The Vernon Hills Public Works Department Open House will be held from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Public Works & Engineering facility, 490 Greenleaf Drive. Clarke Mosquito will showcase its Jet Ranger helicopter.

 Lake County

County Board appoints Schneider, Worden to key posts

The Lake County Board announced appointments to two key leadership positions in the areas of transportation and public works, both of which became effective Aug. 21. Shane Schneider will serve as the new Director of the Lake County Division of Transportation/County Engineer, and Rodney Worden will serve as the Lake County Director of Public Works. Scheider, a resident of Lake Villa, most recently served as Village Engineer in Glenview. Worden assumes his new role following a lifelong career in the military, most recently as Division Director of the U.S. Africa Command in Germany. For more information, call (847) 377-2000 or visit www.lakecountyil.gov.

Vernon Hills

Village to host Public Works Open House

The Vernon Hills Public Works Department Open House will be held from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Public Works & Engineering facility, 490 Greenleaf Drive. The family oriented event includes touch-a-truck exhibits, activities, giveaways and food. In addition, Clarke Mosquito will showcase its Jet Ranger helicopter, and representatives from SWALCO, Vernon Township, the Vernon Hills Park District, Lake County Public Works and other organizations will be on hand. For more information, call (847) 367-3700 or visit www.vernonhills.org.

Highland Park

Fire Dept. nets CFAI Accredited Agency status

The city announced that the Highland Park Fire Department has achieved Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). It marks the 16th year that the department will be an accredited agency. To receive this status, fire departments are required to meet the highest criteria established through the CFAI’s self-assessment and accreditation program. The CFAI process allows fire departments to examine past, current and future service levels and internal performance, and compare them to current research and industry best practices in order to provide a more efficient and effective emergency service organization. The Highland Park Fire Department will be recognized for its achievement at the City Council meeting on Aug. 28. For more information, call (847) 432-0800 or visit www.cityhpil.com.

Mundelein

Overdose Awareness Day to address opioid crisis

The village announced that Overdose Awareness Day will be held Aug. 27 at New Hope Christian Fellowship, 1401 S. Lake St. The event, beginning at noon, is dedicated to awareness, prevention and remembrance in regard to the opioid crisis gripping communities nationwide. Mundelein Police Chief Eric Guenther will provide details on “A Way Out,” a program designed

to fast-track opioid users to substance abuse programs and services. The program — available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at participating police departments across Lake County — ensures that no criminal charges will be sought for those who may be in possession of narcotics or paraphernalia, as long as assistance is sought out to participate in the program. Other speakers include Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz, Congressman Brad Schneider (10th District) and Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Nerheim. The event also includes a Resource Fair, Naloxone training, and a candlelight vigil and serenity prayer. Admission is free. For more information, call (847) 949-3200 or visit www.mundelein.org.

Gurnee

Deputy Fire Chief Kavanagh promoted to chief

The village announced that Deputy Fire Chief John Kavanagh has been promoted to Fire Chief of the Gurnee Fire Department. Kavanagh began his tenure with the village in 1994 as a paid-on-call firefighter, and was hired as a full-time firefighter/paramedic in 1995. Kavanagh was promoted to Lieutenant in 2004 and to Administrative Officer/Fire Captain in 2006. He became Deputy Fire Chief in 2009, and played an integral role in union negotiating, budget and strategic planning processes, and 911 consolidation with the City of Zion. Kavanagh holds a master’s degree in Public Service from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University, and also is certified as a Fire Officer II through the Office of the State Fire Marshal. For more information, call (847) 599-7500 or visit www.gurnee.il.us.

Highwood

 Nashwood event offers weekend of food and music

Celebrate Highwood will host Nashwood, a three-day event paying homage to Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row at various indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown Highland Park, from 4 p.m. to bar close Aug. 25, 11 a.m. to bar close Aug. 26 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 27. A full lineup of live country music, bluegrass and Southern rock bands will be showcased throughout downtown, including outdoor stages at Highwood City Hall, 171 Highwood Ave., and the parking lot across from Buffo’s, 431 Sheridan Road. Participating restaurants and bars will offer drink specials and Southern-inspired food options, including Nashville-style hot chicken, chicken and waffles, fresh biscuits, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and more. There is no cover charge at any of the establishments, but tips are encouraged to support the bands. Nashwood also includes Hauntingly Fun Entertainment’s Zombie Cowboy carnival game, as well as food vendors from the Highwood Gourmet Evening Market. For more information, call (847) 432-6000 or visit www.celebratehighwood.org.

Hawthorn Woods

Darlington Road closed at culvert due to damage

The village announced that Darlington Road will remain closed at the choker culvert nearest to old McHenry Road while the new culvert is being designed and permitted. The United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake County Stormwater Agency both have jurisdiction over the bridge replacement, and both need to review and permit the new culvert design before any work commences. The culverts under the road, made of corrugated metal pipes, were installed

more than 40 years ago. Over the ensuing decades, the metal rusted and collapsed, resulting in structural failure and the closure of the roadway over the culverts. The village expects the road to remain closed through the winter, with construction of the culverts and new roadway to begin in the spring of 2018. For more information, call (847) 438-5500 or visit www.vhw.org.

–Lake County News Briefs–