Glenside gets boost:

The Glenside Fire Protection District in Glendale Heights recently was upgraded by the Insurance Services Office to a Class 2 department, placing it near the top of all fire departments in the U.S. in terms of ability to respond to emergencies. The department had been ranked a 3 on a scale of one to 10 (with one the best) since 2009. Businesses and residents may see a reduction in their insurance premiums as a result of the improved rating.

Coffee with Kifowit:

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, a Democrat from Oswego, is inviting residents to join her for coffee and to share their ideas on state government at locations across her district in February. All “Coffee with Kifowit” events are free to the public. The events are scheduled from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and will take place at the following locations: Feb 6 at Pomegranate Café, 55 S Commons Drive, #114, in Aurora; Feb 13 at Maxfield’s, 2290 Ogden Ave., in Aurora; Feb. 20 at Benny’s Place, 1158 Douglas Road, in Oswego; and Feb. 27 at Panera, 2775 Showplace Drive, Suite 123, in Naperville. For details, visit www.ILDistrict84.com or call (630) 585-1308.

Free throw champs:

Four boys from Villa Park were named council champions for the 2017 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship and have earned the right to compete at the district level. Fr. John Barrett Council #8365 of Villa Park sponsored the competition for youngsters ages 9 to 14. Mason Knudtson was the winner of the 9-year-old-boys’ bracket; Jack Barrett won the 10-year-old-boys’ bracket; John Swastek was the winner of the boys’ 13-year-old division; and the 14-year-old boys’ division was won by Caden Mielke. Winners earned the right to participate in the district competition that will be held Feb. 5 at St. Isadores Parish Center, Bloomingdale.

U-46 CEO visits Lions Club:

Tony Sanders, CEO of Elgin Area School District U-46, is the guest speaker at the Elgin Lions Club meeting at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Elgin American Legion Hall, 820 N. Liberty St. Those interested in attending should RSVP to (847) 289-4206. The charge is $12 for the meal. Advance notification is necessary to provide adequate seating and meals. Visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/elginil.