Tri-Cities briefs

Senior tax program open

The application period is open for DuPage County's Seniors Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 27. The program allows qualifying seniors ages 65 and older to defer their property taxes until the time they sell their home. To qualify, an applicant's household income cannot exceed $50,000 and the property must be used exclusively for residential purposes. The deferral is treated as a loan that accrues 6 percent simple interest until paid. Call (630) 407-5900 or visit dupageco.org/treasurer/.

Chili cook-off scheduled

The Association for Individual Development is having a chili cook-off at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24, at Mott's Lounge in Burlington, at 1 p.m. Jan. 25 at Mary's Corner Tap in South Elgin and at 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Maple Park Pub in Maple Park. The top three winners from each contests will face off during AID's 10th annual telethon on Feb. 28 and have the chance to win a $500 cash first prize. Preregistration is required. Call (847) 931-2294 or visit the-association.org.

St. Charles police academy

The St. Charles Police Department's Citizen Police Academy will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday beginning March 3. Graduation will be in April. Applications are available at the police department, by calling (630) 377-4435 or online at stcharlesil.gov/departments/police/ and are subject to approval.

The program is open to residents and high school juniors and seniors. For details, contact Officer Tim Beam at (630) 443-3730 or e-mail at TBeam@stcharlesil.gov.

ECC class on green construction

Renewable Energy and Technology, a new spring class at Elgin Community College, will have students build their own working solar air heater. The three-credit class begins Jan. 24 and is held over a period of eight Saturdays through May 2. Classes meet from 8 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. at ECC's Industry Training Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Cost is $313. Contact Andy Erbach at (847) 214-7287 or aerbach@elgin.edu.