Briefs: Libertyville bar closed
Grill on 21, 1580 S. Milwaukee Ave., will be closed until 3 a.m. Sunday following an emergency order by Libertyville Mayor/Liquor Commissioner Jeff Harger. Harger said he made the order, effective Dec. 9, because continued operation of the bar and liquor service would pose "an immediate threat to the welfare of the community." According to the village, there have been several recent incidents involving violence and public disorder at the bar that resulted in injuries to patrons, police officers and public property. A public hearing regarding the closures is 10 a.m. today at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave. A second hearing is at 10 a.m. Monday to consider possible suspension, fines or revocation of the liquor license.
Cheerleading clinic:
The Vernon Hills High School cheerleaders host a Junior Cougar clinic to develop and enhance cheerleading skills and abilities Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the school's gymnastics gym. Children in grades K-8 are welcome. Participants will learn cheers, chants, dances, jumps, tumbling, stunting, and team building. They will have the opportunity to perform during half time of a VHHS basketball game Dec. 19. Cost is $40 for four hours of cheerleading instruction, custom designed shirt, snack and beverage. Registration is available at the cheerleading page at www.vhhscougars.org or on the morning of the clinic.
Schools compete in Lego contest
More than 100 area middle schoolers will apply creativity and science to the study of climate in the 2008 FIRST LEGO® League challenge Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the cafetorium of Lake Zurich Middle School North and Spencer Loomis Elementary, 95 Hubbard Lane, Hawthorn Woods. The 2008 "Climate Connections" Challenge, in its 10th year, brings teams of 9- to 14-year-olds together to research and present creative solutions to climate change problems. Saturday, eight weeks of research and design will culminate in a regional contest among 16 teams of children and mentors. Winners will progress to the Illinois Championship Tournament Jan. 18 and 19 in Arlington Heights. The competition culminates with the FIRST LEGO League World Festival at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, April 16-18.
Library owns land
For the first time in its history, the Cook Memorial Public Library District now owns land. Library officials closed a deal with the village of Vernon Hills that switches ownership of land on Aspen Drive south of Route 60 to the library district. Library officials plan to build a library on the site. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 24. Although the district owns the main library building in Libertyville, the land itself is owned by that village.
Girl Scouts host holiday food drive
Food donations are being collected as the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana holds its holiday food drive through Dec. 23. Donations can be brought to the Girl Scout Illinois Crossroads office, 650 N. Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills or any Dominick's Food Store. Items needed include peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned fruit, cereal, rice, pasta, tuna, chili, soup and beans. Collections will go to the Northern Illinois Food Depository, Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Indiana Food Depository.