Briefs: Man injured in bed fire

Man injured in bed fire

A man set his bed on fire after falling asleep while smoking around 8:25 a.m. Saturday in an apartment at 940 E. Old Willow Road in Prospect Heights, police said. According to reports, Thomas Kropifko, 50, shouted to his roommate, James K. Moore, 55, who entered the bedroom, saw the bed on fire, and pulled Kropifko off the bed and out of the room. Firefighters put out the blaze, but residents in the other apartments were evacuated until the fire was extinguished. The victim, Kropifko was taken to Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, where he was treated for severe burns on his back and buttocks, reports said. A damage estimate was not available.

Legislators hold call-in

State Sen. Matt Murphy and Rep. Sidney Mathias will conduct a joint tele-townhall meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday to discuss issues affecting their overlapping districts, including mass transit and property taxes. Tele-townhall technology allows public officials to personally invite large audiences to join them on a live, interactive conference call. The tele-townhall operates similar to a radio talk show where the hosts are able to answer listener questions. If you would like to participate, call Murphy's office at (847) 359-5212.

Democrats picnic:

The Palatine and Wheeling Township Democratic Organizations will host a picnic supper from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Twin Lakes Recreation Area, 1200 Twin Lakes Dr., in Palatine. It's called "Hats Off to Candidates," and several candidates in the Feb. 5 primary election will be there. There will also be live music. Guests are invited to wear their favorite political hat, and prizes will be awarded for the best headgear. Tickets are $30 per person or $45 for two. Call Matt Flamm at (312) 636-5648 for more information.