Briefs: Officer shoots self in leg
An off-duty Gilberts police officer suffered a minor leg injury when his gun went off in the men's bathroom just after 10 p.m. Friday in a St. Charles tavern, officials said Wednesday. The officer, who has not been identified, told officers the holstered firearm discharged when he bumped into a stall at the Filling Station Pub & Grill, 300 W. Main St. The bullet grazed his thigh and chipped a floor tile, St. Charles police said. No one else was in the restroom at the time. The officer will not be charged, police said.
High marks for Kane
The Kane County Health Department received one of the highest scores possible for its 2006-2007 technical assistance review, a requirement of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the area of public health emergency preparedness. The health department received a score of 93 out of a possible 100 points. A score of 69 or higher is considered satisfactory. The CDC reviews local health department's public health emergency response plans annually as a requirement of the Cities Readiness Initiative grant. The grant helps communities increase their capacity to deliver medicines and medical supplies during a large-scale public health emergency such as a bioterrorism attack or a nuclear accident.
Help Klutzo find new name
Area kids have until Friday to suggest a new name for Algonquin's former Klutzo the Clown. So far, 100 kids have joined the party. If your child would like to participate, you can find an entry form at lionsclubofalgonquin.com. You can mail them to the lions club at P.O. Box 7393, Algonquin, IL 60102 -- they must be postmarked by Friday. You can also drop the forms off at Rosen Hyundai on Randall Road. Forms must be signed by parents. The winner will receive a $1,000 savings bond. Call (847) 458-1639.
Open house at St. Mary
St. Mary Elementary School, 103 S. Gifford St., Elgin, will host an open house from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. Registration information, as well as tours for prospective students and families, will be available. Call (847) 695-6609.
State scholarships open:
State Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, is accepting applications for the 2008-09 General Assembly Scholarship. Eight one-year, full-tuition scholarships are available to high school seniors or those earning equivalent diplomas and undergraduate and graduate students. Eligible applicants must already be accepted to a state-sponsored public university and be a resident of the 44th District, which includes parts or all of Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Streamwood. Criteria could include financial need, grade-point average, activities, essay, work experience and honors or awards. Applications are due April 15. For more information, call Crespo's constituent service office at (630) 372-3340.