Lake County Government News
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Help Shape a More Accessible Lake County
Lake County is developing an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Comprehensive Transition Plan to enhance accessibility across the community. Regular updates to this plan are essential to ensure compliance with ADA standards and to improve access to public spaces, programs and services.
To locate areas of most significant concern to the public, Lake County residents are invited to provide input through a survey and an interactive map. Your feedback will help ensure that Lake County remains inclusive and accessible to all. The plan is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.
Transportation News
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Nearly 30 Projects Planned for 2025 Construction Program
The Lake County Division of Transportation has announced the 2025 construction program that includes $117 million for infrastructure projects to increase driver and pedestrian safety, improve mobility and reduce carbon emissions across Lake County's transportation system.
Nearly 30 transportation projects will be under construction in 2025, featuring intersection improvements, bike and pedestrian accommodations, resurfacings and bridge and culvert maintenance.
Sustainability News
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Earth Day Expo and Market
Celebrate Earth Day from noon 3 p.m. April 26 at Hawthorn Row in Vernon Hills. Visit the Earth Day themed craft and artisan market, drop off electronics and textiles for responsible disposal, learn more from local vendors and organizations promoting green living and much more.
Join the Effort to Reduce Food Waste
Lake County joins the effort to celebrate Food Waste Prevention Week now through April 13. This online and in-person awareness campaign hopes to inspire cultural changes that reduce food waste at home, work and in our communities.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County is supporting two companion bills that aim to strengthen food scrap diversion and compost market development in Illinois. The Compost and Digestate Market Development Bill (SB 1397) creates a grant program to expand and study compost and digestate use. The Food Recovery and Diversion Bill (HB1707/SB 1398) establishes a clear path for food scrap diversion from landfills.
Learn more about what SWALCO is doing to support food waste prevention
Forest Preserves News
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$1.02 Million Gift Fuels Land Restoration
A $1.02 million gift from Lake County resident Paula Lillard honors a lifelong love of nature and creates an endowment supporting long-term land restoration across 1,086 acres in Lake County. The donation strengthens a partnership between the Lake County Forest Preserves and Lake Forest Open Lands Association.
Given in memory of her late husband John, the gift reflects the couple’s shared devotion to the outdoors and ensures their legacy of conservation continues for generations. It will support restoration at Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest, Oriole Grove Forest Preserve in Lake Bluff and nearby lands cared for by Open Lands. Learn More »
Golf Clubs Swing into Gear
Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein is now open for the season, welcoming golfers back to its scenic 36-hole course. With two distinct 18-hole courses, the club offers a mix of challenges and play styles for all skill levels.
ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park and Brae Loch Golf Club in Grayslake are set to open on Friday, April 11. ThunderHawk, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is renowned for its natural beauty and challenging layout. Brae Loch offers a classic golfing experience with a course suitable for various skill levels.
Beer Garden Reopens May 2
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove in Libertyville will reopen on Friday, May 2. The venue offers a relaxed lakeside setting with craft beer brewed in Lake County, other beverages and packaged snacks.
From May 2 to 26, it’s open Friday through Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m., plus special hours on May 5 for Cinco de Mayo and May 26 for Memorial Day. Starting May 27, it’s open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday and holidays from 1 to 9 p.m. Read More »
Sheriff's Office News
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One Year Later, Lake County Remembers K9 Dax
Approximately one year ago, Lake County mourned as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office shared that K9 Dax had passed away. We forever will remember his efforts, alongside Deputy John Forlenza to save lives and apprehend dangerous criminals.
K9 Dax will soon receive further recognition at the state and national level, acknowledging the impact of his years of service in Lake County. Dax will be among other canine officers to be honored May 1 by the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee at the state Capitol in Springfield. Then on May 11, Dax and 20 other police dogs will be honored by the National Police Dog Foundation at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Watch our tribute to K9 Dax as Lake County honors the dedicated service that K9 Dax gave to the communities across Lake County.
Health News
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Dispose Your Old or Expired Medications Safely
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26.
This event offers free, safe, and anonymous disposal of old and unneeded medications at thousands of local drop-off locations nationwide. Proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives and protects the environment.
Attend Health and Wellness Fair
The Lake County Health Department invites you to attend a Health and Wellness Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at the Belvidere Medical Building, 2400 Belvidere Road, Waukegan.
The Health Department and its partners are hosting this free community event to help encourage preventative care, affirm the importance of routine screening and emphasize priority populations at risk for hepatitis C for providers and the community. Learn more
Health Department Leads Thoughtful Conversation on Public Health
The Lake County Health Department recently welcomed Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) to our Northeast Illinois community for a thoughtful conversation with Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) through the Bipartisan Policy Center's American Congressional Exchange Program.
This was an opportunity to speak about public health and share the critical role that health centers play in helping our community thrive.
 
Clerk of the Circuit Court News
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Got Travel Plans? Don’t Forget to Apply for, Renew Passport
You can apply for or renew your passport and get your passport photo taken at one of the mobile passport events offered this year by the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court Office. No appointment is necessary to attend a mobile passport event.
Passport applications also can be processed at the Circuit Clerk's office in Waukegan. To expedite the process, make sure to have the application completed and all required identification documents with you prior to coming to the office.
Public Works News
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Investing in Preserving and Modernizing Infrastructure
Lake County Public Works (LCPW) plans its projects several years in advance through a Capital Improvement Program (CIP). With water and sewer assets valued at over $900 million, continued investment in preserving and modernizing this infrastructure is essential to serve the community for years to come.
The latest CIP, outlining plans for 2025 through 2029 was recently released. View the 2025-2029 CIP to learn more about the projects LCPW will be working on over the next five years.
Stormwater Management News
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Meeting Coming Soon To Provide Feedback on Stormwater Concerns
Don't miss an opportunity to provide your input on stormwater and drainage concerns in Lake County.
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is hosting a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. April 17 in Grayslake to get your feedback in updating the 2025 Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. SMC staff will be available to discuss your stormwater and drainage concerns.
Job News
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Spring 2025 Job Fair
Meet with employers and learn about available job opportunities at the Spring Job Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. April 16 at the College of Lake County Eleanor Murkey Center, 34 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan.
Hospitality and Retail Workforce Summit Recap
Industry leaders, workforce experts and local officials gathered at the Hospitality and Retail Workforce Summit on March 12 to discuss workforce challenges and solutions in hospitality and retail. Topics included employee retention, training, inflation’s impact, technology and mentorship programs.
Hosted by Lake County Workforce Development, the event was planned in partnership with Lake County Partners, Village of Gurnee, Village of Libertyville, Village of Lincolnshire and Visit Lake County.
Watch this video to learn more about the solutions the County is discussing to strengthen hospitality and retail job opportunities.
Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Watch this video as the Job Center team guides you through the virtual and onsite resources available to job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other 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. The service is free and confidential.
Learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.
Community Events & News
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Check the Top 10 Things to Do in April in Lake County
Spring festivities are in full swing, with 5Ks and half-marathons for running enthusiasts, festivals celebrating the warm weather and more. Check out Visit Lake County’s guide to the top 10 things to do in April in Lake County, and head outside with family and friends to enjoy all that Lake County has to offer this month.
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., 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 meeting schedule.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meeting
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