Briefs: Superintendent to retire

Mark Friedman, the long-time superintendent of Libertyville Elementary District 70 will retire after the 2008-09 school year. In a letter to parents last week, Friedman said he will have completed 17 years, but gave no specific reason for the decision. He did say he found comfort and acceptance in the community and that the tenure exceeded his expectations. In May, Friedman was named "Superintendent of the Year" in Lake County. He also won the honor in 2003-04. It is the first time a superintendent has twice won the honor from the Lake County Superintendents Association. He currently is president of the group. Under his leadership, District 70 consistently has won the Bright Red Apple and A+, and four of the schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

Rummage sale

The village of Round Lake hosts its first annual rummage sale today, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the village's public works garage, 751 W. Townline Road. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Cancer Society. A $2 bag sale will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. For details, call (847) 546-5400 or visit www.eroundlake.com.

Interim principal named

Kim Kolze, assistant principal for facilities and activities at Lake Zurich High School, is expected to take over as the high school's interim principal as of July 1. Kolze replaces Principal Mike Egan, who was recently appointed to the post of Lake Zurich Unit District 95's assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Kolze has served as the high school's assistant principal since 2002. She previously served as a mathematics teacher and dean of students for Grayslake High School. The school board is expected to approve her appointment as high school interim principal at its June 26 meeting.

Torch Run is Sunday:

The Buffalo Grove Police Department will participate in the 2008 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run on Sunday, raising money for Special Olympics. The Buffalo Grove portion will start at 8:57 a.m. and will cover about two miles on Milwaukee Avenue from Aptakisic to Lake-Cook Road. The run will start at the Big Bowl restaurant on Milwaukee Avenue and end at the Ram restaurant. The intrastate relay raises money and awareness for athletes who participate in Special Olympics.

Police net state award

The Buffalo Grove Police Department was awarded first place in the 2007 Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge championship. The department also received two awards for speed awareness and bicycle/pedestrian safety. The program judges law enforcement agencies across the state on its policies, training, public information and enforcement. Las year, the Buffalo Grove department won the top prize among departments with 51 to 100 officers. This year, it competed in the "championship class," which pits past winners against one another. The traffic unit has received 30 state and national awards in the past decade.