Palatine on overdrive to keep salt supplies up

It's been a rough winter in terms of snow and cold weather.

And because of that, there's one thing everyone's trying to get their hands on: road salt.

As of the middle of last week, the Palatine public works department had roughly 400 tons of salt on hand. It is receiving 70 to 100 tons a day from two different suppliers.

Normally, the village uses about 6,000 tons of salt each year. This year, Palatine has already used 8,200 tons, public works Director Andy Radetski said.

This week, village officials OK'd the additional purchase of 1,000 more tons of salt to help keep the roads safe for the rest of the winter.

Luckily for Palatine, though, no salt thefts have been reported. Vandals in nearby suburbs have stolen salt from local businesses and storage facilities.

Art in a bistro: Want to get a sneak peek inside one of downtown Palatine's new restaurants? The Palatine-Inverness Arts Council's next public First Saturday art reception will be held at the soon-to-be-open Mint Julep Bistro, 53 W. Slade St. The event is March 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to view various oils and watercolors by local artist DiAnn Baumeister, tour the new restaurant before it opens and enjoy appetizers.

The reception continues the Council's First Saturday program and is designed to highlight different local artists each month by rotating works throughout different businesses. Baumeister's works will be on display throughout March.

Artists interested in displaying their work, and businesses interested in holding a reception, can call (847) 943-6451 for more information.

Karate benefits cancer: Paul Sweetlow a karate instructor for 25 years will present "Karate Life Skills" Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will be at Wellness Place, a cancer resource center in Palatine at 1619 W. Colonial Parkway. Sweetlow will demonstrate how karate skills are beneficial to child and adolescent cancer survivors, and children and teens who have a family member living with cancer. Parents are encouraged to attend and participate. Call (847) 221-2400.

Spot a pothole? Pothole season is well under way. If you live in Palatine and see one, contact the village to report it at pothole@palatine.il.us or (847) 705-5200.