Briefs: W. Dundee collects leaves

West Dundee's annual leaf and yard waste pickup seasons are under way and will continue through November. Residents can place bagged leaves on the curb as yard waste. The village asks residents not to mix household trash with the yard waste, and to place bags on the curb no earlier than Thursday. The public works department will also collect leaves. Residents should rake leaves into the street about a foot from the curb. The pile should be free of sticks, rocks and other debris that could damage the leaf-collection equipment.

Buckthorn Blowout set

Elgin's Hawthorne Hill Nature Center will host its annual Great Buckthorn Blowout from 9 a.m. to noon today at the center, 28 Brookside Drive. Families and individuals are invited to cut and haul plants and trees and take an educational hike. Lunch will be provided. Call (847) 531-7009.

Village hires contractor

Lake in the Hills trustees unanimously approved hiring Excavating Concepts of Woodstock to install a concrete swale in the detention basin along Frank Road. Work on the project is expected to begin in two weeks. The concrete swale will alleviate water problems in the area. Excavating Concepts submitted the lowest of four bids for the project, about $34,000.

Visit scary houses

A self-guided tour of St. Charles' spookiest houses opens Friday. Guides for the Gallery of Goulish Homes tour are available at any park district facility or online at www.st-charlesparks.org. Homes will be judged Oct. 20 in six categories. The public can vote for a People's Choice Award through the park district Web site Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. Call (630) 513-4335.

Donate to pet charity

Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets in St. Charles is seeking contributions for its Fifth Annual Dinner & Auction Gala Friday at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. The nonprofit animal rescue group is looking for items and services from businesses and individuals for the auction. Contributions should have a retail value of at least $25. Call (630) 466-7244.

Sell at craft fair

Crafters are needed for an Oct. 27 show at St. Charles Episcopal Church, 994 N. Fifth Ave. (Route 25) in St. Charles. Booth space rental and information are available from canadafay@comcast.net or from Fay at (630) 497-8799.