Lake County briefs
How best to communicate
Grayslake Elementary District 46 board members Monday night discussed the pros and cons related to sending fliers and other written materials to parents. Some board members said the district can keep down costs by making available a majority of materials online, but concerns later arose about those who don't have computer access. Board member Susan Facklam said while she has access to a computer, she prefers hard copies of District 46 communiqués. Board members also have been mulling the idea of sending a brochure to residents with District 46 information. Superintendent Ellen Correll presented the board with brochures from other suburban school districts. District 46 board members asked Correll to provide cost information about the other schools' materials.
Free radon testing kits available
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center urges residents to check the radon levels of their homes or apartments for National Radon Action Month in January. During the month, free testing kits are available for pickup at the health department while supplies last. Kits normally cost $10. The department will give out one kit per household. Exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon testing kits are available for pick up at the following health department offices from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday: 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan, (847) 377-8020; 118 S. Main St., Wauconda, (847) 984-5000; 121 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa, (847) 377-7780. For more information, call the health department's environment health services at (847) 377-8030.
Emergency food and shelter
Local, qualifying, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program grants by Feb. 3. This year, Lake County's allocation is $577,759 awarded to supplement local emergency food and shelter programs. A local board comprised of several agencies will determine how funds to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in need will be distributed. Agencies chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government; have an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or provide shelter; and, have a voluntary board of directors if they are a private voluntary organization. Contact Ted Byers at (847) 775-1042 or tbyers@uwlakeco.org Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.