Briefs: Forest preserve bid short

The Lake County Forest Preserve District fell short Friday in its bid for 256 acres near the Tri-State Tollway in Waukegan. "Obviously, we're disappointed, but there are other opportunities out there we will pursue," said Tom Hahn, the district's executive director. The parcel sought by the district had a minimum bid of $4 million. It was one of two Pritzker family properties up for auction. The other, south of Route 120 and west of the tollway, carried a minimum bid of $8 million. Details including who the high bidders were or how many bids were submitted were not disclosed by direction of the sellers.

Library plans move ahead

Plans for a new library in Vernon Hills moved into the review stage following informal village board action Thursday. Trustees were pleased with the look of the 20,000-square-foot, $6.9 million proposal on village-owned land on Aspen Drive south of Route 60. Staff will review the plans, and the matter will go to public hearing before the village's planning and zoning commission. Trustees informally decided not to extend Philip Road to Aspen Drive but gave no direction on a proposed outdoor "cultural garden" to connect the library with a future Vernon Hills Park District facility. Trustees also learned there would be enough room to build affordable senior housing at the site.

Chain flooding

Fox Lake officials said sandbags remain on hand for residents in high-water areas along the Chain O' Lakes. The water rose about 3 inches Friday over totals recorded earlier in the week, officials said. Low-lying areas on Atwater Parkway, in the Knollwood Park subdivision and King's Island are under water and some homes may be damaged. However, officials said water levels should level off this weekend. Fox Lake residents in need of sandbags in should call the village police department at (847) 587-3100 or fire department at (847) 587-3312.

Benefit concert in Gurnee

Warren Township High School will host a Concert for Life event at 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee. It's billed as a community event benefiting the American Cancer Society. Tickets will be $8 at the door. Featured will be the inspirational music of musician-songwriter Matt Wessel. In addition to the ticket sales, money will be raised through a silent auction. Bidding is slated on a sailboat, celebrity autographs and a day at a spa. Last year's Concert for Life brought in $37,000. It is organized by Warren's Future Business Leaders of America.

Stevenson survey planned

Parents of special-education students at Stevenson High School will be asked to complete a survey this month about the school's services. The survey is the work of the Stevenson Special Education Community Board, a group that formed last year. The surveys are due back in May. Officials hope to publicize the results later this year. A similar survey for the Stevenson staff is planned.