Lake County briefs

Pay your taxes:The second installment of 2010 Lake County real estate taxes is due Friday, Sept. 3. A second bill will not be mailed to homeowners. The Lake County treasurer's office will accept partial payments from people who can't afford the full payment. However, any balance remaining after the due date may be subject to a 1.5-percent interest rate. Payments can be made through the mail, online, in person at most Lake County banks or at the treasurer's office in downtown Waukegan. For more information, call (847) 377-2323.MHS band to play for White Sox:The Mundelein High School Marching Mustangs have been chosen to play the national anthem when the Chicago White Sox play the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 16. The band earned the slot after selling tickets to the game in a contest. The band also will play outside of U.S. Cellular Field's Gate 5 before the game. Tickets still are available. For more information, call (847) 949-2200, ext. 1559.Gurnee firefighter honored:Gurnee firefighter/paramedic John McNeill has been selected as the department's 2009 employee of the year. McNeill will be presented with an award at Gurnee's Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 5, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Viking Park on Old Grand Avenue in Gurnee. McNeill has been with the Gurnee Fire Department since 1997. His duties include serving as assistant medical officer. Fire Chief Fred Friedl said he's consistently impressed with McNeill's professionalism and dedication to his work.