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The secret to red-carpet-ready skin: Caring for it from the inside and outside
Healthy skin is a Hollywood staple and getting a gorgeous look does not need to take a team of professionals. Instead, the key to looking like a star starts with a healthy lifestyle. ... Full story
E. Dundee snags new business
A business that specializes in snow and ice removal is moving its administrative offices to East Dundee. ... Full story
Red Gate bridge divides STC council candidates
The city has for decades talked about building a bridge across the Fox River at Red Gate Road. This spring, many voters in the city will have a chance to tell city leaders whether to make that talk a reality, as candidates for some of the open seats on the St. Charles City Council hold sharply differing views on the future of the bridge. ... Full story
In Vino Veritas - Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
In Galena, we are gearing up for the spring vineyard specials and getting ready for one of the largest wine tasting and food events in Illinois, Galena Wine Lovers’ Weekend---March 25-27. (free registration required) ... Full story
In Vino Veritas - Geno's Fine Wine & Spirits
In Wine... Truth Lost Abbey-Gift of the Magi, Style; Biere de Garde 10%ABV, 42IBU OG.1.094 ... Full story
Program challenges troubled teens to learn skills
Kane County Board members got a break this week from the usual budget battles and debate over local issues, hearing instead a story of hope at one county institution. ... Full story
Wood art on display in St. Charles
This past Thanksgiving, four suburban wood artists got together and had what they thought would be an innovative idea: To organize a show that would feature all wood-related arts. ... Full story
Wheaton expo displays everything engineering
Airplanes. Bridges. Tractors. Bicycle machines. Even computers, lasers and robots. ... Full story
Geneva School District updates community on goals, plans
Geneva School District 304 is among 102 school systems nationwide that received a federal grant helping schools improve and strengthen their emergency management plans. ... Full story
Former campground a forest preserve attraction in St. Charles Township
The downstairs program room in the lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve was full of preschoolers in Kane County’s Little Acorns nature program on rodents. They squealed with delight when naturalist Ben Katzen pulled a small white mouse from a plastic case filled with shredded bedding. ... Full story
Entrepreneur workshop to be offered at ECC
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Elgin Community College and the Geneva-based Center for Business Education, Innovation and Development will host a free entrepreneurial workshop from 8 to 11 a.m. ... Full story
Icy dip to raise cash for Special Olympics
Three Geneva police officers and the children and friends of other department employees plan to take a flying leap into the freezing waters of Loon Lake next month. ... Full story
Batavia School District looking to change graduation requirements
Batavia High School is proposing to reduce the number of credits needed for graduation from 28 to 26 to allow flexibility in offering some noncredit options for students. ... Full story
Valley Community Bank sold by feds to First State Bank
Valley Community Bank has become the latest local bank to come under new ownership. ... Full story
February snowfall record expected to fall tonight
A National Weather Service winter weather advisory is in effect through tonight with warnings that 3 to 5 inches of snow could fall across the Chicago area by tomorrow morning. ... Full story
Comedy Shrine plans move to Aurora
Comedy is coming to the City of Lights. ... Full story
Fusing art, education in St. Charles
Visual and performing arts will be showcased Friday in St. Charles, when the Greater St. Charles Education Foundation hosts its second annual fundraising event, ArtFusion. The event is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road. ... Full story
Population surge translates into balanced budget for Montgomery
The boom in people calling the village home over the past 10 years will help with Montgomery’s budget. ... Full story
Confusion continues in AHA rebuild debate
A senior U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development official now says redevelopment of public housing at the Jericho Circle site in Aurora is not mandated by the agency. ... Full story
Hultgren talks Fermilab, health care
Randy Hultgren says he’s a fan of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory, but the U.S. congressman says at least some cuts probably can’t be avoided. ... Full story
Batavia proposes rules for backyard chickens
A proposed ordinance being eyed by city officials would allow residents to raise chickens. But they would have to be kept in their backyards. ... Full story
City, schools ready for Elgin’s growth
Elgin’s population boom over the past decade means more tax revenue, more diversity, and a larger city council, plus there’s room within city boundaries to grow still more. ... Full story
Partnership saves Aurora's Fourth of July parade
Aurora’s Fourth of July Parade will step off again this summer thanks to a new partnership forged between the City and Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84. ... Full story
Proposed land sale would allow outdoor dining at local restaurant
Geneva aldermen have authorized a public hearing on a proposal that would allow the city to sell land on Third Street for use as an outdoor dining area. ... Full story
Geneva to get new train warning system
Geneva is one of the eight cities on the Union Pacific West line that will be part of a $132 million train warning project, according to Metra and Union Pacific officials. ... Full story
Hultgren explains budget vote to Batavia Chamber
U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren was the featured speaker at the Batavia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues breakfast meeting held at the Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva on Tuesday. Hultgren is a member of the largest freshmen class in Washington since the 1940s. ... Full story
West’s Rydland rips HUD over Jericho Circle
West Aurora School Superintendent James Rydland feels like the lines of communication have been broken and the school administration has not been adequately consulted regarding the scheduled demolition of the Jericho Circle public housing complex. ... Full story
Batavia School District’s tax rate to go up
In the face of a projected $5 million operating deficit next year, Batavia School Board members on Tuesday voted to increase the school district’s tax rate. ... Full story
Batavia approves new sculpture for Wilson Street bridge
The city is inviting artists to design a second sculpture for the Wilson Street bridge. ... Full story
Big ShoDeen plan wins OK in Elburn
A Geneva developer has been given the green light to proceed with planning a project that, when completed, could add thousands of new houses, townhomes, condominiums and apartments to the village. ... Full story
Thunder on Fox promoter: Race will deliver crowds
There will be boat races on the Fox River this summer, organizers said, adding that could come with 30,000 spectators and racers, too. ... Full story
U46 elementary schools boosting dual-language programs
In one second-grade classroom at Harriet Gifford Elementary School here, a group of girls spelled words for Principal Joe Corcoran — words like “thunder.” ... Full story
Resources and tips for the millions of Alzheimer's caregivers, a group at risk of emotional, health, work and relationship issues
Alzheimer's takes a toll on more than just the 5 million Americans living with the disease. The millions of unpaid caregivers for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) carry a high risk of poor health. ... Full story
Batavia gives public voice in future of downtown
Doris Sherer remembers Batavia’s downtown of the 1950s. “We had a Kroger’s where I would meet my mother Fridays after school to help carry home bags of groceries,” Sherer said. ... Full story
Panera Bread celebrates partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation
Meet Claudia, an 8-year-girl from Geneva who has a rare anemia. She loves to dance, likes to play with her pets and wants to go to Auckland Zoo in New Zealand. ... Full story
Kindergarten enrollment sought for Geneva kids
Geneva District 304 is seeking all incoming kindergarten students for the 2011-12 school year to attend a district-wide enrollment from 4 to 7 p.m. March 1, at each elementary school. ... Full story
Batavia approves new sculpture for Wilson Street bridge
The city is inviting artists to design a second sculpture for the Wilson Street bridge. ... Full story
Chef's Corner: Jessica Rachel Conover - Executive Chef, McNally's Irish Pub
I began cooking at the age of 16 in a small deli in my hometown, Sandwich, IL, Art’s Deli. The irony of my hometown’s name and a deli acting as the catalyst for my career has always been a joke in my family. Nonetheless, I developed a passion for food and hand crafting recipes while working throughout High school with Candy Gacek the chef at Art’s. (Free registration required.) ... Full story
Aurorans get an extra month to take down decorations
After the third largest snowstorm in history hit the Chicago region earlier this month, the city of Aurora is extending the deadline by 30 days for residents to comply with the holiday decoration ordinance. ... Full story
Portion of Farnsworth Avenue closed until April
Farnsworth Avenue from Montgomery Road to Route 34 will be closed for repairs beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday — possibly for the next two months. ... Full story
Habitat for Humanity to open ReStore in Aurora
It’s a Habitat for Humanity ReStore opening Wednesday, March 9, at 4100 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora. ... Full story
Aurora honored for green efforts
The city of Aurora has been named the state’s first Green Power Community by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and is 34th city in the nation to earn the title. ... Full story
Naperville to gain jobs, electronics store
Indianapolis-based H.H. Gregg Appliances Inc. is moving into the former Circuit City store at 460 S. Route 59 in Naperville. ... Full story
Cash course: Elementary students get early lesson in handling money
Some of the youngest tellers in the banking business practiced their craft at Goodwin Elementary School on a recent Friday morning. ... Full story
Been there before
Part 2 of a series about the proposal to merge the police departments of Dundee Township, and ways other villages and police departments have found to work together. ... Full story
Kaneland names new chief for career center
The Kaneland School Board has hired Kaneland Harter Middle School Principal Rick Burchell to assume the duties as director of the Fox Valley Career Center beginning July 1. ... Full story
Collage artists’ work featured at ECC gallery
An exhibition featuring the work of collage artists Doug Stapleton and Alexis Mackenzie in on display through Saturday, March 5, in Elgin Community College’s Safety-Kleen Gallery One. The gallery is inside the ECC Arts Center at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. ... Full story
Dundee rec center design picked
The Dundee Township Park District Board this week made major final decisions on the architectural design for the district’s new west-side recreation center. ... Full story
Dundee Township approves culling 20 deer for Salamander Springs
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ plan to cull 75 deer in Kane County to test for chronic wasting disease came one step closer to reality after the Dundee Township Board voted unanimously to allow 20 deer on township property to be killed for the testing. ... Full story
Bar-B-Que owner dies at 85; recipe still secret
If there were a hall of fame for Elgin-bred foods, the Morris Bar-B-Que surely would be in it, alongside the Burns Malt and the Lazarra’s Italian Beef Sandwich. The man who dished up Morris Bar-B-Que to four decades of Elginites has died at age 85. ... Full story
Elgin Fire Department gets $327,000 grant
The Elgin Fire Department added almost a third of million dollars in federal grant money to its budget that it will use to hire firefighters. ... Full story
An international education for Geneva grade school kids
Fifth graders in Donna Roman’s class at Geneva’s Mill Creek Elementary School this year have had a unique opportunity to see what a day in the life is like for students in schools around the world. ... Full story
Books vs Badges to clash for charity
The Batavia police and fire departments hope to come out on top again when they take on Batavia teachers in a basketball game on Sunday to raise money for the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show. ... Full story
Dundees still thinking about merging cop shops
First in a two-part series on proposals to merger some area local government services. Chances are growing slimmer that West Dundee, East Dundee and Sleepy Hollow will be able to combine their police forces to save tax money, as recommended by a recent study. ... Full story
Elgin councilman, wife struck by squad car
Elgin city councilman and mayoral candidate Dave Kaptain and his wife Sandy were hit by a police car Thursday night about 6 p.m. in downtown Elgin, but did not require medical attention. ... Full story
‘Guys and Dolls' opens today at ECC
Elgin Community College Musical Theatre is getting back to the classics with its production of “Guys and Dolls,” which opens today, Feb. 18, and runs through Sunday, Feb 27. ... Full story
Bartlett High principal becomes Riverside-Brookfield’s superintendent
The Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208 website is reporting that Kevin Skinkis, the principal at Bartlett High School, has accepted a job as the district’s new superintendent. ... Full story
Renovation moving ahead in Batavia
City officials hope the renovation of a building on Shumway Avenue that dates to the late 1800s will help spur future revitalization in downtown Batavia. ... Full story
Aurora plans uses for new downtown parking
A parking lot project that will generate 154 spaces in downtown Aurora also is triggering some concerns about how the spots will be divided among users. ... Full story
Naperville squatter can stay, city council rules
Naperville's infamous squatter, Scott Huber, can remain at the corner of Burlington and Ogden outside Show-Me's restaurant or at any other public right of way outside Naperville's downtown. ... Full story
Census: Aurora leads state in growth; Kendall top county
Doesn’t it feel a bit more crowded around here? Doesn’t it seem like over the last decade there’s been more traffic, longer lines and less open space? ... Full story
Kane population jumps 27.5 percent in last 10 years
The last 10 years have been very busy in Kane County. Information released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that from 2000 to 2010 the population in the county increased by 27.5 percent. ... Full story
Census: Elgin grew about 14.5% since 2000
Elgin was the eighth-biggest city in Illinois in 2000, and it was still No. 8 as of last April 1, according to the 2010 official census. ... Full story
Electric rate hike on tap in Geneva
Aldermen acting as the committee of the whole recommended a 4.5 percent electric rate increase to begin May 1. ... Full story
Batavia Park Board OKs bond sale for improvements
Batavia Park Board commissioners on Tuesday voted to sell almost $432,000 in general obligation park bonds that will allow the district to tackle several capital projects in the next year, including repairs to Quarry Beach. ... Full story
Water, sewer rate hike goes to Geneva council
Water and sewer rates in Geneva could rise if the city council approves an increase Feb. 28 – despite a 7-to-3 thumbs down recommendation from the committee of the whole. ... Full story
St. Charles considers $2.5M in money-saving ideas
When the City of St. Charles asked the public for money-saving ideas, the public responded. Residents, business owners and city employees submitted more than 130 ideas for the Sustainability Initiative. The suggestions city staff is recommending for approval could save St. Charles $2.5 million, according to city documents. ... Full story
St. Charles Borders store among 200 nationwide to close
One of the Tri-Cities' two Borders stores will close, should the nation's second largest book store chain proceed with its plans to reorganize. ... Full story
ArtFusion set at Norris Cultural Arts Center
ArtFusion, the Greater St. Charles Education Foundation’s second annual fundraising event, is set from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 25, at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles. ... Full story
New audition date for W. Chicago's Gallery Theater
Due to inclement weather, an additional audition date has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Gallery 200/STUDIO, 203 Turner Court, West Chicago. ... Full story
Dist. 301 pre-empts late state payment
In the event the state falls behind on yet another payment, Central Unit District 301 prepared Monday night to borrow $3.5 million in short-term loans for the special education and transportation funds. ... Full story
Odor in Elgin building sickens 12
Three emergency personnel and nine others were hospitalized after responding to a report of an unknown odor filling an Elgin six-flat apartment building Monday night. ... Full story
Public Invited to Candidate Forums
The public is invited to meet candidates vying for public office in the April 5 election at upcoming candidate forums sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County. At each of the forums, the public will be invited to submit questions to the candidates. ... Full story
Parks, Stearns Road project will get environmental awards
Kane County will be recognized with four environmental awards at the 2011 Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual meeting on Tuesday. ... Full story
AHA details proposed Jericho land lease
A January letter indicates that the Aurora Housing Authority is moving ahead with plans develop public housing at the Jericho Circle site, despite the disapproval of Mayor Tom Weisner and 4th Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence. ... Full story
Residents advised on water after St. Charles main break
Residents who are still experiencing rusty water after a water main break Saturday are being advised to run their tap water for a few minutes. ... Full story
Aldermen recommend no increase on water, sewer rates
Aldermen acting as the committee of the whole voted not to recommend raising water and sewer rates Monday. ... Full story
Residents, board want more info on STC school plan
From speaking during public comment to holding handmade yield signs that said, “D303 think it through,” residents made their feelings known Monday night about the St. Charles School District’s proposal to reconfigure two elementary schools. ... Full story
No traffic court for Naperville
The twice-a-decade discussion on whether Naperville should build or operate its own traffic court has reared its head but the answer is the same. ... Full story
St. Charles professor directs original play at AU
“Obligatio,” a two-act play by Aurora University student Travis Winkler of Montgomery, will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18-19 and Feb. 23-26 in AU’s Perry Theatre in the Aurora Foundation Center at 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora. The public is invited and admission is free. ... Full story
Registration under way for Granquist Music Competition
Registration is under way for the Granquist Music Competition, which a recent news release described as the largest music competition in the state of Illinois. ... Full story
Aquascape remains closed after portion of roof collapses
Aquascape remained closed Monday after a large section of its roof collapsed Sunday afternoon. ... Full story
More entering ECC college-ready
Stephanie DelaTorriente of South Elgin felt that her teachers at St. Charles North High School had gotten her pretty ready for college. ... Full story
World War II vets honored at Batavia VFW
Earl Pederson has visited Washington, D.C., before. But Pederson, a veteran of World War II, of Batavia, had not yet laid eyes on anything other than photos of the memorial that had been built on the National Mall to honor those of his generation who fought to defeat Nazi Germany and imperial Japan during the greatest conflict the world has known. ... Full story
Large portion of Aquascape roof collapsed, no one hurt
An investigation is underway to determine why a large section of a so-called "green roof" at a prominent local business collapsed Sunday afternoon. ... Full story
Horses abandoned near Elgin still require help
Five horses rescued from an abandoned farm west of Elgin are recovering, but the rescue group that took the animals in is seeking help to ensure their continued care. ... Full story
Aurora dog is nation's most obedient
Aurora resident Brenda Rivera has been training dogs and competing in obedience trials for 20 years, and she's finally hit the jackpot. ... Full story
DuPage blizzard costs could exceed $4 million
DuPage County officials are estimating clean up costs related to last week’s blizzard will exceed $4 million. ... Full story
Everything’s for sale at Naperville hotel liquidation
Christina Szombathy saw the sale sign and did a quick U-turn into the parking lot of the former Holiday Inn Select in Naperville. ... Full story
One Elgin gas leak victim still hospitalized
One woman was listed in stable condition Saturday at Sherman Hospital in Elgin after 38 people sickened by carbon monoxide at an Elgin commercial building on Friday afternoon were taken to area hospitals. Read more: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110212/news/702129936/#ixzz1Dn5muASz ... Full story
ComEd rate hike plan likely controversial
The details of ComEd’s plan to pay for major upgrades to the power grid through annual increases in electric rates could be negotiated and altered in the coming months before lawmakers take any votes on it. ... Full story
MainStreet leader brings passion to new position
Batavia’s newly appointed MainStreet executive director is looking ready to get to work. ... Full story
Daddy-daughter dance set in Batavia
Dads and daughters ages 3-11 are invited to dance the night away from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, at Rotolo Middle School, 1501 S. Raddant Road. ... Full story
New St. Charles park director settles into job
Although the name Ray Ochromowicz might be new to St. Charles residents, the new parks and recreation director is hardly a stranger to the community. ... Full story
Geneva train station to get more alarms
In March, the Geneva Metra station is getting a new alarm system that will, when a train is parked at the station, warn people that a second train is passing through. ... Full story
Update: Workers ill due to carbon monoxide
Ambulances rushed 38 people to area hospitals this afternoon after carbon monoxide was found in high levels in a commercial building in an unincorporated area just south of Elgin. ... Full story
Taking teen health to heart
Sam Reed is a student athlete at West Aurora High School. And when he found out that all students would have a chance to receive a free EKG test at school, he thought it would be a good idea. ... Full story
Seasonal flu is making its presence felt
As you may have gleaned from that nagging cough and full-body ache, flu season is in full swing. The H1N1 strain that took thousands of lives worldwide in 2009 and 2010 is less menacing now, and today it goes by the name influenza A, which also describes its cousin, technically known as H3N2. Neither is the same as influenza B, which is also showing up in hospitals and doctors’ offices. ... Full story
Cities confront larger slice of pension pie
Peggy Colby can’t point to a specific example of her city buying less salt for icy roads or cutting back on other city services to pay an ever-growing worker pension bill. ... Full story
Begins February 12 for 12 Week Run: Flanagan's Wake
Flanagan's Wake is the hilarious interactive Irish wake that has been running in Chicago for 13 smash years! Flanagan's Wake is one of the longest-running shows in Chicago theater history. When will it end? According to Brian Ballybunion, Flanagan's best friend and drinkin' mate, "We'll keep waking him until we get it right." ... Full story
February 12: Riverdance, The Paramount Theatre
Riverdance, the internationally acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has touched the hearts of millions around the world, triumphantly returns to Aurora! "An explosion of sight and sound that simply takes your breath away," cheers the Chicago Tribune. ... Full story
February 13: The Golden Dragon Acrobats for 2 Shows!
The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats dazzle audiences from all ages all across the globe. ... Full story
February 12: "Elgin OPERA Goes Hollywood!"
An opera gala concert of music heard in the movies Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm Sung in original languages with English Supertitles ... Full story
February 19: ESO Great movies, Grand Piano feat. Rich Ridenour
Rich Ridenour is back! Together with Michael Berkowitz he’s bringing his Hollywood favorites to you, from great film scores of Nelson Riddle and John Williams, to grand piano movie moments such as the Theme from Exodus and the Warsaw Concerto from Dangerous Moonlight. ... Full story
Looking for love online? Simple steps to protect your identity
Long gone are the days when no one wanted to admit to frequenting online dating sites. Today, millions of Americans interact, meet, date - and even marry - thanks to dating sites. Unfortunately, not everyone you might meet online is looking for romance. ... Full story
Mubarak Resigns, Delegates Affairs to Army
President Hosni Mubarak succumbed to the demands of hundreds of thousands of his countrymen Friday and resigned from office, bringing to an end three decades of autocratic rule. ... Full story
Edward Hospital’s Animal-Assisted Therapy recruiting new dogs
Edward Hospital is seeking more dogs for its Animal-Assisted Therapy program. To be considered, please visit www.edward.org/animalassisted therapy and complete the online application. ... Full story
Geneva mayor fined for causing crash
Geneva’s mayor will have to mind his motoring after being fined and placed on six months of supervision following his conviction for a driving infraction Tuesday. ... Full story
NWSBA Mock Trial Winners can Receive Law School Tuition Waivers
Students from the nearly 30 high schools — including St. Charles East and St. Charles North — participating in the Northwest Suburban Bar Association’s upcoming Mock Trial Invitational have a lot more than bragging rights and personal satisfaction on the line. ... Full story
ArtFusion Fundraising Concert
The Greater St. Charles Education Foundation hosts its 2nd annual fundraising event, ArtFusion, Friday, February 25th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at The Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Rd., St. Charles. ... Full story
St. Charles to try new elementary education approach
District 303 officials are proposing an innovative plan that would reassign the grades within two St. Charles elementary schools, utilize new technology and solve concerns over classroom space at both buildings. ... Full story
District 203 proposes 10 percent fee increases
Naperville Unit District 203 families are likely to see their first fee increase since the 2001-2002 school year. ... Full story
Elgin won’t raise tax rate
The City of Elgin has remained committed to a property tax rate of $1.92 per $100 of assessed value for almost 20 years. City councilmen agreed Wednesday night it would stay that way this year, too — even though it will mean about $2.1 million less for the city’s budget. ... Full story
American Legion aims to save Aurora’s July 4th parade
In 2010, the city dropped its Holiday Magic Christmas celebration and the Phillips Park Fall Festival. In 2011, the Fourth of July parade is a potential casualty of the city’s budget woes. ... Full story
St. Charles to host ‘Restaurant Week’ with special discounts
St. Charles will celebrate its inaugural “Restaurant Week” Feb. 23-27. Households in St. Charles will be mailed postcard coupons, redeemable for 25 percent off the total bill (excluding alcohol, tax, and gratuity) at participating restaurants. The postcards will list the participating establishments and must be presented to receive the discount. ... Full story
Model of WWII memorial to be shown in Batavia
The architectural model of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., will make its first trip to the Fox Valley this weekend. ... Full story
Geneva mayor Burns gets fine, supervision after December crash
Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns was found guilty this week of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, fined $175 and placed on six months supervision. ... Full story
Batavia mayor hopes to get back to work soon after minor surgery
Mayor Jeff Schielke hopes to be back in his office at the Batavia Government Center by the end of the week after receiving outpatient surgery Monday for a hernia in his navel. ... Full story
Crowd questions St. Charles School District superintendent about proposed changes
Superintendent Donald Schlomann fielded questions from a passionate, near standing-room only crowd Wednesday night as he introduced St. Charles School District 303’s proposal to realign Davis and Richmond elementary schools this fall. ... Full story
Elgin OPERA marks 10th anniversary with gala concert
Celebrate in grand Hollywood style Elgin OPERA’s 10th anniversary at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. ... Full story
Concerns about school realignment plan voiced
Some parents in St. Charles School District 303 were unhappy Tuesday that the media learned about the district’s plans for changes at Davis Elementary School before they did. ... Full story
Bank sues Plotes over Elgin loan
PNC Bank has sued the developers of River Park Place, the townhome complex not far from the Grand Victoria Casino in downtown Elgin, for more than $3 million, according to published reports. ... Full story
Elgin’s Grand Victoria, 3 other casinos lose racetrack tax challenge
A state appellate court again has upheld a decision by a Will County court to dismiss a lawsuit against the state by four northern Illinois casinos, including the Grand Victoria in Elgin. ... Full story
Victory for S. Elgin stadium
The South Elgin High School Booster Foundation has met its goal for stadium fundraising campaign — and then some. ... Full story
New hurdle to widening Rts. 31, 72
Village officials Monday night addressed what they hope will be the last remaining obstacle to the Route 31-Route 72 intersection improvement project. ... Full story
City Council shows support for naming ship USS Aurora
The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a resolution to support the Navy League Council of Aurora’s endeavor to have one of 10 newly commissioned Navy ships named after the city of Aurora. ... Full story
Golden Dragon Acrobats at The Hemmens this Sunday
The Golden Dragon Acrobats are coming to The Hemmens Cultural Center in downtown Elgin on Sunday, February 13th at 2:00 and 6:00pm to showcase the ancient art of Chinese Acrobatics in a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. ... Full story
St. Charles might tighten belt another notch
In an effort to balance community needs with available resources, St. Charles is looking to streamline city services with a plan that might save $2.5 million in the coming fiscal year with no employee layoffs. ... Full story
Chicago Suburban Orchid Show & Sale - Saturday, February 19, All Day
Sponsored by The Batavia Orchid Society. This is a great ORCHID event. Strool through thousands of beautiful ORCHIDS. All day demonstrations on ORCHID care and repotting, a photo contest. Featuring ORCHID plants, books & supplies for sale. ... Full story
Blizzard cleanup price tag: at least $350,000
In the wake of one of the fiercest blizzards in area history, Naperville officials put a price tag of at least $350,000 on the cleanup effort. ... Full story
‘New generation’ of Rosebud to open Friday
The only surviving artifact from the former Rosebud of Naperville is a single framed black and white photograph of a miniature horse named “Giuseppo” wearing oversized boots. ... Full story
Officials warn about heating vents blocked by snow
Although there has not been a serious incident yet, local fire departments are warning people with older heating systems to make sure their exhaust vents are clear of snow after last week’s massive snowfall. ... Full story
Aurora stoplights go green with wind turbines
A pair of towering fans along McCoy Drive will be powering stoplights — and contributing to Aurora’s efforts to go green. ... Full story
Wheaton tightens graffiti removal rules
Wheaton City Councilman Phil Suess says his vote against changing the ordinance governing graffiti, increasing minimum fines and reducing the length of time homeowners have to remove it, does not mean he completely disagrees with the actual ordinance. ... Full story
Naperville trims $7 million budget gap
As recently as November, Naperville officials feared they would face a $7 million budget gap for the approaching fiscal year. ... Full story
Batavia’s Books Between Bites Program Thursday, February 17, welcomes Lester Munson
Batavia’s Books Between Bites welcomes back ESPN investigative sports journalist and speaker Lester Munson for his annual visit on Thursday, February 17, noon to 1 p.m. at Batavia Public Library. Munson will share his impressions of The Last Hero, by author Howard Bryant, the biography of Henry Aaron, which tells the story of a great athlete, his battle against racism, and his quest for respect. ... Full story
Duck. Duck. DUCK! Fiora's Restaurant
Along the quiet and pretty tree-lined street of Geneva, IL lies a cozy, and large white house – Fiora’s Restaurant. ... Full story
U-46 cuts 132 employees
Elgin-based School District U-46 is laying off 132 employees in the first round of annual cuts, but officials say the total staff reductions won’t be nearly as deep as last year. ... Full story
Batavia City Council mulls allowing backyard chickens
Residents will be able to voice their opinions next month on whether the city should allow chickens in residential areas. The city council’s City Services Committee will give residents the opportunity to comment on the issue at its March 8 meeting. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. ... Full story
District 303 proposes changes to Davis, Richmond
The way education is delivered at Davis and Richmond elementary schools might change next year, St. Charles School District 303 Superintendent Donald Schlomann announced to the media Tuesday. ... Full story
LivingWell Cancer Resource Center’s 6th Annual Winter Wine Festival: Saturday February 19th, 6:30-11:30PM
On Saturday evening February 19th 250 guests will gather at the beautiful private home of Ed and Karen French in Saint Charles for the 6th Annual Winter Wine Festival. This invitation-only, $250 per guest event benefits LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, a complementary cancer care center devoted to providing support and educational services to all those touched by cancer free of charge. ... Full story
Hospitals adapt to handle ‘blizzard babies,’ emergencies
Good Samaritan tales of residents helping stranded motorists or people needing shelter are aplenty as the area recovers from one of the worst winter storms in its history, but one of the longest-lasting memories may be of those families who welcomed “blizzard babies” last week. ... Full story
Naperville Area Humane Society Adopting Out Top Dogs and Cool Cats in Sixth Annual Virtual Adopt-a-thon
Naperville Area Humane Society’s sixth Annual Virtual Adopt-a-thon is set to launch Tuesday, March 1, 2011. During the entire month of March, the Naperville Area Humane Society will be highlighting adoptable humans who are volunteering to be adopted to benefit the pets at the Naperville Area Humane Society. ... Full story
Marianjoy Offers Scholarships to Disabled Students
Each year, Marianjoy proudly awards scholarships to students with disabilities to help them to pursue educational programs at accredited two and four year colleges and universities, or vocational technical schools in the United States. ... Full story
Geneva's Super Bowl Shuffle runners take Sunday snow in stride
Mother Nature gave participants of the Geneva Park District's inaugural 5K Super Bowl Shuffle a challenge Sunday morning: a blanket of freshly fallen snow. Runners, however, were not discouraged. Hundreds attended the event – organizers said 371 had pre-registered – and took the weather conditions in stride. ... Full story
Geneva stars show off dancing moves in fundraising competition
Students at Heartland Elementary School had some advice for their principal before he took the stage at Saturday's "Dancing with the Geneva Stars" competition – don't drop your wife. ... Full story
Burst pipe soaks areas of state's attorney's office
Papers and folders were stacked on tables, and fans were running Friday at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office in an attempt to dry out a day after a pipe that burst in the ceiling left some areas of the office soaked. ... Full story
Geneva Park District earns elite accreditation
The Geneva Park District has been recognized with accreditation in a Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Accreditation Program sponsored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. ... Full story
Valentine’s dinner needs a late boost
Residents have shown again and again how generous they are to those in need, says Jeff Turner of In The Neighborhood Deli. He is hoping he can rely on more of that generous spirit to ensure a successful Have a Heart dinner on Sunday. ... Full story
Before new furnishings arrive, Holiday Inn has sale
What could anyone possibly do with 426 beige-colored landline telephones? Or 426 wall-mounted hair dryers? Or 426 irons, alarm clocks, silk plants and lamps with outlets on the front? Sell them to savvy bargain hunters in a liquidation sale, of course. ... Full story
Sunday, February 13: Fest brings the world to Naperville
Visitors will get a chance to learn about cultures from around the globe at North Central College’s 15th annual International Festival. During the festival, visitors can sample authentic international cuisine, enjoy ethnic dancing and live music, experience a language immersion room and take part in games and crafts from around the world. ... Full story
Golfview School 1st to earn federal distinction
Antonio DeLa Luz, 9, never had eaten “cali-flower” before Golfview Elementary School decided to go for the Gold Award of Distinction in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s HealthierUS School Challenge, he said. ... Full story
A tale of 3 Elgin shopping centers
Forty years ago, McLean Boulevard was the Randall Road of Elgin-area retailing. Within a mile of where the houses ended on the west, it was like a magnet for new stores and their customers, at the expense of the place where everyone had been shopping for the past 130 years — the downtown business district. ... Full story
‘Leaving Iowa' a little shrill
Location: Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 443-0438 foxvalleyrep.org Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through March 13. 2 p.m. shows Feb. 17, and March 10 Running time: About two hours, 10 minutes with intermission Tickets: $29, $39 Parking: Free lot Rating: For teens and older ... Full story
Aurora installs 2 wind turbines
Wind turbines should be spinning by the end of February at two intersections on Aurora’s east side, and more may be built this spring at the city’s police headquarters, officials said Friday. ... Full story
Batavia chicken-raising plan moves ahead
The possibility of having backyard chickens at Batavia houses progressed Thursday, as the city services committee asked the development director to draw up a law allowing the practice. ... Full story
Water Street Studios co-founder named MainStreet director
Joi Cuartero, one of the founders of Water Street Studios in downtown Batavia, is the new executive director of Batavia MainStreet. Cuartero, 26, replaces Britta McKenna, who announced last year that she was stepping down to focus on completing her master’s degree at Northern Illinois University. Cuartero is a resident of Batavia, and she was one of 19 applicants for the job, Batavia MainStreet board President Mike Kluber said. ... Full story
Main Street organizations help create opportunities
Before a new business would open in downtown Batavia, Britta McKenna was looking to extend a hand in friendship. ... Full story
February 5, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: It's a Material World Window Fashion Show
Join us Saturday Feb 5th from 11:00 am- 1:30 pm as we host two great speakers on design and trends in Window Fashions. Lisa Karban from Fabricut will introduce the newest fabrics from this season. ... Full story
February 11, 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Valentines Tasting Menu
Niche will be offering the Niche tasting menu but with a valentine twist on it! ... Full story
February 10, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Open Your Heart to TriCity Family Services Volunteer Recruiting Event
Is volunteering in your community one of your New Year’s Resolutions? Get moving on it before Valentine’s Day by attending the Open Your Heart to TriCity Family Services volunteer recruiting event. ... Full story
February 4 2011, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Gibby's Wine Den ~ Art By the Glass, Art Opening
Join us at Gibby's this evening for the opening of Paula Kuehl's Art Exhibit. Paula will be available this evening to discuss her beautiful works on display at Gibby's this month. Enjoy a glass of wine from our by-the-glass menu or share a bottle with friends, while listening to the musicial entertainment of "Random Acts of Jazz". It's a great place to spend a Friday night! ... Full story
Storm cuts into blood donations
Heartland Blood Centers is reporting an urgent need for blood donors, after this week’s blizzard cut drastically into regular blood collections. Heartland was closed Wednesday, losing a full day of blood collections. On Tuesday, collections were low because of the weather, and several donation efforts were canceled on Thursday, as well, blood bank officials said. ... Full story
Mail carriers back on track after snow day off
Mailman Jamin Becker was braving the cold Thursday morning to deliver mail — signed, sealed and a little snowy — to his postal route a day late. “So far so good,” he said, adding that he was thankful that “most of my customers have shoveled out their driveways.” ... Full story
Business winners and losers of the Blizzard of 2011
The Blizzard of 2011 has created winners and losers among businesses. Here are a few who will gain and who will suffer from the snow. ... Full story
A color code for better eating
Shoppers at west suburban Jewel-Osco stores might have noticed new, colorful tags on some products in the grocery aisles and produce department in recent weeks. ... Full story
Provena exploring health systems merger
Provena Health, parent organization of Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, and the Resurrection Health Care system announced Thursday they are exploring a possible merger. ... Full story
Building a better breakfast: Start with whole grains
Getting a good start to your day takes a lot more than the alarm going off at the right time and avoiding traffic. What you eat in the morning can have an effect on your whole day - and your health. ... Full story
Kmart closed as snow brings down roof
The Kmart discount store on Naperville’s northeast side remained closed Thursday night, after part of the roof over its garden center gave way under the weight of snow from this week’s blizzard. ... Full story
Cuartero named executive director of Batavia MainStreet
Joi Cuartero, one of the founders of Water Street Studios in downtown Batavia, has been named the new executive director of Batavia MainStreet. ... Full story
Almost time to dance with Geneva's stars
Final preparations are being made for the 2011 Dancing with the Geneva Stars event, to be held Saturday night at the Eagle Brook Country Club for the benefit of the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission and the Geneva Academic Foundation. ... Full story
Steel Beam Theatre show to benefit STC Underground
Steel Beam Theatre’s Pedersen Family Foundation Performance of “The House at Pooh Corner” at 3 p.m. Saturday will benefit the STC Underground Teen Center of St. Charles. ... Full story
A league of his own: Star of FX's "The League" to play in St. Charles
Steve Rannazzisi, formerly of MTV’s “Punk’d” and currently of FX’s “The League,” is not your average celebrity. ... Full story
Bundle up; it's cold out there
As the Chicago area continues to dig out from the third largest snowfall recorded in history, meteorologists are now warning that people should bundle up to protect themselves against freezing temperatures. ... Full story
Regular service on 7 Metra lines; modifications on 4 others
Metra officials hope to restore full service to a majority of its lines on Thursday, two days after a blizzard blanketed the area and disrupted transportation. Metra plans on operating a normal weekday schedule Thursday on seven of its lines and a modified weekday schedule on the remaining four lines, according to a statement on Metra’s website. ... Full story
Turn housework into a workout
You don’t have to go to the gym to get a workout that will make you sweat, burn calories and get your heart pumping. Spending 30 to 60 minutes a day tending to home repairs and maintenance can suffice. ... Full story
For fun and profit, hearty brave the storm
For Jorge Donatlan, Wednesday was no ordinary workday. While most of the Fox Valley came to a virtual halt because of the region’s third-biggest blizzard in history, Donatlan and his crew were hard at work. ... Full story
Smarter travel: Get the most out of your vacation
Going to a far-flung destination is always exciting, but today's travelers demand a bit more from their experiences. Trends indicate that as people start to plan and embark on their vacations, the central goal, for many travelers, is getting a real sense of place. This emerging breed of traveler makes a point of seeing the major sights, but also wants a local view of each destination to experience the most fulfilling getaway possible. ... Full story
Secrets of budget travelers that everyone should know
Budget travelers are a unique breed - they have a tireless dedication to finding the best deals, a keen sense for sniffing out hidden surprises and, usually, a mental database of ways to save money when they're doing what they love most: traveling. ... Full story
How to stay healthy, and avoid making a difficult decision
Health officials emphasize that Americans should stay home from work when they are sick, but for many, the decision isn't that easy. While staying home from work to rest, recover and avoid infecting coworkers makes sense to most people, other factors come into play. One in five Americans report feeling pressure to go to work when sick, and one in three Americans say they would not get paid when taking a sick day, according to a recent survey conducted by HALLS, America's number one selling cough drop. ... Full story
Homeless shelters extend hours during blizzard
In an effort to keep the local homeless warm and safe, officials at DuPage Pads said they will keep all of their temporary overnight shelters open throughout the duration of the blizzard. Executive Director Carol Simler said staff members and volunteers have been working around the clock to make sure the more than 20 sites are fully stocked with food and other essential items. ... Full story
Getting help for the most common, most ignored type of pain
If our teeth ache, most of us will quickly head to the dentist for treatment. But if your feet hurt, do you just chalk up the pain as a discomfort of modern life? Sadly, most of us do. Most Americans say they have foot pain at least some of the time, and more of us have pain in our feet than in any other part of our bodies we consider vital to health, such as skin, teeth or even the heart, according to a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Yet feet rank lowest on the list of body parts and functions that Americans consider important to their health, the APMA study shows. Additionally, many Americans don't seek foot care from a podiatrist - a doctor specially trained to care for feet. ... Full story
Safety Tips from Sherman Health: How to Shovel Safely
The Chicagoland area is expected to be hit with 12-18 inches of snow this week. Please not that this article took information from a piece by Dr. Julie Garden Robinson and Jocey Mathern of North Dakota State University. ... Full story
Day of Honor and Unveiling of Original Scale Model of the WWII Memorial
Pillars of Honor a non-profit organization, and Batavia VFW Post 1197, proudly invite you to join us at a Day of Honor & Unveiling of the Original Scale-Model of the National World War II Memorial, Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 2 pm, at the Batavia VFW Post 1197,645 S River Street, Batavia, Illinois. ... Full story
Nobel Prize winner to speak at Rosary
Rosary High School will play host Friday to a Nobel Prize winner. Dale Mortensen, who won the 2010 Nobel Prize for economics, will speak at a school-wide assembly at Friday afternoon. ... Full story
Fire causes $1.2 million in damage to Aurora gym
On a day that would introduce one of the worst winter storms in recent history to the Fox Valley, the owners and employees of American Institute of Preschool & Gymnastics had bigger issues to deal with than record snowfall and drifting parking lots. ... Full story
Snowed in: Blizzard shuts down Fox Valley
The message is clear from towns and schools throughout the Fox Valley: Stay home. The blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service — meaning that the storm has the potential to be dangerous and life-threatening — began at 3 p.m. Tuesday and continues until 3 p.m. Wednesday. The storm is projected to bring between 12 and 18 inches of snow. ... Full story
Teachers in St. Charles to take pay freeze
The St. Charles School Board on Monday approved a new two-year teachers contract that calls for a pay freeze. “Our teachers continue to demonstrate the willingness to work alongside the school board and district administration in providing a high level of education for our students while also being fiscally responsible,” St. Charles School Board President Scott Nowling said in a news release. ... Full story
