Aurora Fiestas Patrias Parade 2025
Festive dancers perform during the Fiestas Patrias parade Sunday, Sept. 7 in downtown Aurora.
Aurora city council expresses budget concerns over new hire
By Jason Crane After a lengthy discussion, the Aurora City Council approved, by a vote of 7 – 5 a Resolution to appoint Michele Niermann as assistant corporation counsel III to assist the City’s corporation counsel Yordana Wysocki. Niermann was approved to be hired to help part time with employment
Reader’s Voice: Former mayor corrections on casino
September 9, 2025Dear editor; A recent columnist in The Voice got it wrong about incentives given to Hollywood Casino when it came to Aurora in the early 1990s. The writer stated that “Aurora invested a load of money (a gamble) to bring the casino to Aurora.” In fact, the Hollywood
Aurora Fall Food Truck Fest. Sept. 26
The City of Aurora will host its Fall Food Truck Festival, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. Many trucks will line up on Benton Street between River Street and Broadway (IL Route 25) in the heart of downtown Aurora, to serve a diverse array of culinary delight.
Aurora Leland Hotel: History of the 22-story landmark
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. This week, I’m writing about old buildings in Aurora’s downtown. Let’s start with the tallest building in Aurora, and at one time, the second tallest building in Illinois, behind the Sears Tower, in Chicago, the “The
Celebrating Grandparents’ Day
Santori Aurora Public Library celebrated Grandparents’ Day Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7. Grandparents, grand-friends, and their families were invited. Participants had the chance to make crafts, play bingo, listen to a storytime, sample refreshments and have free family portrait photos taken. A highlight was Groove and Giggles, a half hour of
Aurora Firefighters Launch 2025 “Fill the Boot” Campaign for Muscular Dystrophy September 5–7
The Aurora Fire Department will be out in force this weekend as firefighters hit the streets for the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). From September 5 – 7, firefighters will be stationed at various high-traffic locations across the city collecting donations in
Mayor John Laesch puts plan in action to save OnLight Aurora from collapse
OnLight Aurora, a City-connected fiber optic broadband service that provides affordable, high-speed internet to City of Aurora buildings, in addition to other public sector and private sector clients, was the subject of a comprehensive presentation by mayor John Laesch at Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting. The presentation, which
Aurora’s Fiestas Patrias celebration to return Sept. 6-7
The City of Aurora government, in partnership with the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, is set to celebrate Fiestas Patrias 2025 with an all-day extravaganza on Saturday, Sept. 6 and, for the first time since 2019, a parade in downtown Aurora Sunday, Sept. 7. The Saturday event, taking place at
Aurora’s casino moving, history of lackluster land deals
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, I hope you have read my last two articles on Aurora’s downtown. It’s a serious issue for all Aurorans. One letter to the editor, last week made a comment on my “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, comment. She wrote a very good editorial
Aurora to offer workshops to help
In preparation for the 2026 Quality of Life (QOL), Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Affordable Housing Solution (AHS), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program Grant (HOME), and HOME American Rescue Plan Grant (HOME-ARP) funding cycle, the City of Aurora will host a pre-application virtual workshop Tuesday, Sept. 9,
Aurora Free Fall Electronics Recycling Event Sept. 6
The city of Aurora government will host a free electronics recycling drive-thru Saturday, Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Route 59 Metra Train Station, 1090 N. IL Route 59, Aurora. All items are free to recycle, including televisions, but advance registration is required. The event is open
Aurora Council votes to continue 1% tax on grocery items
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council voted 7 – 5 to continue a 1% tax on grocery items at the Tuesday, Aug. 26 City Council meeting. The Illinois state grocery tax of 1% is set to be eliminated effective January 1, 2026, as per Public Act 103-0781, and provides
Reader’s Voice: Understanding cuts to arts in Aurora
August 25, 2025Dear editor; I empathize with Karen Christensen and her article in The Voice August 21 on the city of Aurora government’s budget cuts to the Aurora Civic Center Authority. I felt the same emotion when the Paramount Theatre priced out the Fox Valley Symphony from using the venue.
Aurora’s iconic buildings; benefit of downtown shuttles
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, The article this week is the second of two parts on how Aurora’s government has altered the downtown over many decades. I’ll start with the public park at 27 S. Broadway. The park, between Galena Boulevard and Downer Place replaced abandoned buildings. They were torn
From Africa to Aurora: New art exhibit tells a 25-year story
The Nolan Gallery proudly announces the opening of The Journey Quilt: A Convergence of Art and Faith—a bold and deeply moving new exhibition to debut to the public Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Nolan Gallery, 33 S. Stolp Avenue, Lower Level, in downtown Aurora.
Aurora couples celebrates 60 years of marriage
Emmy Lou (Hampel), left, and Herb John of Aurora celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Sunday, Aug. 24.
Diabetes Club of Fox Valley at Aurora Farmer’s Market
Members from the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley (DCFV) participate in Saturday’s, Aurora Farmers Market by handing out information on diabetes, prediabetes, and healthy eating.
Celebration of Life, brings together close community
My family and I recently hosted a Celebration of Life for my mom, Jill. We had a wonderful afternoon on La Quinta’s new all seasons patio. Many people filled the room. Lots of friends were there along with several of my mom’s coworkers from the flooring industry in which my
Storm cleanup in Aurora continues
Storm debris pickup continues in Aurora following the August 16 severe weather.