Briefs: Des Plaines may buy CNG car
Des Plaines will step into the world of alternative fuels next year. The city council has voted to purchase two Honda Civics fueled by compressed natural gas instead of by gasoline as part of the 2009 budget. "We can save a lot of money over the life of the vehicle," said Sixth Ward Alderman Mark Walsten, who looked into Downers Grove's use of such vehicles since 2000. If Des Plaines installs filling equipment at the public works garage, said Director of Public Works Matthew Dusckett, it can purchase the natural gas for the equivalent of $1.10 per gallon. The cars are reliable and need little maintenance, he said. "Eventually we would like to convert our whole fleet to compressed natural gas," said City Manager Jason Bajor.
Too chilly for Chilly Chili Race:
Wintry weather has prompted the cancellation of Saturday's Chilly Chili 5K in Schaumburg. The park district will refund registration fees, and T-shirts that were to be given to participants can be picked up at Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road. Further information is available at (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
DUI convict to speak at Harper
Mark Sterner, who spent more than two years in prison for being drunk behind the wheel during a crash that killed three of his frat brothers, will speak at Harper College in Palatine today about the pitfalls of drinking and driving. Sterner, who was a college student on a spring break trip to Florida when the crash occurred, now travels the country telling his story on college campuses. His program, "DUI: A Powerful Lesson," is part of Harper's "Becoming Aware" series that has also tackled topics like immigration and eating disorders. Today's program is at 2:30 p.m. in Building E, Room E106 at Harper's campus, east of Roselle Road between Euclid and Algonquin roads. It's free and open to the public.
Health screenings offered
The Cook County Farm Bureau and Stroke Detection Plus will be in Palatine Thursday, Dec. 4, offering health screenings for stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease and osteoporosis risks. Stroke Detection Plus is mobile team that does ultrasound screenings in the Midwest. The tests will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. John United Church of Christ, 1475 W. Algonquin Road. Fees are $40 for one test, $100 for any three tests or $120 for all four; farm bureau members receive a discount. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (877) 732-8258.
Poker benefit Friday
The Palatine American Legion will host a Texas Hold 'Em charity poker event Friday, Dec. 5, at Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road. Proceeds will benefit various community and veterans programs. Games start at 4 p.m. and run until midnight, with a multi-table tournament, which has a $75 buy-in, starting at 8 p.m. Games include cash tables with $2 and $4 bets and single tournament tables with buy-ins of $20 to $40. No advance registration required. The $5 fee at the door includes a raffle ticket for a free buy-in to the 8 p.m. tournament. Food and drinks will be available to buy. Betting and winning limits are set by state law. For information, call Legion Hall at (847) 359-1606 or Paul Healy at (847) 496-7254.