By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, Seeing as this is Christmas week, I will just focus on one downtown building. This week, we’re down on Benton Street, at the historic Holbrook Mill, at 121 and / or 101 W. Benton Street. The Street that it faces, (W. Benton Street), was originally
The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) and Sharon Cabrera, KCHD Substance Use Prevention Specialist, were honored by the Kane County Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) at the annual DuPage and Kane County ROSC Awards, which recognize outstanding organizations and individuals dedicated to addressing substance use and mental health challenges across
I’ve noticed recently that media and events related to the Christmas movie Home Alone have been appearing because of its 35th Anniversary. For instance, a recent Film Institute reunion in Chi-town of people who’d worked on the film and a mid-country tour and movie screening by Macaulay Culkin. Then a
By Bela “Bill” Suhayda Saul Alinsky was a community activist/organizer and a self proclaimed socialist/communist in the 1960s on the south side of Chicago. Barack Obama followed in Alynsky’s footsteps decades later. He authored “Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals,” a book Obama carried in his hip
Ingredients1 cup butter, softened1 cup white sugar1 cup packed brown sugar2 eggs3 teaspoons vanilla extract1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar2 teaspoons hot water1/2 teaspoon salt3 cups all-purpose flour2 cups semisweet chocolate chips1 cup chopped walnuts Directions1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Cream together the butter, white sugar, and
So this year’s Christmas now has passed;Was it one that you wished would last?Well, then, allow me to this hint to drop—In Christmas, where does it say “Stop!”For Christmas is an attitude;With invitations to intrude.Which means just this: invite them in;“The more the merrier” will win!Your attitude should not have
The year 2025 was a year of celebration, growth, and meaningful connection at the Aurora Public Library District. Together with our community, we marked milestones like Santori Library’s 10th birthday and the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, launched a new reading incentive program for middle school students (100 Books Before High School),
The Yorkville Public Library Youth Service Department will have many events in January. All events will take place at the Library, 902 Game Farm Road, unless otherwise noted. For more information, or to register, call 630-553-4354 or visit www.yorkville.lib.il.us. Escape Room Adventure This month’s family fun Escape Adventure is ready!
The Oswego Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (OCPAAA) wrapped up 2025 with their annual recognition party at Riverside Pizza, celebrating a year of incredible community service and volunteerism. Over the past year, these dedicated volunteers contributed more than 500 hours supporting the Oswego Police Department in a variety of roles,
The season of giving extends year-round at Fox Valley Community Services (FVCS) in Sandwich, Ill., where many members actively pursue a variety of projects to benefit local charities and families. This community organization and active senior center offers a homey environment where members find they can use their talents to
By Bobby Narang Glenbard East High School senior guard Keenan House is back on the court this season. The 6-foot-2 House has taken a unique journey in his varsity career. He played on the lower levels at Bolingbrook in his first two seasons, but his path took an odd turn
Aurora Christian High School’s Evelyn Klimek (3) goes up for a shot against Rosary December 20.
West Aurora High School’s Amon Greene rebounds while being defended by Streamwood’s Jesse Sanchez (13) and Damarion Smith (12) December 16.
Friday, Dec. 26Bloomington / Normal*Small SchoolsJoliet Catholic vs. Tri-Valley, 10:30 a.m.Aurora Christian vs. Rock Falls, 9:30 a.m.Large SchoolsMetea Valley vs. Bradley-Bourbonnais, 9:30 a.m.Peoria vs. Joliet Central, 10:30 a.m.Wheaton-Warr. South vs. Glenwood, noonEast AuroraFinalsElginSemifinalsHinsdale Central*St. Laurence vs. Wheaton Academy, 9:30 a.m.Schaumburg vs. Burlington Central, 11 a.m.Niles North vs. Lincoln-Way East, 12:30Plainfield
The Jewel Middle School Cheer Team took first place this year, earning a three-peat, and has finished in first place five out of the last six years the competition was held. (first place 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025, third place in 2022, no competition due to COVID in 2020.) That
Members of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Batavia choir presented Christmas music December 16 to the residents of Riverain Point Apartments in Batavia.
Monday, Dec. 29Southern at Illinois, 2 p.m., BTNNorth Central College vs. Lake Forest, 4 p.mIllinois Tech at UIC, 3 p.m., ESPNIllinois State at Drake, 8 p.m., Varsity NetEvansville at Bradley, 7 p.m., ESPN+ Tuesday, Dec. 30Howard at Northwestern Illinois, 4 p.m.Buffalo at Northern Illinois, 7 p.m., ESPN+Notre Dame at Stanford,
As the year winds down, it can be reinvigorating to start planning the year ahead. A new year full of hope with new possibilities and lots of fun. Along with a blank calendar and longer days to fill up. In 2026, I hope you’ll join me at some of these
Two young brothers, Owen and Logan Haughee receive presents from Santa Claus at the Kiwanis Club of Aurora’s annual Christmas party December 16 at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora.
