By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, This week I will continue with St. Mary’s Parish, and an Aurora affiliation at Blessed Sacrament Parish in North Aurora. Monsignor Edward S. Wright served as the assistant pastor at St. Mary’s Parish, from May of 1954 to August of 1959. I didn’t realize until
Celebrating Clayton Parks Day February 26, his widow, Abby, mobilized family members to stock two Aurora community fridges with food. Clayton was among five victims of a 2019 shooting at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora. Fridge project spokesman David Cannon said Abby and other volunteers filled fridges located outside at
An Aurora Lions Club eye exam helped an Aurora woman detect eye cancer. Last summer Fox Valley Park District recreation supervisor Laureen Baumgartner was working at Blackberry Farm, a children’s farm and living history museum in Aurora. Events included adult eye and hearing exams in a mobile unit provided by
By Russ George The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley held its February 21, “Meet and Greet”, at Panera Bread, 1330 N. Orchard Road, in Aurora. A shout out of thanks to the staff, at Panera Bread, for allowing our club to distribute information about diabetes, prediabetes, and healthy eating. Members
East Aurora School District 131 will celebrate Black History Month with an evening of reflection, inspiration, and community at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday Feb. 26, at East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane Aurora. Enter at door No. 8. It will be an evening of reflection, inspiration, and
A community grows stronger when each voice has the opportunity to tell its story. At the Aurora Public Library District, we created the Community Voices initiative to provide a space for people in Aurora to share their personal narratives, learn from their neighbors, and see themselves reflected in our city.
Cathy Hayen is retiring from the City of Aurora government at the end of February. You might not know her by name, but you know her by the gardens, baskets, and planters of vibrant colors that have transformed downtown Aurora over the years into a seasonal paradise. In 2014, Hayen
Aurora school students staged a walkout against the Donald Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies in downtown Aurora Friday, Feb. 13.
The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review in connection with concerns regarding the allegations that excessive force was used by the Aurora Police Department during the coordinated student walkouts February 9. This office has received all body-worn camera footage, reports, and related evidence from the Aurora
A memorial ceremony was held for the 7th anniversary of the Henry Pratt tragedy at Aurora City Hall, February 15.
By Russ George The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley members held their February membership meeting Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley welcomed two new members into the Club, at their February membership meeting: Gil Feliciano,
New England Congregational Church in Aurora, celebrated Mardi Gras with a guest Dixieland trio and an annual Chocolate Festival February 15. Special music during the worship service was presented by the John Papadolias Trio–Steve Gaugel, tenor saxophone; Chad Watson, upright bass; and Papadolias, guitar. Other performers were Heather Azem, soloist;
February 5, 2026Dear editor; Every year, we hear reminders to “shop local” during the holidays…reminders that fade as we settle into the New Year. For Black-owned businesses in Aurora, it’s year-round support and patronage we need most. Black entrepreneurs continue to face barriers that others do not. A recent study
The 59th class of the Aurora Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy will begin Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 and run for 11 consecutive Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Aurora Police Headquarters. Applications are due by Sunday, Feb. 22. Those interested in participating must be at least 18 years
Blackhawk Troop 11 Boy Scouts and guides stand to be recognized on Scout Sunday, February 8 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora.
Friendly Visiting & Phone Calls through Senior Services Associates helps match volunteers with seniors 60 and older, who no longer drive, an opportunity socialize. Most often seniors are not aware of the program that has so much to offer. Both participants and volunteers are needed. If you are interested in
The Naperville Park District invites the community to the District’s brand new winter event, Glow in the Snow, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. During this free event, attendees can walk along a beautifully lit trail of festive lights
Our Lady of Good Council (OLGC) Knights of Columbus Council #14929 members donate to Fox Valley Special Recreation (FVSRA) recently.
The First Presbyterian Justice Center opened January 24 at First Presbyterian Church of Aurora.
Celebrating MLK Day, Aurora held a 41st annual MLK ceremony Monday, Jan. 19, at East Aurora High School auditorium. “Beyond the Dream” was the theme. Keynote speaker was Stacy Davis Gates, president of both Chicago Teachers Union and Illinois Federation of Teachers. The leading national voice in the fight for
