By Sarah Mansur Four restaurants in Sangamon County that continued to offer indoor dining in defiance of governor J.B. Pritzker’s COVID-19 mitigation plan were ordered to shut down temporarily Tuesday. The order from a Sangamon County judge states that the four restaurants, Charlie Parker’s Diner, D&J Cafe, Sweet Basil Cafe,
By Jason Crane At the Aurora city government Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday, through the Zoom video conference platform, City Council members viewed a proposal of phase 1 of the Fox Valley Mall redevelopment plan. Centennial Real Estate Company in Dallas, Texas, owners of the Fox Valley Mall propose
Cantigny Park offers an open invitation to get a jump on holiday gift-giving and support museums and cultural institutions on Museum Store Sunday, Nov. 29. The worldwide shopping event is sponsored by the Museum Store Association (MSA). More than 1,400 stores are involved, representing all 50 states and 22 countries.
By Sarah Mansur An appeals court has handed down a favorable ruling to governor JB Pritzker in a legal challenge to his administration’s restrictions on bars and restaurants to curb the spread of COVID-19. The 2nd District Appellate Court overruled a Kane County judge’s decision to temporarily block Pritzker’s indoor
By Peter Hancock As State leaders continue to face push-back from the restaurant industry and even some county and municipal governments regarding COVID-19 mitigation measures, governor JB Pritzker Tuesday put pressure squarely on the shoulders of local elected officials. “The fact is that local officials who are not doing the
For 39 years, the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry has helped reduce food insecurity and hunger and their negative impact on the individuals who experience them and the community as a whole, by making nourishing food accessible in a humanitarian and compassionate manner to anyone in need. The Pantry seeks
The following is letter sent to governor JB Pritzker from Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin on behalf of restaurants and bars in the State’s second-largest city. “Dear Governor Pritzker: “I am writing to you on behalf of the small businesses in the Aurora community. Aurora is the second largest city
By Jason Crane The Montgomery Village Board viewed a presentation by Phil Cullen, owner of Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant in Aurora and Downers Grove and Empire in Naperville, about redeveloping the vacant Gray’s Mill property, at the Village Board meeting Monday, through the Zoom video conferencing platform. Cullen shared
Officials from Verano and Zen Leaf Aurora join Aurora mayor Richard Irvin and members of the Aurora City Council for the official grand opening of the City’s first adult-use dispensary at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Zen Leaf Aurora, 740 Route 59.
Chris Kennedy, holding a plaque, and his wife, Sheila Kennedy, pose for a photo last week in recognition of their non-profit organization, Top Box Foods, outside the Centennial House, 1630 W. Plum Street, Aurora, during distribution of food and diabetes prevention information.
This year, shopping local could be easier than ever. Not only can shoppers visit dozens of stores, but online shopping is plentiful at both retail and resale stores in downtown Aurora. With holiday shopping starting early this year, it’s a great time to revisit the power of the dollar and
Stephanie Clay, right, photo below, receives a donation for her Special Stars program after giving a talk to the Aurora Sunrise Rotary Club members October 7 at Mother’s Restaurant in Aurora.
Steve Beatty, president, pauses for a photo Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the Kiwanis Club of Aurora installation of officers and directors at the Aurora Country Club.
Recently, thousands of Girl Scouts clicked “Open!” on their own small businesses. The girls are starting the 2020 Fall Product Program with online sales to offer gourmet nuts, candies, and magazines to Girl Scout supporters. The delicious lineup includes fan favorites such as Thin Mint Almonds and introduces new items
Naperville resident Reverend Duane Mevis (ret.), standing left, and Reverend Jeff Barrett, Aurora, celebrate Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity’s west Aurora ReSale store grand opening Friday, Sept. 25.
Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity will open its west Aurora ReStore Friday, Sept. 25, at 2302 W. Indian Trail in Aurora. The public is invited. Parking is free. Highlight of the event will be a raffle of a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro to benefit the affordable housing ministry. The winner
In an effort to curb the resurgent spread of COVID-19, Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness will be a partner with State representative Barbara Hernandez (83rd District) to distribute thousands of free protective facemasks on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 659 S. River Street, Aurora. The
The Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce is working to assist local business owners and other institutions during this challenging time. Retaining membership is a key goal, while working to determine future ways to serve in the recovery process is an ongoing dialogue. The Chamber would like to reach out to
Free training institute: Harish Anathapadmanabhan, left, owner of JH Real Estate Partners, and Richard Irvin, mayor of Aurora, look at the falling ribbon moments following their ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Aug. 27 in Harish’s APS Tower, the former Aurora National Bank building.
It might not seem that French toast, flower bouquets, and antique settees could bring hope to downtown in Aurora, but these are not usual times. In these very unusual times, those three things are refreshing and much needed. Let’s start with French toast. Once upon a time, I would chat
