Briefs: Excessive rain closes trail

Recent heavy rains caused extensive damage to the McHenry County Conservation District's 3.5-mile H.U.M. trail between Union and Marengo. The district Friday closed the trail for public use for several months until the trail can be re-engineered and repairs can be made. "The trail has several soft and impassable sections and has been blocked off to ensure public safety. The H.U.M. has become a popular community link, and this is an unfortunate event. We will keep the community informed as to when we can get the trail open again," district spokeswoman Wendy Kummerer said. The rainfall that occurred Aug. 7 was reported at a rate of 5 to 7 inches over a three-hour period. Area flooding put two-thirds of the trail underwater, resulting in many areas being washed away.

Work closes Elgin street

Northbound Grove Avenue in Elgin will remain closed this week between Fulton Street and the alleyway south of Chicago Street while construction continues on the city's $22 million streetscape project. Parking will be prohibited along the east side of Grove. Drivers also should expect construction on DuPage Street while new storm sewers are installed between Spring and Villa Streets.

Huntley seeks funding

Huntley joined at least 13 McHenry County towns this month when it approved a resolution calling on the state to give the county its fair share of transportation funding. The resolution asks the state to restore funding to the Route 31 western bypass in Algonquin and accelerate funding for other road projects in the county. Algonquin Village President John Schmitt, who authored the resolution, hopes to secure the backing of all the towns in the county before sending the measure to the governor.