[{"id":1809,"title":"Kane County Deploys a Solar-Powered Flood Warning System","byline":"Sarra Hinshaw, Kane County Environmental and Water Resources Department","urlSlug":"KaneCounty-Flooding-KDOT-ClimateActionPlan-2026","imageUrl":"KCC/PublishingImages/Flooding%20picture%20-%20Canva.png","imageDescription":"Flooding is an increasing concern across the Midwest ","content":"

​

Kane County is taking a forward-thinking step in climate resilience and public safety with the introduction of a new solar-powered flood warning system, an initiative that blends clean energy with real-time hazard alerts.

Flooding is an increasing concern across the Midwest due to heavier rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events. It is also among the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. According to FEMA’s FloodSmart website, flooding can occur almost anywhere and causes billions of dollars in damage each year.

According to NOAA and the National Weather Service’s Turn Around Don’t Drown® campaign, more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous floodwaters. Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult.

Local projections included in the Kane County Climate Action Implementation Plan indicate the county could experience up to a 30 percent increase in heavy downpours in the coming decades, increasing the risk of flash flooding and hazardous roadway conditions.

To address this challenge, the county secured the Powering Safe Communities grant through a partnership involving ComEd and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to deploy solar-powered flood warning signs designed to alert drivers when water levels become dangerous. These systems are particularly important because flash floods can develop rapidly, leaving little time for traditional warnings to reach people in harm’s way.

The signs will be installed on Dauberman Road in Kaneville Township at the end of May. This section of roadway has been identified by the Kane County Division of Transportation as an area that has experienced roadway overtopping and flooding during past storm events.

​The new warning system relies on a combination of renewable energy and real-time monitoring technology:

  • Solar panels power the system independently of the electrical grid
  • Sensors detect rising water levels in flood-prone areas
  • Flashing warning signs activate automatically when one inch of water is detected

The solar flood warning system represents more than a technological upgrade; it reflects a broader strategy within Kane County’s Climate Action Implementation Plan. The county has prioritized:

  • Improving emergency preparedness for extreme weather
  • Expanding renewable energy use
  • Increasing public awareness of environmental hazards
  • Protecting vulnerable populations during climate-related events

As climate patterns continue to shift, innovations like solar-powered warning systems could become a model for other communities seeking to protect residents while reducing their environmental footprint.

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As warmer weather brings more time outdoors, the Kane County Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry diseases
such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

Mosquito and tick activity increases during the spring and summer months, making prevention an important part of staying healthy while enjoying outdoor activities.

West Nile virus remains the most common mosquito-borne disease in Illinois and is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Most people infected do not develop
symptoms, but some may experience fever, headaches, body aches, or, in rare cases, serious neurological illness. 

Illinois continues statewide West Nile virus monitoring through mosquito, bird, and animal surveillance to identify virus activity and help local health departments respond
early. 

The Kane County Health Department conducts its annual West Nile virus surveillance program each mosquito season, placing mosquito traps throughout the county to monitor for virus
activity. Mosquitoes collected from these traps are tested for West Nile virus, allowing the department to identify areas of increased risk and inform the public when positive samples are
detected.

“Surveillance helps us stay ahead of mosquito-borne illness and gives our community important information to reduce risk,” said Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director. “Prevention starts
with awareness and simple actions at home and outdoors.”

Residents can reduce their risk of mosquito and tick bites by following these prevention tips:

Fight the bite:
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing when outdoors 
• Avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, especially dawn and dusk
• Check for ticks after spending time in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas 
• Shower soon after being outdoors to help wash off unattached ticks

Remove breeding and hiding areas:
• Empty standing water from birdbaths, buckets, flowerpots, and gutters at least weekly
• Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter where ticks may hide
• Maintain window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home

If you find a tick attached to your skin:
• Remove it promptly by grasping the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible using clean fine-tipped tweezers.
• Pull tick away from the skin with steady, even pressure.
• Dispose of it by flushing it down the toilet, wrapping it tightly in tape, or putting it in alcohol.
• Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.
• Do a tick check to look for more ticks on other parts of your body and promptly remove them.
• Watch for symptoms such as rash, fever, or fatigue and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

The Kane County Health Department invites the community to pick up a tick removal kit from our Aurora office at 1240 N. Highland Ave., Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

The health department will continue monitoring mosquito activity throughout the season and provide updates if West Nile virus is detected locally. For more information about mosquito and tick prevention, visit:
https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Vector-Borne-Disease.aspx


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Aurora

  • Memorial Day Parade — Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. Starts at Benton Street and River Street.

Algonquin 

  • Memorial Day Event — Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. at Riverfront Park. Starts at Benton Street and River Street.

Batavia

  • Memorial Day Ceremony — Monday, May 25, 11 a.m. VFW Post 1197, 645 S. River St.

Carpentersville

  • Memorial Day Ceremony — Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.  Veterans Garden, Carpenter Park.

Dundee

  • Memorial Day Ceremony — Monday, May 25, 11:30 a.m. at River Valley Memorial Gardens in West Dundee. 

Elburn

  • Memorial Day Ceremony — Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. Blackberry Township Cemetery.

Elgin

  • Memorial Day Ceremonies — Monday, May 25
    • 8:30 a.m. — Mount Hope Cemetery
    • 9 a.m. — Lakewood Memorial Park
    • 9:45 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Park
    • 11 a.m. — Bluff City Cemetery

Geneva

  • Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony — Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. Parade begins at the Geneva Train Station and concludes with a memorial ceremony at the World War I Memorial in Wheeler Park.

Huntley

  • Memorial Day Ceremony — Monday, May 25, 11 a.m. Huntley Cemetery.

Kaneville

  • Memorial Day Program — Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. Kaneville Community Center Gym.

Maple Park 

  • Maple Park American Legion Post 312 - Monday, May 25 -100th annual Memorial Day observance May 25 with ceremonies at seven area cemeteries beginning at 9:15 a.m. The event concludes with a final ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the Legion Hall on Main Street.

St. Charles

  • Flag Raising & Cemetery Ceremonies — 6 a.m.
    Begins at Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd St.
  • Veterans Community Breakfast Fundraiser — 7:30–10 a.m.
    Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave.
  • Parade & Flags of Honor — 10 a.m.
    Parade begins at 6th and Main streets.
  • Memorial Service — 10:45 a.m.
    Freedom Shrine, 211 N. Riverside Ave.

Veterans Memorial

The Kane County Veterans Memorial at 719 S. Batavia Ave. in Geneva is open to the public year round. 

Veteran Assistance

Veterans seeking support with benefits or resources can contact the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission. Learn more at Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission

To add or correct an event, email kanecountyconnects@kanecountyil.gov.

​


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The countdown to cannonballs, sunscreen and poolside laughter is officially underway as community pools across Kane County prepare to open for the summer season.

From swim lessons and lap lanes to diving boards and concession stands, local park districts are preparing for another busy season of cooling off and making summer memories.

Residents are encouraged to check with their local park districts to confirm opening dates, hours, special events and seasonal pass information as pools begin welcoming swimmers back for the season.

​

Algonquin: Lions Armstrong Memorial Pool  - Opening May 30

Aurora: Phillips Park Aquatic Center - Opening May 30

Aurora: Splash Country Water Park – Open May 23-25 and May 30 for the season

Batavia: Hall Quarry Beach - Opening May 23

Carpentersville: Dolphin Cove Family Aquatic Center - Opening May 23

Elgin Festival Park Fountain Splash Pad  

Elgin: Wings Park Pool - Opening May 30

Geneva: Mill Creek Pool - Opening June 6

Geneva: Sunset Pool - Opening May 23

Huntley: Stingray Bay Family Aquatic Center - Opening May 23

St. Charles: Otter Cove Aquatic Park - Opening May 23

St. Charles: Swanson Pool - Opening May 23

​For corrections to this list, please email kanecountyconnects@kanecountyil.gov 



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