U.S.A.’s 250th anniversary celebration; Super Bowl XX
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, This week, I want to start out by saying, a warm welcome to the New Year, 2026. What has Father Time done? It seems like the years just fly by, as we get older. This year, marks the 250th year of our great country of
VNA Health Care awarded $750K, expand access in Aurora
VNA Health Care, the largest community health center in the Chicago suburbs, today announced it has been selected as a recipient of Endeavor Health’s 2026 Community Investment Fund Capacity Builder Award in the amount of $750,000. Through this partnership, VNA Health Care will expand one of its busiest Aurora health
Stop in to register now for free income tax help
AARP Tax Aide offers free in-person income tax preparation service at four local senior centers this year, with thanks to trained AARP Tax Aide volunteers, beginning February 5. Last year, AARP Tax Aide Volunteers helped local seniors collect $879,000 in Federal refundsand $122,000 in State refunds, just over $1 million
Marie Wilkinson 11th Annual ‘Fill the Bowls’ February 22
More than 20 local Fox Valley restaurants are gathering to host a fundraiser for the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Sunday, Feb. 22. Guests of all ages are welcome from noon to 3 p.m. at the Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fill-the-bowls-tickets-1979492415100 or
Aurora’s 41st Annual MLK Day Ceremony, Jan. 19
The City of Aurora will continue a four-decades-long tradition of honoring the life and legacy of the Revernd Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 41st Annual MLK Ceremony Monday, Jan. 19. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora. This year’s
The Chas is back: B.S. rebuttal; words for King Trump
Musings: •Heyyy! The Commie dude comin’ atcha after a brief hiatus. Are ya ready for a fresh batch of antifa s**t. Well, y’all come to the right place, dude. Hang on to yer undies! I fully expected the B.S. dude to respond to my essay on the socio-political remodeling of
Aurora Animal Care and Control finds 600+ animals homes
The City of Aurora government’s Animal Care and Control Division set a record transfer rate in 2025, helping 630 animals find new homes through a partnership with the Aurora Animal Rescue Network. The total number of transfers surpassed 2024’s total by 90 animals, further establishing Aurora Animal Care and Control’s
Daniel P. Schultz, age 79, passed away at his home in Centralia, IL November 19
Daniel P. Schultz, age 79, passed away at his home in Centralia, IL on Wednesday, November 19th. He was born in Aurora, IL on August 19th, 1946, the first son of Paul and Katherine Schultz. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering for Daniel: January 25th from 1-5 pm
Projection, retaliation, and the theft of our republic
By John & Nisha Whitehead Donald Trump, aptly dubbed a “master of projection,” could teach a master class in accusing others of wrongdoing of which he is guilty. Trump has repeatedly framed himself as a victim of corruption while weaponizing the machinery of government for personal, political, and financial gain.
A Focus on History: January 15 through January 21
January 15 The Pentagon, the second largest office building in the world, is dedicated just 16 months after groundbreaking. At times of peak employment 13,000 workers labored on the project – 1943. Ilse Koch, wife of the commandant of the Buchenwald concentration camp, is sentenced to life imprisonment in a
Three Kings visit Aurora
More than 200 people attended Santori Aurora Public Library’s annual 3 Kings Day celebration January 4. The highlight was photos with the three kings, Pablo Guerrero, Luis Corona, and John Butler, in costumes. Additionally, the bilingual, family friendly event featured crafts, games, sweet bread, free toy animals, and loteria, Mexican-style
Arndt awarded Eagle Scout: 900 shoes for charity
Collecting 900 shoes for a charity added up to an Eagle Scout award for an Oswego teen. Seth X. Arndt, 18, received Scouting America Three Fires Council’s highest award in a court of honor Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. A Scout for 12 years, Arndt is a
Illinois Department of Human Services reports data breach
By Peter HancockCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com The Illinois Department of Human Services disclosed recently that it mistakenly uploaded private health-related information about hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans to a publicly accessible website and left it there for more than three years before it discovered the mistake. But the agency would not
Hundreds rally in St. Charles for immigrants January 3
Hundreds of people rallied for immigrants January 3 in St. Charles. Sponsored by We Can Lead Change Fox Valley, an activist organization, protesters with signs and dogs lined Main Street outside the city municipal Center in downtown St. Charles. Organizers said the event was intended to celebrate immigrants and their
Aurora considers $80,000 advance for OnLight Aurora
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council is considering a Resolution authorizing an advance of $80,000 to OnLight Aurora for operational support. City officials aren’t sure at this time if the money will be a loan or a grant. City government of Aurora documents show OnLight Aurora plays a critical
Salvation Army: Demand for services rises in north and central Illinois
The year 2025 has come to a close, The Salvation Army is urging donations to help meet rising community needs across North and Central Illinois. From food pantries to emergency shelter, The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division has experienced an estimated 50% increase in demand for social services
Diabetes Club’s ‘Meet & Greet’, January 17, at Legacy Nutrition & Fitness, in downtown Aurora; Diabetes Club of Fox Valley members to meet Jan. 14
By Russ George Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley will hold their January membership meeting Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Meeting will be held in the East Banquet Room. Dinner is optional on members’ own from the menu at 5:30
Mental health first aid training
The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is working with the Family Service Association of Greater Elgin (FSA) to offer Mental Health First Aid training in Kane County. Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to identify and respond to signs of mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders, similar to
Free Food Plano Pantry January 16
Pick up a box of canned goods, fresh fruit & veggies, frozen meat, bread, milk, eggs, and more at the Free Plano Food Pantry, Friday, Jan. 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. All in need are welcome at First Lutheran Church in Plano, 200 N Center Street. Bring your