Briefs: County spelling bee

Twelve finalists will compete in the Lake County Final Spelling Bee at 7 p.m. today in Room C005 of the College of Lake County in Grayslake. The finalists were chosen from among students from 120 schools in Lake County who participated in three sectional contests co-sponsored by the Lake County Regional Office of Education in February. One final winner will earn a trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., to compete on May 30. To watch a live Webcast of tonight's contest, visit www.lakecountyjournals.com.

Library refinances loan

The Fremont Public Library District board has opted to refinance a loan of about $7.6 million it took out a decade ago to pay for the construction of the library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. The move will save more than $417,000 over the next 10 years, officials said. Officials plan to use the savings to lower the district's bond-and-interest tax levy.

Des Plaines River watch

Gurnee is keeping a close eye again on the Des Plaines River east of Milwaukee Avenue and Route 132. The river measured at 7.61 feet Monday and is projected by the National Weather Service to crest at 8.4 feet Wednesday. Typically, the Des Plaines spills over its banks at roughly 7 feet and creates problems with access to Emerald Avenue and Kilbourne Road when it hits 8.5 feet. Gurnee Grade School is in the shadows of the Des Plaines River on Kilbourne Road. Gurnee officials began taking precautions Monday by alerting residents in low-lying areas along the Des Plaines. The village is securing supplies should sandbagging become necessary.