January 27, 2022
Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well. Winter is undeniably bellowing his frosty opera, although I hope you can get out to enjoy hawks, owls and the occasional bald eagle that flies through our area.
Lake County recently joined our friends at the Lake County Municipal League to hold two legislative meetings with our county’s General Assembly delegation. Normally it’s a hot breakfast with bacon and eggs, but like so many things in our pandemic-altered times, we did a virtual meeting to be on the safe side.
This is our annual legislative get-together to pitch our friends in Springfield on the bills we'd like to see passed that will help this district and Lake County. Since the legislative session is shorter this year and will end April 18 – instead of May 30 -- we had a tight agenda.
One of the priorities that our mayors and county leadership agree on is the need to boost our collective share of state income tax collections, which had been reduced to 6% in recent years. We’d like to see it bumped back to the original 10% allocation we previously received. This money is critically important because we use those funds to buy things like snow plows and fire engines, hire first responders and pay for daily services. We have some local sponsors for Senate Bill 3010 and House Bill 4169, which would partially restore these “LGDF” funds to 8%, which we are certainly appreciative of, but this will still be an uphill battle.
The bottom line is the more money we receive from Springfield (and Washington), the less we may ask of you through property taxes. At the county, we’ve run a tight ship by keeping basic spending down -- maintaining county government tax rates the last two of three years -- but we’re still waging battles against inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Chair of the County’s Legislative Committee, I’m always asking Springfield and Washington to help pay their fair share. It’s a constant challenge. I was honored to be a part of these meetings. Many thanks to Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, Mayor Marturano of Lindenhurst and everyone who participated and made this event a success. Our Springfield delegation has already stepped up to sponsor and support a number of our priorities.
On the environmental front, we’re also asking Springfield for help on recycling carpets and pharmaceuticals, neither of which should be dumped in our landfills and sewer systems. We’re also asking for a law that would help us save money by combining architectural and construction services. I’ll certainly let you know what happens.
Some brighter news in this dark season: COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates seem to be levelling off. Once again, thanks to everyone in our county from countless biopharma researchers to nurses, doctors and teachers. We know you’re overburdened and need a break. If you know someone who hasn’t gotten a shot and/or booster, please urge them to do so. Find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you. Nearly every pharmacy provides them. We all hope and pray this pandemic will be over soon. In the interim, kindness and compassion will keep our community strong.
It’s my honor to represent you. If you’d like me to speak before your community, club or social group, I’d be happy to do so. Let me know how I can better serve you.
Be well.
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John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Seeks Public Feedback
Lake County Partners has spent the last several months leading a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process to help build a roadmap for economic development for the next five years. This effort convened business, education, workforce development, and civic leaders to collaboratively align priorities and resulted in an action-oriented, wide-reaching plan that builds on Lake County’s tremendous assets, and sets a bold vision for economic prosperity.
View this draft CEDS document and share your comments through Feb. 11. Learn more about the process and how to share your input.
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Local Business Owners Learn About Working with Lake County
On Jan. 21, Lake County Government Purchasing Division hosted a virtual Meet and Greet for local business owners to learn about upcoming projects and procurement opportunities, and Lake County’s Job Order Contracting program. This full meeting was recorded and is available to watch online.
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 to work with Lake County and watch the full webinar.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Get Four At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits Free
U.S. residents can order four at-home COVID-19 test kits per household, free. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order your test kits. The ordering site will direct you to a USPS page where you will enter your contact information and the address you wish to receive your tests. Orders will start to ship at the end of January. Only one order is allowed per address. For those who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order, call 800-232-0233.
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Your Guide to Masks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated their Types of Masks and Respirators page to note that some masks provide better protection than others. No matter what mask you choose, make sure that your mask fits snugly against your face. View Your Guide to Masks to learn more.
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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. Speak to a 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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Other Resources for Help
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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. Find food
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Help for Veterans: 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. Call 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
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Employment News |
Take A Virtual Tour of the Job Center of Lake County
Learn how the Job Center of Lake County can help you transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers. Watch this video to see how the center can guide you through the virtual and onsite resources available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners.
The College of Lake County, School Districts 113 and 120 and key adult education partners of the Job Center recently created this new video tour as a new resource for adult education instructors and students.
Be sure to also check the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and resources.
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Look Who's Hiring
Pace Bus has opportunities available to apply to be a bus operator as well as maintenance positions. As the paratransit service expands in Lake County, there is a need for qualified individuals to fill these valuable jobs. Applicants must have a clean driving record, good customer service skills and must be 21 years old or older. Learn more
Treasurer's Office News
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Learn About Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program
Senior citizens may defer part or all their property taxes on their personal residence if they qualify for the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral program. This is a State of Illinois program available to seniors age 65 or older by June 1, 2022. The application, which is available through the Lake County Treasurer’s Office, must be submitted by March 1, 2022.
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Transportation News
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Adopt A Highway Today! Sign-up Ends Feb. 4
The Lake County Division of Transportation is now accepting applications for enrollment in the Lake County Adopt A Highway program. Volunteers adopt a section of a county highway and commit to cleaning the roadside twice a year. Currently, there are 37 roads available for adoption. Find the right match for your group today! The deadline to sign up is Feb. 4. Learn more
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Use Lake County PASSAGE to Know Before You Go
The snow that started our week reminds us winter is here and so are messy road conditions that the snow creates. But remember Lake County has built several tools in-house through Lake County PASSAGE for you to get real-time, local traffic information. See the latest road conditions.
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County Clerk's Office News
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Guide Helps You Look Up Updated Precinct and County Board Districts
Due to new County Board Districts and precincts as a result of the 2020 reapportionment process, Lake County residents may be unsure what political district they now fall into. The County Clerk’s Office has developed a step-by-step guide to look up what political districts you reside within via our GIS system using your home address. View the how-to guide
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Environmental News
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Learn About Seed Starting for Your Garden
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The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and the University of Illinois Extension, Lake County will present a virtual program “Seed Starting for Your Garden,” the first program as part of the 2022 Garden Learning Series from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9.
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will deliver timely tips on how to start seeds to grow your own seedlings for your garden.
Register today
View the Full 2022 Garden Learning Series
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Forest Preserves News
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Winter Activities Offered
From ice skating to sledding to cross-country skiing, the Lake County Forest Preserves give residents a variety of reasons to get outside this season. Before heading out to a forest preserve for a winter walk or twirl on the ice, check the winter sports page online.
There are so many amazing ways for visitors and families to recreate outside in nature during the winter, and there's no better place to experience the season and improve your physical and mental wellness than in your forest preserves. For a full list of winter activities, visit LCFPD.org/winter-sports.
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Net-zero Energy Grant
The Lake County Forest Preserves received its first naming gift to support a new environmental education facility at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. Medline, a global healthcare manufacturer and distributor based in Northfield, provided a $50,000 grant to help fund construction of the net-zero energy facility.
The grant, which was funded through Medline CARES, a philanthropic initiative that invests resources to strengthen communities and support health equity, was made to the Preservation Foundation, which is the 501(c)(3) charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Learn more »
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Parking Added at Buffalo Creek
The Lake County Forest Preserves collaborated with the Village of Long Grove to provide additional parking at the west end of Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove.
Nine parking spaces have been added at the southwest corner of the intersection of Old Hicks and Checker roads. The area connects directly to the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve trail network. The Village of Long Grove owns and maintains the lot. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Celebrate Black History Month
Join the College of Lake County to celebrate Black History Month. The events are planned as part of a virtual celebration themed around "Tomorrow is Today. The events are free and open to the public. Originally planned to be in-person, they were shifted online because of the surge of COVID-19 cases in Lake County. Learn more and register
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Visit Lake County Recognizes Winners of Let’s Snap Lake County Contest
Encouraged to get outside and “snap” those stunning spaces, places, events, people and moments, the shutterbugs did just that. Visit Lake County is excited to share the winners of the #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest. Among the grand prize winners, Chadwick Miller won for “Hastings Lake Forest Preserve” in Lake Villa for the Lake County Event category. View all this year’s winners
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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. |
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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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