Veteran Finds a New Start Through Treatment Court, View Your Ballot Before You Vote, Hampshire Scrapbooks Preserve Wartime Stories, Normal First Freeze?

A twice a week (Tuesday/Thursday) newsletter for residents of Kane County.

Thursday Oct. 8, 2026

Trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage

Kane County Government Buildings Closed Oct. 12, 2026 for Columbus Day

Veteran Finds New Beginning Through Kane County

Veterans Treatment Court

Kane County’s Veterans Treatment Court has helped more than a dozen veterans who found themselves on the wrong side of the law because of substance abuse or mental health issues, find a path forward. Here’s one of their stories. READ MORE

See What's on Your Election Ballot Before Heading to the Polls

Whether voting early or on Election Day, Kane County voters can preview their Nov. 3 General Election ballot through the Kane County Clerk’s Office. Reviewing candidates and referendum questions ahead of time can help voters know what to expect when they head to the polls.

80 Years Later, Hampshire Scrapbooks Tell a Story of War at Home

More than 80 years ago, a Hampshire woman documented World War II through scrapbooks. The historic collection, preserved by the Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library District, was recently brought out of the archives and shared with the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission. READ MORE

Kane County Student Photography Contest Showcases Young Talent

The Kane County Student Photography Contest is about halfway through its fall competition, giving high school students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent. You can browse the winning photos each week on the Kane County Regional Office of Education's website and social media channels.

EVENTS / COMMUNITIES

East Dundee Goes Back to the 1920s for Halloween

Step through the Vortex and travel nearly a century back in time during “Echoes of the Forgotten Passengers: Destination 1920s,” a free Halloween event Oct. 31, in East Dundee. Admission is free.

Scarecrow Weekend Returns to St. Charles

Scarecrow Weekend returns to St. Charles Oct. 9-11, featuring more than 100 handmade scarecrows for visitors to view and vote for their favorites. The weekend also includes live entertainment and many family-friendly activities.

Rewild Your Neighborhood with a Mini Forest

Learn how to transform an unused part of your yard into a Mini Forest using the Miyawaki Method at a free workshop Oct. 11 at the Schweitzer Environmental Center in West Dundee. The Algonquin Garden Club will lead the discussion. Register at Friends of the Fox River.

Volunteers Needed for Fermilab Prairie Seed Harvest

Fermilab Natural Areas will hold its annual prairie seed harvest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 17, with a rain date of Oct. 18. Volunteers should meet at the Lederman Science Center parking lot. New volunteers are asked to register in advance. All participants must have a REAL ID to enter Fermilab.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Remembering Former Kane County Emergency Management Director Don Bryant

Don Bryant, who served as director of the Kane County Emergency Management Agency from 1995 until his retirement in 2018 passed away on Sept. 22 at the age of 74.

A lifelong area resident and U.S. Air Force veteran, Bryant, of West Dundee, joined the Kane County Emergency Management Agency in 1993 as an agency planner and assistant chief of operations before being appointed director. During many years with the agency, he helped lead Kane County’s emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Sheriff’s Office to Remove Flock Cameras From Mill Creek Area

The Kane County Sheriff’s Office will remove Flock automated license plate reader cameras from a residential area in Mill Creek near Geneva following a request from the Mill Creek SSA Advisory Board.

TriCity Family Services Honors 2026 William D. Barth Award Recipient

TriCity Family Services has named Lynn Queen, with Mercy Housing’s Batavia Apartments, as the 2026 recipient of the William D. Barth Award. For the past seven years, Queen has connected residents with resources and opportunities while building partnerships community businesses and organizations. Queen will be honored at an award dinner Oct. 21, in Geneva.

Keep Huntley Streets Clear This Fall

As leaves pile up, the Village of Huntley reminds residents to keep leaves out of the roadway to prevent blocked drainage, safety hazards and collection problems. Residents should bag leaves or use approved yard-waste containers and place them out on their scheduled collection day.

Aurora Offers Free Front-Yard Trees

Aurora residents may be eligible for up to two free trees planted in their front yards through the city’s tree planting program. The initiative aims to plant 200 trees each year while adding shade, beauty and environmental benefits to neighborhoods.

BUSINESS

Hollywood Descends on St. Charles for Netflix Movie

A film crew and starring actors were at Town House Books and Cafe in St. Charles recently, producing the upcoming romantic comedy based on the New York Times bestselling novel "Better Than the Movies." The film stars Beatrice Kitsos (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) and David Iacono (Jurassic World Rebirth) and is expected to be released in 2027.