The briefs: Monaville tunnel open

Monaville tunnel open

A newly-opened underpass beneath Monaville Road for hikers and bicyclists provides a connection between the northern and southern sections of Grant Woods Forest Preserve near Fox Lake and Lake Villa. The trail is on Monaville between Route 59 and Fairfield Road. The tunnel was funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and federal funding. The trail also connects area communities via the Chain O' Lakes bike path. Call (847) 367-6640 or visit www.lcfpd.org for a trail map.

Learn about coyotes

The Lake County Forest Preserve District has put together a fact sheet about the coyote and how to deal with animal and protect pets while living in the suburbs. To download a copy, go to www.lcfpd.org/coyotes. A brochure and information about programs are available, too.

Population up

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that on Tuesday, Jan. 1, the nation's population will be more than 303 million, up more than 2.8 million, or about 1 percent from New Year's Day 2007. In January, the U.S. is expected to register one birth every eight seconds and one death every 11 seconds. Meanwhile, international migration is expected to add one person every 30 seconds. The result is an increase in the total U.S. population of one person every 13 seconds.

Benefit school concert

The band Corporeal returns to Libertyville High School for a concert at 7 tonight in the school's auditorium, 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville. The Libertyville graduates became popular on YouTube for playing the popular "Halo" video game song. Admission is $10 with proceeds going to the Libertyville High School Fine Arts Foundation.

Mundelein High benefit

Mundelein High School Theater Director Jonathan Meier will perform with his wife, Jill Reznick Meier, in "Love Letters" at 7:30 tonight at the high school auditorium, 1350 Hawley St., Mundelein. Admission to the play is a donation at the door for the school's theater program.