Briefs: Hoffman Estates salt shortage

A regional salt shortage is forcing Hoffman Estates to ration where it salts streets, village officials said. Though the village typically orders 30 percent more salt than it estimates it will need, officials said they'll have to limit salt use and concentrate on salting slick areas on main streets and intersections, school areas, hills and curves. Hoffman Estates has about a six- to eight-week supply left, officials said. The village has ordered more salt, but delivery has been delayed, officials said.

No samurai swords, please

A 70-year-old man who was exercising with a pair of samurai swords caught the attention of neighbors and police earlier this week in Buffalo Grove. The police were called to Pritchett Elementary School, 200 Horatio Blvd,, at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday after someone noticed the man with a knife and the swords. Police escorted the man home and told him, with the help of his English-speaking son, that he could continue his exercises without the blades, which would have to stay at home.

See World War I art posters

The Bartlett Historical Society will host a presentation at 7 p.m. Monday on a collection of original World War I loan posters. After declaring war April 6, 1917, the U.S. government recruited famous illustrators of the day to create posters to support the war effort and conserve resources at home. The free event takes place at the Bartlett Library, 800 S. Bartlett Road. (630) 837-2855.