Editor’s note: The location of the award center has changed to Water Street Studio, 160 S. Water Street, Batavia. The change has been made below in the story. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2025 Donna Dallesasse Award winner is Richard Clark, founder and director
West Aurora High School is proud to announce that two members of the Class of 2026, Emerson Laufenberg and Joshua Hoecker, have each achieved a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT (American College Test), a standardized exam used for college admissions. A perfect ACT score is a distinction
The Oswego Police Department was proud to participate in the 40th Annual Respect for Law Banquet, held July 18, hosted by the Kendall County Association of Chiefs of Police. This annual event recognizes exceptional law enforcement officers and civilian staff from agencies across the county for their service, bravery, and
With a tiara and “100 and FABULOUS” sash, Marlis Hutchinson celebrated her 100th birthday Sunday, July 13. With live music, food, and lots of friends and relatives, the party took place at her current residence, Millstone Monarch Landing in Naperville. Hutchinson is a former longtime Auroran. She was active in
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI) is proud to announce its 2025 class of Gold Award Girl Scouts! Earning the Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. New for 2025, Girl Scout Anita Werderich of Yorkville was selected by Girl Scouts of the USA as a special Gold
Naperbrook Golf Course hosted a total of 108 youth golfers July 7 at the 2025 Naperville Junior Amateur Championship. This outing is a part of the 2025 Brooks Tournament Series presented by Woody Buick GMC. Youth golfers ages nine to 17 years old were divided into flights based on age
Fourth of July parade grand marshal, Hugo Saltijeral, center, waves to the crowd in downtown Aurora, July 4.
Aurora police officer, Gerardo Chaidez, was honored by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police at the Aurora Committee of the Whole meeting, Tuesday, July 1. January 19, 2024, Officer Chaidez was dispatched to a call of a dog viciously attacking a girl. When he arrived, he very quickly assessed
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch, presents a banner to Hugo Saltijeral, center, 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal for this year.
The City of Aurora government is excited to announce that Grand Army of the Republic Museum director, Eric Pry, has been named the Museum Professional of the Year by the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM). The prestigious honor was part of the IAM’s fifth annual awards ceremony, which recognizes outstanding
At their yearly Tribute to Heroes event, Three Fires Council Scouting America recently honored five local women who exemplify service to others through their efforts to help senior citizens. Held annually at Ashley Farms in Newark, Ill., Tribute to Heroes identifies and honors individuals who are local heroes in their
Aurora mayor John Laesch (center) stands with five recipients of the City of Aurora’s Pride and Excellence Award June 6.
Marmion Academy is proud to announce that Tom Belgio and Tim Belgio, of the family-run Belgio’s Catering in Naperville, received the Fr. Alcuin Deck Distinguished Service Award May 28. This award is presented to individuals in recognition of outstanding contribution and faithful service to Marmion Academy and in gratitude for
By Jim Edgar and John Shaw American politics is as contentious now as it has been in any recent period in our history. As a response to this acrimony and conflict, it is tempting to turn off the TV, stop reading the newspaper, put down the phone, and forget about
Former Auroran, William C. “Bill” Poss, received Lions Clubs International’s Milestone Chevron Award for 35 years of service. Poss, 72, was given the award by Aurora Lions Club president Randy Brown at the club’s May 15 membership meeting at Paulie’s Pub in Aurora. “Congratulations on completing 35 years as a
The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, mentoring, honoring, and retaining great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, surprised Matthew Erbach, a ninth through 12th grade teacher at South Elgin High School in Elgin, with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Erbach
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
