So I was thrilled to see that our hospitality, entertainment and dining businesses were on the rebound recently at a meeting of Visit Lake County, our convention and tourism bureau. We not only have gorgeous autumn drives to offer but also unique venues like the Volo Museum -- literally down the road. I was surprised to know that the legendary Batmobile has its home there (that's me with the car, minus the cape).

I'm also happy to report that the County Board has provided support to Visit Lake County and our tourism industry during the pandemic.

We managed to allocate $225,000 in federal CARES and ARPA funds to help the beleaguered tourism industry during the pandemic. In addition, county hotel tax collections provide up to $90,000 a year to bolster the hospitality industry here, supporting some 12,000 jobs. Fortunately, with businesses and tourism rebounding, hotel occupancy rates are back up to 70 percent. 

There's more on the way this fall and next year as we hopefully return to normal operations after COVID. Visit Lake County also sponsors Lake County Restaurant Week and the Libation Trail, which features many local bars, brewpubs and dining destinations. All of this is essential in helping our small and medium-sized businesses thrive and grow, which spurs economic development and employment.

Lake County Government News  

The 2022 Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program recently wrapped up another exciting summer as 165 youth gained meaningful work experience while earning a paycheck.

Funded by the Lake County Board, this program was offered in a hybrid format this year with an option for youth participants to partake in the traditional model working at a physical location or to participate in an online Work Readiness Bootcamp. Learn more about the summer program and year-round programming for youth.

Learn life-saving skills such as CPR and first aid. Check your insurance policies for hazards you may face. Know practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas. As Lake County joins in observing National Preparedness Month through September, work with your family and community to develop an action plan, so you can be prepared if an emergency should occur. Check these resources to help you plan. 

Transportation News

The Lake County Division of Transportation released the 2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program that includes more than 300 projects to increase safety, improve mobility, and reduce carbon emissions. 

This program is annually created to show the projects that are currently programmed in the current year and the next five years. Learn more

Ever wondered where those street signs you drive past come from? Most don’t ever think about where they come from. The Lake County Division of Transportation actually creates thousands of signs for the County. Learn more with our latest Did You Know video.

Environmental News 

Due to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency temporary suspension of collections, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) must limit their household chemical waste collection events to one event per month. SWALCO also will only be able to collect certain materials. Learn more

Lake County and the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) recently celebrated the beginning of another stormwater improvement project to reduce flooding events within Lake County. SMC, along with the Village of Fox Lake, the Lake County Board and state legislators, broke ground on the Knollwood Subdivision flood mitigation project on Aug. 30.  

During times of heavy rain area roads fill with stormwater, prohibiting access to residences, school buses, trash collection and even emergency services. Grant funds will be utilized for the design and construction of drainage and road improvements, including the elevation of roadways, and the construction of culverts and drainage channels within Knollwood subdivision. Watch this video to learn more about the project. 

Health News 

Resources are available to those who are dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. There are organizations available to help. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is important to end the stigma surrounding this topic.

Having suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, visit our Crisis Care Program page for more resources.  

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available by dialing 988.

Stay ahead of flu season by getting your seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. It is recommended that everyone ages six months and older get the flu shot. The flu and COVID-19 are not the same virus, though some symptoms can be similar, and they are both contagious. You can find a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine location near you on Vaccines.gov. 

The Lake County State’s Attorney Office has launched a new, more accessible website. Among the features, view the Data Dashboard and the community panels, programs and activities the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has spearheaded. The new website also provides multiple forms for feedback, including a Victim Feedback form and a labor violations form.

Veteran News

Registration is open to join the Library of Congress Veterans History Project by the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois. Registered participants will be interviewed by volunteer lawyers regarding their wartime experiences. These oral histories will be recorded and transcribed by court reporters and then archived in the Library of Congress.

Once archived, these first-hand accounts of American war veterans will be accessible online to serve as both an inspiration for generations to come, and to be available for use by researchers so that Americans can better understand the realities of war.

Civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (war industry workers, such as “Rosie the Riveter,” USO workers, civilian flight instructors and pilots, medical personnel, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories.

To register, contact Lorena Hernandez at lhernandez@lakecountyil.gov. For information, visit the 19th Judicial Circuit’s website.

Lake County COVID-19 Update   

Get Help  

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 languages. Learn more 

Are you in a time of change or transition? Are you stuck in a job or a situation that just isn’t working out? Do you have trouble making your budget last until the end of the month?

Fourteen partners contribute to the Job Center of Lake County. Together, we have a lot to offer. Discover resources for job search, training, emergency or food assistance, public benefits and more by watching this video.

Check Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.

Forest Preserves News

Live music, guided hikes, meet-and-greets with local brewers, and trivia are all part of SeptOberfest, which kicked off at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.

The Beer Garden at Independence Grove will now be open with special hours from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday evenings through October 31. The beer garden will also remain open from 1 to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Learn more » 

Turn October into OAKtober. Bring the family to the Lake County Forest Preserves’ OAKtober Celebration: Tree & Shrub Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 2 at Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods. Purchase native trees and shrubs for your yard. Enjoy nature-themed activities and guided woodland tours from 12 to 2 p.m. Experts will be available to answer questions and help select the best plants for your yard.

Free admission for all ages. Adult supervision is required. Plant inventory is limited. First come, first served. Plant prices vary. Learn more » 

Have you wondered why trees may be removed from a forest preserve, leaving the land temporarily ragged and brown? The answer is habitat restoration, a series of land management activities that improves the health, productivity and array of species at a particular site.

"That's how nature heals. It's not immediate, but a gradual process. We introduce native seeds to speed up the process a bit," says a restoration ecologist with the Lake County Forest Preserves. Read more online.

Community Events & News

It’s almost fall in Lake County! Enjoy the aromas of pumpkin spice, brisk air and a huge selection of delicious treats. Celebrate by checking out Visit Lake County’s guide to fall festivals in Lake County.

While out and about, don’t forget the Let’s Snap Lake County Photo Contest runs through Halloween. Capture pictures of everyday life and share them with us for an opportunity to win cool prizes.

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings 

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.