Category: Award

Robert “Bob” Hubbard, 2024 Batavia Citizen of the Year

A life-long Batavian with a “long and distinguished” career as a community volunteer and community leader was named the 2024 Batavia Citizen of the Year (COTY) December 18. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will honor Robert “Bob” Hubbard Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Chamber’s Inspire 2025: A Celebration of

President Joe Biden inducted to Department of Labor Hall of Honor

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su honored president Joe Biden by announcing his induction to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor. During an event establishing former Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins’ homestead as a national monument, Acting Secretary Su lauded the nation’s leader for his tireless support of

Paramount Theatre’s Tim Rater, 2024 Chicagoan of the Year in Theater

 The Chicago Tribune has named Tim Rater, president and CEO, Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora, its “2024 Chicagoan of the Year in Theater.” The Chicago Tribune praised Rater for helping to increase the appeal of Aurora’s downtown by making arts programming accessible to almost everyone. In the article, Rater responded,

Auroran Randy Brown receives Distinguished Award

Randall “Randy” Brown of Aurora was awarded the 2024 Aurora Lions Club Distinguished Service Award. Brown, was surprised with the award, the Club’s highest honor, at the Lions’ charter night dinner at Aurora Country Club December 12. Michele Needham, past president and award selection coordinator, made the presentation. Brown emceed

Scouts’ works recognized in Naperville

At the December 12, Park Board meeting, the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners recognized five scouts who recently completed Eagle Scout projects at the Park District. Board president Mary Gibson noted that these projects added a variety of high-quality improvements to Naperville’s parks. The scouts recognized were: Brandon Kenny,

Aurora Gators youth football honored by Aurora City Council

By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council honored the Aurora Gators 11 U youth football team at the Tuesday, Dec. 10 City Council meeting, for winning the Pop Warner Chicagoland State championship. The 2024 team is undefeated. •A video of the presentation can be viewed on the city government of

Auroran Jaylen Lockhart honored at Aurora City Council; Council agenda

By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council honored USPS mail carrier and Aurora resident Jaylen Lockhart at the Tuesday, November 26 Aurora City Council meeting. Lockhart, 26, was doing his routine mail delivery service recently when he noticed a senior citizen walking his dog seemed a bit unsteady. As he

Aurora City Council honors two-time State golf champion

By Jason Crane Mayor of Aurora pro-tem, Michael Saville, presented a proclamation to honor Marmion Academy senior, Regan Konen, for his back-to-back individual Class 2A State championships in golf. The presentation was made at the Tuesday, Nov. 12 Aurora City Council meeting. •Several Aurora residents expressed concerns for increased traffic

Marmion Academy students, National Merit Scholarship

Marmion Academy is pleased to announce that seniors, Adam Ozsvath and Matthew Sullivan, have been named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Ozsvath is the son of Keith and Susan Ozsvath of North Aurora and a graduate of The Avery Coonley School (Downers Grove). Sullivan is the

Rep. Barbara Hernandez Receives ‘Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official’ Award

As part of a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, State representative Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, received the Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official from Illinois treasurer Michael Frerichs in recognition of her service as a lawmaker. “It’s a privilege to work for a better future for a community that has given

Montgomery Beautification Committee, Halloween houses

The Montgomery Beautification Committee will be host its annual Halloween Display Contest to recognize homes and businesses for outstanding Halloween decorations. “We have a lot of creative residents who really get into the Halloween spirit,” said Ben Brzoska, Village trustee and chair of the Beautification Committee. “It is one of

Kifowit Honored as 2024 Legislator of The Year

Illinois State representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) has been awarded the 2024 Legislator of the Year Award by the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions (IACVAC). The award was presented during IACVAC’s Banquet Awards Ceremony in East Peoria, Illinois. The prestigious award recognizes her unwavering dedication to advocating for Illinois