The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County (VACLC) is celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to veterans and their families throughout Lake County. To commemorate the occasion, the VACLC will host a 100-year anniversary celebration on: 

 Saturday, June 27 
12 - 4 p.m.  
Antioch VFW Post 4551, 75 North Ave, Antioch 

Founded in 1926 in response to veterans seeking support and resources after military service, the VACLC was established under the Illinois Military Veterans Assistance Act (330 ILCS 45). The organization serves as the county’s central veterans service office, providing critical assistance and advocacy for veterans and their families. 

For nearly a century, the VACLC has remained one of Illinois’ leading veterans service organizations, assisting veterans from every era of service, including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

The new Gages Lake Water Tower is now operational and serving customers in the Wildwood Water System. To mark its completion, the Lake County Department of Public Works (LCPW) celebrated on May 14 with local officials, staff and community members, highlighting the $6.1 million investment. 

The tower can store approximately 1.25 million gallons of drinking water and serves about 14,000 residents, businesses and schools in the unincorporated Wildwood and Gages Lake areas near Grayslake. 

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The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), the Lake County Board and the Village of Wauconda marked the completion of the Bangs Lake Outfall Improvement Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 18 in Wauconda. 

This investment in infrastructure will benefit residents and visitors by helping alleviate flooding to more than 70 properties and eight roads in Wauconda. As heavy rainfall events have become more common, flooding and road closures have increased in this area. The project will help limit those disruptions, along with the stress and uncertainty that flooding brings, for area residents and businesses. 

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Across Lake County, more than 550 miles of trails and bikeways weave through communities and forest preserves. More than 65 miles of shared-use paths are built into the County’s highway system, reflecting our commitment to making non-motorized travel a priority.  

Over the next five years, Lake County is investing more than $120 million in non-motorized travel accommodation. The County also continues working closely with municipal agencies and other partners to identify opportunities to fill the gaps in the non-motorized network.  

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Recent flooding events in Lake County have highlighted how quickly flood risks can affect homes, businesses, roads and infrastructure. Flooding can occur at any time. Even areas outside traditionally mapped flood zones can experience flooding during severe storms, making preparation and awareness especially essential. It's important to understand flood risks, flood insurance, property protection and floodplain regulations.  

Development and substantial improvements in flood-prone areas require permits and must comply with floodplain regulations to reduce risk and protect neighboring properties. Residents are encouraged to contact their local municipality, or the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department for unincorporated areas, before construction or grading in flood-prone areas. 

Flood insurance is available to Lake County property owners and renters and can help cover damages not included in standard homeowners’ policies. Learn about flood risk and the steps you can take to reduce potential impacts: 

• Flood Information
• Flooding Guidance & Technical Documents

The Lake County Forest Preserves approved the purchase of about 0.85 acres to expand Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside. 

The purchase along Route 59 south of Monaville Road, connects directly to land purchased earlier this year, helping strengthen the preserve boundary and support long-term conservation goals using referendum funding. Learn More » 

Spring is in full chorus across Lake County. Treat your ears to the songs and calls of yellow warblers, purple martins, northern cardinals and other native birds that bring forests, wetlands and prairies to life this time of year.  

Learn how to identify common species by sound and discover what these birds reveal about the habitats around us in the latest episode of our Words of the Woods podcast. 

Listen »  

Wasps help pollinate plants and control garden pests. Discover the fascinating world of these often-overlooked creatures during “What’s Up with Wasps?” from 6–7 pm, Tuesday, June 2 at Ryerson Education Center in Riverwoods. 

Learn about paper wasps, yellowjackets and other species found in Lake County during this informative program for adults and teens. Registration required. 

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