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.
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
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.
Emmy Lou (Hampel), left, and Herb John of Aurora celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Sunday, Aug. 24.
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.
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 debris pickup continues in Aurora following the August 16 severe weather.
August 7, 2025Dear editor; Below you will find a letter that I sent to Denise Crosby at the Aurora Beacon News, in response to her column on the Aurora Civic Center Authority. Denise, I wanted to applaud you for your column today about the BOLD series and the future of
Alley Art Festival will fill downtown Aurora with artists for its 15th year from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. The free arts festival will bring approximately 100 local artists to the area near City Hall to showcase their work. The popular, grassroots art festival will be staged on
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, The article this week on Aurora’s history continues with the focus on downtown Aurora. Readers 50 years and older might remember places I’m writing about. Not that I’m omitting the younger generations, but they didn’t have a chance to see or experience Aurora the way
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council is set to approve an Ordinance authorizing a 100% principal forgiveness loan agreement for the Lead Service Line Replacement Project. The City previously applied for a 100% principal forgiveness loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to fund the upcoming “Lead Service Line
The City of Aurora’s Data and Analytics Division, in partnership with the City’s Community Development Division (CDD), has unveiled a new open data portal, designed to provide residents with an in-depth look at City assistance programs and grant funding awarded to community organizations over time. The Community Development Open Data
By Jason Crane Stacey Peterson was sworn in to serve as the City’s new chief financial officer (CFO) and City treasurer at the Tuesday, Aug. 12 City Council meeting along with Jason Bauer to serve as the City’s new director of Public Works and City engineer. Peterson, was appointed to
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, This article on Aurora’s history is about the Stolp Island Historic District. Stolp Island is in the Fox River, at a site where the River drops steeply. This drop is what gave the McCarty brothers, Joseph Stolp, and Zaphna Lake, the water power source they
A girls gets her face painted at Aurora’s Washington Park National Night Out celebration August 5.
Hot dogs and hamburgers are grilled Saturday, Aug. 2 by Moline Matter of Seconds motorcycle club members, at a second annual Back to School Bash by Southwind Community in Aurora.
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
