Briefs: Gardening help

A new Web site from the University of Illinois Extension gives home gardeners and professional horticulturalists access to practical information about plant pests, diseases and performance in our area. "Hortanswers" at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hortansers/ is designed to provide basic information and help gardeners find the right plant for the right place. Users can search by plant under a variety of categories, including annuals, ornamental grasses, turf and vines. Searches can also be made by the problem or pest.

Electronics collection:

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, along with the village of Gurnee, is sponsoring a one-day event to collect outdated, broken or unwanted household electronic products. The Jan. 24 event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the public works building, 1151 Kilbourne Road. The event is open to residents only. For a list of items that will and will not be accepted, call public works at (847) 599-6800 or visit www.co.lake.il.us/swalco.

Coffee with Bond

Illinois state Sen. Michael Bond, a Democrat from Grayslake, will host the first Coffee with the Senator at the Whistle Stop Cafe at 15 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake, on Friday. Bond will be available from 7 to 9 a.m. to meet and take questions from constituents. Bond represents the 31st Senate District. This is the first of several efforts he is undertaking to meet the public. For a schedule of events, visit Bond's Web site at www.michaelbond 31.com/index.php.