Lake County briefs

Mulch sale:

The Libertyville Boys Lacrosse Club is conducting its 13th annual spring mulch sale. The club is selling 2.5 cubic foot bags of premium cypress and hardwood mulch, plus a new pine bark "nugget" mulch. The cost per bag is $3.95. All orders include free delivery. Orders must be received by April 7 for delivery May 2. The mulch sale is open to all residents of the Libertyville High School district. Proceeds from the sale benefit the boys lacrosse program at the high school. Order forms are available at libertyvillelacrosse.org. Call Julie Piazzi, (847) 816-3040.

Phosphorus ban reminder:

Lindenhurst village officials are reminding residents not to use fertilizers containing phosphorus. The village's ban went into effect Jan. 1. The use of phosphorus in fertilizers can cause an increase in the rate and volume of undesirable biological growth. "We encourage residents to comply with these regulations to ensure long-term protection of our water quality in lakes and streams," Mayor Susan Lahr said.

New department head at Warren-Newport library:

Kristin Arnold is the new head of children's services and programming at Gurnee-based Warren-Newport Public Library District, officials announced Wednesday. Arnold will lead a department that provides more than 600 programs annually to more than 55,000 library patrons, from young children to seniors. Arnold, a Chicago-area native, spent nine years at the Denver Public Library. "Kristin brings her passion for children and teens, skills in developing the best collection and superb creative energy to our busy library," Warren-Newport Director Stephen Bero said. The library covers all or most of Warren and Newport townships, including Gurnee, Wadsworth, Park City, Wildwood, Grandwood Park, Old Mill Creek and portions of Grayslake, Millburn, Lake Villa and Waukegan.

Cultural center gets boost:

The Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center will benefit from a $10,000 donation from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Officials of the not-for-profit Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center Foundation hosted an open house Wednesday for the ceremonial presentation. "It definitely will help make things more affordable for the residents," said Judy Armstrong, a Round Lake Beach trustee and foundation president. Some of the money will be used to purchase dishes for the facility so that patrons don't have to rent those items.