The Lake County Board is in the process of updating our strategic plan that is used to help guide the future of the county. You have a voice in this process! We recently held five community forums to obtain public input, and now we are seeking further input. You can rank the strategic priorities by using this budget calculator. You can also submit your comments through this online form. We will thoughtfully consider this input, along with the results from the community forums, as we develop our long-term strategic plan. (Please note, this input period will close on April 8, 2013). Also, please take a few moments to educate yourself on our current strategic plan, our budget, and our services and programs.

Construction will begin on 32 highway improvements in Lake County this year, totaling an investment of $126 million. This is the Lake County Division of Transportation's (DOT) largest annual highway construction program ever. The Lake County Board made a commitment to invest 100% of the revenue from the 1/4% Sales Tax for Transportation and Public Safety Funds (approved in 2008 by the State of Illinois) toward improving transportation. These projects are now being realized as a result of those funds.  

Video

Construction website

Fairfield Road and IL Route 176 Junction Improvement 

Preliminary construction work has started on the intersection improvement at IL Route 176 at Fairfield Road. Construction of additional turn lanes and through lanes in all four directions will ramp up this spring, and continue through the summer. When complete, this improvement will move traffic more efficiently at this notoriously congested location. To learn more about this project, visit the project website. Here you will find project information, such as construction alerts, schedule, and photos. You can also submit questions and sign up for email alerts.   

This year the Lake County Division of Transportation is celebrating 100 years of service to Lake County. In this video, learn how a transportation system that started as dirt roads has become an impressive network of safe and efficient roadways, intersections, roundabouts and bike paths.
Video

LCDOT 100 website  

DATE - Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale: Saturday, May 11 (One Day Only)
Native Plant Sale: May 11 and May 12

TIME - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LOCATION - Independence Grove Forest Preserve, North Bay Pavilion
16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville

Interested in saving on your water bill, growing a healthier, greener and more bountiful garden while you're helping the environment? Using Rain Barrels and practicing Backyard Composting, are all sustainable and environmentally sound practices that will not only be good for your pocketbook, but for your home, community and beyond.

Learn more about the event, and the environmental benefits of these practices.

Event co-sponsored by SWALCO, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Lake County Forest Preserves. 

For the fourth straight year, Lake County has won a Sunny Award and an A+ transparency grade for its website from Sunshine Review, a national non-profit organization dedicated to government transparency. Lake County is one of only two counties in Illinois to receive the A+ grade.  Check out our new Transparency/Open Gov web page! 

View the monthly schedule of events at the Lake County Job Center. Research career trends, create a resume or cover letter, practice interviewing, and network with other job seekers at our sites throughout the month!

Do you need practice interviewing? There is an Interviewing Workshop at the ELA Public Library on April 19 at 12 p.m. ELA Public Library, Lake Zurich, 847.438.3433. Learn More.

Also check out this list of Favorite Job Search Websites compiled by the Lake County Job Center.  

Residents will receive assistance in completing their 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Applications for taxes payable in 2014; as well as, service taxpayer needs on other homestead exemptions offered. Staff members will be working one on one with residents to complete any necessary exemption forms.

View Schedule.  

Almond Marsh Rookery Observation
Welcome herons, cormorants and hooded mergansers back to Lake County this spring at Almond Marsh heron rookery (Grayslake). Visit the rookery every Saturday, 8am - noon, April through June. Lake County Audubon will be on hand Saturday, April 6, with bird books, binoculars to lend and refreshments while supplies last. www.LCFPD.org. 
 

Trout Season Opens
Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda opens for rainbow trout fishing on Saturday, April 6, following the release of roughly 600 pounds of fish. For more information please visit our website at www.LCFPD.org.  
 

Spring Burn Season
March and April will be busy months for the Districts burn crew, as the conduct fires to revive natural areas. By mid-April, the program ends in order to protect wildlife. For current information about controlled burns, visit our website at www.LCFPD.org.  
 

Lake County Discovery Museum
Modern Masters: April 6 through August 25, 2013. Modern artists including Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, Salvador Dali and others evidence the experimentation and symbolism widely recognized as hallmarks of modern art post World War I. Modern Masters is a national touring exhibition organized by the Pauly Friedman Gallery at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. It is dedicated to artists, art educators and creative individuals everywhere who have taken the leap of imagination and turned it into tangible works of art for all to contemplate, study and interpret. www.LCFPD.org