Cook County news digest

Snow molders returning

The 4th annual Snow Visions Chicago Snow Sculpting Competition will be Feb. 6-10 at Randhurst Shopping Center in Mount Prospect -- weather permitting. Professional teams from several states and countries will create 10-foot tall snow sculptures. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and admission is fee. Teams start with a 2½-ton block of snow, competing for a $1,500 grand prize. Spectators can vote for their favorite piece from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Local high schools also will compete. The event is hosted by the village of Mount Prospect and sponsored by Snow Visions, a not-for-profit organization. For more information, visit www.SnowVisions.com.

Duckworth meets on vets

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth will be the special guest at the Support4Vets meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at Forest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. The event is open to the public. Support4Vets was started in September to build a network of volunteers to serve returning veterans. Services will include vocational training, employment skills, legal assistance, and emotional and spiritual counseling. For more information or to become a Support4Vets volunteer, contact John Brennan, group chairman, at (847) 259-9740, e-mail john@support4vets.com, or visit www.support4vets.com.

Learn all about coyotes

The Barrington area's Citizens For Conservation will host a special presentation on coyotes, their populations and behaviors at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Vehe Barn, 23570 W. Cuba Road in Deer Park. Chris Anchor of the Cook County Forest Preserve District will present the program, which will provide insight into the animal's activities. Anchor also will make suggestions on how to live peacefully with coyotes. Admission is free but donations will be accepted at the door. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to R.S.V.P. by calling (847) 382-7283.