Forest Preserves News
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Fall Horizons Now Online
The fall issue of Horizons magazine is now online. Published quarterly, Horizons shares stories on conservation, wildlife, trails and recreation, plus nature and history education. The main feature in this issue explores Lake County’s nocturnal neighbors, from bats to flying squirrels—and the science that helps protect them.
Prefer a hard copy? Subscribe to receive the magazine free in print. Read More »
What’s All the B𝘶𝘻𝘻 About Bumble Bees?
From spring pollination to winter survival, these fuzzy flyers are busy all year long. Join President Jessica Vealitzek and Wildlife Ecologist Kathryn McCabe as they dive into the secret life of bumble bees through the seasons.
Watch Video »
Entertainment Lineup Announced
As summer winds down, Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville comes alive with SeptOberfest, a blend of music, food and friends and neighbors.
Enjoy live performances by local musicians or free programs every Wednesday and Thursday evening through September and October. Gather around lakeside fire pits, toast marshmallows with s’mores kits, or order light dinners and snacks delivered right to your table at the Beer Garden. Learn More »
New Trail at Ray Lake
A new 0.36-mile trail segment is now open at Ray Lake Forest Preserve in Wauconda, connecting to the Fort Hill Trail and offering access from both the Ray Lake and Gilmer Road Fort Hill Trail parking lots. The trail winds through prairie, wetlands and woodlands before ending at a scenic overlook with stone benches and sweeping views of Tamarack Lake.
The project completes a land acquisition effort that added 99 acres of high-quality habitat to the 625-acre preserve. Funding support came from a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Learn More »
Lake County Government News
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Attend Meeting to Hear Progress of ADA Transition Plan
Lake County is hosting a public meeting on Sept. 23 to share progress on its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Comprehensive Transition Plan, and we want your input. The open house-format meeting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lake County Central Permit Facility.
The goal of the ADA Comprehensive Transition Plan is to enhance accessibility across County programs, services, activities, public buildings and pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks, crosswalks and curb ramps within the public rights-of-way.
How to Participate
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Attend In-Person (Recommended): Join us at the Lake County Central Permit Facility. Registration is recommended but not required. Register to attend.
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Attend Online: A virtual option will include the opening presentation and provide an opportunity for input. Register to attend online.
County and Naval Station Great Lakes Expand Partnership
Lake County and Naval Station Great Lakes have entered into a new intergovernmental support agreement (IGSA) to help pave the way for one of the largest housing demolition projects in the Navy’s history.
The IGSA will help facilitate the demolition of the 89-acre Halsey Village site. Once home to 351 housing units for Navy personnel and their families, the now-vacant property will be cleared to make way for future development opportunities.
Watch this video to learn more about this partnership.
Sustainability News
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Check Out These Upcoming SWALCO Events
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will join local government partners to hold these collection events on Saturday, Sept. 20, focused on diverting as much material from final disposal and minimizing the impact to the environment.
County Clerk's Office News
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Voter Audit Mailings Begin
In a continuing effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, the Lake County Clerk's Office has begun to conduct a voter registration audit. The Lake County Clerk’s Office has started to mail voter audit letters. These non-forwardable letters are being sent to every registered voter in Lake County as part of the state’s required voter roll verification process.
Learn more about instructions for voters to follow
Public Works News
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Fall Hydrant Flushing Begins
Lake County Public Works is conducting its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program, depending on weather conditions. 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.
View the hydrant flushing schedule.
Digital Growth Initiative News
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You’re Invited: September Digital Equity Coalition Meeting
On Sept. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m., join an in-person meeting of the Lake County Digital Equity Coalition at the Eleanor Murkey Community Center on the College of Lake County Lakeshore Campus. Register to attend.
Attending Digital Equity Coalition meetings gives you and your organization a chance to be a part of Lake County’s work to expand digital access and ensure every resident has the tools and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world. Learn more about the Digital Equity Coalition.
Treasurer's Office News
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Enter the Annual Student Art Contest
Heroes inspire imagination, bravery and creativity. Lake County Treasurer Kim invites sixth through eighth grade students in Lake County to participate in the annual Art Contest, showcasing how they interpret this year’s theme, “Heroes.”
View the rules and instructions to submit artwork. The deadline to enter is Nov. 21.
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Sheriff's Office News |
Meet K9 Zack
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office introduced K9 Zack, an explosive detection canine partnered with Deputy Trish List. The Lake County Sheriff’s K9 Unit, currently staffed with ten K9 teams, continues to be a critical resource for the region, assisting in searches, investigations and community safety efforts.
Learn more about K9 Zack
Health News
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Celebrating 30 Years as Federally Qualified Health Center
The Lake County Health Department and Community Center marks three decades as a Federally Qualified Health Center, expanding access to high-quality, affordable health care regardless of a person's ability to pay.
What began as a single location has grown into a robust network of nine health centers across Lake County. In 2024, the Health Department served 32,975 unique patients and provided more than 113,000 visits, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of care for the County’s most vulnerable and underserved populations.
Learn more about the Health Department
Suicide Is Preventable. Learn What’s Available to Help
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to promote awareness around suicide prevention and to learn how you can help others who may be considering suicide.
The Health Department offers Mental Health First Aid training, teaching people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit the Health Department’s Crisis Care Program page for more resources. Services are anonymous and free to all.
Emergency Management News
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Prepare to Protect. Here’s Steps to Follow
Severe weather can approach quickly. As Lake County recognizes September as National Preparedness Month, remember these steps that you can do now to keep you and your family safe.
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.
Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
September is Workforce Development Month, a nationwide celebration of the skills and opportunities that power our workforce. 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 calendar to learn about all 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.
Community Events & News
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Embrace Fall at These Festivals
From vibrant festivals and frightening haunted houses to pumpkin patches and live music, Lake County offers a diverse lineup of events to celebrate the autumn season. Check Visit Lake County’s guide to fall festivals to plan your perfect fall outing.
 
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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