logo
Elgin News Digest: Elgin historic rehab, paint grants applications available; Kane officials named to Emerging Adults Task Force

Elgin News Digest: Elgin historic rehab, paint grants applications available; Kane officials named to Emerging Adults Task Force

Chicago Tribune31-01-2025

Elgin historic rehab, paint grants applications available
Applications for Elgin's 2025 Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Program and Historic Paint Grant Program can be submitted now through Friday, March 28.
The Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Program provides reimbursements of up to $20,000 for residential property owners who restore exterior architectural features of landmark homes or homes located in historic districts, according to a news release.
Paint Grants are available through a new program that will provide money up to $15,000 to low-income, owner-occupied residential property owners within the Elgin National Watch Historic District who want to paint their home's exterior, the release said.
For grant applications, go to elginIL.gov/historicgrants and elginIL.gov/paintgrant. For more information, call Christen Sundquist, 847-931-6004.
Kane officials named to Emerging Adults Task Force
The Illinois Judicial Conference has appointed Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser and Kane County Court Services Executive Director Lisa Aust to its new Emerging Adults Task Force.
Task force members will study and recommend best practices for courts working with adults ages 18 to 24, according to a news release.
'This age group has unique needs and opportunities for rehabilitation that require tailored approaches,' Mosser said in the release.
Aust said in the release that research shows that young people's brains are 'literally' wired differently than mature adults and 'we're looking at this as an opportunity to re-imagine how the courts can work with this group to take into account their thinking and potential for change. It's an exciting initiative.'
Early Learning Center at Elgin library being remodeled
The Early Learning Center section of the Gail Borden Public Library's main branch in downtown Elgin will be closed through April for renovation work.
The revamped space will feature improved play areas, enhanced educational resources and more interactive learning opportunities, according to the library district's website. It has not been remodeled since the building opened in 2003, according to library spokeswoman Natalie Kiburg.
During construction, there will be some temporary changes to services or space availability.
'We are excited to be able to offer an updated space that will be more accessible, modern and dynamic for our littlest learners,' Kiburg said.
Detention basin retrofit named 2025 Project of the Year
Elgin's Airport Road detention basin retrofit project has been recognized with a 2025 Public Works Project of the Year Award by the American Public Works Association Fox Valley Branch.
The award is for excellence in the management, administration and implementation of a public works project, according to an Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce website post.
Elgin worked with civil engineering firm Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick and contractor Martam Construction Inc. to transform an outdated, concrete-lined detention basin into a naturalized stormwater facility, the post said. The retrofit is designed to slow water flow, filter pollutants and provide habitat for local wildlife.
The award will be presented at an awards luncheon being held Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Providers rally for funding and support by taking A Day Without Childcare
Providers rally for funding and support by taking A Day Without Childcare

Yahoo

time13-05-2025

  • Yahoo

Providers rally for funding and support by taking A Day Without Childcare

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)—Childcare providers across the state and country took the day off to rally for more funding and support during A Day Without Childcare. In Wisconsin, the Joint Finance Committee cut $480 million from the Governor's proposed budget, some of which was allocated to childcare services. Providers say 25% of facilities may have to close without that money. Lawmakers and providers joined together at Julia's Schoolia in Eau Claire to share the need for these services. They say without childcare providers, employees in other fields won't be able to work and that would directly affect employers, families and children. While the battle to secure this funding continues, childcare providers say they're in limbo. Leanne O'Bryan, Executive Director of Rachel's Place Early Learning Center, says, 'It's very stressful. It's very stressful to be a director in this program. We have so many things to do at the center that we need to be taken care of and having to advocate this many days and this often and this hard… (it) takes a lot of time away from the children and the staff.' Advocates for childcare services say if lawmakers do not promise to reinstate the funding, they will head to the Capitol tomorrow to rally for it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Stillwater Christian School gets $1M grant from Gianforte Family Foundation for Early Learning Center project
Stillwater Christian School gets $1M grant from Gianforte Family Foundation for Early Learning Center project

Yahoo

time18-02-2025

  • Yahoo

Stillwater Christian School gets $1M grant from Gianforte Family Foundation for Early Learning Center project

Feb. 18—Stillwater Christian School has received a $1 million grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation for its Early Learning Center construction project, which is slated to start in the spring. The grant will be used for site work, including expansion of the septic system and parking lots in addition to new vehicle pick-up and drop-off areas. "As we grow, we recognize the need for increased parking for teachers, staff, parents and visitors, including more accessible parking spaces. New drop-off areas will enable safer vehicle entry and egress from campus," Stillwater Head of School Laura McCollum said at a state of the school address Feb. 13. Also funding the Early Learning Center construction project is a $5 million donation from local businessman Paul Wachholz, which was announced in September 2024. McCollum unveiled updated architectural renderings of the new center last week alongside LSW Architects Chief Innovation Officer Casey Wyckoff. The new 18,000-square-foot building will include two kindergarten and three pre-kindergarten through kindergarten classrooms, restrooms, teacher and support staff workrooms, a gymnasium/multipurpose room for elementary physical education and a dedicated space for music classes. "The new and reconfigured spaces will allow us to open up more enrollment for children in Pre-K through K, with a developmentally appropriate design, so that all grade and age levels are best served," McCollum said in a statement. "The valley has been growing, with many new, young families moving into the area, so we anticipate increased enrollment, especially at the pre-school level." The new Early Learning Center is anticipated to open in fall 2026. McCollum thanked general contractor, Tadd Nicely, owner of Nicely Construction, subcontractors and donors for their support, financial assistance and collaboration on the project. "We are so excited and proud to celebrate the many entities who have come together, captured by our vision, to enhance Christian education in the Flathead Valley," she said. Located at 225 FFA Drive in Kalispell, the private school offers a "Christ-centered education" for grades pre-kindergarten through 12th. Current enrollment stands at 400 students. The Gianforte Family Foundation is a Bozeman-based nonprofit founded in 2004 that has supported various education, school choice and Christian ministry programs/initiatives through grants and scholarships. Foundation trustees are Gov. Greg Gianforte and his wife, Susan. "We're thrilled to provide this grant to partner with Stillwater Christian School on its new Early Learning Center," Gianforte Family Foundation Executive Director Catherine Koenen said. "The campus expansion will directly address demand for increased options in education." Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@ Stillwater Christian School Early Learning Center construction project will include five classrooms and a gym geared for elementary students. The project recently received a $1 million grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation. (Drawing by LSW Architects)

New Aurora fashion boutique celebrates African craftsmanship
New Aurora fashion boutique celebrates African craftsmanship

Chicago Tribune

time07-02-2025

  • Chicago Tribune

New Aurora fashion boutique celebrates African craftsmanship

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday to celebrate the opening of SamandaRose Couture, a new fashion boutique at 481 N. Commons Drive in Aurora. 'There's no better way to kick off Black History Month than by welcoming a new Black-owned business to our city,' said Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. 'But this isn't just any business. This is a Black-owned business rooted in African heritage, bringing something truly special to Aurora.' SamandaRose Couture's owner is Folashade Familola, a Nigerian native and Aurora resident, according to a press release from the city. 'SamandaRose is a blend of my name and my mother's name,' Familola said in the release. 'She was a talented fashion designer, and I learned the art of dressmaking from her. She passed away recently, and every time I create a piece, I feel her presence. This boutique is my way of keeping her spirit alive.' Sourcing fabrics directly from Nigeria, the boutique offers ready-to-wear and custom-made outfits, accessories and jewelry, with each piece designed to celebrate African craftsmanship and contemporary style, the release said. Seed Swap planned in St. Charles The St. Charles Public Library's annual Seed Swap and Seed Library Kickoff will run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Huntley Community Room at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. Members of the community can stop by the library to 'check out' more than 150 different heirloom seed varieties, free of charge, to grow and enjoy, event organizers said. Master gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension Office will be on hand to answer any gardening-related questions, library officials said. All of the seeds available are heirloom or open-pollinated, meaning that once saved and planted again, they will grow into the same type of plant, according to officials. For more information on the program, call 630-584-0076, Ext. 1. Kane officials named to Emerging Adults Task Force The Illinois Judicial Conference has appointed Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser and Kane County Court Services Executive Director Lisa Aust to its new Emerging Adults Task Force. Task force members will study and recommend best practices for courts working with adults ages 18 to 24, according to a news release. 'This age group has unique needs and opportunities for rehabilitation that require tailored approaches,' Mosser said in the release. Aust said in the release that research shows that young people's brains are 'literally' wired differently than mature adults and 'we're looking at this as an opportunity to re-imagine how the courts can work with this group to take into account their thinking and potential for change. It's an exciting initiative.' Oswego student in spotlight In his fourth and final year with East Theatre, which is part of Oswego East High School, one student recently received the opportunity to showcase his talents at the state level, according to a press release from Oswego-based School District 308. Last month, Cooper Carlisle, a senior at Oswego East High School, performed in the All-State production of 'The Prom' at the 49th annual Illinois High School Theater Festival. 'Doing an All-State show was a bucket list item,' Cooper said in the release.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store