A northwest suburb of Chicago was deemed the safest and most affordable city in the U.S., according to a new ranking by GoBankingRates. Elgin, which lies mostly within Kane County with a portion in Cook County, was awarded the top spot on the ranking.
Cities were ranked by crime metrics, cost of living, median household income and home values, among other data. The ranking noted Elgin’s low number of property and violent crimes compared to other cities. Additionally, the ranking cited Elgin’s median household income of $85,998, the average monthly mortgage cost of $1,840 and total monthly cost of living of $4,008.
Elgin, founded in 1835, has a population of about 114,800, making it the sixth largest city in Illinois. Known for its historic architecture and landmarks from the Victorian era, many homes in Elgin still have a one-of- a-kind charm.
With the summer weather heating up, Illinoisans can enjoy a variety of water activities at William W. Powers State Recreation Area and other local parks. These recreational sites offer opportunities to get outdoors while enjoying nature on land and water.
Located on Wolf Lake on Chicago’s southeast side at the Illinois-Indiana state line, the William W. Powers State Recreation Area is a 160-acre recreation park featuring a visitor center, picnic area, blinds for hunting and space for other summer activities like boating and fishing. In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly dedicated the site to honor the memory of William W. Powers, a former state legislator that was remembered for his investment in the promotion of recreation for local residents.
Since its establishment, William W. Powers State Recreation Area increased from 160 acres to 580 acres, of which 419 acres are water. The park’s Wolf Lake provides an expansive six miles of shoreline for fishing, fully stocked with largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, bullhead, carp, walleye, and hybrid muskie.
Each summer, Illinois residents can hear the sounds of annual cicadas in the trees day and night, but this year the state saw a rare emergence. Two groups of periodical cicadas, Brood XIII and Brood XIX, have appeared simultaneously for the first time in over 200 years, making Illinois one of only two states to see both broods this year.
Although cicadas can be seen each year, the emergence of the two periodical broods creates a once-in-a-lifetime experience as it is estimated that it will be another 200 years before more than one brood emerges at the same time.
Did you know that a comedian, producer and writer from NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” was born and raised right here in our state? Nick Offerman, born in Joliet, turns 54 today. Offerman has also appeared in “The Last of Us,” “21 Jump Street” and was a voice actor in “The Lego Movie.”
One of Offerman’s many talents is woodworking. He’s a professional boat builder with a side business as a wood craftsman. He creates wooden structures such as canoes and boats and released an instructional DVD in 2008 called Fine Woodstrip Canoe Building. He has written four autobiographies and starred in the off-Broadway play, “Annapurna.”
Offerman’s brother, Matt Offerman, lives in the state. He is also an actor and occasionally appeared on “Parks and Recreation.” Currently, he manages at Iron and Glass, a brewery in Minooka, Illinois.
Join us in celebrating the birthday of this multi-talented actor!