The briefs: Hospital project gets cash
Hospital project gets cash
An estimated $99 million earmarked for the completion of the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago was included in an omnibus appropriations bill President Bush signed Wednesday. The funding for the effort -- a unique, joint venture between the Navy and the Veterans Affairs Department -- keeps the hospital on schedule to open in 2010, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, a leading proponent.
Cops planning booze busts
Officers from multiple Lake County police departments will try to catch store employees selling alcohol to minors over the next week. During a similar exercise a year ago, police arrested workers at 32 establishments who sold alcohol to people under 21. The federally funded exercise is supported by the Lake County Underage Drinking Prevention Task Force.
School forum rescheduled
Antioch parents and community members are invited to Antioch Upper Grade School from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 8 where District 34 will solicit recommendations on facilities, staffing, finances and curriculum. The meeting is the first of seven and part of the Navigate34 campaign, a resident-led initiative is designed to help shape the future of the district. Additional sessions are scheduled for Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 18, April 22, May 20 and June 17.
Wetlands work honored
The Valley Lakes Community Association of Round Lake has received the Conservation and National Landscaping Award from Chicago Wilderness and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The association was honored for its work restoring 273 acres of wetlands and 21 ponds in the Fox Valley watershed. Also cited in the award notice was Tallgrass Restoration Inc. of Schaumburg, which has worked with the Valley Lakes association since spring 2006 to design native shorelines and create wetland management plans. Award organizers called the association "a model of citizen stewardship and grassroots environmental education." The award recognizes local government agencies and businesses for "exemplary natural landscaping and conservation development."