DuPage County briefs

Ride DuPage starts March 2:

Wheaton seniors and the disabled can register for Ride DuPage, a subsidized transportation program starting March 2 in Milton Township. Ride DuPage offers curb-to-curb paratransit service at a rate of $1 plus $1 per mile traveled. Ride DuPage will replace Wheaton's Pilot II subsidized taxi program and Milton Township's Dial-a-Ride program. Pilot II and Dial-a-Ride services will end Feb. 28. To use Ride DuPage, no identification cards or coupons are needed. But residents must register for the program before using it. To register, mail a completed registration form and waiver to the city of Wheaton, Attn: Ride DuPage, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton, IL, 60187. Registration forms will be available online Feb. 2 at wheaton.il.us or by calling Sharon Barrett-Hagen at (630) 260-2019.

Fire department gets grant:

The Naperville Fire Department received a $54,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase 16 self-contained breathing apparatus, the air packs firefighters wear into structure fires. The department currently has 107 air packs in service. The new packs meet current protection standards and will be purchased in mid-2009.

Computer classes in Roselle:

The Roselle Public Library, 40 S. Park St., will offer these upcoming computer classes: Internet 101 at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26; learn to use e-mail at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28; Microsoft Word at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Some skill in using a keyboard and mouse are necessary for these classes. For details or to register, call (630) 529-1641, ext. 3.

Housing assistance available:

The Wheaton Housing Commission has applications available for the Senior Housing Assistance Program. The program helps Wheaton residents age 65 and older. The maximum annual household income for consideration of assistance is $19,500 for homeowners and those who rent. Completed applications will be accepted through March 2. For application forms or details, call Sharon Barrett-Hagen at (630) 260-2019, or visit the housing commission section of the city's Web site at wheaton.il.us.