Raising the alarm to meet summer blood shortages, Lake County fire department chiefs joined together to issue a "Fire Department Blood Challenge," raising awareness of blood shortages through friendly competition. The Mundelein Fire Department opened its big garage doors July 3 for the latest blood drive, which also hosted the fire departments of Libertyville and Countryside.

Countryside Fire District provided a CPR and AED inservice training to the Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center lifeguard staff early morning June 27, 2008. The lifeguards review techniques and procedures during the training and are required to pass the practical evaluation. "It's important the lifeguards review lifesaving skills regularly during the summer to maintain a high level of awareness," said Tony Rodkey, Public Education Coordinator for Countryside Fire District. Rodkey provided the training and will revisit the aquatic center again this summer.

Libertyville Days is the community's annual celebration of itself, and the first day of the 2008 festival was full of fun for all ages.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville saw a massive influx of happy faces June 11, most of them fitting the "55 or better" age group.