Briefs: Storm costs still growing
The Mount Prospect public works department this week requested additional funds from the village board for costs related to the Aug. 23 storm. The department asked for $35,000 for tree removal, $62,000 for stump removal and $49,000 for wound and stub repair. About 10 percent of the village's public trees were damaged in the storm, with 281 trees needing complete removal. Although village crews continue the removal effort, Public Works Director Glen Andler said private contractors are needed to supplement their work. The private contractors conducting the work would be Kramer Tree Specialists, Powell Tree Care Inc. and Steve Piper & Sons Inc.
Fire station open houses
Several area fire stations are planning open houses this week and next to coincide with National Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Sunday to Oct. 13. Many open houses will feature displays of equipment, tours, fire safety tips and children's activities. Nicor Gas also will be on hand at many of the events to educate the public on natural gas safety such as proper appliance connectors. Upcoming area open houses are: Palatine Fire Station 84, 39 E. Colfax St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Elk Grove Village Fire Department, 1000 Oakton St., 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday; Streamwood Fire Department, 1204 S. Park Ave., noon to 3 p.m. Sunday; Long Grove Fire Department, 1165 Old McHenry Road, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13; Hanover Park Fire Department, 1661 Maple, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct 13; Arlington Heights Fire Station No. 2, 1150 N. Arlington Heights Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13.
Octoberfest at Twin Lakes
Get ready for Dick Theml and the Alpiners to fill the air with polka music along with the aroma of fresh brats, sauerkraut and German potato salad for Twin Lakes' 13th annual Octoberfest celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive in Palatine. A free hayride will be given and pumpkins will be delivered. Bring four food donations for the Palatine Food Pantry and get something in exchange. Go to www.saltcreekpd.com or call (847) 934-6050.
Dispute led to shooting
A 20-year-old Boston man captured in Mount Prospect will be facing charges today in Boston on second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm charges, Massachusetts officials said. At 9 a.m. Monday, Cook County sheriff's police arrested Anh Vu Nguyen, 20, at 1828 W. Magnolia Lane. Nguyen is charged with firing a gun outside a man's home, striking the victim inside in the head, authorities said. Cook County sheriff's office spokeswoman Penny Mateck said the arrest was made a day after getting a tip from Massachusetts State Police that Nguyen was living with a relative in Mount Prospect and working at a family-owned nail salon.