West’s Kerkman earns 800th, East’s Young state mat champ

Longtime West Aurora High School basketball coach Gordie Kerkman hit another career milestone last Friday.

Senior guard Marquist Howard helped Kerkman to his 800th career victory with a 46-point performance in a 82-46 victory over host South Elgin.

Kerkman is now 800-312 through 39 seasons. His current Blackhawks are 17-8, 9-4 in Upstate Eight play.

Howard was 14-for-20 in 3-point shooting, two successful shots short of matching the state record set in 1993.

On Saturday, East Aurora senior Tim Young captured the school’s first individual state wrestling championship with a 7-2 victory over Glenbard North’s Luke Greenberg in Class 3A finals at the University of Illinois.

Young, who finished 42-1, is the first Tomcat champ since Doug Zinzer in 1983.

Naperville hosts location for disposal of household wastes

Far west suburban residents now have a new location to safely deposit household hazardous waste.

A facility at 156 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville, will feature a covered drop-off area, improved sorting and storage areas and increased health and safety measures. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, excluding holidays.

The facility accepts household cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, auto-fluids, oil-based paints, pharmaceuticals, and other hazardous materials.

Wait times are expected to be greatly reduced. This facility is one of just four if its kind in Illinois.

St. Charles annual St. Pat’s parade sets off on March 14

St. Charles’ St. Patrick’s Parade will be held on Saturday, March 14 on Main St.- Rt. 64 beginning at 2 p.m.

It will feature Irish dancers, authentic Irish music, floats and more. Residents are invited to take part  by entering an organization, business, or school group.

?Forms are due to the Downtown St. Charles Partnership Wednesday, February 25. Find forms and more information on the event at: www.downtownstcharles.org/stpats

Elgin salutes top individuals, groups at Image Awards

Elgin will salute individuals, businesses and organizations that have made a positive impact on the city at the annual Image Awards on March 19.

Elgin’s  Image Advisory Commission hosts the event, which will be held at The Centre’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way. The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to the award winners, all 28 nominees from this year’s program will be recognized at the event. For more information or questions regarding the Image Awards contact Barb Keselica, special events and community engagement manager, at (847) 531-7056 or by email at keselica_b@cityofelgin.org. Call (847) 931-5598 to register to attend the event.

‘Mayor on the Move’ set for March 7 in Montgomery

Montgomery Village President Matt Brolley will host a “Mayor on the Move” on Saturday, March 7, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Bank of Montgomery, 1333 Douglas Road.

Residents are invited to drop by and discuss items of concern with him on an informal basis. Everyone is encouraged to bring their comments, questions and ideas to the session.

“I enjoy visiting with residents and hearing what issues are important to them,” Brolley said. “I also hope to tap into some of the great ideas people may have for improving life in Montgomery.”
Bradbury biographer next in COD Writers’ Series

Acclaimed author and authorized Ray Bradbury biographer Sam Weller will read and discuss his work at College of DuPage on Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m. in the Student Resource Center, Room 2000, on the College’s main campus in Glen Ellyn.

This event is free and open to the public.

Co-sponsored by the Creative Writing Committee, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Club and the Liberal Arts division at College of DuPage, the “Writers Read” series brings authors to COD’s campus for readings and discussions.

The day will begin at noon with an hour-long Sci-Fi Writing Craft talk given by Weller and will conclude with the author reading and discussing his work from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Area Notre Dame club to provide free tax help

Free tax preparation help from the Notre Dame Club of Greater DuPage will be available for low-income households and workers earning less than $53,000 a year from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 28 at Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.

Individuals must bring proof of identification, their Social Security card(s) for all members of the household, Wage and Earning Statement(s) (W-2), interest and dividend statements (1099), property tax bill (if applicable), proof of health care coverage and a copy of their 2013 federal income tax return.

Appointments will not be accepted; participants will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call Mike Domagola at (630) 717-0439.