LCPW) is investing $15.3 million in a dozen projects that preserve, modernize and expand the water distribution and wastewater systems customers use every day. Major projects in 2025 include the Gages Lake Water Tower, Pekara Lake Michigan Water Connection, upgrades at the LCPW wastewater treatment plants and more.
Sign Up for Public Works Alerts
Lake County Public Works is using a new mass notification system to notify customers of water main breaks, boil water orders, service disruptions and more. Don’t miss critical updates. Sign up to receive alerts by phone, text or email!
Stormwater Management News
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Keep Storm Drains Clear of Leaves. Follow These Tips
As the colorful autumn leaves begin to fall, don't forget your part in keeping leaves clear of storm drains. Storm sewers drain rainwater to prevent flooding. Leaves and grass clippings can clog storm drains, resulting in slow drainage, pooling water and in some cases, flooding. When large amounts of leaves are transported into waterways and watersheds it can also negatively impact the ecosystem.
Read the latest Mainstream newsletter to find tips to keep the drains clear and other helpful news from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.
Sheriff's Office News
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K9 Teams Excel at USPCA Region 19 Trials
Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 teams recently participated in the United States Police Canine Association Region 19 Police Dog I Regional Trials in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
The competition drew 30 K9 teams from across the region, each demonstrating excellence in tracking, patrol, narcotics detection, cadaver detection and more. In this strong field, Lake County’s teams achieved outstanding results.
 Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 teams participated in the United States Police Canine Association Region 19 (USPCA Region 19) Police Dog I Regional Trials held in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
County Clerk's Office
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"I Voted" Sticker Contest
The Lake County Clerk's Office invites all young aspiring artists in kindergarten through twelfth grades to enter the “I Voted” sticker design contest. The grand prize winner design will be used as the official Lake County “I Voted” sticker for the 2026 elections. Entries will be taken through Nov. 14.
View this video to learn more about this year's contest.
Get Help
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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.
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.
Community Events and News
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Visit Lake County Shares Annual Report
As the official destination marketing organization and voice for tourism in Lake County, Visit Lake County leads initiatives that enhance our region's quality of life. Through strategic marketing efforts, they amplify the economic impact of tourism, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and enriching the cultural fabric of our communities.
Reel Lake County Challenge Winners
Visit Lake County ran an incentive encouraging locals and visitors alike to capture the region's charm in the Reel Lake County Challenge, a video contest open during the Lake County Road Trips summer campaign. Participants were urged to showcase attractions, restaurants, outdoor recreation and more using a provided checklist as inspiration.
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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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.
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