Briefs: See trees for free

People who bring a non-perishable food item to Elgin's Touching on Traditions cultural holiday tree display will receive free admission today. Touching on Tradition, a display of 62 exhibits of holiday activities from around the world, is hosted by the Elgin Public Museum at the Lords Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Blvd., Elgin. It is open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and daily beginning Dec. 22 through Dec. 31, except Christmas Day. For more information, call (847) 741-6655 or visit elginpublicmuseum.org.

District 300 honors teachers

Community Unit District 300 recently honored nine teachers who have earned National Board Certification. The certification recognizes teachers who meet professional standards and pass an exam in their subject areas. District 300 currently has 52 certified teachers. The teachers who earned their certification this year are: Mark Bettcher, Cara Holland, Amy Kerley, Janet Avampato, Rob Piercy, Kelly Uehlein, Michelle Grossmayer, Trent Halpin and Carol Anderson.

District 158 hosts levy hearing

Huntley Unit District 158 is hosting a public hearing on the district's 2008 tax levy at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18 at the administration building, 650 Academic Drive, Algonquin. The district plans to ask for $58.7 million in local property taxes this year, a 9.9-percent increase over last year's tax receipts of $53.4 million.