Tri-Cities in 60 seconds
Water quality concern:The village of South Elgin is warning its neighbors in unincorporated areas that it has detected small amounts of perchloroethylene in water extracted from one of its seven wells. The chemical, widely used in dry cleaning solvents and metal cleaners, was detected at concentrations of 2.44 micrograms per liter last May and 1.3 in October in water before treatment. The Illinois EPA requires private well owners to be notified when readings of 0.5 are detected. The EPA says it is safe to drink water with less than 5 micrograms of PCE per liter. Those on private wells are urged to get their water tested. The village will continue monitoring the well on a more frequent basis.Thought-provoking films:The United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St., is beginning twice-monthly screenings of films about social, environmental, cultural and justice issues. Comedy, drama and documentary forms will be presented. It begins at 7:15 p.m. Friday with "The Sensation of Sight," starring David Strathairn. "Still Bill," about soul musician Bill Withers, is at 7:15 p.m. March 26. Admission is a suggested donation of $5. For details, visit genevaumc.org or contact the Rev. Matthew Johnson at (630) 232-7120 or via e-mail at matthew@genevaumc.org.ECC hosts Darfur fundraiser:Elgin Community College students are hosting a "Dance for Darfur" to raise funds to help stop genocide. The fundraiser is from 7 to 10 p.m. March 17 at ECC's Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. It is sponsored by the college's Writers Center, Amnesty International, Black Students Association, Spartan Design Club and ECC's Office of Student Life. The dance will feature a live performance by The Qballs, a blues, funk, rock and soul band. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged and will be accepted at the door. Since 2006, ECC has raised more than $6,000 for the cause. Call Rachael Tecza at (847) 214-7578. St. Charles chamber event:The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce will have an After-Hours event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. March 18 at Wine Sergi Insurance, 225 Smith Road. For more information about After-Hours events hosted by the Chamber or to become a member, please call (630) 584-8384.Landscaping workshop:Spring Bluff Nursery, Norris Road off Bliss Road in Sugar Grove, has a free landscape workshop March 20 with a landscape designer. To sign up, call (630) 466-4278. Visit springbluffnursery.com/contact.htm.