Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Here is Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain’s full statement on the passage of the Protect Illinois Act: As Sheriff of Kane County, I have many duties and an oath that I have taken to uphold the United States and Illinois Constitution. I have several concerns regarding the new Assault Weapon legislation (HB5471). Illinois had some of the most restrictive gun laws in the nation before this law was passed, yet it did little to stop gun violence in our State. A main concern that I have follows the increase of black market cannabis trafficking since recreational cannabis was legalized several…

On September 24, 2022, Aurora Police officers responded to the 300 block of Center Avenue in response to a report of shots fired and found two individuals suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. One victim, Ferrer Vicente Velasquez, 29, of the 300 block of Center Avenue, was pronounced deceased on scene. The second victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of their wounds. They were later released in stable condition and are recovering from their injuries. After three months of investigation, which included assistance from other law enforcement agencies, authorities have charged two suspects with: One of the accused,…

In a rather stunning turn of events, county sheriffs from across the state have announced that they will not be enforcing Illinois’ new assault rifle ban just signed by Governor Pritzker Tuesday evening. In a barrage of press releases from 27 counties from all across the state, sheriffs used almost identical language in stating their belief that the the ban, known as the Protect Illinois Act, is an unconstitutional violation of rights guaranteed under the 2nd Amendment. The standard language, which is believed to have been drafted by the Illinois Sheriff’s Association, makes it clear that law enforcement in these…

On Wednesday evening, January 4, 2023, two West Chicago residents allegedly lured an unsuspecting victim to their apartment using a Facebook alias and proceeded to threaten him with a knife and firearm magazine while robbing him of his phone, wallet and keys. Subsequently, they drove the victim to an ATM and forced him to withdraw $300 in cash. They then dropped off the victim at a random intersection and fled. Subsequent investigation by the West Chicago Police Department resulted in the apprehension of the two without incident. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin…

By PETER HANCOCK and Fox Valley MagazineCapitol News Illinois On the first full day of his second term, Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed a bill banning the sale, distribution and manufacture of high-power assault weapons, .50 caliber rifles and ammunition, and large-capacity magazines while still allowing people who already own such weapons to keep them. Pritzker signed the bill during a ceremony in the Statehouse just hours after the final version of it cleared the House, making Illinois the ninth state in the nation to impose such a ban. “I’m signing this legislation tonight so that it can take…

Over 20 years ago Sam Mashal started his company called Midwest Detail & Powerwash. While originally coming up with an idea to power wash semi-trucks, and detail cars, after a few years in business Sam wound up power washing and staining a deck for one of his friends, which ended up changing his business model. He loved the idea of working with individual homeowners on backyard projects. As he progressed, he got in touch with local stain vendors, learned the process by meeting with vendor reps as he educated himself on how to stain decks, and eventually added patio sealing…

On the evening of November 20, 2021, Johnathan T. McDonald of Aurora inexplicably, almost politely, knocked on the door of an acquaintance, waited to be let in, and then promptly struck the acquaintance in the head with a hammer. He waited for the victim to regain consciousness, then stuck him again in the head. Yesterday, the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office announced that McDonald has agreed to a sentence of 20 years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections in exchange for a guilty plea to the offense of attempt first-degree murder, Class X felony. “There was no clear…

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce is pleased to highlight culinary excellence by offering the Geneva Restaurant Week – an entire week of delicious discounted dining at some of Geneva’s finest restaurants! Starting January 23 and running through January 29, the Geneva Restaurant Week will showcase many restaurants throughout town. From fast casual to fancy dining, each venue will provide either a prix-fixe menu at an appetizing price, or discounts on featured menu choices. Come in out of the cold and sample something new or enjoy an old favorite! For one week only foodies will be able to eat their hearts out at participating restaurants that will…

Sinfonietta’s annual MLK Tribute Concert is a beloved yearly tradition. This year, come and join us for an inspiring program full of power and intensity. Opening the program, 2021 Sphinx Medal of Excellence winner Carlos Simon’s piece was inspired by a journal entry from Beethoven in 1815, about the unpredictable nature of life: “Iliad. The Twenty-Second Book: But Fate now conquers; I am hers; and yet not she shall share In my renown; that life is left to every noble spirit. And that some great deed shall beget that all lives shall inherit.” The concert continues with Valerie Colemans’s “Umoja,”…