Lake County's National Night Out
Fox Lake police hope to send a message in one of their most "problematic areas" when they march through Eagle Point subdivision during National Night Out next week.
Police Chief Mike Behan said Eagle Point is a troubled neighborhood that suffers from a host of crimes, including gangs and drugs, and he wants to show potential criminals police and the community will not stand for the problems any more.
"It's no secret that we get a lot of complaints in there, and we are using National Night Out to send a clear message," Behan said. "The message is the neighborhood and police department have organized and we will fight back."
Fox Lake will host the march from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, as part of the 25th anniversary of National Night Out in the United States. The subdivision is off Eagle Point Road near Route 12.
According to the National Association of Town Watch, which sponsors National Night Out, the event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime programs, and strengthen neighborhood spirit with community and police partnerships. More than 100 communities in Illinois participate, the group added.
The new Hainesville Police Department will host its first event this year, though officials participated when the department was merged with Round Lake Park in past years. The Hainesville event is set for Union Square Park on Haines Road from 7 to 9 p.m. It will feature a DJ, giveaways, police demonstrations and some food.
"We have been a part of this event and are maintaining the tradition that was started in the past," said Hainesville Sgt. Roy McCommons. "It's also a great way to create relationships between the community and the police force."
Other police departments hosting National Night Out events in Lake County are in:
• Vernon Hills, 4 to 8 p.m. at Hartmann Park at Oakwood and Cherry Valley roads. It includes an inflatable playground, DJ, balloon artists, a sand volleyball tournament, children's games, food and other drinks.
• Mundelein, 5 to 9 p.m., for a community block party and flashlight walk at the Santa Maria Meadow, on Seymour Avenue at Division Street. The party will have food, games and other activities throughout the evening.
• Round Lake Beach, 6 to 8 p.m. on Lake Shore Drive. Police said there will be 1,000 free hot dogs, chips, drinks, jousting, an obstacle course, and a K-9 demonstration.
• Round Lake Park, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Murphy School on Greenwood Avenue. There will be games and a bike rodeo.
• Round Lake at 6 p.m. at the village's public works garage on Town Line Road. There will be entertainment, children's games and possibly a neighborhood walk, officials said.