Jon J. Duerr, namesake of South Elgin forest preserve, dies
Conservationist Jon J. Duerr, for whom a South Elgin forest preserve was named, died Feb. 13 at the age of 81.
Duerr served in various roles for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County over 19 years, including assistant superintendent, superintendent, director of field services and, from October 2002 through June 2004, executive director, according to the district’s Facebook page.
A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St., St. Charles, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Charles Public Library Foundation, 1 S. 6th Ave., St Charles, IL 60174, www.scpld.org, and to The Conservation Foundation, 10 S. 404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, theconservationfoundation.org.
Puppies abandoned in West Dundee have new homes
The five puppies abandoned and left to fend for themselves last month in unincorporated West Dundee have new homes.
They were found Jan. 11 in a box along a road by a man who notified authorities. Police and Kane County Animal Control Officers were not able to locate an owner.
The animals were given examinations and spayed or neutered before being put up for adoption.
Kane County Animal Control Administrator Brett Youngsteadt said all five have been adopted. Some of the new owners told him they will stay in touch with each other as the puppies grow and let the dogs play together.
East Dundee fireworks moved to Memorial Day weekend
A fireworks display that had been part of East Dundee’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is being moved to Memorial Day weekend.
The show will take place after 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 24, according to the Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page. They will be launched from the footbridge over the Fox River between East and West Dundee.
The fireworks were delayed twice in March 2023 due to inclement weather, then finally set off Memorial Day weekend. Organizers said the likelihood of better weather and the positive response to the 2023 show led to them moving the event in May this year.
Dundee Library opens new seed library for patrons
Dundee Library patrons can take or donate harvested seeds at a seed library set up on the main level of the 555 Barrington Ave. facility in East Dundee.
This is the second year for the spring program, according to a news release. Packets contain enough seeds to produce about three plants. People can choose from herbs, vegetables, and native and pollinator flowers.
The library has repurposed a vintage card catalog, using its drawers to hold the seed packets.
For more information, call 847-428-3661.
