Local government decisions are important to many citizens, and an academy just for them will soon be in session.Applications have opened for City of Elgin 101, a free program used by Elgin’s municipal government to teach residents about day-to-day functions and roles of local government. City of Elgin 101’s purpose is to educate residents about operations, cultivate future leaders and showcase talents of city staff.“I've had a citizen academy before in other towns,” said City Manager Tom Mattis during the Sept. 27 City Council meeting, “but I think in our situation here, it's really timely that we come forward with this program given the fact that we're growing and changing rapidly in the community, have ...