Briefs: Oakton trustee resigns
Oakton trustee resigns: Oakton Community College is seeking a new trustee after the resignation of Trustee Michael Collins. Collins, who began his term in spring 2005, is leaving for a job out of state. The Oakton board has 60 days from his Sept. 18 resignation to fill the position until the term expires in April 2009. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a resident of District 535 for at least one year and a U.S. citizen. Those interested should submit a cover letter and a resume by Oct. 15 to Dr. Jeffrey Rosen, Chair Board of Trustees, Oakton Community College 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Disaster plea made to Bush
Illinois congressional leaders on Thursday sent a letter to President Bush, urging him to declare Cook, DuPage and McHenry counties federal disaster areas. Late August storms caused widespread flooding and damage across the area, but those three counties didn't make the initial list of those qualifying for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Lake, Kane, Will, DeKalb, Grundy and LaSalle counties on Tuesday were named federal disaster areas. Democratic U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, and Barack Obama signed the letter. Other supporters include Republican U.S. Reps. Judy Biggert and Mark Kirk, and Democratic U.S. Reps. Melissa Bean and Jan Schakowsky.
Building entry vandalized
A man set off an explosion around 9:20 p.m. Saturday in the lobby of an apartment building on the 900 block of Elizabeth Court, Wheeling police said. According to reports, the man was videotaped walking into the lobby, bending down, walking away and then something exploded. The lobby filled with smoke and officers evacuated the building until firefighters arrived. Witnesses saw the offender get into a dark green car with three other men and travel north through the parking lot and east on Hintz Road, according to reports. A damage estimate was not available.
Rail crossing reopened
Traffic is back flowing smoothly through downtown Barrington after work on the railroad crossing near Lake-Cook Road and Route 59 wrapped up Thursday. Barrington officials said the work to completely reconstruct the railroad crossing was finished a day early because of good weather in recent days. In all, the crossing maintenance project took nine days to complete.
Countryside reunites
Barrington Hills' Countryside School, 205 W. County Line Road, will host a reunion Saturday of former and current faculty, staff, students and parents. The reunion will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free, though RSVP is requested to Barrington Hills Village Hall at (847) 551-3000. Among those expected to attend are three generations of the Smith family who all have attended Countryside. The event also coincides with Barrington High School homecoming weekend, and Countryside will be represented in the homecoming parade that kicks off at 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the Barrington train station and makes its way through downtown and to the high school.
Conservation work day
Thousands of volunteers are expected to help restore natural areas across the country on National Public Lands Day, scheduled for Saturday. Last year 100,000 people turned out to join the effort. Locally, volunteers are invited to join Barrington-based Citizens For Conservation, or CFC, in collecting seeds of native plants that will be planted in local natural area restorations. First-time and veteran volunteers of all ages will meet at CFC headquarters, 459 West Hwy. 22, a white farmhouse with a silo across from Good Shepherd Hospital. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants and sturdy shoes and bring work gloves if available. The workday is 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. For details, call CFC at (847) 382-7283.