August 2026 Monthly E-News

Electronic Recycling Event

Looking for a responsible way to dispose of old electronics? An Electronic Recycling Event will be held on Saturday, August 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 925 15th Avenue, Union Grove. The event is open to the public, will be held rain or shine, and features a convenient drive-thru drop-off.

Items accepted include computers, laptops, monitors, tablets, printers, televisions, gaming systems, cell phones, power tools, appliances, and many other electronic devices. Most items may be dropped off at no charge. Televisions are $20 each and microwaves are $5 each. Cash or check only will be accepted for applicable fees.

The event is hosted by Midwest Computer Recycling. If you have questions about accepted items or recycling fees, please contact the event organizer directly at 847-582-1730.

Motor Oil Recycling Available through October 30

Village residents are reminded that used motor oil can be recycled at the Department of Public Works facility, 19326 County Line Road, through October 30.

The collection receptacle is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please ensure that motor oil is free of contaminants. The following materials are not accepted: antifreeze, gasoline, brake fluid, paint, solvents, and oil filters.

This service is available to Village of Union Grove residents only and provides a convenient way to properly dispose of used motor oil while helping protect the environment.

Looking Ahead: 2027 Infrastructure Improvements

While construction season is still in full swing this year, the Village is already planning several major infrastructure improvements for 2027. These projects focus on replacing aging underground utilities, improving stormwater management, reconstructing streets, and expanding pedestrian connections throughout the community.

The projects currently being designed and planned include:

• 11th Avenue (York Street to High Street): Complete reconstruction including pavement, water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer improvements.

• 13th Avenue (York Street to High Street): Complete reconstruction including pavement, water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer improvements.

• West Street (13th Avenue south to the dead end): Complete reconstruction including pavement, water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer improvements.

• Main Street & 7th Avenue: Permanent closure of the intersection, stormwater improvements, and roadway modifications designed to improve traffic circulation and enhance pedestrian safety in the area surrounding Union Grove High School.

• 9th Avenue (High Street to the Park Place cul-de-sac): Complete reconstruction including pavement, water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer improvements.

• High Street Sidewalk Extension: Construction of a new sidewalk between 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue, creating a continuous pedestrian connection from the Canopy Trail to Leider Park.

These projects are currently in the planning and design phase. Over the coming months, the Village Board will review project designs, budgets, and financing before construction is scheduled for the 2027 construction season. As plans become finalized, the Village will provide additional information regarding project schedules, traffic impacts, and opportunities for public input.

Investing in infrastructure before failures occur helps improve reliability, extend the life of Village assets, and reduce long-term maintenance costs while continuing to enhance safety and accessibility for residents.

Know the Rules for Electric Bikes, Scooters, and Other Electric-Powered Devices

Electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other electric-powered devices have become increasingly popular throughout the Village. In 2025, the Village adopted regulations governing where these devices may be operated and the rules that apply.

Here are a few of the key regulations residents should know:

• Age Requirements: Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles may be operated by riders of any age. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 electric bicycle. Electric scooters have no minimum age requirement under the Village ordinance.

• Sidewalk Operation: Electric bicycles and scooters may be operated on sidewalks only where bike lanes are not available or when accessing a property with sidewalk frontage. While on a sidewalk, riders must travel no faster than 10 mph, yield to pedestrians, and provide an audible warning before passing someone traveling in the same direction.

• Safe Operation: Operators must obey posted speed limits, may not use a mobile device while riding, may not carry more passengers than the device is designed for, and racing or trick riding is prohibited.

• Night Riding: Electric bicycles and scooters operated after dark must be equipped with a white front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector.

• Electric-Powered Play Toys: Electric-powered skateboards and similar devices are prohibited on roadways except when using a crosswalk. They must be operated on sidewalks, where riders are required to yield to pedestrians and exercise due care.

Please note that golf carts and ATVs remain prohibited on Village streets and sidewalks.

The Village encourages all residents to familiarize themselves with these regulations and operate electric-powered devices responsibly. 

Custom Truck One Source Continues to Invest in Union Grove

On July 6, the Village Plan Commission approved a site plan and plan of operation for the second phase of an expansion at Custom Truck One Source on Leider Drive. The project includes construction of an additional 10,000-square-foot building addition to the company's existing heavy truck sales and service facility. This follows a previously approved 12,035-square-foot expansion from earlier this year, demonstrating the company's continued investment in its Union Grove operations.

The expansion will match the appearance of the existing facility and is not expected to require changes to site access or parking. Village planning staff found the proposal to be compatible with the surrounding industrial area and recommended approval.

As construction moves forward, the expansion will provide additional space to support the company's continued operations and reinforces Union Grove's role as a location where existing businesses can continue to grow and invest in the community.