A suspicious package was found on the premises of the Kendall County Health Department.

Kendall County

Health building evacuated

Authorities evacuated the Kendall County Health Department when a suspicious package was found on the premises. Sheriff’s deputies responded April 2 to the county building at 811 W. John St., Yorkville, around 3 p.m. after the package was found addressed to an employee. The package turned out to be a baseball bat allegedly left as a present to the staff member.

Oswego

Schools adopt social media guidelines

School District 308 has adopted formal guidelines for regulating comments on its official Facebook page. The action came in the wake of complaints from some residents and users of the Facebook page that the district had deleted comments that were seen questioning the school policies and spending. At the time of the complaints, the School Board said the district had no clear policy regarding comments and removing them or blocking users. The district on April 6 announced a set of commenting guidelines stating that while the district encourages and welcomes comments and questions from the public, its Facebook page is moderated and is to be used as an official source of district information and public interest. The social media page is not meant to be used as a public forum. The new guidelines are now displayed on the district’s Facebook page.

Yorkville

Business openings, renovations downtown

The city is seeing one business closing, at least temporarily, while a newly opened business appears to be thriving. The Mongolian 211 restaurant, 211 S. Bridge St., is shutting its doors for renovations, according to reports, while the Barley Fork, 209 S. Bridge St., next door is doing well in its early days. The Mongolian 211 opened in 2013. The city is looking at an ongoing redevelopment of the Bridge Street stretch, between Van Emmon Street and Hydraulic Avenue, which is owned by Imperial Investments.

Plainfield

Road improvement plans move forward

The village of Plainfield is proceeding with major road construction programs as we head into warm weather months. The stretch of 127th Street between Heggs Road and Northwest Community Park will be widened for dedicated left-turn lanes, a painted median and new curb and gutter will replace existing ditches. A new shared-use path will be constructed along the entire length of the project. The overall cost of the project is estimated at $4 million. Also, the village is working with Wheatland Township to resurface Illinois Route 59 to Plainfield-Naperville Road. The village’s portion of the project will be resurfacing about one-quarter mile of Book Road to the DuPage River Bridge, near Plainfield-Naperville Road. For more information and updates on village construction work, visit the village website at http://www.plainfield-il.org/pages/publicimprovements.

Plainfield

Parks warn about dog flu outbreak

Park District officials are issuing an advisory to local dog owners about the outbreak of canine flu in the area. The Park District is cautioning residents about using the three local Dog Parks during the outbreak. Area veterinarians warn this dog flu strain is highly contagious, and unvaccinated dogs are more likely to come down with the disease. The symptoms of the canine flu include coughing, lethargy, a nasal discharge, lack of appetite or trouble breathing. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, owners should make an appointment with a professional veterinary right away.

Joliet Junior College

Students get help with rental program

Beginning this month, students attending Joliet Junior College will be able to participate in a new textbook rental program at the college bookstore. Students could save up to 50 percent on book costs and be able to use financial aid and scholarship funds to rent their books. The college is working with Follett Higher Education Group to provide the service. JJC Bookstore had previously offered students a limited rental service through Skyo, but scholarship funds or aid could not be applied toward book rental fees. Textbook rental is becoming a national trend among universities and colleges.

State legislature

Local legislator proposes ban on powdered products

State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is pushing for a statewide ban on selling powdered caffeine to minors. The senator has been on record as saying her proposed legislation is more about educating the public on use of such products and the potential dangers of them. The State Senate also is considering a ban on powdered alcohol, a measure being supported by Chicago Democrat Ira Silverstein. Both proposals are expected to be voted upon this week.

Emergency Management Agency

Have plans for pets during severe weather

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is working with local emergency management agencies to promote Pet Preparedness Month in Illinois. The state and county EMAs encourage pet owners to have an emergency supply kit and plans for pets when disaster strikes. Home emergency kits for people should include a three-day supply of such items as food, water, first-aid kit, weather alert radio, flashlights, spare batteries and other items. For pets, a supply kit should include at least a three-day supply of food and water; extra supplies of pet medicines; copies of pet registration, vaccinations and other important documents and collar with ID tag and photo of your pet in case of separation. Also, make sure there is pet litter, plastic trash bags, and chlorine for sanitation and a pet carrier. For more information, visit https://www.illinois.gov/iema/Info/Pages/040115.aspx.