Cook County briefs

Palatine fire ruled arson:

Arson is to blame for a fire that broke out early Jan. 1 at a Palatine apartment building, police are now indicating. The updated police blotter lists the incident as being caused by "arson/explosive device." The blaze originated around 2:05 a.m. in the rear stairwell of the building at 1475 N. Ports O Call Drive. No injuries were reported and residents were allowed to return to their apartments. Deputy Police Chief Al Stoeckel said police are assisting fire investigators and conducting interviews. He said authorities haven't concluded how exactly the blaze started and that the investigation is ongoing.

Clerk robbed at gunpoint:

An armed robber stole approximately $200 from the Clark gas station, 5 W. Palatine Road, in Palatine, around 7:40 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Police said a man armed with a black handgun and wearing a black stocking ordered the female clerk not to look at him as he demanded money. She put the cash drawer on the counter and he took about $200 before she heard a car drive away. The robber was wearing a royal blue jacket or sweatshirt and a black skullcap.

Input sought on top job:

Maine Township High School District 207 has posted a survey at www.maine207.org, where community residents are asked to comment until Jan. 24 on the search for a new superintendent. The survey asks respondents to identify the district's greatest strengths and challenges and the characteristics they think are most important in a new superintendent. The board plans to name a superintendent no later than April to succeed Joel Morris, who is retiring. The board is working with a search firm, School Exec Connect. Contact Linda Hanson at lhanson@schoolexecconnect.com or Tom Madden at tommadden@rocketmail.com with questions or comments regarding the search.