Lake County briefs

Corrections officer mourned:

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of veteran corrections officer Linda Blau, 57, who died of natural causes Saturday at her home in McHenry. Blau was hired in 1987 and served in many capacities at the jail, including work in the Community Based Corrections Center and direct supervision over inmates. She was regarded as a model employee, said Sheriff Mark Curran. Blau is survived by two children, Steven Stosur and Sara Stosur and a grandson, Frankie Ayala, Jr. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Vernon Hills ice rink to open:

Skates, the Chicago Wolves hockey team mascot, will be on hand at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, for the opening of the new Vernon Hills Park District's ice rink at Hartmann Park, 292 Oakwood Drive. The rink is 96-feet by 160-feet and will be lighted until 9 p.m. Skates will appear from 3 to 4 p.m. Glacier Ice Arena will provide free skate rental and Culvers of Mundelein will provide free hot chocolate from 3 to 5 p.m. in the park pavilion. Free skate rental will be offered from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekends, weather permitting at the pavilion. It will be staffed and serve as a warming shelter from 4 to 9 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday scholars:

Thursday, Dec. 17, is the last day to register for Saturday Scholars, a six-week program open to students from Mundelein Elementary District 75 and Santa Maria del Popolo School. The program runs Jan. 30 through March 6. Cost is $25, plus applicable material fees. Class descriptions and registration forms are available at www.district75.org. Call (847) 949-2706.