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Dear Neighbors |
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors healthy and enjoying this new year.
Like you, I'm supremely frustrated that we're not past this pandemic. I've known many who've been exposed, quarantined and gotten ill from this disease. I've lost two friends. If you've lost someone, my condolences.
Despite all of the bad news, there is some brightness on the horizon. Although the current COVID-19 Omicron variant is more contagious, reports illustrate that it may cause less debilitating illness and hospitalization, especially in vaccinated individuals. I know this is hardly any consolation to those who have been hospitalized or the brave, tireless healthcare workers and first responders attending to them. Thanks all for your heroic duty!
Fortunately, this year our area is in a much better situation on a public health front to battle this virus. We have tools, like vaccines, to combat variants and keep ourselves and those we love protected against severe illness. The Lake County Health Department (based on CDC data) tells me that almost 79% of eligible residents (age 5 and above) are fully vaccinated. All told, more than 1 million vaccine doses have been administered in Lake County. You can get a shot and booster at most pharmacies and health clinics. And -- the best news yet -- some 98% who are infected recover. Our county's vaccination rate is one of the highest in the state.
Where are we at now? We're trying to get everyone who qualifies a shot and a booster. COVID-19 booster shots are now available for those 12 and younger. COVID-19 tests, which have been in short supply, are coming our way. You can also get tested at the State Run Community Based Testing Site on Water Street in Waukegan.
What about those COVID-19 testing sites across the county? They vary in quality and turnaround time. The most reliable COVID-19 test, according to Mark Pfister, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department, is a diagnostic lab test known as a PCR test. Results from PCR typically take a few days to return, but may take longer during a surge. Other tests, like at-home or antigen tests, return results as quickly as 15 minutes, but may not be as reliable. The Health Department reminds everyone to be careful with choosing a testing site.
"When you get tested, try to choose a reputable site, like one of the State Run Community Based testing locations," Executive Director Pfister said. "These sites are reliable and run by the Illinois Department of Public Health. We have a State-Run site on Water Street in Waukegan and another one nearby at the Arlington Heights Race Track in Arlington Heights."
If you are unsure if the testing site you are at is legitimate, keep the following things in mind:
- You should never should be asked to only pay in cash for a COVID-19 test. While the test itself is free, a site may charge for administering the test or expediting the test analysis. Many sites including State-Run sites offer tests free of charge.
- Testing site staff should be masked, wearing gloves and other protective equipment like face shields if they perform the test on you. If it doesn’t appear that they are following these precautions, you might want to consider another provider. Also ask them what lab will analyze your test and what is their current turnaround time?
Although many testing sites are legitimate, if you want to be on the safe side, go to a state-sponsored facility. View the testing facilities.
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Forest Preserve News
All of our trails and preserves are open, including our sledding hill at Lakewood. I was out at Rollins Savanna the other day and saw some happy "fat tire" bikers, who were enjoying the Millennium Trail.
Also note that our Ansel Adams exhibit at the Dunn Museum is still on. It's a terrific show featuring his early work.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you would like me to speak before your community group, I'm happy to do so.
If you have an immediate need for any county services, please call 2-1-1.
Be well!
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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County Board Approves Open Burning Restrictions and Consolidated Waste Hauling in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Board voted at its January 11 meeting to enact permanent open burning restrictions within unincorporated Lake County. Franchise waste hauler agreements to provide consolidated waste hauling services in unincorporated areas within certain townships were also approved. The new open burning restrictions and waste hauling agreements go into effect on June 1, 2022. To learn more about the open burning restrictions and the franchise waste hauler agreements, please read the full news release.
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Help End Homelessness. Join Next Point-in-Time Homeless Count
Lake County is seeking volunteers to join the fight to help end homelessness. Make an impact by joining our yearly Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count. On the night of January 26, teams will search throughout Lake County to interview and offer assistance to unsheltered people. This year, we ask volunteers to create their own teams of two to eight people. Learn more and register
Want to make a difference but are not able to attend? Visit the LCCH website to learn more.
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Business Owners Come Learn How to Do Business with the County
The Lake County Government Purchasing Division is hosting a virtual Meet and Greet on January 21 at 9 a.m. Attending this event provides a great opportunity for local business owners to hear directly from Lake County’s Purchasing and Facilities teams about upcoming projects and procurement opportunities. Learn how your business can work with Lake County, and various initiatives and programs, such as the Lake County Economic Opportunity Program and job order contracting.
Lake County’s Buy Local, Build Local, Work Local program aims to connect Lake County businesses—including minority and women-owned businesses with government procurement opportunities. Learn more about opportunities for your business by registering for the virtual event.
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Know Where To Get Tested
Getting tested for COVID-19 and quarantining if you’re positive is a proven method of slowing the spread. If you think you’ve been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, find a testing site near you. The Lake County Health Department recommends going to a site run by the Illinois Department of Public Health or a local pharmacy. Find a testing site near you
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Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines are Updated for General Public
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated guidance around quarantine and isolation for those who have tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19 for the general public. This guidance does not apply to healthcare workers or those who work or live in congregate settings. Visit the CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation Guidance page for more information.
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. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Employment Resources
Additional Resources
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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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Veterans assistance: The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Learn more
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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
Transportation News
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Join Virtual Public Hearing To Study State’s Rail System
The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public hearing through Jan. 21 as part of an ongoing study assessing the state’s rail system to help identify potential improvements and solutions. The event will provide an update on input collected throughout the year on current conditions, capacity concerns and safety challenges.
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Environmental News
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Discover 11 Great Things You Can Do in ‘22
Start your new year and do something to help the environment. It’s simple to implement a couple of new things into your routine and mindset. Check this list of 11 Great Things You Can Do in ’22. These will help the health of your family and the planet as well as save time, money and energy.
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Health News
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Protect Your Family and Community from Radon
Radon gas builds up in homes over time and can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled—making it easy for radon problems to go unnoticed. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center recommends that all residents test the radon levels in their homes and apartments during the winter season, when indoor radon levels are highest. Learn more
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Treasurer's Office News |
Learn Borrowing Basics at Fiscally Fit Class
It's a new year and that means it's time to get fiscally fit. Join the first session, “Increasing Endurance: Borrowing Basics” at noon Jan. 26. Learn about various options of borrowing money from financial institutions and what they really cost. Register.
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State's Attorney's Office News |
Grant Funding to Drive Major Upgrades to Cyber Lab
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has secured a $124,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to upgrade its Cyber Lab, enabling the office to escalate its fight against violent crime, sex crimes, and financial exploitation.
The Cyber Lab provides critical support to Lake County’s law enforcement agencies by using software and human expertise to retrieve and analyze text messages, video files, and geo-data from phones, laptops, and other digital devices. Learn more
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Nineteenth Judicial Circuit News |
One Book. One Judge. One Goal
Lake County judges will be participating in a judicial reading project focused on kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms across our state. The stories serve as a perfect launch to discuss the law and history with a judge from the local community. A principal or teacher may reach out to host a judge as a guest reader in February. Learn more
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Forest Preserves News
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New Underpass Opens
A new underpass and trail extension safely connecting Raven Glen and Ethel's Woods forest preserves in Antioch are now open! It's the longest of nine tunnels in the extensive 209-mile trail system.
The project includes a 145-foot concrete pedestrian tunnel under Route 45 just north of Miller Road, and 0.8 mile of new paved and gravel trails joining the two preserves via the Millennium Trail and Greenway. Learn more »
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How Animals Survive the Winter
Ever wonder how animals make it through winter? Cold temperatures, a lack of food, and snow and ice can be challenges for wildlife. Luckily, native species have evolved ways to weather the weather.
“Each animal employs different survival strategies that help it adapt and even thrive in winter,” writes Environmental Educator April Vaos in the Forest Preserves nature blog. “I like to say animals have MAD strategies: migrate, active and dormant.” Read more on the Lake County Nature blog.
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Virtual Program: History Symposium
The annual Lake County History Symposium takes place virtually from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 20. This year’s theme is “The Built Environment: Architecture and Landscapes in Lake County.”
The free program focuses on the landscapes, architects, city planning and other topics related to shaping Lake County’s appearance. Professional, amateur and student historians submitted presentations for the symposium. Registration is required. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions. Get a ticket »
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Community Events & News
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Discover 10 Things To Do in January
January features Lake County's cuisine makers and libation creators, playtime in the snow, an outdoor movie, a show, a cabaret, virtual angling, a rekindling with nature in a land of lakes winter wonderland and more. Welcome 2022 with open arms and check out Visit Lake County’s top 10 things to do in January in Lake County.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on 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 also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, 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 current meeting schedule. 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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