March 27, 2026
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Shows Higher Turnout in General Primary Election
The March 17 General Primary Election saw a nearly 18% turnout in Lake County, several points higher than the last Lake County General Primary in 2024, according to unofficial results reported by the Lake County Clerk’s Office. County Clerk Anthony Vega said 51% of the overall turnout came on Election Day.
View the March 17 General Primary Election Results
View the March 17 General Primary Election results at the County Clerk’s Office website. The results are not final until 14 days after Election Day and are not official until the certification of the election is signed by the County Clerk at 3 p.m. April 6.
Recycle Your Corrugated Plastic Election or Campaign Signs
Recycle your corrugated plastic election yard signs properly! Now through April 28, bring your corrugated plastic yard signs to one of these drop-off locations to recycle them properly.
Remove wire supports before recycling. Metal wires can be recycled separately as scrap metal. These programs accept corrugated plastic signs only. Please don't place them in your regular home recycling bin.
VAC Speaks to Legislators to Protect Veterans Against Claim Sharks
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County (VACLC) supports H.R. 1732, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, to hold unaccredited claims representatives accountable. Known as claims sharks, these predatory companies illegally charge Veterans for help with VA disability claims, often misrepresenting their services and exploiting loopholes to avoid accountability.
Andrew Tangen, Superintendent of the VACLC, recently went to Washington, DC and testified in support of this legislation. Among the topics addressed were:
- Creating a more efficient program for Veterans who are transitioning out of service
- Placing protections and criminal penalties back into the law to prevent “claims sharks” from targeting Veterans
- Urging Congress to fully fund and extend federal grants to County Veteran offices
- Creating a National Veterans Strategy to better assist Veterans and community members with how to care for returning Veterans
- Create legislation that analyzes the cost by the VA, states and counties and not-for-profit organizations to care for Veterans who return from war
Free help is available to Veterans and their families to help navigate the complexities of the VA system and navigate benefits. Contact the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County, who are ready to assist and guide you on your journey.
 Andrew Tangen, Superintendent of the VACLC, recently went to Washington, DC to testify in support of legislation to protect Veterans against unaccredited claims representatives, also known as claims sharks.
Don’t Miss the Deadline to Apply to America 250 Independence Academy
There’s still time to apply for Lake County’s new America 250 Independence Academy, but the April 15 deadline is quickly approaching.
Beginning April 22, the academy will offer approximately 14 hours of hands-on learning through sessions held at government buildings and community locations across the county. Most sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and include guided tours, presentations and conversations with county leaders and staff. Each session will highlight a different area of county government, giving participants a look at how departments serve residents and uphold the ideals that inspired our nation’s founding.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! Apply and be part of this special America 250 initiative.
New Service Portal MyMeter Is Launched
MyMeter, the new online billing and water meter portal, is now available for the Lake County Department of Public Works (LCPW) water customers.
This portal streamlines and simplifies how customers manage their water and sewer accounts by replacing two former systems for paying bills and viewing water meter usage into a single, user-friendly portal. MyMeter offers customers the option to view and pay their water and sewer bills, monitor daily water usage, receive alerts related to water consumption and manage billing preferences, including paperless billing and autopay.
LCPW customers will need to register for a MyMeter online account using their account number, which can be found on their most recent bill. Current LCPW customers who use online bill pay will remain registered for online payment.
Visit myutilitybill.lakecountyil.gov to start using MyMeter.
Questions? Review the Frequently Asked Questions on our website or contact Public Works Billing.
Register for a Basic Computer Skills Course Today
Did you know the Digital Growth Initiative holds no-cost basic computer skills courses across Lake County? Residents learn essential digital tasks like logging on to a computer, sending emails, navigating the internet and building other beginner skills. Residents who meet certain requirements may also earn a laptop to take home!
One participant from a Round Lake Public Library Learn to Earn course shared:
“Before this program, I knew I needed computer skills for my job, but didn’t know where to start. Through the Learn to Earn Program, I now have my own laptop and access to tools like Northstar to keep practicing every day.
Finishing this course gave me the confidence to keep learning and ask, ‘What’s next?’ because I know these new skills can open doors to better opportunities.”
View the upcoming courses, including dates, times and locations, by using the links below: Fox Lake District Library, Patricia A. Jones Center, Highwood Library and Community Center, University Center of Lake County, Job Center of Lake County, Waukegan Public Library, North Chicago Public Library and Zion-Benton Public Library.
To sign up for a course, email digitalnavigators@lakecountyil.gov or call 847-377-3442. To learn more about the initiative, visit the Digital Growth Initiative webpage.
 On the last day of the Learn to Earn courses, the students, who completed their course successfully, received a certificate of completion and a laptop. Congratulations to the Learn to Earn participants!
Forest Preserve News
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Des Plaines River Trail Photos Win National Recognition
Two photographers with the Lake County Forest Preserves earned national honors for images of the Des Plaines River Trail in American Trails’ 2025 National Recreation Trail Photo Contest.
Volunteer R. Scott McNeill won first place in the Trail Sharing category and contractor Justine Neslund also took first place in the Snowmobiling category. The contest drew 245 entries nationwide, with the Forest Preserves the only Illinois organization to receive awards. Read More »
Forest Preserves Add 38 Acres in Round Lake and Wauconda
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved two land purchases totaling about 38 acres to expand Kestrel Ridge in Round Lake and Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
The 24.9-acre property on Nippersink Road will extend Kestrel Ridge and protect wetlands, mature trees and nearly 500 feet of Manitou Creek. Another 13-acre site on Fairfield Road sits beside the Lakewood Off-Leash Dog Area and has long been surrounded by preserve property. Learn More »
Donate a Food Item for Free Dunn Museum Admission
The Dunn Museum in Libertyville is offering free admission with a donation during its annual spring break food drive, Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29. Visitors who bring a nonperishable food item or toiletry will receive free entry while helping stock the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.
Last year, guests donated more than 3,000 pounds of items. Museum leaders hope to top that total this year as families explore interactive exhibits and learn more about Lake County’s past. Learn More »
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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