Fox Valley briefs

Free brush, tree limb pickup

The city of Elgin will host a free brush and tree-limb collection in designated areas this week to assist residents sustaining damage from last week's thunderstorms. Beginning Monday, Aug. 3 and continuing through Friday, the city will collect brush and properly prepared bundles free in the area from the Fox River to Dundee Ave., north of Kimball Street. the curbside pickup is limited to only storm damage tree material. Residents are asked to cut brush into four-foot sections and bundle branches that are less than 50 pounds. The material should be placed on the curb for Waste Management pickup on normal trash collection days. Contact the Elgin Public Works Department at (847) 931-6082 for more information.

Full-day kindergarten pilot program

Starting in the fall, Hampshire Elementary School will host a two-year pilot program for full-day kindergarten. While a similar program on the east side of Community Unit District 300 will serve at-risk children, the Hampshire program will be open to all children. Parents or participating students must pay a $200 monthly fee to defray the cost of the program. District officials hope the program will lead to better academic performance and greater social development. Depending on the success of the pilot, the program could be expanded to other schools, said Dave Alessio, chairman of the District 300 school board's education committee.

Beware of bats

In the wake of its 11th confirmed finding of a rabid bat, the McHenry County Department of Health is reminding residents to take precautions to avoid rabies exposure. August is typically a very active month for bats. If a bat is found indoors, it is recommended that residents not release it but contain it in a room, under a bucket or blanket and immediately contact McHenry County Animal Control at (815) 459-6222. Rabies is a virus that can affect both humans and other mammals and can only be confirmed in a laboratory. The virus is found in the saliva and gets into the body from a bite or scratch, attacking the central nervous system. Because rabies is a life-threatening disease, medical advice must be sought promptly if a bat comes into contact with humans or animals. Residents are encouraged to take a "hands off" approach to wild animals to reduce their risk of exposure. A bat that is active by day, found in a place where bats are not usually seen - such as in your home, in a swimming pool or on the lawn - or is unable to fly, is more likely than others to be rabid.