Briefs: Black History Month at ECC

Black History Month at Elgin Community College opens today with Gospel Fest, a concert featuring the McDonald Gospel Choir and Elgin-area church choirs, praise dancers and a soloist. The event will be held at 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center Auditorium on the ECC Main Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Elgin urged to go red

Red is the new black in Elgin. Today is "Wear Red For Women Day," an effort to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in women, the Nos. 1 and 3 causes of death for women in the United States. The day, designated for Elgin by Mayor Ed Schock, is part of a national "Go Red For Women" campaign sponsored by the American Heart Association and American Heart Month, which is February. Schock received a red tie from officials at Sherman Hospital, which also is promoting red.

Midway Ramblers on tap

The Midway Ramblers will perform the second in a series of cultural arts performances at 7 p.m. today at the Dundee Township Park District Senior Center, 665 Barrington Ave. The Midway Ramblers perform Louisiana swamp pop, zydeco and Cajun. Tickets are $2. Call (847) 428-7131.

District 158 to refund bond

The Huntley Unit District 158 school board has approved the refinancing of a 1998 bond. Refinancing will enable the district to lower interest payments, saving an estimated $153,656 over the life of the bond. The bond was the only one the district did not refund a couple years ago, board Vice President Tony Quagliano said. The district will not extend the term of the bond, he said.

District 300 OKs bond sale

The Community Unit District 300 school board has approved the sale of $45 million in bonds. The bonds are the remainder of the $185 million bond sale voters approved in 2006. District finance officials say the district can sell the bonds early and keep the tax rate down by refinancing existing bonds. The bonds, which will not be sold until August, will pay for the renovation of the district's middle schools.