Elgin council signs off on U-46’s new school plans
Elgin City Council members have approved School District U-46’s plans to build a new middle school on a 12.3-acre site adjacent to Hilltop Elementary School.
The 193,000-square-foot middle school will replace Ellis Middle School on South Liberty Street as the district moves to transition sixth-graders into middle schools.
The district addressed several concerns raised by the Chapel Creek Homeowners Association, including the addition of spruce trees along Cardinal Drive, that were raised last month at the village’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Mayor Dave Kaptain, speaking at the council’s Wednesday meeting, said the proposal, including a traffic study, was one of the most comprehensive he’s seen as a council member and former planning and zoning commissioner.
U-46 incorporated recommendations from the study, like building more turn lanes, into its plans to address the increased traffic.
“I want to thank the city of Elgin for all your support and collaboration in our efforts as we pave the way for a future for our students in U-46 and especially in the city of Elgin,” Superintendent Suzanne Johnson said.
‘Dog Man’ book party being held at Dundee Library
Dundee Library in East Dundee will hold a free party celebrating the “Dog Man” books and the upcoming release of the animated movie based on those books from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The event will include blind smell tests, making a robot in Petey’s Secret Lab, learning how to draw Dog Man and raffles, according to the library’s website. Snacks and beverages will be available.
The Dog Man books are written and illustrated by Dave Pilkey, who also created the Captain Underpants series. According to Pilkey’s website, Dog Man has the head of a dog, the body of a human and a real nose for justice. The movie based on the books is scheduled for movie theater release on Friday, Jan. 31.
To register to attend the party, go to www.frvpld.info/event/dog-man-party-74483.
Carpentersville police awarded traffic enforcement grant
The Carpentersville Police Department has received a $72,960 federal Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grant administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
It will support enhanced traffic safety enforcement efforts designed to reduce crashes, according to a news release. Known as a STEP grant, the money is to be used by Sept. 30, 2025.
“We are grateful for this grant, which allows us to increase our enforcement of impaired driving, seat belt, speeding and other traffic safety laws under the banners of ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ ‘Click It or Ticket’ and ‘Drive High, Get a DUI,’” Carpentersville Police Chief Todd Shaver said in the release.
“Our priority is ensuring the safety of everyone who uses our roadways by holding those who break the law accountable.”
East Dundee holding open house on land use plan
An open house for East Dundee’s draft comprehensive land use plan will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at The Depot Visitor Center, 319 N. River St.
The event will give residents a chance to review the proposed plan before it is presented to village commissions and eventually goes to the East Dundee Village Board for approval in the upcoming months, according to the village’s newsletter.
Comprehensive plans outline a vision for the village’s future growth and development, including proposals for housing, infrastructure, land use and community amenities. Village staff and plan consultants will be available at the open house to answer questions.
For more information, contact Franco Bottalico at 224-293-7102 or fbottalico@eastdundee.net.
