Briefs: Free haircuts at Gifford

Harriet Gifford Elementary School in Elgin has teamed up with The Salon Professional Academy of Elgin to offer free back-to-school haircuts for students during school registration, including 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Tuesday. Basic boy and girl cuts will be offered. Students are asked to come with clean, washed hair. No appointments will be necessary, but it's first come, first served. "This is one way we can help ensure Harriet Gifford students return to school feeling good about themselves and ready to learn," Principal Joe Corcoran said in a release. The school is at 240 S. Clifton Ave.

Fest volunteers sought

Organizers for Elgin's BoriquaFest 2008 are seeking volunteers for the Saturday event at Festival Park, 130 S. Grove Ave. Hosted by the Puerto Rican Heritage Organization, the event will begin with a noon parade and last until 9 p.m. Activities include: music, food, and opportunities to learn more about Puerto Rican heritage. Some volunteer duties include: event setup; greeting the public; survey-taking; and beer garden service. For details, call David Lopez at (847) 717-4800.

Prosecutor going to DeKalb

A prosecutor is leaving his position in Kane County after seven years to become first assistant state's attorney in DeKalb County, officials announced this week. Bill Engerman, 45, joined the Kane County state's attorney's office in 2001 and was lead prosecutor in the recent convictions of two Aurora gang leaders charged a 1989 murder. In a statement, Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti said his office is "sad to lose a lawyer of such skill, determination and professionalism."