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Naperville police cuts will be reviewed at hearing

The Illinois Labor Relations Board has granted the Naperville Fraternal Order of Police a hearing on its charges that the city engaged in bad-faith bargaining during the most recent round of contract negotiations. ... Full story

Two developers look to fill affordable senior housing need in Batavia

Two developers want to build affordable senior housing complexes in Batavia to fill a need in the community. Iowa-based Equity Growth Group wants to build an 80-unit senior housing complex on South Drive on land just southeast of the new Dreyer Medical Clinic. ... Full story

David Lowery means business

David Lowery has a way with the college kids. A quarter century ago, his first band, Camper Van Beethoven, kept ’80s college radio stocked with smart stoner songs (“Take the Skinheads Bowling,” “Good Guys and Bad Guys”). He capitalized on that formula for the upper classmen with his next band, Cracker, dipping a toe into the mainstream (“Teen Angst,” “Low”). He still tours — with both bands, frequently at the same time — and this week he releases his first solo album, “The Palace Guards,” out Tuesday. ... Full story

Fisher Nuts parent expands board

John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc., the Elgin-based parent company of Fisher Nuts, has increased the size of its board of directors to nine and elected Ellen Connelly Taaffe as director. Taaffe is president of Smith-Dahmer Associates LLC, a custom market research firm for Fortune 500 clients and not-for-profit organizations. Previously, she held senior executive marketing positions at Whirlpool Corp., Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited and PepsiCo Inc. ... Full story

Highest-ever spring enrollment at ECC, 2nd all-time highest

Elgin Community College marked the 10th day of its spring semester Friday, and its enrollment numbers released Monday show the college hit its highest spring enrollment ever. It also is ECC’s second all-time highest enrollment, as college President David Sam had predicted at last week’s meeting of the Community College District 509 board. ... Full story

Forecast: 'Potentially life-threatening' blizzard

Storm seen as worst since '99. ... Full story

Wheaton Park District redefines purchase plan for former Hubble site

In an effort to find a community solution to the redevelopment of the former Hubble Middle School site, Wheaton Park District officials said Friday they would be willing to sell a portion of the land for commercial use while keeping the rest for recreational programs. “This is a responsive, realistic and responsible plan that provides an immediate common-sense solution that fits the needs of the entire community,” Park Board President Ray Morrill said in a release. ... Full story

Granquist Music Competition registration opens February 1

Registration will begin February 1, 2011 for the Granquist Music Competition, the largest music competition in the State of Illinois. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Geneva Community High School, 416 McKinley Avenue. Teachers are encouraged to enroll students as early as possible. Entries will be accepted until the contest is filled. ... Full story

Music to Mooseheart’s ears

When Steven Schmidt was performing as a professional jazz trumpeter 25 years ago, he never expected to become a band director, let alone work at an orphanage. When he asked the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation for a grant to buy new instruments for his students at Mooseheart, he never expected a $27,000 check. ... Full story

Batavia thanks Citizen of Year for trees — and so much more

Virginia Babcock lives life always in motion. “She is passionate, persistent and people focused,” said daughter Andrea Maupin. Babcock, 80, received accolades for her work as a lifelong conservation advocate and supporter of the environment, educator and mother in accepting the 2010 Batavia Citizen of the Year award from the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. ... Full story

Kane completes plan to combat obesity in kids

The Kane County Health Department has completed its Fit Kids 2020 Plan, a 51-page document outlining strategies to prevent and reverse childhood obesity in the county over the next decade. ... Full story

Pastor’s wife left mark on Elgin Symphony, arts and charities

Funeral services were held Saturday for Marcene Linstrom, who left big footprints on the Elgin area’s music, arts, religious and charitable communities. Linstrom died in a Chicago hospital Monday after a two-year battle with lung cancer. She was buried in her hometown of Rockford, though she and her husband, Lutheran pastor Rev. Robert Linstrom, had lived in Elgin in recent decades. ... Full story

Elgin students take second at state culinary competition

It was like one of those cooking reality shows on TV — like “Iron Chef.” It had preparation limits, time limits and high pressure. And it ended in incredible culinary creations and fabulous prizes. And the chefs? They’re all high school students. ... Full story

Groundhog Days in Woodstock, Illinois: Déjà vu Over and Over and Over Again

If you are among the millions of fans who love the movie, “Groundhog Day,” you’ll be glad to learn that there’s a whole town 50 miles from Chicago that celebrates it every year. ... Full story

West Dundee looking at cost-saving options

The village board this week discussed ways to save money for both the village and home builders. The first item up for debate was the possible integration of police departments for the villages of East and West Dundee and Sleepy Hollow. The villages last week got the results of a study on the proposed merger. ... Full story

Fees may be rebated to restaurants

Reigning OIympic figure skating champion Evan Lysacek of Naperville has earned a Downtown Elgin restaurants may be getting a rebate on their inspection fees. City councilmen gave preliminary approval to rebates in order to lessen the impact of recent increases and downtown construction. ... Full story

Viral meningitis case reported at Naperville North

Viral meningitis case reported at Naperville North ... Full story

Kane committee adopts Prevent-Litter campaign

There are an estimated 71 million pet owners in the United States. But despite all those homes, more than 4 million cats, dogs and rabbits are euthanized each year by humane societies and animal shelters. ... Full story

Camping ban, free speech zones back on Naperville’s agenda

Post a story News More News › Camping ban, free speech zones back on Naperville’s agenda By Mick Swasko TribLocal reporter Today at 7:00 a.m. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPrintEmail Scott Huber sits in the Naperville Police Station lobby with his belongings in 2009. (Lane Christiansen/ Chicago Tribune) Scott Huber may find himself unwelcome on even more territory in Naperville, depending on the direction the city council decides to take next Tuesday. ... Full story

Video gaming, tax hike ruling raises questions about Route 59 project

A major road project in Naperville faces uncertainty following an appellate court’s ruling that struck down laws permitting video gaming and taxes on liquor and candy in Illinois, Naperville officials said Wednesday. ... Full story

Batavia adopts TIF guidelines

The Batavia City Council recently approved a new tax increment financing assistance application to assist developers and property owners with the TIF request process. The application and accompanying guidelines can be found on the city’s website at www.cityof batavia.net/business. ... Full story

February 4: Wendy Liebman

Zanies, St. Charles - You know her from HBO, Letterman, Leno, Comedy Central and more... ... Full story

January 28: Kevin Nealon

Zanies, St. Charles - With his unique sense of humor, profound dry wit and likable demeanor, Kevin Nealon has established himself as one of the premiere television, theatrical and stand-up comedians of his generation. ... Full story

February 4: 'We the People' presented by TheatreworksUSA

Norris Cultural Arts Center - Theatreworks USA is proud to present 'We the People', an all-new musical revue that brings American Civics lessons to life and promises to make Social Studies exciting and accessible. ... Full story

February 5: Northern Illinois University Steelband

Norris Cultural Arts Center - The NIU Steelband is directed by Liam Teague and Clifford Alexis. Started in 1973, it was the first actively-performing steelband formed in an American university and has performed throughout the United States and around the world. ... Full story

February 4-6: ESO Night on Bald Mountain

Travel to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Mussorgsky’s Bald Mountain in a program of masterpieces inspired by Russian myth and legend, including Borodin’s Symphony No. 2, conjuring images of knights and heroism. ... Full story

ECC celebrates grand opening of Multipurpose Classroom Building

More than 250 people celebrated Wednesday at the grand opening of Elgin Community College’s new Multipurpose Classroom Building. ... Full story

ECC faculty vote to authorize strike

The faculty at Elgin Community College moved closer this week to going on strike after expressing frustration that the negotiating teams have not met since mid-December. The faculty have voted to authorize a strike, though no decision to actually strike has been made, a union spokesman said. ... Full story

January 28-30: Honk, Jr. - Arcada Theatre

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, Honk! Jr. tells the tale of a baby duck named Ugly whose odd, gawky looks are mocked by his family and neighbors. Honk! Jr. will treat your family to equal amounts of laughter and tears. ... Full story

January 29: American Grands XVI

This Fox Valley original features over four hundred talented area performers on twelve beautiful Yamaha pianos generously provided by Cordogan's Pianoland. Under the direction of Colin Holman, conductor, and Larry Dieffenbach, musical director, this piano performance showcase always astounds. Buy your tickets early for the best seats! ... Full story

January 29: ESO Family Fun Series - Bring on the Brass

ESO Brass Quintet Kings and castles, marching bands, New Orleans jazz/brass instruments have been inspiring listeners and marking important occasions since ancient times. Let the commanding sound of the ESO Brass Quintet take you on a fun-filled journey through centuries of brilliant brass music. ... Full story

January 20 – March 13: Leaving Iowa - The Comedy About Family Vacations

Are we there yet? Don’t make me turn this car around! I have to go to the bathroom! ... Full story

ENROLL NOW FOR WINTER 2011 CLASSES

PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY CLASSES AND CAMPS - Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy ... Full story

Friday, February 11: Doktor Kaboom!

Doktor Kaboom! is an interactive one-man science variety show suitable for all audiences. Doktor Kaboom! creatively blends theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration. ... Full story

12 weeks only beginning February 10, 2011

The Vagina Monologues - Showing at the Copley Theatre ... Full story

High-tech summit in Tower Building

After reading last month about financial issues facing the Elgin Tower Building downtown, one of its tenants decided it finally was time to act on an idea he’s had since the mid-1990s, when he was working in the high-tech world of Cambridge, Mass. ... Full story

All signs are positive at Bistro One West

You don’t often run into deviled eggs on a restaurant menu. But you’ll find them at the new Bistro One West in St. Charles, smartly dressed up with Maine lobster and fresh chives. That and other inspired dishes augur well for the month-old establishment overlooking the Fox River. ... Full story

Company developing fuel for future

In only a few short years, it could be fueling cars and trucks while producing 90 percent less greenhouse gas, providing energy security for the nation, and creating high-tech jobs in the Naperville area. It’s a process that turns cellulose, the leftovers of agriculture and forestry, into ethanol. And because of a $250 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week, it will be a Warrenville-based company that brings the new technology to the mass market. ... Full story

Aurora Housing Authority OKs HUD monitoring

The Aurora Housing Authority will enter into a monthly monitoring plan with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in order to raise its inspection scores. ... Full story

Sweet signs of success at Aurora Christian

While the brutal recession’s been a bitter pill for lots of folks, Aurora Christian School discovered a sweet way to start climbing out of a deep financial hole. Candy bars. Nestle’s 100 Grand, to be exact. ... Full story

Houseplants -- good for home and health

Bright blooms, the smell of fresh cut grass, and a warm breeze may be missing this time of year, but there are ways you can brighten up the indoors and bring some summer gardening back into your life. ... Full story

ECC tuition to rise after 4-year freeze

For the first time in four years, it will cost more to attend Elgin Community College. As promised, the college’s board of trustees voted this week to raise tuition for students who live within the college district’s borders, from the current rate of $91 per credit hour to $99 per credit hour. ... Full story

Swiss high-tech company coming to Elgin

Unlike companies threatening to move out of state after the recent tax increase, Bystronic Inc., a major machine toolmaker, will relocate its North American headquarters from New York to Elgin come summer. ... Full story

Geneva community garden plans growing, but slowly

Progress is being made on bringing community garden plots to Geneva, but don’t expect to plant green beans in one this year. The city, park district and the Kane County Forest Preserve District are working on a plan to set them up at Prairie Green Preserve off Peck Road. ... Full story

Local business owner finds Affordable Care Act not so affordable

Marcia Boyce once offered the type of health care coverage every employee loves to see. She picked up 100 percent of the costs for 21 out of 26 employees in the plan at her two Boyce Body Werks collision repair shops in Batavia and Naperville. ... Full story

Wheaton Drama comedy celebrates 1930s

Once upon a time, the clickity-clack of a train moving down the tracks didn’t remind people of their commute into the city to work. In bygone days, the sound of a train whistle meant travel, adventure, excitement. ... Full story

Cancer center in Delnor's future? Merger deal could make it happen

A new cancer treatment center and diagnostic imaging facility could be a part of the future of Delnor Hospital, should the local health system merge with Central DuPage Hospital later this year. ... Full story

Hospital claims state’s first McDonald Family Room

When Michael Gillespie was born two years ago with most of his organs outside his body and spent his first 299 days in the hospital, his parents Keri and Greg slept in chairs and cleaned up in hospital washrooms. ... Full story

Mystery Diner: Fiora's

I enjoyed a meal last weekend that has lingered on my mind incessantly in the days since. This meal was at Fiora’s in Geneva on a busy Saturday night. After driving past Fiora’s so many times, and imagining the cozy interior which the building’s exterior seemed to suggest, I was eager to get inside and take it in. ... Full story

Byrne: The worst is yet to come in Illinois

Tax increases will only make matters worse. ... Full story

Oddo remembered for giving to community

Stage 4 melanoma didn’t stop Batavia resident Lynne Oddo from helping with a recent toy drive to make sure that needy children in the community had a merry Christmas. ... Full story

Boy’s love of cultures makes him geography bee champ

Eighth-grader Dan Pechi can tell you that there’s a Vanderbilt mansion on Rhode Island and a national monument near Pueblo, Colo. Dan knows this because those were two of the few questions he’s ever missed during the three years he’s participated in the National Geographic Society’s National Geography Bee. ... Full story

New parking lot requires Geneva zoning change

Downtown Geneva shoppers will have some more parking after the city constructs another lot at 215 Campbell Street between Second and Third streets. Acting as the Committee of the Whole, aldermen Monday authorized the Plan Commission to hold a public hearing on a city-initiated request for a zoning change and special use for the parking lot. ... Full story

Batavia assistant city administrator leaving post

Batavia Assistant City Administrator Randy Recklaus will leave the city next month to become the new village manager of Clarendon Hills in DuPage County. Recklaus, who has been in the post since 2000, submitted a letter of resignation to the city Monday. ... Full story

Cantigny offers workshops for golfers

The Cantigny Golf Academy in Wheaton is beginning a workshop series designed to help golfers play better and get more enjoyment from the game. ... Full story

Geneva parks borrow $1.4M to make improvements

The Geneva Park District has borrowed $1.4 million for projects at its parks, at about half the interest rate the last time it did so. ... Full story

St. Charles schools to offer tuition-based preschool option

ST. CHARLES – All preschool-age children living in the St. Charles School District will have the opportunity next school year to attend a half-day early childhood program. ... Full story

JCPenney to close Spring Hill Mall store

J.C. Penney Co. announced today that it is closing its Spring Hill Mall store along with four other stores across the country because they “no longer meet the company’s profitability threshold.” ... Full story

Iconic Geneva eatery Mill Race Inn to close

The iconic Mill Race Inn, an historic Geneva landmark on the Fox River, will serve its last meal on Sunday night, owner Charles Roumeliotis said. ... Full story

Simple ways parents can help relieve kids' cold and flu discomforts

Any parent who's sat up through the night with a sick child knows relieving their symptoms is only part of your mission. Easing the discomforts of cold and flu for your little one is a No. 1 priority. ... Full story

Income tax hike passes with no GOP support

A triumphant Gov. Pat Quinn congratulated fellow Democrats early today after the Illinois Senate and House sent him a major income tax increase without a single Republican vote in favor. ... Full story

Geneva during the Civil War marks 150th anniversary of conflict

In the days leading up to the Civil War, the Wide-Awakes marched in a torch parade in Geneva, in support of the Union. ... Full story

Geneva mayor Burns seeks bench trial on traffic ticket

Mayor Kevin Burns is contesting a ticket he received in connection with a three-vehicle crash and has requested a bench trial, court records show. ... Full story

Geneva eatery changes its name to Table 38

After more than three months of trying to get customers to say Eñye, owners Bob and Jeanette Di Pasquantonio gave up and changed the restaurant’s name to Table 38. ... Full story

Persimmon Tree re-emerges as Jst4U, rents retail space

After 34 years in business as the Persimmon Tree in Geneva’s Third Street shopping district, Jane and Bill Briner decided it was time, not to retire but to cut back. ... Full story

Charlestowne Mall owners banking on ice skating rink

Charlestowne Mall officials remain optimistic about the mall’s future in the face of Sears’ announcement this week that it will close its nearly 100,000-square-foot store on March 20. ... Full story

Democratic leaders push for income-tax compromise

Madigan visits state Senate floor to press for tax hike. ... Full story

Batavia reviving community volunteerism initiative

Mayor Jeff Schielke this week extended a special invitation to residents interested in the revival of the Batavia ACCESS Committee. ... Full story

Foreclosures in Tri-Cities area decline sharply in November

Home foreclosure activity dropped markedly in November in the region, offering some observers hope that the situation that has plagued the real estate market for years might be ebbing. ... Full story

Hultgren ready to take office in 14th District

Randy Hultgren doesn’t expect to change the world, or even Washington, D.C. ... Full story

A look ahead to the Fox Valley in 2011

Last year, the headlines were dominated by the still-slumping economy and statewide elections. The economy will continue to loom large, with school districts and municipalities set to negotiate contracts covering thousands of employees, including teachers, police officers and public works employees. Here's a look at the stories likely to hog the front pages in 2011. ... Full story

New parks chief views St. Charles as a "wonderland"

As a boy, Ray Ochromowicz could look out the window and watch the wonders of Riverview Park on Chicago’s North Side. His family spent every Sunday at the historic amusement park. But by day, they tended to the family’s flower shop and greenhouse business. ... Full story

Sears closing Charlestowne Mall location in St. Charles

The Sears store at the Charlestowne Mall will close in the spring, city officials said Tuesday. ... Full story

Aurora Festival of Lights brings in $23,000 for kids

The Festival of Lights holiday display through Phillips Park raised more than $23,000 in visitor donations for local youth organizations, the city and Rotary Club of Aurora announced Tuesday. ... Full story

Elgin offering eight kinds of grants for home fix-ups

The city Tuesday made known details of eight grant programs available for residents. ... Full story

Kane finance panel may get expert help from group

With his position as finance committee chairman for the Kane County Board, Jim Mitchell said he can’t let a valuable resource go by unused. ... Full story

Chef’s Corner: Jayni Wunderlich

Our regular profile of one of the outstanding chefs in the Fox Valley - including recipe! ... Full story

How to keep those healthy eating resolutions - in January and beyond

For many of us, the season of gluttony begins with candy-laden Halloween, continues through bountiful Thanksgiving and festive Christmas, and wraps up with party-time New Year's Eve. January hopefully represents a clean slate and, for many people, a cleaner plate. ... Full story

Dave Barry’s 2010 Year in Review

Let's face it -- 2010 was a disaster. A month-by-month reminder of just how awful it was. ... Full story