Briefs: Gurnee cougar call
Gurnee police said they received a report early Friday morning of a possible cougar sighting in a wooded area on the 1500 block of Northwestern Avenue. Police spokesman Cmdr. Jay Patrick said the animal was described as a large, long cat. He said there is no way to confirm the reported sighting. The cougar call came to Gurnee authorities about 2:30 a.m. Police said anyone spotting an animal that appears to be a cougar should call 911 to report the location as soon as possible. Chicago police killed a male cougar this week in the Roscoe Village neighborhood.
Lakes booster club dinner
The Lakes Eagles Booster Club will host its second annual dinner/auction fundraiser titled "The Booster Bash" at 6 p.m. April 26 at the American Aid Society in Lake Villa. This is the primary fundraiser for the club, which works to enhance opportunities for students at Lakes Community High School. The evening will include a buffet dinner with live entertainment provided by the high school jazz band and choir. A dessert table will feature treats baked by students. Tickets cost $25 per person and must be ordered by Sunday. For information, e-mail chairwoman Debbie Beadle at tmbeadle@progrpinc.net or Sue DeRose at saddad8890@yahoo.com.
Real estate seminar
Today's real estate market and the psychological, financial, tax and government factors that increase sales success for homeowners will be part of two free Smart Choices seminars in Gurnee and Waukegan. The Gurnee seminar is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the park district's activity room No. 4 at 4374 Old Grand Ave. Partners at Century 21 Maki United/United II will provide insight. Tax laws and debt forgiveness also will be addressed by an accountant. An expert from Midwest Bank is expected to cover down-payment saving and credit counseling. Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik is expected to attend and review home buying and selling in the village. Homeowners from Gurnee and other nearby towns are invited to attend. The Waukegan event covering the same topics is slated for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Century 21 Maki United, 3425 W. Sunset Ave., near Green Bay Road. That event will be geared to homeowners on the east side of Lake County. Call (847) 336-7333 for reservations.
Senior driving classes
The Vernon Hills Police Department will host two driver safety classes designed for motorists aged 50 and older. The AARP Driver Safety classes are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 and May 3 at the Vernon Hills village hall, 290 Evergreen Drive. The fee is $10, and there is no final test. Participants will update their knowledge of the rules of the road; learn how to adjust driving to allow for age-related physical changes; reduce traffic violations, crashes and injuries; and get an insurance discount. Call (847) 362-4439 to register or visit www.aarp.org/drive for more information.