City of Waukegan

08/18/2026

Tonight’s Navy Band Great Lakes concert at Stiner Pavilion has been canceled due to weather.

While we’re disappointed to close out the season this way, we’re grateful to everyone who joined us for the Free Concerts at Stiner Pavilion this summer and helped make it our biggest season of free concerts at the Waukegan Municipal Beach.

Thank you for spending your summer evenings with us. We look forward to bringing free concerts back to Stiner Pavilion in June 2027!

08/18/2026

Mosquito treatment will take place overnight Wednesday, August 19, in the Coventry Woods and Country Lane areas, weather permitting.

Residents can help reduce mosquito activity by eliminating standing water around their homes and using EPA-registered mosquito repellent when outdoors.

To receive notifications about future mosquito treatments or report standing water concerns, visit www.clarkeportal.com.

08/18/2026

A new school year is underway in Waukegan, as more than 13,000 students returned to Waukegan Community Unit School District 60’s 21 schools Monday.

From first graders beginning their school journey to seniors preparing for life after graduation, students across Waukegan returned with excitement and new goals for the year ahead.

“The first day is always energizing, and there’s a lot of excitement,” said District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia.

For senior Ansiya Mubarack, the year ahead is about making memories before graduation.

“I want to meet new people and have some good memories of my senior year,” Mubarack said.

Read more: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/17/lake-county-schools-open/

08/18/2026

Elias "Louie" Agalianos has officially been sworn in as the Chief of the Waukegan Police Department. Over a distinguished twenty-six year career with the department, Chief Agalianos has served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, commander, and deputy chief. His leadership and experience across police operations give him a comprehensive understanding of the city's public safety needs that make him exceptionally qualified to guide the Waukegan Police Department into its next chapter. Congratulations, Chief Agalianos!

08/17/2026

The next City Council Meeting will take place today, Monday, August 17 at 7PM in the City Council Chambers at Waukegan City Hall.

City Council meetings are a great way to stay informed, get involved, and see local decision-making in action. Meetings are typically held on the first and third Mondays of each month.
• Location: 100 N Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Time: 7:00 PM

Can’t attend in person? Watch live or catch the recording on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/
Stay engaged and be part of shaping Waukegan’s future.

08/17/2026

Happy First Day of School, Waukegan Public Schools!

Have a great day!

🎒📚 WELCOME BACK, Waukegan! 📚🎒

The first day of school is here! We’re excited to see our students, teachers, staff, and families back in our community. 👮‍♂️🚔

As you head out this morning, remember:

🚌 School buses are back! If the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out, STOP! Give our students plenty of room and time to safely get on and off the bus.

🚸 Slow down in school zones and watch for kids crossing the street, especially around arrival and dismissal times.

📵 Eyes up, phones down. A few seconds of distraction can change everything.

🚶‍♀️ Walking to school? Use crosswalks, follow crossing signals, and look left-right-left before crossing.

🚗 Running late? It’s better to be a few minutes late than to rush through a school zone.

⭐ And a fun first-day challenge:
Ask a student what they’re most excited about this school year! Maybe it’s seeing friends, joining a team, a favorite class—or just getting back to the lunchroom. 😎

From all of us at the Waukegan Police Department, have a safe, successful, and AMAZING first day of school!

Let’s make this a great year, Waukegan! 💙

08/17/2026

Beep, beep! Hundreds of kids and their families had the opportunity to see, touch, and explore trucks at the 2026 Waukegan Touch-a-Truck. It was a wonderful evening for curious young minds who jumped behind the wheel and honked the horns.

08/15/2026

It looks like we'll get a break in the weather this evening so head over to Touch-A-Truck from 5–8 PM at 37 S. Genesee Street.

Kids can climb aboard trucks, explore equipment, meet the crews, and learn more about the work happening throughout Waukegan. The Waukegan Police Department, Waukegan Fire Department, and Waukegan Public Works Department will all be there!

After Touch-A-Truck, head over to Stern’s Plaza for Blues & BBQ, featuring local blues artist Low-Reen and Chicago blues artist Omar Coleman. Enjoy live music, good food, and a great night in downtown Waukegan!

We’ll see you there!

08/14/2026

After twenty-nine years of service to the City of Waukegan, Chief Gregg Paiser has retired from the Waukegan Fire Department. Starting as a firefighter/paramedic in 1997 and rising to lead the entire department, Chief Paiser served with exceptional devotion to duty while mentoring generations of firefighters who followed in his footsteps. The foundation he built will continue to protect the city and guide first responders for years to come. Thank you for your service, Chief Paiser!

08/14/2026

Waukegan small businesses are getting the tools and support they need to grow through the Lake County Community Foundation’s Small Business Growth Initiative.

Among this year’s participants are Waukegan natives Juan and Xavier Limon, owners of Envy Streetwear on Genesee Street, and Waukegan native Cullen Thompson, owner of Georgia's Food On The Go.

The program provides entrepreneurs with business coaching, education and the opportunity to earn a $25,000 grant to help grow their businesses.

After starting Envy Streetwear in their mother’s basement, the Limon brothers opened their first storefront in 2022 and recently moved to a larger location on Genesee Street.

“We went on the road selling vintage clothes using our mom’s house as our warehouse,” Juan Limon said.

Read more: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/14/lake-county-small-business-grants/

📸: The Lake County Community Foundation