Cook County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

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The 2017 Chicago Auto Show opens to the public on Saturday at McCormick Place. The show runs through Feb. 20. Tickets are available at McCormick Place ticket booths on public show days or online at ChicagoAutoShow.com and https://tickets.drivechicago.com. (Photo courtesy of Chicago Auto Show)

Deerfield

Public Works Dept. testing detects no lead in water 

The Deerfield Public Works Department has completed lead testing that was conducted over the past several months. The effort included the testing of all drinking fountains and other fixtures where users may draw water for consumption at the Deerfield Park District, the Deerfield Public Library, West Deerfield Township and at other facilities operated by the village. To complete the tests, the appropriate number of water sampling bottles were given to each of the agencies involved, along with instructions on collecting samples. A total of 135 samples were collected and sent to an IEPA-certified laboratory for testing. Results from all samples came back with no lead detected. For more information, call the Public Works Department at (847) 317-2490 or visit www.deerfield.il.us.

Buffalo Grove

Village shares Bright Ideas Award with MPI partners

The Northern Illinois Municipal Partnering Initiative (MPI), a Harvard University-sponsored program that includes Buffalo Grove and more than 30 municipalities in Cook and Lake County, received the Bright Ideas Award. The award acknowledges the very best in governmental innovation, and was presented to MPI on Jan. 18 by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Over the last seven years, MPI — a cooperative venture in which local governments purchase shared services and commodities — has been the catalyst for 25 joint bidding projects, resulting in a total savings of $2.6 million for taxpayers living in the participating municipalities. In 2016, Buffalo Grove and several other MPI members participated in a joint bid for cross-connection control device testing, which saved Buffalo Grove 40 percent compared to previous year pricing. To be considered for a Bright Ideas Award, programs must be in the process of launching a project or currently in operation, have sufficient operational resources, and be administered by one or more governmental entities. For more information, call (847) 459-2500 or visit www.vbg.org.

Schaumburg

Fire Dept. offers Citizens Fire Academy program

The village announced that the Schaumburg Fire Department is offering residents an opportunity to participate in the Citizens Fire Academy. The six-week course will run on Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. March 9 through April 13. Participants will interact with members of the Fire Department in an educational setting, with course topics allowing for exploration of the fire service as well as hands-on experiences. The goal of the program is to provide a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the department. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to residents who have never previously participated. To access an application, visit www.villageofschaumburg.com. Completed applications are due Feb. 15, and must be mailed to the Schaumburg Fire Department, 1601 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, Ill. 60195 (Attention: Angela Walsh) or sent via email to awalsh@villageofschaumburg.com. For more information, call Walsh at (847) 923-6708.

Orland Park

Annual Chef’s Auction to benefit Bridge Teen Center

The 17th annual Chef’s Auction will be held from 6-10 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Orland Chateau, 14500 S. La Grange Road. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for a chosen beneficiary. This year’s proceeds will benefit The Bridge Teen Center, a non-profit community center that provides free programs after school and during unsupervised hours for students in seventh grade through high school. The Chef’s Auction will feature chefs from area restaurants donating their time to prepare signature entrees for attendees to sample, and includes fine wines, craft beer and live entertainment. The event also includes a silent auction and a live auction featuring packages donated by the participating eateries. Tickets are $50 per person, and are available at Recreation Administration, 14650 S. Ravinia Ave., and Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th Street. Only 350 tickets will be sold. For more information, call (708) 403-7275 or visit www.orland-park.il.us.

Evanston

Health Dept. renews state certification, sets new plan

Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department has renewed its certification as a recognized local municipal health department with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). As part of the certification process, the Health and Human Services Department, in partnership with the Evanston Health Advisory Council, underwent a strategic planning process over the last 18 months to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the public health system in Evanston. The resulting Evanston Process for the Local Assessment of Needs (EPLAN) determined the city’s top three health priorities — mental health, violence and obesity — for 2016 to 2021. Subcommittees of health department staff, public health officials and community leaders will be formed for each health priority, and will create action plans to meet the city’s health needs for the next five years. To view the EPLAN, visit www.cityofevanston.org/plan. For more information, call or text (847) 448-4311.

Burr Ridge

United Church of Christ to hold Annual Chili Cookoff

Burr Ridge United Church of Christ, 15w100 Plainfield Road, will hold its Annual Chili Cookoff, beginning at 11 a.m. Feb. 19. This year’s event features a Western theme, and includes traditional, vegetable and specialty chili recipes as well as a variety of fixings and desserts. Attendees can bring beverages of choice, and are encouraged to wear Western attire (optional). Admission is free. Meal tickets are $8 (adults) and $5 (children), and will be available at the door. For more information, call (630) 654-4544 or visit www.burr-ridge.gov. 

–Cook County News Briefs–