Still chances to learn about candidates

Still don't know who to vote for out there?

If you live in Elgin, Cary or Fox River Grove, a pair of free candidates' events might help you make up your mind.

Elgin's Near West Neighbors Association is holding one final forum before the election, featuring candidates running for the three, four-year seats.

This forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.

After two-minute opening statements, a moderator will begin a question and answer period.

Juan Figueroa, Robert Gilliam and John Walters are seeking re-election.

Challengers Richard Dunne, Brenda Harris Khan, Shane Nowak, John Prigge, Linda Quezada, Bruce Trego and Lenora Scruggs hope to unseat them.

Meanwhile, the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to meet the candidates running for office in Cary and Fox River Grove.

The function also is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. at Cary Country Club, 2400 Grove Lane.

You'll get to meet the candidates up close and personal and ask them where they stand on village issues.

Those running for the three seats in Cary are: incumbents Steve Adams, Robert Bragg, and Rick Dudek, and challengers Frank O'Laughlin and Ray Chisholm.

In Fox River Grove, Suzanne Blohm, Robert Nunamaker and Paulette Pelletier all are vying for the open village president seat.

As well, you can also people running uncontested races in both towns.

They include Cary's Tom Kierna, running unopposed for mayor, Nancy Bragg, who is not being challenged in the village clerk race.

In Fox River Grove, the following people are running unopposed for the village board: Jerry Menzel, Dennis Bowman and Michael Ireland.

For more information, call the chamber at (847) 639-2800. Coffee and cookies will be available.

Election Day is Tuesday, April 7.

Cleaning house: It's almost time for spring cleaning in Algonquin.

You won't need stickers for this cleanup and here's a quick list of items Waste Management will be happy to take off your hands: couches, toys, grills, dressers and patio furniture.

But if you have auto parts, landscape waste, construction materials and electronics to get rid of, you'll need to find another way to dispose of them.

Cleanup begins at the end of April.

For specific dates and more information, visit www.algonquin.org.

•Lenore Adkins covers Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Pingree Grove and McHenry County College. To reach her, send an e-mail to ladkins@dailyherald.com or call (847) 608-2725.