Briefs: Officer shot by accident
An off-duty Gilberts police officer suffered a minor leg injury when his gun went off in the men's bathroom at a St. Charles tavern, officials said Wednesday. The officer, who has not been identified, told responding police 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 spokesman Paul McCurtain said. The incident happened just after 10 p.m. Friday. No one else was in the restroom at the time; no other injuries were reported. McCurtain said the officer will not be charged.
Education seminar set
"Twice-exceptional" children will be the subject of a free seminar for parents and educators Tuesday at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Cathy Risberg of Minds That Soar LLC in Palatine will present Celebrating the Differences: Creating Understanding, Support and Advocacy for Your Twice-Exceptional Child at 6:30 p.m. Twice-exceptional children are defined as those who have learning disabilities that interfere with their academic potential. The seminar is being hosted by the parent-led Gifted-Talented Resource Group in St. Charles Unit District 303.
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. The full report is available at http://emergency.cdc.gov/.
Snow costly
As of the end of January, the city of Geneva had spent $62,500 more than it budgeted for snow removal and ice control, according to information presented to the city council this week. The difference will be made up by increased sales tax receipts due to an increase in the sales tax rate that took effect Jan. 1.
NIU grads plan fundraiser
A pair of NIU graduates living in Pingree Grove plan to hold a silent auction and need people to donate items. Proceeds will benefit the families who lost their loved ones in the Valentine's Day shooting. The silent auction will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Cambridge Lakes Community Center. The event is open to residents and their guests only. To contribute to the auction, call Ashley Ebenhoch at (847) 464-1515.