Briefs: Payton memorial run today
The "Walter Payton 16,726 Yard Run" takes place today at South Middle School in Arlington Heights, offering people the chance to run in Payton's footsteps. Out of every dollar that is raised, 99 cents will go directly to innovative cancer research, organizers say. Registration opens at 6 a.m. The course winds runners through the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The run draws many people who use it as a training run for next month's LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. For more information, go to www.payton34.org.
Caviezel at Willow Creek
Jim Caviezel, the actor best known for his portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibson's 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ," will share his account of enduring physical and mental pain while filming the movie at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington in services at 5:30 p.m. today and at 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sunday. He's part of the weekend message: "The Great Chicago Fire: Questions for God in Tragedy." Caviezel's newest project: "Word of Promise," an audio recording of the New Testament, reprises his role of Jesus Christ. Willow Creek is located at 67 E. Algonquin Road in South Barrington. For information visit www.willowcreek.org or call (847) 765-5000.
Hearing screening today
The Palatine Lions Club will be sponsoring a free hearing screening for people 18 years and older 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Palatine Township offices, 721 S. Quentin Road. People who are 10-17 years old can participate with written parental consent. At the same time, the club is accepting donations of used keys, cell phones, ink cartridges, glasses and hearing aids. The items will be recycled to keep them out of local landfills. Call Paul Pioch at (847) 609-5805.
Fiesta today in Des Plaines
Des Plaines celebrate Mexican Independence Day from 1-6 p.m. today in Lake Park, Touhy Avenue and Lee Street. The 12th annual fiesta will feature the dances and tastes of Mexico. Admission is free, while tacos and other food will be on sale. The festival was started by the Des Plaines Park District, with support from The Mexican Civic Society of Illinois (La Sociedad Civica Mexico-Americana de Illinois). The Maine West High School Hispanic Student Group will offer face painting. Ballet Sol Azteca, Banda Tierra Nueva and Ballet Folklorico are among the performers scheduled. Visit www.dppd.org for more information.
Palatine road death probe
Palatine police continued Friday to investigate what led to a 28-year-old Palatine man being hit and killed by a car on Rand Road continued Friday. Palatine Cmdr. Sam Maki said authorities are looking for any witnesses who might have seen the accident. It occurred about 1:30 a.m. Thursday on 1100 block of North Rand Road. Police said Juvenal Medina, 28, was in the roadway when he was struck by a Ford Mustang. The driver of the Ford, a 43-year-old man, called 911 and isn't expected to be ticketed, Maki said. Police are awaiting toxicology reports on Medina, though Maki said results aren't expected for several weeks. Anyone with information is asked to contact Palatine police at (847) 359-9000.
Art showcased in Palatine
Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins will present awards to top artists at this weekend's Palatine-Inverness Art Council's juried art show. "An Art Affair Around the Square" takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday at Palatine's Towne Square, Smith Street and Palatine Road. The awards presentation is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today in the Towne Square gazebo. The public is welcome to enjoy more than 40 artists participating in the show and the live entertainment from 1 to 3 p.m. both days. Exhibitors also include Little City and framing idea booths. Admission is free. For more information, go to PalatineInvernessArts.org or call (847) 963-6451.