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asloboda@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP – Kane County officials May 9 celebrated the groundbreaking of a nearly $2 million project that will increase training opportunities for law enforcement. “This has been a culmination of many years of planning, some level of frustration,” Sheriff Pat Perez said to a group gathered at the site of the future Kane County Regional Training Center. Located on the same campus as the Kane County Judicial Center and Kane County Sheriff’s Office, the 5,700-square-foot firearms range will have six shooting lanes and the capability to accommodate different training scenarios, such as traffic stops and low-light conditions. “We’re very, very excited about this project,” Perez said. The Kane County Sheriff’s Office has been without a shooting range for more than a year. Its Fabyan Parkway facility flooded and was contaminated by lead and mold.
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Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez and Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen (both in center) toss ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt May 9 during a groundbreaking ceremony. Since then, the sheriff’s employees have been forced to rent time at St. Charles’ outdoor range, which can be logistically difficult when inclement weather preempts their plans, Perez said. “We’re a slave to the weather,” he said. Other agencies will be able to rent time at the Kane County Regional Training Center, which also will include a classroom, Perez said. On May 9, Perez celebrated
its groundbreaking with others from the sheriff’s office, as well as County Board members and County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen, who welcomed the crowd. “Today we’re celebrating progress,” Lauzen said. Construction on the center is expected to be completed by the end of October. Cordogan Clark – a full-service architectural, engineering and construction firm – is working with the county on the project.
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Grant to fund St. Charles park projects By ASHLEY SLOBODA asloboda@shawmedia.com The St. Charles Park District is preparing to make the Fox River more accessible to those wanting to partake in water sports. A $259,000 grant funded by the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program will help the Park District complete several projects at Ferson Creek Park, including the installation of a paddle-sport appropriate dock. Laura Rudow, the superintendent of parks and planning, said the amenity will be open to kayaks, rowing sculls, canoes and paddle boards. An equipment rack also will be available so the watercraft can be safely stored, she said. “Had we not gotten the grant, we wouldn’t have done it,” Rudow said. The St. Charles Park District was one of nearly 50 park or for-
est preserve districts to receive a share of the $16.5 million in OSLAD funding this year. Gov. Pat Quinn announced the recipients in April. “Parks and outdoor recreational activities help make Illinois a great place to live and work,” Quinn said in a written statement. “These projects will create jobs, allow more families to get active outdoors and promote healthy lifestyles.” Recipients are required to contribute at least half of the total project cost. For Ferson Creek Park, Rudow said, the grant also will help with shoreline stabilization, the creation of outdoor classroom space and regular capital improvements that include replacing the fishing pier with one that is ADA compliant and replacing the playground and pavilion. The upgrades should be completed in upcoming years, Rudow said, noting not everything
was budgeted for 2014. The Kane County Forest Preserve District was another OSLAD recipient. It was awarded $389,200 to help acquire a high-quality woodland in Big Rock Township. The 37-acre property, which is within the Big Rock Creek watershed, has pocket wetlands and ponds underneath hardwoods, according to the forest preserve district. Plans for the site include a woodland/wetland interpretive trail, a parking area, an overlook and habitat restoration. Forest Preserve Executive Director Monica Meyers said in a written statement that the organization is thrilled to receive the grant and to have the ability to preserve and protect the open space. “Big Rock Creek is one of the highest-quality tributaries to the Fox River,” she said. “This project offers a first-time opportunity to invest in land in this section of the watershed.”
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KAN • Thursday, May 15, 2014 • The Republican
By ASHLEY SLOBODA
Open Mic Ev ery Thursday Nig 8 p.m. till 11 ht p.m.
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NEWS |
County officials break ground at $2M regional training center
SATURDAY NIGHTS - FREE Half Slab of BBQ Ribs w/Purchase of Full Slab