Briefs: Superbug case reported

Another case of the staph superbug has turned up at a Palatine school. A student at Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211's Academy-North alternative school has come down with the MRSA infection, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. No details on the student's condition were given, though, in a letter to the community. School officials said the student is being treated and will return to school only with a doctor's clearance. MRSA has been increasingly seen outside of hospitals and has mostly been associated with skin infections that in rare cases have severe complications. Health officials, who have been in consultation with District 211, recommend basic hygiene to help control the spread of MRSA, such as hand-washing, keeping wounds covered and not sharing personal items such as towels or water bottles. Earlier this fall, cases were reported at Palatine High School and schools elsewhere in the suburbs. Academy-North opened in 2005 at 335 E. Illinois Ave. and serves students with behavioral or emotional challenges.

Oakton men's day meeting

Psychologist and best-selling author Michael G. Thompson is the keynote speaker for this year's 15th annual Men's Day conference Saturday at Oakton Community College's Des Plaines campus. His books include "Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys" and "Speaking of Boys: Answers to the Most-Asked Questions about Raising Sons." The conference, about the mixed messages boys receive from society and how to raise healthier sons, is from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It costs $65 in advance and $90 at the door. Contact Paul Johnson at pjohnson@oakton.edu or (847) 376-7088 or Gregory Baldauf at greg@oakton.edu or (847) 635-1846 for details.

Robber hits gas station

Streamwood police are looking for a man who held up a local gas station Wednesday night. According to police reports, a man in his 40s walked into the Citgo station at 908 E. Irving Park Road around 8:20 p.m. and asked the store clerk to hand over cash. The man then showed her a gun and also demanded cigarettes. He took about $300 and fled, according to reports. He was wearing a dark skull cap and is described as having a medium build and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. Call police at (630) 837-0953 with information.

Barrington train death

The death of a Barrington teen hit by a train Wednesday night has been ruled a suicide by the Cook County medical examiner's office. The 16-year-old Barrington High School junior was hit just north of the Hillside Avenue crossing. Extra counseling staff were called in to the school for students and staff.