Van Horne signing autographs at Gail Borden library

Andrew Arciuch still wants Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler to sign his prized football.

But the 12-year-old from Elgin got an autograph from Keith Van Horne today at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin to go with signatures from Hall of Famers Dan Hampton and Mike Singletary.

"I'm really excited," said Arciuch. "I've got Brian Urlacher and Mike Ditka at home."

Van Horne, who blocked for Walter Payton on the 1985 Super Bowl team, appeared at the library as a way of saying thank you for a successful 2010 census count.

In 2000, Elgin had a 72-percent return rate.

This year, the city has a 78-percent return rate for mail-in census forms. The bureau is still wrapping up on-site visits, said Liz Clemmons, library marketing assistant.

The city and library have worked to publicize the census, which is key to state and federal funding that is doled out on a per-capita basis.

Debbie Ford of Elgin donned a Payton jersey for the day.

"I'm a huge Bears fan," said Ford, who also brought her daughter, Sarah, 7. "I love football," Ford said. "I love the Bears, true blue, through and through."

Van Horne is scheduled to be at the library, 270 N. Grove Ave., until 3 p.m.