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Naperville gives red light to some right-turn tickets
The Naperville City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to eliminate automated right-turn-on-red citations for most intersections with red-light cameras. ... Full story
Heritage Woods eyes South Elgin addition
Managers at Heritage Crossing assisted living facility at McLean Boulevard and Bowes Road want to build an addition on the facility, but only if the state grants it a license for a pilot program. ... Full story
Unemployment dips in Carpentersville, Elgin
Rate rises in Kane Co. ... Full story
Batavia Park Board set to put bond issue to referendum
Batavia Park Board commissioners at their Tuesday board meeting are set to put on the Nov. 2 ballot a $20 million bond issue to fund a proposed 62,000-square-foot recreation center in downtown Batavia. ... Full story
Home sales continued to increase locally in June, prices stagnant
Buyers continued to show interest in existing homes in local communities last month, as they continued to snap up deals. ... Full story
St. Charles library trustees OK referendum questions
The St. Charles library trustees on Thursday unanimously approved the referendum questions concerning the library’s multi-million dollar expansion project. ... Full story
St. Charles schools making strides toward reducing suicides
The St. Charles school district ended the past academic year with a milestone that, in many other school systems, would likely go unnoticed. ... Full story
Final East Side meeting brings out experts
About 30 people turned out for the third and final meeting geared toward revitalizing the near East Side Thursday night. But many left this last gathering with mixed feelings. ... Full story
West Nile showing up in area mosquitoes
Three batches of mosquitoes living in DuPage County have turned up carriers of the West Nile virus this summer. But don't take our word for it. Check for yourself online. ... Full story
Kane finance panel: Stop overspending
Members of the Kane County Board Finance Committee came to a sharp consensus Thursday about departments overspending their budgets, saying it has to stop now. ... Full story
Dogs need a little more love during mosquito season
As a parent, you would never consider sending your child to school without the proper vaccinations. But did you know that according to the American Animal Hospital Association, about 50 percent of dogs in the United States go without preventative treatment for one of the most common diseases among canines? ... Full story
Judge rules to put Crenshaw back on the ballot
A Will County judge today ruled to put a Bolingbrook Republican and tea party darling back on the ballot for a state Senate race. ... Full story
Batavia residents finish Mississippi River canoe trip for cancer research
After paddling more than 2,000 miles, Aaron Drendel and Jake Mullins are understandably still a little sore. ... Full story
Brix Wine & Cheese opens in St. Charles
The latest business to open in downtown’s First Street redevelopment project aims to give adults a classy, grown-up place to enjoy a glass of wine. ... Full story
Despite survey, youth stand strong in faith
Christina Janes, 16, said she is very involved in her church, attending every Sunday at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in LaFox. ... Full story
Fun set to boil over at Sugar Grove festival this weekend
Firefighter water fights, teen bands, a pie-eating contest and – of course – plenty of corn will be on tap at this weekend’s Sugar Grove Corn Boil. ... Full story
Two St. Charles bars forced to temporarily close for liquor violations
Two downtown businesses caught selling alcoholic beverages to minors must close for several days next month, the St. Charles Liquor Commission ruled this week. ... Full story
33 West Trattoria to become 'Chef Amaury's'
Chef Amaury Rosado has long intended to move his far East Side restaurant downtown. In September, he will, but not the way he expected. ... Full story
AID classes help autistic adjust to everyday life
For thousands of adults and young teens who have been diagnosed with autism, help for a better future is on the horizon. ... Full story
Not your grandmother's -- or even your mother's -- Vacation Bible School
From mysteries of life to LEGOS, kids are immersed in religious learning. ... Full story
Foster amendments make it into Wall Street bill
On Wednesday, President Barack Obama signed into law a massive Wall Street reform bill, aimed at bringing stability to the country's financial sector. It creates a new consumer protection agency and sets out several new regulations designed to end the "too big to fail" mentality that led to government bailouts. ... Full story
Geneva restaurant/tavern marks 90 years
Little Owl savoring success. ... Full story
Elgin hopes work will cut into Tyler Creek erosion
In the five years since Rick Poulton moved into his Kevin Avenue home in the Eagle Heights subdivision, he's lost a few feet of his backyard to erosion. ... Full story
Ditka rallies to raise money for Rosary High
It might not be the first place you'd expect to see him -- an all-girls Catholic high school with no football team -- but legendary former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka was at Rosary High Sunday for the "Da Coach Rallies for Rosary" fundraiser. ... Full story
Kane courts considering alternatives to foreclosure
When home is lost, no one wins. ... Full story
Bull riding: Where grizzled vets are only 32
THE VETERAN: Rick Ringer from a farm in Florida. He has been riding bucking bulls for 18 years now, but is just coming back after a February incident when a stomping bull crushed one of his eye sockets and required seven metal plates to be inserted into his face. ... Full story
Noble Fool Theatricals Announces Summer Season
Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage heats up with national and local touring acts. ... Full story
Neighbors want Elgin to inspect foreclosed homes
About two dozen residents attended Wednesday's Elgin City Council session to voice support for the city's intentions to create an inspection program for foreclosed homes. ... Full story
Foreclosures up sharply in the Fox Valley last quarter
The number of homes in foreclosure in the Fox Valley increased sharply this spring compared, according to the latest round of foreclosure numbers. ... Full story
Sub shop to host benefit for ALS research, services
Jersey Mike’s Subs, 1770 S. Randall Road, Geneva is hosting an all-day fundraiser July 23 to benefit two local families touched by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the Les Turner ALS Foundation. ... Full story
East Side day care center moves ahead
Two city committees got a look at plans for a new day care and early learning center on the near East Side this week, and both gave their unanimous recommendation. ... Full story
Kids get summer science lessons
Eighth-grader Christian Urrea tried to coax his group into testing their homemade roller coaster a few more times. ... Full story
New interchange design for Route 59 at I-88?
City, IDOT consider options to relieve traffic congestion. ... Full story
Batavia is proud of new community garden
The tomato plants are 4 feet tall, the freshly picked onions have a homegrown aroma and the cabbage heads looks as though they might tip a couple of pounds each. ... Full story
Bittersweet finale nears at the Kane County Fair
Extension units hit by downsizing. ... Full story
Catholic Mass to be Cougars pre-game
First-ever pre-game Catholic Mass. ... Full story
Negotiators agree to tentative deal
A strike by area union workers has taken a twist. ... Full story
Organ donors help keep music program healthy
Aurora U. alumni pull out all the stops to make new pipe organ a reality. ... Full story
Blitz build helps construct Fox Valley homeowner dreams
Flexing one's muscles for six hours and getting drenched in sweat may not sound like the best way to spend a summer day. But George Dobrijevich doesn't mind. ... Full story
Blitz build helps construct Fox Valley homeowner dreams
Flexing one's muscles for six hours and getting drenched in sweat may not sound like the best way to spend a summer day. But George Dobrijevich doesn't mind. ... Full story
STC library trustees to discuss possible referendum
St. Charles library trustees tonight will get their first look at the referendum questions asking taxpayers to support for a multi-million expansion project. ... Full story
Free riverfront concert series begins Thursday
The village invites area residents to bring a blanket and a picnic basket for an evening of free entertainment, as its annual Thursday night Summer Concert Series at Riverfront Park begins. ... Full story
D300, teachers union meet to break the ice
The Community Unit School District 300 school board and the district's teachers union, Local Education Association District 300, were scheduled to meet this morning for the second time since LEAD rejected a proposed contract in June. ... Full story
Despite reports, ‘God particle’ eludes Fermilab
Despite what you may have heard this week, scientists at Fermilab have not discovered the Higgs boson, the elusive "God particle" that may explain why objects have mass. ... Full story
Talks fail; construction strike drags on
Monday's negotiations failed to produce a settlement between striking union laborers and operating engineers and their employers. ... Full story
West Dundee asks residents to help fund Night Out
The village board hopes to get private donations so it can reach the minimum amount of money needed for West Dundee's annual National Night Out festivities. ... Full story
Kane health workers get reprieve from cuts
But little help is expected from Illinois. ... Full story
Times are bad for blood drives
Summer, troubled economy mean fewer donations, lower supply. ... Full story
New Elgin Walmart plans set to advance
The long-in-the-works plans for a Walmart, Sam's Club and accompanying outlot stores along Randall Road are set to take major steps forward at Wednesday's city council meeting. If approved, the stores could be open by the fall of 2011. ... Full story
Lifelong Geneva booster Lencioni dies
Firefighter, building commissioner and uber-volunteer for the Geneva community Charles Lencioni died Monday of complications of cancer, his friends said. ... Full story
STC school board grants administrators extra vacation days, not pay increases
In its annual review of administrators’ compensation, the St. Charles school board on Monday unanimously approved no salary increases for the upcoming academic year in light of today’s economic realities. ... Full story
Tri-Cities building trades programs tweaked in tough economy
For more than 20 years, high school students in St. Charles had the opportunity to put their sweat and muscle into building homes. But, for reasons one official said may be traced to the economy, the teens won’t have that chance this upcoming school year. ... Full story
Naperville cited as top 100
Bolingbrook/Naperville and Arlington Hts./Mt. Prospect ranked among 100 best small cities. ... Full story
Expanded food bank could help ease hunger for many
Geneva warehouse will more than double storage space. ... Full story
Geneva relishes its spoke in long bike race
Think Tour de France, but on the streets of downtown Geneva. Replace Lance Armstrong with cyclists still on the way to that ultimate dream. ... Full story
Program cuts' impact more than dollars and cents
Behind the charts, figures and statistics presented by the Kane County Health Department last week during a PowerPoint presentation showing why it has to lay off staff and eliminate programs are real people. ... Full story
Batavian's cat litter scooper in Gulf cleanup
When Chuck Firth developed a durable cat litter scooper, he never anticipated the metal device would be used on the Gulf of Mexico coastline beaches. ... Full story
Windmill City Festival draws record crowds
Kids of all ages could take a trip on a Ferris wheel for a bird's-eye view of the city, swing around on Tilt-A-Whirl or have a ride on bumper cars during Saturday's Windmill City Festival. ... Full story
Naperville meetings' focus on Rt. 59, historic preservation
Naperville residents this week will get a chance to get involved in two important local issues, thanks to special workshops set for Wednesday at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. ... Full story
Rosebud has endured both fires, flood
It was not known Sunday night whether the owners of Rosebud of Naperville would reopen the popular eatery that was gutted by fire earlier in the day, although it might be hard to fault them if they didn't. ... Full story
West Dundee attorney taken to court - again
West Dundee attorney William Chesbrough, who was already facing criminal charges and potential disbarment, is now being taken to civil court by his bank. ... Full story
Schools find innovative ways to fight bullying
To some it may seem innocuous, even good for building character -- the playground taunts from that group of kids "that think they're better than everyone else," as Larkin High School student Michael Engebretson puts it. ... Full story
Galena/Jo Daviess County
Experience the vintage charm and contemporary spirit of Galena and Jo Daviess County…the region’s natural beauty, charming farmsteads, well-preserved historic sites, first-class golfing, regional cuisines, eclectic shops and tranquil spas. Reserve a cozy B&B housed in an historic mansion, a spacious vacation rental home, a comfortable family-style motel or inn, or a full-service resort complete with spas and restaurants. Book your summer getaway to Galena and Jo Daviess County now at galena.org. ... Full story
Geneva company lauded for excellence in exports
A Geneva business was honored Thursday by the U.S. Department of Commerce with a 2010 Exporter of the Year award -- the only Illinois firm and one of only 12 companies nationwide to receive the award. ... Full story
Northern Illinois Food Bank set to expand in Geneva
The headquarters of the nation's top food bank will leave St. Charles next year in favor of a larger location in Geneva. ... Full story
St. Charles Country Club Supports Twenty-Six Evans Scholars in Twenty-Six Years
Consistency and dedication to nurturing aspiring college students has paid off for caddies at the St. Charles Country Club which has fielded an exceptional number of Evans Scholars during its twenty-six years of active participation with this foundation. ... Full story
Pedal boat idea floated for Elgin's Festival Park
If things go according to plan, local entrepreneur Justin Hodge soon will be peddling pedal boat rides along the Fox River off Festival Park. ... Full story
Lightning set to host 22-team Classic tourney
The Northern Illinois Lightning will host the Sixth Annual John Radtke Memorial Fastpitch Classic for women's fastpitch teams this weekend at the Elgin Sports Complex. ... Full story
Elgin cops crack down on curfew violators
It's a typical weeknight, with police patrolling the city looking for illegal activity. ... Full story
D204 names 3 new principals
Several schools in Indian Prairie School District 204 have new principals, the district announced Thursday. ... Full story
Former Copley owner emerges in Blagojevich trial
The owner of the old Copley Hospital in Aurora has become a key figure in the corruption trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. ... Full story
Noted Morton Arboretum scientist dies
A renowned tree scientist is being remembered for his contributions to The Morton Arboretum over the past 40 years. ... Full story
Library president to run for Geneva city council
Geneva Library board president Esther Barclay has decided to serve her city one building over. ... Full story
Pingree Grove president wants village manager sooner than later
Pingree Grove Village President Wyman "Clint" Carey is charging ahead to find an interim village administrator. ... Full story
Elgin mayoral race off to early start
City Councilman Kaptain challenging Mayor Schock in March 2011 election. ... Full story
State slowly, surely paying school dists.
Last week, Gov. Pat Quinn pumped a last-minute $59 million into the state budget for education for the 2010-11 school year. And the state of Illinois mailed out checks for some of its overdue payments to area school districts. ... Full story
Governor Quinn Creates Illinois’ First-Ever Sales Tax Holiday
New Law Eliminates State Sales Tax on Back-to-School Essentials August 6 through 15. ... Full story
Water district's money woes overflowing
Judge dismisses Moecherville Water District's bankruptcy case. ... Full story
Council pay cuts may violate state law
Salaries can't be altered during term, even to lower them. ... Full story
Aurora's Veterans Island ready for boaters
Aurora's Veterans Island Marina is again open to the public following a $170,000 dredging project aimed at improving public access on the Fox River for boaters and fishermen. ... Full story
Agency helps homeowners cut heating, cooling bills
As the economy continues to struggle, more low-income owners and renters are weatherizing their homes for energy savings, according to Lowell Tosch, executive director of Community Contacts. ... Full story
Kane health cuts blamed on deadbeat state
The Kane County Health Department's massive staffing and programming cuts are aimed at preventing the department from becoming like the state of Illinois -- broke and discredited, local officials say. ... Full story
Work resumes -- for now -- at Naperville Central
Construction resumed Tuesday at Naperville Central High School - at least temporarily. Striking workers shut down the $87.7 million renovation project last Thursday, sparking concerns the school won't be ready for the scheduled start of classes on Aug. 25. ... Full story
New East Side day care center is coming soon
It's been 16 months since city officials announced a new day care center on the East Side. But now, with state money finally in the coffers, the project is ready to roll, Mayor Tom Weisner said Tuesday. ... Full story
University hosts teachers from across US to learn special curriculum
Although it is competitive to gain admittance to top universities, organizations are introducing programs that educators hope will give students an edge when applying. The nationwide non-profit organization Project Lead the Way promotes a middle school and high school curriculum that engages students in engineering, science and technology. ... Full story
Residents turned off by 'dark sky' proposal
A well-lit church steeple might be picturesque to some and a beacon to others, but at least one northwest suburban village president wouldn't mind pulling the plug, saying the glare makes it hard to see the stars and detracts from the beauty of the nighttime sky. ... Full story
Car burglaries put S. Elgin cops, residents on alert
A series of vehicle burglaries over the last two weeks, which may involve teens "car hopping," has prompted police to alert residents to be vigilant and protect themselves from becoming victims. ... Full story
Hard times for Ill., but not for governor's staff
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has handed out raises — some of more than 20 percent — to his staff while proclaiming a message of "shared sacrifice" and planning spending cuts of $1.4 billion because the state is awash in debt. ... Full story
Beyond the bread line
With new facility, pantry aims to supplement food assistance with education, health screenings. ... Full story
South Elgin Lions Club part of July 4 tradition
Knowing that, at the end of South Elgin's Fourth of July Parade, a beer would be waiting kept Merlyn Farrell motivated Sunday. ... Full story
Groups join forces to match people with jobs
The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce has launched program in which it, along with Elgin Community College, the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Elgin United Way help the unemployed and underemployed. ... Full story
Illinois Stops Paying Its Bills, but Can’t Stop Digging Hole
Even by the standards of this deficit-ridden state, Illinois’s comptroller, Daniel W. Hynes, faces an ugly balance sheet. Precisely how ugly becomes clear when he beckons you into his office to examine his daily briefing memo. ... Full story
The Elgin community, through a cop's eyes
Elgin southwest-side police beat shows all-American 'city in the suburbs'. ... Full story
Noonan: A Cold Man's Warm Words
Jefferson's tender lament didn't make it into the Declaration. ... Full story
Quinn budget cuts $1 billion, leaves $13 billion hole next year
Reductions hit students and mentally ill especially hard, but will do little to chop down state's debt. ... Full story
World's melting pot grows a little stronger
Ninety-eight new citizens sworn in at Cantigny. ... Full story
Valley ready to celebrate Independence Day
Communities around the area have scheduled a weekend full of activities for Independence Day. ... Full story
CityGate Grille announces July music line-up
Upscale Naperville eatery reinforces its entertainment "chops" with a diverse July schedule. ... Full story
Painful cuts loom in OK of state budget today
Advocates for the developmentally disabled, preschool-age children and the elderly braced Wednesday for a "dismantling" of the state's human services system when Gov. Quinn acts on the new state budget. ... Full story
Metra, Union Pacific plan $112 million in West Line upgrades
Every weekday morning, Peter Myung of Wheaton takes a Metra train to work. But even when he arrives at the downtown Wheaton station on time, he's at risk of missing his train. ... Full story
Nursing home site on national historic register
The former St. Charles Hospital building at 400 E. New York St. has been named to the National Register of Historic Places. ... Full story
California investment firm acquires Charlestown Mall
A California-based investment group has purchased the one-million-square foot real-estate-owned Charlestowne Mall in the Chicago suburb of St. Charles, Ill., for an undisclosed sum. ... Full story
Local unemployment takes a turn for the better
Local unemployment numbers took a turn for the better in May. ... Full story
State Set To Begin Gloomy New Budget Year
Gov. Pat Quinn To Sign Plan By Day's End. ... Full story
Police warn of a 'zero-tolerance' policy this weekend
Looking to celebrate the Fourth of July at home with your closest friends or family? If you do, be aware that any wrongdoings will not be taken lightly by area police officers. ... Full story
Geneva favors Fox Valley Marathon plans
City council committee gives preliminary OK to event road closures. ... Full story
American English, Dick Biondi in spotlight at Beatles tribute
Geneva's Mill Race Inn will be the site of a Beatles tribute on July 25, featuring the popular band American English and longtime Chicago DJ Dick Biondi. ... Full story
Startup nearly ready to start up
Reluctant entrepreneurs who have decided that starting their own business must beat a never-ending job search will find Paul Chaudury's experience interesting. ... Full story
Kane Co. Health Department slashes staff
The Kane County Health Department is cutting more than 40 percent of its staff and several health programs, including one that links low-income women to prenatal care, because the state won't pay what it owes the county, officials said Wednesday. ... Full story
