Dear Neighbors,
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Halloween is just around the corner! Official Halloween hours in Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Mundelein will be on Friday, October 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. Please only visit homes with their porch lights turned on. All trick or treaters should use caution when walking, especially when crossing streets. Flashlights and reflective clothing are important if going out after dark.
This year, “Trick or Treat on Main Street” is on Halloween, Friday, October 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Libertyville. This is a great event for young trick or treaters. Participating stores will have a bright orange pumpkin sign on their door or window.
Looking to green your Halloween? The Pumpkin Smash is a great way for communities to divert pumpkins from landfills. Bring your pumpkins, gourds, corn and other natural decorations to Adler Park in Libertyville on Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to be collected for composting.
Pumpkins are a terrific natural material for making high-quality compost, and composting is a great way to keep them out of our landfills. Some years I have gone to my neighbors and made a big collection of everyone’s pumpkins for composting.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this lovely fall weather we are having is at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve Beer Garden. Kick back, relax and enjoy SeptOberfest at the Beer Garden. Events will be held Wednesday and Thursday nights in October. Entertainment will vary each night and includes live music, special events, trivia nights and more.
Happy Fall!
 
Lake County Government News
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Hearings on Proposed FY2026 Recommended Budget
The Lake County Board will hold its annual budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2026 at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21 and Wednesday, Oct. 22. At the meetings, the Board will carefully examine the proposed budget and make recommendations prior to adopting the final budget.
The public is encouraged to attend these meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Building, 18 N. County St., 10th Floor, Waukegan and via Zoom. The hearings also will be available to watch afterwards at lakecounty.tv.
Register for the October 21 Meeting
Register for the October 22 Meeting
Rental Assistance Funds Help Over 5,000 County Households
The close of Federal Fiscal Year 2025 on September 30 marked the end of the $37 million of Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) funds allocated to Lake County from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Initial ERA funds were awarded to Lake County in December 2020. With County residents in mind, Lake County designed and implemented multiple rounds of local rental assistance programming. County rental assistance programs ran from April 2021 through June 2023. With the help of 15 community partners, ERA funds provided over 5,000 eligible Lake County households with over 38,000 months of assistance.
As Treasury performance benchmarks were met, in July 2024 Lake County allocated the final $1.1 million of ERA funds to support the development of 40 units of permanent affordable senior (55+) housing in Lake Villa. With construction nearly complete, Starling Senior Apartments (750 Tower Dr.) has begun accepting application for brand new apartment homes.
Watch this presentation to learn more about the impact of the County's rental assistance program.
State's Attorney's Office News
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Gun Violence Prevention Initiative Town Hall in Mundelein
Join the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) as they host a series of town-hall style meetings across the County. The next town hall will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Dolan Recreational Center in Mundelein.
Learn about who we are, our mission and the programs and services offered to Lake County residents. Provide feedback, ask questions and engage with the GVPI so that we may continue to serve Lake County effectively. The town hall is free to attend.
Register to attend the Oct. 23 town hall
Public Works News
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County Expands Water Capacity with New White Deer Run Reservoir
The Lake County Department of Public Works (LCPW) recently completed construction of the new White Deer Run Reservoir in Vernon Hills, a $7.5 million investment that will enhance water reliability and emergency preparedness for the Vernon Hills Water System.
Watch this video as local officials came together to celebrate the successful completion of nearly two years of construction.
Digital Growth Initiative News
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is recognized nationally as Cybersecurity Awareness Month by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA). This makes October the perfect time to start simple habits to stay safe online, like:
- Checking your privacy and security settings
- Storing your online usernames and passwords in a safe place
- Updating your software on your digital devices
If you or a loved one struggles with digital skills or digital security, the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative offers no-cost, individual technology support from trained individuals known as Digital Navigators.
Make an appointment for October:
CALL (847) 377-3442
EMAIL digitalnavigators@lakecountyil.gov
VISIT lakecountyil.gov/4930
Transportation News
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Shape the Future of Transportation in Lake County
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has launched a Virtual Open House to provide information and collect input to develop Envision 2050, Lake County’s next long range transportation plan.
Visit the Virtual Open House through Oct. 21 to provide specific areas of concern and desired improvements through an interactive map, complete a survey to rank your top transportation priorities and more.
LCDOT Is Hiring Snowbirds for Winter Snow and Ice Season
The Lake County Division of Transportation is seeking temporary road maintenance workers, often called "snowbirds," to join our team for the upcoming winter season. Each year, these positions become valued members of the Lake County team who clear snow and ice from roads. Apply today online.
Health News
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Dispose Unused, Expired Prescription Drugs Safely
National Take Back Day is Oct. 25, an annual event to dispose unused, expired prescription drugs safely, conveniently and responsibly at locations across Lake County. Find a collection location near you.
 
Sustainability News
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Give Your Costumes a Second Life
If your children have outgrown last year's Halloween costumes, don't let them gather dust. Donate used, gently used or new costumes to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County Clothing and Textiles Collection Program.
By giving these costumes a second life, you're helping reduce textile waste and supporting a more sustainable future. Be eek-o-friendly this Halloween by dropping off your costumes and other unwanted clothing at a collection site.
Forest Preserves News
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Beloved Children’s Book Art on Display
Step into the world of childhood imagination at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Opening October 18, Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration showcases more than 100 works from beloved books including Where the Wild Things Are, Stuart Little and The Cat in the Hat. See art by Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, Mo Willems and others who shaped generations of young readers.
Educational programs and family-friendly activities will accompany the exhibition, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The exhibition runs through January 19, 2026.
Learn More »
Preserving Land, Expanding Access
Over the past 15 months, the Lake County Forest Preserves has taken important steps to protect sensitive natural areas, expand open space and improve trail connections for visitors. Supported by a $20.5 million limited bond, the Board of Commissioners approved several key land purchases.
Each acquisition strengthens the county’s ecological health while also creating more opportunities for people to explore and enjoy the preserves. Read More »
Honoring Children with Ojibwe Quillwork
Celebration of Life: Honoring Ojibwe Traditions Through Birchbark Quillwork program takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville.
This free program, sponsored by USG, features artists Pat Kruse and Terri Hom “Binesikwe” as they share the story of a birchbark quill cradle created to honor children and Ojibwe traditions. Get a Ticket »
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Sheriff's Office News |
K9 Dax Honored
K9 Dax of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was formally recognized at the Annual Northern Illinois Police K9 Memorial where law enforcement and community members gathered to honor the brave K9s who served alongside their handlers and made lasting impacts on the communities they protected.
Deputy John Forlenza, who partnered with Dax for nine years until his passing in April 2024, delivered heartfelt remarks about their bond, Dax’s legacy, and the incredible work of all police K9s past and present.
Job News
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Explore Manufacturing Careers in Virtual Workshop
The manufacturing industry needs you. Learn about training options in welding, CNC programming, industrial or mechanical maintenance and more. Learn about funding and career opportunities in the field of skilled manufacturing. The workshop will begin at 1 p.m. Oct. 16. Register to attend
Job Center on the Move
Meet with a Job Center of Lake County representative for one-on-one support during a Job Center on the Move event at strategic locations throughout Lake County.
Develop or customize your resume, discuss your career transition, explore paid work experiences and 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. 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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See the Top 10 Things to Do in October
With a variety of vibrant fall festivals, spooky attractions, pumpkin patches and much more, there's no shortage of opportunities to make lasting memories this October. Plan your perfect autumn adventure with Visit Lake County’s Fall Outdoor Guide, and discover our top 10 must-do activities in Lake County this October.
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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