The Village of Montgomery Beautification Committee proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Arbor Day Poster Contest during the Village Board Meeting held May 12 at the Village Hall. Each year, the contest invites local students to celebrate the importance of trees through art. This year’s theme was, “Trees Plant
The Kane County Board formally recognized Maple Park farmer, Steve Pitstick, with a congratulatory proclamation for receiving the 2025 Master Farmer Award, presented by Prairie Farmer magazine.
Two local scout volunteers, Julia Reina Jeffries and Brian Joseph Hockings were recently honored with the Potawatomi District Award of Merit for their outstanding service to youth. Each spring, Three Fires Council, Scouting America recognizes the efforts of volunteers who make a difference in the lives of the youth they
The 49th Annual Kane County Educator of the Year banquet in St. Charles, May 2, had 700 guests in attendance to celebrate the exceptional contributions of educational professionals across Kane County. The 2025 Kane County Educator of the Year was Gemma Gurney, a high school teacher in Central Unit School
Sharon Livingston of Aurora, center, is surprised with a recognition pin Sunday, April 27 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora by Vicki Martin, left, and Emmy Lou John, right.
State representative Stephanie Kifowit was recognized Monday, March 31, as one of the 25 Illinois Women Veteran Leaders of 2025 during a celebratory ceremony at Malcolm X College. The annual honor highlights women veterans across Illinois who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to their communities. Rep. Kifowit, a
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council honored the Weston Bridges Warriors basketball team Tuesday, March 25 at the City Council meeting. The Warriors Special Olympics basketball team clinched second place for Division 2 and the championship for Division 11. Weston Bridges is an independent community for adult individuals with
Needlework by two Aurora women won blue ribbons at the 101st Illinois Association for Home and Community Education State Conference March 11-13 at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham. Dee Kellen was awarded her best-of-show blue ribbon for a crocheted baby blanket. An Iris-themed hand embroidered quilt by Mari Curless
Internationally acclaimed pianist Huntley Brown of Aurora rocked St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora Friday evening, March 7. Several hundred people attended. With children’s choirs and vocals by daughter Nadia Brown, Brown headlined an annual fundraiser for Covenant Christian School in Aurora. Brown is chairman of the Aurora K-12 private
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council honored the Marmion Academy wrestling team Tuesday, March 11 at the City Council meeting. Marmion won the Class 3A State championship Saturday, March 1. It was the School’s first State championship. In addition, Chase Maier, member of the Oswego East swim team was
The A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools will honor the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor recipients on April 25 and 26. This year’s inductees, Dr. Paul Eccher (Class of 1981) and Col. Richard Taylor (Class of 1996), will be formally recognized during the celebration. The recipients are scheduled to spend
Aaron Gamboa of Aurora, a member of Scouting America’s Blackhawk Troop 11 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, poses with a display of his Scouting photos.
Suburban CEO Boy Scout Eagle Award winner Jeremie Bacon told Scouting America Three Fires Council’s “Gathering of Eagles” attendees that Scout values are foundations for life success during a talk Friday evening. More than 200 Eagle Scouts and guests returned to Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge for the 33rd annual
Family, friends, and fans of Ken Flores gather to celebrate the life and legacy of rising star, beloved comedian, and Aurora’s own, Ken Flores.
Illinois governor JB Pritzker announced the 2025 recipients of the Order of Lincoln, the State’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service. Recipients are Bonnie Blair, Sandra Cisneros, Jeanne Gang, Janice K. Jackson, Carol Marin, and Julieanna L. Richardson. This year’s Lincon Laureates will be honored at the upcoming
The Open Roads ABATE of Illinois, Inc. Chili Cookoff competition, Saturday, Feb. 15, had six people vying for the title of best chili at this year’s Chili Cookoff.
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council honored Ayden Zwick, a liver transplant recipient, and multi-sport Aurora Christian athlete at the Tuesday, Feb. 11 City Council meeting. Zwick has a passion for football and was granted a trip to the Super Bowl by Make-a-Wish with his mother Erin. He shared
East Aurora inducts 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame class East Aurora High School inducted its 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame class Friday, Feb. 7. Inductees are Thomas Boatright, Class of 1970; Deion Melvin, Class of 1982; Tyshee Towner, Class of 2013; Tyrone Aiken, Class of 1992; and Carlos Rivera, Class
Do you know a Kane County educator who deserves the spotlight? The Kane County Regional Office of Education are accepting nominations for the 49th Kane County Educator of the Year Awards until Friday, March 7. Coming off a record number of nominees in 2024, this year’s banquet will be cinema
Yorkville resident Barb Johnson took first place in a Norwegian soup cookoff held Sunday, Feb. 2, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Montgomery. Samplers voted Johnson’s “Lapskaus,” a beef and root vegetables dish, best of 11 homemade entries. Johnson, Polar Star cultural director, was awarded a traveling gold-colored soup pot
