Lake County in 60 seconds
New snowmobile restrictions
Snowmobiling is no longer allowed on a long stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail through Lake County, forest preserve district officials have confirmed. A large section of the trail crossed through ComEd property, and district officials said their new agreement to use the land for the trail includes a ban on snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles. As such, snowmobiles no longer are allowed on the trail between Wadsworth Road near Wadsworth and Casey Road near Libertyville, said Mike Tully, the district's director of operations and public safety. Snowmobiles may still be used on a section of the trail north of Wadsworth Road.
Group to talk about projects
The Lake County Forest Preserve District's planning and restoration committee will meet today to discuss possible improvement projects to be funded by a recent taxing plan that raised $185 million. The meeting is set for 1 p.m. at the district's main office, 2000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The committee also will discuss other business, including buying native seeds to be planted at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
Parents of teens workshop
Local schools are joining for a special workshop, "Sex, Drugs, Blogs ... and Other Teen Secrets, Part III," at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at Libertyville High School. Workshops include topics such as drug and alcohol trends, technology, online involvement and parent responsibility regarding teen parties. The program is a joint effort of school districts 128, 73, 68 and St. Joseph School. Visit www.hawthorn73.org/communitynotes.
Watch for shopping scams
Consumers are being cautioned about employment ads for mystery shoppers, which claim to be an easy way to earn money by evaluating stores, restaurants and other types of businesses. The vast majority are scams that cause consumers to spend their own money and get nothing in return, according to the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. A check scam involves people depositing a check they believe to be legitimate and then being asked to use money from their own account for some purpose. However, the check is invalid and the consumer is out the money, the BBB says. Consumers should be skeptical of want ads for mystery shoppers that appear on popular search engines, job boards and in newspapers. The BBB suggests visiting mysteryshop.org for information on how to register to be a mystery shopper and a database of available jobs.
Radon testing kits available
Free radon testing kits are available while supplies last from the Lake County Health Department. Radon is an odorless, colorless gas naturally found in rock and soil that can seep into homes through cracks in the basement floor and foundation, crawl spaces, poorly sealed sump pumps, floor drains, porous cinder block walls and other avenues. Studies show radon occurs in every county in Illinois. Exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer, so residents are encouraged to check the level in their homes. Kits are available for pickup at health department offices at 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan, (847) 377-8020; 118 South Main St., Wauconda, (847) 984-5000; and 121 East Grand Ave., Lake Villa (847) 377-7780. Call (847) 377-8030 or visit epa.gov/radon.
Free hypnotherapy program
An introduction to hypnotherapy is offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Mundelein Park District's Community Park Chalet on Dunbar Road off Midlothian Road. The program is free for adults and is led by certified hypnotherapist Patty Pipia. Participants will learn how hypnotherapy can help them lose weight, achieve goals, motivate them to exercise and more. No registration is required. Additional hypnotherapy programs also are offered by the Mundelein Park District and Pipia, including "Sports Enhancement and Success," and "A Healthy and Slender You." Call (847) 566-0650 or download a winter/spring brochure at mundeleinparks.org for details.
Democratic caucus scheduled
The Vernon Township Democratic Central Committee will host a caucus at 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at the United Auto Workers regional headquarters, 680 Barclay Blvd., Lincolnshire. The purpose is to nominate candidates for township supervisor, clerk, assessor, highway commissioner and board trustees. The group has been in existence about 20 years, but this is its first caucus in which a slate of candidates will be chosen. For details, e-mail vernondems@aol.com.