Boys in blue will be up on the roof until you give
Want a cup of coffee that will send someone in blue to the roof?
Be nice -- that's "to," not "through," people!
It's the annual "Cops on the Rooftop" when area police climb on top of Dunkin' Donuts stores to raise money for the Special Olympics.
Carpentersville Police Chief David Neumann and Deputy Chief Michael Gillette will be among the many area officers up high. They'll be at the Dunkin' Donuts on Randall Road just south of Huntley Road.
They'll be up there until they raise at least $3,000.
Elgin, South Elgin and Huntley police are among many throughout the Fox Valley going up high at their local Dunkin' Donuts today to help this great cause.
It's easy to give and you'll get a free doughnut.
Pitch in at least $10 and you'll get a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and a coupon for free coffee.
Through the roof
Speaking of through the roof, did you get your property tax bill yet?
If you live in McHenry or Kane counties, you should have.
I've heard at least some of you saw quite a jump because the assessed value of your homes went up even though, as we all know, housing prices have dropped.
I'm doing some checking for some readers who are wondering why those assessments aren't adjusted to market value faster.
It seems a good question. Especially since they sure can go up in a hurry.
Before I ask our local experts, I wanted to get a sense of how big the problem was. If your assessment jumped but you know housing prices around you have dropped, would you please send me a note or give me a call at (847) 931-5725?
Mark those e-mails "Through the roof" and send them to amack@dailyherald.com and include your address, your township, the assessed value for past two years and your concerns. Let me know if I can use your name in the column, OK?
Taxing times
By the way, if you're a McHenry County taxpayer, McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew says there are a number of ways you can save on those property taxes. If you're a returning veteran, disabled, or a senior citizen, he says to make sure you're getting the right discounts on your tax bills.
To get details, call his office at (815) 334-4260. If you haven't received your bill or need help understanding anything on those bills, he says they'll help you out. You Kane County folks can get help from your treasurer, David Rickert, at (630) 232-3565.
Brat stop
With tough times for so many, how about a bargain meal for a great cause? Hampshire Fire Capt. Trevor Hermann invites us all to stop by their open house and brat dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. You'll find brats, hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, drinks and dessert for $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. How about a ride in a 1931 Model A firetruck and lots of fun for the kids?
Head to the Hampshire Fire Station, 202 Washington St.
Relay
Jen Rehberg tells me last Friday night's northern Kane County Relay For Life participants had a blast. The number of participants was down, but that didn't stop them from having a great time throughout the night or from raising more than $14,000 to fight that nasty disease. Way to go!
Can you help?
If you can, Patti Kucek hopes you'll join people from across the region rallying around the family of Jerry Erpito, a father of five who died of pancreatic cancer March 17.
Stop by Saturday's community sale at Dundee Highlands Elementary School, 407 S. 5th St. in West Dundee. You'll find all kinds of household goods, clothing, toys, books up for sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..
If you'd still like to donate, drop off your items at the school today before 2 p.m. or between 6 and 9 p.m.
If you don't need anything, stop by for a baked goodie and some lemonade or coffee.
This family really needs your help.