Local Newsreader » What's Happening in Lake County, Ill.

Hawthorn Woods, Lake County

County Board Votes Unanimously to Consider Cannabis in Unincorporated Lake County

Margo Pelak0 Comments

The Lake County Board took new steps toward allowing adult-use cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County, which could include several areas that border Hawthorn Woods. On Feb. 9, the board…

COVID-19

Starting Next Week, More Seniors Will Get Vaccine, Says Health Department

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department announced today that starting Feb. 15 of this year, it will allow COVID-19 vaccination appointments for seniors ages 65 and older…

Crime, Lake County

State’s Attorney’s Office May Seek Life Imprisonment for Waukegan Man in Beach Park Shooting

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The Lake County State’s Attorney’s office announced yesterday that prosecutors may seek a sentence of natural life in prison for a 34-year-old Waukegan man who is charged with murdering a…

COVID-19

Local Movie Theaters Re-Open Friday

Margo Pelak0 Comments

As Lake county moves to a new mitigation phase due to lower COVID-19 numbers, local movie theaters will re-open Friday. The Century 16 Deer Park, owned by Cinemark Holdings, Inc.,…

COVID-19

Lake and McHenry Counties Move to COVID-19 Tier 1

Margo Pelak0 Comments

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced that Lake and McHenry counties, along with DuPage and Kane counties, are moving to Tier 1 COVID-19 mitigations, effective…

Weather

Winter Storm Ahead; Travel Advisory Urges Public to Stay Home

Margo Pelak

Heavy snow, rain to impact travel across Illinois; public urged to plan ahead, anticipate slick conditions and slow travel SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is warning…

Economy

Pritzker Administration Launches Two New Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Student Loan Repayment and Down Payment Programs Help Overcome Barriers to Homeownership CHICAGO, Ill. – Yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker announced two new programs called SmartBuy and Opening Doors. Both programs…

COVID-19, Lake County

Lake County Health Department Urges Public to Stay Home as COVID-19 Infections Quadruple

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is urging the public to avoid social gatherings and stay home as much as possible to slow the rapid resurgence of COVID-19.…

COVID-19, Illinois

New COVID-19 Restrictions Start Friday Statewide

Margo Pelak0 Comments

“Tier 3 boils down to this: if you don’t need to do it, don’t.” – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker CHICAGO, Ill. - With a new wave of COVID-19 surging across Illinois,…

Hawthorn Woods

Old McHenry Road Closing All Day Saturday at Railroad Crossing

Margo Pelak0 Comments

HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. - The Village of Hawthorn Woods announced yesterday that the Wisconsin Central Railroad will be repairing existing rails on Saturday and Old McHenry Road in Hawthorn Woods…

COVID-19, Illinois

Extension Ends Nov. 1 for Expired License Plate Stickers

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Jesse White encourages online renewals ILLINOIS - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding the public that the COVID-19 extension for license plate stickers will end Nov. 1. License…

COVID-19, Lake County

Taking a Step Back: Lake and McHenry Counties Enter COVID-19 Mitigation

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced that COVID-19 resurgence mitigations will be implemented in North Suburban Region 9, which includes…

Lake Zurich

Boom! New Businesses are Popping Up All Over Lake Zurich

Daniel J. Cameron0 Comments

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. — Lake Zurich has experienced an unusual business boom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the new businesses are restaurants, which makes the trend even more unusual,…

COVID-19, Lake County

Mobile COVID-19 Testing Offered in Lake County

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department announced new, free Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) testing in Deerfield, Highwood, Libertyville, and Round Lake over the next month. A mobile testing unit…

Uncategorized

Voting Resources: Rock Your Vote, Even in a Pandemic

Daniel J. Cameron0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – If you live in Hawthorn Woods or Lake Zurich, Ill., here's the scoop on voting safely, voting early, and voting on Election Day. Rocking the Vote Safely…

Lake ZurichLake Zurich brewery

Phase 3 Brewing Introduces Caramel Apple Beer with Chicago-based Affy Tapple

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Left to Right: Jessica Ziemba, Josh, Joseph West, Brittney Pennings, Zach Carlson and Stephanie Ziemba celebrate Jessica’s birthday at Phase Three Brewing, Oct. 15. Phase Three’s newest seasonal craft beer…

Illinois

State Collects $100 Million in Cannabis Revenue in Eight Months

Margo Pelak0 Comments

At least $16M going to local governments ILLINOIS - Following the legalization of adult-use cannabis on January 1, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has reported that it has collected…

COVID-19, Lake County

Lake County Board Extends COVID-19 State of Emergency Amid Virus Upsurge

Daniel J. Cameron0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - The Lake County Board yesterday passed a resolution to extend the state of emergency in Lake county amid ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 global pandemic. The…

Illinois

Illinois Department on Aging Encourages Older Adults to Get Flu Shots

Margo Pelak0 Comments

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) is encouraging older adults to get a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season to protect against seasonal flu. According to…

COVID-19, Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich

Pandemic Trick-or-Treating 101: How to safely enjoy Halloween this year

Daniel J. Cameron0 Comments

The villages of Lake Zurich and Hawthorn Woods are taking a cautious but optimistic approach to Halloween 2020: Trick-or-treating in both villages will proceed on Oct. 31, but with additional…

COVID-19, Lake County

Lake County at COVID-19 Warning Level

Margo Pelak0 Comments

26 Illinois Counties at Warning Level for Coronavirus Disease Number of counties decreases slightly from 28 last week SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported…

Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich Sends Recreational Cannabis Issue to Planning and Zoning Commission; Public Hearings to be Held Nov. 18

Daniel J. Cameron0 Comments

Trustees vote 4-1 to send issue to planning and zoning commission By Daniel J. Cameron At Tuesday night’s Lake Zurich village board meeting, village trustees voted 4-1 against continuing the…

Illinois

Governor Pritzker and Lt. Governor Stratton Unveil “Healing Illinois” Initiative to Advance Racial Healing

Margo Pelak0 Comments

State to provide $4.5 million in grants to organizations across Illinois SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton announced today the Healing Illinois initiative in response…

Editorial, Lake Zurich

Village of Lake Zurich Subsidizing a Private Lake: A Guest Editorial

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By Mary Bach-Keller, guest contributor An unfair agreement needs to stop: Lake Zurich resident urges trustees to call a vote to rescind agreement that benefits lake owners A view from…

Lake Zurich, Local Spotlight

Local Spotlight: Wags2Whiskers Pet Care

Barbara Vondrasek0 Comments

By Barbara Vondrasek, Special Contributor LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - Wags2Whiskers is a local niche business specializing in pet care. Lois Barta has been a Lake Zurich resident for 28 years and…

COVID-19, Lake County

Illinois Department of Public Health Issues COVID-19 Halloween Festivities Guidance

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Experts say 3 W’s still apply – Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear your mask. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As we head into the holiday season, starting with Halloween, the…

Lake Zurich

Local Author Publishes Children’s Book

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - Lake Zurich resident Bogdan Sopterean has published a children's book, I Slowly Disappear, a tale about a lonely book that misses having readers, available at Amazon.com…

Hawthorn Woods

Hawthorn Woods Named Third Best City for Fit Lifestyles in Illinois for 2020

Margo Pelak0 Comments

HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. - The Village of Hawthorn Woods has been named the Third Best City for Fit Lifestyles in Illinois for 2020, according to BarBend.com, a leading health, wellness…

COVID-19, Illinois

Mask Up, Starting Tomorrow: Illinois Bar and Restaurant Guidelines Revised; Patrons Must Now Wear Masks

Margo Pelak0 Comments

To further prevent spread of COVID-19, face coverings will be required during interactions with wait staff and food service workers HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. —The State of Illinois today announced revised…

Lake Zurich

Community Members Rally Together to Clean Up Old Train Depot in Lake Zurich

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - In an uplifting convergence of old and new, the oldest train depot in Lake County, built in 1895, is getting a fresh look because of a…

Lake County

Lake County Conducting Transportation Survey

Margo Pelak0 Comments

The Lake County Division of Transportation is conducting a study to identify ways to reduce "single-occupied vehicle travel," which is travel in automobiles containing only one person. Take the survey…

Hawthorn Woods

Hawthorn Woods is Second Village in Illinois to be Designated an International Dark Sky Community

Margo Pelak0 Comments

HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. - The Village of Hawthorn Woods announced yesterday that it has been designated an International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark-Sky Association. Hawthorn Woods is now…

Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich

State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen Hosts Blood Drive at Foglia YMCA

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Illinois State Representative Mary Edly-Allen has teamed with Versiti to host a blood drive tomorrow from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Foglia YMCA, 1025 N. Old McHenry Road in…

Illinois

State Rep. Edly-Allen Joins Lawmakers to Announce Ethics Reform Issues

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – In the wake of numerous, ongoing federal investigations involving bribery, influence peddling and insider-trading impacting state government officials and lobbyists, State Representative Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) joined Democratic lawmakers…

Hawthorn Woods

Kiddie Academy Opens Today in Hawthorn Woods

Margo Pelak0 Comments

HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. - A new Kiddie Academy opened today in Hawthorn Woods, located at Rt. 22 and Quentin Rd., across from Mariano's. The new facility will offer e-learning as…

Economy, Illinois

Illinois Extends Unemployment Benefits

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Springfield, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) today announced that 20 weeks of state extended benefits are now available to those who exhaust the allotted 26 weeks…

Mundelein

Midlothian Road in Mundelein Closing for More Than Three Weeks Starting Aug. 11

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Mundelein, Ill. - The Lake County Division of Transportation (IDOT) will be closing Midlothian Road between Winchester Road and IL Route 176 beginning Monday, Aug. 10 at 6 a.m. until…

Economy

Is the U.S. Economy Headed for Another Great Depression? An Economic Update from Dennis Pelak

Dennis Pelak0 Comments

As we move into the second half of 2020, the U.S. economy is starting to see an upturn, but is it sustainable? Let’s review some of the major data points…

USA

Census Home Visits Begin Next Week

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Starting Aug. 11, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin visiting households that have not yet completed the 2020 Census forms online. You may respond to the 2020 Census by calling…

Illinois

Illinois Launches New Mental Health Programs

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Chicago, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) today announced three new mental health programs designed to provide additional support for Illinois residents. These newresources will be provided…

Illinois

DMV Opens to All Drivers; Online Renewals Emphasized

Margo Pelak1 Comment

Starting tomorrow, the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles will offer services to all drivers at its open facilities. Previously, the department had provided services to new drivers only because of…

Lake County

We’re Hiring Part-Time Reporters

Margo Pelak0 Comments

The Local Newsreader is hiring part-time Journalists to cover news in Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Mundelein and Lake County. Please know AP Format (or be willing to learn) and have…

COVID-19

New! Daily COVID-19 Updates for Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich and Mundelein

Margo Pelak0 Comments

HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. - As a service to readers during this pandemic, the Local Newsreader will now post a daily tally of the number of new COVID-19 cases reported each…

Entertainment

Lollapalooza Starts Tonight, Live on Youtube

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Lollapalooza, usually held in Chicago, was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be broadcasted on Youtube for four nights, beginning tonight. Music lovers in the suburbs…

COVID-19

COVID-19 Numbers Jump in Mundelein; Remain Steady in Hawthorn Woods and Lake Zurich

Margo Pelak0 Comments

The Lake County Coronavirus Data Hub, which shows COVID-19 cases by municipality, is showing a rise of more than 10 new COVID-19 cases in Mundelein within one day. The Lake…

COVID-19, Lake County

Lake County Board Commits $75 Million to COVID-19 Recovery

Margo Pelak0 Comments

$105 Million Committed to COVID-19 Recovery in Past Three Months LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - The Lake County Board yesterday passed a $75 million emergency measure called Coronavirus Aid, Relief and…

COVID-19, Lake County

COVID-19 Myths: Lake County Health Department Speaks Out

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - The Lake County Health Department spoke exclusively with the Local Newsreader to discuss myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the COVID-19 virus. Here's what we learned: A…

COVID-19

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. — In response to a recent COVID-19 outbreak in Lake Zurich and surrounding areas, a mobile testing site managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health will be…

COVID-19, Lake Zurich

COVID-19 Outbreak in Lake Zurich Rises to 69 Cases

Margo Pelak2 Comments

Surrounding areas impacted, according to Lake County Health Department LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - The recent COVID-19 outbreak in Lake Zurich has increased to 69 associated cases, according to Hannah Goering,…

Hawthorn Woods

Hawthorn Woods Seeks Volunteers to Adopt Parks

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Hawthorn Woods in Bloom Committee Seeking Volunteers to Help Beautify Village HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. - The Hawthorn Woods in Bloom committee is seeking volunteers to help Hawthorn Woods thrive during…

Elections

Lake Zurich Man Running for Illinois State Rep

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Republican Chris Bos hopes to unseat Democrat Mary Edly-Allen and bust up the "Super Majority" in Springfield Lake Zurich resident Chris Bos is ramping up his campaign for the Illinois…

COVID-19, Lake Zurich

Long Lines at Mobile COVID-19 Test Site Sunday

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - Cars began lining up before the 9 a.m. start time yesterday for free COVID-19 tests at Lake Zurich High School, sponsored by the Illinois Department of…

Hawthorn Woods

Hawthorn Woods to Hold Lego Contest

Margo Pelak0 Comments

The Hawthorn Woods Parks and Recreation department is hosting a virtual Lego Building Contest this month, open to all residents. Lego creations may be anything, but the designs must be…

COVID-19

IDPH Hosting Free COVID-19 Test Site at Lake Zurich High School

Margo Pelak0 Comments

As part of an immediate response to news that several Lake Zurich students tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the Illinois Department of Public health will host a mobile COVID-19…

Uncategorized

Missing Vernon Hills Teen is a Runaway; Last Seen Near Stevenson High School

Margo Pelak0 Comments

The family of Vernon Hills runaway Cristian Gonzalez is eager for him to return home safely as soon as possible. VERNON HILLS, Ill. - Missing Vernon Hills teen Cristian Gonzalez,…

Lake County

Local Businesses Can Apply for County’s COVID-19 Grants Up to $30k

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - Beginning today, small businesses earning less than $2.5 million annually can apply online for grants of up to $30,000 to cover expenses incurred because of COVID-19.…

Editorial, USA

Celebrating Free Press: Happy 4th of July

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Local Newsreader wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day! HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. - On the anniversary of the birth of our country, it's important to remember that freedom is…

Economy, USA

July 2020 Economic Outlook

Dennis Pelak0 Comments

By Dennis Pelak HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill., July 3, 2020 - As we move into the second half of the year, the economy is starting to recover but doing so very…

Lake County

Lake County Offers Virtual Courthouse Weddings

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - Lovebirds, cheer up. Lake County recently announced that it will allow virtual weddings, provided at least one person being married is a resident of Lake County.…

Lake County

Lake County Issues Guidelines for Talking to Children about Race

Margo Pelak0 Comments

The Lake County Health Department issued a new video on Youtube Friday called "Talking with Your Kids About Race." The tips describe how to have conversations with children about people…

Illinois

Restaurants, Movie Theaters Re-Open Friday

Margo Pelak0 Comments

As COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to fall in all four regions of Illinois, the state is preparing to enter Phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's five-phase Restore Illinois…

Lake Zurich

Peaceful Caravan to End Racism Held Yesterday

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - More than 100 masked protesters met at Lake Zurich High School yesterday to join a multi-city Caravan to End Racism, to support the Black Lives Matter…

Hawthorn WoodsWest Nile Virus

Mosquitos in Hawthorn Woods Test Positive for West Nile

Margo Pelak0 Comments

HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. – The Lake County Health Department has reported that a batch of mosquitos sampled on June 4, 2020 in Hawthorn Woods has tested positive for West Nile…

Lake Zurich, School District 95

Community Petitions School District 95 for Anti-Racist Curriculum

Margo Pelak0 Comments

School District Responds: We Embrace the Opportunity Lake Zurich, Ill. High School District 95 faces criticism from more than 1,200 community members LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - Lake Zurich School District…

Lake ZurichLake Zurich News

Multi-City Caravan to End Racism Meets Saturday at Lake Zurich High School

Margo Pelak1 Comment

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - A peaceful protest is planned in Lake Zurich on Saturday afternoon to support the Black Lives Matter movement and protest social injustice, all within a socially…

Lake County Taxes

County Automatically Renewing Property Tax Exemptions

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Lake County today announced that it will not require homeowners to apply for homestead tax exemptions in 2020, provided they applied for and received those same exemptions in 2019. The…

Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich

Local Police Chiefs Reflect on Peaceful Protest

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Hawthorn Woods police chief Jennifer Paulus and Lake Zurich police chief Steve Husak discuss recent protests, civil unrest and use of force policies In the aftermath of the Minneapolis death…

Lake County

Local Hospitals Not Seeing Upsurge in COVID-19 Cases

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Local hospitals are reporting no increases in COVID-19 cases, as Illinois reaches almost two weeks since entering Phase three of Gov. Pritzker's five-phase "Restore Illinois" plan on May 29. "We…

Lake County

Lake County Sheriff Announces Changes to Use of Force Policy

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Sheriff John Idleburg thanks Lake County residents for peaceful protests; shares new Deadly Force policy Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg, who published Use of Force Policies on Tuesday. Photo:…

Lake Zurich

Students Host Peaceful Black Lives Matter Protest in Downtown Lake Zurich

Margo Pelak3 Comments

Students organized and hosted a peaceful protest in Lake Zurich, which drew more than 600 protesters to Breezewald Park today. LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - More than 400 masked protesters peacefully…

Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich Farmers Market Opens Friday

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The Lake Zurich Farmers Market Re-opens tomorrow, with new state guidelines in place The Lake Zurich Farmers market in Paulus Park will open tomorrow, according to the village website, and…

Lake County

Lake County Court Re-Opens Virtually

Margo Pelak0 Comments

Judges to Hear Cases Via Zoom App LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - In an effort to re-open virtually after closing due to COVID-19 safety measures, Lake County's 19th Judicial Circuit Court…

USA

June 2020 Economic Analysis

Dennis Pelak0 Comments

by Dennis Pelak HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill., June 1, 2020 - The U.S. economy in the second quarter of 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus continues to be very weak. Industrial…

Hawthorn Woods, Lake County

Lake County Sheriff Responds to Death of George Floyd

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - In an unprecedented move, Lake County sheriff John D. Idelburg yesterday issued a comprehensive statement regarding the Minneapolis death of George Floyd, who was killed May…

Uncategorized

Lake County Enters COVID-19 Recovery Phase

Margo Pelak1 Comment

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - Lake County today enters Phase 3, the Recovery Phase, of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's Restore Illinois Plan, as COVID-19 cases appear to have stabilized. According to…

UncategorizedHawthorn Woods property tax, Hawthorn Woods taxes, Lake County taxes

Lake County Offers Property Tax Installment Options

Margo Pelak0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - The Lake County Board approved a measure that now allows Lake County taxpayers to pay property taxes in four installments instead of two. Property taxes are…