Cook County briefs
Hanover Park confirms borer:
The presence of the emerald ash borer in Hanover Park has been confirmed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The insects were found on an ash tree near Woodlake Drive and Army Trail Road, and it's likely the majority of the village's ash trees are already infected. Infested trees will be removed and destroyed as they're found. Officials believe removing most ash trees will be necessary over the next five to 10 years and that residents should make similar plans on their private property. In 2007, the village banned planting ash trees on public land and new developments.
Gomez case continued:
Attorney Wayne Brucar said in court Thursday he'll file motions to suppress evidence and statements on behalf of his client Juan Gomez, 18, who's charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond in the 2006 slaying of 15-year-old Chavario White, a Buffalo Grove High School student and Wheeling resident. Prosecutors say Gomez hid behind a bush with a friend for several minutes before shooting White in the head with a 12-gauge shotgun in Wheeling. The two sides are due back in court Sept. 16.
Time capsule opening delayed:
The opening of Randhurst Shopping Center's time capsule has been delayed until mid-September because of construction delays at the Mount Prospect mall. The capsule, which was placed inside the mall's domed roof when Randhurst was built in 1962, was to be opened tonight as part of the Mount Prospect Historical Society's fundraiser "A Moment in Time" at Bogie's Ale House, 303 E. Kensington Road. That event will still take place tonight, even without the time capsule opening. The new Randhurst mall is slated to open in spring 2011.
Des Plaines crossings closed:
The Union Pacific Railroad crossing on River Road between Rand Road and Golf Road, by Pesche's Flower Shop & Greenhouses, will be closed to traffic for about one week beginning Monday, Aug. 24. Detour signs directing traffic to Rand Road and Golf Road will be posted. The crossing at Rand Road and Graceland Avenue will be closed for about one week starting Monday, Aug. 31. Detour signs directing traffic to Golf Road and River Road will be posted.
New Indian Trails director:
Thomas C. Simiele has been named the director of the Indian Trails Public Library in Wheeling. Simiele was formerly deputy director of the Euclid Public Library in Euclid, Ohio, and director of the Bristol Public Library and Museum in Bristolville, Ohio. He has also practiced law for more than 23 years and served as the general counsel for the Cleveland City School District. Former Indian Trails Director Tamiye Meehan retired in June after 12 years. Simiele's first day will be Sept. 14.
Back-to-school 'fun-raiser':
School supplies and nonperishable food donations will be collected during a back-to-school "fun-raiser" in Streamwood Saturday, Aug. 22. The event also features live entertainment, games, a silent auction and free food, and takes place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Sam's Club, 900 S. Barrington Road, and is also sponsored by Children's Memorial Hospital and CiCi's Pizza. Food donations will go to the Hanover Township food pantry.
Palatine chamber movie night:
The Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce hosts an outdoor movie night Sunday, Aug. 23, with a free showing of "Kung Fu Panda" at dusk, about 8:30 p.m., on the wall of Harris Bank on Station Street in downtown Palatine. Parking is in the lot on Greeley Street behind the bank. Popcorn and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase; proceeds benefit the Northwest Cultural Council. Brings chairs and radios, which you'll be instructed to tune to the movie soundtrack. Information is at (847) 991-7966.
Pet adoption in S. Barrington:
Kriser's Feeding Pets for Life, at 100 W. Higgins Road in the Arboretum of South Barrington mall, will host a pet adoption event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. The event will feature adoption and rescue groups with dogs and cats up for adoption, pet health food vendors, expert dog trainer Wendy De Carlo, animal massage therapist Nancy Shults and holistic veterinarian Corinne Fisher. For details, call (847) 844-1921.