Briefs: Taxes due Sept. 2

The second installment of Kane County property taxes is due Sept. 2. Payments mailed to the county treasurer's office, 719 Batavia Ave., Geneva, must be postmarked by Sept. 2. A drop box at the office also is available 24 hours a day. In addition, payments can be made through participating banks, or online at www.kanecountytreasurer.org. Homeowners can request copies of their bills by calling (630) 232-3565. The bills, and payment status, also are available at the treasurer's Web site.

ECC student group lauded

Elgin Community College's Organization of Latin American Students recently won the Lideres Summit Award for Achievement at the National Council of La Raza conference in San Diego. The award is given each year to the group that has made a significant impact on its campus. This is the third year the group has won the award.

U-46 set registration dates

With two weeks until school begins, all 53 of Elgin Area School District U-46's elementary, middle and high schools have posted their registration dates and times. Parents of elementary students can register at their respective schools from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 19. Dates and times at district middle and high schools vary by location. Visit www.u-46.org.

ECC small-business seminar

Elgin Community College, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will host a "Starting Your Business in Illinois" workshop at 6:30 tonight. During the workshop, participants can learn about the importance of creating feasibility studies and business plans, about financing options and where to get additional assistance. The workshop will be held in Room 103 of the Fox Valley University and Business Center on ECC's main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive., Elgin. Cost is $25 per person. Call (847) 214-7488.

Special night in South Elgin

South Elgin will host "A Special Night for Special Kids" from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Special needs children and their families will get access to carnival rides, entertainment and food for free before Riverfest, the village's annual fair, begins Thursday. The night is sponsored by local businesses. About 30 people attended during the inaugural event last year. Organizers expect more people this year. Register by calling (847) 774-1151.