Recorder of Deeds Warns Homeowners of Scam 

Recently, the Lake County Recorder of Deeds office has been getting phone calls from concerned residents about a deed scam. There are two companies soliciting Lake County homeowners - "Local Records Office" and "Illinois Deed Providers" - offering to provide them with a certified copy of their deed. The Recorder's Office is asking residents to be on the lookout for solicitations from these two companies, because they are charging $89 plus $4.50 for postage and handling.

There may come a time when you need to reference the deed to your home. As often happens, people misplace their deeds or in some instances, never actually received the original deed at the time they purchased their home. For your protection, all requests for copies of deeds should be handled directly through the Lake County Recorder's office. The average deed is four pages or less, with a copy fee of only $1 per page. Seniors may request a copy for free. As you can see, these fake businesses are roughly making a $90 profit on every request they handle.

If you have any other questions or concerns, you can contact the Lake County Recorder of Deeds office at 847-377-2575.  View the PSA from Recorder of Deeds Mary Ellen Vanderventer here.

Lake County Water Supply Advisory Committee Releases Annual Report 

With the population in Northeastern Illinois projected to grow as much as 38% over the next 40 years, we must plan for our future water supply. The Lake County Water Supply Advisory Committee, a partnership between municipalities, the county, and other stakeholders have been working to establish sustainable policies and practices in order to ensure there is available, clean, safe, and cost-effective drinking water in the future. Read the report here.

Employment Security Services Consolidated at Grayslake Job Center

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) services, specifically assistance with unemployment insurance, will no longer be available at the Waukegan Job Center (1 N. Genesee St).  Individuals with unemployment questions, or claims should visit the Grayslake Job Center, located at 800 Lancer Lane, or call 847.543.7400.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced this change April 27, notifying Lake County that IDES staff will be moved to their main office at the Grayslake Job Center.

Veteran's services will still be available at the Waukegan Center on Mondays. Unemployment information is available at www.ides.illinois.gov.  All other services of the Job Center will continue to be available in Waukegan including: computer and internet access, job search workshops, training grants and onsite recruitment. To view the schedule, visit www.lakecountyjobcenter.com

Job Center Offers Vocational Grants for Youth 18-21

In this challenging economy, youth are facing higher unemployment rates than adults, but the Job Center of Lake County can help! The Job Center offers a variety of programs to help teens gain valuable skills so they can land jobs. Currently, grant funds are available to students 18-21 years of age for vocational training programs. Contact the Training Hotline at 847-377-3444 to find out about eligibility and how you can apply for these funds. 

Vocational Grants Flyer

Play video: "An Inside Look at Youth Services" 

Report Power Outages to ComEd Via Text

ComEd has a new messaging capability that allows customers to text their outage to ComEd and enables ComEd to text restoration information back to customers.   The expanded outage alert text message program will provide added convenience for customers and help improve their experience. The new program enhancements:

• Allow customers to text the company to report an outage,
• Offer real-time information on outages, and
• Allow customers to text ComEd to opt into the program.

To report an outage, customers can text "OUT" to 26633 (COMED). Sign up here. 

Take United Way's Community Survey

United Way of Lake County is conducting a public opinion survey regarding UWLC's programs and efforts in the community. If you live or work in Lake County, please consider taking our survey.  It should only take 5-10 minutes to complete. We are looking for as many qualified responses as possible so please be sure to share the survey link with your friends/family/co-workers, etc. (NOTE: you may only complete the survey once.)

Those that complete the survey and provide their contact information will be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card!  Click the link to take the survey.

News from the Lake County Forest Preserves

Bonner Farm Spring Fling: Sunday, May 20

Increased Coyote Activity in Preserves

Increased coyote sightings are reported during spring and early summer due to increased daytime activity. Female coyotes and their pups have dens in most forest preserves. Therefore, sections of trails near den sites may have high coyote activity. Trailside signs have been installed in the den area with tips on responding to an encounter, as well as contact information to report concerns.

CLC/Lake County Job Center JobMarketplace Job Fair May 17

Lake County's largest, longest-running annual job fair has previously attracted more than 100 employers and more than 2,000 job seekers! This is an excellent opportunity to apply or recruit for full-time, part-time, seasonal, and professional employment positions.

Upcoming Community Events

Join the Antioch CERT Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

The training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available.  With training and practice and by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number of victims after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

Classes will be taught by trained emergency personnel, including firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.  The program consists of 20 hours of training and emphasizes hands-on practice.