Briefs: New chief for Schaumburg

Schaumburg police Cmdr. Dirk Christiansen has been appointed the department's the new chief of staff. He replaces Michael Prafke, who's retiring after 30 years on the force. The chief of staff oversees the administration of the department and shares the second-highest rank on the force with Director of Operations Brian Howerton, who oversees the patrol and investigation divisions. Both work under Richard Casler, who is director of police. Christiansen joined the force in 1977, was promoted to sergeant in 1999, lieutenant in 2000 and commander in 2005. Replacing him as commander will be Lt. Larry Barchet, while Sgt. Gerard Thommes will become a lieutenant and officer Shawn Green has been promoted to sergeant. The four veteran officers will be sworn in to their new positions at 10 a.m. Friday in the Community Room of the Martin J. Conroy Police Center. A reception for Prafke will follow at 11 a.m., and members of the public who would like to wish him well are welcome.

Big carnival starts today

The Summer Celebration carnival starts today and goes through Sunday in the parking lot of the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Use either the Mannheim Road or Lee Street entrances. Hours: 6-11 p.m. today and Thursday; 6-midnight Friday; 2 p.m.-midnight Saturday and 2-10 p.m. Sunday. Free parking and admission; pay for rides. Special $20 per person promotion gives unlimited rides 6 p.m.-close today and Thursday and 2-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More than 50 rides and attractions; food available for purchase.

Concert series starts today

The Barrington Park District kicks off its summer concert series tonight with a performance by the Juke Box Band. The group plays a wide range of tunes, including classic rock, blues, country and jazz. The free concert, which includes food and free giveaways, is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Citizens Park Amphitheater, 511 Lake Zurich Road in Barrington. Tonight's concert is the first of six planned for Wednesday nights during the summer. Concerts will be held at the Citizen's Park Pavilion in the case of rain. For concert updates, call (847) 381-0881.

Crossing gate troubled

The Union Pacific railroad crossing gate at Arlington Heights Road has malfunctioned several times in recent days, including overnight Monday and Tuesday afternoon. Arlington Heights police Cmdr. Nick Pecora said the southbound gate would stay down after the passing train cleared. "It was a little confusing," Pecora said. "It created a quandary for what motorists should do, and definitely snarled traffic."