Briefs: Des Plaines flooding minor

The Des Plaines River peaked at 7.3 feet at 6 a.m. Monday in Des Plaines, the National Weather Service reported. While 2.3 feet above flood stage, that was well below the record of 10.9 feet. Only one road, Campground Road, was closed. The river is expected to remain above flood stage until Wednesday for portions of the Des Plaines River in Cook and Lake Counties. With the flood threat receding, Des Plaines public works crews have turned their attention to salting icy areas and patching potholes. Community development personnel are doing damage assessments. Cleanup kits are available in the city hall lobby, 1420 Miner St.

Tax assessment seminar

The period in which Palatine Township residents can appeal their recent 2008 property tax assessments has been extended to Thursday, Jan. 29. Representatives of the township assessor's office board of review will put on a seminar covering the appeal process at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. The location has yet to be announced. Lowering the assessed valuation may result in a reduced property tax bill. For more information, go to palatinetownship.com or call the assessor's office at (847) 358-6700.

Furnace causes fire

A malfunctioning furnace set the family room ceiling on fire at a home on the 2100 block of North Verde Drive in Arlington Heights at about 2:45 a.m. Monday. A smoke detector alarm woke the residents, who saw smoke and fled the house. A damage estimate was not immediately available.

Palatine police safety checks

Palatine police will conduct roadside safety checks tonight in the areas of Algonquin and Roselle roads and Rand and Dundee roads. Impaired and reckless drivers will be targeted, as will anyone not wearing a seat belt. Hazardous weather on Dec. 20 forced the department to reschedule the checks.