November 21, 2025
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Board Approves Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
The Lake County Board has approved a $676.6 million budget for its Fiscal Year 2026 (December 1, 2025 – November 30, 2026). The operating funds, those that include most governmental services, are balanced at $390.2 million, a 1% increase over last year.
Forest Preserves News
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Double Win for Grassy Lake and Restoration Ecologist
Grassy Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Barrington earned Platinum accreditation from the Chicago Wilderness Alliance for its restoration work. Our Retired Restoration Ecologist Ken Klick also received the Force of Nature Award for his decades of leadership.
Volunteers Wes Wolf and Carol Hogan played a key role, contributing more than 20,000 hours caring for the land and inspiring others to get involved. Their dedication has helped rebuild vital prairie, wetland and woodland habitat for rare plants and wildlife. Read More »
Nature Playtime at Greenbelt
Build a bridge to nature with your young explorers from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 4 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. This free, family-friendly program uses multisensory, imaginative play to support healthy brain and body development.
Adults learn the benefits of outdoor exploration while children experience the wonders of nature through their senses. Dress for the weather and meet behind the Education Wing. Extra clothes are recommended in case of mud or puddles. Adult supervision is required. Learn More »
Winter Bird Walk
Bundle up and join us from 8 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 18 at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest for a morning bird walk. We’ll scan the bluffs, shoreline and open fields for hardy resident birds and seasonal visitors that spend winter along Lake Michigan. This free program is open to all and no registration is needed.
Dress for the weather, as the walk is entirely outdoors. Meet at the Gilgare Road parking lot. Adult supervision is required. Pets are not allowed, except service animals. Learn More »
Sustainability News
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Feed the Cart, Lake County!
Meet Loop the Cart! He’s a little cart with a big appetite for your recyclables.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has partnered with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and other agencies to lead Feed the Cart, the largest recycling education campaign in Illinois’ history.
Visit the Feed the Cart website to learn more about the benefits of recycling, specific waste and recycling information in your community and ways to get the latest updates on recycling news, events and rules.
Health News
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Take Precautions During Respiratory Virus Season
One way to monitor respiratory illnesses such as RSV, COVID-19 and the flu in Lake County is through the Lake County Health Department’s weekly Respiratory Reports. These reports track the flu, COVID-19 and RSV specifically within Lake County.
The reports can be a useful tool to help individuals stay informed and make the best decisions for themselves and their families, especially when traveling, gathering with family and friends or deciding when to wear a mask.
View the Health Department’s Healthy Lifestyle Lake County newsletter to learn more tips to prevent the spread and other helpful health information.
Give Thanks for Food Safety
Are you planning on hosting Thanksgiving this year or in charge of bringing a side to dinner? The Lake County Health Department reminds you to keep yourself, family and friends healthy this holiday season by following these four steps to food safety.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more cooking tips.
Get Help
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
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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 other languages.
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
Ready to take the next step in your career? Join one of the Job Center of Lake County’s upcoming workshops or outreach events to boost your job search skills!
Need training to make a career transition? Learn more about grant-funded workforce training.
Community Events and News
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Illuminate Your Holiday Season in Lake County
When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Lake County transforms into a twinkling wonderland of holiday light displays and festive cheer. Check out Visit Lake County's guide to the brightest events lighting up Lake County this winter.
Watch All 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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