Briefs: Forest preserve sets tax rate

DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners set the tax rate slightly lower for the coming fiscal year that begins July 1, 2009. The board possibly could reduce the rate even further before the April deadline. The rate is going from 11.87 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value to 11.82 cents. But because property is valued higher than it was this year, taxpayers can expect to pay more next year. The owner of a $300,000 house can anticipate a forest preserve tax bill of about $116.

75th St. work starts in winter

Naperville and DuPage County are slated to begin work this winter on the intersection of 75th and Washington streets. The first phase of the project will include utility relocations, tree removal and installation of construction phase traffic signals. Periodic lane closures may be required. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes in preparation for major lane closures slated for March 2009 when road and bridge construction begins.

Food drive in Lombard

Lombard School District 44 and the Kiwanis Club of Lombard are sponsoring a food drive to help stock the Lombard and Villa Park food pantries. The drive will continue through Friday, Nov. 21. The pantry hopes to receive nonperishable items such as canned goods, condiments, sauces, tuna fish, juices, baby food, boxed goods like pasta and rice, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, diapers, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry soap and paper products. Donations may be dropped off at any District 44 school.

Excellence celebration

Glenbard High School District 87 will present its annual Academic Excellence celebration at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at Glenbard West High School's auditorium, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The ceremony will honor students who have been named National Merit Semifinalists and commended students, a National Achievement Program Participant, National Hispanic Recognition honorees and students who earned perfect ACT and SAT scores.