Fox Valley briefs

MCC seeks input on next leader:

McHenry County College is asking the public to weigh in on the school's ongoing presidential search. The college is holding a special session for the community from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 inside the school's employee dining room on campus, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake. Based on the feedback, the firm conducting the search - Isaacson Miller - will complete a presidential profile. For more information, call the school at (815) 455-8727.

Huntley passes 2009 levy:

Huntley passed its 2009 property tax levy this week. The village will request $3,665,000 next year, a 5 percent increase over the amount the village estimates it will collect this year, $3,489,390. However, village officials only expect Huntley's tax haul to rise by 3.45 percent next year, most of that driven by new construction, including the Walmart Supercenter that opened earlier this year. The law limits Huntley's increases to the lesser of 5 percent or the rate of inflation. The village expects the tax rate to drop from .4138 per $100 of equalized assessed value to .4095 next year.

Grafton Township has coats for needy:

Gently used winter coats are available for local residents in need at the Grafton Township offices, 10109 Vine St., Huntley. The township has coats for men, women, boys and girls. The offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (847) 669-3328.

State rep. hosts contest:

State Rep. Keith Farnham, an Elgin Democrat, has announced he will sponsor a Draft-a-Bill contest for area eighth-grade students. Entries are due by Jan. 8, at Farnham's office, 217 Prairie St., Elgin. The entry must include clear statement of a legislative idea, background facts and data on issues the legislation would address 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 certificate of recognition from the Illinois House. For details, call (847) 841-7130 or e-mail krfarnham@gmail.com.