Briefs: Man claims illegal search

Claiming police conducted an illegal search, the defense for a former Cary man accused of having a homemade bomb in his estranged wife's home is asking a court to throw out the evidence against him. If successful, the move could force McHenry County prosecutors to dismiss felony weapons charges filed against Dominic Bender, 28, of Schaumburg, after the November 2006 bomb discovery prompted authorities to evacuate several neighbors and led to the cancellation of classes for the day at nearby Prairie Hill School. The request mirrors one previously made in Cook County that ultimately led a judge to suppress evidence in similar charges there, forcing prosecutors to drop that case. The motion claims that police unlawfully searched Bender's Schaumburg home, finding weapons that led them to conduct a similar search at his wife's Cary residence. A hearing on the request is scheduled June 4.

Planting marks Arbor Day

To commemorate Arbor Day on Friday, the village of West Dundee will plant a white oak tree -- the state tree of Illinois -- at 10 a.m., at Grafelman Park, 400 W. Main St. Trees can lower heating and cooling costs, increase property values, produce oxygen and remove pollutants from the air.

School puts on spring show

Algonquin Middle School will present its spring musical, "Pirates of Penzance," at 7 p.m. Friday in the school gym. The show will feature more than 50 students directed by Erin Truesdell and assistant director Michelle Bradbury. Seventh-grader Tim Komaromy will oversee the crew as student director. Tickets will be available at the door. An afterglow will follow the performance. The school is located at 520 Longwood Drive. Call (847) 658-2545.