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.

Students at their first fencing class probably didn’t anticipate that they would be sparring with one another before nights end, but after being shown a few of the basics, the young students were given swords and tossed into the ring.

The Lake Bluff Farmers Market for the 2008 season features some familiar faces, new friends, and of course, lots of fresh flavors.

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.