Lake County briefs

Fifth rabid bat found in Lake County:

A fifth rabid bat has been discovered in Lake County, county health officials said. The bat, found Aug. 19 in an Antioch home, was collected safely and there was no direct contact with humans. Health department officials continue to urge residents to avoid contact with bats. A total of five bats have tested positive for rabies in Lake County this year. Rabies is an almost always fatal disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People can contract rabies if any infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, comes in contact with one's nose, mouth, an open wound or gets directly into the eyes, officials said. Health officials urge anyone who has direct contact with a bat or notices a bat acting in an unusual manner, such as flying in daylight or lying on the ground or in your home, to contact them at (847) 949-9925.

Summer Days winners in Grayslake:

Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce officials announced the winners of the annual Summer Days parade on Sunday. This year's theme was "Grayslake Travels the World ... City by City." Grayslake Public Library District won for best overall parade float, said chamber executive director Karen Christian Smith. Purplicious Pinkrageous Cardinal Cuties won for most entertaining float, and the village of Hainesville took honors for most creative. An honorable mention was given to the State Bank of the Lakes branch in Grayslake.

Apply for Warren High opening:

Gurnee-based Warren Township High School District 121 is seeking to fill a vacancy on its elected board because of last week's resignation by Roberta Pfeiffer. The appointee would be eligible to serve until the next regular election in April 2011. Anyone who is interested must submit a letter of intention to serve, along with a brief resume to the school board in care of Superintendent Phil Sobocinski at 34090 Almond Road, Gurnee, Ill. 60031. Letters and resumes also may be directed to board clerk Jeanne Love via e-mail or facsimile. Her e-mail is jlove@wths.net and the fax is (847) 548-0661. Would-be board members must apply by 3 p.m. Sept. 4. Board members must be at least 18 years old, be a citizen of the United States and a District 121 resident for at least one year. In her Aug. 18 resignation letter, Pfeiffer, 58, expressed concern about some board members having individual agendas. She also claimed there is "a feeling of censorship" when some board members seek information, and that not all elected officials have freedom to bring questions and concerns to the table for discussion.

More parking in Grayslake:

Grayslake officials announced Tuesday two new downtown parking lots are open on Whitney Street. New parking spaces and a walking path are also now available at the Washington Street Metra commuter rail depot because of high demand. Whitney Street's lots are slightly south of Center Street and offer 66 spaces. Open since 2006, the Metra station just west of Washington Street and Route 83 now has 54 extra spaces. Mayor Rhett Taylor said the new downtown lots show the village's commitment to the area and enhances the businesses there.