Fox Valley - admin

Woolley bully?

Did the Oswego School District make right call in tearing down historic farm? ... Full story

Kane Co. Clerk eviction threat extended

Frustrated by nearly 18 months without rent payments for the Kane County Circuit Clerk's home, Rockward Associates plans to take the county to court if its Randall Road building isn't vacated by Dec. 31. ... Full story

Kane to begin work on sheriff, prosecutor budgets

After a stern admonishment from the County Board chairman, the committee overseeing Kane County's cops and courts will meet with the departments to determine cuts to next year's budgets. ... Full story

Swine flu is sweeping into Kane County

Local hospital emergency departments are filling up with flu patients months before the official start of flu season. "We just don't ever see the flu in September," said Dr. Steve Hall, an emergency department physician at Delnor Hospital in Geneva. ... Full story

World Bank Head Sees Dollar’s Role Diminishing

The president of the World Bank said on Monday that America’s days as an unchallenged economic superpower might be numbered and that the dollar was likely to lose its favored position as the euro and the Chinese renminbi assume bigger roles. ... Full story

Iran says advanced missiles can target any threat

Iran tested its longest-range missiles Monday and warned they can reach any place that threatens the country, including Israel, parts of Europe and U.S. military bases in the Mideast. The launch capped two days of war games and was condemned as a provocation by Western powers, which are demanding Tehran come clean about a newly revealed nuclear facility it has been secretly building. ... Full story

Kirk calls on U.S. Census to sever ties to SEIU

Illinois' largest union has close relationship with ACORN, which is being investigated, Kirk said. ... Full story

President Obama will be going to Copenhagen to pitch Chicago's 2016 Olympics bid

The White House confirmed the worst-kept secret around these days: President Obama will go to Denmark this week to help bolster Chicago’s campaign for the 2016 Olympics. ... Full story

Kane County 911 Center unveiled

Kane County emergency facility moves into new quarters that have everything from up-to-date computers to sunlight -- and the cost doesn't set off alarms. ... Full story

'Line in the sand' drawn for new church

A crowd of nearly 100 people assembled Sunday along Getzelman Road as an earth-moving machine peeled back the sod marking the entrance to what will be the home of St. Charles Borromeo Church one day. ... Full story

Breaking up is hard to do in some classes

To avoid classroom splits amid U46 cash woes, some teachers waive rights to aides. ... Full story

Larsen teacher uses football to get students interested in math

Before the NFL season begins, the fantasy football draft parties start. Folks pick their players, and the season commences. Soon, this fantasy game becomes an addiction. ... Full story

Mountain of cash works more like molehill

Settler's Hill money not an option for Kane County ... Full story

Waubonsie student aims to build school in India

He hopes to raise $8,500 with Friday tennis event. ... Full story

Kane gets $2 million for housing programs

Kane County residents could see an increase in jobs and affordable public housing soon, thanks to more than $2 million in grant funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ... Full story

Does Sherman have plan for traffic at new site?

Construction and traffic plague the area surrounding the new Sherman Hospital at Big Timber and Randall Roads, but hospital officials say they're prepared for the move into the facility this December. ... Full story

Geneva dedicates Fabyan Elementary School

As parents, Tom and Carolyn Taylor have experienced much of what their school system can offer. It was, after all, a large part of what led them to build their home in the Mill Creek community a decade ago. ... Full story

Former Bush spokesman to speak at AU

Pete Seat, deputy assistant press secretary to President George W. Bush, will speak at Aurora University at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28. Seat will give a free talk about his White House service and current politics in the University Banquet Hall in Alumni Hall at 1410 Marseillaise Place, Aurora. ... Full story

Kane property taxes are high, but not as high as others

Mark Armstrong doesn't know if the rancor that typically surrounds the arrival of property tax bills has lessened this year. But Armstrong, Kane County's supervisor of assessments, said the overt anger among the dozens of taxpayers with whom he has come in contact seems to have been dialed back a bit. ... Full story

Arts commission to sell off inventory

The winter holidays seem far off, but if you ask Rena Church, director and curator for the Aurora Public Arts Commission, it's never too early to start making your gift list. ... Full story

Classroom ink

Local school dress codes don't mention tattoos. So, then does anything go? ... Full story

Geneva to review historic windows

Aldermen and city staff here will discuss just how historic historic windows should be. They will talk about whether or not changes need to be made in the Historic Preservation Ordinance on what kind of materials will be OK to use when replacing windows in historic buildings. ... Full story

Much support, little funding for college MAP grants

State budget crisis cuts cash for needy students. ... Full story

State, local unemployment trickles down in August

Bucking the national trend, the unemployment rate in Kane County and across Illinois declined in August. According to statistics released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the unadjusted unemployment rate in the county was 9.7 percent in August, down 1.4 percent from the July figure, but still 3.4 percent higher than it was in August 2008. ... Full story

Associate judge to run for new post in 16th Circuit

Associate Judge Robert L. Janes has announced he will run for the newly created Kane County Circuit judge position in the Republican primary in February. Janes has been an associate judge for 13 years. Before that, he was a prosecutor, a public defender and a private attorney with offices in Aurora and Geneva. ... Full story

Batavia offers house for a buck

The house at 12 S. River St. could be an ideal fixer-upper. The city of Batavia this week placed the one-story wood frame white house on the block for $1. ... Full story

Illinois man charged in plot to bomb federal offices

An Illinois man was ordered held on Thursday on charges he tried to blow up a federal building in the state capital, a case unrelated to the New York terrorism plot. ... Full story

Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses the UN

Highlights of an extraordinary speech by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to the General Assembly of the United Nations. (video) ... Full story

Schoolkids taught to praise Obama

From a public school in Burlington, New Jersey. (video) ... Full story

Commanders back Afghan troop hike assessment

The head of the U.S. Central Command, Army General David Petraeus, said on Wednesday that both he and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen had endorsed an assessment by the top commander in Afghanistan that says more troops would be needed. ... Full story

Obama to world: Don't expect America to fix it all

President Barack Obama challenged world leaders Wednesday to shoulder more of the globe's critical burdens, promising a newly cooperative partner in America but sternly warning they can no longer castigate the U.S. as a go-it-alone bully while still demanding it cure all ills. ... Full story

White to resign as U. of I. president at end of year

Embattled University of Illinois President B. Joseph White has told trustees he will step down at the end of the year. ... Full story

St. Charles will celebrate 175th birthday after all

The city will have a celebration after all to mark its 175th anniversary. Earlier this year, municipal and non-profit organizations' budget constraints made it look like there would be no public celebration of the city's founding. ... Full story

Geneva History Center pleads for financial help

Dave Oberg has a deal for Geneva. The director of the Geneva History Center is promising that in 2010 the center will put on a top-rate 175th birthday party for the city full of information, interest and fun. ... Full story

SE looks at future of TIF districts, industrial land

Once the economy turns around, the village hopes developers and businesses will have projects already set for one of its tax increment financing districts to improve the area infrastructure. ... Full story

Genoa-South Elgin Amtrak route edges out Belvidere

Genoa appears to have won the political battle over whether a new daily Amtrak train should pass through Genoa or through Belvidere. ... Full story

Batavia Library to start charging for exam service

Non-residents who choose to take an exam at the Batavia Public Library will have to pay $25 for the service starting next year. But the service will continue to remain free to residents. ... Full story

Council OKs move of historic home

After nearly a year of deliberation, aldermen Tuesday approved a plan to move and renovate the historic Raymond House on Downer Place. ... Full story

Irvin to aldermen: Come up with $1 million

In the face of a projected $19 million budget deficit for next year, At-Large Alderman Richard Irvin Tuesday asked every alderman to come up with ways to bring in cash. ... Full story

Kane Forest cops could get new headquarters

The home for Kane County Forest Preserve police could soon be demolished as the district considers a move for them to a new location. The district's finance committee this week considered a plan to move district police from their current home in a renovated two-story home behind Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva to space in the nearby Fox Valley Ice Arena, which already partly serves as Forest Preserve offices. ... Full story

More from Aurora Guard unit return

The third wave of soldiers from the Aurora National Guard Armory to return home after serving in Afghanistan are expected to arrive today at the Pontiac Armory. ... Full story

Batavia invites input on video gambling

The Batavia City Council wants to hear from residents and the city's liquor license holders about video gambling. Municipal letters have been sent to the city's liquor license holders inviting them to the Oct. 6 Government Service Committee meeting. The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. in City Council chambers. ... Full story

Audience says, ‘You bet’ for video gaming

Proponents fill first Kane public hearing on machines. ... Full story

One in six NHS patients 'misdiagnosed'

As many as one in six patients treated in NHS hospitals and GPs’ surgeries is being misdiagnosed, experts have warned. ... Full story

Feds unsure if arrest of Najibullah Zazi and two others has foiled al-Qaeda terror plot

Federal agents from Denver and New York to Pakistan are still racing to solve an Al Qaeda bomb plot, unsure whether the arrest of three suspects has put the terror gang out of business. ... Full story

Obama Tells Letterman: I Was Black Before the Election

Addressing suggestions that recent criticism of his health care reform efforts has been grounded in racism, President Obama this afternoon quipped, "I think it's important to realize that I was actually black before the election." ... Full story

McChrystal: More Forces or 'Mission Failure'

Top U.S. Commander For Afghan War Calls Next 12 Months Decisive. ... Full story

U.S. charges Obama fund-raiser in $290 million fraud

Hassan Nemazee, a fund-raiser for Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and other Democrats, has been indicted for defrauding Bank of America, HSBC and Citigroup Inc out of more than $290 million in loan proceeds, U.S. prosecutors said on Monday. ... Full story

Geneva considers leaving leaf pickup business

This might be the last year Geneva city workers pick up your leaves. The city council directed staff last week to get bids for having an outside company provide the service next year, after an in-house study showed it could get more pickups for a cost of about $6 a year per household. It expects to vote on a contract in October. ... Full story

St. Charles looking to jump-start First Street project

St. Charles' stalled First Street project may soon be rejuvenated with new financing techniques made available when Kane County declared itself a "Recovery Zone" under the federal stimulus. ... Full story

Elgin could double towing fees in bid to help balance sheet

Elgin leaders are considering doubling the police department's fee when a vehicle is towed - a move that could raise an estimated $1.5 million a year as the city looks to balance its budget. ... Full story

Fox Valley Reads focuses on Chicago's history

At the Aurora Public Library's West Branch, the public can now get a glimpse of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago. The library is hosting a traveling 10-panel exhibit of the 100-year-old plan that shaped metropolitan Chicago as part of this year's area-wide reading program: Fox Valley Reads Celebrates 100 Years of Chicago History. ... Full story

Group home to open for handicapped

More than 20 years in the making, a new group home here is about to get five residents. The home at 1980 South St. will house five developmentally challenged residents. The house was purchased with money from Geneva's 708 Mental Health Board, and rehabbed with money donated by a number of entities and people. The house is run by the Association for Individual Development. ... Full story

The waiting game

Aurora looking to speed up times for fingerprint matches. ... Full story

Naperville puts cameras at 2 more intersections

Red-light runners, beware. In early October, automated red-light photo enforcement cameras will begin operating at two more Naperville intersections: Ogden and Aurora avenues, and Route 59 and Diehl Road. ... Full story

St. Charles girls volleyball teams join fight against breast cancer

On Thursday, Sept. 24, the St. Charles North and St. Charles East girls volleyball teams will join together in the IHSA approved "Volley for the Cure" event. It was created as a way to honor and celebrate the fight against breast cancer. The promotion is dedicated to all women and men who have been touched by breast cancer with the hope this devastating disease will one day be cured. ... Full story

Elgin to audit more for illegal city workers

Elgin leaders recently conducted their first full-blown audit of a city-hired temporary agency to ensure it was not hiring illegal workers. ... Full story

More budget cuts loom for Kane in 2010

Kane County will face a 4.5 percent cut in funding next year, according to estimates released Thursday. This cut comes as department heads and officials continue to find ways to comply with a countywide 5.5 percent spending reduction for this year. ... Full story

It's a small world

Financially troubled center offers lifeline to special-needs kids ... Full story

Service recalls sacrifices of a POW/MIA

Bob Panek doesn't have any memories of his father, Bob Panek Sr. The younger Panek, of Huntley, was just 3 years old when his father left to serve in Vietnam. His father was shot down in 1970 and was listed as missing in action until May 1989, when his remains were positively identified. ... Full story

St. Peter Barn Sale draws bargain hunters by the thousands

Jessica Gross and Suzy Mitchum are no strangers to flea markets. So the pair of friends, Gross, of Geneva, and Mitchum, of Elburn, were more than pleasantly surprised at what they found – and what they paid – Saturday at the St. Peter's Barn Sale. ... Full story

D-304 member eyes state senate run

Geneva School Board member Leslie Juby is collecting signatures for a potential run for state senator in the 25th District, the position held by Republican Chris Lauzen. ... Full story

Batavia seeks start-up business for downtown space

The city is again looking for a start-up business to open in the historic 1876 Thomle building in downtown Batavia after plans for a retro resale shop to sell clothing and jewelry in the building fell through. ... Full story

Could Lauren Laman have been saved?

Lauren Laman was dancing with her teammates on the St. Charles North High School varsity drill team during a February 2008 practice. Seconds later, she collapsed on the cafeteria floor. Laman's eyes rolled back and she didn't respond when her coach, Nancy Franson, called Laman's name. ... Full story

Geneva's Fabyan Elementary draws praise

This year, students at Fabyan Elementary School were able to do something that very few others were able to do: start the new school year in a brand-new building. Fabyan, which now serves children of South Mill Creek and other surrounding areas, opened its doors to students on Aug. 26. ... Full story

Batavia engineer lauded for going beyond call of duty

Generally, the job of a city engineer is to inspect new construction to ensure work is done in compliance with city codes. Occasionally, they are called to consult with residents about drainage issues. When senior engineering assistant John Kennedy responded to a call from Renee Souba, he saw a need to go outside the realm of business as usual. ... Full story

Kane public defender needs four attorneys

The Kane County Public Defender's Office is getting a boost in the wake of a bleak budget. About $143,000 in supplemental funding recently was approved by the County Board's Finance and Budget Committee for the office. The additional funds would bring the office closer to its original budget for 2009. ... Full story

Wizzo's 'weird life'

Sideshow barker, hypnotist, magician -- Geneva's Marshall Brodien has done it all ... Full story

Dem Senator Warns of 'Big, Big Tax' on Middle Class in Baucus Bill

It's not every day that you hear a Democratic senator charge that a fellow Democrat is proposing to raise taxes on the middle class, but that is what happened on Tuesday when Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., ripped into the health-care bill developed by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mt., the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. ... Full story

Harry Reid: Health care bill won’t work for Nevada

No sooner than the Senate Finance Committee's chairman released his long-awaited health care bill today than Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said it's not good enough for Nevada. ... Full story

Carter again cites racism as factor in Obama's treatment

Former President Jimmy Carter reiterated Wednesday that he believes racism is an issue for President Obama in trying to lead the country. ... Full story

W.H. distances from activist group

Days after the Census Bureau announced it would cut ties with the organizing group ACORN, and barely 24 hours after the ... ... Senate voted to withdraw funding from the lightning-rod activist group, the White House expressed support for measures to hold the group accountable for "unacceptable" behavior. ... Full story

Cheryle Jackson launches Senate bid

Stressing her focus on economic development and supporting entrepreneurs like her late father, Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson today formally launched her candidacy for U.S. Senate. ... Full story

Kane Co. might allow mini wind turbines

The winds of earth-friendly change may be blowing in a neighbor's yard fairly soon as Kane County considers allowing homeowners to set up their own wind turbines. ... Full story

Fox Valley United Way dials down expectations

People's need for help hasn't diminished, but the local community's pocketbook has. ... Full story

Geneva schools chief gets contract extension

The Geneva school board extended Superintendent Kent Mutchler's contract another year Monday night. The board approved it 5-2, with Mark Grosso and Leslie Juby voting against it. ... Full story

Elgin Crisis Center still threatened

In May, the Community Crisis Center in Elgin had its own emergency: a loss of state funding, combined with a sharp dip in private contributions, threatened to close its doors. ... Full story

East Dundee may go to voters for advice on video gambling

East Dundee residents may have a say in whether the village should ban video gambling in places like restaurants, bars, taverns and truck stops. ... Full story

Kane County sheriff has primary challenger

A veteran DuPage County sheriff's officer announced Tuesday he plans to run for Kane County sheriff in the next election. ... Full story

Second Bartlett High School grad dies in war

The war on terror has claimed the life of a Bartlett High School graduate for the second time in a year. ... Full story

Art fair will raise funds for Dist. 300 foundation

When Tim Ross isn't fighting fires, he's working as a massage therapist. When he's not giving massages, he's creating abstract photography. ... Full story

Grenades turned in to Wheaton PD, safely detonated after evacuation

The Wheaton police station and several surrounding buildings were evacuated for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon after two women tried to turn in two live hand grenades. ... Full story

Geneva makes a great small town on camera

Many people think Geneva is a great small town, many think it has grown too much and lost its small-town charm. But Jonathan Cohon, a professional photographer and filmmaker in Chicago, thinks it makes a great small town ... at least on video. ... Full story

U46 approves pacts for liaison officers

School district pays less this year. ... Full story

West Dundee battling ash beetle infestation

An insect plague that has infected most of the Midwestern ash tree population has found its way to West Dundee. The emerald ash borer, an exotic beetle, was first found in the this country here in 2002 in southeastern Michigan and has since been spreading throughout the region, damaging and destroying millions of ash trees. The beetle is most dangerous in the larva stage of development. The larva burrows deep into the bark of the ash tree, disrupting its nutritional systems and eventually overwhelming the tree's defense system, effectively killing it. ... Full story

Batavia Parks Foundation seeks new board member

The Batavia Parks Foundation has an immediate opening on its board of directors. The Foundation is a local, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and expanding Batavia’s parks and green spaces. ... Full story

Books Between Bites is back in Batavia

The Batavia Public Library book program – Books Between Bites – announced its 23rd season recently. The monthly series is held at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Avenue, and presents a number of new authors and presenters, as well as several returning guests for the 2009-2010 season. ... Full story

Batavia Volunteer Fair to be held Saturday

The 2009 Volunteer Fair will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Batavia Public Library, where a wide variety of non-profit organizations from throughout the Fox Valley will offer volunteer opportunities. ... Full story

'Big cat’ sightings in Naperville, Wheaton

Monday morning proved to be anything but the start of a typical workweek for Lance Clarke. Clarke was driving about 8 a.m. to his job at BP Cantera II in Warrenville. ... Full story

Aurora Fire Department gets doggie masks

The Aurora Fire Department's new lifesaving equipment is for the dogs. On Tuesday, the department received a donation of oxygen masks specially designed for dogs, cats and other animals that might get caught in fires. ... Full story

Geneva to outsource leaf collection in 2010

Aldermen want to get out of the leaf business. ... Full story

Naperville council votes to ban video gambling

Video gambling doesn't belong in Naperville, according to City Council members. With a unanimous vote Tuesday, the City Council directed staff to draft a video gambling ban. ... Full story

Oswego to lay off staff, cut services

Trustees voted to lay off eight village employees in an effort to eliminate a general fund deficit at Tuesday's board meeting. These staff cuts, which go into effect Nov. 1, include 12 full-time positions, four of which are currently vacant, according to village attorney Karl Ottosen. ... Full story

History alive and at work at Primrose Farm

At Primrose Farm, a living history museum of farming in the 1930s in St. Charles, I saw two men dressed like historic farmers down by the machine shed. Unlike the work clothes my father wore on our Iowa farm in the 1930s, their denim overalls were clean and new, their blue work shirts freshly pressed and their collars buttoned. ... Full story

Plenty of seafood options at Hugo's

Fresh fish and seafood are the stars of the menu at Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House. Manager Patrick Houlihan said the downtown Naperville eatery's menu puts a big emphasis on fresh seafood, which is flown in daily. Houlihan said two of the restaurant's specialty entrees are jumbo lump crab cakes and sautéed frog legs, of course. ... Full story

Bernanke says recession 'very likely over'

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday that the worst recession since the 1930s is probably over. Bernanke said the economy likely is growing now, but it won't be sufficient to prevent the unemployment rate, now at a 26-year high of 9.7 percent, from rising. ... Full story

Economist warns of double-dip recession

The world has not tackled the problems at the heart of the economic downturn and is likely to slip back into recession, according to one of the few mainstream economists who predicted the financial crisis. ... Full story

GOP gov hopeful sets funding rule

State Sen. Kirk Dillard promised to have no political operation and take no campaign donations for the first two to three years of his governorship, until and unless he declares he is running for re-election. ... Full story

Woman trampled to death by horse

A woman visiting from Germany for a family reunion was killed and another woman was critically injured when an out-of-control horse struck them this afternoon in Kane County, according to police. ... Full story

Influential former Elgin police chief dies

When Paul McCurtain finished his training to become Elgin police officer in 1976, the chief called him into his office and personally handed him his badge. ... Full story

200 immigrants become U.S. citizens at Cantigny

Linda Castillo-Wakitsch just wants her voice to be heard. The Elgin resident, originally from Belize, has been in the United States for 29 years and has taken a strong interest in politics. But as a resident alien, she could only be a spectator in the process. ... Full story

D204 worried about long-term finances

While Indian Prairie School District 204's financial outlook for the coming year appears healthy, it is the budget projections for 2011 that have school officials concerned. ... Full story

East High says thanks, voters

"We're moving on up ... " The lyrics blasted through the speakers of East Aurora High School's cafeteria last November as hundreds of students gathered to celebrate choir, art, band, football games, wrestling matches and soccer meets. ... Full story

Geneva schools OK balanced budget

In recent months the many Geneva residents have attended the regular Board of Education meetings to voice their concern over the proposed 2009-2010 school year budget, and Monday night's meeting at Williamsburg Elementary School was no different. ... Full story

DiFranco draws younger crowd to Paramount

Paramount Theater officials were hoping for a younger crowd Sunday night, and they got one. Roughly 900 people, most of them in their 20s and 30s, came out to hear Buffalo, N.Y., songwriter Ani DiFranco plow through a set of old and new songs, and gave her two standing ovations and rapturous applause between numbers. ... Full story

Kane clerk needs almost $1M for elections, raises

The Kane County Clerk's office is expected to need about $950,000 more in the budget for 2010 to cover costs for two elections and salary raises. ... Full story

Water Street studios ready for grand opening

There's a rush of energy at the Water Street Studios in downtown Batavia. "We think the stars aligned for us," said Sharon Sychta, marketing director. ... Full story

Weather allows Festival of the Vine to bloom

Officials here have what they believe is proof that the simple paraphrase applies when it comes to defining whether or not a festival will be successful. ... Full story

Hike for Hesed House: 350 walkers raise $45,000-plus

Hesed House was there for Lori Davis when she needed it. The Aurora homeless shelter helped her with legal matters and health issues, she said. She came to them in January, and by early September she had moved into an apartment on Plum Street. ... Full story

Republicans, Democrats line up in 14th District race

After introducing him-self as a candidate at a Republican function in Yorkville, state Sen. Randy Hultgren, R-Wheaton, confirmed that he will run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 14th District. ... Full story

Aurora police defend new station

With its gleaming glass entrance and graceful Memory sculptures guarding the facade, the massive new police headquarters in Aurora is expected to set the standard as the police station of the future. ... Full story

Durbin: Health care reform with or without GOP

Sen. Dick Durbin, No. 2 leader in the Senate and one of President Barack Obama's political mentors, maintains that large-scale health-care reform is achievable this year "I think we can pass health-care reform,'' Durbin said this morning on NBC News' Meet the Press. "Those who are opposing us, those who are criticizing us, really don't have an alternative.... ... Full story

Geneva Arts Commission seeks new member

The Cultural Arts Commission is seeking a new member. Commissioners are looking to replace David Fujimoto, the former treasurer of the group, who resigned earlier in the summer because of work and family conflicts. ... Full story

Geneva PA system will honor student who died

Parents of late Geneva High School student John McNeil received a standing ovation from the crowd at at a recent football game, during the unveiling of a new state of the art public address system dedicated in their son's memory. ... Full story

Bidding problems delay SE water project

Rather than risk a lawsuit from either of the two bidders, the village board this week voted to reject all bids for its stormwater improvement project and restart the bidding process. ... Full story

EHS alum discusses work for NASA

EHS alum discusses working for NASA at library visit ... Full story

Fine Arts Fair launches new series in Kane County

The Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival will launch a new performing arts series this fall, with The Magic of the Spellbinder at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Kaneland High School Auditorium. ... Full story

Foster says he was up front about trip

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster and his staff said they were up front with constituents last month when asked where the Congressman was during a trip he took to the Middle East in August. ... Full story

Lawyers, courthouse itself needs funding

The financial outlook is bleak for those inside the courthouse, and a county panel is acknowledging it. Judicial and Public Safety Committee members Friday passed along a resolution to the full board, stating that additional funding is needed for the Public Defender's Office and the State's Attorney's Office "to function at a reasonable level." ... Full story

Bus stepping down after decades of guiding county's growth

After more than 30 years of guiding the county's growth, Phil Bus is retiring. Bus, of Batavia, is executive director of the Kane County Development and Resource Management and Department of Transportation. ... Full story

Former Blagojevich aide Christopher Kelly dies

Country Club Hills police said Sunday that they are looking for at least one man in their investigation into the death of Christopher Kelly, the West suburban power broker and political fundraiser facing federal corruption charges alongside former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. ... Full story

Naperville says goodbye to icon as meat market closes

The city of Naperville has lost one of its long-standing icons — a victim of a tumbling economy and a change in consumer shopping habits. That was the opinion of Aurora resident Larry Kahler, 59, whose dream of being an entrepreneur has been put on hold, at least for now, after The City Meat Market, which recently relocated from downtown on Jefferson Street to the Cress Creek Square Center, closed its doors for good Saturday. ... Full story

Aurora students march against violence

As she walked down Fifth Avenue on Friday, among a group of teens holding signs, waving banners and chanting loudly in unison, East Aurora senior Elizandra Castro looked to her friends and smiled. ... Full story

IMSA honors veterans, legislators

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster was in his home district Friday, but he felt particularly at home speaking before the 650 students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. Foster was a last-minute, surprise guest at IMSA's program to recognize military veterans who served the country and legislators who serve the state in support of veterans. ... Full story

On 9/11, Yorkville remembers native son

It's still difficult for Dwayne Collman to talk about Sept. 11, 2001. "You try to contemplate what happened," he said. Collman's 41-year old son was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, which was hijacked by Al-Qaeda terrorists and struck the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York on that morning. ... Full story

Batavia OKs new comp time policy

The Batavia City Council has approved a compensatory time policy as a way to reduce expenditures. City employees will have the option of choosing compensatory time rather than overtime or double time with the approval of their department director. ... Full story

Cool temps put a little less splash in summer

Five-year-old Adam Zagoren isn't sad that summer is ending. "No, I'm mad about it," he said, as his family members standing nearby laughed. ... Full story

Kane adds up savings in retirements

A little more than a dozen Kane County employees took a voluntary retirement incentive package offered in the hope of easing looming financial troubles. Figures related to the voluntary retirement takers are expected to be discussed during a public hearing this morning. ... Full story

ACORN Fires More Officials for Helping 'Pimp,' 'Prostitute' in Washington Office

Two more ACORN officials were fired Friday after a second video surfaced showing staffers in the community organizers' Washington office offering to help a man and woman posing as a pimp and prostitute acquire illegal home loans that would help them set up a brothel. ... Full story

Up to two million march to US Capitol to protest against Obama's spending in 'tea-party' demonstration

Up to two million people marched to the U.S. Capitol today, carrying signs with slogans such as "Obamacare makes me sick" as they protested the president's health care plan and what they say is out-of-control spending. The line of protesters spread across Pennsylvania Avenue for blocks, all the way to the capitol, according to the Washington Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. People were chanting "enough, enough" and "We the People." Others yelled "You lie, you lie!" and "Pelosi has to go," referring to California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. ... Full story

Biden says congressman's outburst was embarrassing

Vice President Joe Biden says a Republican congressman's outburst during President Barack Obama's health-care speech Wednesday night "demeaned the institution." ... Full story

President Makes His Pitch

President Barack Obama gave an emotional, sometimes contentious address to Congress on Wednesday, combining tough talk to opponents with olive branches on policy in a bid to break the impasse on revamping the health-care system. ... Full story

Gov. Pat Quinn: Tax increase plan isn't likely to face vote until after February primaries

Legislators will get a free pass until after election, Quinn says. ... Full story

More than 20 students hurt in bus collision

Sixteen children were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries Wednesday morning after a two-bus accident in front of Westfield Community School in Algonquin, authorities said. ... Full story

St. Peter’s holds 33rd annual Barn Sale

St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Geneva will host their 33rd annual Barn Sale Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. ... Full story

County to sell bonds to fund road, bridge improvements

Kane County plans to issue $40 million in bonds to help fund road and bridge improvements that otherwise might not get done. County Board members on Tuesday approved issuing the general obligation bonds, which would be repaid over five years through revenues from the Regional Transportation Authority sales tax. Kane County plans to sell the bonds next month. ... Full story

Kane County Board declares county a recovery zone to spur economic activity

Kane County officials hope that declaring the county a "recovery zone" will help spur more economic activity. Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay said such a designation will help businesses tap into low-interest financing, such as if they wanted to expand. ... Full story

Elburn bans video gambling

Video gambling machines will not be allowed in bars and restaurants in the village. On Tuesday, the Elburn Village Board voted to approve an ordinance that would effectively prohibit taverns, restaurants and other establishments in Elburn from installing video poker and other video gambling devices. Trustees were split in their thoughts on the measure, approving the ordinance by a vote of 4 to 2. ... Full story

Batavia eyes savings by allowing employees to take comp time

Officials look to save the city more than $100,000 a year by allowing employees other than police officers and firefighters to take time off instead of getting paid for overtime. ... Full story

E. Dundee homeowners shocked after feds widen Fox River flood zone

When Paula Lauer purchased her home on Wenholz Avenue in East Dundee eight years ago, the two-story frame house just blocks from the Fox River was not in an area considered at risk for flooding. ... Full story

Japanese crew taping gifted student documentary at DaVinci Academy

Though students were encouraged to act normal and attend to business as usual, Wednesday wasn't your average school day at DaVinci Academy in Elgin. ... Full story

Batavia schools weigh cuts in sports, extras

If the Bulldogs make it into the playoffs this season, the Batavia School District won't have money to send them to postseason games. Musicians at Rotolo Middle School will play in fewer concerts this year. Elementary school libraries will get no new books or magazines. ... Full story

Group rallies for single-payer health care option

The Rev. Geri Solomon spoke over the rhythmic tapping of car horns downtown Wednesday. "There's not justice without health care for everyone," said Solomon, of Aurora. ... Full story

Hultgren plans to run for Congress, sources say

According to sources in the Republican Party, State Sen. Randy Hultgren, R-Wheaton, is set to make a run for Congress in the 14th District. ... Full story

UK Single Payer System Has Life and Death Implications

Two stories from the UK illustrate the challenges faced by government-run healthcare. ... Full story

Iranian Atomic Work Nears Bomb Capability, U.S. Says

Iran’s nuclear work is approaching a “dangerous and destabilizing” point at which the Persian Gulf country could build a bomb, the U.S. envoy to the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency said. ... Full story

Pelosi and Reid Tell President: We Have the Votes; President Wants Bill Passed Soon

While White House spokesman Robert Gibbs today refrained from telling reporters whether President Obama in his speech Wednesday night will set a deadline for passing health care reform, sources tell ABC News that in his private meeting with Democratic congressional leaders this afternoon the key word was urgency. ... Full story

Taxpayers likely to face significant losses on $81 billion auto bailout, watchdog report says

Taxpayers face losses on a significant portion of the $81 billion in government aid provided to the auto industry, an oversight panel said in a report to be released Wednesday. ... Full story

City awaits "final details" on sergeant contracts

While the city of St. Charles had hoped to have an agreement finalized with local sergeants for Monday night's city council meeting, it will have to wait at least another two weeks. ... Full story

Local company “healthiest” in America

A local St. Charles company can now boast being the “Healthiest Company in America.” Bison Gear Engineering Corp., a St. Charles company that designs and manufactures fractional horsepower electric motors, gear motors and gear reducers used in industrial and commercial applications, won the award presented by Interactive Health Solutions. ... Full story

Hastert wants to cut spending locally, nationally

Name recognition is a double-edged sword in Ethan Hastert’s run in the Republican primary for the 14th Congressional District seat. ... Full story

Prepared text of Obama's speech to school students

The prepared text of President Barack Obama's back-to-school address scheduled for Tuesday, as released in advance by the White House: ... Full story

Unions fight against more layoffs in Aurora

The thought of laying off 63 employees Thursday still weighing on their minds, Aurora officials were confronted Tuesday by union representatives hoping to prevent any future bloodletting. ... Full story

State audit finds concerns at St. Charles youth center

A state audit of the youth prison in St. Charles finds overtime hours have doubled in the last two years while the staff isn't getting required training. ... Full story

Rally today to support single-payer system

Advocates of a single payer healthcare system will gather on a downtown St. Charles bridge today to raise awareness about the system's benefits. The "vigil demonstration," as participants call it, will begin around 5 p.m. on the Route 64 bridge at First Street. ... Full story

St. Paul's leaves East Side after 140 years

Rich Kirshtner remembers holding his father's hand, waiting outside St. Paul's Lutheran Church for the German service to end. Today, that service would be in Spanish. Kirshtner, 60, was a student at the church's school. His three brothers and two sons also attended the old church and school at Benton and Jackson streets on Aurora's East Side. ... Full story

A win would have been icing on cake

The Cakery owner sees 6-foot creation just collapse. ... Full story

Aurora music pro returns for songwriters conference

If you're a musician trying to navigate the stormy seas of the music biz, you need all the help you can get, particularly from people who have been through it and know what they're talking about. Basically, you need someone like John Thompson. And lucky for you, he's in town. ... Full story

Flu decision: To get that shot or not?

Health officials fear next outbreak could be severe. ... Full story

France honors WWII veteran at age 91

Merritt King thought his days of getting medals pinned to his lapel were over. In 1944, King was a soldier in the U.S. Army, an expert in map intelligence. Three days after D-Day, he landed on the beach at Normandy and fought his way inland. His job was to blow open enemy safes -- he took out more than 250 on the way to Paris -- and compile the information found within them. ... Full story

Crux of Afghan Debate: Will More Troops Curb Terror?

Does the United States need a large and growing ground force in Afghanistan to prevent another major terrorist attack on American soil? ... Full story

Jones' Resignation May Embolden Administration Critics

Now that White House green jobs adviser Van Jones has stepped down, Republicans are raising concerns about the administration's reliance on "czars." ... Full story

French government to tackle surging health care deficit

The French government is looking at ways to plug a gaping hole in its health care budget and may charge patients more for hospital stays, Budget Minister Eric Woerth said on Monday. ... Full story

Barack Obama accused of making 'Depression' mistakes

Barack Obama is committing the same mistakes made by policymakers during the Great Depression, according to a new study endorsed by Nobel laureate James Buchanan. ... Full story

When Bush spoke to students, Democrats investigated, held hearings

The controversy over President Obama's speech to the nation's schoolchildren will likely be over shortly after Obama speaks today at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. But when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech on October 1, 1991, from Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington DC, the controversy was just beginning. Democrats, then the majority party in Congress, not only denounced Bush's speech -- they also ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate its production and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for an extensive hearing on the issue. ... Full story

Some Local Schools Won't Show Obama Speech

A handful of Chicago area school districts will not be showing President Barack Obama's address to students on Tuesday morning. The Deerfield and Oswego school districts won't show the speech live. Both might use it at a later date. ... Full story

The clout scholarship

Every few years, some enterprising reporter takes a good look at the college scholarships being passed out like party favors by Illinois lawmakers. This time it was David Mercer of the Associated Press, who found that in the last five years, 41 General Assembly scholarships went to students whose families contributed to their legislator's campaign fund, and another 42 went to the relatives of lobbyists, party officials and other politicians. ... Full story

Digging in at Yorkville's Hometown Days

Cute-baby contest captures Yorkville judges' hearts. ... Full story

Oberweis: Stop keeping our milk bottles; it's making us less green

Oberweis Dairy says a recent deposit-fee hike for milk bottles is a strategy to keep its popular delivery service environmentally friendly. ... Full story

Fire truck hitting utility pole has Hampshire man smoking mad

A Hampshire man is fighting the local fire protection district and ComEd over the costs of home entertainment equipment he says was destroyed because of an accident involving a fire truck and a utility pole. ... Full story

Horse shelter to hold auction to raise much needed funds

When it comes to horses, Sue Balla has seen the good, the bad and the ugly. ... Full story

Obama speech optional at area schools

When President Obama makes his back-to-school speech at noon today, Laura Rush is leaving the decision to listen up to her two middle school children. ... Full story

Folkies flock to annual festival

Folkies filled the tent and spilled out the sides as the group strummed, thumped and clapped a rhythm, putting their hard times to song. "It's haa-aard, money it's hard. Livin' on rhythm and rhiii-iiime. And it's haa-aard! You know it's hard! A folksinger earns every dime." ... Full story

Car show raises awareness about importance of heart checks

Six weeks before he died of a heart attack while chasing burglary suspects, St. Charles police Sgt. Daniel Figgins had passed a stress test. "There was no indication that he had a heart condition," said his brother, Craig Figgins. ... Full story

Naperville becomes toy town

A toy exhibit and family fest are part of the fun this weekend at Naper Settlement in Naperville. The exhibit "Timeless Toys" runs Saturdays and Sundays through October. Interactive stations will be set up for kids and families to play with toys and games such as stilts, Hula-Hoops, Etch-a-Sketch, Silly Putty and checkers. ... Full story

Area intersections that annoy, perplex us

You won't find the following information in any "Welcome to..." kind of kit, but every place has them: intersections that aggravate local drivers. In fact, the Chicago area ranks fourth highest nationally in "commuter pain," up from fifth place last year, according to an IBM survey measuring driver frustration. Only commuters in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Miami have more complaints. ... Full story

Da Vinci Academy gets big surprise

Seventh-grader Jared Jurss wins $10K for self, school. ... Full story

Energy efficiency with your fries?

Elgin's oldest McDonald's turns into its newest restaurant. ... Full story

RMU to open a campus in Elgin

Robert Morris University plans to open its doors in Elgin next fall. The new branch, at 1707 N. Randall Road, will be designated as a branch of the RMU School of Business Administration. At the Elgin campus, students can work toward a degree in business administration or accounting. Classes are set to begin in September of 2010. ... Full story

Fire chief, union leader talk overtime, budget

In 2008, when you include overtime hours, eight of the top 10 wage-earners on the city's payroll were ranking members of its fire department. ... Full story

Controversial Obama Administration Official Denies Being Part of 9/11 "Truther" Movement, Apologizes for Past Comments

A top environmental official of the Obama administration issued a statement Thursday apologizing for past incendiary statement and denying that he ever agreed with a 2004 petition on which his name appears, a petition calling for congressional hearings and an investigation by the New York Attorney General into "evidence that suggests high-level government officials may have deliberately allowed the September 11th attacks to occur." ... Full story

Obama seeks to quell healthcare revolt

Barack Obama faces a steep challenge in his address to the joint houses of Congress next Wednesday to get his healthcare reforms back on track without provoking revolt from the Democratic party’s moderate or liberal wings, say lawmakers. ... Full story

Obama speech to students sparks new controversy

When kids all across the country return to school Tuesday, some will see a welcoming message from President Barack Obama and some won't. ... Full story

Jobless rate at 9.7 pct.; 216K jobs lost in August

The unemployment rate jumped almost half a point to 9.7 percent in August, the highest since 1983, reflecting a poor job market that will make it hard for the economy to begin a sustained recovery. ... Full story

Aurora lays off 63 workers

Declining revenues are blamed. ... Full story

Geneva looking for Saturday planters

Officials are looking for people who want to get down and dirty. And members of the Geneva Beautification Committee want folks to do it right in the middle of downtown. ... Full story

One business closes, another one opens

West Dundee trying to help local businesses stay healthy. ... Full story

Rodeo reins in bid

Plato zoning request pulled. ... Full story

Author brings fables back home

When Rick Moser was a child, he always enjoyed reading a good fable. “I enjoyed the moral lessons in them,” Moser said. “But they were written so long ago that they tend to be a little dry in some people’s opinion.” ... Full story

Richards leaves downtown partnership

David Richards is leaving the helm of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership after a 5 1/2 year tenure as executive director. ... Full story

Less is Moore

There was a time when just walking around the block would tire out St. Charles resident Brandi Moore. ... Full story

Special prosecutor will investigate McHenry Co. state's attorney

Ruling it is necessary to maintain the justice system's integrity, a judge this morning said he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate accusations McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi unlawfully required his personal secretary to perform political tasks while on county time. ... Full story

Gov. Quinn fills open U. of I. trustee slots

Gov. Pat Quinn has filled five positions on the University of Illinois board of trustees. ... Full story

A Nuclear Deadline Looms for Iran — and for Obama

President Barack Obama took office promising to pursue a diplomatic solution to the standoff over Iran's nuclear program, but so far, he's gotten little out of Tehran. So little, in fact, that the President has given Iran a Sept. 15 deadline to respond positively to his offer of negotiations, or face a heightening of sanctions. ... Full story

Russia Seeks Afghan War Role as NATO Deaths Climb

Russia is seeking a role in planning NATO’s war in Afghanistan two decades after Soviet forces were ejected from the country. As East-West ties improve under President Barack Obama, Russia wants to be involved in setting the political, military and intelligence strategy for the war against the Taliban, said Dmitry Rogozin, Russian ambassador to the alliance. ... Full story