The briefs

Catalytic converters stolen Friday

On Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. someone removed the catalytic converters from two vehicles. The cars had been parked in train commuter parking lot near Arlington Park Racetrack when the thefts occurred.

Anyone having information about this crime, or any other serious crime should call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-7867.

Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Karate tourney will be Saturday

The Japan Karate Association of Palatine and Joe Gonzalez will host the Annual Windy City Traditional Karate Championship Tournament for the 16th year Saturday at the Doubletree Hotel, 75 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights.

The competition will start at 8 a.m. and is open to children, teens, and adults who practice traditional Japanese or Okinawa Karate. The event draws several hundred local athletes as well as nation wide.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and younger.

For information, call the JKA of Palatine (847) 956-9526 or visit windycitykarate.com

Bassi hosts college saving seminar

State Rep. Suzanne "Suzie" Bassi (R-Palatine) will host a College Savings Seminar at 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the Rolling Meadows Senior Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Representatives from College Illinois and Bright Start will discuss the 529 college saving programs. College Illinois is a prepaid tuition program in which family members buy a set number of semesters at today's tuition rates. Those rates are guaranteed regardless of what happens to tuition rates between the purchase and the child's college enrollment. The money can be used at most institutions. The deadline to enroll in College Illinois is April 29.

Bright Start is offered though the Illinois treasurer's office and works essentially like a 401(k) in which families contribute a set amount of money to the plan that is invested in mutual funds and equity investments. The money invested in a Bright Start account is deductible from an Illinois resident's state taxes and when the time comes for the funds to be used for education related purposes, the money is withdrawn federal and state tax-free. For details regarding the College Savings Seminar, call Rep. Bassi's office at (847) 776-1880.