Flood Data and Reporting Goes Online, Property Tax Payment Reminder, Plan an Adventure in Nature, Elgin's Bennigan's Turns 50, Take a Trip Through Vacation History

KANE

COUNTY

CONNECTS

Engaged Citizens,

Involved Communities,

Open Government.

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

Thursday August 6, 2026

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New Flood Reporting Portal Maps High-Water Trouble Spots

Following the July flooding, Kane County has launched a new Flood and Watershed Concerns Portal to help strengthen future flood planning and infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to report flooding, upload photos and document damage. The input will help Kane County better understand the impacts of flooding and identify areas where improvements are needed.

Property taxes fund school districts, libraries, park districts, municipalities and other local units of government. The second installment of real estate taxes in Kane County is due Sept. 1, 2026. READ MORE

Kane County Forest Preserve Fall Newsletter Available

The latest edition of TreeLine, the Kane County Forest Preserve District's newsletter, is now available. It's packed with fall programs and outdoor activities for all ages, interests and abilities. Explore what's happening in the preserves and start planning your next adventure in nature. READ MORE

KaneComm Hiring Experienced and New Telecommunicators

KaneComm is hiring both experienced lateral transfer telecommunicators and individuals looking to launch a career in emergency communications. Whether you're an experienced dispatcher seeking your next opportunity or ready to begin a rewarding career answering the call to serve, KaneComm wants to hear from you. APPLY TODAY

EVENTS / COMMUNITIES

Go Behind the Scenes with Huntley's Civics Academy

The Village of Huntley is accepting applications for its free, six-week Civics Academy. Participants will tour Village facilities, meet local leaders and learn how local government works.

Space is limited. Learn more and apply online.

Take a Trip Through Vacation History

Adults 50 and older are invited to History of the American Vacation on Aug. 13 at the Pottawatomie Community Center. Discover how vacations evolved from a luxury for the wealthy to a cherished American tradition, from family road trips to theme parks. Registration is required.

Lighting the Way to a Safer Aurora

Enjoy free food, live music, giveaways and valuable community resources at Lighting the Way to a Safer Aurora from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 15 at Bardwell Residences, 301 Weston Ave., Aurora. Hosted by the Project Safe Aurora Violence Prevention Coalition, the free event is supported by the Kane County Health Department and numerous community partners.

Explore the Night Sky at Creek Bend Nature Center

Discover the wonders of the universe during "What's Up Tonight?" on Sept. 17 at Creek Bend Nature Center in St. Charles. Hosted by the Fox Valley Astronomical Society, the free program includes an indoor presentation followed by outdoor telescope viewing (weather permitting). No registration is required.

North Aurora Reschedules Independence Day Celebration

North Aurora's Independence Day Celebration is getting a second chance after being rained out earlier this summer. The rescheduled event will take place Aug. 29, beginning at 5 p.m. at North Aurora Riverfront Park.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kane County Prosecutor Earns National Honor

Kane County Assistant State's Attorney Kelly Orland has received the National District Attorneys Association's Distinguished Faculty Award, recognizing her outstanding work training and mentoring prosecutors nationwide. Orland was honored at the NDAA's annual conference for her excellence in teaching and her contributions to professional development in the prosecutorial field.

YWCA Elgin to Honor Community Leader Betty Brown

YWCA Elgin will present its Legacy Award to longtime community leader Betty Brown during the organization's 125th Celebration on Aug. 21. Brown is being recognized for her decades of service, mentorship and commitment to racial justice.

Help Name Hampshire's History

As part of Hampshire's 150th anniversary celebration, the Village is inviting residents to nominate people, places, events, organizations and other pieces of local history for a future Historical Street Name List. Have more than one idea? Submit a separate nomination for each.

Batavia to Assess Historic Downtown Buildings

The City of Batavia is launching an exterior condition assessment of about 75 historic buildings in its Historic District to help preserve the community's most treasured assets. The project will document visible building conditions and identify maintenance needs to guide future preservation efforts.

Help Reduce Food Waste Across Illinois

Did you know that about one-third of the U.S. food supply goes to waste each year? The University of Illinois is asking residents to take a quick, 10-minute survey to better understand household food waste and identify ways to save money, reduce landfill waste, and protect the environment.

Aurora Launches 'Unsung Heroes' Video Series

The City of Aurora is shining a spotlight on the people who keep the community running with its new "Unsung Heroes" video series. In the first episode, Chief of Staff Shannon Cameron goes behind the scenes at Phillips Park Zoo to see how staff care for the animals and keep the zoo thriving.

BUSINESS

Elgin's Bennigan's Celebrates 50 Years

The Bennigan's restaurant in Elgin is celebrating the chain's 50th anniversary while holding the unique distinction as the last full-service Bennigan's in Illinois and one of only six remaining in the United States, according to the Daily Herald. Located inside the Holiday Inn on Airport Road, the restaurant continues to draw fans from across the Midwest and beyond.