Briefs: Window winners named

The Razor's Edge, 55 Douglas Ave., took first place in the business category of the 2007 Window Wonderland Contest in Elgin. More than 20 businesses and organizations participated in the contest. Books At Sunset, 24 Douglas Ave., finished second. Art for All, 225 E. Chicago St., and the Adult ESL program at YWCA, 53 Douglas Ave., took first and second, respectively, for the open category. St. John's Lutheran School, 109 N. Spring St., captured first for the student category, followed by the North East Neighborhood Association, 15-19 Ziegler Court, and the Larsen Middle School Student Council, 16 Douglas Ave., who tied for second. The winning groups will be presented with their awards at the Jan. 23 Elgin City Council meeting.

Try out for talent showcase

The Huntley Unit District 158 Foundation is holding auditions for its first Community Showcase in February. The foundation is seeking dancers, singers, bands and entertainers of all types. Auditions will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16 in Room 1216 at Huntley High School. Acts should be family-friendly and under four minutes in length. There are no age or residency requirements. A piano and CD player will be available. The showcase is set for 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Huntley High School. Call (815) 923-8810.

Hearing today on EJ&E

Fox Valley residents concerned about the possible takeover of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. will have the chance today to let federal officials know their concerns firsthand. The National Surface Transportation Board will hold a hearing from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Hwy. in Barrington. Visit www.fightrailcongestion.com, www.stb.dot.gov or call (800) 347-0689. In October, Canadian National Railroad began the process of trying to purchase EJ&E. The sale potentially adds dozens of trains through the area. Those who attend will be able to ask questions about the proposal and the environmental review process as well as discuss the potential environmental effects of the proposal. Both oral and written comments will be accepted.