Fox Valley in 60 seconds

District 300 staff on radio show

Five employees in Community Unit District 300 who were recently honored for their efforts are scheduled to appear on WRMN 1410 AM at 8:15 a.m. today to talk about their experiences in public education. Carolyn Szabo of Dundee Middle School and Barbara Jones of Lincoln Prairie Elementary School, who were both named 2009 Distinguished Educators, will appear along with District 300's nominees for Kane County Educator of the Year: Sleepy Hollow Elementary School teacher Mary Ann Dunham, Dundee-Crown High School teacher Dave Hatcher and Parkview Elementary School custodian Raymundo Vargas. You can call (847) 931-1410 to pose questions or make comments during the broadcast. You can also visit wrmn1410.com to listen to the show live.

Algonquin chief honored

The Illinois State Bar Association on Tuesday night will honor Algonquin Police Chief Russ Laine with its 2009 Law Enforcement Award. The bar association, the largest such group in Illinois, is recognizing Laine's longtime service that involves protecting the public and his efforts to promote a positive relationship between law enforcement and the legal profession. The awards ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. at village hall during the board meeting.

Railroad pact reached

The Canadian National Ry. on Monday announced an agreement with the city of Elgin over the railroad's purchase of the former Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway company. In the agreement, CN will provide funding for noise mitigation and emergency response training. CN now has agreements with 16 out of the 33 municipalities along the EJ&E rail line in Illinois and northwest Indiana.

Penny pancakes for a cause

Colonial Cafe at 600 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin will sell pancakes Thursday for a penny and encourage patrons to donate to the Hillcrest Elementary School's character building assemblies. Colonial first served pancakes for a penny in May 2008 to thank the community for its support over the last 30 years and served more than 6,200 pancakes. Penny pancakes are only available to dine-in customers who purchased a beverage. For details, call (847) 888-3939.