Briefs: Lights out on Route 60

Traffic was snarled on Route 60 in Vernon Hills about 11 a.m. Monday after power was cut to a control panel for traffic signals. A woman heading west on Route 60 lost control of her vehicle and struck the panel at the northwest corner of Lakeview Parkway, police said. The driver was checked by paramedics but did not appear to be seriously injured. No other injuries were reported.

Water test offered

The Lake County Health Department is offering incentives to users of private wells to have their water tested. From March 10 to 15, the fee for bacteria and nitrate testing will be reduced to $10 from $15. Sterile test bottles to be filled and returned for analysis are available at health department offices at 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan, (847) 377-8020; 118 S. Main St., Wauconda, (847) 984-5000; and 121 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa, (847) 377-7780. The health department also will collect the samples for a $48 fee. Other tests are available for lead, fluoride, hardness, iron and total dissolved solids.

Autos are burglary target

Wheeling police are warning residents that several auto burglaries recently have been reported. The police said vehicles that are unlocked or have valuables in plain view are being targeted. The most common stolen items are GPS devices, radar detectors, I-Pass units, briefcases, laptop computers, cash and stereo systems. Wheeling police are reminding residents to lock doors, close all windows and take anything of value out of the car. The police are conducting extra patrols; anyone with any information can call the crime prevention unit at (847) 459-2994.

Wauconda expo

The fifth annual Wauconda Chamber of Commerce expo is this weekend at Wauconda High School. The event is free to all visitors. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Dedication ceremonies for the new high school auditorium, gym and new classroom wing are at 10 a.m. Saturday. There will also be special events, entertainment, free raffles, food booths and will showcase 50 area businesses and 15 area clubs and organizations. In addition, Mayor Sal Saccomanno, Police Chief Tony Jacobson and Deputy Chief Pat Yost will be among many volunteers who will have their heads shaved throughout the day to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation cancer fundraiser. For more information or events, visit the chamber's Web site at www.waucondachamber.org.

U220 meets on boundaries

Residents in Barrington Area Unit District 220 will have another chance tonight to give the school board their opinions on proposed elementary redistricting. A public hearing on the proposed boundary changes begins at 7 p.m. today at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St. The school board is considering four options for redrawing attendance boundaries for the district's 3,300 elementary school students. The maps being considered show anywhere from 180 to 235 students changing schools. Most of the changes are proposed for the start of the 2008-09 school year; however, some changes would not go into effect until certain areas become fully developed. To view the maps, visit www.cusd220.org.