Aurora Christian’s Danny Russell (10) eludes Aurora Central Catholic’s Parker Henderson (32) in the Eagles‘ 22-9 loss to the visiting Chargers as the local high school football scene got into full swing last Friday. (Al Benson photo)

COUNTY

Forest Preserves rework $65 million in bonds

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County refinanced nearly $65 million in general obligation bonds, Aug. 24, a move that will ultimately save taxpayers $10 million.

To take advantage of lower interest rates, the district issued $65,180,000 in refunding bonds, to pay off a portion of the district’s 2007 bonds. The refunding bonds were sold at a lower interest rate, resulting in a present value of $10,147,301 or 16.249 percent of refunded principal. The 2007 bonds had been issued to finance land acquisition and preserve improvements following an $85 million referendum.

“This refinancing produces significant cost savings to the public and supports our long-standing efforts to best manage our finances on behalf of the taxpayer,” said Director of Finance Ken Stanish. “This bond refinancing is now the fifth refinancing we’ve done in the last two years. We’ve been able to save $12.95 million for taxpayers, over the life of the bonds.

GENEVA

Mosquito spraying set for Wednesday citywide

Geneva’s mosquito abatement contractor will be spraying an application of insecticide citywide Monday, Aug. 29 to control the adult insect population.

Spraying is scheduled to take place from dusk to dawn starting Aug. 29 into Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Clarke Environmental will be using a synthetic treatment that is safe for humans and pets, although people with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors with their windows closed during the misting application and one hour afterward.

AURORA

City seeks nominees for Heritage Tree Registry

The City of Aurora’s Tree Board is now accepting nominations for 2016 inductees to the Heritage Tree Registry.

The registry is a voluntary program that honors and recognizes those trees that add to the value, aesthetics and character of Aurora neighborhoods.

An American Elm on LeGrande Boulevard was honored as a 2015 Heritage Tree.

Trees can be nominated by Aurora’s Tree Board, the Preservation Commission, City department heads, individuals and community groups through Sept. 30.

Nominations should be emailed to Bill Chinetti at bchinetti@arborlegacy.com by  Sept. 30 for consideration.

SPORTS

150 ex-Cougars have now reached majors

With two more former Kane County Cougars pitchers joining the Cubs on Aug. 19, 2016, the Cougars have reached another milestone.

Felix Pena is the 149th and Rob Zastryzny is the 150th Kane County baseball player to make a Major League Baseball debut.

Both Pena and Zastryzny were called up on Friday, Aug. 19, from Triple-A Iowa, and both went on to make their debut on the mound that same night for the Cubs in an 11-inning, 7-6 loss to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Pena, a right-hander, was called upon in the ninth inning, recording two strikeouts, while not allowing a run. Zastryzny, a left-hander, was called upon in the 10th inning and eventually pitched himself out of a bases-loaded jam.

Selected by the Cubs in the second round of the 2013 Draft out of Missouri, Zastryzny suited up for the Cougars that same season. In three games, he recorded a record of 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA while allowing just one run against.

Listed as the organization’s No. 20 prospect on MLB.com, Zastryzny began the 2016 season in Double-A Tennessee before receiving the promotion to Triple-A. In 14 starts for Iowa, he posted a 7-3 record with a 4.33 ERA and 77 strikeouts

AURORA

Hike for Hesed fundraiser Sept. 17

The Twelfth Annual Hike for Hesed will take place on Sept. 17 through downtown Aurora, a journey that many individuals staying at Hesed House take daily.

Funds raised will go to Hesed House – Illinois’ second largest homeless resource center and shelter in order to help provide shelter, food, life-changing services, hope and dignity to poor and homeless individuals and families in the Fox Valley.

Registration for the hike will begin at 9 a.m. with the hike officially starting a hour later rain or shine.Festivities immediately after include food, live music (by Twist of Faith), and fun activities for the whole family.

Registration for Hike for Hesed is free, teams and individuals are encouraged to set and meet their own fundraising goals. An individual that raises $25 is given a Hike for Hesed t-shirt at the start of the event.

–Kane County Area News Briefs–