Briefs: Absentee voting delayed
Lake County residents who want to vote with absentee ballots in the Feb. 5 primary election by mail or in person will have to wait until after state officials decide a few candidate challenges, the county clerk's office said Monday. Absentee voting was to begin Dec. 27 but can't because the ballot hasn't been finalized, the clerk's office said. The State Board of Elections will convene Dec. 21 to discuss certain candidate challenges. For information about voting with an absentee ballot, call (847) 377-2406, send an e-mail to absentee@co.lake.il.us, visit www.co.lake.il.us/cntyclk or go to the clerk's office in Waukegan.
Congressional debate
McHenry County Republican Party officials are hosting a debate between 8th Congressional District candidates next week. Steve Greenberg of Long Grove and Gurnee residents Kenneth Arnold and Kirk Morris are running in the congressional district's GOP primary Feb. 5. The three candidates will debate from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at McHenry County College's conference center. There is no charge for the event. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Republican state Rep. Mike Tryon of Crystal Lake will be master of ceremonies. The 8th Congressional District covers portions of Lake, McHenry and Cook counties. Incumbent Melissa Bean of Barrington is facing Randi Scheurer of Lindenhurst in the Democratic primary. Also in the race is Moderate Party candidate Iain Abernathy of Round Lake Beach. Abernathy is running unopposed.
Lake-Cook lane closures
Off-peak lane closures on Lake-Cook Road for a bridge- widening project will begin Wednesday, weather permitting. The closures will occur from just east of Wilmot Road to just north of the Tri-State Tollway ramps. After this work is completed by early next year, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority will start bridge and paving work the Lake-Cook Road/I-294/94 bridge. That also will involve lane reductions. The project is expected to be completed late next year.
Buffalo Grove seeks art
The village of Buffalo Grove is accepting proposals for artwork, such as a sculpture or fountain, to put at the municipal complex at Lake-Cook Road and Raupp Boulevard. The specifications can be found at vbg.org. Proposals should include photographs or sketches of the artwork. An artist may submit up to five proposals. The village will look at the quality of the artwork, representation of the village, durability, aesthetic appeal, uniqueness and references. The village's arts commission will review proposals and make a recommendation to the village board. The art will be unveiled next fall. Proposals are due by Feb. 8. Contact Ghida Neukirch, deputy village manager, at (847) 459-2518 or gneukirch@vbg.org.