Aurora’s first community Steeple Walk
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.”
Aurora named one of the best cities to move to in U.S.
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,
Historic Holbrook Mill in Aurora, many varied uses
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
Aurora cheer team fifth first place finish
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
The year 2025 wrapping up; upcoming 2026 events
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
74th annual Lehnertz Avenue drive-thru nativity
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
Aurora winter celebration, Ward 3
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
Aurora’s Main Street featured many choice destinations
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 secures $360,000 donation of PPE for nonprofits
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
Honors for Aurora athlete who won State Championship
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 rep. Kifowit stands with Aurora Firefighters
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
Scoop on Aurora’s former Main Street, now Galena Blvd.
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’s best holidays house decorations contest
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
25th annual Turkey Bowl flag football
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.
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch honors two Aurora residents selected to perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
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
Giving Machines back at Fox Valley Mall
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
Aurora’s former police department and post office
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, This week, I’ll finish the meaningful lyrics of Old Days by the band Chicago: “Funny faces, Full of love and laughter. Funny places, Summer nights and streetcars. “Take me back, To a world gone by. Boyhood memories, Seem like yesterday. “Old days, in my mind
Aurora City Council votes to increase the number of video gaming terminals
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council approved an increase to the number of video gaming terminals permitted in Aurora at the Tuesday, Nov. 25 City Council meeting. City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to amend the City Code to align with state law and the revision
Aurora Winter Lights Festival 2025
The Aurora Winter Lights Festival parade delighted many onlookers in downtown Aurora November 21.
Diverse faiths celebrate Thanksgiving season
Celebrating the Thanksgiving season, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other faith groups gathered at an annual interfaith worship service Sunday, Nov. 23. Our Savior Lutheran Church hosted the afternoon “Thanksgiving Celebration of Music and Friendship.” InterFaith Aurora, an ecumenical group, sponsored the event that featured messages and songs from diverse area