June 23, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you healthy and enjoying your summer. Although we've made tremendous progress in the county on COVID vaccinations, we're still heading into the final stretch to get more people the shots they need to beat the bug.
If you know of anyone who needs a shot, please urge them to get one for family and community. While we no longer have the fairgrounds open for vaccinations, there are plenty of places throughout the county where you can still get a shot. Those who get a vaccine may even qualify for Six Flags tickets and be entered in a state sweepstakes for cash prizes and scholarships.
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Legislative Update
As summer shifted into full gear, we received a spate of good news from Springfield. The General Assembly passed a number of measures that will help our community. I was proud to be part of the team and chairing the board's Legislative Committee to garner the following:
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Rt. 120/83 railroad grade separation: This $30 million commitment was renewed this year as we await word on more funding from the federal government and the state Department of Transportation to move this project forward.
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Hainesville Road bike path: This $1 million re-allocation will allow us to build a path along the road from Shorewood to Washington.
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Haryan Farms/Highland Lake stormwater project: The legislature re-allocated $122 million for a variety of countywide stormwater management improvements, including this one.
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Extension for District Re-mapping: Because of delays in gathering U.S. Census data, we asked the state to give us more time to acquire complete population data, which will become available this fall. We will then create new district maps by the end of the year, which will likely include a district reflecting our growing Latinx community. That will also push the 2022 primary into June.
While we're still awaiting a big, game-changing package of environmental measures -- the General Assembly and governor are still considering them as this goes to press -- I hope to report on this clean energy bill in my next newsletter.
Forest Preserve News
One of the most important new laws coming out of Springfield was the creation of a task force to determine the future use of the Route 53 land corridor. A county board and forest preserve representative, along with many other community leaders, will be appointed to this board.
Our environmental community asked for this bill and I was happy to support it because the 1,000-plus acre right-of-way for the canceled highway would cut right through Grayslake and Hainesville. We'll have a year to come up with a plan for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of this environmentally sensitive area. Thanks to the many environmental groups that supported this legislation.
Overall, Forest Preserve use is up more than 50% from pre-pandemic levels. I'm happy to see so many neighbors out enjoying our trails, picnic areas, waterways and our new Independence Grove Beer Garden. Every time you step outside and explore a preserve, you have a unique opportunity to enhance your physical, mental and spiritual well being. Enjoy yourself while being safe. In nature, there is truth.
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Some of the most beautiful places in Lake County are right in your backyard. The picture at right was the sunset last night at the Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve in Grayslake (my home preserve). I was proud to host a tour of the adjacent seed nursery, which produces more than 20,000 native seeds for every county preserve.
Restoration, preservation and education are happening in a big way at Rollins. Thanks to all who attended and our amazing staff. Oh, and if you want to support the Forest Preserves, please consider donating to our non-profit Preservation Foundation, so that we can do even more to save our planet. And thanks to all who support and enjoy our preserves!
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As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you have an immediate need for social services, please call the United Way of Lake County 2-1-1 line. I'd be thrilled to speak to your community group.
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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It’s Easy to Recycle Your Old Clothing and Textiles
Do you have old or unwanted clothing, tablecloths, towels or other textiles laying around your house? Lake County residents are encouraged to bring them to one of 56 drop-off bins that have been placed throughout the county by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO). You’re sure to find a bin that’s convenient to you. New and gently used clothing will be donated to programs for re-use, and worn-out and stained items will be recycled and turned into usable new products. |
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Art Impact Project Helps Inmates Re-enter Society
The Lake County Jail has resumed programming for inmates, including the “Art Impact Project,” where work created by inmates is currently publicly displayed in the lobby of the Lake County Government Administration Building, 18 N. County St., Waukegan. “Making Impact: How Art Enhances Emotional Wellness’ will remain on display through the end of June. |
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Dozens of inmates are participating in the program, which is aimed at those who struggle to express themselves in a healthy way. The program facilitators capitalize on offering emotional wellness support through the power of art making and creative expression. Learn more
New Illinois Law Extends Deadline for County Redistricting, Changes 2022 Primary Election Date to June
Last week, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill that extends the deadline for Illinois counties to submit redistricting plans to Dec. 31, 2021. The bill also moves the Illinois 2022 Primary Election, which is usually held in March, to Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The extension of the date will allow adequate time for Lake County to use 2020 U.S. Census data to submit a reapportionment (redistricting) plan to the state. The redistricting plan is required every 10 years following the U.S. Census to ensure that each county board district is comprised of a substantially equal population. Currently, Lake County has 21 single-member districts.
Lake County’s Reapportionment Committee was established earlier this year. In addition to looking at district boundaries, the committee is permitted to recommend making other changes to the current government structure, including number of districts, number of total board members and whether the County Board Chair is elected county-wide or selected by board members.
The final plan recommended by the committee must be approved by the County Board and filed with the Lake County Clerk no later than Dec. 31, 2021. Learn more
Next Chief Judge Elected for 19th Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Mark L. Levitt was recently elected by his peers to serve as Chief Judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court for a term beginning Jan. 3, 2022 and ending Jan. 1, 2023.
Judge Levitt was elected Circuit Judge for the Fourth Subcircuit of the 19th Judicial Circuit in the November 2010 general election. When he began his career on the bench, he was assigned to preside over the domestic violence courtroom. He then served as the criminal felony backup judge, and was appointed the Presiding Judge of the criminal misdemeanor and traffic division. Currently, he is serving as the Deputy Chief Judge while assigned to the felony division. Prior to his election to the bench, Levitt worked in the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender where he served in the Office’s Homicide Task Force. Learn more
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Make Sure You’re Vaccinated for a Chance to Win $1 million
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As an Illinois resident, if you’ve been vaccinated or are about to get vaccinated, you’re automatically entered in for a chance to win a prize in Illinois' $10 million vaccine sweepstakes. The first drawing will occur on Thursday, July 8 and conclude on Monday, Aug. 16.
Vaccinated adults are entered into a $7 million cash prize pool. Three $1 million jackpots and 40 $100,000 cash prizes are up for grabs.
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Vaccinated youth ages 12 to 17 are entered into a $3 million scholarship pool. Twenty $150,000 scholarship awards are being offered.
COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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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. |
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COVID-19 Mortgage Payment Relief for FHA-Insured Mortgages
Are you struggling to keep up with mortgage payments on your FHA-insured mortgage because of COVID-19? Take action now to keep your home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a program that allows homeowners to work with their mortgage servicer to request forbearance (mortgage payment relief) to pause or reduce monthly mortgage payments. |
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If you loan is backed by HUD/FHA, USDA or VA, the deadline to request an in initial forbearance is June 30. If your loan is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, there is not currently a deadline for requesting an initial forbearance. Learn more
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Other Resources for Help
Many individuals and businesses continue to feel the economic impacts of the pandemic. Here are some additional resources:
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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
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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
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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.
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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 has partnered with local employers to help connect jobseekers with local companies that are hiring. Check out these Job Center events and resources: |
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Visit the Hire Lake County Employment Initiative web page to view local available jobs and upload your resume.
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IT Career Lab Information Session, Thursday, July 1, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., online: Are you interested in a career in the growing field of information technology? Whether you are a beginner or an expert, IT Career Lab can help you find your tech career fast! Learn more and register
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Resume Assistance in the Resource Room, Wednesday, July 7, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Use the Job Center computers to create a new resume or bring an electronic copy of your resume to edit. Seating limited. Registration is required. Call 847-377-3456 to reserve a seat!
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Job Search Resources in a Rough Market, Tuesday, July 13, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Are you seeking a job or transitioning careers? The Job Center of Lake County can help! Hear our top tips for seeking work during a time of social distancing. Review our online tools to help you land your next job! Learn more and register
Transportation News
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Fremont Center Road to Close for Intersection Reconstruction
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will be closing Fremont Center Road from Illinois Route 60 to Erhart Road to through traffic starting Tuesday, June 29 at 5 a.m. The road will be closed for 50 days.
The closure is necessary for a project to improve safety to widen and realign the Fremont Center Road intersection with Illinois Route 60 and add a new traffic signal and new turn lanes.
Detour Route: Illinois Route 60 to Schank Avenue to Illinois Route 176 to Gilmer Road. Local traffic will have access from Erhart Road north to the construction zone. The road will be closed to all through traffic at the construction zone.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has multiple projects in our area. These include:
Illinois 60 from Belvidere Road (Illinois 120) to Illinois 176: IDOT is working on an ongoing patching and resurfacing project, which includes milled rumble strips and new shoulders. Daytime lane closures with one-way traffic controlled by flaggers are required. The project, which began last fall, is anticipated to be completed this summer.
Buckley Road (Illinois 83) from Belvidere Road to Illinois 137 to Begin in 2022: IDOT is scheduled to begin a project to reconstruct and realign the intersection and install a new traffic signal in spring 2022. One lane in each direction will be maintained on Buckley Road and Illinois 137. During the second stage of construction, a closure will be required for approximately 10 weeks at the Metra Union Pacific North crossing. Traffic will be detoured. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.
Health Department News
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Health Department Assisting State in Rabies Investigation
The Lake County Health Department is assisting the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as it investigates a group of 33 dogs that were imported from Azerbaijan through O’Hare Airport last week. The investigation began after one of the dogs was transferred to Pennsylvania where it began exhibiting behaviors consistent with rabies and was euthanized. It was later confirmed that this dog tested positive for rabies. |
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Because all 33 dogs were transported as a group, the remaining dogs are presumed to have come in contact with the rabid dog and need to be located and receive a veterinary evaluation. Four dogs from the group are known to have gone through Lake County, though two were immediately sent to other states. The two remaining dogs in Lake County have received a veterinary examination and are required to be quarantined by IDPH for 45 days. Lake County is continuing to assist the IDPH in their investigation.
Learn how to protect yourself against rabies
Public Works News
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NEW: View Lake County Public Works Alerts Online
The public can now view recent Lake County Public Works (LCPW) alerts regarding boil water orders, water main breaks, service disruptions and other important information on Lake County’s website. While customers will still get personalized alerts sent directly to them regarding their service area, the public can now see any recent alert issued by LCPW as well as its location in the service area. Always stay up-to-date with what’s happening in Lake County’s Public Works system, even if it’s not in your location, or find out how your family and friends might be affected. See recent alerts and learn more
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State's Attorney's Office News |
Tips for Seniors on Avoiding Scams
The Lake County State’s Attorney has put together a new pamphlet for seniors with helpful information on avoiding scams, along with names and phone numbers of agencies to contact to report complaints.
State’s Attorney’s Office employees also distributed thousands print copies of the pamphlet last week to more than 30 senior living facilities and senior centers as part of an educational campaign for Elder Abuse Awareness Day. View the pamphlet
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Sheriff's Office News
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Sheriff’s Deputies Complete Crisis Intervention Certification Program
Sheriff John D. Idleburg is pleased to announce the milestone of 99% of Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies successfully completing the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certification training program.
Those trained as CIT deputies during the week-long certification program received specialized training to help them evaluate various mental health crisis incidents stemming from a variety of mental health conditions including: excited delirium, schizophrenia, substance abuse related disorders, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and PTSD. After conducting an initial assessment, sheriff’s deputies then utilize skills they learned to effectively communicate and use de-escalation techniques with those experiencing a crisis.
Learn more
Forest Preserve News
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Focus on Net-Zero Buildings
As stewards of healthy landscapes and proponents of climate resiliency, officials at the Lake County Forest Preserves altered their Capital Improvement Plan to prioritize and accelerate current net-zero building goals and lead the way for others. A net-zero building, also referred to as a zero-energy building, produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, reducing the use of nonrenewable energy. |
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These buildings use cost-effective measures to reduce energy usage. At the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, planners at the Lake County Forest Preserves are currently working with design architects to replace aging classroom cabins with a new net-zero environmental education center. A similar style of building for grounds maintenance at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda is in the design phase. Learn more»
New Exhibit Opening
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum’s first virtual exhibition is expanding, opening for in-person viewing on Saturday, July 3. “Our Voice is Black History: Past, Present, Future,” exhibit will run through October 24 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves. The virtual exhibit will also continue through October 24. |
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The exhibition is a collaboration between the Dunn Museum and the College of Lake County’s Black Student Union (CLC). "The new in-person exhibition is an extension of the virtual exhibit,” said Andrew Osborne, superintendent of educational facilities. “It examines and explores multigenerational stories and experiences through graphic design, poetry, writing, art, and video interviews that portray the voice of the African Americans' past and reality.” Learn more»
Trivia Trails at Fort Sheridan
If you are looking to get out into the preserves, a popular self-guided program, "Trivia Trails at Fort Sheridan" runs every day in July. Signs with trivia questions ranging from history, natural resources and site-specific information will be placed along a designated trail at the preserve in Lake Forest. |
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The answers are posted in the preserve after the final trivia sign and online at LCFPD.org/resources. "You may be walking the trails anyway, so why not learn a little bit while you're there," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "Or perhaps this will be a new trail for you. Your forest preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset.” Learn more»
Community Events and News
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 School Supply Drive for Low-Income Students
United Way of Lake County, in partnership with Waukegan Public Schools and People's Choice Family Fun Center, seeks to provide students from low-income families in Lake County with new school supplies; preparing them for their academic studies, building their self-esteem, and setting them up for success.
Donations and volunteer support are both needed. Volunteers will help sort and fill backpacks with supplies during the month of July. Donors may also drop off supplies at a drive-thru event on Monday June 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at People’s Choice Family Fun Center, 2650 Belvidere Road, Waukegan. Learn how you can help
Lake County Summer Outdoor Guide
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There are numerous outdoor venues to explore nature in Lake County. From swimming and golfing to boating and hiking to dog-friendly places, Visit Lake County’s Summer Outdoor Guide can help you find an activity for you.
Check it out now
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What Happened in Committees?
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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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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:
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