The briefs

Construction ending

Construction of the new Fremont Intermediate School near Mundelein is nearing completion, according to school district officials. A press release from the district said furniture is being moved into the principal's office, nurse's office, staff lunchroom and reception area. The gymnasium floor is being tiled and tables have been installed in the cafeteria.

Gurnee focuses on signs

Gurnee village officials will continue in their quest to update local laws addressing the look of freestanding and wall signs. The Gurnee plan commission and zoning board of appeals will host a special joint hearing on the issue at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at village hall, 325 O'Plaine Road. Size and location of the signs are of particular importance, officials said. Gurnee officials said the look of the signs should matter to residents because it allows the village to maintain high development standards and protect property values. The meeting is open to the public.

Getting ready for the Bee

Woodland Middle School, 7000 Washington St. in Gurnee, will host a National Geographic Bee contest at 10 a.m. Jan. 8. Students in grades four through eight across the United States will participate in local versions of the National Geographic Bee. The winner of the Woodland Middle School bee will advance to the next level of the competition. A written exam will determine who moves on to the state competition. All local school winners will be eligible to get to the finals, with a $25,000 college scholarship going to the champion. The national finals will be May 20-21 in Washington, D.C.

Blood drive in Lake Forest

Lake Forest Hospital will host a LifeSource Blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 18. Hospital employees and the public are urged to consider making a donation that day. The blood drive will be in the hospital's Health Education Center, 660 N. Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest. Donors should enter the hospital through doors marked "main entrance" near the emergency room. All donors will be asked to show two forms of identification, such as a driver's license and another government-issued ID card. You should eat a good meal and drink extra water before donating blood. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted. To make an appointment or for details, call LifeSource at (847) 803-7943.