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Articles by K. Neal
Elgin Mayor David J. Kaptain receives Champion of Metro West award
Elgin Mayor David J. Kaptain was named the recipient of the Champion of Metro West award, becoming the first mayor in the organization's history to earn this honor, according to an Oct. 26 announcement. The Champion of Metro West award recognizes legislators, business partners, and municipal leaders who demonstrate outstanding service and dedication to the mission of the Metro West Council of Government.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show to screen at The Hemmens on Oct. 30
The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin will host its first screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with a live shadow cast performance on Friday, Oct. 30. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. and will feature the cult classic film accompanied by performers acting out scenes alongside the movie. Since its debut in 1975, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has developed a dedicated following through midnight screenings, costumes, callbacks, dancing, and audience participation.
Las Cafeteras to perform 'Hasta La Muerte' at The Hemmens Cultural Center
Las Cafeteras will bring their production “Hasta La Muerte” to The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin on Nov. 1, according to an Oct. 21 announcement. The performance is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the venue located at 45 Symphony Way. The two-act show is inspired by Indigenous and Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos and explores themes of grief, loss, and remembrance through music, dance, poetry, and storytelling.
Elgin announces rebate program for electric yard equipment purchases
The City of Elgin announced on Oct. 20 a new Electric Yard Equipment Rebate program to encourage residents to switch from gas-powered equipment to cleaner, quieter alternatives while supporting local retailers. The program offers rebates for eligible electric lawn mowers, edgers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, trimmers, manual reel mowers, and similar electric-powered equipment used for outdoor property maintenance.
Elgin Public Works Open House scheduled for Oct. 3 at Holmes Road facility
Families are invited to explore the work of Elgin Public Works during the Elgin Public Works Open House, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Elgin Public Works Building located at 1900 Holmes Road, according to a Sep. 7 announcement. The event is free and open to all ages, offering attendees an opportunity to get an up-close look at the people, equipment, and services that keep Elgin operating.
Elgin to hold 25th anniversary Patriot Day remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11
The City of Elgin will observe Patriot Day and mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the west-side steps of Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, according to a Sept. 2 announcement. The program will include remarks from Mayor Kaptain, Fire Chief Robb Cagann, Police Chief Ana Lalley, and American Legion Post 57 Commander Jason Shanahan.
Batavia Medicaid payments for National Codes Established for State Medicaid Agencies reach $151,908 in 2024
In 2024, Medicaid providers in Batavia billed a total of $151,908 for services under the National Codes Established for State Medicaid Agencies category, based on information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid Provider Spending database. This figure represents a 26.6% rise compared to 2023, when $119,976 was billed for the same services.
Police investigate incident involving student near Carpentersville bus stop
Carpentersville Police are investigating an incident that occurred on Aug. 21 involving a high school student near a bus stop at Robin and Thrush streets. The student boarded the bus safely, and the driver left the area without further incident. According to a news release from the Carpentersville Police Department, several individuals wearing masks approached the student, who felt threatened by their presence.
Elgin Councilmember Diana Alfaro completes Edgar Fellows Program in 2026
Elgin City Councilmember Diana Alfaro completed the Edgar Fellows Program as a member of its 2026 class, joining a statewide network of public policy leaders committed to respectful collaboration across political and professional differences, according to an Aug. 12 announcement. Alfaro was one of 41 individuals selected through a competitive process who participated in this year’s program. The group met from Aug.
Aurora Medicaid payments for medical and surgical supplies surge 208% in 2024
In 2024, Medicaid providers in Aurora submitted $8,696 in claims for Medical And Surgical Supplies, based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid Provider Spending database. This represents an increase of 207.6% compared to the prior year, when Medicaid billings for this category reached $2,827. Medicaid, a public insurance program managed by states with both federal and state funding, serves low-income people, older adults, children, and people with disabilities.
Elgin offers free city-planted trees for residents through fall planting program
Residents of Elgin can request a free city-planted tree as part of the city's effort to grow its urban forest, according to a July 31 announcement. The application deadline for the fall planting program is Saturday, August 15. The city conducts tree bank plantings twice each year, once in the spring and again in the fall. After planting, Elgin will provide watering and mulching services for the first year and will trim trees upon request.
Elgin Human Relations Commission to host community health and healing event July 28
The Elgin Human Relations Commission invites residents to attend Health and Healing, a free community discussion on physical and mental health scheduled for July 28 at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way. The event will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The event aims to provide an opportunity for community members of all ages to connect with neighbors, listen to local speakers, and learn about available health and wellness resources in the Elgin area.
Elgin announces community recycling and disposal event for residents in August
The City of Elgin, in partnership with LRS, will host a community recycling and disposal event from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at the City of Elgin Public Works facility, located at 1900 Holmes Road, according to a July 22 announcement. The event is open to all Elgin residents and offers an opportunity to recycle unwanted electronic waste, dispose of large household bulk items, and securely destroy sensitive personal documents locally.
Elgin faces hot and humid weather with temperatures in the low to mid-90s this week
Hot and humid conditions are expected in Elgin this week, with daily high temperatures in the low to mid-90s and heat index values possibly reaching around 100 degrees, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a July 13 announcement from city officials. The forecasted heat is typical for this time of year but can still pose risks. Authorities urge residents to practice heat safety by staying cool and hydrated.
City of Elgin honors Robert Gilliam during Black History Month
The City of Elgin is commemorating Black History Month by honoring Robert Gilliam, who was a lifelong resident and the city’s longest-serving City Council member. Gilliam served on the Elgin City Council from 1973 to 2013, making his tenure the longest in the city's history and one of the longest for any municipal elected official outside Chicago.
Elgin receives $600,000 state grant for Channing Park improvements
The City of Elgin has received a $600,000 grant from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program to support improvements at Channing Park. The park, located next to Channing Memorial Elementary School on the city’s east side, will undergo upgrades intended to enhance safety, accessibility, and enjoyment for residents. The total estimated cost of the Channing Park Refurbishments Project is $2.5 million. The OSLAD grant will fund nearly a quarter of this amount.
Elgin opens grant applications for historic home rehabilitation and paint projects
Applications are now open for the City of Elgin’s 2026 Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Program and Historic Paint Grant Program. Interested property owners can access application materials on the city’s website at elginil.gov/HistoricGrants and elginil.gov/PaintGrant. The deadline to submit completed applications along with required documentation is Friday, March 27.
Elgin Image Awards honor community contributors at annual ceremony
Community members, organizations, and businesses were recognized for their contributions to Elgin at the 2025 Elgin Image Awards. The ceremony took place Tuesday evening at the Centre of Elgin. The Elgin Image Awards have been honoring individuals and groups who improve the city’s quality of life since 1992. The event is organized by the Elgin Development Group and the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce through the Enhancing Elgin Committee.
Pingree Grove Village President schedules open forum town hall for November 11
Amber Kubiak Village President | Village of Pingree Grove Amber Kubiak Village President | Village of Pingree Grove Village President Amber Kubiak will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Municipal Center and is open to all residents.
Elgin seeks public input on proposed ban of single-use plastic checkout bags
The city of Elgin is considering a new ordinance aimed at reducing single-use items, specifically plastic checkout bags, in the community. The Sustainability Commission has recommended that the city council review a Retail Single-Use Bag Ordinance, which would ban single-use plastic bags and introduce a fee for paper bags at retail stores. According to the draft ordinance, retail businesses larger than 5,000 square feet would not be allowed to provide single-use plastic checkout bags.
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones, the NEW Jones.Show Podcast
Great podcast that is real and real inspiration. Funny! He is everyone’s best friend. Knowing Randy since he was a teenager, we knew he was destined for success. His talent was obvious and his podcasts prove us right. They are entertaining and informative and just plain fun! This podcast is what all podcasts should be like. Mr. Jones asks questions no one else can ask with the celebrities we grew up with.
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