Briefs: Huntley board OKs aid pact

The Huntley village board has approved an intergovernmental agreement to join in a public works mutual aid pact with four other McHenry County municipalities. Under the agreement, the towns would provide aid to each other during public works emergencies. "We've kind of informally done it for years where if a neighbor needs assistance or a loan, we'd loan them that," Assistant Village Manager Dave Johnson said. "This just formalizes it." The agreement also covers McHenry, Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills and Woodstock.

Warming shelter available

Elgin police remind residents to bundle up, check on loved ones and neighbors and use the department's lobby to warm up if needed during the current string of cold days. The department's lobby at 151 Douglas Ave. is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If assistance is needed to use a warm sheltering, call the department at (847) 289-2700. People should wear several layers of clothing along with mittens and a hat. Motorists should prepare a winter emergency kit for their vehicles that includes: a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom , flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first-aid kit with pocket knife, blankets, jumper cables and road salt.

Help for gas customers

Nicor Gas encourages qualified customers who are struggling to pay their heating bills to apply to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and benefit from the recently released $29 million in extra funding. To qualify, household monthly income cannot exceed 150 percent of the federally established poverty level. For details or to apply, visit www.liheapillinois.com or call the toll-free information line at (877) 411-9276.