Lake County briefs
More candidates file:
More county board candidates have filed paperwork to appear on the Feb. 2, 2010, primary election ballot. Democrat David S. Weinstein of Gurnee will run for the 7th District seat now held by Republican Steve Carlson of Gurnee. Democrat Roberta Potempa of Lake Zurich filed for the 19th District seat now held by Republican Craig Taylor of Lake Zurich. Taylor and Carlson are seeking election, too. Additionally, Democrat Laura Tomsky of Grayslake filed to run for county clerk. Earlier this year, Tomsky announced plans to run for the state Senate, but later backed out. Incumbent Clerk Willard Helander, a Republican, is seeking re-election. Finally, Democrat Dan McDermott of Waukegan filed to run for regional schools superintendent. Incumbent Roycealee Wood, a Republican, is running, too.
Hospital plan approved:
President Obama on Wednesday signed legislation that finalizes the merger of the North Chicago VA Medical Center and the Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes into a single facility. The new hospital, to be called the Lovell Federal Health Care Center, has been in the works for years. It will be the first hospital in the country to be jointly operated by the Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposal has been championed by U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park, U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean of Barrington and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Fitness hike at Lakewood:
The Lake County Forest Preserve District hosts a group fitness hike at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda on Saturday, Oct. 31. The hike will last from 8 to 9 a.m. at the preserve, which is on Route 176 west of Gilmer Road. It's open to adults, and registration is not required. Participation will cost $1 for county residents or $2 for anyone else.
Children's group collecting bicycles:
A suburban church group called Holy Spokes is collecting used bicycles for needy children. The group, part of a multi-location church called The Chapel, collects bikes at M&M Cyclery in Mundelein and then refurbishes them. It is seeking donating bicycles through Nov. 26 for the upcoming holiday season. For more information or to donate, e-mail holyspokes@chapel.org.