Fox Valley briefs

U-46 Special Olympians to scrimmage at United Center

Elgin Area School District U-46's Blue Stars Special Olympics basketball team was selected by the Chicago Bulls to play a scrimmage game immediately preceding the 7 p.m. game Dec. 26 at the United Center. Approximately 30 athletes will play in the game, and be cheered on by 350 family members and supporters. District officials say the Bulls gave the group half-price tickets.

McHenry County, Pace expand Dial-A-Ride

McHenry County is teaming with Pace to offer expanded Dial-A-Ride transit service beginning Feb. 13 through funding provided by the county's Transit Grant Program and Senior Services Grant Fund. Rides will be available for trips beginning or ending within the city boundaries of Crystal Lake, McHenry and Woodstock, as well as to and from the Valley Hi Nursing Home or the Fox Lake Metra station. Those 65 and older and people with disabilities are also eligible for trips originating or ending anywhere in McHenry or Dorr townships. All one-way trips are $3 and must be paid in cash. Rides must be scheduled one day in advance. Required registration can be made online at McHenryCountyDOT.org. For details, call Sarah Lutz, transportation planner at the McHenry County Division of Transportation, at (815) 334-4985.

MLK art, essay contests

Elgin annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. contest is now being judged. Winners will receive a savings bond. A panel will judge how entries from kindergarten through grade 12 reflect King's ideas and vision and how they communicate the theme, "Remember! Celebrate! Act!" There are four categories for the art contest and two for the essay contest. Winners will receive savings bonds of $100, $75 or $50. Winning students and their principals will be notified on Jan. 8 and winners recognized on Jan. 17. For details, call (847) 931-6100 or 931-5601.