Briefs: Higgins speed limit down

The Hoffman Estates Park District is advising drivers that the speed limit on Higgins Road near Huntington Drive has been reduced to 45 mph, now that the Illinois Department of Transportation approved the change. New speed limit signs have been posted, and police have started ticketing. One of the park district community centers is nearby.

Arlington fire open house

The Arlington Heights Fire Department will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the department's headquarters, 1150 N. Arlington Heights Road. There will be displays including the rescue team, confined space team and hazardous materials team, along with a ladder tower, fire engine, rescue squad and ambulance. The village's public education fire safety trailer also will be on display. The trailer is an interactive, "mobile classroom" that simulates real-life hazards like smoke and heat.

Get tickets while they last

The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Tickets are available by mail only through a form published several times a week in the Daily Herald. Ticket orders must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For details, call (847) 427-4381. The U.S. Army Field Band, an elite 65-member instrumental ensemble, performs marches, overtures, popular music and patriotic selections. The Soldiers' Chorus has earned an international reputation for presenting musical excellence and inspiring patriotism. The Daily Herald and District 214 Community Education are co-sponsoring the concert.

Kirk on 'Israel in Balance'

Congressman Mark Kirk will be at Congregation Beth Judea 10 a.m. Sunday to talk about "Israel in the Balance." Kirk will answer questions on Israel and provide an update to the congregation. Admission is free, and the event is open to the community. Beth Judea is located at Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. Call the synagogue at (847) 634-0777.

Roskam eyes flood money

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam on Friday toured a water treatment plant in Des Plaines, saying he supports getting an additional $33.5 million in federal money to finish two Deep Tunnel reservoirs. Roskam, a Wheaton Republican, supports the money to finish the reservoirs, one in the far south suburbs, and one in the western suburbs. He has pushed for the funding to be included in the 2008 federal budget to finish the stormwater retention project. Roskam spokesman Matt Vriesema said the projects will help alleviate flooding in Des Plaines among other areas. The Thornton and McCook reservoirs are under construction, he said.