Briefs: Funeral today in drowning

The wake and funeral for William Ugoka, who was 14, will be held at 11 a.m. today at the Rhodes Funeral Home, 1018 W. 79th St. in Chicago. William, a resident of Arlington Heights, drowned in an Arlington Heights apartment complex swimming pool on June 8. The Cook County medical examiner's office determined his death to be accidental. He had just graduated from Holmes Junior High in Mount Prospect and was scheduled to start at Rolling Meadows High School in the fall.

Crossing gate repaired

The Union Pacific railroad found two separate problems with a crossing gate at Arlington Heights Road that led it to malfunction several times in recent days, including Monday and Tuesday, a railroad spokesman said. In the most recent case, a dirty contact in a switch was the culprit, spokesman Gene Hinkle said Wednesday. The default position for the gates in case of any malfunction is down in order to protect motorists from the false sense of security that comes with raised gates, he said.

Fire's cause investigated

A minor fire broke out Tuesday night at a Hoffman Estates home, forcing an evacuation. Crews arrived at 8:14 p.m. to the home at 420 Apache Lane. Firefighters found fire and smoke coming from the side of home and entered the home to rescue its occupants. No one was hurt. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the occupants have been allowed to return to the home. The Hoffman Estates Fire Department responded with eight pieces of equipment and received assists from Barrington, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg and Palatine crews.

Career center raising funds

The Barrington Career Center holds its second annual Winners Circle fundraiser at Arlington Park Friday. The event runs from 2 to 7 p.m. and includes an afternoon of horseracing, a lunch buffet and open bar. There will also be raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are $100 for adults, $75 for young adults ages 12 and 20 and $50 for kids ages 4 to 11. Kids under the age of 4 are admitted for free. For more information, or to register, visit barringtoncareercenter.com or call (847) 304-4157.