News

Fox Valley briefs

Posted September 22, 2009 11:00 pm

District 26 passes budget:

In what has become a familiar occurrence, the Cary Elementary District 26 school board on Monday passed an unbalanced budget. The 2009-10 budget contains an estimated deficit of $1.8 million. The district has had a deficit for the past four years, forcing officials to borrow money to meet payroll and other regular expenses. Compounding the problem, voters rejected a $17 million bond request in April. Finance Committee Chairman Chris Jenner voted against the unbalanced budget for the fifth year in a row, saying, "I'm not going to vote for a budget with a deficit of this size." The board, however, also approved by unanimous vote a resolution to balance next year's budget. District staff are seriously considering closing one of the district's schools next year to cut costs.

Huntley hosts brush drop-offs:

Huntley is holding monthly brush drop-offs between 8 a.m. and noon on Saturday, Sept. 26. During those hours, village residents can bring brush to the public works facility on Donald Drive. Staff will be on hand to help wood chip branches and twigs and load them into residents' containers. Call (847) 669-3450.

Harvest market open:

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 8 at the city hall parking lot, the corner of East Highland and Douglas avenues. Area growers bring fresh, quality vegetables, fruits, flowers, bread, meat, eggs, olive oil and more. Special events are planned for each week as well. For details, go to downtownelgin.com or call (847) 488-1456.

Hike for Hospice:

The Hike for Hospice, a 5K walk along the Fox River to honor loved ones, is at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Peg Bond Center, 151 Island Ave. in Batavia. All registered walkers will receive a T-shirt, and there will be face painting, massages, refreshments, and prizes for the top fundraisers. The fee is $25 for those 13 and older, $15 for ages 7 to 12, free for 6 and younger. Proceeds go to Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice. Register at fvvh.org; call (630) 232-2233; or e-mail info@fvvh.org.