Briefs: Students injured in class
Two Thomas Middle School students were sent to the hospital after a science experiment went wrong Friday. The Arlington Heights school was temporarily evacuated after one student was burned and another suffered smoke inhalation because of the experiment, school officials said. The students were evacuated as a precaution and a note was sent home to parents explaining what happened, school officials said. Arlington Heights fire inspectors are investigating. The injuries did not seem to be serious, fire officials said.
Brush pickup completed
Mount Prospect's street-by-street brush pickup, which began Aug. 27, was completed by 9:30 a.m. Friday. More than 14 crews worked a minimum of 12 hours per day picking up brush and log piles from both private and parkway trees. More than 8,700 cubic yards of logs and brush were generated. Any remaining brush and logs must be bundled and placed on the parkway under normal rules for yard waste pickup. The village will continue removing broken limbs and destroyed trees from public parkways for many weeks to come. Residents can pick up free wood chips in the Melas Park front parking lot. See www.mountprospect.org.
Softball tryouts Sunday
Palatine Baseball Association and Softball is holding final tryouts for the girls U14 travel softball team from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Juniper Park, 1000 W. Palatine Road. Bring equipment, but do not wear travel uniforms. Visit www.pbabaseballsoftball.com.
Pioneer Day in Elk Grove
The Elk Grove Park District invites residents from around the area to Sunday's Pioneer Day at the Farmhouse Museum campus, 399 Biesterfield Road. Travel back in time for this annual family event from noon to 4 p.m., with a ride on the horse-drawn wagon, Civil War tunes from the Battlefield Balladeers, and the Famed Civil War Magician. You can make a toy from the past, stuff a scarecrow, tour the farmhouse, visit the petting zoo and view the art exhibit in the barn. Admission is free. (847) 690-1440, or visit www.elkgroveparks.org.
Heritage walk today
The Long Grove Rotary Club's Heritage Run/Walk will step off at 8:30 a.m. today to raise money for the club's charitable fund. A pancake breakfast will be held after the event. Check-in is at Kildeer School, 3100 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. The registration fee is $28. Check-in and registration begin at 6:30 a.m. (847) 634-0888 or visit www.longgroveonline.com.
Musical instrument sale
The Bartlett High School orchestra will sponsor its 11th annual used musical instrument sale today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the school cafeteria. A large number of band and orchestra instruments will be available for purchase, as well as a variety of guitars, amps and miscellaneous musical equipment. Instruments are sold on consignment, with the orchestra getting part of the proceeds. Bartlett High is at 701 W. Schick Road. (630) 372-4700, ext. 4604.
Business Under the Big Top
The Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce will host its 13th annual Business Under the Big Top Consumer Expo, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Barrington Square Shopping Center on Higgins Road, just east of Barrington Road. A classic car show, dance demonstration and exotic animal show are just part of the day's events. (847) 781-9100.
Car wash to support troops
A car wash benefiting Operation Support Our Troops will take place today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hanover Township offices, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett. The organization sends care packages to troops and raises money to support wounded military personnel. The car wash is being sponsored by Clerk Brian McGuire and Highway Commissioner P. Craig Ochoa, in cooperation with the Cook County Sheriff's Office work alternative program. There is no charge, but donations are encouraged. Checks can be made payable to Operation Support Our Troops of Illinois. Call (630) 837-0301 or visit www.htonline.info for more information.