Briefs: No injuries house fire
There were no injuries Tuesday in a Rolling Meadows house fire. The owner of a house in the 100 block of Croftwood Court smelled smoke in the bedroom, and closed the door to contain the fire, Battalion Chief Tom Callard said. Firefighters, who received the call at 5:49 p.m., took 6 minutes to extinguish the fire. An electrical short is to blame, Callard said. Palatine firefighters also assisted. The house had no working smoke detectors. Rolling Meadows firefighters gave the homeowner smoke detectors. Damage is estimated at $5,000. The house is still livable, authorities said.
Coyotes among us
Citizens for Conservation will host a program on coyotes -- their populations and behavior -- at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Vehe Farm, 23570 W. Cuba Road, in Deer Park. Chris Anchor, lead researcher for the Cook County Forest Preserve District's coyote project, will speak. He and his team have been studying coyote populations in Chicago's Northwest suburbs for many years and will give insight into coyote activities and discuss how to live peacefully with them. No admission fee, but a donation will be taken at the door. RSVP to (847) 382-SAVE.
Garrett gives raise away:
State Sen. Susan Garrett will donate $5,700, the amount of the increase in her legislative salary in 2007, to the Northern Suburban Special Education District Foundation for its scholarship program. Garrett voted no on the raises and pledged to use hers to fund scholarships for special education students to attend college. The foundation works to expand community awareness of disabilities and raise funds for special programs beyond the scope of the foundation's budget. In 2007, the foundation awarded four scholarships. To donate to the foundation or apply for a scholarship call (847) 831-5100. Garrett's 29th state Senate District covers parts of Des Plaines and Mount Prospect. She is running for re-election this November; no Democrat or Republican has filed to run against her.
Marathon signup on Feb. 1
Organizers of the Chicago Marathon have pushed back the opening of registration for the 2008 race to Feb. 1. Spokeswoman Marianne Caponi said the event, this year on Oct. 12, reaches capacity sooner each year and the decision was made so runners don't have to commit to running the race as early. She said extra time also gives organizers time to discuss issues such as water stations and communication. The 2007 marathon ended 3½ hours after its start because of 88-degree heat. Hundreds of people collapsed and were treated for heat-related illness.