Dear Neighbors,
|
As daffodils burst forth to greet the spring sunshine and sandhill cranes fill the skies with their celestial trumpets, I have some good news on the pandemic front.
Now everyone above the age of 16 is eligible for a COVID vaccine shot. You will have to register on our ALLVAX system (or check with your local pharmacy chain, health care provider or employer).
|
|
 |
Fortunately, now there are more places to get the shot. Our County Fairgrounds is now has changed to a walk-through location (advance appointments required), and is now able to administer up to 2,000 shots a day, depending on availability of supply. There will be a new site in Round Lake Beach opening up on April 20, sponsored by Baxter. At present, we have more than two dozen partners giving shots. All told, more than 375,000 shots have been given to Lake County residents, including the majority of our senior residents.
I had a chance to visit the new downtown Waukegan vax site on Water Street, which is being run by the Illinois National Guard. Thanks to Governor Pritzker, our troops, amazing health department and countless volunteers for stepping up to beat the bug.
While our efforts are going full bore to get nearly everyone a shot, there's been an uptick in infections, so be sure to wear your masks, wash your hands and socially distance. The pandemic isn't over yet and everyone needs to be careful.
On the environmental front, I'm happy to say our county composting pilot is underway in Grayslake. We spread our first layer of this rich, fertile soil on our Forest Preserve farm plot at Brae Loch (Center Street and Route 45). I know, who gets excited about compost? |
|
 |
Compost is a product that is naturally created by beneficial bacteria from kitchen and yard waste. The more scraps we keep out of the landfill, the more we can reduce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. If we can scale up this service, more communities can participate. I signed up for a kitchen waste pick-up through the Village of Grayslake. I hope more can join in to seed a bigger effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions. It's being sponsored by SWALCO, the Lake County Farm Bureau, U of Illinois Extension and Forest Preserve. More on composting here
|
Speaking of helping nature, the Forest Preserve is offering native plants in their annual online sale. They have an incredible variety of natural perennials, trees and shrubs. You can also order rain barrels and composting bins.
On other Forest Preserve news, I’m happy to report that the Forest Preserve recently refunded some bonds at a lower rate of interest, which will save taxpayers some $11 million total. I’ve advocated for more bond refundings, but I wanted to thank our finance team for their efforts. This is a big savings over time.
If you want to see more examples of "greening" Lake County, stop by the College of Lake County's Grayslake campus. Not only do they have one of the most environmentally advanced buildings in the state, they also have a "Living Lab Trail," solar (panel) farm and many other green amenities. Click here for information on their open house. Thanks to Dr. Lori Suddick, president of CLC, and David Husemoller, sustainability director, for your excellent work. CLC has been an inspiration to the County Board as we work through a plan to reduce our carbon emissions, landfill waste and produce clean energy.
I also want to welcome Jessica Albert to the board of the Avon-Fremont Drainage District. I nominated her and the board approved her at Tuesday's board meeting. Thanks, Jessica, for stepping up to serve our community!
If you need immediate help with Lake County social services, please call the United Way of Lake County 2-1-1 helpline. I'd be happy to speak to any group.
Be well, Be Safe!
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
|
Financial Assistance for Lake County Renters
Lake County renters who face financial hardship related to COVID-19 may apply for the new Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program, which provides help for individuals paying rent and/or utility bills. Income-eligible households may receive up to 12 months of past due rent and up to three months of assistance with future rent, but no more than 12 months of assistance total. Payments from the program will be made directly to landlords and/or utility companies. |
|
 |
Learn more
Register for April 21 Virtual Town Hall Meeting
|
Register now for Lake County’s next Virtual Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, April 21 at 7 p.m.
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart will be joined by Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister, Lake County Board Member/Finance & Administrative Committee Chair Paul Frank and other community leaders to discuss the latest on COVID-19 and other topical issues, and answer questions from the community.
|
|
 |
Public Hearing: Cannabis Businesses in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) invites the public to provide input as it considers proposed zoning amendments that would permit adult-use cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County subject to certain restrictions. All interested residents are invited to attend one or both virtual public hearings on the issue scheduled for Monday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 21 at 1 p.m. Learn more
|
Telephone Scams Targeting Seniors on the Rise
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s and Sheriff’s offices are reminding seniors and all residents of warning signs that suggest you are likely being targeted by a scam phone call. Telephone scams have risen significantly during the pandemic. One of the biggest red flags is if you are asked to provide payment in gift cards, which legitimate companies and government entities would never do. Additional tips:
|
-
Don’t provide personal or credit card information
-
Don’t tell callers when you are leaving your residence
-
Document the number you were called from
-
Report any suspicious calls to your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible
-
If you are unsure of a caller’s identity, ask for their name and callback number, then hang-up and verify their information via the Internet or telephone book.
-
If a caller is asking for someone who isn’t currently home, simply tell the caller they can’t come to the telephone (as opposed to informing the caller you could be home alone).
Qualified Candidates Sought for Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools left vacant by the resignation of Roycealee Wood, who recently stepped down due to health reasons. The application deadline is April 21, 2021. The appointee would serve until the next general election, Nov. 8, 2022.
Candidates must meet very specific educational requirements and professional background to be qualified. Learn more
Lake County COVID-19 Update
|
Vaccine Eligibility Expands to All Age 16 and Up
As of April 12, everyone in Illinois age 16 and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As demand for the vaccine continues to exceed supply, it will take time for everyone to have an appointment available to them. Make sure you are registered in our AllVax portal to get notified when you can make an vaccine appointment.
|
Lake County Fairgrounds Site: The mass vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds is now a walk-through site instead of a drive-through site, allowing us to administer vaccines to more people each day. When arriving for your appointment, you will park your car in the Expo Hall parking lot, and will be required to wear a mask in the building. This site currently offers Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, based on availability. We are not able to provide choice of vaccine brand for your first dose.
Downtown Waukegan Site: The regional vaccination site at 102 W. Water St. In downtown Waukegan continues to offer both drive-through and walk-up appointments.
Note about Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: On April 13, the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as it investigates a rare and severe type of blood clot that has occurred in six individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine, out of more than 6.8 million doses given. Learn more
This week, the Lake County Health Department has not had to cancel any existing appointments, as it has sufficient supply of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. However, supply over the next couple of weeks is expected to be reduced. We will continue to keep the community informed.
Assistance with AllVax Portal: Call (847) 377-8130 or email AllVax@lakecountyil.gov if you have questions. The call center hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional volunteers are on duty to take calls from Lake County residents age 65 and older during special senior hours:
-
Thursdays: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
-
Fridays: Noon to 3 p.m.
Statewide Vaccination Locations: In addition to obtaining an appointment through AllVax, residents may search the more than 1,000 locations in the state’s vaccine network, including many local pharmacies. Visit the Illinois Vaccine Location website and type in your zip code to get started.
COVID-19 Cases Are Increasing—Be Vigilant
Illinois Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry counties, has seen slight increases in COVID-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations over the past 30 days. The age group experiencing the greatest rise in cases are those between 18 and 29. We must continue to be vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Follow the 3 Ws – wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance – and get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to you. |
|
 |
Current COVID-19 Data
Vaccination Count: According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of April 14, there have been 378,897 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 148,999 residents—including about 75% of seniors—have been fully vaccinated with two doses. View IDPH Vaccine Administration Data
|
Positivity Rate: As of April 11, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 4.7 percent. View Region 9 information
COVID-19 Testing
State-run COVID-19 testing sites, located in Waukegan (102 W. Water St.) and Arlington Heights (2000 W Euclid Ave.) are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing at these sites is free. For more information, visit the IDPH website.
For information about additional mobile testing locations, click here.
|
Many healthcare providers in Lake County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. Residents without a healthcare provider or insurance can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center for an appointment at (847) 377-8800.
Stay Informed
Get the COVID-19 Weekly Newsletter: The Lake County Health Department sends out a weekly COVID-19 newsletter every Friday with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine, coronavirus in Lake County, how to protect yourself, and more. Stay informed--subscribe here
|
|
Job News |
Paid Internship Opportunity: Stormwater Management Commission
Are you interested in stormwater management and looking for a summer internship? The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking an intern to assist with administrative support for the SMC Buyout Program. From maintaining homeowner correspondence and property transfer assistance to maintaining demolition files and scheduling demolitions of flood-prone homes, the intern will have hands-on experience with all facets of SMC’s program. Learn more and apply by April 30 |
|
 |
Reminder: Apply by April 30 for Summer Youth Employment Program
Young people from low-income families in Lake County are encouraged to apply for the Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program! This popular program from the Job Center of Lake County is funded by the Lake County Board and will provide meaningful work experiences in either onsite or virtual environments for approximately 215 young people this summer. Applications are due by April 30. Learn more |
|
 |
Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources from the Job Center of Lake County:
-
Mastering the Virtual Job Interview, April 20 at 1 p.m.: Virtual interviews are becoming a staple of the candidate recruiting process. Learn the necessary tips and tricks to successfully interview online and land your next job! Register here
-
Find more workshops on the Job Center Calendar
-
The Job Center of Lake County has computers you can use for your job search. Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. To schedule an appointment, call 847-377-3450.
-
Get Hired Illinois: Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings.
|
Get Help
|
Find Help With Rent, Food, Insurance and More
Many individuals and businesses continue to feel the economic impacts of the pandemic. If you need help, here are some links to resources:
-
Rental Assistance: Lake County’s new program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more
-
Food for Families in Need: Check out the Northern Illinois Food Bank calendar for a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Find food
-
Health Insurance: Anyone who needs health insurance may enroll through May 15, 2021 during the special open enrollment period through the Affordable Care Act. Depending on income, some people may qualify for subsidies to help reduce monthly premiums and other costs. Learn how to apply
-
Mental Health Support: The Lake County Health Department offers a free, 24/7 confidential hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Call 847-377-8088 any time. Learn more
|
Call 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. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text "COVID19" to 211211. For more information, visit www.211lakecounty.org.
|
Health Department News
|
Reduced Well Water Testing Fees until April 23
The Lake County Health Department is offering a reduced well water testing fee for homeowners who use well water as their primary source of drinking water. Between April 12 and April 23, the normal $18 fee for testing for bacteria and nitrates will be reduced to $14.
|
Sterile test bottles and sampling instructions are available at the Lake County Central Permit Facility (500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville), the Health Department's headquarters (3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan), and 19 township or municipal offices in Lake County. Water sampling kits can also be mailed for $18. Questions? Call (847) 377-8020.
County Clerk's Office News
|
April 6 Election Results
Preliminary results for the April 6, 2021 local election are available online at the County Clerk’s website. Per Illinois election law, election results are not final until 14 days after Election Day. There are votes to be counted yet from provisional ballots and late-arriving mailed ballots postmarked no later than Election Day sent by county residents, military members, or overseas citizens.
Sheriff's Office News
|
Drop It and Drive! Stay Alive!
Drop the phone, slow down and drive safely. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to drop their phone and focus on the road. The Sheriff’s Office is one of more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the state participating in a distracted driving safety campaign during April and will have zero tolerance for distracted driving violations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 26,000 people died in U.S. crashes involving a distracted driver between 2012 and 2019.
|
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day April 24
If you have unused and unwanted medication in your home, take advantage of National Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and drop it at a nearby designated location.
The Office of Sheriff John D. Idleburg invites the community to one of the following sites to drop off unused and unwanted medication in an environmentally friendly manner. Expired solid prescription drugs, unwanted or unused prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and pills, as well as controlled and non-controlled substances will be accepted. Injectable drugs and syringes can’t be accepted.
-
Antioch Township Building; 1625 Deep Lake Rd, Lake Villa
-
Avon Township Building; 433 E Washington St, Round Lake Park
-
Beach Park Village Hall; 11270 W Wadsworth Rd, Beach Park
-
Warren Township Senior Center; 17801 W Washington St, Gurnee
-
Volo Village Hall; 500 South Fish Lake Road, Volo
|
 |
|
State's Attorney's Office News |
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
During April, the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC) is conducting its annual Blue Kids campaign, and encourages all community members to learn more about child abuse prevention and have conversations about child abuse in Lake County.
|
The LCCAC sees about 1,000 child victims each year, providing not only a place for forensic interviews, but also offering counseling and direct support to child victims and their families in a child-friendly atmosphere. Many resources to help spread awareness about and prevent child abuse are available on the website of Friends of LCCAC.
 |
|
Forest Preserve News |
Free Science Explorers in Nature Program
Is your middle schooler an inquisitive learner who would benefit from a challenging and engaging science-based summer experience? Limited spots are available for this year's virtual Science Explorers in Nature program, open to current 6th–8th graders from Beach Park, Diamond Lake, Fox Lake, Gavin, North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan, and Zion school districts.
|
This free hands-on science enrichment program teaches students about nature and potential science careers. It is held virtually, June 28–July 23, and led by a current high school science teacher and two environmental educators from the Lake County Forest Preserves. These highly qualified educators teach inquiry-based, STEM activities that support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
This summer, students will explore the topic of biodiversity through interactive activities, virtual field trips to forest preserves and a collaborative science research project. For more information and an application, go to LCFPD.org/science-explorers. Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 30.
Online Annual Native Plant Sale
The Lake County Forest Preserves is holding its popular Native Plant Sale online this season and encouraging homeowners to order plants in their sweatpants from the convenience of home. Sales of native perennials, trees and shrubs are open now all the way through December 31. To get started, and see full details, visit Possibility Place's online portal. Plants will be shipped to your doorstep.
|
If customers are looking for a plant that is not on the list, other species may be available at the nursery for order by phone at 708-534-3988, or through the contact form. To place an order or learn more, visit: LCFPD.org/PlantSale.
Spring Horizons Magazine Available
|
The spring issue of the Horizons magazine is now available online. You can also subscribe here to receive the free printed version. Featured articles in this issue include fishing in the preserves and protecting water in Lake County.
Horizons is the quarterly publication of your Lake County Forest Preserves, featuring articles on Lake County wildlife, nature and history, Preserve News, and information about programs and events.
|
|
 |
Fox River Marina Boat Slips Available
Boat slips are currently available at the marina for the 2021 season at picturesque Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington. The marina is open for the season. There is also a four-lane public launch for boats, personal watercraft and paddlecraft. The ramp is open from 6:30 am to 10 pm, daily. The daily launch fee for trailered boats or watercraft is $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and $5 for nontrailered watercraft. Seasonal launch passes are also available by visiting LCFPD.org/fox-river-marina. |
|
 |
To reserve a boat slip, fill out this form on our website, LCFPD.org/fox-river-marina, email or call 847-381-0669 for more information.
Community Events & News
|
College of Lake County Virtual Open House
Explore the variety of opportunities available at the College of Lake County at its week-long virtual open house from April 24 to April 30. Discover more than 170 degrees and certificates offered in CLC’s nine fields of interest, all at your leisure from the comfort of your home. Attendees will also be entered to win an exclusive scholarship to CLC. Learn more |
|
 |
Top 10 Things to do in April in Lake County
Looking for fun adventures for the family in April? Check out the Visit Lake County blog’s top 10 things to do in April for some great ideas, including mini-golf, the Libation Trail and other outdoor fun!
Read more
|
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
|
All Lake County board and committee meetings are continuing to be conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). The public is also welcome to view the livestream of all meetings in-person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room.
|
To maintain proper social distancing, the number of persons permitted to attend will be limited. Public comments can also be submitted by email and phone call. Learn more
To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, click here.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
|
