Briefs: Mundelein cop honored

Mundelein police officer Kathleen Smith has been given the GLMV Chamber of Commerce's 2007 Community Service Award. Smith was recognized for her efforts to coordinate the chamber's holiday assistance program for a local family.

Write-in candidates in race

North Chicago residents Jerry Johnson and Phil Collins will be eligible for write-in votes in the state Senate 30th District when people go to the polls on Tuesday. State Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat, is the only candidate who'll be on the ballot. Collins, a Republican, will be eligible for votes only in Lake County. Johnson, a Democrat, will be eligible for votes only in Cook County. Because no Republicans filed for the ballot, Collins needs 1,000 votes Tuesday to be the GOP's nominee against Link in the general election. Most of the 30th District is in Lake County, but some is in Cook County.

Board member resigning

Antioch Elementary District 34 board member Theresa Kovach said she will resigning from the board. In the seven years she has served as a board member Kovach, 43, took on roles as secretary and vice president. She was also influential in the development of the district's current gifted programming.

Five-alarm chili, coming up

Whole Foods Market in Palatine is teaming up with six local fire departments for a chili cookoff from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Customers can sample each of the various chilis and vote for their favorite. The winning fire department will get a $250 donation to its fire prevention education fund. Firefighters from Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Lake Zurich, Mount Prospect, Palatine and Villa Park are slated to participate. Whole Foods Market is at 1331 N. Rand Road. Call (847) 776-8080 for details.