Briefs: Red Cross offers flood help

Red Cross assistance is still available for Fox Valley residents affected by August storms. The Red Cross can provide resources such as cleanup kits, which include mops, bleach, flashlights and other cleaning supplies, as well tips for cleaning walls and clothing, and killing mildew. Residents may also seek medical assistance, request a debit card and make alternative housing arrangements through Red Cross. To make an appointment with the Red Cross' Arlington Heights office call (847) 255œ0703. The office is located at 544 N. Northwest Hwy. Residents are strongly advised to contact the Red Cross if assistance is still needed.

Fire department wins grant

If you notice Rutland-Dundee firefighters walking around in spiffy new gear, it's because the fire protection district has been awarded a federal grant to buy new equipment. The fire district will receive $92,428 under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, Congressman Dennis Hastert's office announced Thursday. The money will be used to buy new gear for all of the district's firefighters. "Most of our gear is pretty scraggly, well over 15 years old," Fire Chief Rick Thomas said. "It puts money into our hands to make people a lot safer." The fire district will match 10 percent of the grant amount.

Teacher pay panel formed

Huntley District 158 has formed a new board committee to study teacher compensation and recruitment. The committee will make recommendations to the school board and does not have the power to enact policy changes. The first committee meeting will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, when Marc Wallace, an author who has studied teacher compensation, will give a presentation on the topic at the District 158 administration building, 650 Academic Drive in Algonquin. Call (847) 659-6158.

Old cell phone collection

If you have an old cell phone in working condition with a wall charger that you aren't using, the Elgin Police Department is collecting them. The police department will clear the phone, make sure it can call 911 and distribute it to seniors in Elgin Township. The phones can be used only to call 911. About 600 cell phones have been distributed to area seniors so far and the police department is now in need of more. They can be dropped off at the Community Relations on the first floor of the Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Ave., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and at the front desk the rest of the time. Call Cherie Ashenbrenner at (847) 289-2626.