Briefs: Austin's Saloon fined

Austin's Saloon & Eatery in Libertyville has voluntarily agreed to a suspension of its liquor license for two days and will pay the village $1,000 for zoning code violations in connection with activities in its parking lot May 4. Owner Mark Khayat also agreed to reimburse the village about $2,720 for police overtime involving the gathering, which formed after the planned Ironhorse Roundup bike show at the Lake County Fairgrounds was canceled abruptly by Grayslake officials. Visitors gathered in Austin's parking lot, where alcohol was served in violation of the liquor license. Banners and outdoor vendors were in violation of the zoning code. The liquor license could have been suspended for up to 30 days or possibly revoked. Village officials said they recognized Khayat was in a tough spot, but considered the value of the business to the community and its clean record without any prior violations in reaching the agreement. The suspension must be completed by July 31.

Libertyville police contract

Libertyville police will receive pay raises up to 3.5 percent the next two years and 3.25 percent for a third year under terms of a contract ratified Tuesday by the village board. The three-year pact with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 33 covers the period May 1 through April 30, 2011. The contract also provides an extra $750 for officers with 20 or more years of experience, adjusts the uniform allowance and establishes four-hour comp time for each week a detective is on call. Village officials said the salary and benefit provisions are competitive with those in comparable-sized communities. Starting salaries for new officers increase to $53,548 per year.

Learn to fish at preserve

The Lake County Forest Preserve District will offer an introductory fishing class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Independence Grove preserve near Libertyville. The course is open to adults and families with kids 8 or older. Illinois fishing licenses are required for those 16 or older. All equipment will be provided, but you can bring your own pole or tackle. The program costs $15 for Lake County residents or $21 for others. Register online at www.lcfpd.org or by calling (847) 968-3321.

Watershed project ideas

After unveiling a plan last year to improve water quality, protect natural resources and reduce flooding in the Barrington area, the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership is offering tips on how to pay for it all. On Tuesday, the group will host a seminar to provide tips on obtaining money through grants. The seminar will offer the chance to meet representatives from potential funding agencies and learn about the grant-writing process. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Army Corps of Engineers will be represented. The seminar is 9 a.m. to noon at the Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy. The Flint Creek watershed covers 36.5 square miles in parts of Lake, Cook and McHenry counties. For more information, call (847) 381-8663 or contact pmortimer@earthlink.net. For still more information, visit flintcreekwatershed.org.