Briefs: Extra DUI patrols

Hoffman Estates police said they will have extra patrols looking for drunken drivers over the holidays. Using money from Illinois Department of Transportation grants, extra squad cars will be on the roads. The additional staffing started Thanksgiving and continues through New Year's Day. Police advise drivers to take steps like reporting suspected impaired drivers to police and spending the night at a friend's house instead of risk driving while impaired.

Arrest in bank robberies

A Chicago man was arrested in connection with two Des Plaines bank robberies and a Palatine bank robbery, police said. Kirk A. Davis, 26, of 7100 S. South Shore Drive is charged with three counts of bank robbery in connection with two incidents at TCF bank locations in Des Plaines and another in Palatine during the first week of the month, Des Plaines police said. Police said Davis robbed the banks -- which were located inside Jewel supermarkets -- by demanding money and implying that he had a weapon, police said. The FBI is investigating, police said.

No Barrington MRSA case

Barrington High School received a report of a suspected case of the MRSA super flu bug Monday, but by the end of the day were notified that the preliminary diagnosis was unfounded. In a memo to parents, Principal Emil Rode wrote that in response to the initial report of a suspected case of the drug-resistant staph infection, the physical education area and equipment used by the student in question were thoroughly cleaned with EPA-registered disinfectant. As a precaution, students were asked to take their gym clothes home to be washed. Isolated MRSA cases have been reported in many suburban schools but have not led to widespread outbreaks.

Buffalo Grove seeks art

The village of Buffalo Grove is accepting proposals for artwork, such as a sculpture or fountain, to install at the municipal complex at Lake-Cook Road and Raupp Boulevard. The specifications can be found at vbg.org. Proposals should include photos or sketches of the artwork. An artist may submit up to five proposals. The village will consider the quality of the artwork, representation of the village, durability, aesthetic appeal, uniqueness and references. The village's arts commission will review proposals and make a recommendation to the village board. The art will be unveiled next fall. Proposals are due by Feb. 8. Contact Ghida Neukirch, deputy village manager, at (847) 459-2518 or gneukirch@vbg.org.

Woodfield bureau lauded

The Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau has become the first convention bureau in Illinois to earn the prestigious Destination Marketing Accreditation Program designation. The international accreditation program was developed by the Washington D.C.-based Destination Marketing Association International. "We are delighted to be recognized for providing exceptional service in accordance with international standards and benchmarks in this field," said bureau President Fran Bolson. "Our stakeholders and customers can be assured that our outstanding marketing programs and attention to detail assures them of an incomparable business or leisure experience."

Diverse trees on display

Visitors to the Cook County treasurer's office will be treated to 70 Christmas trees and five holiday displays reflecting cultures from all over the world, including. Holiday Trees From Around the World is on display in Room 112 in the Cook County Building, 118 N. Clark St., Chicago, through Jan. 7. The trees represent cultures from Barbados, Egypt, Iceland, Japan, while displays show traditions including African-American, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim.