Briefs:Rabid bats found
A rabid bat was found this week in Marengo, bring the McHenry County total for this year to 10. Another rabid bat was found in an Aurora home, bringing Kane County's total this year to three. Last year, just one rabid bat was reported in Kane County. The McHenry County total tops the previous high of nine set in 2004. Statewide, 68 rabid bats have been reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health this year. Bats are the state's primary rabies carriers. Besides Aurora and Marengo, rabid bats have been found this year in Crystal Lake, Elgin, McHenry and Woodstock.
West Nile found in bird
A dead bird recovered near Wonder Lake in northern McHenry County has tested positive for West Nile virus, health authorities said Friday. The blue jay first bird to test positive this year. The potentially fatal disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile has been reported in the county every year since 2001. There have been 10 cases of human infection in McHenry County in that time.
Cops seek DUI drivers
Fox Valley police will be conducting roadside safety inspections, looking for drunken drivers and more. Carpentersville police will inspect cars from 11 p.m. to through 4 a.m. Sunday at Route 25 and Golfview Lane. West Dundee police will be out tonight as well, at an unspecified location.
After-school fair today
The Northern Fox Valley AfterSchool Network hosts the second annual "AfterSchool and Beyond Resource Fair" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Local providers will talk about programs and activities available for children before and after school, on weekends, and holidays. Call Kerstin at (847) 622-1048.
Kids Safety Day on tap
Kane County Safe Kids Safety Day runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Mooseheart Field House, on Mooseheart Road west of Route 31 between North Aurora and Batavia. Safety Day has exciting fire and rescue demonstrations, fire trucks and police cars. Kids learn how to stay safe around prescription drugs, railroad tracks, animals, school buses, power tools, electrical equipment and construction sites. Call (630) 966-2254.
Free asthma screening
Dr. Noga Askenazi and Dr. Deborah Pockross of Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates will offer free asthma screenings for children and adults from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Spring Hill Mall. The free screenings are being conducted as part of the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program to promote early detection and effective treatment of asthma. Call (847) 888-8802.
St. Monica Fest Sunday
St. Monica Church of Carpentersville holds its annual festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, 90 N. Kennedy Drive (Route 25). Food, a petting zoo, games and music are on tap. Call (847) 428-2646.
Benefit aids family
A benefit to help the family of Herman Bueno will run 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Norge Ski clubhouse, 100 Ski Hill in Fox River Grove. Tickets are $30 at the door and will include food and drinks, a ski jump exhibition, silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Bueno, 52, died Aug. 14 after battling liver cancer. Call (847) 630-4328.
Meet Elgin police chief
Elgin Police Chief Lisa Womack will host her monthly chief's community meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the police department, 158 Douglas Ave. You can e-mail discussion topics in advance elgin_pd@cityofelgin.org.