The Elgin Public Works department demonstrate loading of salt in preparation for the winter. December 12, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
The Elgin Public Works department demonstrate the use of SuperMIx (a mixture of salt brine, beet juice and calcium chloride) which decreases salt usage and saves taxpayers money. December 12, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Driving southbound on Randall Road in Carpentersville January 20, 2012, displays the outlook of winter driving. January 20, 2012 | Sun-Times Media~File Photo
The wing-plow truck, fitted with two plow, moves snow along roads January 12, 2012. January 12, 2012 | Sun-Times Media~File Photo
The city has not needed to use much of its budget this winter for snow removal so far. Overall, says Sean Stegall, city manager, the 2013 budget is a “maintenance budget” that maintains city buildings, its vehicle fleet, sidewalks and streets. | Sun-Time
Dan Rich, Elgin's interim public services director, is dwarfed by a mountain of salt piled up at the Elgin Public Works department on Holmes Road. It's been 281 consecutive days without measurable snowfall. December 12, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
ELGIN — On Monday the Chicago area set a record for most consecutive days — 281 — without a measurable snowfall, a record building by the day that is approaching almost 10 full months. Still, this being northern Illinois, snow is eventually bound to fall …
