December 15, 2025
Lake County Government News
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Highlights from Lake County’s 2025 Annual Report
As the year comes to an end, Lake County is proud to share its 2025 Annual Report. This report looks back at some of the projects, improvements and services that have advanced our mission: To provide exceptional services and support for Lake County’s people, communities and environments.
Learn more by reading the full Lake County 2025 Annual Report.
Board Approves Dissolution of Avon Fremont Drainage District
Last week, the Lake County Board passed a resolution authorizing the dissolution of the Avon-Fremont Drainage District (AFDD). The AFDD is one of four remaining drainage districts in Lake County and includes properties in Grayslake, Hainesville, Libertyville, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park and unincorporated Lake County.
Lake County, which has more than 200 units of government, has been steadily pursuing opportunities to consolidate or eliminate special districts such as drainage districts. These efforts aim to provide similar or improved services at a lower cost to taxpayers.
Since 2017, the Lake County Board has eliminated or consolidated seven special districts, and the AFDD is one of two districts currently in the process of being dissolved. Pending passing of a resolution from the Village of Grayslake, a petition will be filed with the Circuit Court for dissolution, the final step in the process to dissolve the AFDD.
Solar Power Coming to County’s Waukegan Campus
Lake County is taking another step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future by expanding its solar energy portfolio. On December 9, the County Board approved a new project that will install rooftop solar panels on the buildings at its downtown Waukegan campus, expanding its use of renewable energy.
Once in place, the solar array is expected to provide approximately 7.5% of the energy used by the Waukegan Administrative and Court buildings. The project is expected to be completed by late 2026, with the initial upfront investment allowing for the easy expansion to other County building rooftops to increase the impact.
Use the Warming Center Finder to Find Relief from the Cold
Residents who do not have access to heat can utilize a warming center. View our Warming Center Finder to find a warm place you or someone you know can go. Before going, please call in advance to confirm availability and hours.
Center Marks One Year Supporting Veterans and First Responders
One year ago, the Frontline Care Center opened in Round Lake, becoming Lake County’s first wellness center dedicated exclusively to Veterans, First Responders, active and reserve military personnel and their families.
Located in a renovated facility on Railroad Avenue, the project included a $2.3 million investment from the Lake County Board through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The Center, operated by Nicasa Behavioral Health Services in partnership with Living Pono Counseling, the 100 Club of Illinois and the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County, has provided more than 1,100 counseling and wellness sessions in its first year. The facility also emphasizes comprehensive mental health care and holistic wellness.
Resilience and Reinvention Define County’s Economic Outlook
Lake County is leading one of the most dynamic economic transformations. With over $1.7 billion in new investment and thousands of jobs created or retained over the last five years, the region is proving its strength across life sciences, manufacturing, housing, innovation and more.
Learn more about Lake County’s evolving role in Chicagoland’s regional economy.
Transportation News
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Winchester Road at IL 83 Is Open
The Lake County Division of Transportation has reopened the intersection of Winchester Road and IL 83 following months of construction on a safety-focused improvement project.
The upgraded intersection now includes a new traffic signal with left and right turn lanes, a realigned intersection that improves visibility and enhances safety, drainage improvements that will reduce flooding on IL Route 83 and enhanced soil stability to support the reconstructed roadway.
Sustainability News
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Recycle Your Holiday Lights
Recycle your old and unwanted wire strings of holiday lights at one of four drop-off locations. Items that are not accepted include live trees, artificial trees, wreaths, garlands, ornaments and inflatables.
Forest Preserve News
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Dive into Winter Horizons
The winter issue of Horizons magazine is now available to read online. The quarterly publication from your Lake County Forest Preserves brings you stories about conservation, wildlife, recreation, nature and history that shapes our landscape.
In this issue, the lead feature highlights a series of stunning watercolors and explores how the Forest Preserves’ partners with Native American communities to share stories rooted in Lake County’s past. Learn More »
A Guide to Winter Fun
Winter is calling. Whether you’re heading for a sled hill, gliding across snow-covered trails or lacing up for a day on the ice, your forest preserves are ready for the season. Before you head out, check the winter sports webpage for current conditions.
Solar-lit evening hikes are back at Old School in Mettawa and the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood in Wauconda, with trails and parking lots open until 9 p.m. You’ll find sledding, miles of groomed cross-country ski routes across the county, designated snowmobile trails and frozen lakes and rinks for ice skating and ice fishing. Read More »
Create Your Superhero
Children can tap into their inner superhero at a special workshop with award-winning comic artist Gene Ha on Thursday, December 18 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Young artists will choose a problem they care about, then draw themselves as the hero who can solve it.
Ha will guide the group through brainstorming and sketching in a fun, encouraging setting. The program runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to ages 7 and up. Resident fee is $15 and nonresident fee is $18. Learn More »
Digital Growth Initiative News
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Improve Residents’ Digital Skills and Distribute No-Cost Laptops
Lake County’s Digital Growth Initiative (DGI) is offering no-cost Northstar licenses for local nonprofit, educational and government organizations to provide digital skill-building programs to eligible residents through a partnership with Northstar Digital Literacy.
With a Northstar license, organizations can provide in-person or online learning opportunities to improve residents’ digital skills through ready-to-go lesson plans and assessments.
Residents who use Northstar Online Learning at partner sites across the County may be eligible to receive a laptop at no cost. The DGI will host three computer distribution events in 2026 for participants who have shown improvement in their digital skills by passing at least three Northstar modules and assessments with a score of 85% or higher and meet specific eligibility criteria.
If you are a resident interested in learning more about where to access Northstar-licensed sites or other digital learning opportunities, email broadband@lakecountyil.gov or visit the Digital Growth Initiative website.
Organizations interested in receiving a Northstar license can email broadband@lakecountyil.gov to learn more or apply today.
Job News
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Lake County Workforce Development Is Hiring
Are you passionate about empowering others and strengthening our local workforce? Join Lake County Workforce Development, which has announced several job openings. This is your opportunity to make an impact in the lives of job seekers, employers and families across our community.
Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
Ready to take the next step in your career? Join one of the Job Center of Lake County’s upcoming workshops or outreach events to boost your job search skills!
Need training to make a career transition? Learn more about grant-funded workforce training.
Sheriff's Office News
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Shop With A Sheriff Brings Joy to Area Children
After receiving more donations this year than any previous year, 84 Lake County children participated in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s Shop with a Sheriff event. Each child was given $150 to spend. This annual event brings joy, support, and holiday hope to the children.
The event was a success thanks to the 40 volunteers, which included law enforcement staff, corrections, court security officers, civilian staff, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Senior Advocates, Auxiliary Deputies, Explorer Post 2066, Alum Community Police Academy attendees, College of Lake County Police Officers and Lake County Tech Campus, law enforcement, CSI and criminal justice students.
Get Help
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Use 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 about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.
Community News and Events
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Learn How to Earn High-Quality Education Close to Home
The University Center of Lake County has an educational partnership with 14 top-ranked Illinois universities altogether under one building in Grayslake. We offer over 100+ flexible Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D programs, certificates, and endorsement designed for transfer students, working adults and non-traditional learners.
With personalized advising, accredited degrees and convenient options like online and hybrid classes, the University Center makes it easy to earn a high-quality university education close to home.
Watch 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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