Briefs: District nominations sought

Nominations are being accepted for the two-year term of the office of director of the Kane-DuPage County Soil and Water Conservation District. To be eligible, you must be of legal voting age and own or reside on land located within the boundaries of the Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District. Interested persons must respond by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the district's office, 2315 Dean St., St. Charles, during normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ECC business course open

Elgin Community College's Illinois Small Business Development Center is offering NxLevel for Entrepreneurs, a 12-week comprehensive course that will meet Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 20. The intensive training program includes workshops with experienced business educators, guest lectures by prominent business leaders, networking opportunities with local business leaders, and one-on-one business counseling. The course will be held in the Fox Valley University and Business Center, on ECC's main campus at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The course enrollment fee is $475, which includes a reference book, workbook and all class handouts. Class is limited to 20 students. Registration deadline is Feb. 15. For details or to register, call the Illinois Small Business Development Center (847) 214-7488.

City Skate rink now open

City Skate, Elgin's outdoor ice rink, is now open for the season. The ice rink on the civic center plaza between the Hemmens Cultural Center and city hall is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ice skate rental is $4 with identification and only available when the warming shelter is open. There is no fee if you own your own skates. Warming shelter hours are Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call the hotline at (847) 931-6140, or visit www.cityofelgin.org, for updates on hours and ice conditions.

Kids can learn soccer

South Elgin's park district offers an indoor soccer program for kids interested in learning how to play the game. The program, which runs Jan. 15 to Feb. 5 and is reserved for 3- and 4-year-olds, covers the basics of passing, scoring and dribbling. They'll play from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church, 400 W. Spring St., South Elgin. The cost $32 is for residents. Register by Jan. 8. Call (847) 622-0003.