Say goodbye to your shortcut

In a region where clogged highways and grumpy drivers abound, many motorists take to the back roads. And when someone messes with those back-road shortcuts, we are not happy.

Just ask Gene Beck of Huntley.

Like many, he was glad to see the extension of Tyrell Road and its realignment with Route 72 in Gilberts. And he's impressed with how road gurus squared off Koppie Road at Tyrell Road just before it turns into Galligan Road on the town's northern edge. Galligan once went all the way through.

But, like several others who've contacted me lately, Beck is downright puzzled at why you can not turn left onto Tyrell/Galligan from Koppie Road.

For those unfamiliar with the area, many Huntley, Algonquin and Gilberts motorists take Galligan and Tyrell between Huntley and Big Timber roads as a bypass around the Randall Road and Route 47 congestion.

You once took Galligan all the way and would go through town, turn on Route 72, then jog back to continue south on Tyrell. Then reverse it for the trip home.

Now, however, it's a mistake to take Galligan north from Route 72, for you can't continue north due to the new alignment. You have to turn right and find a way -- some folks do it illegally -- to turn around.

At first I, too, was frustrated, then realized they want us to bypass Gilberts itself, Gene. Since we can't turn left, we'll have to learn to go all the way to Tyrell on Route 72 and then go north. If we could still turn left, we'd sneak through on Galligan and be making left turns in front of what's expected to eventually be heavy Tyrell Road traffic.

If they're right, we've got a pretty nice north-south bypass to Randall and that's OK with me. Not that I, like Gene, don't wish I could still make that easy left.

Here's the scoop

It's almost perfect weather for a romp through Raceway Woods.

But ... ummm ... watch your step.

It seems some among us aren't cleaning up after our furry friends.

Two dog lovers who would also like to take their children to Raceway Woods asked me to remind you pick up after your puppy dogs.

It seems it's gotten a little nasty in spots.

They wondered if the Raceway, nestled west of Route 31, could put out disposal bags and more trash cans. Raceway Woods steward Donna Schuring-Redmer contacted Dundee Township Supervisor Sue Harney and they promise to quickly get more trash cans out there. The township and Kane County Forest Preserve divvy up care of the site.

For now, however, it looks like you'll have to bring your own bags.

Meanwhile, please pick up after your pup.

Trust me, that is not the sort of scoop we newsies have in mind.

Pothole heaven

Don't forget to send your "Worst pothole ever" entries in to our pothole contest.

Top my fishy pothole story and win a fish fry thanks to the West Dundee VFW, which has generously donated two fish fry dinners for two.

Mark your entry "Pothole" and send it to amack@dailyherald.com or call and leave a message at (847) 931-5725. Please be sure to include your name, town and phone number.

Last chance

Today's your last chance to buy tickets to the Spring Fling auction to help the Neubert Elementary School library. It sure sounds like a fun event with dinner, dancing and an auction starting at 7 p.m. April 19 at the Golf Club of Illinois in Algonquin.

You can bid on an autographed Hannah Montana guitar, vacation getaways, sports tickets and lots more. Get your tickets at Neubert or by calling Tracy DeVita at (847) 658-3475 or by e-mailing her at tjdevita@comcast.net.

Bargain!

Calling all prom goers: Don't forget the Dundee-Crown Prom Store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday with all kinds of new and gently used formal wear selling for $20 or less. They've got more than 250 dresses, some tuxes and lots of accessories. All they need is you, and they're welcoming all high school students. I hear they've got lots of nice stuff!

Now open

I'd also been hearing good things about a new spot called Kosta's, now open in the strip mall at Square Barn Road and Algonquin Road in Algonquin. Check it out. It's a cozy place with everything from burgers and gyros to whole Athenian style rotisserie chicken and pork barbecue ribs. It's a comfy spot with reasonable prices, large TVs to catch the game and a brew or just to grab a quick burger with the kids. I have a feeling it's going to be a busy place.