Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch is set to propose a new, comprehensive ethics ordinance that will create a $500 cap on campaign donations from businesses or entities that have contracts with the City. The proposed ordinance builds off Aurora’s 2019 Ordinance, enhancing safeguards around local elected officials. Key reforms from
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, I am going to finish up last week’s story of me working at The Blue Lantern Restaurant, where I started working in the summer of 1974. My favorite waitress to work with was Pam, she was Chinese, gorgeous, friendly, and always gave me pointers. One
The peninsula that makes up the southwest shoreline of Lake Gregory provides staff at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora, an annual measuring stick when varieties of maple, oak and birch trees begin their green-to-gold transformation. And cooler-weather color at Blackberry means it’s time for Pumpkin Weekends, the annual
Calling Aurora police for help? Officers may show up with a social worker. The department’s co-response initiative was outlined by APD officials during the Aurora Lions Club membership meeting at Eola Taphouse in Aurora. Bridget Damschen, APD social work coordinator and Sgt. Scott Carter, Crisis Intervention Unit coordinator, spoke on
Alpine Kiwanis Club (Rockford, Ill.) members, John Spitzer, left, and Bob Slack flew to the Aurora Municipal Airport to attend the Kiwanis Club of Aurora meeting September 24.
LUMENAURA is the City of Aurora government’s unique annual experience that transforms downtown Aurora into a glowing wonderland of immersive light and sound. Attendees can start at Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downtown Place and stroll through mesmerizing art displays, interact with artistic soundscapes, and enjoy a magical, family-friendly adventure,
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, I wanted to add some humor and a hands-on life experience to last week’s article, where I talked about The Blue Lantern Restaurant. In the summer of 1974, and soon going into my sophomore year at East Aurora High School, my brother and I were
The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is inviting local artists to be part of something extraordinary: the creation of a permanent art installation that will live at the heart of the Santori Library. This project, inspired by our Community Voices initiative, is more than just an artwork— it’s a chance
The City of Aurora government’s Water Production Division is leading public education efforts on the City’s Lead Action Level Exceedance Notice, which was issued Monday, July 14, along with the City’s lead service line replacement progress. The notice detailed the discovery of an elevated level of lead in drinking water
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, As I started to write this article, I read that Wyckwood House in downtown Aurora, is closing after seven years. The Asian Fusion restaurant has closed, but may reopen in the near future. Sadly, I wonder how many more of the 30 new restaurants in
Musings: •The sins of Donald J. Trump (chapter 11). He has: Removed three Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission in order to gain control of the agency; Weakened the guidelines of the National Environmental Protection Act, ignoring climate change and environmental justice, and slashed public participation; Ordered NASA
On a summer evening nearly one century ago, the sound of a mandolin floated across the Mexican boxcar camp in West Eola. Played by young Julia Pérez Padilla, the music carried through rows of families who had come from Mexico to work for the railroads in Aurora. Fast forward to
We all need connection. Whether we are self-proclaimed introverts or extroverts, we all need to connect with other humans. Even if we profess to love pets or animals more than our counterparts. Social connection is the key to living a longer, happier life. With that in mind, it seems like
Aurora celebrated National POW/MIA Recognition Day with a third annual ceremony at Veterans Island Park Friday.
Aurora firefighters lay a wreath Thursday, Sept. 11 at Aurora’s annual 9-11 memorial ceremony at the Aurora Central fire station.
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council listened to many public comments, both in support of and against the decision of Aurora mayor John Laesch to raise municipal flags Friday, Sept. 12, after the flags were lowered in remembrance of lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. President Donald
Celebrate Octoberfest at Aurora’s Phillips Park Pavilion at Phillips Park Zoo, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. There will be drink, food, music, and dancing at the family-friendly event. Admission is $5 and children under five are free of charge. Event will happen
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, I’m thankful to former Aurora mayor David Pierce for his input last week about the Hollywood Casino in Aurora, which opened in 1993. The former mayor wrote that the City gave the casino the land, where the casino was built and a small parking lot,
Thursday, Sept. 11 the City of Aurora government joined communities across the Nation in lowering municipal flags to half-staff in solemn remembrance of the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Friday, Sept. 12, Aurora’s flags were returned to full staff. While the president of the United States, Donald
State representative Jed Davis expressed deep concern over Aurora’s mayor raising flags to full staff before the conclusion of governor JB Pritzker’s official half-staff order, which remained in effect through sunset Sunday, Sept. 14. “The Governor’s half-staff directive was clear and carries the force of state law under the Illinois
