The briefs

Bond reduced for suspect

A judge Monday reduced the bond amount for a 17-year-old Maple Park teen accused of fondling and kissing two girls younger than 13 between April 7 and Aug. 6. Nicholas Seven surrendered to authorities earlier this month after being accused of 12 counts of criminal sexual abuse, which carries three to seven years in prison upon conviction. His bond was reduced to $1,500 from $7,500. Seven, who does not have a prior criminal record, is due in court on Jan. 2.

Bridge closure planned

The Wilson Street bridge in Batavia will be closed from 1 to 3 p.m. today to allow installation of additional concrete around drainage scuppers, at the bridge joint and at the limits of the project.

Clerk's holiday hours:

The Kane County clerk's vital records office will be open until 8 tonight. On Wednesday the clerk's office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will remain closed Thursday and Friday, reopening at 8:30 a.m. Monday to resume normal business hours. The clerk's office is at 719 S. Batavia Ave. in Geneva.

Marmion grant exam

Marmion Academy Catholic college-preparatory school will conduct its scholarship qualifying entrance exam for eighth-grade boys Dec. 1. Ten scholarships will be awarded. To obtain a registration form and sign up for the exam, call the admissions office at (630) 897-6936, ext. 227.

Youth grants available:

The St. Charles Youth Commission is accepting applications for its 2008 Challenge Grant program. Young people and their friends can submit ideas for ways to make the community safer and more enjoyable. Each year the commission decides which proposals should receive grant money. Applications are available online at www.stcharlesil.gov. They should be completed and delivered to city hall, 2 E. Main St., no later than Jan. 11. Call (630) 377-4435.

LEAP Award nominations

The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Council is accepting nominations for its 2007 LEAP Award. Established in 1995, the annual award recognizes a woman who "goes above and beyond the call of duty" in helping other business women in their community. The nomination deadline is Dec. 3. For more information or a nomination form, call (630) 584-8384.