Tri-Cities briefs

IMSA team tops in contest

A team of students from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora earned the highest ranking possible at the 11th annual High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling, which attracts teams from all over the world. The team - comprised of Jessica Durden of Lake Barrington, Bohao Liu of Schaumburg and Ilya Nepomnyashchiy and Justin Troyka, both of Carol Stream - was one of only four out of 270 competing teams to receive a "national outstanding" ranking. A second IMSA team received the "regional outstanding" commendation. The contest gives participating teams 36 hours to solve a mathematical modeling problem.

Free coin appraisal

First Choice Bank in Geneva will have a coin expert doing free appraisals from 9 a.m. to noon today at 1900 W. State St., Geneva. Do not clean the coins before appraisal.

Chili cook-off scheduled

The Association for Individual Development is having a chili cook-off at 7:30 tonight at Mott's Lounge in Burlington, at 1 p.m. Sunday 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.

Founders Day Brunch

Elgin Community College will hold a 60th Anniversary Founders Day Brunch on its main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. The meal will begin with a champagne reception and includes live entertainment, an awards ceremony and prizes. Funds raised support student financial aid and instructional programs. Cost is $75 per person. Contact Katie Michel at (847) 214-7277 or kmichel@elgin.edu for more information.