Fox Valley briefs

Rt. 25 to close in South Elgin:Route 25 from Gilbert Street to the Canadian National Railroad crossing will be closed beginning Monday, Sept. 20, for approximately 14 days. The work is being done as part of the Stearns Road Bridge project. The at-grade railroad crossing is on Route 25 just south of Gilbert Street. The railroad company needs to close the road to repair and widen the track crossing. A detour route will be posted to direct traffic around the closure. The detour will use Dunham/Kirk Road and Routes 64 and 25. Questions about the closure can be directed to Kevin Ahern at the Kane County Transportation Department, (224) 535-8161.West Nile found in Algonquin:McHenry County Department of Health reports a crow found in Algonquin on Tuesday is the first bird that tested positive for West Nile virus since 2008. McHenry County reported its first human case for West Nile just three day earlier. Its last human case was reported in 2007. The risk for West Nile virus remains until the first frost. For details about West Nile virus, visit mcdh.info or call (815) 334-4585.Budget forum set:Illinois State Rep. Keith Farnham, a Democrat who represents the 43rd District, will host a community forum about "state budget reform" at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in meeting room 1 at the Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Farnham, who faces a challenge from Republican and former state Rep. Ruth Munson, will discuss implementing a performance based budgeting system for the state that is similar to those used by businesses.Township collects coats:Grafton Township is collecting winter coats for the needy. You can donate a new or gently used winter coat at the following Huntley locations: Grafton Township offices, 10109 Vine St.; Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center, 10450 Algonquin Road; Heritage Woods, 12450 Regency Parkway; and the Huntley Area Public Library, 11000 Ruth Road. Coats will be available for those who need them beginning on Nov. 1. Call (847) 669-3328.Senior safety seminar:A Fall 2010 Senior Safety Academy will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Elgin Township office, 729 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin. Seminars will focus on railroad crossings and postal scams. The free seminar includes lunch but registration is required by calling (847) 741-2045.Elgin VFW meat and sweet raffle:The Ladies Auxiliary of the Elgin VFW along with the Men's Auxiliary will hold a meet and sweet raffle at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at the post home, 1601 Weld Road, Elgin. The public is invited. Proceeds go to cancer aid and research. For details, call (847) 888-8909.