Briefs: Reversal in firefighter suit

Siding with an injured firefighter, a state appellate court has reversed a 2004 Cook County circuit court decision in a suit against Bartlett Fire Protection District over workers' compensation. Steven G. Bahr claimed his wages were slashed after he took a six-month disability leave upon suffering back injuries while lifting a patient into an ambulance in 2000, according to court documents. Bahr claimed the salary cut decreased the amount of disability pay to which he was entitled. He returned to work, re-injured his back in 2003 and sought additional workers' compensation. He filed a lawsuit when those were denied. The Cook County circuit court had ruled earlier that Bahr was only entitled to the $100,000 compensation he received in 2004. But the appellate court ruling, released Wednesday, said Bahr is entitled to additional compensation, though the amount was not immediately clear.

Hanover Park man arrested

Hanover Park police have charged a 24-year-old man with criminal sexual abuse stemming from what authorities said was his relationship with a minor. Jaime Fuentes of 2490 Leslie Lane, Apt. 7B, was arrested May 28 after the girl's parents called police. The disparity in ages led to the more severe felony charge, police said, though they did not disclose the girl's age. A Cook County judge set bond at $40,000, of which Fuentes must post 10 percent to be released. He is due back in court in Rolling Meadows June 27.

Condo fire in Palatine

No one was injured Wednesday in a fire that broke out shortly before 3 p.m. at the Fox Cove Condominiums at 511 E. Spruce Drive in Palatine. Firefighters from Palatine, Long Grove and Hoffman Estates responded to the three-story, six-unit building to find black smoke coming from the window on the second floor. No one was home at the time and the fire was declared under control by 3:16 p.m., authorities say. The unit was left uninhabitable, but authorities expected residents would be able to return to the rest of the building by late Wednesday. Damage estimates were not available and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Harmony Park will hum

Summer concerts begin tonight in downtown Arlington Heights with a performance by the St. Viator High School

jazz band. The free concerts will be held every Thursday and Friday through Aug. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Harmony Park, at Campbell Street and Vail Avenue. For concert lineups, check the Arlington Heights Web site at vah.com.