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Holloway: Christmas and Western Civilization
Though Christmas is a religious holiday, secularists should appreciate its great contribution to Western Civilization: the lesson that all men are equal in their fundamental human dignity...
Could Hultgren's seat be lost?
Thanks to a population growth that was slower than the national average, Illinois will lose one of its 19 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012. ...Batavia Park Board approves study of Quarry Beach
Batavia Park Board commissioners on Tuesday approved a $49,300 contract with a firm which will study Quarry Beach and come up with a solution on how to prevent it from losing water. ...Geneva agencies get mental health funds
The Geneva Mental Health Board presented checks totaling $139,000 to 14 agencies that provide mental health and developmental disability services and substance abuse treatment to city residents. The awards were made at this week’s city council meeting. The funds are collected from the mental health board’s tax levy. ...Trib: Yes, Virginia — you can say 'Merry Christmas'
A cheerful greeting is not an intolerant decree. ...Illinois loses seat in U.S. House
Statehouse Democrats have upper hand in redrawing political borders....Elgin toy giveaway helps 1,200 families
As many as 1,200 families took part Thursday in the annual Elgin Community Holiday Toy Giveaway at Elgin’s Hemmens Cultural Center. ...Weisner: Aurora taking tough measures in tough times
In his Guest View, which appeared on Saturday, Alderman Rick Lawrence stated that the city of Aurora is at a crossroads. I believe that we were actually at a crossroads six years ago. ...Batavia OKs $400,000-plus for downtown business rehabs
The city has partnered with two downtown building owners planning major restoration work. ...Kids ask Santa for high-tech and old favorites
Many of today’s tech-savvy kids are hoping to find cool electronic gadgets under the tree on Christmas morning, but plenty of others are waiting in anticipation for more traditional toys. ...Aurora glumly OKs budget with cuts, tax hike
There were a few holiday decorations in the City Council chambers Tuesday night but it was hardly a festive mood as alderman approved the city’s 2011 budget in a 7-4 vote. ...Judson University alumnus leads endowment effort for new program
Kevin Noe says he’s living the American dream, and that through sponsoring business students to attend the Elgin school’s upcoming World Leaders Forum, he’s helping them do the same. ...Elgin firefighters coordinating training mission to aid Chileans
A group of Elgin firefighters is planning a trip to help train firefighters in a Chilean city still recovering from an 8.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this year. And they are looking for financial help from the community for their goodwill mission. ...Elgin toy giveaway helps 1,200 families
As many as 1,200 families took part Thursday in the annual Elgin Community Holiday Toy Giveaway at Elgin’s Hemmens Cultural Center. ...Beacon News: Perspective on the city of Aurora’s 2011 budget
Aurora is at an economic crossroads. If we follow the mayor’s plan, we address Aurora’s current fiscal crisis with no change to the unsustainable business model, increase taxes, kick the can down the road and hope the economy improves. ...Students send greetings to soldiers
Vickie Mayo had the idea of having her students send letters to soldiers for Veterans Day earlier this year, but they just never got around to it....
Geneva mayor ticketed in three-car collision
Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns has been ticketed for failure to reduce speed after he was involved in a three-car crash. ...Slimmer budget moves to council vote
On Tuesday, the city may finally have an approved 2011 budget. ...South Elgin still adding stores along Randall Road
Steve Super, the village’s director of community development, had one thing he wanted to say at the beginning of Wednesday night’s planning and zoning committee meeting. ...D300 OKs Cambridge Lakes charter, expansion of program to high school
In contrast to a heated discussion on the topic last month, a unanimous Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education voted without comment Monday to renew the charter for its Cambridge Lakes Charter School. ...‘Sucking the system dry’
The head of a state taxpayers group Wednesday called government employee pensions in Illinois “looney” and cited the example of a former local school superintendent who retired on more than $200,000 a year. ...No property tax increase in Elgin’s $274.5M budget
The Elgin City Council Wednesday adopted a $274.5 million budget for 2011, which is about 1 percent less than this year’s $277.1 million financial plan....Lots of good numbers for Sherman in last 365 days
When Sherman Hospital opened its new facility a year ago, the hope was “build it and they will come.” ...December 18: Ancient Cultural Traditions and the Solstice
Come experience the ancient rites of the Winter Solstice at the Elgin Public Museum....
December 18: Mooseltoe at the Hemmens
A new "moosical" celebrates Christmas at the Hemmens in St. Charles....
Cook and bake your way to healthier eating this season
Five seasonal favorites that will help you fit in the boost of fiber you need....Leno gives shout-out to Aurora alderman candidate
Apparently Aurorans aren’t the only ones getting a chuckle out of Isaac Count De Money Wilson’s name. ...Library hopes to be in new building by 2014
The Aurora Public Library is moving ahead with plans to build a new central facility downtown. And in fact, those plans are moving faster than many expected. ...Deal possible for Roundhouse if Ascher is out
City leaders confirmed Monday they are hoping to work out a deal to remove Scott Ascher as owner of America’s Historic Roundhouse. ...Quality is job one at Tadka in Aurora
Looking for great Indian food? Head over to Tadka Indian Restaurant in Aurora near the corner of Route 59 and East New York Street. ...Van Cleave is elected Kane board vice chair
An invisible line divided Kane County Board members Tuesday morning as they voted on who should be the new Kane County board vice chairman. ...D300 eyes 3% boost from tax levy
Community Unit School District 300 plans to file a $204.2 million property tax levy for 2010 on Wednesday. ...Elburn man sues Kane chairman over pay hikes
Elburn businessman and former Kane County Board chairman candidate James MacRunnels has filed for an injunction against board Chairman Karen McConnaughay over pay raises given to county officials this year. ...S. Elgin-Genoa chosen for Amtrak route
The victory of the proposed “Genoa route” over the proposed “Belvidere route” for new Amtrak service between Chicago and Dubuque means that long-distance passenger trains will stop in South Elgin and Genoa for the first time in decades. ...It's a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play
Noble Fool Theatre at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles offers holiday classic....December 17: The Nylons perform at The Hemmens in St. Charles
With seven gold and six platinum recordings, this four-member vocal group is one of Canada’s top international success stories. ...December 19: Mannheim Steamroller at The Paramount Theatre
The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis comes to Aurora on Sunday, December 19, 2010 - 3:30 pm & 7:00 pm. ...Oberweis, Valente, Grant, Witt file to run for Kaneland board
A former Kaneland High School principal, two incumbent board members and the president of Oberweis Dairy were the first candidates to place their names on the ballot to seek election to the Kaneland School District 302 Board of Education. ...Adult-use on hold in Geneva
Aldermen on Monday delayed a vote to amend the city code to allow adult-use businesses in industrial areas so the buffer zone could be increased from 750 feet. ...Beacon News: Tobin right about pensions, but wrong about Edgar
The National Taxpayers United of Illinois — a self-proclaimed watchdog group that regularly blasts government expenditures — is right to unleash its latest salvo about government employee pensions....New playground equipment makes port in Batavia
Christmas has arrived early in Batavia, with a new ship ready to sail with a new generation of youngsters. ...Aurora depending on grants
The city isn’t going to be building or repairing a whole lot in 2011, but aldermen on the Finance Committee took a long look Monday at what projects did make it into the budget for next year....Long-awaited Village Pizza open for business in C’ville
Housed in a 6,100-square-foot freestanding building that can seat nearly 200 patrons, the new Village Pizza isn’t like most pizza places in town — or any other business nearby, for that matter....Auroran named state GOP co-chair
Gabriela Wyatt of Aurora has been named co-chairman of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. ...A play for more parks
The Lords Park task force revealed its wish list for the big old east side park late last month. Wednesday night, the Elgin City Council will review its recommendations as part of a broader discussion of an updated parks and recreation master plan....2 area school board chiefs seek new term, but not U46’s
Three candidates have filed paperwork to run for the school board in Elgin School District U46 and two in Carpentersville-based Community Unit School District 300. And all seven candidates who requested packets to run for the Burlington Central Community Unit School District 301 Board of Education returned that paperwork Monday, the first day of the filing period for area school districts. ...D300 to cut $8.3 million from next budget
Community Unit School District 300 will cut $8.3 million from its budget for the 2011-2012 school year....Sun-Times: Broke state must slash spending fast
If you didn’t know better, you’d think it was good news. ...Quinn to end Put Illinois to Work
Jobs program led to full-time work for less than 10 percent of participants. ...Aurora: $190k seized because brothers were drug suspects
Two brothers who say police unlawfully seized more than $190,000 from them during a traffic stop had been under surveillance and were suspected of drug-dealing, a lawyer for the city of Aurora said today during a court hearing. ...Pawlak won't seek 5th term for Geneva's 3rd Ward
Longtime Geneva Alderman Ray Pawlak announced Thursday he will not seek a fifth term as alderman of the city’s 3rd Ward, while two hopefuls emerge as possible candidates to replace him. ...Batavia Plan Commission recommends OK for Moose project zoning
A large new development proposed by the Moose has taken a step closer to becoming reality. ...Lawyer from St. Charles indulges his creative side as a writer
Bruce Steinberg has many titles – criminal defense attorney, novelist and sports columnist are among them. ...Marmion headmaster to leave next summer
Marmion Academy soon will begin searching for a new headmaster to replace John Milroy, who is resigning his post on July 1 to accept an offer on the West Coast, the school announced Friday. ...Geneva school board to adopt $75M levy
The District 304 school board is expected to adopt a levy of nearly $75 million at its meeting 7 p.m. Monday. ...Lazarus House director stepping down from a 'miracle'
For Darlene Marcusson, the last 13 years have been nothing short of miraculous. The soon-to-be former executive director of Lazarus House said she encountered many blessings throughout her efforts to provide the homeless with a place to sleep and the hungry a place to eat. ...Kaneland eyes cuts to budget as deficit expected to worsen
Those overseeing the purse strings at the Kaneland School District next week will renew a painful conversation they had hoped had ended last year. ...Former Negro League players meet fans, talk about history
Professional baseball today is a true melting pot, with players of all races and nationalities given every chance to make the big leagues. Which is why it’s difficult to imagine that only 60 years ago, baseball was a segregated sport. ...Lehnertz neighbors brave weather to celebrate 59th holiday display
The snow was blowing and the temperature was below freezing, but one-by-one, Lehnertz Avenue residents came out Sunday night for the annual blessing of the nativity scene, the kick-off to the street’s seasonal Christmas display. ...Sleepy Hollow Elementary students record holiday CD
The fourth- and fifth-graders in chorus and choir chimes at Sleepy Hollow Elementary said they like to listen to CDs by Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. ...ECC union plans picket over negotiations
Elgin Community College faculty plan to picket outside the college’s University Business Center before the Community College District 509 Board of Trustees’ monthly meeting Tuesday, Dec. 14. ...Sen. Kirk and U.S. Rep.-elect Hultgren pay St. Charles visit
Illinois U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and 14th District U.S. Rep.-elect Randy Hultgren received a standing ovation after both greed that members of Congress should be held to the same standard as everyone else and follow the rules and regulations that every American citizen is required to follow. ...Fahy named new Elgin Fire Department chief
City manager Sean Stegall Friday afternoon named veteran fire department member Capt. John Fahy as Jack Henrici’s replacement as fire chief. ...
Gifts from the heart that become traditions
The richest memories of Christmas aren't of things you've bought. Something plucked from a store shelf at the last minute doesn't say much about the giver or the receiver. Christmas is a time of traditions and togetherness, and it's a little bit different for every family. While the holiday you're celebrating is the same as what other people are enjoying around the world, you create your own Christmas with the traditions you keep through the years. Includes instructions for great self-made gifts! ...Fox Valley Magazine: A Few Words About the Election
A well-earned rebuke; an unearned Majority. From the November/December issue of Fox Valley Magazine. ...
December 11-12: Christmas on the Prairie
Old-time Christmas at the Durant House in St. Charles....
December 11 - 12: The Nutcracker at ECC
Performed by the Civic Ballet of Chicago on Saturday at at 1 pm and Sunday at 3pm....December 11 -12: Radio Holly-Days with Five by Design
Join the ESO at the Hemmens Cultural Center for a holiday delight....December 11: Lunch with Santa
Break holiday bread with the fat man himself, at The Centre in Elgin....December 11: Dragon Kyuki-Do Demonstration
A taste of Asia at the Elgin Public Museum....December 11: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind!
Insanity coming to the Elgin Community College SecondSpace Theatre Saturday at 7:30 pm....Aurora art studio holds holiday trunk show, sale
Lisa Gloria will open her art studio to the public on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-5, for a multiple artist trunk show in downtown Aurora. ...Elgin will study hydroelectric power
The possibility of installing a hydroelectric power facility at Elgin's Kimball Street dam took a step forward Wednesday after the city council unanimously voted to fund a feasibility study to look at the issue. ...Ads pulled after mayors request it
Radio advertisements featuring Naperville Mayor George Pradel and Elgin Mayor Ed Schock have been pulled off the air after they requested them to be removed. ...Whooping cough suspected at U46 school
A Wayne Elementary School student is the first person suspected of having whooping cough in Elgin School District U46 this year, as the DuPage County Health Department warned residents this week of an increase in whooping cough cases. ...D300 policies encourage social media use and safety
When Community Unit School District 300 started an official Facebook page in April, Hampshire High School art teacher Laura LaRue took that as a green light to start a page for the school’s art department. ...December 4 - Hunger-fighting, music-playing Holiday Train to visit Pingree
The rolling holiday music show called the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop in Pingree Grove at 9:45 a.m. Saturday with twin goals of providing some Christmastime entertainment and collecting nonperishable food and cash for local food pantries. ...Still tickets available for Christmas Carol in Geneva
Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” nearly sold out its entire first week run at the Geneva Underground Playhouse, but seats are still available for the second weekend. ...Illinois Senate OKs civil unions
Civil unions for same-sex couples could take place in Illinois starting next summer after the state Senate on Wednesday approved a measure supporters hailed as a historic breakthrough for equality. ...Geneva principal clocked at 103mph in Porsche
A principal’s alleged breaking of traffic law may serve as a lesson for his students and the public. ...Five apply for open St. Charles alderman seat
City leaders plan to narrow the list of five applicants for the vacant 5th Ward seat to two Friday, with the possibility of making an official appointment Monday. ...City: Cop layoffs won’t risk public safety
With eight police officers receiving layoff notices this week, many are wondering just what the impact will be on public safety. ...Batavia wants improvements at downtown strip mall
The city wants the owners of the 1980s-era commercial center on Island Avenue downtown to address a variety of building code violations. ...Dog Scouts providing pet gifts for needy
Elderly pet owners who receive holiday meals from The Aurora Salvation Army will have a special treat this year — a stocking full of toys and food for their best animal friend, along with their own dinner. ...Holiday Winter Market kick-off set for Saturday
Linda Haight is beginning the transformation of her empty warehouse into a Christmas wonderland, moving pipes off the floors and making way for the Christmas trees and thousands of lights she’s planning. ...December 4: Window Wonderland returns to downtown Elgin
The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s annual holiday festival — Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland: Miracle on the Streets — returns from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. ...Many helpers at Provena Caroling and Caring event
Five-year-old Logan Mathieu wasn’t sure what he was going to ask Santa Claus to bring for Christmas. ...Swiss firm wins incentives from Elgin
The city will offer an incentive package to Givaudan, the Swiss fragrances and flavors producer, for locating an office in Elgin. But the move was not without controversy at Wednesday night’s council meeting. ...Brighten someone’s life this holiday season - Participate in Marklund’s Giving Tree drive!
As the holiday season approaches, Marklund is gearing up for its Annual Giving Tree drive which takes place now through Dec. 11, at both locations: Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Dr., Geneva or Marklund Philip Center for Children, 164 S. Prairie, Bloomingdale. ...
December 4 - 5: Holiday House Tour
Downtown Geneva presents its annual Holiday House Tour this weekend....
December 4 - 5: Paramount Gets in the Christmas Spirit
Two holiday classics light up the stage this weeked....Author info
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