Briefs: Bilingual program at school
Starting in the fall, Liberty Elementary School will be the new site of Community Unit District 300's dual language program. Liberty, 6500 Miller Road, will host an informational session on the program at 6 p.m. today. The goal of the program is to develop bilingual proficiency for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It is open to all District 300 students who are entering kindergarten or the first grade in the fall. Transportation will be provided. You can apply for the program at the informational sessions. Parents who cannot attend this month's sessions can come to a session in February or March. Call (847) 426-1300 ext. 313.
Warming shelter available
Elgin police remind residents to bundle up, check on loved ones and neighbors and use the department's lobby to warm up if needed during very cold days. 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 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.
Court orders mental exam
An Elgin man accused of injuring his pregnant girlfriend will undergo a mental health evaluation, his attorney said Wednesday. Jessie D. Kidd, 32, of 314 Hendee St., is charged with home invasion and aggravated assault. Elgin police say Kidd kicked in the door to a Fleetwood Drive apartment on Oct. 13, hitting the woman in the nose. The fetus was not injured. Thomas McCulloch, Kidd's public defender, said Kidd was not trying to hurt anyone. The mental health screening was ordered as part of negotiations with prosecutors. Kidd is in jail and due in court Feb. 13.