The briefs
Flood info available
Kane County residents can identify their properties on the newly produced digital flood insurance rate maps and talk to experts during a floodplain open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the heritage ballroom of The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way. Hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the session will begin with a brief presentation and include time for residents to review materials and ask questions or provide feedback. Residents and business owners in or near areas with special flood hazards, real estate agents, developers and insurance agents are encouraged to attend. Also available is a new flood insurance study report and information about the national flood insurance program. Representatives from the IDNR and FEMA will be available. For more information, visit www.illinoisfloodmaps.org.
City Skate rink now open
City Skate, Elgin's outdoor ice rink, is now open for the season. The ice rink, on the civic center plaza between the Hemmens Cultural Center and city hall, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ice skate rental is $4 with identification and is only available when the warming shelter is open. There is no fee if you own your own skates. Warming shelter hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call the hotline at (847) 931-6140, or visit www.cityofelgin.org for updates on hours and ice conditions.
Dog lovers rejoice
Carpentersville residents living in multifamily units like condominiums or townhouses are now permitted to own more than one dog, according to village ordinance. The village board last week approved increasing the number of dogs per multifamily unit to two, in line with laws regarding single-family homes. Though trustees approved the changes, individual homeowners associations and other management groups may set their own limits on dog ownership.
Meet the police chief
Elgin Police Chief Lisa Womack will host her monthly community meeting at 7 p.m. today at the Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Ave. If you have any topics of public concern, feel free to e-mail them to elgin_pd@cityofelgin.org.