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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well and enjoying the gracious sunshine. As summer buzzes with the sound of cicadas, I am pleased to update you on our county environmental program.
Back in 2019, the County Board approved a comprehensive environmental plan and updated it within the last year by adding a Climate Action program: We want to reduce our carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030 and the remainder by 2040. We also want to electrify as much of our fleet as possible and reduce our waste stream by 60 percent. I supported and helped draft all of these goals.
Keep in mind that these goals are ambitious, but doable. As I write this, neither the state nor federal government has adopted such a plan. So how does Lake County get there?
Our original plan was to install solar panels on 10 of our facilities. We've done most of the paperwork, but got delayed by the pandemic and one big issue: Springfield has yet to fully finance the fund for renewable energy credits (RECs). Without RECs, we won't get reimbursed for the clean energy we produce.
Springfield was slated to vote on a clean energy package by Memorial Day, but postponed it due to log jams on closing coal-fired power plants and subsidizing nuclear stations.
By the way, the only major coal-fired power plant in Lake County -- the NRG Waukegan station -- is scheduled to close in coming years, although that community will need transition assistance that the clean energy bill proposes to provide. Eliminating the carbon dioxide and other pollutants from that facility means better public health for everyone in the county and directly tackles the growing crisis of climate change.
As the Chair of the County Board's Legislative Committee, I've talked to every member of our Lake County General Assembly delegation to urge them to pass the Clean Energy package before the end of the year -- most likely in the October veto session. It wouldn't hurt if you sent them a note as well. This massive piece of legislation not only means we can move forward with our clean energy program, it will mean jobs, training, a clean energy funding source and progress on environmental justice issues.
We're also trying to reduce our use of single-use plastics in our county facilities. Our purchasing department is looking at ways to do this. We're also asking vendors to partner with us on sustainable practices and purchases. I'm also pressing hard for the county to hire a full-time sustainability director, a position that was unfortunately eliminated in our budget talks at the height of the pandemic last year.
At the Forest Preserve, we're making even more progress on the environmental front. We've approved plans to build three net-zero energy buildings in two major preserves. These buildings will eventually produce more energy than they consume -- without carbon emissions. Solar panels will go up on our welcome center at Ryerson Woods, and we've just reviewed architectural plans for a net-zero education building there. We're optimistic about outside funding for these essential projects.
Here's one bright, shining moment in promoting the Forest Preserve and county's mission in environmental stewardship: My wife Kathleen and I were thrilled to host a tour and reception recently at our Rollins Savanna Seed Nursery. Tens of thousands of people drive by this unique facility every day, but few realize that we produce some 800 million seeds here to restore and replenish our 31,000 acres of preserves.
Here's why restoring prairies and wetlands and planting trees is so important: They absorb tremendous amounts of carbon, water and heat. A single mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Given that many native oak trees can live more than 100 years, that's a lot of greenhouse gas taken out of the atmosphere while exhaling the oxygen we need to breath.
Want to help us in our carbon sequestration and restoration programs? You help the Forest Preserve through our Preservation Foundation. New donors will be entered into a raffle for a rain garden kit! Thanks to staff and all who work with us every day to green Lake County.
One last note: If you know of anyone who hasn't gotten a COVID vaccine, please urge them to do so. The more people who get this shot, the better chance we have of beating the bug and its nasty Delta variant. There are plenty of places you can get the shot from your local pharmacy to county health clinics. Find a location near you.
Please enjoy your summer by getting out, hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, riding and enjoying all that nature has to offer. I am proud and honored to serve you. If you have an immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. I'm happy to speak before your community group.
Be well, Be Safe!
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 John Wasik
Lake County Board, District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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2021 Property Assessment Notices Will Soon Be Mailed
Lake County property owners will soon be receiving their property assessment notice in the mail. It’s important for taxpayers to read, understand and check this notice for accuracy as it contains important information about their property. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their local township assessor’s office if they have questions regarding the valuation of their property.
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After assessments are published for each township, a property owner has 30 days to appeal their assessment if they so desire. View the schedule of publication dates for each township.
Join Virtual Meeting on Open Burning in Unincorporated Areas
Join a virtual informational meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 13 for an update on open burning in the unincorporated areas, the work Lake County is doing to evaluate viable landscape disposal options and potential next steps. Staff also will answer frequently asked questions from the County’s recent public survey. |
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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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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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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Industry Snapshot: Healthcare: 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 14: Learn about upcoming healthcare trends, career paths, training and employment opportunities through this Zoom meeting. Register now.
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Your Personal Brand and Resumes: 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 20: Learn how to customize your resume and other written tools to help you land a job. Register now.
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Mastering the Virtual Job Interview: 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 27: Virtual interviews are becoming a staple of the candidate recruiting process. Learn the tips and tricks to successfully interview online. Register now.
Other Resources for Help
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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
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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
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Health Insurance: Anyone who needs health insurance may enroll through Aug. 15 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
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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
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Health Department News
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Swim Safely This Summer
As residents return to Lake County’s beaches and lakes this summer, the Lake County Health Department reminds you to take steps to protect yourself from illness and check first to ensure conditions are safe for swimming.
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The Health Department tests and monitors lake water for E.coli bacteria in over 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure water is acceptable for swimming. Beach closure information can be found on the Health Department’s Beach Advisory web page, which is updated by 10 a.m. daily.
West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes In Lake County
A batch of mosquitoes sampled on June 16 in Lake Bluff has tested positive for West Nile virus. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2021. Remember to practice the four D’s of Defense, drain, defend, dawn and dusk and dress to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes. |
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Residents can call the Health Department’s West Nile hotline at 847-377-8300 to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds and learn more about the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus. Learn more
Transportation News
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Metra Increases Service on Seven More Lines
Metra is expanding its rush hour service on seven additional lines to meet growing ridership. New schedules take effect July 12 on the Heritage Corridor, Milwaukee District North and West, SouthWest Service, North Central Service and Union Pacific Northwest and West lines. View the new schedules. |
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Metra also is launching a new pilot schedule on its BNSF, Metra Electric and Union Pacific North lines to provide more off-peak options. Learn more
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Treasurer's Office News |
New Investment Strategies Help Recapture Lost COVID-19 Revenue
The Lake County Treasurer’s Office announced that in Fiscal Year 2020 they earned $9.7 million in investment income across all funds for Lake County. By using improved investment strategies over the past two years, the Treasurer's Office was able to recapture lost COVID-19 revenue in Fiscal Year 2020. Learn more
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Sheriff's Office News |
Crime Rates and Incarceration Rates are Declining
New data recently released shows that crime, jail populations, and arrests are all declining in Lake County, indicating that the local justice system can be transformed while keeping the community safe. These new studies track select participants in the Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC), a national initiative to support collaboration among local leaders and communities to reduce over-incarceration and eliminate racial disparities in criminal justice systems. Lake County joined the SJC in 2017. |
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In partnership with Lake County Government and various County departments, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has developed a comprehensive plan to invest in a safer, more effective, and more equitable system. These include, but not limited to diverting people from jail by dropping them off at a wellness center for behavioral health assessments and local service linkage. Learn more
Forest Preserve News
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Powerhouse Vocalist To Perform
The Greenbelt Cultural Center is located at 1215 Green Bay Road. Free admission and parking. All ages welcome. Concertgoers should bring a blanket or lawn chair and pack a picnic. No food or beverages will be available for sale this year. The performance will be livestreamed and recorded at @YouTube.com/LCFPD. Learn more»
Bonner Farm Tour
A Historic Bonner Farm Tour takes place from 2 to 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20 at Bonner Heritage Farm, 201 Country Place, Lindenhurst. Participants will learn about the people, the land and the events of the 1850s farmstead. The tour, designed for adults and children ages 12 and up, is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents. The event requires registration. The 8-acre farm is part of McDonald Woods Forest Preserve with a separate entrance on Sand Lake Road. |
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Become a Community Scientist
Do you love watching birds in your backyard or the preserves? Or listening for frog calls in the spring? You might be interested in community science. “Community science consists of collaborations between professional scientists and the general public,” Environmental Educator Jen Berlinghof wrote in her most recent blog. |
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“Through such partnerships, volunteers, or community scientists, make many important scientific contributions. Ordinary people, with a desire to help and some basic training, have discovered everything from new animal species to exoplanets,” Berlinghof said. Read more on the Lake County Nature blog.
Community Events & News
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Lake County Fair is Coming Back July 30 to August 1
A festival celebrating the Lake County Fair’s 92-year history, the “Back To Our Roots” Micro Fair will be the first self-hosted event after the “Pandemic Pause” and an opportunity to safely gather and celebrate the core components of the annual fair. The Fair will run July 30 to August 1 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Learn more |
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Life’s A Beach! Check Out Guide to Lake County Beaches
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Pack your shades and towel and take a dip and cool yourself off this summer on the shoreline of one of Lake County's scenic beaches. Lake County is home to over 200 lakes and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Check out Visit Lake County’s Guide to Lake County beaches to kick back and relax this summer.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County Board and Committee Meetings are currently being held remotely via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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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The public can also offer "live" public comments during the Zoom meetings from the comfort of their own home or submit comments by email and phone call. Learn more
To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings and agenda information, 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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