Water, sewer rates going up in Sugar Grove

Residents who are users of the Sugar Grove water and sewer system will see a 7 percent increase in their June utility bills. The increase will be approximately $3.83 per month for the average user (7,000 gallons per month).

It is the first utility bill hike since May 2002.

Village officials say the increase is necessary due to increases in operating expenses. Operating expenses that have risen significantly are electric, gas and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan payments. The IEPA loans were necessary to construct and implement system improvements to meet mandates, official said. The 7 percent increase will be reviewed next year to determine if additional increases are necessary.

"In the last 10 years the village has significantly upgraded its water and sewer infrastructure including the addition of three water treatment facilities and two new wells," Village President Sean Michels said in a statement.

"These new facilities have significantly added to costs. Although an increase is necessary at this time to cover operating costs and expanded services, the diligence of staff in containing costs is obvious as the costs continue to rise yet there has not been an increase since 2002," he said.

Dance is back

The Elburn and Countryside Community Center has begun the spring session for the Blackberry School of Ballet and Dance.

The program includes classes in ballet for beginner through advanced, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern and Scottish dance.

Classes are offered Monday through Saturday in the center at 525 N. Main St. in Elburn.

The Blackberry School of Ballet and Dance has served the Elburn and surrounding communities for 15 years.

It offers professional instruction in all styles of dance under the guidance of senior instructor Maureen Kilmer.

Call (630) 365-6655 or visit www.elburncommunitycenter.org for a schedule.

Library groundbreaking

The Sugar Grove Public Library board and Cordogan Clark and Associates are inviting the community to a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday on Municipal Drive and Snow Street.

It will be a good opportunity to see the plans for the new library, which should be completed by the fall of 2009.

Call (630) 466-1756 or visit www.sugargrove.lib.il.us for details.