Any review of important news stories in 2018 both has built-in limitations and functions in the lens of the eye of the beholder. The Voice this week and last week presented in photos and captions some top events in our circulation area in 2018. It was not a comprehensive look. In fact, we are limited in space in these two issues, and in coverage access throughout the year.
• For example, the only reference to the 2018 budget situation at the Aurora Public Library (APL) and a swirling controversy if the West Branch will move its location, was on page 1 this week with the photos of West Side petition signatures to seek an advisory referendum on the April 2 consolidated election.
There were interested, vital, and concerned crowds at the first two public forums’ focus on the West Branch in 2018. The third and final forum will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 at the West Branch. The saga likely will continue well into this year. It was among the top items in Aurora in 2018. Previous coverage of the first two meetings by The Voice is available online at thevoice.us and facebook.com/thevoice.us. Every community has important items, regardless of profile.
• Another example is the high school State meets both team and individual champions. The thrill of capturing State championships by teams in our circulation area was plentiful. We ran eight team photos and that was less than half of our teams which captured the ultimate championships. Marmion Academy’s hockey team is on the front cover in its salute from the mayor of Aurora, Richard C. Irvin. The Marmion track team won the Class 2A State championship, led by Seth Groom’s 32 of the team’s 44 points. He won State championships in the triple jump and long jump, took second place in the high jump, and took a sixth place medal in the 200 meters. Valiant, sensational, and exceptional. Certainly deserving of a salute for 2018.
Newsworthy events occur every day. The Voice has the privilege of reporting on some of them, however, no entity reveals a complete picture. Camron Donatlan of West Aurora High School won a State championship in track and field each year, freshman through senior. The first three were in the high jump and his senior year in the long jump. He went to the University of Wyoming for one year to compete in football and track, however, is seeking to transfer closer to home. Included in 2018 is a photo of exceptional track athlete, freshman Riley Ammenhauser of Neuqua Valley High School, in the above photo.
• Looking forward to this year, we can think of the Chilly Bowl (January cold), or the Chile Bowl in downtown Aurora, Saturday, Jan. 19 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to assist a fundraising goal for World Relief DuPage/Aurora. (Click here). It is only $15. for a Winter taste and the start of highlights in this year.