The briefs
Today is the last day to enter contest
Today is the deadline to apply to take part in the "Mundelein Idol" talent contest, hosted by the Mundelein High School show choirs. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the auditorium at Mundelein High School, 1350 W. Hawley St., Mundelein.
Contestants may be from any community. If more than 16 people enter the contest, a preliminary round will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, to narrow the field to 16 and two alternates.
The competition will feature 16 singers of any age competing for the prizes and the title of Mundelein Idol. Contestants may sing any style of music they choose but must provide a CD with karaoke tracks for three different songs. No song may be more than four minutes long. The winner will be determined by the audience's vote. Prizes will be $400 and a trophy for first place prize, $50 for second place and $25 for third.
A brochure and application form are available at the school's Web site, mundeleinmustangs.com.
Enter Volo Bog photo contest
Volo Bog State Natural Area is seeking entries for its 22nd Annual Nature Photo Contest. The contest is open to all amateur Nature Photographers (those deriving less than $5,000 of their gross income from the sale of nature photographs).
Entries will be accepted in seven categories: Color Plant, Color Animal - Invertebrate, Color Animal - Vertebrate, Color Landscape, Black & White (combined plant/animal/landscape), Alteration of Reality and People In Nature. The entry deadline is Friday, Oct. 17.
Prizes will be chosen by the popular vote of Volo Bog visitors from Oct. 25 to Jan. 9 and also by a panel of judges. Prizes will be awarded at Winterfest on Jan. 11.
For complete details and rules, visit FriendsofVoloBog.org, make a request to Volo Bog State Natural Area at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov, or call (815) 344-1294.
Volo Bog State Natural Area is on Brandenburg Road in Ingleside, west off U.S. Highway 12 between Routes 120 and 134.
Dog Exercise Area temporarily closed
The Lake County Forest Preserves' Lakewood Dog Exercise Area near Wauconda will be temporarily closed through Friday, Sept. 26, for site improvements. Crews will be resurfacing the site's existing gravel parking area with asphalt. Weather permitting, work should be completed in time to reopen the dog area on Saturday, Sept. 27. For project updates, check the Lake County Forest Preserves Web site, LCFPD.org, or call (847) 367-6640.
Celebrate park district's anniversary
September 7 was marked the 40th Anniversary for the Gurnee Park District. In recognition, the park district hold an Anniversary Celebration from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave, Gurnee. The event will be free to the public and will include refreshments and activities for all ages. Class of '68 will provide live music. Attendees will be able to join in Gurnee's largest Twister game, and enjoy bounce houses, obstacle courses and more. For information, visit gurneeparkdistrict.com.