ECC holding online vote to choose new look for mascot
An online vote to choose a new look for Elgin Community College’s mascot is underway.
The effort is tied to the college’s 75th anniversary, according to a social media post. It’s being held after feedback collected in the spring showed overwhelming interest in having a mascot that aligns with the school’s Spartan athletics logo.
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There are four choices for the Spartan’s look: silver fierce; bronze fierce; silver friendly; bronze friendly. The winner will be announced sometime next year, according to the post.
To view the options and cast a vote, go to elginedu.jotform.com/232335715419961.
South Elgin breaks ground for Sperry Park renovations
Ground has been broken on renovations being made to South Elgin’s Sperry Park at 800 Michigan Ave.
The project includes a new playground, a ninja-style obstacle course, pickleball courts, a new pavilion, landscaping and parking lot upgrades, according to a village news release.
The $1.6 million project is being funded, in part, by grants, including a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state and a $274,000 Community Development Block Grant from the federal government, the release said.
South Elgin communications specialist Craig Pierce said the work should be finished by summer 2025.
Animal habitat project underway at Randall Oaks Zoo
Construction has started on Randall Oaks Zoo’s World of Wonders building, which will provide habitats for a variety of animals and a permanent pony ride.
The 2,200-square-foot building will allow the West Dundee zoo to increase the number of animals on exhibit and the facility to operate year-round, a news release from the Dundee Township Park District said.
The new facility is being funded, in part, by a $750,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Public Museum Capital Grant. Work is expected to be completed sometime in 2024.
For periodic updates on the construction progress, go to www.dtpd.org.
Mental health board grants funding to 3 agencies
The Hanover Township Mental Health Board has granted funding to three Elgin nonprofits:
PADS of Elgin will receive $11,200 to purchase new sleeping pads for its Elgin shelter at 1730 Berkley St.;
Elgin Ecker Center is to get $17,000 for new office space and for personnel to complete required training on non-violent crisis intervention;
Marklund received $25,000 to help pay for kitchen renovation at its Wasmond Center & Day School, 1435 Summit St., Elgin.
For more information, call 630-837-0301 or go to www.hanover-township.org.
Interactive murder mystery event planned
The St. Charles Arts Council will host “Art of the Murder – An Interactive Murder Mystery” on Saturday, Oct. 7, in downtown St. Charles.
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The mystery’s premise several artists have been invited to town for a program when just as it is to begin, one of the artists has been found murdered in his hotel room. Event participants will be charged with helping solve the case by walking to local venues to interview suspects.
All participants will meet at 116 Gallery for a complimentary glass of wine, food and learn details of the “crime.” Teams will then walk to Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream, Steel Beam Theatre, Boutique Baby, Jeans & A Cute Top Shop, Fox Den Cooking Classes and The Lewis to interview suspects while enjoy snacks at each venue, organizers said.
The final venue, Studio 64 in Arcada, will be where guests enjoy dessert and learn who committed the crime.
Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased at www.stcharlesartscouncil.org.