The second installment of Lake County property taxes is due Thursday, September 6. A second bill will not be mailed to homeowners. Per Illinois Statute, any payment received after the due date must include a 1.5% monthly penalty. Payments can be made in person at the Lake County Treasurer's Office, at most Lake County banks or online by e-check or credit card (for an additional fee). 

The Lake County Division of Transportation would like to hear from motorists about your use of Lake County PASSAGE. PASSAGE provides real time traffic information about local roads so you can anticipate, plan, and avoid gridlock. With this information you can leave earlier, take a different route and save time. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. With your feedback, we can continuously make updates to this valuable traffic management system and make sure we are providing you with the best services and tools.

Take the PASSAGE survey.

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will hold a Household Chemical Waste Collection Event from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. September 29 at the Municipal Services Center, 800 N. Field Drive in Lake Forest.

Visit SWALCO's website for a complete list of items that will be accepted.

SWALCO also offers year-round public drop-off events to collect unwanted household chemical waste items, by appointment only on the second Saturday and the fourth Monday of every month at its facility in Gurnee. Limited appointments are available. Sign up now online. 

You know how to create a great first impression when meeting a potential employer face to face for the first time, but do you know you need to make an equally great impression when "meeting" online? Watch this Career Chat video from Job Center of Lake County for help with your digital first impression.

This month's "Healthy Lake County" shows a community garden in bloom at the Health Department's Community Health Center in North Chicago, and shows local residents preparing healthy meals with the produce they've grown. Also, learn how residents can help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus and whooping cough. Watch now.

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: dhewitt@lakecountyil.gov or 847-244-2742.

Thank you,

Diane Hewitt

 Click here to Join my Mailing List!

Hike Lake County

Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails. At each preserve, look for Hike Lake County signs at the trailhead to get you started on the right route. Complete just seven of the 12 designated hikes by November 30 and record them in your Travel Log to earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick. 

New this year is the Mobile App Scavenger Hunt. Download the Lake County Forest Preserves mobile app and use it to scan QR codes on sign posts hidden along the Hike Lake County trails to unlock secret content. Uncover facts about your preserves and watch for a special keyword. Record seven keywords in your Travel Log and enter for a chance to win a naturalist-guided Full Moon Night Hike at the preserve of your choice, for a group of up to 10 people. Experience the preserves at night on a guided tour. You might even spy an owl in the oak forest.

The LCFP mobile app is available for free in the Apple App Store or Android Play Store. (Search for "Lake County Forest Preserves.") 

Farm Heritage Festival

 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 22-23, Lakewood. The 20th annual family festival celebrates Lake County's agricultural roots. Tractor parade, sheep herding, wagon rides, animals and more. $8 adults, $4 ages 4-17 and seniors; weekend pass $12 adults, $6 ages 4-17 and seniors. No registration required. More info.

Waukegan Air Show

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 8

Waukegan Airport, 3580 McAree Road, Waukegan

The Royal Canadian Snowbirds will be featured. More info.

4th annual Employment Expo & Workshops

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. September 13

Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach

The Village of Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Area Chamber and Job Center of Lake County are hosting a complimentary Employment Expo for businesses and job seekers to enhance employment opportunities for everyone. More info.

ArtWauk 
5-10 p.m. September 15

Genesee Arts District, 108 S. Genesee St., Waukegan 
More info.