Lake County in 60 seconds

Wadsworth fire

Lake County firefighters battled an early morning fire Wednesday at Russell Road and Route 41 in Wadsworth. Officials from Newport Township Fire Protection District said the three-alarm blaze broke out in a single-family home about 4 a.m., and prompted a response 20 fire departments in Lake County and southern Wisconsin. Officials said no one was injured, and the home was unoccupied when the fire ignited. Officials said the home was fully engulfed when units rolled up on the scene. Officials added there was an unsubstantiated report that ammunition went off inside the home during the fire, but no ammunition was recovered at the scene. The home was destroyed by the fire, and the cause remains under investigation. Russell Road was closed between I-94 and Route 41 to give fire departments room to battle the fire.

Antioch Township assessor candidate quits race

Saying he's missed too much time from work and spent too much money on his campaign, Gene Kryczka has withdrawn from the race for Antioch Township assessor. Earlier this week, incumbent Heather Kufalk-Marotta challenged Kryczka's nominating petitions as fraudulent, claiming two signatures were the names of dead people, and six people whose names appeared on the list have sworn they never signed it. "I have always wanted to serve people," Kryczka said in a written statement. "I love my community, but I fear losing my business that I have worked so hard to be successful."

Lake Zurich keeps fireworks

Lake Zurich's Fourth of July celebration won't be any dimmer this summer as the village board's public works committee approved a $20,000 fireworks show for the holiday. The committee was concerned about finding the money for the show and considered canceling it. To offset costs, the village may seek sponsorship or donations for the event. An entry fee, possibly $6 for nonresidents and $1 for residents, may also be charged. Officials said special events such as this usually operate at a loss, and this is Lake Zurich's biggest event. Trustees Craig Taylor and Jim Johnson voiced concern about canceling the patriotic celebration. The cost of the event has been $20,000 for the last three years. "Let it be known there will be fireworks in Lake Zurich this year," Taylor said.

NIU open house

Northern Illinois University will host an open house for prospective students and families from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Holmes Student Center, Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road, DeKalb. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from admissions, the faculty, financial aid and student services. Open house activities include a student-led campus bus tour, residence hall visits and a university information fair. Many of NIU's academic colleges and departments also will host individual open houses during the day. No reservations are required for the open house or related activities. Morning arrival is recommended to enjoy the widest range of program options. Free parking will be available at the Convocation Center, with shuttle buses to the Student Center. For more information, call (815) 753-0446 or e-mail admissions@niu.edu. For directions to campus, parking and special tours, go to niu.edu and click "Visit NIU."