Briefs: Warming shelter available

Elgin police remind residents to bundle up, check on loved ones and neighbors and use the department's lobby to warm up if needed during very cold days. The department's lobby at 151 Douglas Ave. is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If assistance is needed for warm sheltering, call department at (847) 289-2700. People should wear several layers of warm clothing rather than just one, along with mittens, which are warmer than gloves, and a hat. Motorists should prepare a winter emergency kit for their vehicles that includes a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first-aid kit with pocket knife, blankets, jumper cables and road salt.

Learn McHenry programs

The Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Algonquin Police Department, will hold a seminar for businesses about programs in Algonquin, McHenry County and Kane County for settling bad checks. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday at Algonquin Bank and Trust, 4049 W. Algonquin Road. Call (847) 658-5300.

Water rate break weighed

Residents in the Richardson subdivision in unincorporated East Dundee could soon get a break on their water bills. Trustees are considering reducing the rate from 200 percent of in-town water rates to 150 percent of that rate. The water rate for in-town residents is currently $4.49 per 1,000 gallons, while sewer rates are $4.20 per 1,000 gallons, said Nick Cinquegrani, the village's finance manager.