Briefs: Dist. 158 audit approval near
Huntley Unit District 158 is about to close the books on its forensic audit yet again. The District 158 school board was set to approve the audit last month, but the action was delayed because some board members felt Jefferson Wells' audit was lacking complete documentation. Now board members say only a few documents are missing. "The plan is to get a couple of loose ends tied up," board President Shawn Green said. If the board votes to approve the audit at its next board meeting, six months will have passed since the auditor first issued its report. The audit, which was launched to investigate irregularities in district finances, concluded there was no evidence of fraud.
Be a good baby sitter
The American Red Cross will conduct baby-sitter training workshops Monday and Nov. 5 at the Town and Country Library, 320 E. North St., Elburn. Both are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshops are for kids ages 11 to 15. The program is free, but there is a $25 deposit to hold your reservation. Sign up at the library.
Gilberts to conduct census
The village of Gilberts is seeking workers to help conduct a special census. The census will enable the village to collect a greater share of state funding. Gilberts must receive 110 applications for census workers before the U.S. Census Bureau will assign the village a date for the census. Applications are available at the village hall. Call (847) 428-2861.
Check your heart
A free heart screening will be offered from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Salvation Army, 1710 S. Seventh Ave., St. Charles. There will be finger-stick blood tests with immediate results for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose. Also, tests for blood pressure and body mass index will be conducted, as well as one-on-one counseling to identify risk factors. There will be an opportunity for a six-month follow-up screening. Participants must fast for 12 hours before the test, and be 18 or older. For an appointment, call Cathy Winters at (630) 377-2769.
Museum honored
The Midwest Museum of Natural History in Sycamore has been named Small Institution of the Year by the Illinois Association of Museums. MMNH, which opened in February 2005, houses a collection of preserved animals from four continents and programs in natural science. Visitors have come from 47 states and 15 countries. Visit www.mmnh.org or call (815) 895-9777.
Kane GOP event planned
The Kane County Republican Central Committee's annual fall fundraiser, the Kane County Round-Up, is scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. A casual barbecue dinner will be served. Tickets are $10 per person and $25 per family. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (630) 232-0822. County, state and national candidates will speak to the crowd and a band will provide entertainment. Raffle tickets are $100, and 40 prizes will be awarded, including a $10,000 first prize.
Boy Scouts Haunted Hike
The Boy Scouts of America Three Fires Council will have its 17th annual Haunted Hike over two weekends this month. The hikes will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Admission is $9 for the general public and $7 for Boy and Girl Scouts wearing uniforms. A "kiddie" hike is set for 1:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 with admission set at $6. The hikes include a three-quarter-mile haunted trail. Call (630) 797-4618 or go to www.threefirescouncil.org.