Wine for WAGS, a public wine-tasting event hosted by non-profit organization Waukegan Animals Getting Saved (WAGS), will be held from 2-5 p.m. Feb. 12 at 17 North Bar & Grill, 17 N. Genesee St.

Lake County 

SWALCO to hold pair of chemical waste drop-off events 

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will host two Household Chemical Waste Drop-Off events — from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 and Feb. 27 — at its facility located at 1311 N. Estes St., Gurnee. Both events are free, and are designed for the collection of residential waste only; no business waste will be accepted. Acceptable items include CFL bulbs, unwanted prescription/over-the-counter medicines and supplements (people and pet), household cleaners, gasoline, garden chemicals, pesticides, oil-based paints (no latex) and varnishes, and other household chemicals. Each event is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, and for more information, call (847) 336-9340 or visit www.swalco.org.

Deerfield 

 Public Works Dept. testing detects no lead in water   

The Deerfield Public Works Department has completed lead testing that was conducted over the past several months. The effort included the testing of all drinking fountains and other fixtures where users may draw water for consumption at the Deerfield Park District, the Deerfield Public Library, West Deerfield Township and at other facilities operated by the village. To complete the tests, the appropriate number of water sampling bottles were given to each of the agencies involved, along with instructions on collecting samples. A total of 135 samples were collected and sent to an IEPA-certified laboratory for testing. Results from all samples came back with no lead detected. For more information, call the Public Works Department at (847) 317-2490 or visit www.deerfield.il.us.

Buffalo Grove 

 Village shares Bright Ideas Award with MPI partners 

The Northern Illinois Municipal Partnering Initiative (MPI), a Harvard University-sponsored program that includes Buffalo Grove and more than 30 municipalities in Cook and Lake County, received the Bright Ideas Award. The award acknowledges the very best in governmental innovation, and was presented to MPI on Jan. 18 by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Over the last seven years, MPI — a cooperative venture in which local governments purchase shared services and commodities — has been the catalyst for 25 joint bidding projects, resulting in a total savings of $2.6 million for taxpayers living in the participating municipalities. In 2016, Buffalo Grove and several other MPI members participated in a joint bid for cross-connection control device testing, which saved Buffalo Grove 40 percent compared to previous year pricing. To be considered for a Bright Ideas Award, programs must be in the process of launching a project or currently in operation, have sufficient operational resources, and be administered by one or more governmental entities. For more information, call (847) 459-2500 or visit www.vbg.org.

 Mundelein 

 Lark sworn in as new Chief Deputy Fire Chief 

Bill Lark recently was sworn in as Mundelein’s new Chief Deputy Fire Chief. Lark, hired by the Mundelein Fire Department in 1994 as a full-time firefighter and paramedic, was promoted through the ranks of Lieutenant and Battalion Chief before becoming Deputy Fire Chief in 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Studies for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Fla.), and also completed the University of Texas A&M’s Enhanced All-Hazards Incident Management/Unified Command Program. In addition, Lark runs Mundelein’s Dive Team, and is a leader of the Lake County and McHenry Count Dive teams. For more information, call (847) 949-3283 or visit www.mundelein.org.

Highland Park 

 City bans sale and use of coal tar pavement sealants 

Highland Park City Council recently approved a ban for the sale and use of coal tar products in Highland Park. The decision was made based on findings of the city’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC), which concluded that coal tar sealants have a negative impact on public health and the environment. The overall justification of the ban states that coal tar driveway sealants are widespread pollutants of water, creating major health threats. As a result of the decision, all pavement sealant professionals must secure an annual license from the city before performing any pavement sealing. For more information, including how to ensure that contractors are licensed, call the City Manager’s Office at (847) 926-1000 or visit www.cityhpil.com.

Lincolnshire 

 Stevenson Patriettes win competitive dance state title 

Stevenson High School announced that its varsity Patriettes team won the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) Class 3A competitive dance state championship on Jan. 28, marking the first title in program history. The Patriettes posted a winning score of 93.86, edging second-place Huntley (93.04). Stevenson has reached the IHSA state finals in each of the program’s five-year existence, placing second in 2013 and 2016, third in 2014 and fourth in 2015. The 2017 championship roster includes seniors Abigail Asher, Analese DeMaio, Samantha Merrick, Abby Mishory, Taylor Phillips, Nikki Prokos, Abigail Pucek, Alexis Puritz, Madison Randol, Jessica Rappaport, Mollie Rice and Samantha Sherman; juniors Hannah Cohen, Sophia Connolly, Rachel Foos, Sarah Kravitz, Marissa Levi, Nikki Morris and Amanda Weil; sophomores Amelia Lee and Angelina Silvestri; and freshman Jordyn Knysz. The Patriettes’ head coach is Kristin Piekarski, and the assistant coach is Laura Moschel.

Waukegan 

 Wine for WAGS tasting event to benefit homeless animals 

Wine for WAGS, a public wine-tasting event hosted by non-profit organization Waukegan Animals Getting Saved (WAGS), will be held from 2-5 p.m. Feb. 12 at 17 North Bar & Grill, 17 N. Genesee St. The event, a benefit for homeless animals at Waukegan Animal Control, includes samplings of up to six wines (red and white) and hors d’oeuvres. Admission is $15. For more information, call (847) 599-2500 or visit www.waukeganweb.net.