By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, This week we’re taking a cruise in the Tour Bus to E. Downer Place (aka Fox Street), to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Memorial Hall in Aurora. As an historic octagonal limestone building that served as a tribute to Union soldiers after the
For over 15 years, the City of Aurora and the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) have shared an important vision: Revitalizing downtown Aurora through inclusive, family-friendly entertainment. Both the City and ACCA believe that the arts are vital to Aurora’s long-term development, growth, and identity. This shared vision and partnership
Aurora’s Senior and Disability Services is teaming up with the Fire and Police Departments to launch a New Aging in Place Safety program. This new initiative that helps older adults and individuals with disabilities live more safely and independently in their homes. The Aging in Place Safety Program registration is
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, Most individuals agree about the importance of the bridges that cross over the Fox River that divide the east and west side of Aurora. I often thought they would have taken Sullivan Road east of Mitchell Road to Farnsworth Avenue, to reduce the traffic from
For the first time since 2019, the City of Aurora, in partnership with the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, will host a Fiestas Patrias Parade, set to take place Sunday, Sept. 7 at 11 a.m.. The Parade, which celebrates Mexican Independence Day and the City’s vibrant Hispanic culture, is returning
Crowds fill Benton Street, from River Street to Broadway, at Aurora’s inaugural Summer Food Truck Festival July 18.
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council unanimously approved a motion to hold the vote for a 1% tax on grocery items until the August 26 City Council meeting. Hundreds of municipalities throughout the State have approved ordinances to impose a local tax to replace the State tax. The Illinois
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, This week, we’ll finish the history of Aurora’s bridges. The bridges over the Fox River in Aurora, have significantly impacted the City’s development and character. Bridges were initially built to overcome the Fox River, connecting the east and west sides of Aurora, to enable easier
The Aurora City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Stacey Peterson to serve as the City’s new chief financial officer (CFO) and City treasurer. Peterson, who was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the departure of former CFO Chris Minick, is a 26-year veteran of City Hall, initially beginning
The Aurora City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Jason Bauer to serve as the City’s new director of Public Works and City engineer. Bauer, who had been serving as the interim director of Public Works and interim City engineer since March, was appointed to permanently fill the role following
City of Aurora mayor, John Laesch, is set to kick off a City-wide listening tour, inviting residents to offer valuable feedback on the future of the City. The Community Listening & Action Town Hall Tour will take place on four consecutive Saturdays, to begin July 26. Each week, the workshops
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council is considering approval of a 1% tax on grocery items, and doubling the Hotel Occupancy Tax rate from 3% to 6%. Hundreds of municipalities throughout the State have approved ordinances to impose a local tax to replace the State tax. The Illinois state
By Ricky Rieckert Welcome readers, As we start this week, I was pleased to see the last edition, with my birthday, July 10, on it. I received several phone calls, texts and cards from several people. To them: Thank-you. This week, as promised, we’ll be looking at the history of
Fourth of July parade grand marshal, Hugo Saltijeral, center, waves to the crowd in downtown Aurora, July 4.
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council approved an ordinance amending Sec. 2-277(c) of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the qualifications of the department heads of the City, at the Tuesday, July 8, City Council meeting. Ward 2 alderwoman, Juany Garza, and Ward 10 alderwoman, Shweta Baid, voted against
Patriotic inflatables and mini-U.S. flags are on display outside a service station on Aurora’s west side celebrate America’s upcoming July 4 holiday.
Aurora police officer, Gerardo Chaidez, was honored by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police at the Aurora Committee of the Whole meeting, Tuesday, July 1. January 19, 2024, Officer Chaidez was dispatched to a call of a dog viciously attacking a girl. When he arrived, he very quickly assessed
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch, presents a banner to Hugo Saltijeral, center, 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal for this year.
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, As we start a new week, I want to add some information from a subscriber friend, Tom, about Jackson Street at North Avenue and to the north. He texted me that on the southeast corner of Jackson Street and the jog for North Avenue, was
The Aurora City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Yordana Wysocki to serve as the City’s new chief legal officer and Alison Lindburg to serve as the City’s first-ever director of sustainability. Wysocki comes to the City following an impressive 20-plus-year career in local government law. She previously served as
