Lake County briefs

Volunteers needed:The Mundelein Park District is seeking volunteers 12 and older to help remove buckthorn at its Diamond Lake Sports Complex during an April 24 work day, 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will join the Comcast Cares team in the annual event to make a positive impact in the community. The focus this year is removal of the invasive species at the sports complex property on Route 83 between Midlothian and Diamond Lake roads (Route 60/83). Scout groups of all ages are also welcome with adult leaders present for guidance. No experience is necessary. Dress for the weather and bring work gloves and protective glasses. Refreshments will be provided. Call Barbara Daudelin at (847) 566-0650, ext. 15, or daudelin@mundeleinparks.org.Search continues:Vernon Hills police continue to search for the 20-year-old daughter of a woman who was beaten to death last week. Marina Aksman, 50, was found in her Vernon Hills home Thursday. Police have launched a nationwide manhunt for the woman's daughter, Kristina Aksman, and the girl's 21-year-old boyfriend Daniel Baker of Deerfield, who have not been heard from since the day of the murder. Police believe Kristina Aksman and Baker are driving a 2009 silver Nissan Rogue with Illinois license plate 421 9607. No charges or warrants have been filed in the case.Ice Cream Social in Lake Villa:The Lake Villa District Library will host an old-fashioned ice cream social from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 17. Ice cream will be provided by the Twisted Cow. Enjoy music from the Chordmasters, a barbershop quartet. Barry North, the Yo-Yo Man, will entertain with yo-yo tricks from 2 to 3:30 p.m. There will also be face painting and balloon animals. For more details call (847) 356-7711 or visit lvdl.orgAward from grape juice company:Chris Hershiser, who teaches fifth- and sixth-graders at Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake, has been awarded $500 from the Welch's Harvest Grant Program, officials announced Tuesday. The grape juice company provided two grants for each state. Hershiser's $500 outdoor package grant will be used so he can plant a garden with his class. Fruits and vegetables will be planted in the spring for an expected August harvest. Hershiser said he wants the garden to provide healthy snacks for his students. In addition, the teacher intends to conduct taste tests of the garden-grown food versus local grocery store produce.