Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Update: No injuries have been reported. The preliminary cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation. Damage to the facility was limited to a 16-foot by 16-foot chemical storage building to the rear of the factory. Fire personnel took appropriate actions to control the chemicals being released and extinguished the fire at 4:25 p.m. There is no known hazard to the community at this time. A precautionary evacuation was ordered for Wheeler Park, the Geneva Township Senior Center and the Geneva Park District offices located due east of the incident. Factory employees already had exited the building after the…

According to a City of Geneva alert, the Geneva Fire Department is responding to a hazmat situation this afternoon following an explosion at Olon Industries at 411 Union Street in Geneva. Olon, headquartered in Georgetown, Ontario, is a manufacturer and distributor of integrated woodworking component products for the North American furniture and cabinet-making industries. Olon’s Geneva location is comprised of about 40,000 square feet dedicated to saturating and laminate manufacturing and certain distribution functions. Fire officials are unsure what caused the explosion or if any injuries have taken place during its preliminary investigation. People have been evacuated from Wheeler Park…

On Saturday, Steven Michael Sostak, a 49-year-old male from Voorschoten, Netherlands was found unresponsive on the BNSF Railway train tracks north of the Oswego Park-N-Ride on Station Drive in Oswego, Illinois. Coroner’s deputies pronounced Sostak deceased on the scene. On Sunday, a forensic autopsy preliminarily indicated that Sostak had suffered multiple injuries due to a train versus pedestrian collision. As of this time, final autopsy results are pending further investigation and toxicological testing. This incident continues to be investigated by both the Office of the Kendall County Coroner and the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, and no further information is available…

On February 5, 2020, Francisco L. Manriquez of Aurora was caught sexually assaulting a woman who was unable to consent to the act. Upon walking in and witnessing the sexual assault, a second victim, who was then seven months pregnant, was battered by Manriquez. Yesterday, it was announced that a jury has found the 53-year-old Manriquez guilty of the offenses of: Manriquez faces a sentence of between 12 and 50 years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition to the prison term, Manriquez must register for life as a sex offender in accordance with the Illinois Sex…

Travel site “The Discoverer Blog” has named the  BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett as the “Coolest Building” in Illinois. Given Chicago’s international reputation for cutting-edge architecture, it’s quite the compliment. Opened in 2004, the temple in Bartlett is the largest traditional Hindu temple in the US. It was constructed according to ancient Hindu architectural design texts known as the Shilpa-Shastras. The finished pieces were brought from India after they were carved from Turkish limestone and Italian marble and the temple was built by 1,700 volunteers. The complex spreads over 27 acres and, in addition to the mandir, includes a haveli,…

According to an announcement posted last night, the Aurora Police Department is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting at a residence in the 900-block of Colorado Avenue. Preliminary investigation shows officers were dispatched to the residence for a report of a subject armed with multiple knives and making threats towards people on scene. When officers arrived on scene, they located the subject armed with knives. Officers attempted de-escalation tactics that were unsuccessful. The subject then charged an officer while still armed, at which point the officer shot the subject. Officers immediately rendered aid until Aurora Fire Department medics arrived on scene.…

The 13th Annual St. Charles Restaurant Week is back. From February 20th-24th, 2023, take advantage of 15% off your entire bill of $20 or more, exclusions apply, at participating restaurants. In order to receive the discount, simply state that you are dining for St. Charles Restaurant Week while ordering, or show the mailer that will be sent out by the St. Charles Business Alliance. This is the perfect opportunity to explore new restaurants in St. Charles or revisit old favorites. No matter what you choose, get out and support the amazing restaurants St. Charles offers. Giftcard Giveaway Register for a…

Must try appetizers, entrees, desserts or cocktails available at local Fox Valley restaurants. (Above: Short Rib Caramelle, The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles.) House Burger with Cheddar CheeseThere’s more than fresh seafood at Catch 35! Try our House Burger with cheddar cheese – turf sauce – lettuce – tomato – onion – fries – brioche. Catch 35 Naperville35 S Washington St.Naperville, IL 605401-630-717-3500 Lobster + Cheese Ravioliknuckle + claw meat/ garlic/ shallots/ chili flakes/ vino/ parmesan cream/ herb garlic butter/ toasted panko/ evoo. Fire + Wine433 N. Main St.Glen Ellyn, IL 601371-630-793-9955 Sausage + Rapini Tagliatelle $18.75Roasted Peppers | Cannellini…

Now that the Chinese spy balloon has been popped, as it were, let’s take a look at some of the more humorous memes to which it gave rise. Everyone is getting balloonie about this . Well, personally I think this story of the Chinese baloon is just hot air, you know? still it's giving funny memes:😎 pic.twitter.com/yBGjavOTVo— Jo King (@reborn_bird) February 3, 2023 You guys..#ChineseSpyBalloon #ChinaSpyBalloon #chinesespybaloon #Chinesebaloon #Chinesebaloon #China #chinesespybaloon pic.twitter.com/61aXhPseTc— Fluke Skywalker (@ApocalypseSkr) February 4, 2023 The true purpose of the Chinese Spy Baloon pic.twitter.com/FBU9IK4FGW— Lucius Cornelius Sulla (@Sulla2021) February 3, 2023 Chinese spy baloon captures first image…

A Naperville personal trainer has been charged with predatory criminal sexual assault involving a child. On Wednesday, police were contacted about an alleged sexual assault involving a child that occurred at LifeStart fitness center located at 4225 Naperville Road in Lisle. According to Lie Lisle Police Department, the suspect, who is not directly affiliated with the fitness center, used the fitness center to conduct personal training sessions for youth involved in sports, such as football and basketball. The victim reported the assault after returning home from one such training session. Lisle Detectives contacted Investigators from the DuPage County Children’s Center…