Community Corner

🌱 How Waukegan’s new fire chief plans to shape a younger department

And on the Waukegan Patch calendar - Whose Live Anyway?

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Hi there, Waukegan! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Waukegan's new fire chief plans to shape a younger department
  • Waukegan man drowns near Illinois Beach State Park despite rescue efforts
  • How Waukegan's teacher grant is turning paraprofessionals into classroom leaders

Also on today's calendar: Fish Fry Fundraiser & Sip & See and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Clouds breaking; less humid, with a high of 77 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Friday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 79, low: 62.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 83 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Waukegan promotes new fire chief from within (chicagotribune.com) — Waukegan has a new fire chief, as longtime firefighter and military veteran Matthew Burleson was unanimously approved by the City Council and sworn in at City Hall. A Waukegan High School graduate and former National Guard sergeant, he has led responses to major local emergencies and now plans to use his experience to train the department's younger firefighters for future challenges.
   

2. Coroner IDs Man Who Drowned At Illinois Beach State Park (patch.com) — A 45-year-old Waukegan resident died Sunday after being pulled from Lake Michigan near Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, despite bystanders and deputies performing CPR. He was taken to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, where he was pronounced dead. The coroner says drowning is consistent with the cause, with further testing and investigation still underway.
   

3. Lake County districts use state grant to fill teacher vacancies: 'This is a shot in the arm to help us recruit' (chicagotribune.com) — Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 is using a new $345,040 state Teacher Vacancy Grant to help 11 paraprofessionals become certified teachers, building on earlier funding that already produced two graduates. As grant amounts shrink, district leaders are tightening selection while still prioritizing bilingual and special education roles, aiming to keep committed educators in Waukegan classrooms long term.
   

4. Job Center of Lake County tries to lay groundwork for careers: 'I wanted to serve people' (chicagotribune.com) — If you're job hunting in or near Waukegan, the Job Center of Lake County regularly brings its "Job Center on the Move" counselors to downtown Waukegan and the Waukegan Township office to help with resumes, training options, and benefits rules. Staff like career specialist Yadira Guzman guide residents toward internships, new careers, and support programs, especially for those facing transportation, background, or income challenges.
   

5. Police manhunt leads to arrest of drunk driver who ran into forest preserve after crash that injured young child in Round Lake (lakemchenryscanner.com) — A Waukegan man was arrested after allegedly fleeing a three-car crash in Round Lake that injured a father and his young son, following an extensive search using drones and a police dog. Prosecutors say he showed signs of intoxication, had open alcohol in his vehicle, and now faces multiple DUI and hit-and-run-related charges. He remains jailed pending a court hearing.
   

📸 Around Waukegan

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Waukegan

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Staffmark posted a job opening for Manufacturing Customer Service Coordinator in Waukegan. Apply here.
  • Teleperformance USA posted a job opening for Remote Property & Casualty Licensed Insurance Representative - Non-Sales in Waukegan. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waukegan here.

Ok Waukegan! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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