May 23, 2025
Lake County Government News
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Memorial Day Is May 26. Honor Our Nation’s Fallen Heroes
All County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. To recognize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service to this country, Lake County has created a website for family, friends and those who have served with fallen heroes to honor individuals who fought and died for our freedom.
Visit the website and submit an Honor Post, which can include a photo, written tribute and the hometown of the fallen hero. We encourage members of the public to continue this growing tribute by sharing stories of our nation’s fallen heroes. All new tributes received will be added to the site on Monday, Memorial Day.
Lake County Recognizes Our Veterans
Lake County will join the nation in observing Memorial Day, honoring the members of our U.S. Military who gave the ultimate sacrifice to help protect our country. We appreciate the dedication and commitment of these men and women.
To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and their families.
Things To Do Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County
On Memorial Day, we remember and commemorate the brave soldiers who have fallen in battle to uphold our freedoms. As we commemorate our military members and pay tribute to their lives, we also celebrate having a Monday off during the peak of spring.
Check Visit Lake County’s Memorial Day weekend guide to learn about parades, ceremonies, live music performances and more to make the most out of your three-day weekend.
Transportation News
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Public Meeting for Fairfield Road Planning Study
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is hosting an open house public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. June 16 at the Rolek Community Center in Round Lake to present the alternatives and solicit feedback on the Fairfield Road Planning Study. Everyone is invited to attend.
The purpose of this project is to modernize the Fairfield Road corridor from Oakwood Drive in Round Lake Beach to Gilmer Road in Wauconda for potential roadway, intersection and non-motorized improvements. Learn more
Treasurer's Office News
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First Installment Property Tax Bill Due June 4
The first installment of the Lake County property tax bill is due June 4. There are various ways to pay your bill, including in person and free via an e-check. Visit the Lake County Treasurer’s Office website to view your tax bill and read about all payment options.
Sign Up for e-billing
Want to receive your property tax bills by email? Sign up for eBilling to go paperless and stay informed.
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Sustainability News |
Expanding Bird-friendly Building Requirements
After leading the way with groundbreaking bird-friendly building design policies last year, the Lake County Board has taken another major step to protect local and migratory bird populations.
At its May meeting, the Board approved a new ordinance requiring bird-friendly design for residential developments in unincorporated Lake County. The ordinance goes into effect on July 12, 2025, and applies to new residential building construction.
The County’s action to expand its bird-friendly building standards coincides with the Board's recent recognition of World Migratory Bird Day. Learn more
Forest Preserve News
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Exhibit Showcases Wildlife Majesty
Some of the most powerful images ever captured of the animal kingdom are part of a special exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. National Geographic: The Greatest Wildlife Photographs reveals rare and dramatic moments in nature through the lenses of the world’s top photographers. The exhibit runs from Saturday, May 24 through September 21.
The exhibition features approximately 60 photographs, accompanied by audio-video elements and interpretive panels that provide context through text and graphics. Learn more »
Free Science Program Offered
Got a curious middle schooler who loves science? If you have a student in sixth through eighth grades (including homeschoolers) within Beach Park, Diamond Lake, Fox Lake, Gavin, North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan or Zion school districts, we’ve got something exciting for you.
Science Explorers in Nature is a FREE program split into two sessions in-between June 16 to July 11 at various preserves. Students will dive into hands-on science fun with this year’s theme: Environmental Forensics. Think field trips, real-world experiments and a collaborative research project–all led by expert educators. Supplies, busing, materials and lunches are covered.
Register Now »
Superheroes Coming to the Dunn Museum
The Dunn Museum is unveiling a new gallery space this summer with Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains, a special exhibition spotlighting one of the most celebrated artists in comics. Known for using gouache paints to create lifelike portraits of Marvel and DC characters, Ross has helped elevate the comic book world to the realm of fine art. The exhibition runs June 29, 2025 through February 16, 2026.
The Dunn Museum will host a ticketed preview event, “A Night with Alex Ross,” on Saturday, June 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests will have the rare opportunity to mingle with Ross and enjoy a private preview of the new special exhibition before it opens to the public. Tickets are available at LCFPD.org/AlexRoss. Read more »
Health News
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Stay Safe Outdoors: Steps to Prevent Lyme Disease
It’s that time of year again where we spend more time outside enjoying the weather. Unfortunately, ticks also become more active during warmer months. Ticks may be small, but we still need to protect ourselves, our families and pets against the diseases they can carry, especially Lyme disease.
Learn more about protecting yourself and loved ones from tick-borne diseases and what to do if you are bitten by a tick at FighttheBiteNow.com.
Public Works News
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County Expands Access to Lake Michigan Water
The Pekara Water System, which includes the Pekara, Inverrary and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods in the Buffalo Grove area, will begin receiving Lake Michigan water in the coming weeks as the system transitions away from well water.
While the current well system meets all Illinois EPA standards, residents have long raised concerns about taste, smell and water hardness. The wells are also not a sustainable long-term solution and would be costly to upgrade. The project to connect the Pekara system to Lake Michigan water was made possible by $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the Lake County Board.
Through a new 20-year agreement between Lake County and the Village of Buffalo Grove, water will be provided via the Northwest Water Commission. Learn more
Sheriff's Office News
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K9 Dax Honored During Police Week
K9 Dax was honored in Washington, D.C., as a fallen K9 hero. His name is now etched into the National Law Enforcement K9 Memorial, a lasting tribute to his bravery and dedication.
K9 Dax courageously served the Lake County Sheriff’s Office alongside his handler, Deputy John Forlenza, for almost a decade. During his distinguished career, Dax was responsible for hundreds of successful tracks, apprehensions, and evidence recoveries all while protecting his partner and community with unwavering loyalty.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg was in attendance to pay tribute, along with Deputy Forlenza and K9 Lux, Dax’s direct offspring, who now continues his legacy in service.
Get Help
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Use 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 languages. Learn more
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.
Take a virtual tour to learn about the services the Job Center provides, and view the full Job Center calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Check Hire Lake County
Visit Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
Watch County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all 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 current meeting schedule. All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website.
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