The Wildlife Discovery Center will host one of the Midwest’s largest reptile exhibitions, Reptile Rampage, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 12 at the Lake Forest Recreation Center Gymnasium, 400 Hastings Road.

Lake County 

Lake County to host Ordinance Revision Open House 

Lake County will host an Ordinance Revision Open House from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. March 15 at the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), 600 Winchester Road, Libertyville. Several Lake County departments are reviewing and updating ordinances, and the departments will have information booths and staff members on hand to discuss the ordinances and answer questions. Participating departments include LCDOT, the Lake County Health Department, Planning, Building & Development, Public Works and the Stormwater Management Commission. Public comments also can be submitted on the Lake County website at www.lakecountyil.gov. For more information, call (847) 377-2000 or visit the website.

Barrington Hills 

BCFPD launches new appointments at special ceremony 

The village reported that the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) named James Kreher as Fire Chief, recognized recently promoted officers and pinned badges on new firefighters who successfully completed their probationary service periods during a special ceremony, held Jan. 16 at the Lake Barrington Fire Station. Kreher, who joined the BCFPD in 2014 and served as Acting Chief since July 2016, was officially sworn in as Fire Chief by Board President Keith Hanson. In addition, Deputy Chief Donald Wenschhof III, and Assistant Chiefs Nick Asta and Scott Motisi, were administered the oath of office for their respective positions. Officers recognized for recent promotions included Battalion Chief Brett Haller, Captain Angela Grandgeorge, and Lieutenants Byron Johnson, Eric Mandel, Matt McKinnon and Kyle Racina. New firefighters who received their badges were Nick DeLaurentis, Justin Kenyon, Cody Kruse, Zach Major, Dan Murphy, Jessica Potoczky, Matthew Reibel and Sean Wagner. For more information, call (224) 848-4800 or visit www.barringtonhills-il.gov.

Lake Forest 

Vast reptile exhibit coming to Lake Forest Rec Center 

The Wildlife Discovery Center will host one of the Midwest’s largest reptile exhibitions, Reptile Rampage, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 12 at the Lake Forest Recreation Center Gymnasium, 400 Hastings Road. Enthusiasts and experts from around the region will exhibit more than 150 snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises and other reptiles, and visitors will have opportunities to meet, handle and learn about the animals with representatives from museums, universities, zoos, nature centers and private collections. Featured exhibitors include the Chicago Herpetological Society, the Field Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Grove Nature Center, among others. The event serves as the Wildlife Discovery Center’s annual spring fundraiser, and proceeds will benefit the care of its animals and wildlife, as well as environmental education programming. In addition, a silent auction benefiting the Center and various conservation programs will be ongoing throughout the day. Admission is $10 per person, and free for children ages 3 and under. For more information, call (847) 810-3663 or visit www.cityoflakeforest.com.

Grayslake 

Village of Grayslake nets prestigious financial reporting award 

The village recently received its second Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GOFA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Grayslake’s award-winning CAFR was prepared by Finance Director/Treasurer Bettina O’Connell. For more information, call (847) 223-8515 or visit www.villageofgrayslake.com.

Highland Park 

Highland Park Senior Center to host Rules of the Road Review Course 

The Highland Park Senior Center, 54 Laurel Ave., will host a Rules of the Road Review Course from 9:30-11:45 a.m. March 9. The program is designed to provide older drivers with the knowledge and confidence needed to renew or obtain a driver’s license. The course combines an explanation of the driving exam with a practice written exam. Admission is free. Advance registration is required. To sign up, and for more information, call (847) 432-4110 or visit www.cityhpil.com.

Mundelein 

Mundelein High’s jazz groups score high at fest 

The village reported that Mundelein High School’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra recently earned superior ratings at the North Shore Jazz Festival, held at Glenbrook South High School. The Jazz Orchestra placed first in its class as a AA Second Jazz Ensemble, and the Jazz Ensemble placed second in its class as a AA Jazz Ensemble. Freshman alto saxophonist Garrett Munz was recognized at the event as an outstanding soloist. In addition, junior trombonist Karl Kirkpatrick recently was selected as an All-State Musician, and represented Mundelein High School at the Illinois Music Education Association Conference, held in Peoria. For more information, call (847) 949-2200 or visit www.mundelein.org.

Lake Zurich 

Lake Zurich Public meeting seeks input on signage code changes 

The village announced that a public meeting, designed to seek input regarding revised signage code regulations, will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 7 at the Lake Zurich Police Department Community Room, 200 Mohawk Trail. A presentation will be given to highlight changes to the code, followed by a question-and-answer session for any residents or members of the business community in attendance. Following the public meeting, staff members intend to present the new sign code regulations to the Planning and Zoning Commission at an upcoming public hearing, followed by Village Board adoption of the new regulations. For more information, call (847) 438-5141 or visit www.lakezurich.org.

Lake Villa 

Village of Lake Villa to host annual St. Pat’s parade, luncheon 

The village announced that the Annual St. Patrick’ Day Parade & Corned Beef and Cabbage Luncheon will be held on March 11. Line-up for the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Palombi Middle School, 133 McKinley Ave., and the parade will start at noon. The parade route follows McKinley Avenue north to Burnett Avenue, and continues to Sherwood Avenue, Grand Avenue and Cedar Avenue before ending on Railroad Avenue. The Corned Beef & Cabbage Luncheon will be held at the Lake Villa VFW, 130 E. Grand Ave., immediately following the parade. For more information, call (847) 356-6100 or visit www.lake-villa.org.