The briefs: House candidate off ballot
A Moderate Party candidate seeking to represent the 8th Congressional District seat has been bounced from the Feb. 5 primary ballot. The Illinois State Board of Elections upheld the challenges to Iain Abernathy's candidate petitions. The seat now is held by two-term Democrat Melissa Bean. Abernathy, of Round Lake, could not be reached for comment. Bean, another Democrat and three Republicans remain in the running for the post. The 8th District includes northwest Cook, western Lake and eastern McHenry counties.
Easement rights granted
The McHenry County Conservation District Board last week accepted 47.5 acres worth of a conservation easement from McHenry residents Alice and Bill Howenstine. Bill Howenstine served on the board from 1971 to 1979. This property abuts the district's Pioneer Fen property just south of Ringwood Road in McHenry Township. It's also adjacent to 34 acres the Howenstines, who this year received the 2007 Peace and Justice Award, gave to the district in 2006.
Rehab shuts Elgin museum
The Elgin Area Historical Society's museum, Old Main, at 360 Park St., Elgin, will be closed January and February while volunteers create new displays and refurbish existing exhibits. Some tours and scheduled meetings will continue, but public access will be limited until March 1. You can make appointments to research in the Reber Library or purchase items from the museum store. Call the historical society at (847) 742-4248 or visit www.elginhistory.org.
Nursing program at ECC
Those interested in enrolling in Elgin Community College's professional nursing program are encouraged to attend an upcoming information session detailing the program's requirements. ECC has scheduled a group information meeting for prospective nursing majors in January on the Main Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The session starts at 6 p.m. Jan. 7, in the Advanced Technology Center auditorium. ECC representatives will outline the entrance requirements and admission process, describe the nursing program, and explore employment options in the nursing field. The session is free, but reservations are encouraged. Call (847) 214-7385.