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District 300 candidate forum

The unions that represent employees in Community Unit District 300 are hosting a forum for candidates seeking a seat on the District 300 school board at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive, Algonquin. Candidates will present opening and closing remarks and answer questions posed by union representatives and the audience. For details, call (847) 428-7640.

Prosecutor joins elite group

Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Ryan Blackney has been admitted by the Supreme Court of Illinois as a member of the Capital Litigation Trial Bar. The Capital Litigation Trial Bar was created in 2001 to ensure that attorneys who prosecute or defend death penalty cases have the ability, knowledge and experience to do so in a competent, ethical and professional manner. Only 10 attorneys in McHenry County are certified to prosecute or defend capital cases. Seven of them work in the state's attorney's office. Blackney is a 2001 graduate of Miami University in Ohio and a 2003 graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Test homes for radon

The McHenry County Department of Health is encouraging residents to test their homes for radon levels. In recognition of Public Health Week, April 6-12, special pricing for short-term radon test kits has been extended for the entire month, The kits are available at the health department's Woodstock office for $5. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless gas that is harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air, but when trapped in buildings, can be harmful at elevated levels. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.