Lake County in 60 seconds

Census takers wanted

Lake Zurich is seeking census takers to conduct a partial special census in June to measure the population increase since the last special census was done in 2003. At the time, 18,992 residents were counted. The special census will help the village realize additional state revenues based on per capita population. Census takers will go door-to-door in designated special census areas, including, Concord Village, Paradise Park assisted living, occupied homes in the Somerset Townhomes in downtown, Pulte Homes, Dartmoor Homes and other newer residential areas. The village also is seeking crew leaders and clerical staff for the special census. Anyone interested in these jobs should call (847) 540-1698.

Incognito closed

For the second time in less than a month, a major downtown Fox Lake business has closed. Incognito Restaurant, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Nippersink Drive in Fox Lake, was shuttered last week, said village Community Development Director Jimmy Rogers. He said the business has been in town for more than five years. Officials with the village's development department are working with the facility's landlord to bring in new tenants. Second Federal Savings and Loan at the corner of Grand and Route 12 also closed its main lobby March 15. The business will permanently shut down its drive-through at the same corner on May 17 and leave town.

Fox Lake plan meeting

The Fox Lake Plan Commission will meet Thursday to discuss the village's decades-old comprehensive plan. The plan -- considered to be the blueprint for village growth -- is being updated to determine the best use of the village's space. The meeting will take pace at 6 p.m. in village hall, 66 Thillen Drive. The public is invited to participate. For more information, visit www.foxlake.org.

Citizen input

Lake County residents have two more opportunities to influence the future direction of Lake County government in brainstorming sessions today in Lake Zurich and Tuesday in Gurnee. The session to discuss long-term planning with county officials begin at 6 p.m. with an open house, featuring information and displays. A forum follows at 7 p.m. and participants will break into small focus groups. The forums are at Ela Area District Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich, and Warren Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. The county will use the input to identify the most critical challenges facing our region, determine the county's role in addressing those issues, and develop a long-term priorities plan. Visit www.lakecountyil.gov to comment or learn more.

You can buy a rain barrel

Three Lake County agencies are teaming to sell rain barrels as a way to promote water conservation. The Lake County Forest Preserve District, the Soil and Water Conservation District and the Stormwater Management Commission are offering the 60-gallon barrels through April 23 for $79 each. They can be ordered online at www.lcfpd.org/rainbarrels or by calling (847) 968-3321. Barrels can be picked up at the Independence Grove preserve near Libertyville May 9-10.