Briefs: Lake Zurich is a Tree City
Lake Zurich has been named a Tree City USA community for the 13th time by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. The village also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program in the areas of education and public relations, continuing education for tree managers, planning and management, and improved ordinance. The award recognizes environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City communities. The program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in concert with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Lake Zurich met the four standards to become a Tree City community by establishing a tree board or department, adopting a tree care ordinance, having a comprehensive community forestry program and annually observing Arbor Day.
Thoughts of lawn fertilizer?
The Lake County Health Department is encouraging homeowners to use only phosphorus-free lawn and garden fertilizer. Phosphorus is the primary nutrient that turns lakes green with algae. Lake County is home to more than 200 inland lakes. The village of Third Lake recently joined Antioch in passing an ordinance banning fertilizer containing phosphorus. Storm water drains in municipalities and unincorporated areas drain into these lakes and Lake Michigan. Homeowners purchasing bags of fertilizer should look for three numbers on the bag. The middle number indicates phosphorus content and should read "0." Homeowners who use a lawn-care service should request phosphorus-free fertilizers. Phosphorus is common in fertilizer but is generally only necessary for establishing new lawns. Phosphorus makes roots grow, but it doesn't make the grass green. A list of vendors that carry phosphorus-free fertilizers is available at www.co.lake.il.us/health/ehs/lakes.asp. Vendors who carry phosphorus-free fertilizer and want to be added to the list should call (847) 377-8030.
New principal appointed
District 34 is pleased to announce the appointment of a new principal. Kerstin Santarelli has been named principal of Oakland Elementary School in Antioch District 34, effective July 1. Santarelli, of Kenosha, Wis., has served as an administrator at Lakes High School for the past three years. Before that, she was a math specialist and middle school teacher. Santarelli was selected from a pool of 34 candidates. She replaces interim co-principals Jim Lienhardt and Rachele Dadouche Nowak.
Waukegan ER reopened
Vista Medical Center West in Waukegan reopened its full-service Emergency Department Monday. The hospital, formerly known as Saint Therese Medical Center, will be under the guidance of Vista's Emergency Department Medical Director, Dr. Kenji Oyasu. The emergency department will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is backed by a wide range of on-site medical facilities, including laboratory, radiology and psychiatric services.