St. Charles resident celebrates 100 years
St. Charles mayor Clint Hull, right, had the pleasure of visiting Irene Helen Schneider Koch to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Aurora Public Library Foundation Winter Gala a success
It was the celebration of the season December 6, when the Aurora Public Library Foundation held its annual Winter Gala. This event culminates the year’s philanthropy efforts, bringing community members together to celebrate meaningful connections, recognize exceptional individuals, and further support the Library’s mission through a charitable auction. This year
2025 Batavia Citizen of the Year, Linda Schielke
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Linda Schielke as the 2025 Citizen of the Year (COTY), honoring her decades of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Batavia community. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will honor Linda Thursday, April 23, at the Chamber’s Inspire 2026: A Celebration
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch honors two Aurora residents selected to perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
At Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, mayor of Aurora, John Laesch honored two West Aurora High School students who represented Aurora on the national stage, performing at last week’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Asher and Emily Lesniak were selected to perform as part of
Mayor of Aurora John Laesch honors two Aurora students
At Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, mayor of Aurora John Laesch honored two East Aurora School District 131 students who were named Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars. The distinction, earned by Yahir Ferreira of Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy and Taleen Kandakji of Cowherd Middle School, is a selective
Oswego Police Department receives 7th Accreditation Award
The Oswego Police Department is proud to announce that it has been awarded its seventh Accreditation Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®). Accredited since 2005, this year celebrates 20 years of the Oswego Police Department’s dedication to serving the community of Oswego with professionalism
Kane County clerk Cunningham awarded for dedication
Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham was recently recognized with the Commitment to Service Award for his outstanding dedication and commitment to public service. The award was presented October 23 in Rockford during a special ceremony hosted by the Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders Zone IV. “It is
DuPagePads 23rd Annual Wake Up Your Spirit Breakfast
Lift up your spirit and help uplift neighbors in need across our community during the DuPagePads Wake Up Your Spirit Breakfast! The 23rd annual inspirational breakfast will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Abbington Distinctive Banquets. This motivational morning benefits over 300 guests currently
Two Forest Preserve of Will County initiatives honored
Two Forest Preserve District of Will County initiatives, a major restoration project at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve and the Be a Trailblazer campaign, received awards from the Chicago Wilderness Alliance. The awards were presented October 22 during the Celebration of Conservation at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago. The
Aurora Ranked Among Safest Cities in America – #33 Overall, #17 in Home & Community Safety
The City of Aurora has been named one of the safest cities in the United States, ranking #33 overall and #17 in the category of “Home & Community Safety” in WalletHub’s 2025 Safest Cities in America study. The national study compared 182 of the country’s largest cities using 41 indicators
East Aurora Old Timers dinner
By Al Benson Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the East (Aurora) High Football Old Timers Association honored 50- and 25-year Tomcat teams October 16 at an evening dinner and program at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia. Stephen “Benny” Kenyon, event organizer, said 140 persons attended. “Attendance increased from previous years,” he
Aurora Police Department Crisis Negotiations Team named the 2025 Negotiations Team of the Year
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch, honors the Aurora Police Department Crisis Negotiations Team at the Tuesday, Oct. 21 City Council meeting. The team was named the 2025 Negotiations Team of the Year by the Illinois Crisis Negotiators Association. The distinguished honor is for their teamwork during a long and complex
Batavia seeks nominations for Citizen of the Year
Is there a Batavia citizen who you believe exemplifies giving back to the community through outstanding service and dedication? If so, nominate them for the annual Batavia Citizen of the Year Award. The award honors extraordinary contributions to the community over the course of the recipient’s lifetime. This person (or
Kim Groom receives the Kiwanis Club of Aurora 47th Annual God & Fellowman award
Kim Groom, center, receives the Kiwanis Club of Aurora 47th Annual God & Fellowman award at Aurora Country Club September 30.
National Merit Scholarship students: West Aurora
National Merit® Scholarship Program commended West Aurora High School students, Caroline Escobedo, Emerson Laufenberg, Jonathan Hoskins, Aaron Trainor.
AU president receives award
Aurora University president Susana Rivera-Mills received the Outstanding Commitment in Education Award from Illinois State treasurer Michael Frerichs at a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in Chicago September 25. Frerichs’ office hosts the annual event honoring the contributions and accomplishments of the Hispanic community throughout Illinois. The award recognizes Rivera-Mills’ dedication
Michelle Curiel accepts the Reverend Margaret Ann Williams Service Award
Aurora resident Michelle Curiel, left, accepts the Reverend Margaret Ann Williams Service Award Sunday, Oct. 5 from Rev. Tammy Scott, lead pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora.
Kifowit honored as 2025 legislator of the year
Illinois State representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) was awarded the 2025 Legislator of the Year Award by the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions (IACVAC) during their board of directors meeting in Peoria. The prestigious award recognizes her unwavering dedication to advocating for Illinois Veterans as a legislator in the
Aurora Methodist recognized and honored for youth work
An Aurora woman is among Northern Illinois United Methodists honored for their outstanding ministry with children and youth. They were recognized by United Voices for Children, a coalition of UMC churches, agencies, and individuals within the Northern Illinois Conference that advocates for and supports at-risk children, youth, and their families,