Briefs: Three new liquor permits

Algonquin's liquor commission this week awarded liquor licenses to three businesses, but not before questioning them to see what precautions they'd take to eliminate underage drinking. The establishments that received the licenses were Bad Monkey, Brunswick Zone XL and Kosta's Gyros.

Sheridan gets $1,000 grant

Sheridan Elementary School in Elgin recently received a $1,000 field trip grant from Target. Sheridan was selected from more than 16,000 applicants from around the country. Reading coach Nicole Tucker used the grant to take 75 of her student to a Chicago Storm soccer game Feb. 5.

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.