Fox Valley briefs

MLK name approved

The Illinois General Assembly on Tuesday gave the OK to renaming a stretch of Route 20 through Elgin the "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Highway." The measure was sponsored by State Rep. Ruth Munson. Officials from the Illinois Department of Transporation will install new signs later this year.

District 300 upgrades kitchens

Community Unit District 300 will spend more than $60,000 to replace equipment in kitchens across the district. District 300 will pay Great Lakes West $61,463 to replace equipment at 13 of the district's schools. Last year, the Service Employees International Union accused the district of not properly maintaining kitchen equipment as part of the union's campaign to organize food service workers throughout the suburbs. Aramark, the district's food service contractor, surveyed the district's kitchens to identify equipment that needed to be replaced. District 300, which is responsible for maintaining equipment, will pay for the equipment with bond proceeds.

MCEDC launches 2009 wage survey

The McHenry County Economic Development Corporation this year will again produce a McHenry County Wage, Benefit and Salary Survey. The 49th edition of the annual survey will track local wages in manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors, and provide a break down salaries in three sections: executive level, factory and office positions. Any McHenry County business may participate in the survey for no cost beginning Feb. 1 through March 15. Results, available April 15, are free to all participants. Non-participants may purchase survey results for $250 by contacting the MCEDC. The survey can be accessed at the agency's Web site, www.mcedc.com.

Teachers of the month named

Huntley Unit District 158's teacher's union has named the teachers of the month for December. Janet Burkhalter, a drama instructor at Marlowe Middle School, was named teacher of the month for the Reed Road campus. Gayle Scime, a third-grade teacher at Leggee Elementary School, was named teacher of the month for the Harmony Road campus. James Litchfield, a reading instructor at Heineman Middle School, was honored from the Square Barn Road campus.