Property owners should be aware that their assessment notices may arrive slightly earlier than in previous years due to a recent change in state law.  You can subscribe to the Chief County Assessment Office's email news alerts to find out when notices will go out for property owners in our area.

In addition, the Chief County Assessment Office will hold two public information meetings and 18 tax assessment help centers this fall to help residents understand their property assessment. 

Click here to view the full schedule of outreach sessions from August through October.  

This video offers more help understanding assessments.

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center reports that a 68-year-old male resident of Buffalo Grove (the Lake County side) tested positive for West Nile encephalitis. He was hospitalized and discharged. This is the county's first human West Nile virus case since 2010.

In addition to the human case, 52 batches of mosquitoes and three birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County this year.

Culex mosquitoes, the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, tend to thrive in dry conditions. Reduce your risk by reducing your exposure to mosquitoes, wearing insect repellent and reporting areas where mosquitoes typically breed. 

Alert the county to areas of stagnant water and get more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile encephalitis by calling the Health Department's West Nile virus hotline at 847.377.8300.

Lake County registered voters, including students away at school and traveling snowbirds, who choose to vote by mail in the November election may download their official application for ballot at LakeVoterPower.info. Illinois law requires each person voting by mail to complete and sign an application for every election before receiving a ballot.

Illinois Route 176 (Maple Street) at Canadian National Railroad (east of US Route 45) will be closed from 6 a.m. August 17 through 6 p.m. August 24 for repairs to the crossing. The posted detour route for eastbound traffic on Route 176 is to proceed southbound on U.S. Route 45 and eastbound on Hawley Street back to Route 176. The posted detour route for westbound traffic is to proceed southwest bound on Hawley Street and northbound on U.S. Route 45 back to Route 176.  

In addition, Canadian National Railroad will close the crossing on Diamond Lake Road on August 27 at 8 a.m. for new railroad track installation. Diamond Lake Road should reopen to traffic on the evening of September 7. The signed detour route for this closure will be Illinois Route 60/83 to Illinois Route 60 to U.S. Route 45. 

The Lake County Division of Transportation is now accepting applications for the Adopt-A-Highway Program.  Enrollment is open through the end of August. This program provides residents and businesses an opportunity to contribute towards a cleaner, greener environment, one mile at a time.

Learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway program in this short video. 

More than 1,000 children received free health services at this year's Kids 1st Health Fair, which marked its 20th anniversary.  Each year, hundreds of volunteers provide immunizations, physicals and dental screenings to help children meet requirements for school. 

Learn more about the fair's history and community impact in this short video.

Recognizing the critical role that Job Centers play in driving our economic recovery, the Illinois General Assembly has designated the week of August 26 through September 1 as Workforce Development Week in Illinois. As part of the celebration of Workforce Development Week, the Job Center of Lake County will host an open house on Thursday, August 30 from 3-5 p.m. at the Waukegan Job Center, 1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. 

The open house will allow guests to tour the Job Center facilities, learn more about training and job search support programs for youth and adults, and discover programs that help local businesses attract and retain a high-quality workforce.  

For more information about the open house or to RSVP, contact bwilliams@lakecountyil.gov or call 847.377.3435. 

Taste of the Towns

3-7 p.m. August 26

Paulus Park, 200 South Rand Road, Lake Zurich

Taste of the Towns will feature local restaurants, wineries and breweries serving samples of their menus. There will be picnic and pavilion seating available. A sampling from each vendor can be tasted by purchasing a Tasting Menu. Additional beverages may be purchased onsite. There will be an entertainment area for children sponsored by Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool. The Tasting Menu pre-event price is $30 each or two for $50, through August 25, $35 on-site. More info. 

Candlelight Vigil for Overdose Awareness Day

6:30 p.m. August 30

Roosevelt University Front Rotunda, 1400 Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg

Help raise awareness about the heroin and pain pill epidemics. Bring pictures of lost loved ones. More info.

ARTumn Harvest Art Festival

September 15-16

Deer Park Town Center's ARTumn Harvest Art Festival will feature handmade treasures and fine art from local artisans, as well as an interactive kids art area and live entertainment. More info.