Briefs: More tollway work
Tri-State Tollway lane reductions begin at 8 a.m. Friday to allow for reconstruction of O'Plaine Road bridge. Rebuilding and lengthening the bridge will allow the tollway to be widened. The northbound lane on the bridge is scheduled to close for demolition and reconstruction work. Temporary traffic signals will operate to maintain traffic in both directions using the existing southbound lane on the bridge. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2009. The main impacts to Tri-State Tollway traffic will be shoulder closures and temporary overnight lane closures. The work is part of an ongoing project to rebuild and widen the tollway for 45 miles between Dempster Street in Cook County and the Wisconsin state line.
Man denies gas station attack
A Lake Villa Township man pleaded not guilty Thursday to being part of a group that attacked another man at a gas station. John Espinoza, 22, faces up to five years in prison if convicted of aggravated battery. Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Fred Day said Espinoza was one of three men sitting outside a gas station at 18450 Grand Ave. in Lake Villa Township on July 10. A 27-year-old Ingleside man walked past the group as he went into the station, and Espinoza and the others shouted insults at him. When the Ingleside man left the station, Espinoza and the others punched and kicked him, Day said. Police were called, and an officer saw Espinoza running from the scene and caught him a short distance away. The other suspects are at large, Day said. Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak scheduled a trial for Feb. 6 and ordered Espinoza to appear in court Jan. 4.
Vulcan Materials renews charter school partnership
Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake has renewed a partnership with the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates. Birmingham, Ala.-based Vulcan Materials Co. will provide an unspecified financial contribution to the charter school, which has an environmentally focused curriculum. Last year, Vulcan gave $1,500 to the public charter school that's within the boundaries of Woodland Elementary District 50 and Fremont Elementary District 79. Vulcan, which reported third-quarter net sales of $959 million, also is known for producing asphalt mix, concrete and cement. Prairie Crossing officials said the company has a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and operates a facility in Grayslake.
Be a Santa to seniors
The fifth annual "Be a Santa to Seniors" campaign is under way and runs through Dec. 12. Area retailers and agencies serving older adults have partnered with local senior-care services to ensure seniors receive gifts and companionship in Lake County. Holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament adorned with the name of a senior at Sunset Foods in Libertyville, Community Trust Credit Union in Gurnee and Vista Star Hospice in Waukegan, then purchase a gift for the senior on the ornament. The ornament and unwrapped present are returned to the store where the ornament was obtained, and the local Home Instead Senior Care office will take care of the rest. Last year, more than 26,400 volunteers distributed gifts to seniors. Businesses are also encouraged to contact the local Home Instead Senior Care office at (847) 543-8881 about adopting groups of seniors. For information, log on to easantatoasenior.com.
Christmas concert tonight
Westlake Christian Academy, 275 S. Lake St., Grayslake, holds its annual elementary school Christmas concert from 7 to 8 p.m. today. Officials said the event in the school's gymnasium will be free and open to the general public. Students from prekindergarten through sixth grade will perform a variety of Christmas songs. For information, call (847) 548-6209. About 200 students from prekindergarten through high school attend the private school.
Bring toys to police
The Mundelein police station is once again a drop-off point for the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program. Anyone can bring an unwrapped, new toy to the station lobby, 221 N. Lake St., through Dec. 10.
Learn about your rights
Two community service groups will hold a public meeting Sunday, Dec. 7, in Mundelein to discuss preventing home foreclosure, refinancing a mortgage, tenant rights and homeowner rights. The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Santa Maria del Popolo Church, 116 N. Lake St. It's being organized by Latinos Organized for Justice and the Illinois Hunger Coalition. Interpreters will be available for Spanish and English speakers.