Fox Valley - admin

Batavia High School falls short in reading on state scores

Batavia school officials are concerned about reading scores after students at Batavia High School and Rotolo Middle School scored below state standards on this year’s achievement tests. ... Full story

Candidates take on issues at bar forum

Three of the four hopefuls for the 14th Congressional district faced off in a forum Thursday night hosted by The Kane County Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association of the 16th Judicial Circuit. ... Full story

Richmond in St. Charles improves, fails to meet mark

For the third year, Richmond Elementary School failed to meet the federal No Child Left Behind standards, but not making adequate yearly progress does not mean the St. Charles school didn’t improve. ... Full story

Subgroups' scores lead to no AYP at two Geneva schools

Two of District 304’s nine schools, Geneva High School and Middle School North, did not make Adequate Yearly Progress, according to testing results released by the State Board of Education. ... Full story

School enrollment changes reflect housing market, budget cuts

Enrollment numbers at area school districts are all over the map — literally. They’re up in Community Unit School District 300 and down in Elgin School District U46. ... Full story

There’s a house behind all those goblins

It’s hard for Allison Alvino to bury her passion for Halloween. ... Full story

Kids create LEGO model of old Kane Courthouse

One of Kane County’s most treasured landmarks will travel to McCormick Place in Chicago this weekend, courtesy of the kids at Heartland Elementary School. ... Full story

New faces for County Board

Several candidates in this year’s Kane County Board races are challenging long-time incumbents in an election that is bound to seat many new board members, either way. ... Full story

Two finalists named for Kane state’s attorney job

Two veteran attorneys are finalists to be the next Kane County state’s attorney after John Barsanti leaves the position to become a judge. ... Full story

Fewer Fox Valley schools meet the mark

Five local school districts had high school test scores below the state average this year, and more than half of Illinois schools failed to meet rising test standards. ... Full story

Is local cemetery really haunted?

The first rule of writing; Never start a story with It was a dark and stormy night ... ... Full story

October 30: Tony 'n Tina's Wedding at Noble Fool

"A weird and wacky wedding to remember." -New York Post ... Full story

October 30: Rocky Horror at Hemmens

Hemmens Cultural Center offers an adult kick-off to Halloween festivities. ... Full story

October 30: Elgin's Halloween Howl: A Nightmare on Chicago Street

A day-long celebration of Halloween in downtown Elgin. ... Full story

October 30: Halloween Spook-Tacular

Halloween fun at the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. ... Full story

October 30: Gaelic Storm plays Elgin

Join the fun at The Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College. ... Full story

October 29: Trick-or-treat at Chicago Premium Outlets

Fun - and safe - trick-or-treat event in Aurora. ... Full story

October 29, 30: Halloween Party at Ballydoyle's

Come show off your Halloween finery in Aurora. ... Full story

October 29-30: Haunted Quarry

More Halloween fun in Batavia. ... Full story

October 29: BRUCE IN THE USA CONCERT PROMISES TO PACK THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE

High-energy tribute band plays Aurora on behalf of Marklund. ... Full story

October 28: Pet Costume Contest

Come parade your pooch at West Dundee Mall on Thursday, October 28. ... Full story

Batavians to vote on downtown rec center

West Aurora High School senior Chelsea Lorenz has already played Mother Paroo in the student production of “The Music Man.” But the character she’s playing this Halloween season is not so motherly, and not so proper. ... Full story

O-Cedar firm plans new Aurora plant, will create 50 new jobs

Freudenberg Household Products likes being in Aurora so much that they’re bringing in some friends. ... Full story

Tornado touch down confirmed near Elburn

Wednesday is gearing up to be another blustery day, with the National Weather Service issuing a high wind warning lasting until the evening hours even as crews work to restore power to residents without electricity and officials learn that a confirmed tornado touched down near Elburn. ... Full story

D300 will use federal ‘jobs’ funds for teacher ‘overload’

Community Unit School District 300 will not use money from the federal EduJobs bill passed in August to hire new teachers. ... Full story

U46 middle, high school scores lag behind peers’

Middle and high school students in Elgin School District U46 are learning. They’re “growing,” says Ed DeYoung of the district’s office of assessment and accountability. ... Full story

Candidates talk issues in race for Kane clerk

Voters Tuesday will choose among three candidates for Kane County clerk: Republican incumbent John A. “Jack” Cunningham, Democrat challenger Mavis A. Bates and Green Party representative Jose Luis DelBosque. ... Full story

Campaign mail buries Elgin-area homes

If it seems as if your mailbox has been filled with a record amount of political campaign mail, it is not your imagination. Even the post office is overwhelmed at the flood of postcards, fliers, brochures and other campaign mail. ... Full story

Analysis: Splitting the difference between Schock and Kaptain at AFLA town hall

There’s a nationwide midterm election on Tuesday. Petitions and paperwork to run for mayor or city council in Elgin next spring can’t be turned in until Nov. 15. ... Full story

Science program a blast for West

With a highly successful science education program coming to a close, the West Aurora School Board this week applauded the developer of the program. ... Full story

Make a Difference: Lessons on poverty

Diane Nilan crunched some rough numbers for an interested audience on Saturday morning about the level of poverty in Aurora. ... Full story

Social issues take back seat to economy this election

If an election can ever be characterized by a single theme, the elections of 2010 will undoubtedly be remembered for how big a role concerns over the economy played in determining its outcome. ... Full story

YWCA next to face state payment delays

The YWCA Elgin knows that area school districts and other nonprofit agencies have already faced the same problem they are — waiting on late, state-contracted payments to pay operating expenses. ... Full story

Roadwork for new Walmart starts in Elgin

An 11-month-long road construction project gets under way Monday, literally paving the way for opening the long-awaited Walmart and Sam’s Club along Randall Road. ... Full story

New shopping center opens in Pingree Grove

It’s rare enough a sight in this economy to see an all-new strip shopping center open anywhere. To see one start up in Pingree Grove — a once-tiny village that has had only two large-scale retail businesses despite the addition of hundreds of new homes over the past 10 years — is especially noteworthy. ... Full story

ANTIQUE - COLLECTIBLE TOY & DOLL WORLD SHOWS

New Exhibit Halls host dealers from over 30 states and six foreign countries selling antique and collectible toys, dolls, playthings and childhood memorabilia. ... Full story

Waubonsie Creek Community Park progress moving quickly

Seeing a group of community leaders standing in a field of dirt on a beautiful fall day begs the question: What are those people doing? ... Full story

South Elgin Boosters push for new stadium

When Elgin-based Wisdom Adhesives and the Wisdom Family Foundation donated $250,000 to the South Elgin High School Boosters last month, they didn’t just push the group halfway toward its goal for the Booster Foundation’s stadium fundraising campaign. ... Full story

Vote early, vote easy

Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham is tallying more than 500 ballots a day, with an eye to possibly hitting 1,000 a day as voters have embraced early voting. ... Full story

County may have violated act on sending out ballots

Even though 1 in 3 Illinois counties failed to comply with federal law when sending out military ballots, the Illinois State Board of Elections hopes to cut a deal with the federal government that will keep them out of legal hot water. ... Full story

Indian Prairie School District 204 considering elimination of class ranking

Indian Prairie School District 204 is moving closer to eliminating high school class rankings and is seeking public input whether to implement a new academic honors system beginning in the 2011-12 school year. ... Full story

Residents speak out against Mooseheart plan

Person after person attending a meeting Wednesday in Batavia questioned and criticized a plan to develop part of Mooseheart with stores, restaurants, senior housing and multifamily housing. ... Full story

Hot-button issues at center of governor debate

The terse yet civil governor's debate Wednesday saw hot-button societal issues abortion, gay rights and the death penalty take center stage. ... Full story

Bar groups sponsor candidate forum

The Kane County Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association of the 16th Judicial Circuit are planning a forum for judicial and congressional candidates. ... Full story

Algonquin kicks off 6th annual public art program

The public is invited to attend the sixth annual Algonquin Public Art Program open house Thursday night, showcasing artists whose works will be visible in and around the village over the next year. ... Full story

D303 opens parents’ eyes on teen stress

Community Unit School District 303 is hoping that by teaching students to cope with life’s stresses, it also will save some lives. ... Full story

Elburn to ask for more in property taxes next year

Property owners in the village should expect to pay more in property taxes next year, as village officials prepare to ask Kane County for the right to sharply increase the amount they can collect. ... Full story

October 23: The Magic of Ryne Strom

Enjoy at touch of magic at the Elgin Community College Performing Arts Center. ... Full story

October 21-23: "Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr." at the Hemmens!

Join the Children's Theatre of Elgin for a lively and educational performance at the Hemmens Theatre in Elgin. ... Full story

October 22-23: All Hallows Eve at Naper Settlement

The Village of Fear: A 19th Century Halloween. ... Full story

October 22: Space Odyssey Family Night

Gas planets, red dwarf stars, solar systems . . . expand beyond your horizons and discover the Universe! ... Full story

October 23: BatFest!

Come to Downtown Batavia for a fun-filled Halloween celebration. ... Full story

October 22-23: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Headless Horsemen rides again at The Albright Theatre in Batavia. ... Full story

Death Comes to the Tanner House

Experience the Victorian way of Death. ... Full story

October 22: Brian Regan at The Paramount Theatre

Comedian Brian Regan performs at The Paramount Theatre in Aurora. ... Full story

Kirk, Giannoulias hit on social, economic points

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk hammered economic issues, saying he would “spend less, borrow less and tax less, while state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias emphasized social issues and tried to depict Kirk as a “politics as usual candidate in their U.S. Senate debate at the ABC 7 studios in Chicago Tuesday. ... Full story

Oswego hold the line on tax levy

The Village Board voted unanimously to keep the tax levy steady for the 2010-11 fiscal year. ... Full story

Marine gets hero’s welcome home

Victor Fernandez Jr. arrived at his family’s restaurant on Prairie Street in Aurora to a hero’s welcome Tuesday afternoon. ... Full story

Sleepy Hollow seeks sales tax hike in Nov. 2 referendum

The village is considering a sales tax increase to prop up revenue and will pose the idea to voters on Nov. 2. ... Full story

‘Fireballs’ reported in rural Elgin

Police and fire department officials are investigating several fiery explosions over the past two months in a rural southwest corner of Elgin. ... Full story

Helicopter crash anniversary: Angels help healing process

Two years after the helicopter crash on Aurora’s far East Side that killed a three-man medical crew and the baby they were trying to save, there are now a couple of beautiful new angels that remind us that while time can ease the hurt, those who are lost will never be forgotten. ... Full story

Fixing Quarry Beach could cost $1 million

Fixing Quarry Beach to reduce the leaching of water out of the quarry and raise the water temperature could cost between $750,000 and $1 million, Batavia Park District officials said Tuesday. ... Full story

How - and when - to get the best deals on these top 5 vacation destinations

While last-minute deals often get a lot of press, what smart travelers know - and live by - is that thinking ahead is the most reliable way to get the best deals. After all, waiting until just before you're ready to go might leave you stuck with few options and lots of restrictions - or worse, no vacation at all. Airlines and hotels are thinking ahead, too, and are eager to fill up planes and hotels. That translates to great prices right now - the ideal time to book for the best vacation deals. ... Full story

What can you do to avoid the nursing home?

Many baby boomers assume they will end up in a nursing home if they develop a chronic illness. But that's not true for most of us. The vast majority of people who become chronically ill are cared for in their own home by a loved one or a friend. That includes more than two-thirds of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. ... Full story

October 21-21: Fred Klett at Zanies

Comedian Fred Klett will perform at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. ... Full story

October 20: Nick's Pizza and Pub Benefit for Jackson Marquez

Nick's Pizza & Pub (990 S. Randall Road in Elgin) will host a benefit for local resident Jackson Marquez on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. ... Full story

District 200 grad living NASA dream

Aiming for the stars has paid off for Luke Miles. Since graduating from Wheaton Warrenville South High School in 2000, the 28-year-old has earned an aerospace engineering degree and now trains NASA astronauts how to operate portions of the space shuttle. ... Full story

U46 sees jump in dropouts

First, the bad news: 114 students under the age of 18 withdrew from school in Elgin School District U46 at the end of last year and had not re-enrolled by mid-August. ... Full story

Receiver takes charge of vacant Bowes center

A professional liquidation company is the new caretaker of the now-vacant Bowes Retirement Center. ... Full story

Presidential order to promote Hispanic education initiative

President Barack Obama is expected to sign an executive order today that will establish a presidential advisory commission focused on improving education for Hispanic students. ... Full story

Local hunger stats aren’t easy to stomach

Hunger, poverty and homelessness have a firm grip on communities across the country. The prolonged recession, job losses and foreclosures are hitting the collar counties hard. ... Full story

Elburn postpones vote on big Shodeen project

Rather than render a verdict now with much yet to be decided, the village’s elected officials have opted to place on hold the review of a huge new housing development planned to add thousands of new homes, condominiums, townhomes and apartments to Elburn. ... Full story

Raucous crowd watches 14th district debate

With the Nov. 2 election bearing down on them, four hopefuls for the 14th Congressional district faced off and played political hardball to a packed house at the Norris Center in St. Charles Monday night. ... Full story

St. Charles, fire protection district agree on new terms

Contract negotiations between the St. Charles Countryside Fire Protection District and the City of St. Charles ended with the district agreeing to pay the city $50,000 more for the ambulance and fire services it provides the district. ... Full story

Batavia microloans aim to help businesses

Batavia is hoping to give businesses a little help with its new microloan program. ... Full story

Confusion surrounds Pingree Grove clerk position

It has just come to the attention of Pingree Grove officials that the village clerk's position is an elected, not appointed one. ... Full story

Nursing school takes over old Elgin Cracker Barrel

Like a physician healing a patient, a Crystal Lake-based nursing school is breathing new life into a shuttered restaurant on Elgin's north side. ... Full story

TB outbreak poses little risk to restaurant patrons

The chances of being infected with tuberculosis from eating at local restaurants during the recent TB outbreak in Kane County is unlikely, according to health officials. ... Full story

Local educators respond to ‘Superman’ film

“Waiting for Superman,” the rare documentary that has caught on at suburban multiplexes, paints a dire picture of public schools in America. For some local educators, however, that picture isn’t entirely fair. ... Full story

October 15: Gordon Lightfoot at the Paramount Theatre

Back by popular demand, legendary singer and song-writer Gordon Lightfoot returns to The Paramount Theatre. ... Full story

October 17: LIVE AT THE SANDS, A TRIBUTE TO SINATRA & BASIE

Live at the Sands: A Tribute to Sinatra & Basie with Michael Berkowitz Big Band & Tony Babino to perform at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 17, 2010. ... Full story

October 16: Reptiles are still cool!

Waubonsee Community College brings the slithering reptilian world to the Fox Valley. ... Full story

George W. Bush to speak at Judson University

To inaugurate their first World Leaders Forum, officials at Judson University wanted to snag a keynote speaker who had a background in entrepreneurship yet enough name recognition to attract a broad audience. ... Full story

30 Aurora employees take buyout

A total of 30 city employees took the city up on its offer to leave their jobs, accepting additional pay and benefits as incentives. ... Full story

GOP bus stops in Valley for ‘victory rally’

Voters were seeing red Thursday, but not because the Republican National Committee’s “Fire Pelosi” tour bus arrived two hours late. ... Full story

Local foreclosures highest in Illinois

Foreclosure filings totaled 887 in Kendall County, up 2 percent from the second quarter and 15.34 percent from the third quarter of 2009, according to Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac. ... Full story

Feds eye Illinois counties, including Kane, in late ballot mailing

The Kane County Clerk’s Office did not mail out military and overseas ballots until two days after the Sept. 18 federal deadline. ... Full story

St. Charles Park District director to step down next year

After nearly two decades serving as the St. Charles Park District director, James Breen has, with difficulty, decided it is time to say goodbye. ... Full story

Illinois judges overpaid, report claims

Illinois judges impress in their black robes, but underneath they're still state employees whose salaries are out of line compared to other states, said Lee Williams, author of a report on judicial pay and perks released by the Illinois Policy Institute. ... Full story

Local officials OK with CMAP plan approval

The Chicago area is made up of 1,226 units of government, 284 municipalities and seven counties. ... Full story

Angels for those in need

It’s a little late for spring cleaning, but Visiting Angels of South Elgin is asking the community to clean out its closets and help those in need. ... Full story

Elgin energy grants get initial OK

City leaders Wednesday gave initial approval to awarding $230,000 in federal energy funds to some downtown businesses, but not without some contention when questions arose about the fairness of the application process. ... Full story

D300 EduJobs funds to go for ‘overload’ pay

Community Unit School District 300 likely won’t use money from the federal EduJobs bill passed in August to hire back teachers for its overcrowded schools. ... Full story

Hope hangs on Clothesline Project

For domestic abuse victims — women, children and men, too — talking to others about what they have experienced can be a big step, said Susan Johnson, domestic violence coordinator at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin. ... Full story

Elburn to weigh revised Shodeen plan for Elburn Station

The developer of a proposed subdivision intended to add thousands of homes, condominiums and apartments to the village will push forward with its intent to revise the plans, even after those revisions were rejected by Elburn’s primary planning panel. ... Full story

Board hopefuls weigh in on Seyller legal spat

Kane County hopefuls in the Nov. 2 general election say they would have preferred not to be embroiled in a lawsuit with Circuit Clerk Deborah Seyller. ... Full story

October 13 - 14: Andy Woodhull at Zanies

Come see local favorite Andy Woodhull at Zanies at Pheasant Run in St. Charles. ... Full story

October 15 - October 17: Autumn Drive

Spend a leisurely day with family and friends on a real country road. Twelve family farms in rural McHenry County, Illinois are open to the public for three days the third weekend in October. ... Full story

October 14: Around the World - Peru and the Amazon

Waubonsee College presents Time-Life books (Asia) veteran Bill Helmuth. ... Full story

Elgin senior loses $60,000 in lottery scam

An 80-year-old Elgin woman was scammed out of $60,000 Monday by a couple claiming to need money as collateral so they could collect on a winning lottery ticket. ... Full story

Aurora teen in spotlight on Chicago stages

It’s likely that most actors do not credit a tennis injury for how they got their start in theater, but that’s how it happened for Aurora teen James “Bubba” Weiler. ... Full story

Oswego decides to build third high school

Two long-awaited, highly debated decisions affecting the Oswego School District’s high schools were passed by the School Board Tuesday night. ... Full story

Grant-fueled land grab angers neighbors

Holding signs that read “Stop wrecking our neighborhood” and “Park district out of control,” about a dozen residents protested the demolition of two riverfront homes Tuesday morning. ... Full story

Depression screenings offer hope, options

With or without health insurance, or insurance that covers mental health treatment, there are options available for area residents, mental health professionals say. ... Full story

Mental health services coming to U46 schools

For many at-risk students in Elgin School District U46, life is unstable enough. Then to get additional help for mental health issues, a student may have to bounce between agencies and counselors then miss class to receive treatment. ... Full story

Ominous or helpful: The good and bad of bats

Flapping ominously through the darkness, boiling out of a barn or a chimney in a cloud of dozens — born with a seemingly supernatural ability to “see” in the dark by bouncing inaudible sound off his surroundings — the bat brings with him a bag full of psychological terrors that are expressed in many a Halloween-time decoration. ... Full story

Batavia aldermen debate future of facade program

Several business owners and residents on Tuesday voiced their concerns about Batavia’s facade improvement program being eliminated as aldermen discussed the program’s future. ... Full story

County board OKs red-light camera changes

Communities that have or want to use red-light camera enforcement on county roads will have to follow stronger guidelines, as the county board approved proposed changes Tuesday. ... Full story

Domestic violence diversion program offers 'third choice'

A domestic violence diversion program, announced Tuesday by Kane County State’s Attorney John Barsanti, aims to provide victims a “third choice” when dealing with domestic violence. ... Full story

Valley View shelter gets final no on permit

The Kane County Board voted Tuesday to deny a special-use permit for an emergency homeless shelter at a Valley View church. ... Full story

St. Charles youth center needs tutors for incarcerated teens

Since the spring, Roland Lesniewski has visited the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles weekly to help incarcerated teens with academic skills such as reading and math. ... Full story

Economy loses 95,000 jobs due to government layoffs

A wave of government layoffs in September outpaced weak hiring in the private sector, pushing down the nation's payrolls by a net total of 95,000 jobs. ... Full story

Schools seeing larger class sizes

It’s Friday in Steve Huffman’s fifth-grade classroom at East Aurora’s Bardwell Elementary School, and the students are learning how to subtract decimals. ... Full story

Cinderella dresses heading overseas

Marines, or the wives of Marines, will be able to attend their annual ball with the help of the Elgin Junior Service Board and its Cinderella’s Closet project. ... Full story

New stores coming to Spring Hill Mall

Several new store fronts will greet shoppers at Spring Hill Mall this fall, with more to come. ... Full story

More Elgin traffic nightmares

Navigating through Elgin’s street system will become even more, uh, challenging over the next three weeks. ... Full story

October 10: Ann Hampton Callaway at Aurora University

Musician Ann Hampton Callaway, blending jazz and traditional pop, will perform in the Arts and Ideas series at 7:30 p.m. in Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration, 407 Calumet Ave. in Aurora. ... Full story

October 9-10: The Chicago Home Show

Since 1986, All of your remodeling, renovations and repairs under one roof. Talk to contractors and learn how to save energy and earn tax credits on energy saving new products. Hvac, windows, doors, kitchens, insulation, landscaping and a whole lot more. ... Full story

October 9: JACK HANNA COMES TO THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE TO SHARE HIS ANIMAL ADVENTURES

Animal kingdom expert Jungle Jack Hanna, brings his live show, Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live to the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 4 p.m. A perfect event for the entire family, Jungle Jack’s live show features many of his favorite animal friends as well as fascinating and humorous stories and footage from his adventures around the world. ... Full story

October 9: Tony Boswell performs at Zanies

Tony Boswell entered the world a small, scared infant. Over the next two decades he put on some weight and grew taller. Then in 1986 he began performing stand-up comedy. ... Full story

October 9: Grave Reminders Cemetery Walk

The St. Charles Heritage Center presents it annaul cemetery walk. ... Full story

October 8-10: Scarecrow Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Recognized last year by MSN as one of the country’s Top Spots for Autumn, St. Charles’ Scarecrow Festival is a "natural" choice for a three-day getaway. ... Full story

October 8: Kansas at The Arcada Theatre

See legendary rock group Kansas at 8:30 at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. ... Full story

October 8: Heather McDonald performs at Zanies.

Shows at 8 and 10 at Zanies Comedy Club at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. ... Full story

October 8: ABBA SALUTE: A TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST POP BAND

The Paramount Theatre is pleased to announce ABBA SALUTE: A Tribute to the World’s Greatest Pop Band appearing at 8 p.m., Friday, October 8, 2010. All tickets for the performance are $31.50. ... Full story

October 9-10: Fairways raps it up at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles

Back by popular demand, audience favorite Fairways heads for the 18th green this weekend at Steel Beam Theatre. ... Full story

October 9: Terror on the Railroad

Scary fun at the Illinois Railway Museum weekends during October! ... Full story

Naperville couple survives plane crash into fitness center

It had all the makings of a major tragedy. A Naperville couple, taking off in their private plane from their subdivision, crashed into a nearby fitness center Wednesday. The couple, though seriously injured, survived. And none of the 75 or more people inside the building were hurt. ... Full story

Wheaton alum killed in Afghan war gets Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama on Wednesday honored the sacrifice of an Army Green Beret who died in Afghanistan, awarding him the nation's highest military honor — the Medal of Honor -- in a solemn East Room ceremony on the eve of the war's ninth anniversary. ... Full story

Storefront surprise

If you happened to stroll down the 200 block of Third Street in Geneva mid-summer, you may have been a little confused. ... Full story

Lexie out of ‘Model’ contest

Lexie Tomchek’s run on cycle 15 of “America’s Next Top Model” has come to an end during an episode in which she also impressed the judges during a tough conveyer belt runway photoshoot. ... Full story

West program cuts loom without state cash

The West Aurora School District is playing the waiting game regarding finances from the state. District officials say they do not expect to find out when and how much West will receive in state funding for the 2011-2012 school year until after the November election. ... Full story

Kendall might ask unions for concessions

Kendall County would like to talk with its unions. “I think we need to ask the unions to make concessions — we should at least ask,” County Board member Jessie Hafenrichter said. ... Full story

Judge candidates tell why they think voters should choose them

This November, Kane County voters will choose a resident judge, a new seat on the bench in Illinois’ 16th Circuit Court created to help handle the growing case load as the area grows. ... Full story

Awards to highlight Northern Kane chamber dinner

The Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce will honor chamber members and businesses during its annual dinner Saturday in the banquet room at Brunswick Zone XL, 1611 S. Randall Road in Algonquin. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. ... Full story

Part of protecting his neighborhood

Those involved in investigating the now-closed Bowes Retirement Center unanimously point to one man for spearheading efforts to shut down the facility: Elgin police Officer Eric Echevarria. ... Full story

Proposed Batavia rec center brings a healthy debate

Residents next month will decide the fate of a much-discussed proposal to build a new recreation center in downtown Batavia. ... Full story

Batavia aldermen lift rules regarding new development

The Batavia City Council on Monday voted to lift rules that a local developer said will level the playing field for new development. ... Full story

Elgin, Yorkville locations set for movie thriller 'Contagion'

Suburban filming locations for the fall 2011 thriller "Contagion" are spreading like the virus outbreak in the movie itself. ... Full story

Council won't endorse St. Charles library referendum

The St. Charles Public Library couldn't get an endorsement of its $35 million referendum from St. Charles City Council Monday night, but library officials did get recognition of the library's status as a community asset. ... Full story

Fighting brain disorders, funding research with the power of amateur video

It's a health issue that affects one in six Americans. Because it occurs in so many forms, the fight to prevent, treat and cure brain disorders demands the participation and support of a broad range of researchers, medical professionals, patients and support organizations. ... Full story