CALUMET CITY

Police seeking info on two home burglaries

A 42-inch plasma TV and jewelry were stolen during a burglary at a home in the 1300 block of Hirsch Avenue between 8 and 8:24 p.m. Aug. 22, Calumet City police said.

The burglar or burglars forced open the back door and set off the alarm.

In a separate theft, a home in the 1300 block of Forest in Calumet City was burglarized between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Aug. 21, police records show. Thieves pried off a window screen and stole a gray York DVD player, records state.

The victim told police the burglary was the second time the home had been broken into in the last month.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call Calumet City police at (708) 868-2500.

CHICAGO

Law offers free transit to people with disabilities

New law provides free transit rides to people with disabilities

Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday signed legislation to allow people with disabilities statewide to ride free on all fixed route transit systems.

Senate Bill 1920 requires transit systems in the state to begin providing free rides to people with disabilities who are enrolled in the state's Circuit Breaker program no later than Oct. 24.

About 275,000 low-income people with disabilities are eligible for this benefit, which builds on the success of Seniors Ride Free, a program the governor launched in January, according to a news release. The two programs ensure that nearly 1.6 million Illinois residents can ride fixed-route transit for free, once they register.

People with disabilities must enroll in the Circuit Breaker program, which provides support to senior citizens and people with disabilities to help them reduce the effects of taxes and prescription medication costs on their lives.

Circuit Breaker's annual household limits are $22,218 for a household of one, $29,480 for a household of two and $36,740 for a household of three.

To apply, visit www.cbrx.il.gov, or call (800) 624-2459 or (888) 206-1327 (TTY) to request an application. Those already enrolled in Circuit Breaker should contact their local transit agency to find out how to receive free rides.

People with disabilities not eligible for Circuit Breaker still will be eligible for half-price transit rides as current law provides.

HARVEY

Health care event offers free wellness checks

The Illinois Department of Public Health's Center for Minority Services is partnering with Fifth Third Bank and Clear Channel Radio Chicago to offer a health awareness event.

Area residents are invited to the Be Clear About Your Health tour from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Fifth Third Bank, 174 E. 154th St., Harvey. The tour seeks to raise awareness about several chronic health issues affecting black people, such as obesity, heart disease, cancer and stroke.

The WellMobile will offer screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, HIV and prostate cancer. The event also will feature a children's corner, food samples and healthy recipes. Local radio stations will provide music.

Bank representatives will educate visitors about financial literacy and will give a $50 gift certificate to participants who complete a financial assessment and open a checking or savings account.

Other stops are planned Sept. 6 in Chicago, Sept. 13 in Olympia Fields and Sept. 20 in Gary.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS

Prairie State College seeks public feedback

Prairie State College will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit in October, and the public is invited to submit comments about the quality of the institution or its academic programs.

Written, signed comments must be received by Monday and should include the name, address and telephone number of the person submitting the comments.

Comments will not be treated as confidential. They can be sent to: Public Comment on Prairie State College, The Higher Learning Commission, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602.