Briefs: Public hearing for levy

A public hearing for the Buffalo Grove 2008 tax levy is set for 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at village hall, 50 Raupp Boulevard. A public hearing is necessary when the tax levy is more than 5 percent higher than the previous year. The levy for 2008 will be $11,970,628, which is 5.67 percent more than last year's levy, which was $11,328,115. The levy is higher this year for long-range planning and because of the pensions for village employees.

Take a look at results:

You can take a close look at election results at the Lake County clerk's Web site. Precinct reports, turnout figures and other data is available at co.lake.il.us/cntyclk.

Grayslake Central nominee:

Grayslake Central High School's Dustin Chierico has been nominated for the Illinois Directors of Student Activities community educator award. The award from the statewide organization is presented to an individual involved in exceptional student activity programs in the area of community service. Chierico's colleague at Grayslake Central, Norma Bowers, nominated him for the kudos. "The life of Dustin Chierico is one dedicated to vision, dreams, charity and service," Bowers said. "Fortunately, for the students at Grayslake Central, he is encouraging that dedication in them."

Chamber accepting nominations for excellence awards:

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2008 Excellence Awards. Nominations may be made for any resident or business deserving recognition in one of the following categories: Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Educator of the Year. Nominations are due to the chamber office by Dec. 12. Nomination forms are available online at www.LakeZurichAreaChamber.com or by calling (847) 438-5572. Award winners and all nominees will be recognized at the chamber's annual Evening of Excellence Awards Banquet on Jan. 24 at Concorde Banquets in Kildeer. The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce represents more than 500 businesses and organizations in the Lake Zurich area, including Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Long Grove and North Barrington.

Pancake breakfast:

Boy Scout Troop 92 from St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods will sponsor a community all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, at St. Matthew gym. The cost is $4.50 for ages 5 years and older. For more information, call (847) 809-4374. The church is on Old McHenry Road between Quentin and Midlothian Roads.