Briefs: School contest finalists

Four St. Charles high school students have been named finalists in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program competition, St. Charles Unit District 303 officials announced this week. The finalists are St. Charles North seniors Patrick C. Eschenfeldt and Katharine K. Fragoso and St. Charles East seniors Kathryn M. Born and Janae L. Ketterling. The academic competition rewards high-achieving students with recognition and scholarships. More than 1 million students compete nationwide.

Students offer tax help

Individuals with incomes of less than $39,000 can get help preparing their income tax returns from Benedictine University students and faculty. The service will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville.

Bridal expo coming

The Hilton Garden Inn in St. Charles will host its annual bridal expo Sunday. The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4070 E. Main St. Admission is free. Call (630) 762-6821.

Officer finishes training

West Chicago police officer Spencer Kronig recently graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University. The 10-week program, which was held in Elmhurst, allows officers to take college-level courses on a variety of topics, including management theory, organizational behavior, budgeting, staffing allocation and personnel deployment.

Be a weather watcher

Weather watchers can get training to become a volunteer weather observer Monday at the Kane County Extension Office of the University of Illinois, 535 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. The weather-tracking program is being coordinated by the Illinois State Water Survey and the National Weather Service. The training session, set for 7 p.m., is free to attend, but participants should register in advance. Those who go on to become volunteers will need about $25 in supplies. Call (815) 397-7714.

Coloring contest deadline

The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce is having a coloring contest for children to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Entries will be accepted through Monday, with five winners to be announced Friday. Pictures are available at Learning Express Toys, 3865 E. Main St.; St. Charles public library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.; the chamber, 3755 E. Main St; and at the chamber Web site, www.stcharleschamber.com. The prize is a ride on the Miss Illinois float in the St. Patrick's Day parade March 8. For more information, call (630) 584-8384.