Briefs: Cash for farmers markets

Organizers of farmers markets can apply for state grants to promote their events, Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Friday. The Illinois Farmers Market Advertising Grant Program will provide farmers markets up to $7,500 to help with advertising and promotional expenses during the 2008 season. The funds were awarded to the Illinois Department of Agriculture through the federal specialty crop program and will be distributed as part of Opportunity Returns, a program designed to spur economic growth and create jobs. More than $175,000 is available. More than 220 farmers markets operate in Illinois, up from 97 in 1999. Applications, due by Nov. 7, are available online at www.agr.state.il.us or by calling Kim Janssen at (217) 785-5848. Grants will be awarded by Feb. 1.

Fox Valley holding auction

Fox Valley Park District is holding an annual surplus equipment auction that runs through Oct. 4. More than 100 items are up for auction, including trucks, mowers, golf course benches, indoor drinking fountains and more. A listing of items is available at the park district administrative office, 712 S. River St., Aurora. Call (630) 897-0516.

Aurora to close bridges

Aurora's Ohio Street Bridge, between Rural and Front streets, will be closed to traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The High Street Bridge, between Pierce and Front streets, will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday. Motorists should find alternate routes. Engineers are doing bridge inspections during the closures.

Great Western Trail closed

The Kane County Forest Preserve District recently announced a section of the Great Western Trail will be closed Monday through Friday for bridge replacement work. No access will be allowed between Meredith Road and Route 47 during the project. The Great Western Trail runs from St. Charles to the DeKalb County line, near Virgil. Call (630) 232-5980.

Homework help available

St. Charles School District 303 parents can get tips on helping children who struggle with homework during a special presentation Tuesday at North High School, 255 Red Gate Road. The District 303 Parent University program will host a "Homework Hassles" seminar from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 302. To register, call (630) 513-4408.

Parenting class offered

A six-week "Love and Logic" parenting workshop will be offered starting Wednesday through Nov. 7 at Immanuel Lutheran School, 950 Hart Road, Batavia. Christie Clarke, known as the "Nanny of Elgin" and founder and director of Out-a-Box Parenting Inc., will lead. Sessions focus on respect, choices and accountability and pro-active parenting. The workshop will meet from 6:15 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. The fee is $90 a person or $165 per couple and includes workbooks. Child care will be available for $3 per child or $5 for two or more children per session. No class is scheduled Oct. 31. Registration and payment are required before the first session. Call (630) 406-0157 or visit www.loveandlogic.com.