When severe weather hit Kane County on June 10, calls to 911 nearly tripled, but KaneComm, Kane County's 911 center and other emergency response teams were ready.
During the two-hour storm, KaneComm telecommunicators answered 331 emergency calls and dispatched 205 calls for service, compared with a typical Wednesday afternoon when they handle about 112 emergency calls and 81 dispatches.
Despite challenges such as power outages, downed utility poles and potential communication disruptions, KaneComm worked seamlessly with the Kane County Sheriff's Office and Kane County Office of Emergency Management to ensure residents received the emergency assistance they needed.
The National Weather Service classified the June 10 storm as a derecho, a widespread, long-lived windstorm that produced gusts of up to 80 mph in parts of northern Illinois, leaving behind damaged roofs, fallen trees and widespread power outages.
Be prepared before the next storm. Sign up for Kane County's Public Safety Alert System to receive real-time notifications about severe weather, road closures, police activity and other emergencies by text, phone, email or the mobile app.
Learn more and register at: www.KCOEM.org
The Kane County Board has appointed Brian Dahl to represent the county on the Board of Directors of the newly established Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) and serve on the Pace Suburban Bus Board of Directors, while also reappointing Joe McMahon to the Metra Board of Directors.
Created by the State of Illinois, NITA will oversee and coordinate the region's public transportation network, including CTA, Metra and Pace. The agency will guide regional transit policy, including fare structures, service planning, capital investments and long-term transportation strategies affecting millions of riders throughout northeastern Illinois.
Dahl, a former Kane County Board member, Sugar Grove resident and president of the Fox Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, brings extensive experience in public service, labor leadership and regional collaboration. ![\"Joseph_McMahon_headshot_2025.jpg\"](\"../img/medium/KCC/PublishingImages/Lists/Articles/AllItems/Joseph_McMahon_headshot_2025.jpg\")
McMahon has served on the Metra Board of Directors since 2021 and was elected Metra Board Chair in 2024. An attorney and co-founder of Griffin, Williams, McMahon & Walsh, LLP, with offices in Geneva and Chicago, McMahon previously served as Kane County State's Attorney and has extensive experience in both public service and private practice.
"The creation of NITA marks a significant change in how regional transit will be governed," said Kane County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog. "Brian's experience, leadership and commitment to public service make him well-qualified to represent Kane County on the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Board. Along with his service on the Pace Suburban Bus Board and Joe McMahon's reappointment to the Metra Board, Kane County will have strong representation as northeastern Illinois enters a new era of regional transportation planning."
Dahl and McMahon begin their new terms on the NITA, Pace and Metra Board in September.
At its June 9, 2026, meeting, the Kane County Board approved proclamations recognizing both Pride Month and National Gun Violence Awareness Month, reflecting a commitment to building a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community.
The Board proclaimed June 2026 as Pride Month, recognizing the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community while encouraging residents to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment for all. The proclamation also acknowledged the work of local organizations, including Belong Fox Valley, Elgin Pride, and Aurora Pride, in providing advocacy, support, and community connections throughout Kane County. The proclamation was presented to Travis Hooker, President of Elgin Pride, in recognition of the organization's ongoing work to support LGBTQ+ residents across the Fox Valley.
The Board also proclaimed June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month and recognized June 5 as Gun Violence Awareness Day. The proclamation highlights the impact of firearm-related injuries and deaths in Illinois and Kane County while recognizing local efforts to improve public safety. In 2025, the Kane County Health Department distributed 3,107 gun locks and safes to promote responsible firearm storage and continues to support violence prevention initiatives such as Project Safe Aurora. The proclamation also recognizes the work of the Kane County Sheriff's Office in removing illegal firearms from the community and the Kane County State's Attorney's Office in prosecuting gun-related crimes.
The Gun Violence Awareness proclamation was presented to Steve McHugh of Be SMART and Elizabeth Nunez, Gun Violence Prevention Specialist with the Kane County Health Department, in recognition of their leadership and commitment to reducing firearm injuries and promoting safe firearm storage throughout Kane County.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH AND JUNE 5 AS GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS, National Gun Violence Awareness Month and National Gun Violence Awareness Day honor the lives lost to gun violence, support survivors and families impacted by tragedy, and promote education, awareness, and community action to build safer communities; and
WHEREAS, according to the Violence Policy Center and One Aim Illinois, gun deaths in Illinois surpassed motor vehicle deaths in 2024, underscoring the significant impact of firearm-related injuries and fatalities across the state; and
WHEREAS, the highest rates of non-fatal firearm injuries in Illinois occurred among individuals ages 20 to 29, followed by youth ages 10 to 19; and
WHEREAS, according to the Kane County Coroner's Office, Kane County recorded seven gun-related homicides, 12 firearm-related suicides, and one accidental shooting death in 2024, reflecting an overall decline in gun-related deaths compared to 2022 and 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Kane County Health Department continues to work to prevent firearm injuries and deaths by distributing free gun locks and recently, more than 250 gun safes to households while supporting violence prevention initiatives such as Project Safe Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the Kane County Sheriff's Office works diligently to keep illegal firearms off the streets and enhance public safety and the Kane County State's Attorney's Office rigorously prosecutes individuals responsible for gun-related violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Kane County Board hereby recognizes June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month and designates June 5, 2026, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Kane County, Illinois.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 2026 AS PRIDE MONTH IN KANE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, the month of June is recognized throughout the United States as Pride Month, highlighting the history, achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community; and
WHEREAS, Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a defining moment in the movement for LGBTQ+ civil rights and equality; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has played an important role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, including hosting one of the nation's first Pride parades in 1970 and supporting expanded civil rights protections and marriage equality; and
WHEREAS, Kane County values diversity, equity, inclusion and the dignity of every individual and strives to foster a community where all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, are welcomed and able to live without fear of discrimination; and
WHEREAS, organizations including Belong Fox Valley, Elgin Pride, and Aurora Pride continue to provide support, advocacy and opportunities for connection for LGBTQ+ residents throughout Kane County; and
WHEREAS, Pride Month serves as a time to celebrate the diversity that strengthens Kane County and to reaffirm the County's commitment to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Kane County Board hereby recognizes June 2026 as Pride Month in Kane County, Illinois, and encourages all residents to help foster a more inclusive, welcoming and respectful community for all.
Dogs and their owners now have a new place to stop, rest, and rehydrate thanks to the generosity of two animal lovers whose legacies will continue to benefit pets throughout Kane County.
Kane County Animal Control celebrated the completion of a new outdoor dog water fountain and shade structure with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 8 at its facility in Geneva. ![\"KCAC](\"../img/medium/KCC/PublishingImages/Lists/Articles/AllItems/KCAC%20Fountain%202.jpg\")
Located outside the Animal Control facility at 4060 Keslinger Road along a popular walking route connected to Peck Farm Park, the new amenity provides fresh water and a shaded resting area for dogs and their owners to enjoy while exploring the surrounding trails.
The project was made possible through two $10,000 estate gifts from the late Sylvia Snyder and Sharon K. Zagorce, both of whom shared a love for animals and chose to support Kane County Animal Control through their estates.
A commemorative plaque recognizing the generosity of both women adorns the fountain and shade structure.
"The thoughtful contributions from Ms. Snyder and Ms. Zagorce reflect a project designed with the community in mind," said Kane County Animal Control Director Brett Youngstead. "Their financial gifts benefit not only the animals in our care, but also the many residents and pets who visit our facility and enjoy the nearby trails."
The first donation was received from the Sylvia R. Snyder Estate and approved by the Kane County Board in January 2025 for animal-related supplies, enrichment, and improvements. A second $10,000 gift from the Sharon K. Zagorce Estate was approved by the County Board in December 2025 and helped complete the project with the addition of the shade structure.
"The name on the building may say Kane County Animal Control, but the people inside demonstrate every day that their mission is really about animal care," said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne M. Pierog. "They rescue animals, reunite lost pets with their families, provide shelter and medical attention, promote responsible pet ownership and serve as advocates for animals who need protection."
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Chairman Pierog was accompanied by her dog, Nugget. Kane County Board Member and Public Health Committee Chair Cherryl Strathman also brought her dog, Gus and thanked the staff of Kane County Animal Control for their dedication and compassionate service.
They were joined by Kane County Board Members Kim Young, Ted Penesis, Deb Allan, and Bill Roth.
The new fountain and shade structure are now open for public use.
Learn more about the work of Kane County Animal Control and adoptable pets at https://pets.kanecountyil.gov/