The briefs: Randall traffic warning

Randall traffic warning

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction Wednesday and Thursday on Randall Road so crews can conduct inspections on the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad and Tyler Creek Bridge, south of Big Timber Road. Tests last week were postponed. Crews will be drilling into the concrete to measure salt corrosion in the steel beams that help support the bridge. For more information, call Mike Zakosek at (630) 584-1170.

Fire tips for seniors

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District will hold a fall and fire prevention program called Remembering When for seniors at 6 p.m. Wednesday inside Station 1 at Algonquin and Pyott roads. Attendees will learn 16 fall and fire prevention tips aimed at seniors. For details or to register, call the fire district at (847) 658-8233. Space is reserved for 30.

Turn your lights off

Residents who want to help fight climate change can do their part by turning off lights in their homes from 8 to 9 p.m. Saturday as part of Earth Hour. The goal of Earth Hour is to reduce energy usage, thus curbing carbon dioxide emissions. The U.S. is the world's leading emitter of carbon dioxide. For details or to sign up go to www.earthhourus.org.

Academy deadline nears

The Elgin Police Department is accepting applications until Wednesday for its spring 2008 Citizens Police Academy. The nine-week, free program is once a week from 6 to 9 p.m. from April 1 through June 3. Its goal is to build a better understanding between residents and the department . Some activities include police dogs, gang and drug investigations, shooting at the department's firing range, processing a crime scene and observing a mock trial. For questions or an application, call (847) 289-2588 or visit cityofelgin.org and click "departments" then "police" and "community relations/crime prevention." Applicants must be 18 or older and pass a criminal background check.