Briefs: Budget cut hearing

Budget cut hearing

Local state legislators are hosting a hearing Tuesday regarding the impact of budget cuts. Leaders of local community organizations, educators, elected officials and citizens will testify on how recent budget cuts will reduce their ability to provide services and complete projects. The hearing, which is open to the public, will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Northbrook village hall, 1225 Cedar Lane, Northbrook. Written testimony will be accepted. Those wishing to give oral testimony should call (847) 424-9898 or (847) 433-9100 or (847) 257-0450.

Open space deadline

The deadline for Lake County land owners to learn more about tax incentives for conservation easements is Friday. Without further action by Congress, temporary tax incentives will revert to lower rates on Dec. 31. Conservation easements preserve farmland, natural areas and other open space. They are voluntary agreements in which the owner continues to own the property but gives up the right to develop the portion covered by the easement in return for tax credits. Interested property owners should contact the Liberty Prairie Conservancy, a Grayslake-based not for profit agency, at (847) 548-5989, ext. 31.

Woman wins first place

Stacie McManus of Lake Barrington, who last month was named one of 38 regional winners of the American Red Cross' Women of Spirit award, will be honored today as the sole national winner in Washington, D.C. McManus received both the regional and national awards for her efforts to improve the lives of autistic children and their families as well as raising awareness of the neurological disorder. Morton's Steakhouse is also involved with the award and hosted the regional dinner for McManus at its Schaumburg location. About 250 dignitaries are expected at Monday evening's event in Washington.

Fundraiser to help family

Ram Restaurant and Brewery in Wheeling and Schaumburg will be holding a fundraiser for Israel Hernandez's family on Oct. 1. Five-year-old Hernandez died Aug. 29 after he was burned by a fryer at his Wheeling home four days earlier. The two restaurants will give 10 percent of the meal total toward the family on that day. Ram is at 700 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wheeling and at 1901 McConnor Parkway in Schaumburg. The restaurant also worked with Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 to raise funds for the family, selling 150 coupon books for $20 each.