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Dear Neighbors, |
I know our spring weather has been fickle, but it's been great to get out and enjoy everything from preparing gardens to birdwatching. I hope you, family and neighbors are doing well.
It's been a bustling month for the County Board and Forest Preserve with Earth Week just around the corner. Springfield wound down its spring session last week. As Legislative Committee Chairman, I was happy to report that Lake County did well in our lobbying efforts.
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Our biggest victory was garnering passage of a "design-build" law that will help save taxpayers money on combining bids for architectural and construction work. We will reap cost savings on our first net-zero (carbon emissions) emergency operations building, which will benefit the entire county.
On the federal funding side, we voted to direct $2.5 million to modernize a water plant in the Highland Lake community. This will upgrade a facility that has been out of compliance for some time. We want to ensure a steady supply of clean well water. Thanks to our Public Works Department, county administrator's staff and ARPA sub-committee for their expertise and support on this much-needed project.
Transportation News
I'm pleased to announce that my colleagues on the county board and I have voted to support a resolution to endorse a plan by the Canadian National Railroad (CNRR) to install double-tracking through Grayslake and Round Lake.
This project, which will be entirely financed by the railroad, will help to alleviate freight train stoppages in Grayslake, which also blocks Metra traffic. While it won't reduce the overall number of freight trains, it can cut the amount of time we wait for stopped trains. Every community along the route endorsed this plan. Thanks again to Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor, Village Manager Mike Ellis and the Village Board for their support.
In another freight-train related move, our county board voted to oppose the merger of Canadian Pacific Railroad with Kansas City Southern. This union would create a Canada-to-Mexico route that could generate up to 380% more freight traffic in our area. Thanks to our Metra board member Norm Carlson, our RTA board member Pat Carey, and Sierra Club activists who helped support this resolution.
We're also continuing to work on the Hainesville Road improvement project. I attended a recent pubic webinar, where road engineers presented the proposed improvements which includes adding a center turn lane on Hainesville Road and new non-motorized paths on each side of the road. What do you think? Learn more about the project and submit comments at lakecountyil.gov/HainesvilleRd. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.
And since spring begins construction season again, please note that Gages Lake Road will be soon be resurfaced from US 45 to west of Milwaukee Avenue. View a full list of Lake County Division of Transportation projects that will be under construction in 2022 at lakecountyil.gov/constructionprogram.
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Forest Preserve News
There will be a Bird Walk program at Rollins Savanna at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 21. Please meet in the Washington Street parking lot. As you may know, Rollins is a haven for multiple bird species and features numerous observation areas.
I started as a conservation volunteer at Rollins some two decades ago. I was counting sandhill cranes, which were rare sightings, but now abundant due to extensive wetland and habitat restoration. There are many programs to explore during Earth Week, beginning Monday, April 18 in the forest preserves, although every day is Earth Day for me. Learn more about the programs: www.LCFPD.org/calendar/.
I'm pleased to report that Forest Preserves staff has drafted a formal "land acknowledgement" statement that "recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories." We will offer programming around the timeless presence and culture of Native Americans going forward. Watch for more information about statement in Horizons magazine.
Other News
The Lake County Clerk's Office will open some new voting sites for Sixth District residents for the June 28 Primary and November 8 General Election.
The University Center at the College of Lake County in Grayslake will be a voting site for Avon precincts 26, 56 and 51 and Warren precincts 321, 325 and 327. Prairieview School will host Avon precincts 42, 43, 45 and 49 while Thompson School in Lake Villa Township will be the site for precincts 163, 164, 165, 166 and 167. View more information here. These sites were chosen for their easy access and location. Please remember to register and vote!
I was thrilled to attend the College of Lake County's Maker Faire on April 9 at their Grayslake campus. Makers from all over the county came to show off their projects from radios to robots. I saw several neighbors and countless budding engineers and inventors. Did you know CLC has an excellent two-year engineering program and lots of training programs for the trades? Find out more
Constituents are also invited to an Earth Day event I am sponsoring at the Byron Colby Barn (Route 45 and Jones Point Road) on April 18 at 7 p.m. You'll get to hear what local schools and government are doing to directly address climate change.
I am honored to serve you. If you have immediate needs for county services, please call 2-1-1. I'd be happy to speak at your community, service or faith organization.
Be well,
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 John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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New State Program To Provide Emergency Housing Assistance
Homeowners who have fallen behind on monthly mortgage payments and/or related housing expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may seek emergency assistance through the State of Illinois program, the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund.
Struggling homeowners will be eligible for up to $30,000 in free assistance to pay past due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and delinquent homeowner and/or condo association fees.
Homeowners who need assistance can find more information on program eligibility and begin an application at www.illinoishousinghelp.org. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. May 31.
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Update on Waste Hauling in Unincorporated Lake County
Earlier this year, Lake County established waste hauler agreements with Groot Recycling & Waste and Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). This means that starting on June 1, Groot will provide garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup services to many unincorporated areas in the northern half of Lake County, and LRS will provide similar services to the southern half of unincorporated Lake County.
One question I've been receiving frequently is - do these agreements impact me? If you live in unincorporated Lake County, view this map. If you reside in a red or blue shaded area, then it's highly likely that these agreements impact you. The only exception would be if you live in a neighborhood with a Home Owner's Association (HOA) that has a single contract with a specific hauler, signed in writing by your HOA that was effective prior to Jan. 11, 2022. If you believe this is the case in your neighborhood but are not sure, contact your HOA.
There has been some misinformation in the community about the rates negotiated with the new waste haulers. In the majority of cases, unincorporated residents will see a decrease in their waste hauling rate. On average, the new rate will range for residents between $240 and $310 annually, depending on the area of the county. Both haulers also provide a 10 percent senior discount, and there's a cap on how much your bill can be increased each year to protect residents from large increases annually. I do want to note that there may be some cases where residents see an increase in their bill, but those instances will be few and far between.
I hope you find this information helpful as we head into this transition. I'll continue to post updates in this newsletter as we get closer to the June 1 date. For additional information, visit Lake County's website at lakecountyil.gov/wastehauling. If you have specific questions about waste collection, recycling carts, and your specific rate, contact the hauler directly.
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Transportation News
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County Plans $90 Million in Projects for 2022 Construction Program
More than 35 transportation projects will be under construction in 2022, featuring intersection improvements, bridge and culvert replacements, bike path connections, and resurfacings as part of the Lake County Division of Transportation annual construction program.
The program includes $90 million for infrastructure projects to improve traffic congestion, increase safety, and reduce carbon emissions on Lake County's transportation system. Learn more
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Environmental News
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Recycle First, Trash Last
If you’re starting your spring cleaning, think recycle first, trash last. The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County offers many options to recycle your shoes, clothing and textiles, household chemicals and electronics.
Reuse-A-Shoe: Don't throw away your unwanted shoes! Make sure they get recycled or reused! Drop off your shoes at one of several locations across Lake County. New sites have been added. View all drop-off locations
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Clothing and textiles: Did you know 85 percent of clothing ends up in the landfill? Instead, bring your new, gently used, and used clothing to be reused or recycled. Even clothes with stains or holes will be taken. Learn more, including what is acceptable and where to drop off your items.
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Household chemical waste: Get rid of unwanted pesticides, cleaners, batteries, gasoline, fertilizer and other household chemical waste items at SWALCO’s Gurnee facility and mobile collection events across Lake County. These collections are for residential waste only. Learn more, including acceptable items and additional collections scheduled.
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Election News
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New Voter Registration Cards To Be Sent To All Registered Voters
The Lake County Clerk's Office has determined the polling places for Lake County for the June 28 General Primary Election and will mail out new voter registration cards to all registered voters in the county.
The new cards will have your polling site location, congressional and state legislative districts and your new precinct number. You may also go to Voter Power, which will be updated soon with your new information, or visit the June 28, 2022 General Primary Election page.
Election Judges Are Needed for June 2022 General Primary
Join Lake County’s election judge community and be the proud face of democracy in action.
The Lake County Clerk’s Office is looking for election judges for the June 28, 2022 General Primary Election. Election judges are responsible for the proper and lawful conduct of the election within their community – a rewarding and very important civic duty! Learn more
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Stormwater Management News |
Provide Input on Local Hazard Preparedness at April 19 Meeting
Lake County and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) invite residents to join a meeting at 6 p.m. April 19 at the Lake County Central Permit Facility in Libertyville as we gather your input on the greatest hazard preparedness needs in the community.
Your participation in this meeting is critical as Lake County updates its All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and we work together to reduce or prevent loss of life and property in the event of a disaster. Residents may attend the meeting in person or register to join via Zoom. Register to attend virtually
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Job News |
Lake County Educator Career Fair Planned April 23
Attend the Lake County Educator Career Fair from 9 a.m. to noon April 23 at Lakes Community High School Field House.
Meet school leaders from districts throughout Lake County to hear about available career opportunities, including, but limited to teaching, support staff, student support services, athletics and activities and maintenance and custodial. Register to attend
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Employment Resources
The Job Center of Lake County has partnered with local employers to help connect jobseekers with local companies that are hiring. View the April calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
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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 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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Additional Resources
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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
Forest Preserves News
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Job Fair Set for April 18
Imagine working at some of the most scenic locations in Lake County. Think about managing at Independence Grove Forest Preserve with live music, craft brews and picturesque views. An array of job opportunities is available at the Lake County Forest Preserves.
To help make people aware of the open positions, the Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting a job fair from 2 to 6 p.m., Monday, April 18, at Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. A variety of full-time, part-time and temporary positions are available throughout the county. Learn more »
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New Exhibition to Open
The work of a legendary comic book artist is coming to the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville. Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution will be on exhibit from April 16 through September 5.
Sienkiewicz (pronounced sin-KEV-itch) is best known for revolutionizing the style of comic and graphic novel illustration over the past four decades. His landmark works, including Marvel Comics' Elektra: Assassin and his acclaimed graphic novel Stray Toasters, have earned him an international reputation and cult-like following across media industries. Learn more »
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Summer Adventures Offered
Annual summer programs have a new look, but will continue to provide lifelong connections and memories, according to educators at the Lake County Forest Preserves.
"In 2022, we're offering a variety of hands-on nature, history and conservation education programs for children and teenagers ages 4-16. Programs range from consecutive 3-day and 5-day options, to program series where you can choose to attend some or all sessions, to programs you can experience with your child," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "Talented educators prioritize safety, inclusion and experiential learning in all Summer Adventures programs." For a list of all Summer Adventures programs, visit LCFPD.org/summer, or call 847-968-3321. To register »
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Community Events & News
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Join Earth Week Activities at the College of Lake County
The College of Lake County has a full fun week of activities planned April 18 to 23 to celebrate Earth Week. Explore how rap helps us understand sustainability. Get up close to snakes and take a fun walk or bike ride and much more. Activities are planned virtually and at the Grayslake and Southlake campuses. Check out the full line-up
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Relief Is Available to Help Residential Customers Stay Connected
There is over $150 million in utility bill assistance available through the Help Illinois Families Program. North Shore Gas provides information as to benefits you may be entitled to receive. Learn more
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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