By Beth Hundsdorfer A state audit released Thursday, June 16 found nearly $2 billion in federal money intended to help unemployed Illinoisans during the pandemic was lost to fraudulent claims in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Employment Security blamed “insufficient and flawed federal guidance” and a lack of controls on...
First of two parts Winona LaDuke writes about Alex White Plume, a leader of the Ogala Lakota tribe, in the Spring 2021 edition of Yes! magazine: “More than 20 years ago, Alex White Plume, a leader of the Oglala Lakota, planted his first hemp crop on Wounded Knee Creek, on...
Greig R. Siedor of Geneva will present “The Battle of Midway” in commemoration of its 80th anniversary in June from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh Street, Geneva. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. Siedor is a retired...
Kane County treasurer, Michael J. Kilbourne, MBA, announced that 2021 Kane County Real Estate tax bills, that are payable in 2022, are expected to be mailed Friday, April 29. The first installment will be due on or before June 1, and the second installment will be due on or before...
Habitat for Humanity Chicago (Habitat Chicago) and DuPage Habitat for Humanity/Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs (DuPage/CSS), along with Habitat for Humanity International and 82 other U.S. Habitat affiliate organizations, recently received $436 million in unrestricted giving from American author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Of that, Habitat Chicago and DuPage/CSS...
By Jerry Nowicki Governor JB Pritzker signed his final first-term budget into law Tuesday, a roughly $46 billion spending plan buoyed by pandemic-driven revenue windfalls and a current-year surplus that helped the State pay down debts and offer temporary tax relief. Among the three budget-related bills signed Tuesday, House Bill...
Nicor Gas is making an additional $1 million available to The Salvation Army’s Shield of Caring program to help assist customers in need who may be struggling in the wake of rising energy prices and inflation that have been further strained by global conflicts. In October 2021, Nicor Gas contributed...
President Joe Biden, Tuesday March 12, signed into law historic government funding legislation passed by the House Wednesday, March 13 that is set to deliver $7.9 million in community project funding secured by congressman Sean Casten to Illinois’ 6th District. This funding, included in the appropriations government funding package, responds...
Comcast announced Wednesday, March 16 that it has awarded the Quad County Urban League (QCUL) in Aurora a $27,000 “Lift Zone Opportunity Fund” grant. The grant will support digital skills training at the organization’s Lift Zone, which Comcast opened onsite in July 2021. Lift Zones are WiFi-connected safe spaces where...
Commander Mike Eckburg, right, Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84, presents checks for $1,000 each to Sheriffs Dwight Baird, left, Kendall County, and Ron Hain, Kane County, at a recent Post 84 meeting.
The City of Aurora government has opened its annual grant program for local events. Neighborhood and community groups planning a public event in 2022 can apply for a Neighborhood Festival Funding Grant through the City of Aurora’s Community Services Department. The application process is open. Funds of up to $1,500...
The City of Naperville government is proud to announce that it has once again been awarded the highest bond rating available on the City’s General Obligation bonds by both Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service. Naperville has received the AAA rating from S&P and Aaa rating...
By Al Benson Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said Thursday, Feb. 17, Kane County taxpayers were saved $4,911,000 over the last three years by his Department. In remarks to the Aurora Noon Lions Club a Luigi’s Pizza and Fun Center in Aurora, Hain gave credit for the savings to his...
First of two parts Here is a A post-petroleum transition plan: Winona LaDuke writes the following article for YES Magazine on tribes’ revive traditional hemp economies: “More than 20 years ago, Alex White Plume, a leader of the Oglala Lakota, planted his first hemp crop on Wounded Knee Creek, on...
Thursday, Jan. 20 legislation to authorize additional funding and extend the successful “Batinick Buyout” program for State pensions passed out of the House Personnel & Pensions Committee. House Bill 4292, of which representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) is a chief co-sponsor, was passed by the committee with unanimous support. “I’m happy...
The application process is open for $4 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan to assist mental health organizations, homeless shelters, and food pantries in Kane County who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Funding through the Community Support Grants will provide critically needed support for Kane...
In the past 10 years, the Friends of the Yorkville Public Library (FOL) has had a positive influence on our Library by donating more than $100,000 from two major fundraisers well supported by our community. Here’s how that happened: • Profits from Used Book Sales, 2009-2021 (no sale 2020; COVID),...
Holy Angels Food Pantry in Aurora is among 18 pantries selected to receive grants from Northern Illinois Food Bank to help provide better access to food for neighbors in need. The Geneva-based nonprofit awarded about $454,000 in grants to programs in seven Illinois counties for infrastructure improvements, such as new...
Sugar Grove resident Katelyn Schultz, a student at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, has received the Aurora Area Retired Teachers Association’s 25th annual scholarship. Dick Schindel, AARTA president, announced the $1,500 award at the social-service group’s membership luncheon Dec. 7, 2021 at Gaslite Manor in Aurora. Accompanied by her...
During its holiday luncheon Tuesday, Dec. 14 at Enticing Cuisine Banquets, the Batavia Women in Business (BWIB) raised $1,605. The combination of money and donated gift cards was divided between the Batavia Access Toy Drive and the Batavia United Way’s Adopt A Family program. Additionally, attendees donated tables filled with...
