[{"id":1947,"title":"Honoring Those Who Serve: Kane County Recognizes Veterans and Those Who Support Them","byline":"Kane County Connects Staff ","urlSlug":"KaneCountyVeteransTreatmentCourt-ThankyouLunch2026","imageUrl":"KCC/PublishingImages/Veteran%20Luncheon%208.jpeg","imageDescription":"This year's honorees receive handmade quilts ","content":"
More than two dozen people gathered at the American Legion Post in Geneva for a special Veterans Day tribute honoring the veterans and community partners who help make the Kane County Veterans Treatment Court a success.
The luncheon and presentation, held ahead of Veterans Day, recognized individuals who have dedicated their careers and personal time to helping veterans navigate the justice system, access needed services and build healthier futures.
The event also honored five veterans who serve Kane County or support its work on behalf of veterans. Each received a handmade Quilt of Valor in recognition of their military service and continued contributions to the community.
This year's honorees included:
Terry Prince – U.S. Navy; Director, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
Jesus Arteaga – U.S. Navy; Veteran Service Officer, Veterans Assistance Commission of Kane County
John Jonak – U.S. Army; Superintendent, Kane County Regional Office of Education
Benjamin Haberthur – U.S. Marine Corps; Executive Director, Forest Preserve District of Kane County
Orintho Farris Jr. – U.S. Air Force; Youth Counselor, Kane County Court Services
The quilts were presented by the Quilts of Valor Foundation, a national organization that awards handmade quilts to service members and veterans as a tangible expression of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
The Kane County Veterans Treatment Court began operations in May 2018. Its mission is to address the connection between military service, mental health challenges, substance use and involvement in the criminal justice system.
The specialized court brings together the judicial system, VA-based services and community agencies to provide eligible veterans with coordinated treatment, support and comprehensive case management. The goal is to help participants address underlying challenges, successfully complete mental health or substance abuse treatment, avoid future criminal activity and incarceration, and rebuild their lives and relationships with their families.
Judge Christine Downs, who presides over the Veterans Treatment Court, recognized the many individuals and organizations whose contributions make the program possible. The collaborative team includes prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, veterans service representatives, mentors and court services staff.
Their combined efforts help ensure veterans receive the support and resources they need to move forward.
The tribute also highlighted the importance of recognizing those who continue to serve long after their military careers have ended. Through the Veterans Treatment Court, community partnerships and the dedication of its participants, Kane County is working to give veterans an opportunity for a better outcome.
The keynote address was provided by Terry Prince, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
In addition to the five honorees, Quilts of Valor are presented to veterans who successfully graduate from the Kane County Veterans Treatment Court, providing a lasting reminder that their service and accomplishments are valued.
","blurb":"More than two dozen people gathered at the American Legion Post in Geneva for a special Veterans Day tribute honoring the veterans and community partners who help make the Kane County Veterans Treatment Court a success...","tinyBlurb":"More than two dozen people gathered at the American Legion Post i...","guid":"3fc1660b-ceba-497a-9a57-dee8c7d371b5","slideshow":"Veteran Luncheon","publishDate":"2026-11-10T07:00:00-06:00","modified":"2026-11-10T09:09:14-06:00","created":"2026-11-09T16:21:53-06:00","categoryIds":[9]},{"id":1941,"title":"Kane County Participates in Regional Discussion on the Future of Housing","byline":"Kane County Connects Staff ","urlSlug":"KaneCounty-CMAP-Housing-2026","imageUrl":"KCC/PublishingImages/866836541_1548082967357323_7706656717639581053_n.jpg","imageDescription":"Aurora event brings together government, business and civic leaders to examine changing housing needs across northeastern Illinois","content":"
Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog joined regional leaders in Aurora for a discussion on the future of housing in northeastern Illinois as part of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's (CMAP) Catalyst Series, an initiative supporting development of The Century Plan.
The discussion brought together representatives from government, business and civic organizations to explore how demographic changes are influencing housing needs and what communities can do to prepare for the future.
Among the topics discussed were the region's aging population, smaller household sizes and changing family structures. These trends are creating demand for a wider range of housing options, including accessible homes for older adults, smaller residences and multigenerational housing.
Participants also discussed the connection between housing availability and regional economic growth. Attracting new residents to northeastern Illinois is important to the region's continued growth, but a lack of diverse housing options could make it more difficult to accommodate that growth.
The discussion highlighted the region's existing housing variety, including bungalows, duplexes and smaller multifamily buildings, as examples of housing types that could help address future needs. Expanding housing choices may require communities to reconsider regulations that limit the development of these types of homes.
CMAP recently released a Plan Preview outlining issues and opportunities related to the future of housing in northeastern Illinois. The agency also offers free Community Data Snapshots, including a housing data dashboard, to help communities better understand local housing conditions and plan for future needs.
","blurb":"Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog joined regional leaders in Aurora for a discussion on the future of housing in northeastern Illinois as part of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's (CMAP) Catalyst Series, an initiative supporting developm...","tinyBlurb":"Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog joined regional leaders in Auro...","guid":"dbeaca36-206f-4851-8319-0e6537e5b0c1","slideshow":null,"publishDate":"2026-11-09T08:00:00-06:00","modified":"2026-11-09T11:41:04-06:00","created":"2026-11-02T12:06:43-06:00","categoryIds":[9]},{"id":1932,"title":"Kane County Opens Bunker Road Extension and Roundabout","byline":"Kane County Connects Staff ","urlSlug":"KaneCountyDivisionofTranportation-BunkerRd-LaFox-2026","imageUrl":"KCC/PublishingImages/Bunker%20Rd.%205.jpeg","imageDescription":"$11.5 million project will improve north-south connectivity between Keslinger and LaFox roads","content":"
UPDATE -- November 9, 2026- The Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) is pleased to announce that Bunker Road and Keslinger Roads, between Geneva and Elburn, are now fully open to traffic as of November 9th.
The project included construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Bunker Road and Keslinger Road, along with a new access point to the Metra train station from La Fox Road to the north. Additional improvements included roadway widening, resurfacing, lighting, drainage improvements, and landscape restoration.
These improvements are designed to enhance traffic flow through central Kane County, improve safety at the intersection, and provide better access to the Metra train station.
KDOT thanks residents and motorists for their patience and understanding throughout construction.
A long-planned transportation improvement in western Kane County is nearing completion as the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) advances the Bunker Road Extension Project, connecting Keslinger Road to LaFox Road.
The $11.5 million project extends Bunker Road from its current northern terminus near the LaFox Metra station to LaFox Road, north of the LaFox Village District Center. The extension is designed to improve north-south connectivity, enhance traffic flow and provide an additional route through the central portion of the county between Geneva and Elburn.
The project has been included in Kane County’s long-range transportation plans since 2004, following its initial identification in the late 1990s as a potential solution to congestion and a way to improve regional connectivity.
“This project is a good example of how Kane County can respond to growth responsibly by making effective use of existing infrastructure and investing in transportation improvements that serve our residents today and into the future,” said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog.
A key feature of the project is a roundabout at the intersection of Bunker Road and Keslinger Road. Roundabouts can improve traffic flow and intersection safety while reducing the ongoing maintenance associated with traditional traffic signals.
The extension also incorporates an existing underpass beneath the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The underpass was constructed in 2006 as part of the Metra West Line extension to accommodate the future Bunker Road connection.
The intersection of Bunker and Keslinger roads is expected to open by the end of November.
On Oct. 23, members of the Kane County Board, local elected officials, KDOT staff, project engineers, construction partners and others gathered for a photo opportunity and brief ceremony to mark the completion of the Bunker Road Extension Project.
“The Bunker Road extension was planned as part of the Metra West Line Extension to Elburn, which opened two decades ago after significant effort and more than 100 coordination meetings,” said Kane County Deputy Director of Transportation Tom Rickert. “As such, this project is the culmination of 35 years of planning, programming, engineering, land acquisition and construction, with the Bunker Road extension providing improved Metra access and a mid-county highway corridor connecting the Sugar Grove, Campton Hills and Elgin areas.”
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Communities throughout Kane County are planning Veterans Day ceremonies, tributes and special events to honor the men and women who have served our country. Here are some opportunities to participate and show appreciation. Note: Kane County Government Buildings will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.
Waubonsee Community College Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11, 2026
Waubonsee Community College will host its Veterans Day Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, honoring those who have served our country.
The ceremony will include:
Posting of the Colors by West Aurora School District 129's West Aurora High School AFJROTC.
A performance by the Chamber Chorale.
Remarks by Clayton Muhammad, vice president of Community Engagement and External Affairs, and Nathanael Welter, U.S. Navy veteran and Waubonsee Veterans Club president.
The Village of North Aurora will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the North Aurora Veterans Memorial at Willow Way and Farview Drive.
This year's ceremony will offer the first public look at the newly updated Veterans Memorial, which has been under construction since earlier this year.
Additional highlights include musical selections by West Aurora High School trombonists, a flag raising at the memorial and a flag retirement ceremony conducted by Batavia Overseas VFW and Auxiliary 1197 at approximately noon, following the ceremony.
The North Aurora BSA Troop 104 will place flags at the memorial, Marmion Academy buglers will perform Taps, the North Aurora Police Department Honor Guard will participate, and the North Aurora Fire Protection District will display a large American flag.
Montgomery's Display of Honor
Veterans Day tribute
The Village of Montgomery is invited residents to help recognize local veterans through its annual Display of Honor.
Residents were encouraged to submit a photograph and basic military service information for a veteran who has made an impact on their lives or the community.
The display will be featured at Village Hall on Veterans Day and remain on view throughout November.
Huntley Veterans Day Collection and Ceremony
Nov. 14, 2026
The Village of Huntley will host its annual Veterans Day Collection and Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 14.
The City of Aurora will recognize local military service members during its annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The parade steps off at 10:15 a.m. at Water Street and Downer Place. Participants will march west on Downer Place, concluding in front of the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum, 23 E. Downer Place.
The Serving Our Country and Community ceremony will follow, including a military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11 a.m., marking the exact time the armistice was signed to end World War I.
St. Charles Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11, 2026
The 2026 St. Charles Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at St. Charles Fire Station No. 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave.
The free public ceremony will include the singing of the National Anthem, remarks, a closing prayer, a gun salute and a performance of Taps.
Emagine Entertainment will offer free movie tickets to active-duty military members and veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The offer is valid all day at participating Emagine Theatre locations in Illinois.
To receive a free ticket, guests must present a military service ID card or discharge papers at the theatre box office on Veterans Day. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance, and online or phone reservations are not accepted.
St. Charles North High School Veterans Day Concert
Nov. 11, 2026
St. Charles North High School will present a free Veterans Day concert from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at St. Charles North High School.
The concert is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Carpentersville Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11, 2026
The Village of Carpentersville invites the community to its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Garden at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville.
Veterans, military families, friends, neighbors and community members are welcome to gather in recognition of the courage, service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country. The ceremony will provide an opportunity to reflect on and honor those whose service has helped protect our freedoms.
Village of South Elgin Veterans Day Ceremony
Veterans Day Ceremony – Nov. 11: The Village of South Elgin invites the community to a Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Public Safety Center, 50 S. Water St., South Elgin. The ceremony will honor and thank those who have served our country and feature guest speaker Jesse Colón, a U.S. veteran and owner of Cross Kicks Fitness in South Elgin. The event is free and open to all. 🇺🇸
If you notice a correction to a posted event or would like to add an event, please email kanecountyconnects@kanecountyil.gov.
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