The briefs

MCC bond rating upgraded

McHenry County College had its bond rating upgraded from A1 to Aa3 in October by Moody's Investors Service. Reasons cited for this improved score include a steady growth of the tax base in McHenry County, no plans to issue additional debt, and expectations that the college will remain in good financial health.

U46, teachers negotiate

Elgin Area School District U-46 negotiating teams will return to the bargaining table Tuesday. If an agreement is not reached on a new teachers contract Tuesday, federal mediators could be brought in to facilitate the process. The union and the district restarted negotiations last week, after teachers last month rejected a tentative three-year contract.

Old phones can save lives

If you have an old cell phone in working condition with a wall charger that you aren't using, the Elgin Police Department is collecting them. The police department will clear the phone, make sure it can call 911 and distribute it to seniors in Elgin Township. The phones can be used only to call 911. About 600 cell phones have been distributed to area seniors so far, and the police department is now in need of more. They can be dropped off at the Community Relations on the first floor of the Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Ave., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and at the front desk the rest of the time. Call Cherie Ashenbrenner at (847) 289-2626.