November 7, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
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As the government shutdown persists and things in our federal government continue to become a bit harder to predict, as vice chair of our Health and Community Services Committee, I want to share with you that our staff at the Lake County Health Department, Workforce Development and Housing Development are doing everything in their power to keep our Lake County services moving forward the best that they can.
While we have many concerns about expected future federal money supporting our constituents, for the moment most of our services are able to help residents with their shelter, health and work needs. Please read more below regarding these services.
I also wanted to give everyone in our area an update for a couple ongoing transportation projects. As the fall and winter months are coming upon us, I understand that finishing the road construction as expediently as possible is on everyone’s minds.
The Arlington Heights Road Project is progressing well. The contractor plans to finish the east side of the road soon and will then be working on the center median. Weather permitting, we hope to get the road open to traffic by the end of this year. Any final paving, pavement marking and landscape work would be completed early next year.
Some road changes have also developed during this project. When turning from Fremont onto Arlington Heights Road, drivers will no longer be able to make a left turn for safety reasons. This will be a permanent change when the construction ends. Drivers will only be able to make a right turn onto Arlington Heights Road.
The road project on Lake Cook Road to do patching between Arlington Heights Road and Route 53 has concluded. Traffic patterns are now back to normal in that area.
Come outside while the weather is still nice and enjoy a forest preserve or two. There are some beautiful places to see the fall colors!
Best,
Lake County Government News
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LakeComm’s New 911 Emergency Communications Center Goes Live
Lake Consolidated Emergency Communications (LakeComm) is now officially operational at the Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility in Libertyville, following the successful completion of a two-week consolidation of 911 and public safety communications services for 30 police and fire agencies across Lake County.
Read the full news release to learn how LakeComm is setting a new standard for emergency communications in the region.
Shining a Light on Lake County’s Veterans
As we soon recognize Veterans Day, Lake County continues shining a light on the issues veterans face and highlighting the resources available to them and their families.
Lake County, along with counties across the nation, joins Operation Green Light, organized by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, by lighting county buildings green now through Nov. 12. The Lake County Board recently recognized our Military Veterans and Operation Green Light at its Board meeting.
Supporting Our Veterans
The Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Lake County provides free services to all honorably discharged Veterans and their spouses/children. With Veterans Day approaching on Nov. 11, now is the perfect time to learn about the support they offer.
If you're a Veteran living in Lake County, the highly trained staff at the VAC would be honored to meet with you. Visit the VAC website to learn more about the services they provide and to contact staff if you have questions.
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.
Rental Assistance Funds Help Over 5,000 County Households
The close of Federal Fiscal Year 2025 on September 30 marked the end of the $37 million of Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) funds allocated to Lake County from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Initial ERA funds were awarded to Lake County in December 2020. With County residents in mind, Lake County designed and implemented multiple rounds of local rental assistance programming. County rental assistance programs ran from April 2021 through June 2023. With the help of 15 community partners, ERA funds provided over 5,000 eligible Lake County households with over 38,000 months of assistance.
As Treasury performance benchmarks were met, in July 2024 Lake County allocated the final $1.1 million of ERA funds to support the development of 40 units of permanent affordable senior (55+) housing in Lake Villa. With construction nearly complete, Starling Senior Apartments (750 Tower Dr.) has begun accepting application for brand new apartment homes.
Watch this presentation to learn more about the impact of the County's rental assistance program.
Public Works News
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County’s 2025 Public Works Projects
This year, Lake County Public Works (L.CPW) 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.
Watch this video and visit our website to learn more about the projects LCPW is working on.
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!
Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
Families across Lake County have been navigating growing instability. These challenges are being felt in homes, schools, and neighborhoods throughout our community. For some, fear itself has become a barrier to seeking help.
If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, utility assistance or other services, call 211, text your zip code to 898211 or visit the 211 Lake County website 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 a free, confidential resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.
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.
Check out all the collection dates this year.
Holiday Reuse and Recycling Event
Join the annual Holiday Recycling Event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 8 at the Adler Park lodge, 1640 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Items will be collected for reuse, recycling and donation. There also will be confidential document shredding limited to five banker boxes per household.
Shoes, Shred and Seeds Event
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County is partnering with the Village of Wauconda for a Shoes, Shred, and Seeds event from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 15 at Wauconda Public Works, 302 Slocum Lake Road.
Donate your shoes through SWALCO's Reuse-A-Shoe program and shred your confidential documents (limit of six boxes per vehicle). You can also get a packet of seeds for plants that will benefit pollinators (limit one per vehicle while supplies last). The event is for households/residents only.
Forest Preserves News
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Solar Lights Extend Trail Hours After Dark
With the end of daylight saving time, some trails still shine after dark. Starting this week, illuminated routes at Old School Forest Preserve in Mettawa and the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda let visitors keep walking well past sunset.
Solar lights guide the way, but bringing a flashlight or headlamp is recommended. The trails and nearby parking lots stay open until 9 pm daily through March 8. Learn More »
Beloved Children’s Book Art on Display
Step into the world of childhood imagination at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration showcases more than 100 works from beloved books including Where the Wild Things Are, Stuart Little and The Cat in the Hat. See art by Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, Mo Willems and others who shaped generations of young readers.
Educational programs and family-friendly activities will accompany the exhibition, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The exhibition runs through January 19, 2026.
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 »
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 »
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 »
National Communications Honors Earned
The Forest Preserves earned national recognition for its communications work, receiving two awards for its Words of the Woods podcast and one for Horizons magazine.
- Season three of the podcast won an Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America–Chicago and an Honorable Mention in the PRNEWS Platinum Awards. Judges praised the professional production exploring climate change through local stories and expert voices.
- The winter 2024 issue of Horizons earned an APEX Award of Excellence for engaging writing, striking photography and thoughtful design, featuring stories on Lake County’s glacial history, shoreline restoration and local wildlife. Read more »
Celebrate in Style, Naturally
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, family reunion or corporate retreat, the Forest Preserves' venues bring together the best of both worlds — breathtaking natural settings and the warmth of indoor comfort. The sites feature scenic views and memorable backdrops for your special day.
Celebrate surrounded by nature and supported by a team dedicated to making your event seamless from start to finish. Learn More »
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.
 K9 Zeus, left, and Lux
K9 Dax Honored
K9 Dax of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was formally recognized at the Annual Northern Illinois Police K9 Memorial where law enforcement and community members gathered to honor the brave K9s who served alongside their handlers and made lasting impacts on the communities they protected.
Deputy John Forlenza, who partnered with Dax for nine years until his passing in April 2024, delivered heartfelt remarks about their bond, Dax’s legacy, and the incredible work of all police K9s past and present.
County Clerk's Office News
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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.
Watch this video to learn more about this year's contest.
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 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.
Clerk of the Circuit Court News
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Website Has a New Look
The Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court website has a new look, featuring a modern, refreshed design with streamlined menus and improved navigation, making it easier to find what you need.
The website has new features, including an event calendar, news updates and popular links to help the public stay informed and connected with our office.
Job News
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Free Training & Career Support for Dislocated Workers
If you’ve been laid off, are collecting unemployment or facing a company closure, Lake County Workforce Development can help you pivot with purpose.
We offer free tuition assistance for training in high-demand industries, credentials and licenses that open new doors and personalized support to help you move forward. Attend a virtual information session, available in English and Spanish, to get started.
Working Together to Strengthen the Regional Economy
The Lake County Workforce Development Department recently attended the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Roadshow event. The session brought together economic and workforce development professionals from across the County to discuss employer and industry workforce needs, state incentives and business opportunities designed to strengthen our regional economy.
These collaborative engagements ensure Lake County remains competitive and relevant for our local economy and communities at large.
Community Events and News
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Plan Your Autumn Adventure in Lake County
Lake County is celebrating the last of autumn and preparing to welcome the holiday season. From theater performances, live music and fall festivals to Turkey Trots and holiday markets, Lake County has fun to offer everyone this month.
Check Visit Lake County’s list of the Top 10 things to do in November to plan a perfect autumn adventure.
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.
Check Visit Lake County’s annual report to see all they are doing to elevate tourism, drive economic growth and enrich the quality of life across the County.
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.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the challenge. View Visit Lake County’s list of the Reel Lake County Challenge honorable mention honorees and winners.
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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