Fox Valley briefs

McHenry Transportation official among tops in nation:Mark DeVries, maintenance superintendent for the McHenry County Division of Transportation, was named Wednesday as one of the 2010 Top Ten Public Works Leaders by the American Public Works Association. DeVries earned the prestigious national recognition in part for his pioneering work in snow and ice removal, including his efforts to create a new de-icing material now used at public works departments across the country. The invention earned him the APWA's Technical Innovation Award in 2008. As maintenance superintendent, DeVries is responsible for planning and overseeing the upkeep of the county's highway system. The Top Ten Public Works Leaders Award is the APWA's way of recognizing professionals from across the U.S. and Canada for their career-long service and accomplishments. DeVries will receive the award at a May 12 APWA luncheon.Farmers market in Algonquin:Algonquin's annual Farmers Market is due to kick off Thursday May 20. The market, run by the Downtown Algonquin Partnership merchant's association, will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. every Thursday thereafter, through September in the municipal parking lot on South Harrison Street. Fruits, vegetables, baked goods, plants and organic goods will be available. For more information, visit www.downtownalgonquin.org.Firefighter memorial on tap:The annual Elgin Area Firefighter Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 15, at the Elgin and the George Van De Voorde Firefighters Memorial Park, Elgin Fire Barn No. 5, 533 Saint Charles St., Elgin. After the service, tours of the barn will be offered. For more information, (847) 849-0457.