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June 10, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well. We're hopefully entering the last mile for COVID-19 vaccinations, so if you know of anyone who hasn't gotten a shot, there's still plenty of time -- and places -- to get one.

The Lake County Fairgrounds supersite will only be open a few more days, but there are several other locations to get vaccinated. Here's an incentive: If you qualify, you could get free tickets to Six Flags. Learn more here 

I want to thank everyone who stepped up to either give shots or volunteer. Thousands gave their time to ensure that we beat the bug. I've heard so many compliments on how well the Fairgrounds site was run. Our health department, fairgrounds officials and other healthcare volunteers were nothing less than magnificent.

I also ask you to remember the more than 1,000 Lake County neighbors we lost to this disease -- and those who are suffering from long-term effects. I lost two old friends and know countless others who were infected. We're not out of the woods yet, so please tell those who are resisting the shots to get vaccinated for their loved ones and community.

Overall, it feels good, if not a little strange after a year being extra cautious and masked, to get out to see neighbors and visit local restaurants in recent weeks. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to see and meet so many neighbors and local officials at Grayslake's recent Memorial Day Ceremony. Thanks to all veterans who have served!

Transportation News

We're asking for your input on road improvements in the area. Our county transportation department wants your suggestions on improving Hainesville Road. Springfield has promised us $1 million to install sidewalks from Washington to Rollins. Share your comments here

There's much more on the way, including several statehouse bills we hope the governor will sign to improve multi-modal transportation, environmental protection and stormwater management. More on that in a future newsletter.

Forest Preserve News It's never been a better time to get out and enjoy our splendid preserves. On the bright side, the pandemic has led thousands of neighbors to explore our trails. So we're not surprised that our preserve attendance countywide is up 30%. I have to say, as an avid trail bike rider, due to the lack of rain (which our gardens really need!), the trails are in great shape everywhere, especially in Rollins Savanna. You can also rent a bike in Grayslake's Mill Creek park just south of the Rollins Washington Street entrance. It's part of the new Grayslake bike share program (thanks to the many neighbors who set that up). And if you're so inclined, our Beer Garden at Independence Grove is now open, featuring local craft brews. It's in the old beach house by the main pavilion. Even if you're not a beer drinker, there are plenty of soft drinks. A snack cafe is around the corner. Better yet, Tuesday Concerts in the Plaza at Independence Grove are starting up again. It's a great way to spend a summer evening and enjoy the sunset on the beach. As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you need any assistance with social services, please call 2-1-1. I am also available to speak to your community group. Now go out and have some safe summer fun! Best,

John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage

Lake County Government News

Share Your Input: Hainesville Road Improvements 

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is studying potential improvements to Hainesville Road. The project limits are Hainesville Road from Washington St. to Rollins Road in Round Lake Beach and Round Lake Park. This is an opportunity to rehabilitate the road and make safety and operational improvements to the corridor, such as adding turn lanes. A component of this study will investigate accommodating non-motorized travel along Hainesville Road.

Lake County Wastewater Treatment Plant Named Best in Illinois

The Lake County Des Plaines River Water Reclamation Facility in Buffalo Grove received the coveted Public Works Plant of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators. The award uses standards set by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, recognizing wastewater treatment facilities in Illinois that exemplify the best safety and preventive maintenance practices and the use of modern technology to serve the community.

Water reclamation facilities are critical to ensuring that harmful substances are removed from wastewater before being released back into the environment. Lake County Public Works is committed to implementing the best sustainability practices at all of its facilities to protect one of the region’s valuable resources – our water. 

Lake County Recognized for Reducing Barriers to Solar Energy 

Lake County recently received national recognition for its efforts to make it easier for residents and businesses to transition to solar energy. The county earned the highest possible designation (Gold) from the national SolSmart program, which recognizes Lake County’s efforts to reduce barriers to solar energy growth in the unincorporated areas and simplify the process for the community to install solar systems.

Residents of local municipalities who are interested in obtaining solar permits should reach out to their municipality. Those who reside in unincorporated Lake County can learn more by visiting our Solar Energy web page.

Lake County Honors 1,000 Lives Lost to COVID-19 

Lake County reached a somber milestone on May 27, when the number of residents who have died due to COVID-19 officially passed 1,000. At the June 8 board meeting, County Board Chair Sandy Hart led the County in a moment of silence in remembrance of those who have died. You are invited to share a tribute to loved ones who have passed due to COVID-19 on the Lake County Health Department Facebook page.

Open Burning Restrictions in Unincorporated Areas 

The Lake County Board voted this week to extend through Oct. 12, 2021 a temporary ordinance that allows open burning in unincorporated Lake County from sunrise to sunset only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The ordinance also permits open burning from sunrise to sunset on any day of the week if the burning occurs at least 500 feet from the nearest habitable structure.

Some unincorporated areas are also subject to open burning rules established by their local fire protection district, which may be more restrictive. Learn more about open burning regulations.

Share your input: A temporary ordinance has been in place for much of 2020 and 2021 due to the increased risk posed by open burning to individuals infected with COVID-19. Lake County is in the early stages of considering reasonable permanent restrictions on open burning and exploring consolidated waste hauling services in the unincorporated areas. The public is invited to learn more about the issue and share their input, questions and concerns through this interactive website.

Reapportionment Deadline Extended 

At its June 8 meeting, the Lake County Board voted to extend the timeline for its Reapportionment Committee through Dec. 31, 2021 following a change in Illinois law that extends the time allowed to file a Reapportionment Plan. Reapportionment is the process of re-drawing Lake County board district boundaries to align with data in the most recent census.

Due to significant delays by the United States Census Bureau in providing counties with 2020 Census data used for reapportionment, the Illinois General Assembly extended its reapportionment deadline. Learn more about the Reapportionment Committee 

Lake County COVID-19 Update

Get a Vaccine and a Ticket to Six Flags

The mass vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds will only be open for a few more days. First and second shots of Pfizer and Moderna will be available during the following hours:  Sunday, June 13: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Monday, June 14: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Current COVID-19 Data    

Vaccination Count:  According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of June 9 there have been 659,465 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 310,690 residents (44% of the population) have been fully vaccinated with two doses. View IDPH Vaccine Administration Data

Get Help

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 211lakecounty.org.

Find Help With Rent, Food and More

Rental Assistance: Lake County’s 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: Northern Illinois Food Bank operates a traveling food pantry that delivers nutritious food directly to those in need and coordinates pop-up food markets across Lake County. Some upcoming locations include Waukegan, Highwood, Grayslake, Fox Lake and Ingleside.  Find food  Help for Veterans: The Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Call them at 847-377-3344. 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

Employment Resources

The economy is opening back up, and demand for workers is increasing. The Job Center of Lake County is your career solution! Their mission is to cultivate and connect Lake County employers and workers to fuel economic growth and well-being in Lake County. Check out these Job Center events:

• Your Personal Brand & Resumes, Tuesday, June 15, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Are you seeking a job or changing careers? Regardless of your job title or field, you have a personal brand. Learn how to customize your resume and other written tools to help you land a great job! Register here 
• Virtual Job Expo, Thursday June 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Learn about job opportunities with 15 area employers through this Zoom webinar. The Job Center of Lake County is partnering with Illinois State Senators Melinda Bush and Adriane Johnson to host this event. Learn more and register 
• Mastering the Virtual Interview, Tuesday, June 22, 1 p.m. to 2:30 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 
• View the full Job Center calendar

Transportation News

Gages Lake Road to Close from June 14 to 18 

Gages Lake Road will be closed to through traffic from Hunt Club Road to Illinois 21 to replace three culverts. The exact duration for each culvert closure is uncertain, however, the first closure will be reopened to local traffic before the second location is closed. Message boards will be used to inform local residents of which closure is in place.   First road closure for two culverts: Local traffic will have access from Hunt Club Road east to Leonard Drive and from Illinois  21 west to Colby Road. The construction zone will be closed to all traffic.

Health Department News

Remember to Vaccinate Your Pets!

All dogs and cats in Lake County are required to be registered and vaccinated against rabies. Residents are encouraged to contact their veterinarian for routine pet health care and to stay up to date on their pets’ vaccinations.   Pets belonging to Lake County residents can receive low-cost rabies and distemper vaccinations at Lake County Animal Care and Control by appointment only on Monday and Tuesday mornings and Thursday and Friday afternoons. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (847) 377-4700. Learn more

Stormwater Management Commission News

Learn About Lake County’s Voluntary Floodplain Buyout Program 

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission’s (SMC) Voluntary Floodplain Buyout Program is one of the most cost-effective flood reduction tools SMC has in its mitigation toolbox because buying and removing flood-prone structures ensure they are not damaged by floods in the future.

The program provides relief for eligible homeowners with homes that are located in the floodway, or subject to severe damage from flooding with the opportunity to sell their property at its fair market value. The house is then demolished, and the floodplain property is returned to open space. Watch the video to learn more or visit SMC’s website. 

Sheriff's Office News

Buckle Up for Safety—It's The Law 

Did you know that unbelted occupants in vehicles account for more than half of deaths in traffic accidents? The “Click It or Ticket” campaign aims to change the behavior of the millions of people who don’t buckle up. Thousands of lives could be saved each year if every vehicle occupant was properly restrained when traveling.

During its recent Memorial Day traffic safety campaign, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies issued 48 citations for occupants being unbuckled while their vehicle was in motion. 

Beware of Latest Scam Involving Impersonation of Police Officer 

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several cases in which an offender has called  Lake County residents pretending to be a police officer.    In the most recent incidents, the caller says his name is Sergeant Michael Cope, and the caller ID has been rigged to appear it is coming with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The scammer has told potential victims there is an active warrant for their arrest, and ordered them to purchase gift cards and provide the gift card information along with other personal information to the caller in order to avoid arrest.

Please be aware that no police department would ask people to do this. If you feel that you have been the target or victim of a scam, please call your local law enforcement agency. 

Forest Preserve News

Beer Garden at Independence Grove Opens 

The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring craft brews and scenic views, is the newest amenity to open at the forest preserve in Libertyville. The Beer Garden features a variety of local craft brews on tap, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and packaged snacks.  The venue is open from 1 p.m. to a half-hour before sunset on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Starting June 22, the Beer Garden will also be open from 4 p.m. to 8:30 pm Tuesdays for the Concerts in the Plaza series. A larger food menu is available at the adjacent café service window on the north side of the Independence Grove Visitors Center. Learn more»

Concerts in the Plaza Lineup Set 

From Beatles to the blues, from rock and bluegrass to swing and jazz, there’s something for just about any music taste when award-winning performers play under the stars at the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Seven concerts will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 22 through August 3.

The concerts are held at the preserve's outdoor Millennia Plaza overlooking a 115-acre lake. A friendly reminder, dogs,  horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove. A new concert has been added on June 24 at the outdoor amphitheater at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. View full band descriptions and 2021 concert lineup.  Learn more»  

Trivia Trail at Cuba Marsh 

Trivia Trail is back with new questions at a different forest preserve—Cuba Marsh in Deer Park, available through June 30. Learn unique features about the preserve, and some human and natural history, too. Bring something to record your answers so you can check them later.

Most answers can be found on our website and interactive map, Lake County History blog, or signs in the preserve. Delight in the scenery along the 1.6-mile trail route. Your knowledge journey starts at the main parking lot and includes two loop trails. For even more fun, post a selfie on the Trivia Trail and tag @LCFPD and #LCFPDTriviaTrail. Learn more» 

Community Events & News

Summer Festival Season Returns to Lake County 

Enjoy being outdoors with others this summer and explore the many events and festivals Lake County has to offer!

From ArtWauk in Waukegan to the reopening of Ravinia in Highland Park to Blarney Island Festivals in Antioch and Long Grove’s ever-popular Strawberry Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this blog post from VisitLakeCounty.org for an overview of summer festivals. 

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.

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