ALGONQUIN

Culvert work will partly close Route 31 this month

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a drainage culvert will be removed on Illinois 31 (Main Street) between Arbor Lane and Crescent Drive, in Algonquin, starting, weather permitting this week.

In order to complete the work, Illinois Route 31 will be reduced to one lane during the daytime hours. Flaggers will accommodate one-way traffic through the work zone.

The project’s estimated completion date is Aug. 3.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Find details on other construction projects in IDOT’s District 1 at http://goo.gl/upgvZu.

KANE COUNTY

Murder charges dismissed in 2014 stabbing death

Murder charges have been dismissed against an Elgin man in the October 2014 stabbing death of 21-year-old Anthony Nunez.

William Donald, 18, of Elgin, had been charged with first-degree murder for stabbing Nunez to death.

However, after an exhaustive review of the case, Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon concluded that Donald was acting in self-defense when he fatally stabbed Nunez. McMahon’s office last week filed paperwork in Kane County Court to dismiss the charges against Donald.

On Oct. 27, 2014, Nunez and two friends approached Donald, who was with three friends at an Elgin park Nunez and one of those friends had threatened Donald with a knife and robbed him at the same location about a month earlier. Nunez intimidated Donald’s friends into backing away, verbally confronted Donald and then physically attacked Donald. During the attack Donald pulled out a knife and stabbed Nunez multiple times.

Nunez was taken to an Elgin hospital, where he died from the stab wounds. Donald was subsequently charged with first-degree murder.

ST. CHARLES

Improvements sought in plans for downtown, river

The Active River Task Force has identified improvements to three core focus areas in St. Charles — the trail system, the Riverwalk, and the dam —  that are fundamental to the success of the downtown, the city, and even the region.

The preliminary strategy seeks to position the St. Charles River Corridor as the place to live, work, play, dine and shop in the region by showcasing a package of seasonal and year-round attractions; completing river, trail and riverwalk connections; embellishing natural, cultural and recreational assets; aligning brand communications; and systematically tackling large and small scale projects to gain and maintain momentum.

The group is seeking public input on potential improvements.

To learn more about the project, visit http://www.stcrivercorridor.org, or contact John Rabchuk, chairman, Active River Task Force, at jrabchuk@gmail.com.

ELGIN

$1,000 reward offered for return of cremated remains

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to return of cremated remains from an Elgin home.

Ashes of the late Donna Stettner were taken during a burglary of the home of Roger Stettner on June 6.

According to reports, burglars took a box containing the ashes from a bedroom dresser.

Area Kiwanis Clubs have collaborated on the award. Roger Stettner is a past official of an Elgin area Kiwanis club.

Anyone with information is asked to call Elgin police tip line at (847) 695-4195 or (847) 289-2700.

WEST DUNDEE

Spring Hill mall plans $37 million redevelopment

Rouse Properties, owner of Spring Hill Mall, has presented a $37-million redevelopment plan to village officials to include a 35,000 square foot movie theater and 37,883 square feet of new retail space on the westernmost portion of the property.

The project would include demolition of the former JCPenney anchor, as well as a portion of the existing inline tenant spaces.

The project timeline anticipates opening of the theater in late 2016 and remainder of the renovation to be completed by the summer of 2017.

West Dundee is evaluating a possible public-private partnership with Rouse to assist with gap financing to achieve the redevelopment.

AURORA

Animal Control offers $10 cat adoptions in July

During the month of July, the Aurora Animal Control and Care  is sponsoring a special discounted adoption program for all cats that are six months old and older. Residents seeking to add a forever-friend to their family can adopt an adult cat for only $10 through July 31.

The discounted adoption fee, which is regularly $90, includes preventative vaccinations, rabies vaccinations, a microchip and spaying/neutering.

AACC is located at 600 S. River St. Cats can be viewed from noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, contact the AACC at (630) 256.3630

— Suburban news briefs —