Waukegan E-News - September 2022

Waukegan E-News is e-mailed once a month and contains important information about city services and upcoming events sponsored by the City of Waukegan and local partners. Subscription is free and you may unsubscribe at anytime.

From the Desk of
Mayor Ann B.Taylor

I hope everyone had a safe, productive, and enjoyable summer. While I’ll miss the sunshine and fantastic events that make Waukegan such a special place during the summer, I look forward to seeing the seasons change and the Fall festivals in our city.

Before summer is officially over, though, this next weekend is filled with events. The Waukegan High School Bulldogs play their first Homecoming football game under the lights on Friday night, Fiestas Patrias parade and festival on Sunday celebrate our city’s rich Hispanic culture, and I’m sure ArtWauk will provide a great opportunity for our local artists to connect with our residents and visitors.

Get out there and enjoy the last few days of summer!

I’d also like to make sure everyone is aware of a new water billing system we are rolling out. It is a new, user-friendly online portal that will be available in the coming weeks. It will offer a more convenient option for our residents and save the city and our taxpayers’ money on mailing costs in the long term as more people begin to use the e-billing service. For more information, you can email water@waukeganil.gov or call 847-360-0535.

Waukegan's New Online Water Billing Portal

New Water Billing System

The City is implementing an improved Water Billing system. The Water Billing Department heard complaints from residents and business owners and took action. The new system will be less expensive, feature rich, and more user friendly. The system will be a single stop for paper and electronic billing as well as online payments. The payment portal will be made available this September.

Due to these changes, the previous e-billing portal will no longer be active. If you need a previous water statement, email water@waukeganil.gov for assistance.

Citizen Police Academy

The Citizen Police Academy, is an nine week program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Waukegan Police Department. Free classes begin on Thurs., Oct. 13, 2022, and runs through Dec. 15, 2022. Applications must be returned by Sept. 30, 2022 at 4pm. Call 847-782-2369 for more info.

Community Emergency Response team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills. Free classes begin on Thurs., Sept. 22, 2022, and runs through Nov. 17, 2022. All applications will be considered with priority given to Waukegan residents. Minimum age to apply is 21 years. Call 847-249-5410 for more info.

Waukegan Police Seeking New Police Officers

Waukegan Police Seeking New Officers

The City of Waukegan Police Department is seeking individuals between 20 - 35 years of age, with a high school diploma or GED and valid driver’s license to become Waukegan Police Officers. Candidates must attend the mandatory orientation and written examination. Waukegan Police Jobs & Recruitment Information

Now Hiring

Find career opportunities with the City of Waukegan. Please check the job page on our website to view all open positions and apply as directed. Applications are only accepted for available positions and will not be accepted after the posting is closed. Waukegan Career Opportunities

Lead Service Line Replacement Program

All communities in Illinois are now required to start replacing their lead service water lines starting in 2027. The lead service replacement project in Waukegan will be led by Robinson Engineering. Representatives of Robinson Engineering will be contacting the residents in the service area when the project begins in order to communicate the replacement process and the methodology on reporting the type of water service line in their homes. Lead Service Line Replacement Program

Microenterprise Small Business Loan Program

Waukegan's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Department has Microenterprise Small Business Loans available. A “microenterprise” is a for-profit business with five or fewer employees, including the owner. The owner must meet HUD’s low-to-moderate household income thresholds, which is equal to 80% of Area Median Income. Microenterprise Small Business Loan Program

FREE Yoga Sessions Continue Through September

Join Yoga instructor Marlene and your friends and neighbors for refreshing yoga at the beach, brought to you by the Waukegan Park District and the City of Waukegan. Bring a mat, yoga blocks if you wish, and good vibes. Namaste. All levels. Call 847-782-3300 for more info.

27th Annual Oakwood Cemetery Walk

The Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society are hosting the 27th Annual Oakwood Cemetery Walk on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 12pm to 4pm at Oakwood Cemetery. The Oakwood Cemetery Walk is an annual “living history” event showcasing the rich history of Waukegan using costumed actors to portray local historic figures with connections to the cemetery and Waukegan. Call 847-360-4749 for more info.

Explore the Arts in Downtown Waukegan

Downtown Waukegan is the artistic and cultural hub of Lake County. Join us on the third Saturday of every month for the monthly ArtWauk and enjoy live performances, shop for artisan-made products, and view classic and modern art at the galleries and venues in the Waukegan Arts & Entertainment District.

The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee LIVE On-Stage

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has delighted audiences since it’s premiere in 2005. Six tweens attend the greatest Spelling Bee for the chance to attain regional glory! In between spelling some of the most difficult words in the dictionary, they share some of the most touching and funny stories about their home lives and families. But you’d better brush up on your spelling because you might be invited up to participate with the cast! This musical will have you laughing, spelling, and singing all the way home. Call 224-419-4325 for more info. ThreeBrothersTheatre.com

Fiesta Sin Frontera

Waukegan's Ballet Folklorico Tayahua invites you to their 2nd Annual Fiesta Sin Frontera in downtown Waukegan on Saturday, September 17, from 3pm - 10pm, as part of the monthly ArtWauk. This family-friendly event will feature performances, live bands, food, mental health resources, Waukegan Fire Department Fire Truck, el grito de la independencia and more! Ballet Folklorico Tayahua celebrates the rich diversity of Mexican and Mexican-American cultural heritage through dance and music and honors Mexico's past and keeps its dancing traditions alive for the next generation. Call 224-616-7328 for more info.

LIVE Performance by Low Reen and Harp Dog

FREE Concert by Low Reen and Harpdog

Low-reen & Jim Harpdog lean heavily into Chicago Blues, with a dose of roots, rock, & Americana. This Singer Songwriter Dynamic Duo will entertain you! Check them out at their FREE concert during the September ArtWauk, Saturday, September 17 from 5pm to 9pm in Sterns Plaza at the corner of Genesee St. and Water St. in Downtown Waukegan. Call 847-599-2525 for more info.

Fiestas Patrias

One of the largest and most colorful parades in the City, the Fiestas Patrias parade celebrates several Hispanic countries' independence day, on Sunday, September 18, stepping off from the corner of Butrick and Washington St. at 12Noon. The parade will travel east on Washington to Sheridan Rd where the event will be followed up by a festival at 1pm. Call 312-246-1360 for more info.

Waukegan's Official Trick or Treat Hours

Waukegan's official trick-or-treat will take place on Sunday, October 30, from 2pm to 5pm. Call 847-599-2525 for more info.

See World-Class Entertainment at the Genesee Theatre

Nestled near the shore of Lake Michigan, The Genesee Theatre is Lake County’s premier setting for weddings, banquets, concerts, corporate meetings, community events, private functions and much more. With a combination of majestic beauty, unique spaces and award-winning staff, The Genesee is your place for a memorable event. Genesee Theatre

Do You Need Help Paying for Internet in Your Home

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC Program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. Contact the Community Digital Navigator for assistance enrolling in this benefit or to find out more at 224-813-9085 or visit Connect Waukegan.