Briefs: District 300 hires new safety officer

Community Unit District 300 Monday appointed a district safety officer. Gary Chester, a former Detroit police officer, comes to the district upon retirement from a 31-year career as the Director of Public Safety in Coldwater, Mich. The school board created the position this year as part of an effort to secure the well-being of staff and students on a broader scale. Some of Chester's duties include developing safety plans, coordinating incident response teams, communicating safety needs to local and regional authorities, and overseeing security and alarm systems. Chester's first day with the district will be Sept. 15. He will make $71,121 this year.

Fresh produce in Algonquin

Thursdays in Algonquin mean it's time for fresh fruit and vegetables. The Downtown Algonquin Partnership Merchant's Association is holding its annual farmers market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 2 in the parking lot on South Harrison Street, in the village's Old Town district. Call (847) 458-9779.

Work ending soon

Pavement patching will begin Aug. 25 on Huntley Road between Sleepy Hollow Road and Tartans Drive and also along Boncosky Road from River Ridge to Route 31 in West Dundee. The roadwork, which is expected to end Aug. 29, will reduce Huntley Road to one lane, while Boncosky Road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.