Briefs: House gutted by fire

House gutted by fire

A fire gutted a house in the Woodstock area Thursday, authorities said. No one was injured in the 3:45 p.m. blaze at 10405 Aavang Road. No one was home at the time. The fire remained under investigation Thursday night, but it did not seem suspicious, Woodstock Fire Rescue District officials said. It likely started in a utility room, McHenry County sheriff's police said. A damage estimate was not available.

Bathroom open again

The small bathroom in the Cary village hall that was recently shut down due to asbestos lurking in the floor is back in full working order, an official said Thursday. Workers cleared the substance out of the bathroom during the holiday season. This particular bathroom is situated in the part of village hall that houses the police department. The building is more than 100 years old, officials said.

Teens in reading challenge

This winter, the Huntley Area Public Library is offering a two-month reading program just for teens. The "Let it Snow (Read Cool Stuff)" winter reading challenge starts Jan. 9 and ends March 9. The challenge is open to kids in the sixth through 12th grades. Starting Jan. 9, you can register at the library's reference desk or online at www.huntleylibrary.org. Every participant will receive a reading log and a sign-up prize. Call (847) 669-5386 for details.