ELGIN CITY COUNCIL MAKES PLASTIC BAG BAN OFFICIAL
Elgin’s ban on single-use plastic bags goes into effect June 2027 after being formally adopted 6-2 at the Elgin City Council’s March 11 meeting.
The ban affects 42 retailers, including Jewel, Hobby Lobby, Target, Walmart, Meijer, Menards, Blain’s Farm and Fleet, and Burlington. The stores can offer paper bags for purchases but must charge 10 cents per bag to encourage the use of reusable bags, according to the new ordinance.
Customers who receive services like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not have to pay the fee. Restaurants, gas station convenience stores, and small retailers are exempt from the ban.
LIBERATION RALLY BEING HELD SUNDAY IN ELGIN
The Elgin Area Immigration Alliance is inviting speakers to share their stories of undocumented immigration enforcement experiences at the People’s Liberation Rally being held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at Elgin’s downtown DuPage Court.
The alliance is a nonprofit group made up of local agencies that are working to educate, empower and support the immigrant community, the organization said.
El Patio at 64 S. Grove Ave. is also holding a Dine for Solidarity fundraiser on the same day, with a percentage of all proceeds benefiting the agency’s Mutual Aid Fund.
ELGIN EXTENDS CONTACT WITH CHAMBER FOR 3 YEARS
The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce received a contract extension from the city of Elgin to continue providing economic development services, including small business assistance, business retention outreach and foreign trade initiatives.
Approved unanimously last week by the Elgin City Council, the three-year agreement pays the chamber $355,000 annually for its services.
Chamber President/CEO Carol Gieske, said their Economic Development Group is a one-stop shop for business owners who need to access a full range of resources ranging from how to start a business to site selection, permitting and workforce growth.
Elgin has more 5,200 businesses with 44 million square feet of commercial space, Economic Development Director Tony Lucenko said. The city’s vacancy rate is below the 10-year average, and the unemployment rate was 5.6% in 2025, he said.
“It shows our economy is diverse and stable and is holding its own,” Lucenko said.
EAST DUNDEE TO OFFER SELF-SERVE KAYAK RENTALS
The East Dundee Village Board has approved an agreement with Rent.Fun to bring a new self-serve kayak rental kiosk to the Fox River.
Slated for installation in early summer, the kiosk will be located near the boat launch across from Bartels Park on Water Street, according to the village newsletter.
The kiosk, which will have six single and two tandem kayaks, is solar‑powered and equipped with cellular connectivity. It is an automated rental system that charges $25 for two hours and $40 for four, with annual memberships costing $99, the newsletter said.
East Dundee will pay $35,000 and will receive 30% of annual rental revenue. Security cameras will be installed near the site.
NAMI OFFERING FREE FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH COURSE
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Kane County North is offering “Family-to-Family,” a free, eight-session education program for people who love someone with mental health conditions.
It will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays from March 31 to May 19 at New Life Community Church, 1580 E. Chicago St., Elgin.
Sessions will provide information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other illnesses, according to a news release. Topics to be covered include communication, medication, treatment and recovery.
Registration is required. To register, call 847-410-9719 or email namikcn@gmail.com.
