The briefs

Algonquin hotel evacuated

Paint fumes forced evacuation from the Algonquin Holiday Inn Express Monday morning. Hotel employees were spraying paint on elevator doors, which set off fire alarms, officials said. Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Department arrived at the scene at 10:47 a.m. An investigation determined the paint being used was flammable. "They were spraying near a room with three gas-powered hot water heaters," Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Batallion Cheif Fred Schau said. "After we ventilated the area, everyone was let back in the hotel."

Roadwork slows Lawrence

You'll have to find an alternate route this week if you plan to head west on Lawrence Avenue from Route 31 in Elgin. The westbound lane will be closed until at least Wednesday for pavement repairs. Drivers will be detoured onto Crystal Avenue. Expect delays, or take alternate routes, such as Wing Street and Highland Avenue.

Elgin firm wins award

The Middleby Corp., an Elgin-based commercial cooking equipment manufacturer, is the recipient of the 2007 Emerging Growth Award from the Chicago chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. The annual award is given to a company with revenues of $500 million or less that has demonstrated consistent growth in income, profit and shareholder value. The Middleby Corp. will be recognized Nov. 13 during an award luncheon at The Standard Club in Chicago.

Neubert to host fundraiser

The annual Neubert Fun Fair will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Neubert Elementary School, 1100 Huntington Drive. The fun fair is a fundraiser for the Neubert Parent-Teacher Organization. The fair will have hay rides, games, face-painting, an obstacle course and a Teacher Power Shower where your kids can soak their favorite (or least favorite) teachers. If you buy tickets in advance at the school, $1 buys you four tickets, $50 gets 20 and $10 buys 40. If you get tickets at the door, they start at three tickets for $1. Each game costs between one and five tickets. Kids can earn tickets that they can cash in for prizes. Call (847) 658-2540.