Fox Valley briefs

State rep. hosts contest:

State Rep. Keith Farnham, an Elgin Democrat, will sponsor a Draft-a-Bill contest for area eighth-grade students. Entries are due by Jan. 8, at Farnham's office, 216 Prairie St., Elgin, and must include clear statement of the legislative idea, background facts and data, and at least three supporting statements. The bill must address one the following categories: education, health care, environment and renewable energy, economic development, veterans affairs or public safety. Winning entries will receive consideration for becoming a real law as well as a receive a certificate of recognition from the Illinois House. For details, call (847) 841-7130 or email krfarnham@gmail.com.

MLK art, essay contests:

Elgin city officials are accepting entries for the city's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. contest in which winners can receive a $100 savings bond. A panel will judge how entries from kindergarten through grade 12 reflect King's ideas and vision and how they communicate the theme, "Remember! Celebrate! Act!" There are four categories for the art contest and two for the essay contest. Winners will receive savings bonds of $100, $75 or $50. All entries must be submitted to Cherie Murphy at city hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, by 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Winning students and their principals will be notified on Jan. 8 and winners recognized on Jan. 17. For details, call (847) 931-6100 or (847) 931-5601.

Adoption event coming up:

The McHenry County Animal Welfare Coalition is holding an adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Crystal Lake Plaza, 5593 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Animals available for adoption can be viewed online at mcdh.info (click on Animal Control, Coalition). For details, call (815) 459-6222.