Yes, drivers, it's come around to construction time again

Spring is here and that means construction until ... well, in some cases, when it gets cold again.

If you live in South Elgin or travel through there, you can remember the headaches caused by the McLean Boulevard widening and reconstruction last year.

Village officials have several projects for this construction season, some of which began in mid-May.

But the village hopes to have completed its work by Aug. 31.

The reconstruction work on Gilbert Street from Plum Street to East State Street has begun as well as East Middle Street from Gilbert to Eastview Street.

Gilbert will stay open during this time, but all traffic headed west on Middle will be detoured north to Barry Road to Kenyon Road and west into the village until the projects end around Aug. 31.

Of course, weather and other unforeseen events may push this back a bit.

On July 22, the village will begin the reconstruction of Barbara Avenue, Adam Drive and Aaron Avenue near Renee Drive. This too will hopefully wrap up by Aug. 31. One side of each road will be done at a time.

Get out your bib: The Grand Victoria Casino is out to create the best burger anywhere and will be repurposing its Fox & Hounds restaurant later this year to be a glitzy Prime Burger Bistro.

These won't be ordinary burgers. They're testing out various meats, including Kobe beef, Angus, buffalo and even veal to find the right combinations.

And if the working menu holds, their burgers will be dressed with such things as wine reductions, Gorgonzola cheese and even lobster.

Vegas excess, indeed. Stay tuned.

Parade deadline nears: If you're still on the fence about marching in South Elgin's Fourth of July parade, Friday, June 5 is the deadline to turn in your entry form.

There is no entry fee, but South Elgin officials are asking for a donation of nonperishable food items for the local food pantry.

The parade, "A Hometown Tradition," begins at 10 a.m. July 4.

Village officials also are looking for volunteers. For more information, call (847) 622-0003.

Walk, bike, serve: The city of Elgin is looking for residents who want to part of the city's new advisory committee to help promote bicycle and pedestrian initiatives.

Residents can fill out an application form available at City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, or fill out an online form at www.cityofelgin.org.

Seven residents will be selected and appointed by city council.

Terms are for one to three years.

Applications are due June 12.

For more information, call Randy Reopelle, director of Parks and Recreation, at (847) 931-6127.