The briefs
Homeless man robs store
A homeless man in his mid-20s was arrested Friday after Arlington Heights police say he robbed the White Hen Pantry at 333 S. Arlington Heights Road of several hundred dollars. Jason Chandler, whose last known address is the 1500 block of Bunescu Court in Buffalo Grove, was charged with felony robbery. Police say Chandler saw an opportunity to steal from the lottery drawer earlier that day when he visited the store, located a few blocks south of the police station. When he returned at 6 p.m., Chandler allegedly grabbed the money and was locked in by the clerks when he attempted to flee. A short scuffle ensued before Chandler broke free and police picked him up shortly after on his bicycle. Chandler is being held on $25,000 bond.
Feds advance rail sale
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board announced Monday it will consider the application of the Canadian National Railway Corp.'s proposal to purchase the EJ&E rail line that rings the Chicago suburbs from Joliet to Barrington and beyond. But the federal agency says it will require a full environmental impact statement because of the large projected rail traffic increases on some segments of the line and their affect on communities along the line. Barrington-area leaders have prepared an organized response to the impending sale over concerns that it would bring more freight traffic into the area that would "threaten the quality of life of all residents of our area." The EJ&E line is also touted as the home of the proposed suburb-to-suburb STAR commuter line. A transportation board release indicated the process of approval when an environmental impact statement is required can take as little as 18 months or as long as several years.
Fundraiser for the disabled
The Schaumburg chapter of the Center for Independent Futures, which provides supported housing for adults with developmental disabilities, will hold a fundraiser Saturday. A Madrigal dinner featuring the Barrington High School Madrigal Singers will take place at The Barn of Barrington, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday with cocktails and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 and individual tickets or tables of six, eight and 10 can be reserved by contacting Dan or Beth Faillo at (847) 985-9838 or djfdan@comcast.net.
Park district wins honor
The Wheeling Park District was recently awarded the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its annual financial report. The certificate of achievement is the highest recognition in the area of governmental accounting. The report is judged on factors such as "spirit of full disclosure."