Briefs: City offers cold advice

With extreme cold expected this weekend, Elgin police are reminding residents to bundle up, check on loved ones and neighbors and use the department's lobby to warm up, if needed. The department's lobby at 151 Douglas Ave. is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If assistance is needed for warm sheltering, call the department at (847) 289-2700. People should wear several layers of warm clothing rather than just one, along with mittens, which are warmer than gloves, and a hat. Motorists should prepare a winter emergency kit for their vehicles that includes: a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom , flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first-aid kit with pocket knife, blankets, jumper cables and road salt.

Tax applications available

Real estate tax deferral applications are available through the Kane County treasurer's office. This is the 24th year of the program that permits qualified senior citizens to defer all or a portion of their real estate taxes. Once completed these forms should be returned to the treasurer's office on or before March 1. To qualify, a person must be 65 or older by June 1, have a total household income of $50,000 or less, have lived on the property for at least three years, not owe any delinquent property taxes and have proof of homeowners insurance. Call (630) 232-3565 for details.

Get a free book at library

If you're 18 or older, you can get a free book by signing up for the Chill Out With Reading program at the Huntley Area Public Library. During the two-month program, participants will be required to read six books, get a prize for finishing all six and earn a chance to win a gift basket. You can sign up at www.huntleylibrary.org or at the library's reference desk, 11000 Ruth Road. The program ends March 9. Call (847) 669-5386 for details.