Briefs: Plan for severe weather

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

Time to screen trash bin

Carpentersville residents who have to store their black garbage carts in front of their homes have until March 30 to properly screen the cart. The village adopted an ordinance last month that allows some residents in the Morningside and Berkshire neighborhoods to leave carts in the front instead of in the side or rear yard. The cart must be blocked from view by a shrub, fence or wall. Since the weather is not conducive to planting foliage or installing a fence, the village extended the deadline to the end of the month. Enforcement will begin April 1.

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. For more information, call Crespo's constituent service office at (630) 372-3340.