Fox Valley in 60 seconds

Early voting begins today

Early voting for the April 7 election runs from today through Thursday, April 2. There are 42 early voting sites throughout suburban Cook County, 12 in DuPage County, 17 in Lake County, 15 in Kane County and 7 in McHenry County. Voters can check the Web sites of the county election coordinators for days and hours of operation for the early voting sites. Visit cookctyclerk.com for suburban Cook County voting information; dupageelections is the DuPage County site; lakecountyil.com will assist Lake County voters; kanecountyelections is the site for Kane County voting details; and McHenry County voters should visit co.mchenry.il.us. Many suburban election officials reported more than 20 percent of the ballots cast in the November 2008 election came from early voting.

ECC waives job fair fee

Elgin Community College will waive the $275 registration fee for employers participating in the college's April 2 job fair. Peggy Gundrum, director ECC's career services department, said eliminating the fee encourages more employer participation during a time when they may be thinking twice about what to spend their money on. The job fair will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Spartan Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, in Elgin.

Free pouches from fire department

The Elgin Fire Department and the Elgin Association of Firefighters Local 439 have magnetized pouches available for city residents at any of Elgin's seven fire stations. Residents can put important medical information in the pouches that can then easily be accessed by paramedics or fire crews during an emergency. Community or neighborhood groups can learn more by scheduling a presentation with Elgin Fire Lt. Bob Bedard by calling (847) 931-6175. Pouches are available at: 550 Summit St.; 650 Big Timber Rd.; 2455 Royal Blvd.; 599 S. McLean Blvd.; 804 Villa St.; 707 W. Chicago St.; and 3270 Longcommon Parkway.