The University of Illinois Extension DuPage County is offering monthly Saturday science activities for children ages 8 to 12 through its Explore, Try, Create program.

Children of all ages can visit with Nature Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn.

Visitors can experience old-fashioned holiday celebrations at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Kline Creek Farm, an 1890s living history farm in Winfield, at several upcoming programs.

Shoppers left Charlestowne Mall Friday with large shopping bags, but they weren’t filled with typical holiday treasures. Shoppers stocked up on more practical items: housewares, microwaves, appliances, tupper ware, kitchen utensils, suitcases, gym bags and bed sheets.

Cold, wintry conditions can provide a variety of pleasant outdoor experiences, but only if enjoyed safely. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County reminds all outdoor adventurers to put safety first this season.

Three recently elected Forest Preserve District of DuPage County commissioners will take the oath of office Tuesday.

The DuPage County Health Department is joining with individuals and organizations from throughout the U.S. and the world to support World AIDS Day 2008 on Monday.

Just when DuPage County appeared to be set for smooth sailing financially for the first time in several years, national economic turmoil created unexpected waves in this year’s budget process.

The College of DuPage is about to be taken in a new direction. Robert Breuder will become the college’s fifth president, succeeding Sunil Chand, who was removed in May. Breuder will take over the post Jan. 1, after leaving his position as president of William Rainey Harper College in Palatine.

The Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District is hoping to send 10,000 troops Christmas care packages for the holiday season.

Due to a “precipitous drop” in sales tax income and concerns expressed by several DuPage County Board members, Chairman Robert Schillerstrom made adjustments Monday to his 2009 spending plan.

During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week Nov. 2 to 8, nearly 400 people took part in Friends of DuPage County Animal Care and Control’s second annual Take the Challenge competition.

DuPage County assistant state’s attorney Michael Wolfe was honored Wednesday with the Chicago Crime Commission’s inaugural Mitchell Mars Prosecutor Excellence Award.

The University of Illinois Extension has created a Web site with ideas on ways to prepare the Thanksgiving turkey.