The St. Charles Business Alliance is accepting submissions from St. Charles elementary and middle school students for a new design for water bottles that will be given out during the St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend festival this fall.
According to a news release from the St. Charles Business Alliance, 1,600 reusable water bottles showcasing the design will be handed out during Scarecrow Weekend, which will take place Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11.
Interested students can access and download the water bottle template used for the artwork by going to www.stcalliance.org/waterbottlecontest. All entries must be hand-drawn or digital artwork, with the theme aligned with St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend, the release said.
The selected student artist will earn community recognition and have their creativity showcased at one of the region’s largest fall festivals, according to the release.
The deadline to submit an entry is Friday, Aug. 21. One winner will be selected and notified on Tuesday, Aug. 25, the release said
For more information, go to www.stcalliance.org/waterbottlecontest.
Route 59 work starts July 13
Road work on Route 59 from McCoy Drive to Artesian Road in Naperville and Aurora will start Monday, July 13, and continue through November, an Illinois Department of Transportation news release said.
The $4.6 million project includes patching and resurfacing and will require intermittent daytime lane closures, IDOT said. New ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will be installed.
Drivers can expect delays and should allow extra time or use alternate routes, the release said. Drivers will have access to homes and businesses within the construction area.
Kane Forest District golf outing set in Elburn
Golfers are invited to enjoy a day on the course while supporting local forest preserves at the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation’s annual golf outing, set for Thursday, Sept. 10, at Hughes Creek Golf Course in Elburn.
The team registration fee is $500, organizers said.
The outing will begin with a light breakfast sponsored by Chick-Fil-A Elgin, followed by 18 holes of golf, lunch and a steak dinner, according to a press release about the event. Tee-off is at 10 a.m., with golf expected to conclude around 3 p.m.
Throughout the day, golfers can participate in a variety of complimentary contests, win prizes and support the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation’s work throughout Kane County, the release said. Participants will also have the opportunity to win a vehicle with a hole-in-one at a designated hole sponsored by Bob Jass Chevrolet of Elburn, event organizers said. Beverage tickets will also be provided.
Proceeds from this year’s golf outing will help fund the second and final phase of the Nature Play Space at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, according to the release.
“The golf outing is a fun way for community members and local businesses to come together in support of Kane County’s forest preserves,” said Becky Gillam, chair of the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation, in the release. “Funds raised this year will help the Forest Preserve District complete an exciting Nature Play Space where children can experience the benefits of outdoor, nature-based play.”
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register a foursome, go to https://bit.ly/KaneGolf2026.
The Kane Forest Preserve Foundation supports the Forest Preserve District of Kane County by raising funds for conservation, restoration, education and recreational projects that enhance Kane County’s forest preserves, the release said.
Blood drive set at Plano Library
A blood drive will be held from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the Plano Library, 15 W. North St. in Plano.
To schedule a donation, sign up at the library or online at www.versiti.org. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome, organizers said.
