Christmas arrives early with the sale of tickets for the upcoming Santa’s Trolley Express by the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin. This winter event will take place on select weekends, commencing Friday, November 28 and concluding Sunday, December 20. Attendees will board at Blackhawk Station in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, located at 35W003 Route 31.
The experience includes a ride on a 1959 subway train, featuring holiday stories, complimentary hot chocolate, festive singalongs, and a visit from Santa himself. Ticket prices are set at $38 per person until July 31. From August 1 to October 31, tickets will be $45, rising to $50 from November 1 onwards. Additional information and ticket purchases can be made at foxtrolley.org.
District U-46 Makes Key Appointments
The District U-46 School Board has announced several key appointments for the upcoming school year. Luis De León has been appointed as the principal of Streamwood High School. He has over 20 years of experience in education, serving since 2023 as an assistant superintendent for Oak Park Elementary School District 97. His previous roles in U-46 include principalships at Tefft Middle School and Laurel Hill Elementary School.
Rafael Martinez-Ortiz will assume the role of principal at the Dream Academy in Elgin. He has been the associate principal since 2023, and his career includes various positions at Elgin High School such as assistant principal for freshman success. His teaching background spans multiple disciplines including biology and chemistry.
Angela DeMay joins as the assistant director of specialized student services compliance. She has worked in similar capacities for eight years, most recently with Skokie School District 73.5.
Elgin Community College Announces New Certificate Programs
Elgin Community College is introducing two new certificate programs this fall. One program will cover pipe welding, emphasizing techniques such as gas tungsten arc welding and shielded metal arc welding. The other program, focused on becoming a quality control technician, will teach students to interpret engineering drawings, utilize precision measurement techniques, and handle necessary tools. This program spans two semesters and requires no prerequisites. Details can be found at elgin.edu.
Fencing Installed Around Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool for Security 
Justice Department’s Record Healthcare Fraud Takedown 
Supreme Court Rules Against Former Inmate’s Religious Rights Claim 
Utah’s Congressional Primaries and New District Map 
Search Continues for Missing Nancy Guthrie 
Search Continues for Missing Giraffe in Texas