Dixieland band, ‘Chocolate Fest’ mark Mardi Gras
New England Congregational Church in Aurora, celebrated Mardi Gras with a guest Dixieland trio and an annual Chocolate Festival February 15. Special music during the worship service was presented by the John Papadolias Trio–Steve Gaugel, tenor saxophone; Chad Watson, upright bass; and Papadolias, guitar. Other performers were Heather Azem, soloist;
Wesley United Methodist Church celebrates Fat Tuesday
Rich Brown of Aurora pours syrup on a pancake stack at a brunch February 15, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora.
Dixieland band performs at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora
For a 16th year, a Dixieland band performs last weekend at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora.
College basketball: Aurora University vs. St. Norbert College
Aurora University’s Juan Madrigal (2) drives against visiting St. Norbert defenders February 14.
High School basketball: West Aurora vs. Elgin
West Aurora High School’s Orlando Edwards (2) dribbles down court February 11 against Elgin.
Artificial Intelligence: Worrying usage, relationships
My relationship with technology is strained. I miss the days when I could write in peace, without constantly being offered “suggestions” from a program created by a C-student in English. I also resent the expectation that we must all purchase personal phones that track our every move and keystroke, then
Aurora coach Walters, biography readings/signings
Legendary Aurora track coach, Wilbert Walters, is coming out of retirement. Walters, 97, will join Aurora biographer Maureen McKane for a reading of “Walters Way: A Coach, His Runners, and His Race” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25. The presentation and book signing will take place at Santori Aurora Public
Chicagoland Area Pottery Tour gears up as nonprofit
Northern Illinois Pottery Tour is growing. The two-day annual pottery tour that features more than 40 artists and highlights the exciting contemporary pottery scene will become an official nonprofit organization. To help raise funds for the tour and the transition to nonprofit status, event organizers are hosting a fundraiser Thursday,
Valentine’s Day: Love, kisses, candy, the Mob
We’ve just celebrated Valentine’s Day, that exceptional, manufactured holiday to sell more Hallmark® cards and show our devotion to the special someone we love, usually by showering her (since I’m writing this from a reasonably normal man’s point of view) not with water, unless she’s extremely dirty, but with chocolate
Pet of the Week: Blue the Blue Heeler needs kind home
Blue is a male Blue Heeler who is three to four years old. Blue loves to go to the dog park where he runs playfully with all the other dogs. Blue is a sweet pooch who will bond strongly with his family. When he first meets people he is cautious
Weaponized discord is Deep State’s most effective tool
By John & Nisha Whitehead “Love your enemies.” —Jesus Christ “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them.” —President Donald Trump This country was built on the radical idea that government exists to serve the people—not to control them, monitor them, manage them, or rule over
A Focus on History: February 19 through February 25
February 19 The first rescuers reach surviving members of the Donner Party, a group of California-bound emigrants stranded by snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. – 1847. U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9066 to initiate a controversial World War II policy with lasting consequences for Japanese Americans.
Marimar Martinez, Chicago woman shot and briefly charged by Border Patrol, moves to sue
By Maggie DoughertyCapitol News Illinoismdougherty@capitolnewsillinois.com The woman who once faced charges for assaulting Border Patrol agents after being shot five times is no longer on the defensive, now plans to launch her own civil lawsuit against Homeland Security and the agent who shot her. Marimar Martinez, a 30-year-old Montessori school
How to vote in Illinois in 2026: Early voting begins
By Jenna SchweikertCapitol News Illinoisjschweikert@capitolnewsillinois.com Capitol News Illinois has launched its revamped 2026 Election Guide to coincide with the opening of early voting throughout much of the state. The guide has a rundown of key dates, information on how to register and vote early, and a lookup tool to put
High school girls basketball: East Aurora vs. West Aurora
East Aurora High School’s Mia Venson (22) puts up a shot against West Aurora defenders February 5.
High school basketball: West Aurora vs. East Aurora
West Aurora’s Travis Brown (1) drives between East Aurora’s Jason Moore (14) and Bryson Chandler (2) February 5.
High school basketball: Aurora Central Catholic vs. Hinckley-Big Rock
Hinckley-Big Rock High School’s Luke Badal (23) drives against Aurora Central Catholic’s Jack Swiatek (10) February 9 in Aurora.
Aurora resident honored for National 11U 60-Meter Dash record
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch honored 11-year-old Aurora resident Jakoi Ruff, at Tuesday, Feb. 10 night’s City Council meeting. Ruff, set a national record at the 2025 AAU Northern Indoor National Track & Field Invitational, which took place December 27 and 28, 2025 at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track &
Aurora memorial ceremony for Henry Pratt shooting
The City of Aurora government will host a wreath-laying ceremony Sunday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. to honor the seventh anniversary of the Henry Pratt Company Mass Shooting, which took the lives of five company employees and injured five Aurora police officers Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. The ceremony, which will