The briefs: Deer Park sales tax forum

Deer Park residents will have another opportunity to learn more about the proposed sales tax increase. The village is placing a referendum on the Feb. 5 ballot asking voters to approve a 0.5 percentage-point sales tax increase, or an additional half-cent on the dollar. Village trustees have scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. Jan. 9 to answer questions from residents on the proposal. A similar meeting was held earlier this month. The meeting will take place at the Vehe Barn, 23570 W. Cuba Road in Deer Park. For more information on the sales tax increase proposal, log onto village.deer-park.il.us.

Hospice staff certified

Seven members of the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois nursing staff recently have become certified hospice nursing and palliative care specialists. The nurses and nursing assistants passed the National Hospice Certification exam offered by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. Hospice of Northeastern Illinois officials said successful completion of the exam helps demonstrate both agency and staff commitment to maintaining a high level of expertise in the field. Agency staff who took and passed the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing exam are Mary Alice Burdett, Daneen Gorski-Adams, Valerie Lundvick and Yvonne Pickett. Those who took and passed the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant exam are Lynn Miller and Sandy Obrock. In addition, Deb Harper successfully passed a rectification exam. For more information, visit HospiceAnswers.org.

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, visit lcfpd.org/coyotes. A brochure and information about programs are available, too.