Fox Valley briefs

Huntley picks firm for plan:

The Huntley village board has selected a Naperville-based firm to draft a plan to revitalize the village's historic downtown. The village will pay Houseal Lavigne Associates about $50,000 to complete the study, which will include a vision of the downtown, a survey of transportation and potential funding sources for a downtown facelift. The board picked Houseal Lavigne over Teska Associates of Evanston. "(Houseal's) overall presentation ... the board felt it was comprehensive and that they have a good grasp on the process the board would like to involve the community in," Village Manager Dave Johnson said. Village officials expect Houseal Lavigne to finish the study, including meetings with residents and stakeholders, by the year's end.

U-46 honors Streamwood mom:

Debbie Rome, of Streamwood, was recently honored by Elgin Area School District U-46 for her volunteer efforts. Rome has volunteered for U-46 for the last 13 years. She joined the Citizens' Advisory Council in 1996, was elected vice-chair in 2002, and chair in 2003. As a parent, she has been active at the schools her children attended - Oakhill Elementary School, Canton Middle School and Streamwood High School.

Census gives boost to Huntley:

Huntley will receive more state aid and may qualify for home rule status now that it officially has more than 25,000 residents. The village's latest census, conducted late last year, estimates Huntley's population at 25,525. Village officials hope to start receiving an additional $817,000 in state aid starting in June. Home rule status would give Huntley the ability to impose additional taxes. But under current state law, the village cannot qualify as a home rule municipality unless it conducts a full census, which will not take place until 2010. A bill awaiting Gov. Pat Quinn's signature would allow Huntley and other towns with more than 25,000 residents to become home rule without a full census, Village Manager Dave Johnson said.