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Dear Neighbor, |
It is an honor to serve as your Lake County Board Member representing District 9. Since stepping into this role, I have been grateful for the opportunity to connect with residents, listen to your concerns, and learn more about the issues affecting our community.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Brandon X. Ewing
Lake County Board Member District 9
Lake County Government News
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Vote Now! Early Voting for Nov. 3 General Election Has Started
Explore your voting options and find the method that works best for you by visiting for the November 3, 2026, General Election.
Vote your way. Make your voice heard!
Medicaid Changes Coming in 2027
New Medicaid changes take effect January 1, 2027, affecting coverage and eligibility requirements for some individuals.
If you're an adult age 19–64 enrolled in the ACA Adult Medicaid Program, you may need to:
- Meet a new federal requirement of 80 hours of work, school, community service or other qualifying activities for one month (or meet an exemption).
- Renew your Medicaid coverage every six months instead of every 12 months.
Those affected will get a notice sent to them directly if any action is needed. If you’re enrolled in the ACA Adult Medicaid Program, make sure your contact information is up to date at abe.illinois.gov and learn more at medicaid.illinois.gov.
County Board in Action!
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2027 Legislative Agenda
The Board approved its 2027 Legislative Program, outlining priorities the County will work with legislators on over the next year. This year’s program has a number of state and federal initiatives that Lake County will be monitoring closely. View the program to learn more.
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New Dig Once Policy to Improve Broadband Coordination
A new Dig Once Policy was approved to improve communication and coordination among County departments planning underground projects. By coordinating projects, the policy aims to minimize community disruption and give internet service providers opportunities to install or expand infrastructure alongside planned work. The goal of the policy is to lead to more efficient broadband deployment that increases competition, furthering Lake County’s digital equity and inclusion efforts.
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Old McHenry Crossings Project Update
The Old McHenry Crossings project remains on target to start construction in 2029 after the County Board approved funds for the acquisition of necessary right-of-way. The project proposes to construct a grade separation of Old McHenry Road at the Canadian National railroad tracks, improve the Fairfield Road and Midlothian Road intersections and upgrade Quentin Road.
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Sheriff’s Office Receives Drug Trafficking Grant
A $254,000 federal grant was approved to support investigations targeting drug trafficking. The funding will primarily cover overtime and investigative supplies, helping local, state and federal law enforcement agencies coordinate efforts to reduce drug trafficking and its harmful effects.
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Funding for 19th Judicial Circuit Court Services
The Board approved $426,000 in state funding for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court to help cover staffing and operating costs for services that assist people who represent themselves in court. The funding will support paralegal salaries and benefits, as well as interpreter services.
Lake County Advances Plan to Eliminate Del Mar Woods Sanitary District
Lake County is moving forward with a plan to address aging sanitary sewer infrastructure in the Del Mar Woods subdivision in unincorporated Deerfield Township.
On Oct. 13, the Lake County Board approved an ordinance creating a dedicated fund to support sewer improvements and ongoing maintenance.
Under the proposed plan, property owners would pay for the estimated $600,000 rehabilitation over 10 years through a Special Service Area assessment. The Lake County Department of Public Works would assume responsibility for operating and maintaining the sanitary sewer system, establishing a long-term approach to sewer service in the neighborhood. Learn More.
Lake County Celebrates Digital Inclusion Month!
This October, Lake County is celebrating Digital Inclusion Month, the perfect time to learn more about the digital divide and the work organizations do across the county to ensure every person has access to technology and the skills needed to safely use it.
Lake County has been working to bridge our community's digital divide through the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative. The Initiative has partnered with local libraries and organizations to host basic computer and digital skills classes, built tools like the Technology Resource Map and created the Digital Equity Coalition to give organizations a space to collaborate on digital equity issues.
We have partnered with more than 50 organizations to reach more than 6,600 Lake County residents, supporting them as they grow their digital understanding and skills.
Connect with the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative to explore upcoming computer courses and get technology help:
You're Invited: Community Workshop on AI Safety
Four Lake County agencies are partnering to host a community workshop focused on artificial intelligence (AI) safety and the ways AI can be misused.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center, Lake County Regional Office of Education and Lake County Sheriff’s Office will host the Holding the Line Against AI on Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center.
The workshop will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the misuse of AI and steps they can take to help protect themselves, their children, and others from potential risks.
The event will take place at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, located at 2007 N. Civic Center Way in Round Lake Beach. Community members can register online.
Sheriff’s K9 Teams Earn Top Honors at National Police Canine Competition
Lake County’s K9 teams proved they’re among the best in the country!
Two Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 teams earned national recognition at the United States Police Canine Association’s (USPCA) 2026 National Patrol Dog Field Trials in Abilene, Texas.
Deputy John Forlenza and K9 Lux placed second overall among the nation’s top Patrol Dog teams. Lux also earned first place in criminal apprehension/criminal apprehension with gunfire, tied for first in Evidence Search, and placed fifth in obedience.
Deputy Kevin Harris and K9 Zeus finished 14th overall and placed fourth in obedience, earning a Certificate of Excellence for their performance.
Established in 1971, the USPCA promotes the development and effectiveness of police service dogs and their handlers through certification and competition programs.
Share Your Story – Join the Veterans History Project!
Every veteran has a story worth remembering. Registration is now open for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Annual Veterans History Project.
Veterans will be interviewed by volunteer lawyers regarding their wartime experiences. These oral histories will be recorded and transcribed by court reporters and then archived in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Once archived, these first-hand accounts of American war Veterans will be accessible online to serve as an inspiration for future generations.
Early registration is encouraged as there are a limited number of spaces available. You may call 847-377-3727 to enroll. Registration is open until Oct. 28.
Forest Preserves News
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Antioch Preserve to Expand
In September, our Board approved the purchase of 4.6 acres at Lotus Country Conservation Preserve in Antioch. The addition will help protect Lake County’s largest heron and egret rookery and bring the preserve to nearly 80 acres.
The purchase is expected to close in early 2027. To protect the sensitive habitat, no parking lots or trails are planned. Learn more »
A Lasting Gift to Nature
Lake County resident Barbara Butcher honored a lifetime of forest preserve memories with three trailside benches. Dedicated to her mother, her six dogs and all animals, the benches offer visitors a place to rest and reflect.
Her legacy will continue through a planned gift of her home and 1.25-acre property bordering a forest preserve, helping protect the land she loves for future generations. Read her story »
Excellence in Communications
The Forest Preserves earned four awards for communications that connect people with nature, local history and conservation.
Recognized projects are Horizons magazine, the Dunn Museum’s Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains media campaign, the Preservation Foundation’s annual report and the Birdwatching Guide. Read More »
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee 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 meeting schedule.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meeting.
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