Lake County briefs

Avon officials returning pay hikes:Six Avon Township elected officials announced Wednesday they will return pay raises approved by a previous board in 2008. They are to return a combined $9,324 at a township board meeting Monday night. Committed to returning the pay hikes are township Supervisor Sam Yingling, Highway Commissioner Thomas Brust, Clerk Lisa Rusch and trustees Chris Ditton, Marc Feldstein and Randy Evangelides. Those six were part of the Avon Forward slate in the April 2009 election. "We are fulfilling a commitment we made to Avon Township," Yingling said. Township Assessor Bryce Carus, who was part of the Avon Forward team, was not included in the announcement about the return of the pay increases. Trustee William McNeill, who ran with the rival Avon One slate, also was not mentioned. Yingling said the $9,324 will be used to buy items for Avon Township's food pantry.Fremont going green:Fremont Elementary District 79 leaders are applying for an Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact, an agreement indicating the schools will work toward creating a green environment, officials announced Wednesday. Steps will include conserving energy, encouraging recycling, minimizing chemical fertilizers, improving energy efficiency and participating in environmental community service projects.Dold gets endorsement:Republican congressional candidate Robert Dold on Wednesday won an endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Dold, of Kenilworth, is running for the 10th District seat now held by Republican Mark Kirk. Democrat Dan Seals of Wilmette also is running. In a news release, the group, which represents businesses across the country, cited Dold's commitments to businesses and workers.Fiestas Patrias celebration: Celebrate Mexican, Honduran, Belizean and Central American Independence at Fiestas Patrias, 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago. All ages are invited to join the day of free music and dance performances, contests and children's activities. Pequitas the Clown show will be on stage at 2 p.m. Two moonwalks, face painting, a petting zoo, pick-up soccer games with trophies are among the activities. Greenbelt is at 1215 Green Bay Road (Route 131), just south of Belvidere Road (Route 120). Call (847) 968-3477 or visit www.LCFPD.org.