March 23, 2022
Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you, family and neighbors relishing the first days of spring in good health. With a few, precious warm days coming our way, it's been great to get out for trail walks with Brogan and see neighbors.
I have a full wheelbarrow full of news as I get out in the community again. Here are the highlights:
It was a pleasure to meet with residents of Highland Lake on Zoom and at their recent homeowner's association meeting. Thanks for the invitation to talk about our new countywide open burning ordinance (for unincorporated areas) and the prospect of updating one of two water systems in that community. Here's a summary of the open burning ordinance.
I was thrilled and a bit chilled to walk in my first St. Patrick's Day Parade in Lake Villa the weekend before the holiday. Later that day, I visited with many of my Prairie Crossing neighbors in the Byron Colby Barn for our St. Patrick's Day potluck. It was heartening to see so many people out jigging and swigging after a challenging two years!
Our work on the Route 53 Commission continues. We saw excellent conservation-focused presentations from Openlands and my neighbor Barbara Klipp from the Midwest Sustainability Group.
Speaking of transportation, I enjoyed breakfast with his honor Round Lake Mayor Russell Kraly. Among other things, we discussed the ongoing study for the Cedar Lake Road Realignment from Hart Road to Nippersink Road in downtown Round Lake. This idea was first seeded in 1979, but is now heading into the second design phase. According to the Lake County Division of Transportation, a final public information meeting will be held later this spring or early summer to share the preferred alternate alignment. They will then select an engineering consultant later this summer. Learn more
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Sustainable transportation was also on the agenda in a morning meeting that I attended of the B.E.S.T. group at the Round Lake Library. Linda Soto, Pace board member and executive director of the Lake County Transportation Alliance, updated us on Pace developments (electric buses are coming!), our new Ride Lake County countywide paratransit program (sign up here) and other transportation news. Thanks to Linda, Jim DiDonato, Georgeann Duberstein, Ed Gallagher and all who attended in person and on Zoom.
One last important district transportation project: The Hainesville Road Improvement Project will be presented by our fine LCDOT engineers on Zoom at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 24. Join this meeting, where you'll get to see the proposed improvements from Washington Street to Rollins Road. Learn more about this project.
Great News From Washington
Last but not least, I wanted to herald some work I was engaged in as chair of the County Board's Legislative Committee. Lake County -- and our area -- did extremely well in securing $14 million in federal funding for various projects.
These new grants, included in the 2022 federal budget, range from funding a new manufacturing workforce development initiative at the College of Lake County to expanding countywide behavioral health services and building a modern county emergency operations facility.
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Providing invaluable assistance in obtaining these grants was Senator Dick Durbin, Rep. Brad Schneider, Rep. Lauren Underwood (and their incredible staffs) and our crack legislative team of Board Chair Sandy Hart, County Administrator Gary Gibson, Stormwater Management Commission Director Kurt Woolford and Assistant County Administrator Matt Meyers.
It took a series of meetings with staff and our congressional delegation and 11 separate visits to offices on Capitol Hill to start this involved lobbying process, which began nearly three years ago. It was an interesting education walking into Washington just before the pandemic hit and asking for money for projects like stormwater management and green infrastructure. Nevertheless, it paid off, and our federal tax dollars are coming back into our community for essential work that will help thousands and create living-wage jobs. Thanks to everyone. I was thrilled to be a member of this amazing team.
Please get outside and enjoy your neighbors and trails. If you'd like me to speak at your community, service or faith group, I am happy to oblige. As always, it is my honor to serve you.
Be well,
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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More Than $14 Million Appropriated to Lake County Infrastructure Projects
Lake County is slated to receive more than $14 million in infrastructure funding as part of a new federal bill. The infrastructure projects aim to mitigate flooding, strengthen emergency operations, replace aging infrastructure and expand behavioral health service. Learn more
Lake County Focuses On Recovery As U.S. Marks ARPA One-Year Anniversary
As Lake County recognizes the one-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act, the County continues to review options and allocate nearly $136 million in federal funds to address needs that will improve lives and help the County become more resilient to challenges. Learn more
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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
As April approaches, the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center will recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month through its Blue Kids Lake County campaign. As you see Blue Kids posters displayed at spots across the County, you’re encouraged to learn more about child abuse prevention.
The LCCAC sees about 1,000 child victims each year, providing not only a place for forensic interviews, but also offering counseling and direct support to child victims and their families in a child-friendly atmosphere. Learn more
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Transportation News
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Registration for Ride Lake County Is Now Open
Lake County's new countywide paratransit service called "Ride Lake County" is set to launch on May 1, 2022. Seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities that are interested in using the new service are encouraged to register by calling the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446.
Registering early for Ride Lake County will allow riders to begin scheduling trips on or after May 1 when the service begins. Seniors must provide their date of birth at registration, and individuals with disabilities must provide their RTA Reduced Fare Permit number at registration. Learn more
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Public Works News
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Spring Hydrant Flushing Begins April 4
Lake County Public Works will conduct its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program beginning in April, weather permitting. The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., per the hydrant flushing schedule and will continue until all water mains throughout our water systems have been flushed. Learn more
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Environmental News
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First Mobile Household Chemical Waste Collection of 2022 Planned
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will hold its first household chemical waste collection mobile event of 2022 from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 30 at the Fox Lake Streets Department. Properly dispose items such as aerosol products, fluorescent light bulbs and more. The collection is for Illinois residents only. Learn more
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Beyond the Basics in the Vegetable Garden
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and the University of Illinois Extension Lake County will continue its 2022 Garden Learning Series by presenting "Beyond the Basics in the Vegetable Garden" from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 13.
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will discuss early and late season extension, benefits of good cultural practices, scouting and identifying common insects and weeds, and more! Register now.
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Lake County Emergency Management Agency News
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What To Do To Prepare Yourself For Flooding
Flooding is the most common disaster across the country and can threaten almost any community. As we enjoy the winter thaw and the start of spring, the Lake County Emergency Management Agency shares helpful flood information, including how to tell the difference between a flood watch and warning, how to get emergency alerts, and safety tips to know before, during and after a flood.
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Lake County Emergency Management Agency Receives Accreditation
The Lake County Emergency Management Agency has received accreditation through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, which is effective to June 30, 2023. This was a tremendous undertaking for the agency, especially as it involved updating numerous plans, policies, and procedures in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Property Assessment News |
Secure A Seat to Take Board of Review Hearing Officer Exam
Qualified professionals are needed to serve as Board of Review hearing officers. The Board of Review acts as an unbiased intermediary between assessors and taxpayers. Officers hear testimony on written appeal of any real estate parcel that is claimed to be over or under-assessed. Individuals who wish to serve as hearing officers must pass an exam, which will be administered April 27. Learn more
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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. 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
Employment Resources
Check Get Hired Illinois
The State of Illinois launched Get Hired Illinois, designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state.
Forest Preserves News
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Partnership formed with the Bears
The Lake County Forest Preserves and the Chicago Bears are teaming up to battle common buckthorn, a non-native, invasive tree that harms plants and wildlife. The partners are working to clear buckthorn from Halas Hall, the Bears’ headquarters in Lake Forest.
“Working with the Lake County Forest Preserves to remove buckthorn is important for both the maintenance of our property at Halas Hall and the sustainability of the Middlefork Savanna area,” said John Bostrom, Chicago Bears senior advisor of operations & safety. “We hope this partnership can help educate our fellow neighbors and fans in the area on the environmental impact this invasive species can have so they too can take action.” Learn more »
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Extended Museum Hours
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville is extending its hours and will now be open until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The hours were added to accommodate visitors wanting to see the "Ansel Adams: Early Works" exhibition before it closes on March 27. To avoid larger crowds, it's best to visit early or late in the day, especially on the weekdays. Plan your visit: www.lcfpd.org/museum/plan-your-visit/
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Senior Walk Series
Enjoy a walk with peers and an environmental educator through some of the prettiest Lake County forest preserves. A new site is chosen each month. Seasonal and site specific information will be shared along the way during the program designed for walkers age 62 and older.
The walk in this series takes place from 2 to 3 p.m., Monday, March 28 at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove. The program is free for Lake County residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required. To register »
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Community Events and News
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Celebrate Spring by Attending These County Festivals
Spring festivals in Lake County feature the most delectable eats, eclectic live music, radiant works of art and libations. Whether or not we base our meteorology off of a ground-dwelling mammal that can locate his or her shadow and predict the weather is moot now. Experience the fanfare of our warming season as we provide you with the guide to spring festivals 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. |
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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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