Briefs: Tollway construction milestone

A major milestone in the widening of the Tri-State tollway has been achieved with completion of work in both direction between Grand Avenue and the Wisconsin state line. Drivers now have four lanes in each direction from Grand Avenue to Route 173, a reconstructed road north of Route 173 to Russell Road and resurfaced pavement from Russell Road to the state line. This first segment in the 45-mile long construction zone was completed on schedule. Work will continue next year in the northbound lanes from Grand Avenue to Dempster Street, and southbound between Touhy Avenue and Balmoral Avenue but is scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2009.

Special library meeting

The Cook Memorial Public Library board hosts a special meeting Tuesday, Dec. 23, at the main library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The meeting will start at 5 p.m. for a public hearing about a special reserve fund plan. A second, traditional session follows at 5:15 p.m.

Hanukkah event at mall

Chabad Jewish Center will host a hanukah event beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday at Gurnee Mills, northwest of the Tri-State Tollway and Grand Avenue. Officials at Gurnee-based Chabad expect more than 300 visitors to attend the event that'll feature Jewish food, entertainment and events targeted for children. Called Menorah at the Mall, the event will be at Entry G near the JC Penney store.