Briefs: Homeless counted

Volunteers who conducted a census of homeless people in the county on Thursday night counted 440 people who met the federal definition of homelessness, preliminary results showed. The annual census is necessary for the county to receive more than $1 million in federal funds. It's also an opportunity for officials and homeless-assistance groups to learn about the local homeless population. The results of a survey administered to the homeless people could be available next week, officials said.

Fine arts at Stevenson

The Stevenson High School Community Foundation will host an inaugural Community Odyssey fine arts festival for the families of future Stevenson students on Feb. 10. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school. Families with students in the fifth through eighth grades can take part in art and dance classes and listen and watch music presentations and other entertainment. Tickets are $5 for students, but admission is free for parents. For advanced tickets, call (847) 634-4000, ext. 1882.

Get transportation facts

With transportation as a priority, the Lake County Board is asking state leaders to approve a capital program that adequately funds all forms of state transportation. Citizens can let their voice be heard on the issue by sending an e-mail message to their state legislators, Gov. Rod Blagojevich and state legislative leaders. A computer terminal has been set up in the lobby of the County Building in Waukegan and other locations with a link to www.FixOurRoadsNow.com.

District to conduct survey

Lake Zurich Unit District 95 will conduct its annual survey of businesses and residents within the district. Nearly 16,000 stakeholders will receive postcards in the mail asking them to log onto the district Web site, www.lz95.org, to participate in the survey. Surveys must be completed by Feb. 12. To fill out a paper survey, call (847) 540-4969 or e-mail keycom@lz95.org. the 37-question survey is designed to gather community information and options about the district's nine schools, its curriculum, strategic plan and other aspects of school operations. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Analysis of the data collected from the surveys will be shared with the school board and the public later in the school year.