Fox Valley - admin

Christmas Walk to weave its magic

Carolers are tuned up, Santa is due and the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn is ready for lighting, kicking off Geneva’s 42nd Annual Christmas Walk Friday. ... Full story

Fermilab seeks nominations for Community Advisory Board

Officials at the Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory are seeking nominations from the local community for members to serve on a new Community Advisory Board. The new board will provide an opportunity for local citizens to participate in planning and developing the laboratory’s future. ... Full story

Candidates open wallets for Republican fundraiser

Last weekend's Republican Candidates Dinner wasn't your usual political meet-and-greet. ... Full story

Lights parade brings crowds to downtown St. Charles

With mild temperatures Saturday, the Downtown St. Charles Partnership's Holiday Homecoming & Electric Christmas Parade drew thousands to Main Street between Sixth Street and Fourth Avenue. ... Full story

'New Lutheran High School' plans coming into focus

Call it a sort of high school reunion for the Fox Valley's Lutheran community. ... Full story

Batavia pavilion groundbreaking today

At its annual Celebration of Lights Festival today, the Batavia Park District will also celebrate a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Peg Bond Center Pavilion project. ... Full story

Summer work available in Kane forest preserves

The Kane County Forest Preserve District is accepting applicants for interns and summer seasonal workers in several departments. ... Full story

Kane board to take up gaming issue next month

The Kane County Board could decide next month if they’ll allow the possibility for gambling in unincorporated areas of the county. ... Full story

Aurora unveils 2010 budget

More than a month after it was first expected, Mayor Tom Weisner's proposed 2010 budget landed on the desks of the city's finance committee Tuesday afternoon. And with only about three weeks to review the 1,551-page document, aldermen wasted no time digging right in. ... Full story

Geneva keeps wind alive for city's power mix

The city is ready to invest another $15,000 to continue its pursuit of wind power. ... Full story

Kane OKs covering sheriff's budget

Non-union workers must take 4 furlough days; deficit to carry over into next year. ... Full story

Sunday celebration kicks off holidays in Batavia

From the traditional city Christmas tree lighting ceremony to roaming carolers and visits with Santa Claus, Batavia's "Celebration of Lights" festival offers a storybook setting along the Fox River. ... Full story

Tonight's a dangerous night to be on the road

For younger crowd, Black Wednesday kicks off the season ... Full story

Splits widen for Democrats over health reform

President Barack Obama’s mission to reform US healthcare vaulted another legislative hurdle over the weekend, but the scramble to secure his own party’s votes sheds light on the messy compromises that may be needed to get it to the finish line. ... Full story

West Dundee eyes possible tax on utilities for new year

To open the new year, village residents here could be facing a utilities tax. ... Full story

Kane County rental housing development applications due in two weeks

Applications for project financing under the Kane-Elgin Consortium’s Rental Housing Development Network are due at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 4. ... Full story

Visitors Bureau holds contest to find Scarecrow Festival logo

This year, St. Charles’ Scarecrow Festival will celebrate 25 years by retiring the festival’s old logo and bringing in a new one. ... Full story

Kane Kares recognized by recognized by philanthropy organization

Kane Kares was recognized by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a leading health care philanthropy, as a Nurse-Family Partnership program that outpaces the national average for outcomes. ... Full story

Larkin principal changes tactics to improve school

Jon Tuin's focus on turning Larkin High around hasn't changed. ... Full story

Community food drive entering final days

A man recently came to the Interfaith Food Pantry in the afternoon, almost two hours after the normal food distribution time. ... Full story

Plank Road Panther(s) one year later:

He (or is it they?) has never gone away. But he's just as much a mystery ... Full story

Batavia has link to Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln's stay in Bellevue Place in 1875 was for three months and three-and-a-half weeks. ... Full story

Batavia seeks volunteer decorators, donated lights

Got white lights? ... Full story

Elgin branching out with sustainability program

City wants to manage its estimated 80,000 trees. ... Full story

Board wants answers before cutting a check

Before county officials say they’ll pay the rest of this fiscal year’s bills for the Sheriff’s Office, they want to know how to avoid the same situation next year. ... Full story

Burgess-Norton installs equipment to reduce smell from manufacturing process

The president of a manufacturing company admits a process at the plant is releasing a noxious odor and officials are taking steps to stop the release of the smell. ... Full story

Dart Container Corp. opens foam recycling drop-off site

Fox Valley residents seeking someplace other than a landfill in which to toss their Styrofoam trash now have another option. ... Full story

Aurora mayor endorses Quinn re-election

Mayor Tom Weisner welcomed Gov. Pat Quinn to downtown Aurora Thursday and officially endorsed the governor's re-election bid. ... Full story

Geneva woman: ‘I was in prison in my own life’

Young Geneva mom returns, says stress and pressure prompted her to leave. ... Full story

Batavia revenues fall, businesses advance

Mayor Jeff Schielke continued a 25-year tradition this week as he presented his State of the City address to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. ... Full story

Grant helps Kane County buy flood-prone sites

2 South Elgin homes, one near E. Dundee to be razed ... Full story

State urges area towns to toughen alcohol standard

The state liquor commission wants cities to follow the example of Yorkville, Geneva and Naperville and require training for anyone serving, distributing or otherwise selling alcohol. ... Full story

Waste Management balks at Kane methane plan

The bright, blue flames of burning methane at the Settler's Hill landfill might grow dim under a proposed program. ... Full story

AP Turns Heads for Devoting 11 Reporters to Palin Book 'Fact Check'

Reviewing books and holding public figures accountable is at the core of good journalism, but the Associated Press' treatment of Palin's book seems an unprecedented move at the wire service. ... Full story

Joe Lieberman slams public option; brushes off critics

Sen. Joe Lieberman’s threat to filibuster any health care bill with a public option could kill health reform this year — and embolden Democratic challengers who’d like to send him packing in 2012. ... Full story

Naperville reveals contents of time capsule from 1939

Opening time capsules inspires new messages for future generations. ... Full story

Downtown Geneva tax exemptions OK'd

The City Council unanimously approved exempting 18 properties downtown from the special downtown tax that pays for parking, snow removal and seasonal decorations. ... Full story

Geneva OKs permits to replace doors, windows

The City Council this week made it official: a permit is required by residents anywhere in the city to replace windows or door assemblies in their houses. ... Full story

Elgin's tree program gets a big boost

The city of Elgin and Davey Resource Group will receive $1.8 million in federal stimulus money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service. ... Full story

South Elgin retires K-9, may not replace it

Itago was the South Elgin Police Department's first K-9 officer. And now that the 9-year-old German shepherd has retired, he could be its last for some time. ... Full story

That's the ticket ... but when is court, really?

Whitney Rickett woke up "super early" Wednesday morning. She knew she would need extra time if she was going to get herself and her two tiny daughters ready for the day and make it from her home in Rockford to traffic court in Elgin by 9 a.m. Rickett was cited last winter for driving on an expired license, she said, and her court date was continued to Wednesday. ... Full story

U46 parents, coaches: Keep sports & pools

School District U46 parents, students and coaches are protesting the closing of pools and elimination of "B" teams in middle schools and high schools. ... Full story

District 303 takes first look at probable cuts for next year

“There will be people that lose their job as apart of this reduction,” said District 303 Superintendent Don Schlomann serving a sobering reminder during Wednesday night’s business services meeting. ... Full story

St. Charles program looks to give to neighbors who need it most

During the past few years, Gail Blaha has seen some negative trends for customers of the city of St. Charles’ utility billing and collections department. ... Full story

Green Party candidate hopes to make difference

Dan Kairis decided to become an independent in the late 1970s after a failed run at office as a Republican. ... Full story

Salvation Army distributes Thanksgiving food in the Tri-Cities

The Tri-City Salvation Army, at 1710 S. Seventh Ave. in St. Charles, will distribute food for the holidays. ... Full story

Santa Claus comes to Kane County

Santa Claus will make a visit to CASA Kane County for a good cause. ... Full story

Batavia Park Board approves emergency repairs to Quarry Beach

Batavia Park Board commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved $86,500 in emergency repairs to Quarry Beach so it can reopen next summer. ... Full story

Batavia approves charging for leaf and brush pickup to address deficit

Aldermen have decided to start charging a $3 monthly fee for leaf and brush pickup and dip into city reserves to cover a $1 million deficit in the city's general fund. ... Full story

New Batavia market to sell fresh produce year round

Barber Craig Foltos wants to give people the opportunity to buy fresh produce year-round. ... Full story

Federal lawsuit alleges sanitary district, builder engaged in fraud

A longtime critic of the Wasco Sanitary District filed a civil racketeering lawsuit alleging a 15-year scheme to defraud the district's taxpayers and developers. ... Full story

West Dundee Lotto winner still out there

Someone is $250,000 richer but apparently unaware of the riches awaiting from second prize in the Nov. 10 Illinois Lottery Mega Millions drawing. ... Full story

School districts bracing for cash crisis

It's going to be a bad year for schools. ... Full story

Yorkville fundraiser to aid Kendall food pantry

Since May, Kendall County residents have raised hundreds of dollars to benefit the Kendall County Food Pantry, organizers said Wednesday. ... Full story

Crack closes St. Charles street

A large crack in a portion of the newly poured concrete of a St. Charles street was recently discovered. ... Full story

Kane County gets more swine flu vaccine

Kane County health officials plan to schedule more appointments for swine flu vaccinations in the coming weeks, as long as the supply holds out. ... Full story

Sarah Palin: I Want to Play a Major Role in National Politics, 'If People Will Have Me'

Former Alaska Gov. Tells Barbara Walters President Obama is "Incorrect" and "Disingenuous" on "Death Panels" ... Full story

Exclusive: Jobs 'Saved or Created' in Congressional Districts That Don't Exist

Human Error Blamed for Crediting New Stimulus Jobs to Nonexistent Places. ... Full story

Allen's Corner or Big Timber: Which first?

IDOT, Hampshire disagree on which safety fix is top priority ... Full story

Downtown street & utility projects are winding down

Final surface placement on downtown street projects began Monday. ... Full story

New Elgin bar seeks 4 a.m. liquor license

Eatery to offer entertainment. ... Full story

Norris Recreation accepts food for passes

The Norris Recreation Center is accepting canned food in exchange for workout passes. ... Full story

St. Charles North bands play free concerts

This week, St. Charles North High School music groups are putting on free concerts for the public. ... Full story

Party of five

Kane County Republican Party leaders urged the more than 300 people at the 14th Congressional District candidates forum on Sunday to support whichever man wins the February primary so that the party can reclaim the seat from the Democrats. ... Full story

Council members approve to rezone land near Charlestowne Mall

The St. Charles City Council approved Monday to rezone 30 acres of open farmland northeast of Charlestowne Mall into three parcels for business and residential purposes. ... Full story

Downtown St. Charles Partnership picks new leader

The Downtown St. Charles Partnership has selected resident Jennifer Faivre as its new executive director. ... Full story

Both parties eye key suburban seats

Key aides to Illinois House Republican and Democratic leaders said Monday the suburbs will see fierce contests for legislative seats next year as they fight for control of the state Capitol. ... Full story

Illinois House GOP boss to fight 'Illinois Gitmo'

Republicans launched an effort Monday to derail a plan to bring suspected terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to a western Illinois prison, potentially one of the cornerstones of President Barack Obama's proposal to shut down the controversial facility in Cuba. ... Full story

East board says no more students

Aurora City Council turns down Terra Oaks. ... Full story

Geneva fashions timeline for school budget process

Taking to heart lessons learned during the budget planning process for the current school year, Geneva School District officials are well into planning for next year. ... Full story

Local tollway work will wrap up by end of year

With every current project set to wrap up by the end of next month, 2010 promises to be a construction-free year on the Fox Valley section of the Illinois Tollway. ... Full story

Batavia says no to video gambling

The Batavia City Council on Monday voted 10-4 to ban video gaming machines from coming to town -- but left the door open to revisit the issue. ... Full story

Kane sheriff 'shocked' over lack of funds

Time is running out for Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez and the county board. ... Full story

Richest congressmen? They're right here

Foster, Biggert report most wealth in Illinois congressional delegation. ... Full story

Tri-Cities food baskets to be given out on Nov. 24

The Tri-City Salvation Army will distribute Thanksgiving food baskets to pre-registered needy families on Nov. 24. ... Full story

Quinn, Hynes meet up for Democratic governor debate

Candidates trade accusations over state's fiscal crisis. ... Full story

ECC's mock trial team shows it's the real thing

Elgin Community College's mock trial team beat Yale and Villanova universities at Harvard University's fourth annual Crimson Classic Tournament recently. ... Full story

Kane to seek back taxes it paid on Wards

About $200,000 worth of taxes paid by Kane County on a building that had been rented for the county circuit clerk's office could be recovered under a settlement agreement. ... Full story

A taste of Elgin wildlife

Visitors get view of feed time at zoo ... Full story

Aurora police looking for missing autistic man

Aurora police are requesting the public's help in the safe recovery of a 22-year-old man with autism who was reported missing Sunday afternoon. ... Full story

Lazarus House doling out grant money to assist area renters

Area residents struggling with rent or utility bills have access to new grant money available through Lazarus House in St. Charles. ... Full story

14th Dist. GOP hopefuls line up against Foster, health care bill

Crowd fills Geneva venue to hear candidates ... Full story

Foster’s supporters speak out  in favor of health care reform

Without health care reform, Amy Ruppert, 48, of Batavia, faces becoming uninsured and uninsurable by April 2010. ... Full story

Aurora fire officials accept raise freeze for 2010

The higher-ranking Aurora firefighters have joined the ranks of city employees who have agreed to a wage freeze next year. ... Full story

Metra fares to rise in February to fix budget shortfall

On a week other transit agencies backed off fare hikes thanks to government aid, Metra officials raised one-way tickets and weekend passes Friday to help patch a budget hole. ... Full story

Auroran helps with 'Extreme Makeover'

Lindsay Janssen of Aurora will be among the many volunteers seen working on TV's "Extreme Makeover" Sunday night. ... Full story

State offering aid to avoid foreclosure

Foreclosure is not a pretty word. And the process can be downright ugly. ... Full story

More unions take wage concessions

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3298 ratified a three-year contract with the city on Thursday, one that sees the union's roughly 210 members freezing their wages for the next year. ... Full story

Provena CEO sees need for health care reform

Provena Mercy Medical Center president and CEO James Witt believes health care reform may be more costly than projected, and it could be some time before people see it. ... Full story

Senate hopeful touts anti-corruption role

Former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman says his years of public service devoted to fighting crime and high-level corruption will make him an effective leader in the U.S. Senate. ... Full story

12 hurt in Batavia ammonia leak

Twelve employees of the Dean's Ice Cream plant near Fabyan Parkway and Kirk Road suffered minor injuries late Thursday night during an ammonia leak inside the facility. ... Full story

Fox Valley Salvation Army drives starting next week

Next week, that familiar holiday sound will once again start ringing throughout the Fox Valley. ... Full story

Kane sheriff awards Citizen of the Year to 3

If there were one word that ran like a thread through the three winners of the 2009 Kane County Citizen of the Year Award, it would be support. ... Full story

Obama said to want revised Afghanistan options

President Barack Obama won't accept any of the Afghanistan war options before him without changes, administration officials say, amid an argument by his own ambassador in Kabul that a significant U.S. troop increase would only prop up a weak, corruption-tainted government. ... Full story

Recanvassing shows NY-23 race tightens even as Rep. Bill Owens is sworn into House seat

Conservative Doug Hoffman conceded the race in the 23rd Congressional District last week after receiving two pieces of grim news for his campaign: He was down 5,335 votes with 93 percent of the vote counted on election night, and he had barely won his stronghold in Oswego County. ... Full story

Illinois third highest state in foreclosure filings

Illinois posted the third-highest state total of homes receiving foreclosure filings last month, RealtyTrac's latest report shows. ... Full story

Rep. Mark Kirk says no move to the right

Senate candidate sought support of Sarah Palin. ... Full story

Gilberts board cool to request to allow hunting

While some residents want to see land that once was a hunting ground for deer and waterfowl opened up again, the Gilberts Village Board isn't so sure about the idea. ... Full story

Keyes vigil, call for peace on Friday

Local religious leaders are asking members of the community to join together in a call for peace in light of the recent death of 17-year-old John W. Keyes. ... Full story

Lords Park bison, elk win reprieve

The bison will continue to roam at Lords Park. ... Full story

Batavia man joins GOP race

Even with the large slate of people running on the Republican side of the 14th District Congressional race, Jim Purcell didn’t think any of the candidates were for him. ... Full story

Local author looks to keep memory of favorite veterinarian alive

When local author Gene McCormick heard about the death of his veterinarian, Dr. John Gmitro, he was shocked. ... Full story

Richmond holds 5k run/walk event

The Richmond Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association will hold the inaugural Roadrunner Chase 5K Run/Walk event at 8:45 a.m. Saturday11/14. ... Full story

St. Charles lights up for the holidays

St. Charles’ Lighting of the Lights ceremony and Electric Christmas Parade are coming up soon, along with the holiday season. ... Full story

Storm-chasing 'Dorothy' blows into Aurora

Dorothy found her way home Wednesday, but it's not in Kansas, anymore. ... Full story

Naperville display 'gives you red, white and blue goose bumps'

During a tour of duty in Iraq, state Rep. Jim Watson constantly came across walls that are meant to protect against terrorists. ... Full story

Are you due a refund?

The Internal Revenue Service is holding income tax refund checks worth more than $3.6 million, including scores due to Fox Valley taxpayers. That's because the checks were returned to the IRS by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable. ... Full story

Geneva aims to plug water system leaks

Aldermen are set to approve spending $7,500 to stop leaks in the city's drinking water system. ... Full story

New management for Orchard Valley Golf Course

As of Jan. 1, Billy Casper Golf will be the new manager of Orchard Valley Golf Course. ... Full story

Parade a tribute to veterans, young and old

"See those men?" nanny Judy McGowen of Aurora asked the three young boys. ... Full story

SciTech adds twist with tornado exhibit

The storm clouds on the horizon for the SciTech Hands On Museum aren't just budgetary any more. ... Full story

Vets find camaraderie at nursing home

William Coester was an Army medic in Berlin in the 1950s. ... Full story

Steak house dream team unites for T-Bones

T-Bones Steak House in St. Charles is the darling of Scott Harris and Helmut Schadinger of Francesca's, Jimmy Bannos of Heaven on Seven in Naperville and partner Lisa Mango. While other well-known restaurants have closed this year, this group is following their dream and putting their joint experience to the test. ... Full story

Campton Hills police chief leaving

A little more than two years after he helped start Campton Hills' first police department, Chief Greg Anderson is leaving for the Oak Forest department. ... Full story

Kane gets $555,000 from state for H1N1 efforts

The Kane County Health Department has received its first installment of a state grant meant to help cover the costs of fighting the H1N1 flu. ... Full story

'Obama must choose - Israel or Iran'

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on the US to choose between Israel and Iran on Tuesday night, according to Iranian state media. ... Full story

Stimulus job boost in state exaggerated, review finds

Errors, incomplete data, estimated positions go into federal report. ... Full story

Free Speech Rights Prevented Probe Into Hasan E-Mails, Investigator Says

The claim comes as officials in different branches of law enforcement and the military squabble over who knew what when about Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan's leanings toward faith-inspired violence, and as charges fly that 'political correctness' prevented officials from taking action and is still being used as a crutch in explaining the rampage after the fact. ... Full story

ECC club celebrates Marines’ 234th birthday

The late President Ronald Reagan said, "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." ... Full story

Elginite shares memories brother killed at Pearl

One brother was cut down at age 20, Elgin's first casualty in World War II. Three brothers served through the war without a scratch and went on to live rich, productive, happy lives into their 90s. ... Full story

Sharing their war stories

By the time Dick Leckbee landed on the Korean Peninsula in January 1955, the shooting had long since ceased. ... Full story

Campton Hills police chief to leave

The village's first and only police chief will be leaving the department he built from scratch to seek a new opportunity as chief of the Oak Forest Police Department. ... Full story

Feds to Amcore: Raise capital or sell

Amcore Bank has a little less than a month to demonstrate to federal regulators that it can survive or they will be forced to sell. ... Full story

District 303 adapts new report card format

District 303 is the last school system in the Tri-Cities to stop giving letter grades on elementary school students' report cards. ... Full story

County passes budget; Sheriff's Office still has loose ends

The county passed its 2010 budget this morning during a public hearing packed with Sheriff's police personnel, many of whom are facing lay-offs due to budget cuts. ... Full story

Dist. 204 projects slight tax increase

Taxpayers in Indian Prairie District 204 will most likely see a slight increase in property taxes for this year — one that is less than the typical fast food meal. ... Full story

Elks Club project may include rental units

Earlier this year, developer Steve Arwady announced plans to renovate the 83-year-old Elks Club building into 19 condominiums, a restaurant and an art gallery for more than $3 million. ... Full story

Geneva couple receives Wood Service Award

Sam and Carolyn Hill, long-time community members, volunteers and activists, have been named the 2009 recipients of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Wood Community Service Award. ... Full story

Geneva wants permit for window, door replacement

Aldermen are looking to amend city codes to include a permit review for installation of new windows or doors. ... Full story

North Aurora rejects state bike trail grant

The Village Board has turned down a $114,428 state grant because the village can't afford to meet the conditions tied to the money. ... Full story

Painting celebrates Aurora family's love of flying

The Rippinger family, their love of flying and their dedication to service are captured forever in a painting commissioned especially for the family. ... Full story

Report: Yorkville curtailed spending

An audit report presented to the City Council Tuesday showed that the city has successfully cut expenses and held off on spending appropriately in a down economy. ... Full story

'Twilight' tale: Vampires take over Aurora mall

The vampires didn't take the blood of Aurora Christian High School junior Alyssa Sirek, just her breath. ... Full story

Kane budget down, deputies' future in doubt

Sheriff's deputies remain in the dark about whether layoffs loom ahead as the Kane County Board approved its 2010 budget on Tuesday. ... Full story

Kane to pay $6.3 million for Wards building

Kane County has agreed to pay a little more than $6.32 million for the former Montgomery Ward building on Randall Road in St. Charles. ... Full story

Democrats Raise Alarms Over Costs of Health Bills

As health care legislation moves toward a crucial airing in the Senate, the White House is facing a growing revolt from some Democrats and analysts who say the bills Congress is considering do not fulfill President Obama’s promise to slow the runaway rise in health care spending. ... Full story

Fort Hood Suspect Warned of Muslim Threat Within Military

The Army psychiatrist suspected of killing 13 people at Fort Hood reportedly warned senior Army physicians in 2007 that the military should allow Muslim soldiers to be released as conscientious objectors instead of fighting in wars to avoid "adverse events." ... Full story

D300 to join FVC

The Whip-Purs are on the move. The Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education approved Hampshire High School’s move from the Big Northern Conference to the Fox Valley Conference in the 2010-11 school year at Monday night’s board meeting. ... Full story

Elgin budget details move onto the dance floor

That master of metaphor, City Manager Sean Stegall, said last week's discussion of the city's proposed $277 million 2010 budget offered a "balcony view" of the spending plans. ... Full story

Property tax rate set to decrease in D300

Community Unit School District 300 is proposing a property tax increase and estimating a drop in the property tax rates for homes within the school district. ... Full story

Quilts honor, comfort those in U.S. service

The nine homemade quilts that went on display Sunday at the Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society Museum at 622 Park Ave. here soon will be on their way to comfort veterans. ... Full story

Soldier hurt in Fort Hood shooting has ties to D300

During its Monday night meeting, the Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education held a moment of silence to honor all victims of Thursday's shootings at Fort Hood. ... Full story

St. Charles to look at changing use of undeveloped area

The St. Charles Planning and Development Committee voted unanimously at Monday night's meeting to look at changing the land use of an undeveloped space. ... Full story

Kick-a-Thon honored with Governor’s Award

The 2008 Kick-A-Thon was honored as a recipient of the Governor’s Home Town Award. ... Full story

GOP hopefuls blast Foster's yes vote on health bill

Three Republican challengers to U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Batavia, blasted his vote in support of a sweeping health care bill and one said Foster would not be re-elected because of it. ... Full story

Homecoming reunites STC man with fellow marines

Cpl. Phil Akins, 23, and Cpl. Nicholas Milbourn, 24, first met when they played together on a youth football team. They didn't keep in touch and graduated from different schools — Akins, from St. Charles East in 2004; Milbourn, from St. Charles North in 2003. ... Full story

Deal cut in Planned Parenthood protests suit

Tonight, the City Council will have a chance to bring a two-year legal battle between the city and anti-abortion protesters to a close. ... Full story

From sapling to centerpiece

Auroran gives 50-year-old spruce for city's Holiday Magic celebration. ... Full story

Geneva to downtown shops: extend hours

City and Chamber of Commerce officials here are making a concerted effort to push increased open hours for stores downtown, at least during the holiday season. ... Full story

Jericho Circle to be demolished, rebuilt

Starting next year, tenants will be relocated. ... Full story

St. Charles taps economic development chief

The city has hired a new economic development director with plenty of local experience. ... Full story

Waubonsie Valley honors local veterans

As a student at Waubonsie Valley High School, Marine Sgt. David M. Caruso lettered in football. On Monday, his parents were presented with another gold and green W. This time, it was for the ultimate act of bravery. ... Full story

ObamaCare legislation in trouble

GOP calls it DOA. ... Full story

Body betrayed, Geneva man fights on

Paul Ruby is battling Parkinson's disease the only way he knows how: funding research. ... Full story

D300 holding Vets Day classes for first time

Plans activities for students to learn about, honor veterans. ... Full story

Russian Red Army skates into Dundee

The Russian Red Army was in the Dundees last week and some area hockey players put up a good fight -- on the ice, that is. ... Full story

A 'Freedom Salute' for Guard, families

Statewide program includes Elgin event. ... Full story

Crown to put fewer paths, more benches in Hampshire

"You can give us fewer paths to walk or bike along, but give us more benches along them to rest our weary feet," village officials in effect told planners of the gigantic, but long-delayed, Prairie Ridge development last week. ... Full story

Local governments are all a-Twitter over social networking

As they seek new ways to reach out to residents, many municipalities, police departments and school districts across the suburbs are increasingly turning to Twitter. ... Full story

Geneva seeks bids for road project

The city is seeking bids for a federally funded resurfacing of Kaneville Road between Route 38 and Randall Road. ... Full story

Live near a train stop? That's a good thing

For several years now, planners have predicted that housing near train stations would become more and more desirable. ... Full story

Local Veterans Day activities

A round-up of Veterans Day celebrations around the Fox Valley. ... Full story

Good news for holiday helpers

Retailers say they're seeking holiday helpers. ... Full story

Cities, towns cut back on holiday celebrations

It's Christmas time in the city. But silver bells? They might be out of the question this year. ... Full story

Help with gas bills available

Open enrollment for LIHEAP has begun, and Nicor Gas is urging eligible customers who may need financial assistance with paying their energy costs to apply as soon as possible because funds are limited. ... Full story

Union says deputies willing to sacrifice to help budget

Formal talks began this week between the Kane County sheriff's deputies union and the county on contract concessions to help balance the sheriff's budget for 2010. ... Full story

The heroine of Fort Hood

A HEROIC policewoman gunned down an army psychiatrist who shot dead 13 people and wounded 30 at a huge US military base. ... Full story

Soldier from Bolingbrook among Ft. Hood dead

An Army private first class from southwest suburban Bolingbrook was one of the 13 people killed in the rampage at Fort Hood, his family said. ... Full story

Jobless rate tops 10 pct. for first time since '83

The unemployment rate has surpassed 10 percent for the first time since 1983 -- and is likely to go higher. ... Full story

Iran tested advanced nuclear warhead design – secret report

Watchdog fears Tehran has key component to put bombs in missiles ... Full story

Gordon Brown: risk of British failure in Afghanistan is real

The British mission in Afghanistan could end in failure, Gordon Brown will warn in a speech following the death of seven soldiers in six days. ... Full story

Candidates for GOP governor nomination hold debate

The seven men vying for the Republican nomination for governor sought to burnish their credentials as conservatives Thursday and bashed the state's unfettered one-party Democratic leadership as they tried to regain the trust of scandal-weary voters. ... Full story

Flu fears fuel fetters on hospital visits

Provena St. Joseph and Sherman hospitals have joined a growing list of Fox Valley hospitals that have instituted new visitation restrictions to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. ... Full story

It's already beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Not even this old Grinch of a recession can steal Christmas. Local towns may merrily report tight budgets. But that doesn't necessarily mean diminished holiday celebrations this year, just more cooperation for many in order to make them happen. ... Full story

No changes at Tuscany Woods after bank failure

A week after the bank that owns Hampshire's Tuscany Woods Unit One development was seized by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and given to U.S. Bank, the changeover seems to have made little impact on the subdivision or village finances. ... Full story

Kane County retires honored K-9

A six-year veteran of the Kane County Sheriff's Office retired with honors Thursday, much to the dismay of his fellow deputies. ... Full story

New North Aurora VA clinic opens just in time

At first glance, the patients seated in the waiting room of the new medical clinic on Route 31 look like a cross-section of any doctor's practice. ... Full story

Nicor moves 200 jobs from Geneva

The move of Nicor National's call center from here to Naperville will take about 200 jobs with it. ... Full story

Sugar Grove workers start furloughs

In an effort to shave about $16,000 off its six-figure budget deficit, Sugar Grove will start unpaid furloughs for 24 of the village's employees. ... Full story

Kane board vet won't seek re-election

One of the Kane County Board's longest-serving members has pulled his hat out of the ring for February's primary election. ... Full story

Kane judiciary over budget, too

The heads of two Kane County public safety and court offices, expected to go over budget before the end of the year, now likely will have to go hat in hand to the county board for more money. ... Full story

Tea Party turns up the volume at Foster's office

Susan Moss of Yorkville is a medical administrator who works with both the state and Kane County medical societies. ... Full story

NBC: 7 dead, 20 injured in Fort Hood shooting

At least seven people were killed and 20 wounded in a mass shooting Thursday at Fort Hood, Texas, one of the largest military complexes in the world, NBC News and affiliate KCEN reported. ... Full story

Republican Wins May Make Democrats Cautious on Obama Agenda

Republican victories in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races may make some congressional Democrats more leery of backing key elements of President Barack Obama’s agenda because of the political price they could pay, analysts said. ... Full story