Lake County in 60 seconds

Library board looks ahead

The Cook Memorial Public Library board will meet Tuesday, Dec. 30 to discuss how to best deliver services during an upcoming construction project. The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the main library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. In 2009, a new library will be built in Vernon Hills and the main library will be expanded.

Sprinkler limits fire

A sprinkler system averted what could have been a costly fire about 6 a.m. Monday in Vernon Hills. According to the Countryside Fire Protection District, a malfunction ignited combustible material in an air handling unit in the lower level of the Square One Office Building, 230 Center Drive. The area had recently been remodeled but was not occupied. Damage was limited to smoke and the air handling unit. No injuries were reported. Businesses on the first and second floors were open by 9 a.m., according to Fire Marshal Mike McNally. He urged the public to make sure flue and air intake vents are free from snow and ice.

Gurnee preparing ice rinks

Gurnee Park District employees are removing snow and preparing three ice rinks in the village. One of the most prominent location will be Esper Petersen Park at Old Grand Avenue and Route 132. Officials said Petersen Park will replace a rink that had been available at Viking Park to the east on Old Grand Avenue. Gurnee's outdoor rinks are generally maintained through mid-February. "Skating in the parks has been a Gurnee tradition for almost 40 years," said Parks Superintendent Jeff Reinhard. Other places with rinks include Betty Russell Community Park at Pinewood Road and Lawson Boulevard north of Six Flags Great America and Christine Thompson Park on the village's east side at Woodland and Belle Plaine avenues.