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Bomb threat empties Indpendence Grove Forest Preserve

A summer concert was canceled and one of Lake County’s most popular forest preserves cleared of visitors Tuesday following a bomb threat.

“We received a threat and to err on the side of caution, we emptied the park,” said John Tannahill, chief of the Ranger Police. “It was a threat of an explosive device.”

A message on the Lake County Forest Preserve website for Independence Grove said the concert had been canceled and the preserve closed until further notice due to a “public safety matter.” The concert was one of a popular series held at the Millennia Plaza amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 6.

Tannahill said the activity areas of the preserve on Route 137 east of Milwaukee Avenue near Libertyville were cleared, but he was uncertain how many people were involved.

The preserve features a 115-acre lake and beach, marina, pavilion and cafe, trails and other amenities.

No injuries were reported. Tannahill declined to discuss further details, saying an investigation was ongoing.

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