Looking back at 2025, Recycle holiday lights, Guide to winter fun and More

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 12/19/2025 02:00 PM CST

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December 19, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we move through this holiday season, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful time. The holidays remind us of the importance of community, kindness and looking out for one another, values that truly define Lake County.

With winter weather upon us, I also encourage everyone to stay safe and prepared during the colder months. Please remember to dress warmly, use caution when traveling in icy conditions, and check in on neighbors, seniors, and those who may need a little extra help during extreme cold.

Thank you for continuing to make Lake County a caring and connected place to live. I look forward to staying engaged with you in the months ahead and working together for the well-being of our community.

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and a safe winter.

Sincerely,

Gina Roberts
Lake County Board Member, District 4
View My County Board Member Web Page

Lake County Government News

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.

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 Get 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.

Board Approves Dissolution of Avon Fremont Drainage District

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. Following the anticipated approval of the resolution by the Village of Grayslake on December 16, a petition will be filed with the Circuit Court. This final step of the dissolution process will take approximately three months to complete.

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.

Sustainability News

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.

Digital Growth Initiative News

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.

Forest Preserves News

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 »

Sheriff's Office News

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. Each child was given $150 to spend. This 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

Get Connected to Help with 211

If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other 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 languages. The service is free and confidential. 

Learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.

Job News

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.

Community Events and News

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 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.