Briefs: Drowned worker identified
The Cook County medical examiner's office Thursday ruled a 16-year-old worker's death in Long Grove was a drowning. Valentin Gutierrez of Alsip drowned after falling into a swimming pool while working a job hanging drywall Wednesday on the 2300 block of Coach Road, Lake County sheriff's police said. The victim didn't know how to swim. Gutierrez was working with family members, said police, who have concluded their investigation of the accident.
Hanover Park bans ash tree
The ash tree is now prohibited from the public right of way and any new developments in Hanover Park. The village board passed the ordinance Thursday in response to the spread of the emerald ash borer into the region, though the tree-destroying insect hasn't been spotted in Hanover Park. The code, which doesn't affect private property, was also changed to require a variety of tree species be planted on each block, as opposed to one species. Of the 10,000 trees on public land in Hanover Park, about 3,300 are ash. Cook and DuPage counties are currently under an Illinois Department of Agriculture quarantine that bars the removal of ash trees in practically any form without permission.
Hometown event tonight
Wheeling High School will host its 11th annual hometown celebration during today's home football game against Conant High School. The event will honor the communities which make up Wheeling's student body -- Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights, Northbrook, and Mount Prospect. At halftime, this year's distinguished alumni will be named.
Grounds crew honored
Buffalo Grove High School's grounds staff will be honored at 7:30 tonight at the school's home varsity football game vs. Schaumburg High School. As recipients of the 2006 Field of Excellence Award from Pioneer Athletics of Cleveland, the staff will be recognized at halftime. The award is presented to outstanding athletic fields around the nation and the grounds crews who maintain them. Pioneer Athletics is a leading manufacturer of athletic field marking paint and equipment. The award was established in 1998 and has been given to more than 275 athletic fields.
Cavalier crew meets again
The 19th annual reunion of the World War II crew of the USS Cavalier is being held this weekend at the Double Tree Inn in Arlington Heights. The event, organized by James Bowen of Hoffman Estates, may be the last as attendance this year has dwindled to about 25 people, including 10 crew members out of the 550 who staffed the Coast Guard-manned attack transport that served in the South Pacific. Activities include a visit to Arlington Park, a banquet at the Double Tree and a visit to the Schaumburg Center for the Performing Arts. Bowen said attendees will vote over the weekend whether to meet again next year. He also organized the group's last visit to the Chicago area in 2003.
Heritage walk Saturday
The Long Grove Rotary Club's Heritage Run/Walk will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday to raise money for the club's charitable fund. A pancake breakfast will be held after the event. Check-in will be at Kildeer School, 3100 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. The registration fee is $28. Check-in and registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. (847) 634-0888 or visit www.longgroveonline.com.
Fire house to be open
The Buffalo Grove fire department will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to help celebrate National Preparedness Month. For details call the fire department at (847) 537-0995 or visit www.vbg.org. The fire department headquarters is located at 1051 Highland Grove Drive.
Free dog wash Saturday
The Doghouse, a dog day care center that opened in June at 340 S. Lageschulte St. in Barrington, will host a complimentary dog wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The dog washes are free, but organizers are requesting donations for Animal House Shelter of Huntley, which will host a pet adoption day during the event. Other sponsors are Cody & Carl's Blvd., a pet boutique, and A Closer Bond, a dog trainer, both based in Barrington. For details on Saturday's event, call The Doghouse at (847) 381-9959.