The briefs: Severe weather week

Severe weather week

In honor of "Severe Weather Preparedness Week" which runs though Saturday, the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District asks that residents plan ahead and prepare for severe weather by creating a family plan for safety, one that includes children, people with special needs, the elderly and pets. For details, call the fire district at (847) 658-8233, or visit www.state.il.us/iema.

Autism center fundraiser

The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism in Lake in the Hills will hold its annual fundraiser beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. The event features, dinner, a silent auction and raffle and tickets cost $75 a person. For more information, visit www.alexanderleighcenterforautism.com, or call (847) 458-6802.

City buys trackless train

A new feature to entertain kids is coming to Elgin's Festival Park this summer. Elgin city leaders have given the OK to buy a 24-seat, electric mini train for kids to ride around the park. Rides will be $1 and the city expects to recoup its initial $59,730 cost within four years. The train will operate from May 31 through Aug. 31. The trackless train also could be used at other parks and the Centre of Elgin.