Cook County Digest
New buses in District 15:
Ten new buses will be added to the Palatine Elementary District 15 fleet this school year, after board members approved the purchase this week. The district will spend $707,660 for the 10 buses. They were needed because the school district switched bus routes earlier this year, compressing the routes and creating a void for more of them, said Bob Strand, the district's assistant superintendent for business.
Central School help sought:
Mount Prospect Historical Society officials are asking the Mount Prospect Village Board for monetary help to move the 1896-vintage Central School to a new location near the society's headquarters at 101 S. Maple St. The society has been working for years to raise the funds to move the one-room schoolhouse, which was placed in 1939 at its current location at Thayer and Wille streets. Society officials say the project is in danger unless the village provides financial assistance. Village Manager Michael Janonis told society members this week at a meeting that the board will discuss the request at an August committee-of-the-whole meeting.
National train show arrives:
Thousands of old and new Lionel trains will be on display and for sale at the Lionel Collectors Club of America train show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Crowne Plaza Chicago-O'Hare Hotel, 5440 N. River Road in Rosemont. The show is part of the club's national convention and is open to the public. Adult admission is $5. Children under 18 are free with an adult. For details, call (847) 671-1378.
Sixth rabid bat found:
A sixth rabid bat has been discovered in Lake County, health authorities said Friday. The bat was found Sunday in a Waukegan front yard. Last year, three bats tested positive. The department is investigating the reason for the increase but officials said it could be that more suspicious bats are being reported. This year, rabid bats have been found in Lake Villa, Antioch, Ingleside, Zion and Waukegan. The bite of a rabid animal is the most common cause of rabies in people, although it can be contracted if infectious material, such as saliva, comes in contact with one's nose, mouth, eyes, or an open wound.