143rd Street East Extension UpdateThis week, the contractor completed the remaining storm sewer work at IL 126 and Naperville Road, poured the approach pavement for the DuPage River bridge, and poured pavement sections at the 143rd Street and IL 126 intersection. They also stained the Fletcher Lake retaining wall and began preparations for new pavement between Naperville Road and the bridge. Next week, the contractor will continue grading and storm sewer installation west of the bridge, prepare for the bridge parapet pour, begin installation of the bike path railing, and potentially place asphalt on Naperville Road.

Free Spring Collection Is ComingSpring cleanup trashThe free spring cleanup collection is happening on your regular garbage day during the week of April 6. Leaves, twigs, and other landscape materials should be placed in Kraft paper bags at the curb. Larger items such as furniture and rugs will also be collected.Click here for more information.

The Village of Montgomery Public Works Department planned to begin spring hydrant flushing in the Village and the unincorporated Boulder Hill subdivision this week (March 16), but Mother Nature had other plans. Due to the heavy rainfall preceding Sunday's snow, the Public Works Department will delay all three planned flushing weeks to allow the ground more time to dry. "By nature, flushing puts more water into the storm sewers, and we want to be cautious as several areas in the Village did see flooding with the vast amount of rain we had Sunday, which turned to snow overnight," said Superintendent of Streets, Shawn Murphy.

Cubs season opener is March 26th, and expectations are high on the North Side after last season’s post season appearances. In front of the Cubs this year will be unseating the Brewers in the NL Central. What hurt the Cubs last season were injuries and with the offseason Jed Hoyer addressed this mostly in pitching which the Cubs have heading into opening day eight possible starters with Justin Steele set to return in May. A big change that has already been positive is the addition of Alex Bregman at third base. He brings a winning attitude and commitment to improving the club house environment. Last season the Cubs had two young players in Michael Busch and Pete Crow Armstrong, and both had strong seasons but with a year under their belt and Alex Bregman’s mentorship this will add another asset to the Cubs. Rounding out the lineup Ian Happ, Nico Horner, and Dansby Swanson give the Cubs speed to make things happen on the base paths.

Final Call for the Community Kauffee SurveyCommunity Kauffee SurveyFinal call for the Community Kauffee survey. Let us know what we can do better and what you want to see more of before March 27.

St. Patrick’s Day CelebrationsThe PaddyDay Mile and Hometown Irish Parade are Sunday, March 15, in Downtown Plainfield! The PaddyDay Mile begins at 12:25 p.m. and the parade steps off at 1 p.m. For more information on the parade, visit plainfieldirishparade.org. For information regarding road closures and parking, click here.New this year - the Plainfield Public Arts Council is hosting a pancake breakfast at The Sanctuary. For more information, visit plainfieldpublicartscouncil.org.

Blackhawks have had growing pains all season and are still coming of age and finding their team identity on the ice. Connor Bedard continues to be the future of the franchise and as amazing as he is he alone cannot take the Hawks to the promise land in making the playoffs for the first time in over six years. Blackhawks under coach Jeff Blashill has led a quiet resurgence in helping the Hawks position themselves for a final playoff push. During the tradeline the Hawks worked to secure more draft picks and focused on adding depth and youth for this squad. With the rebuilding almost complete the Hawks need to find some help from Veterans who can help bring the younger players to the forefront and guide them through the experience phase as they continue to evolve into a playoff contender. For the Final Push the Blackhawks will focus on the big three of Connor Bedard, Ryan Danato, and Frank Nazar who will lead the first line and establish scoring and defense. Coach Blashill will focus on using the bench to help guide them through the 2nd period and giving the front-line rest to help them control the puck and win games. Time of Possession and calculated scoring are helping the Hawks to be competitive and maybe win some games and help them capture the eight seats in the NHL Playoffs.

Hernandez Announces Free Museum Programs for Constituents