Tri-Cities briefs

Citizens Police Academy:The North Aurora Police Department offers a Citizens Police Academy at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 18 to April 22. It will cover hiring procedures, traffic law, patrol procedures, gang intervention, crime scene processing, simulated firearms training and more. Residents 18 and older are eligible. Pick up an application at the police department, 25 E. State St., or contact Officer Stecklein at (630) 897-8705, e-mail rstecklein@vil.north-aurora.il.us.Lifeguard training:Delnor Health and Wellness Center on Randall Road in Geneva offers American Red Cross Lifeguard Training to everyone. The course is on Saturdays and Wednesdays, April 10 to May 1. Registration began this week. Cost is $230. Contact Ginny Schwartz at (630) 262-6057 or gschwartz@powerwellness.com.Tax deferral for seniors:Real Estate Tax Deferral applications for seniors are available through the Kane County Treasurer's office. The program permits qualified senior citizens to defer all or a portion of their real estate taxes. Once completed the forms should be returned to the treasurer's office on or before March 1. To qualify, a senior citizen must be 65 or older by June 1, have a household income of $50,000 or less, have lived on the property for at least three years, not owe any delinquent property taxes, and have homeowners insurance. If you have a mortgage, you should also submit proof that your agreement allows you to participate in the Senior Tax Deferral Program. The deferral is similar to a loan against the property's market value. Deferred amounts are "borrowed" from the state, which pays the tax bill. To ensure repayment, a 6 percent simple interest rate is charged on the deferred amounts and a lien is filed on the property. Forms can be picked up at the treasurer's office at 719 Batavia Ave., Building A, in Geneva or obtained by mail. For assistance, contact Della Winckler at the treasurer's office at (630) 232-3565.Fireworks fundraiser:The Batavia Fireworks Committee's "Books vs. Badges" basketball game fundraiser is at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Batavia High School. Batavia police officers and firefighters will play against Batavia public school teachers. BHS dance and cheerleading teams will perform. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children. Tickets can be bought at Fire Station 1, 800 E. Wilson St.; the school, 1200 W. Main St.; or the police department, 100 N. Island Ave.Kaneland seeks advisers:The Kaneland school district is seeking volunteers for its citizens advisory, facilities planning and finance committees. All advise the school board. For details about their duties, contact Sharon Sabin at (630) 365-5111, ext. 109, or sharon.sabin@kaneland.org. Applications are due March 1.