Lake County briefs
Candidate drops out:
Dave Weisz of Lake Zurich has withdrawn as a Lake County Board candidate in the Republican primary in February. The Lake County clerk's office confirmed Weisz's official departure from what would have been a contested GOP primary in the 19th District serving the Lake Zurich area. Incumbent Craig Taylor of Lake Zurich remains on the Republican ballot.
Green homes:
Home owners, buyers and renters have a new resource for going green indoors and outdoors. The Environmental Protection Agency's new website, http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes, provides tips on reducing energy consumption, carbon footprints, waste generation and water usage, as well as improving indoor air quality. Information also is available on building new homes and finding an energy efficient mortgage. Renters can find information to help them identify a green property before moving in and tips for working with their landlord to add green features to an existing property. Users can also find references, such as a list of common green home terms, and links to dozens of EPA Web sites with more specific information on a wide variety of green home topics.
Moraine Hills to close:
Home Moraine Hills State Park will be closed to the public Dec. 3, 4, 5, and 6 to accommodate the shotgun deer season. While Moraine Hills State Park (east of River Road) will be closed, the McHenry Dam side (west of River Road) with the two-mile "yellow" hiking loop, will remain open. The River Road Trail will be closed. All hunting slots are filled for the 2009 season. Call (815) 385-1624 for deer hunting information. Moraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam are Illinois Department of Natural Resources sites on River Road south of Route 120 and north of Route 176 in McHenry.
Hawthorn winter boutique:
The Hawthorn Elementary District 73 PTO will host its second annual winter boutique, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Hawthorn Middle School South, 600 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. The event will feature unique items made by local artisans, raffle, holiday entertainment and refreshments. Proceeds benefit the students of District 73.