The Aurora Kwanzaa celebration marked its 25th anniversary December 27 evening. More than 100 people attended the gathering at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora. It was held on the second day of the seven-day holiday that celebrates African American culture, family and community. Features were a free dinner, African
Aurora mayor John Laesch visited the home of longtime Aurora resident Jessie Rangel Bourge, who celebrated her 101st birthday December 25. Bourge was born and raised in Aurora, before getting married at the age of 21 and moving to Mexico. Following a 20-year stint in Mexico, Bourge moved back to
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, Happy New Year! This week, I’m going to recall a memorable event that happened in Downtown Aurora. October 25, 1960, John F. Kennedy (JFK) visited Aurora, during his presidential campaign. He spoke to a large crowd outside of the original City Hall about economic growth,
Aurora residents were invited to snap a photo of their festively decorated homes for a chance to win an the Aurora Deck the Halls Contest award and gift cards to local restaurants. This year’s winners are:1st Place: 1847 Kenilworth Pl.2nd Place: 1293 Yellowpine Dr.3rd Place: 703 S Spencer St. Each
Reverend Brandon Perrine, third from left, senior minister at New England Congregational Church, Aurora, leads hikers December 21 from Wesley United Methodist in a first community “Steeple Walk.”
The City of Aurora was named the second-best city in America to move to, according to new data from MRI Software’s Move-In-Magnet Index. By analyzing job opportunities, cost of living, and safety data, the report crowns Aurora second in the country due to the City’s job availability, cost of living,
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 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
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
Illinois’ oldest outdoor free Christmas display opened Sunday, Dec. 14, in Aurora. The 74th annual Lehnertz Avenue drive-thru event featured a 6 p.m. blessing of the nativity crib by Fr. Godwin Asuquo, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Aurora. After he returned to give the blessing, Lehnertz Avenue Association
Join Ward 3 alderman Ted Mesiacos and State representative Barbara Hernandez will host the annual Ward 3 Posada Navideña Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Third Ward Social Club, 612 5th Ave, Aurora.The event will feature food, piñatas, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The event is for Ward 3
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, Hopefully, everyone is staying warm. This week, I’m going to add to Aurora’s downtown Main Street history. My dad would frequently use the phrase, Main and Broadway, in reference to something with a lot of people, action, or a happening place. In Aurora, downtown, from
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch, secured a $360,000 donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) from Aurora-based packaging company Teinnovations to help shield residents of the City’s temporary overnight warming center and local nonprofits from the spread of disease this Winter. Laesch partnered with Teinnovations Founder Daniel Tein to obtain the
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch, honored Addison Miller, an Aurora resident and Oswego East High School student, at the Tuesday, Dec. 9 City Council meeting. Miller proudly represented the City at the state level, winning the Athletes with Disabilities 100-Yard Breaststroke State Championship. Miller captured the title Saturday, Nov. 15,
State representative Stephanie Kifowit is voicing strong support for Aurora Firefighters Local 99 and raising serious concerns about staffing reductions proposed in the 2026 Aurora city government budget. City officials have claimed that eliminating 18 firefighters, three Battalion Chiefs, one Training Officer, and two frontline fire trucks will not compromise
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, This week we’re focusing on Galena Boulevard, the street formerly known as Main Street in Aurora, stretched across what is now part of the downtown area, until the 1960s. East Main Street started east of Stolp Avenue (Island Avenue), heading east, until it turned into
Aurora residents are invited to snap a photo of their festively decorated homes and submit it at https://www.aurora.il.us/Recreation-and-Amenities/Deck-The-Halls-Contest. Contest submissions ends Friday, Dec. 19. All submitted photos will be showcased on the city’s website and social media channels starting December 22, so the whole community can celebrate the magic of
A tackler brings down a ball carrier in the off-duty Aurora firefighters’ 25th annual Turkey Bowl flag football game Thanksgiving morning at West Aurora High School.
At Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, mayor of Aurora, John Laesch honored two West Aurora High School students who represented Aurora on the national stage, performing at last week’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Asher and Emily Lesniak were selected to perform as part of
The “Giving Machines” will be back December 17 through January 1, 2026 at Aurora’s Fox Valley Mall. Wednesday, Dec. 17 there will be live entertainment and photo opportunities. All of the proceeds go to the charities, which include Loaves and Fishes and Ronald McDonald House. Look for the big red
