Briefs: Better unplug Rudolph

If that plastic Rudolph still is sitting in your front yard or multicolored holiday lights are hanging from your eaves, Carpentersville code enforcement officers say it's time to take them down. Saturday is the deadline for residents to remove all holiday decorations and lights. Noncompliance with the village code could result in a fine.

Hotline for election

Kane County voters with complaints about the special March 8 election to fill the vacant 14th Congressional District seat can call the state's attorney office. Prosecutors will staff the hotline at (630) 208-5328 to field reports from anyone who notices electioneering, illegally placed voting signs, denial of voting rights or other possible illegal activity. The hotline is for election reporting violations. Voter information questions can be answered at the Kane County clerk's Election Help Line at (630) 232-5990.

Grand opening set

It's not golf season yet, but it's never too early to start thinking about it. The Hickory Stick, a new bar and grill at the Highlands of Elgin Golf Course, will mark its grand opening today at 875 Sports Way, Elgin. The restaurant is available for large events. For more information, call (847) 937-5950.

Panel addresses hunger

A coalition of Elgin-area religious leaders will meet Sunday to discuss solutions to the area's hunger problem. A Community Forum on Hunger will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at Judson University in the Lindner Commons dining hall, 1151 N. State St., Elgin, and will feature music, prayer and numerous community leaders, including David Sam, president of Elgin Community College, and Jerry Cain, president of Judson University. Admission is $10 and includes a meal. Call (847) 484-4874 or (847) 741-8434.

State scholarships open

State Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, is accepting applications for the 2008-09 General Assembly Scholarship. Eight one-year, full-tuition scholarships are available to high school seniors or those earning equivalent diplomas and undergraduate and graduate students. Eligible applicants must already be accepted to a state-sponsored public university and be a resident of the 44th District, which includes parts or all of Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Streamwood. Criteria could include financial need, grade-point average, activities, essay, work experience and honors or awards. Applications are due April 15. Call (630) 372-3340.