Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Kanecountyconnects.com The identity of a partial skull found behind a wall in a Batavia home in 1978 has finally been confirmed as Esther Granger, a 17-year-old woman who died in 1866 in Merriville, Indiana, likely from childbirth complications.  The remains were first found in November 1978, when a couple remodeling a Wilson Street home uncovered a bone, initially thought to be a lower jaw, inside a wall. Further investigation revealed a partial skull, which was then sent to Northern Illinois University’s Anthropology Department, where it was confirmed to be human. Early testing suggested the woman was in her mid-20s at…

Over 35 participating businesses in Batavia will be open late on Thursday, November 7th from 5-8pm and have their stores decorated and stocked to get you in the holiday spirit. “This event is the perfect opportunity to start on your shopping or make a note of your favorite items for everyone on your list,” says Batavia MainStreet Assistant Director, Kristen Desler. Live music, complimentary sweet and savory treats, delicious drinks, and make & take gifts are available as you shop from store to store including the Illuminate Space Mobile Candle Bar at the Wilson Street Mercantile, Batavia High School Chamber…

Batavia’s Indoor Market kicks off on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00am until noon at Grainology BrewStillery (131 Flinn Street; Suite C, Batavia) and will continue through mid-May every Saturday. The Indoor Market will feature more than 20 vendors weekly. Local farmers, bakers, and makers will be bringing a wide variety of products including locally grown produce, farm raised meats, eggs, fresh baked goods, hot sauces, gourmet mushrooms, pickles, CBD products for humans and pets, jams and preserves, sourdough bread, potted holiday bulbs, evergreen wreaths and swags, kombucha tea, and more. All vendors must grow, harvest and/or produce at least 75%…

At a press conference held earlier today, the North Aurora Police Department (NAPD) announced the resolution of the 1979 cold case murder of Kathy Halle. After more than four decades, investigators have identified serial killer Bruce Lindahl as the individual responsible for her death, thanks to advanced DNA technology and the persistence of dedicated detectives. On March 29, 1979, Kathy Halle, 19, left her home on Volks Court in North Aurora to pick up her sister at Northgate Shopping Center in Aurora. She never arrived. Weeks later, on April 24, 1979, Halle’s body was discovered in the Fox River. Despite…

Experience thrilling performances, activities, and live music from nationally recognized musicians at Naper Settlement’s Howlin’ at the Moon, a Halloween bash for adults (21+), on October 25-26 from 5-10pm. Guests will feast their fangs into delicious food and drinks at the Food Truck Graveyard and BOOze Bar, as well as experience one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed activities including spine-chilling art displays and photo experiences, fire dance performances, and more. There will also be a costume contest with the chance to win $500.  Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, a four-piece musical powerhouse known for their head-turning high-energy psychedelic funk and rock shows, will headline Friday…

An appellate court has affirmed the sentence of 50 years in prison for Juan Calderon, who was convicted in September 2022 in the gang-related execution of twenty-six-year-old Alexander Nicolas of West Chicago West Chicago man. In his appeal of his conviction for first degree murder, Calderon claimed that his attorney was ineffective for failing to object to accountability jury instructions. Calderon also claimed that the Trial Court erred in admitting statements from his co-defendant and erred in imposing a fifty-year sentence. In its decision, the Appellate Court rejected Calderon’s claims and found that at trial, “all the relevant factors favored…

Work up your nerves and step in to the #1 Scariest Haunted House in Illinois, The Massacre Haunted House. Newly renovated every year and ready to deliver the scares, The Massacre offers over 30,000+ sq. ft. of sheer nightmares for your enjoyment, featuring 3 haunted attractions under 1 roof.  First you will enter The Massacre Haunted House featuring over 40 rooms of various themes to make anyone cringe.  This is followed by the most intense clown themed attraction “Freak Show”.  And if that was not enough, prepare yourself to take the elevator downstairs into the basement and complete your experience…

Here…Evil takes on a life of its own… Lurking in the darkness… Waiting to consume all who enter… Entrapping your soul in the fleshy underworld… Evil Intentions Haunted House has relocated to Forsaken Hollow in Maple Park. In this new, larger, and more terrifying home, Evil has taken on a new life. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience filled with unexpected scares and surprises. Come see what awaits and discover why all roads end here! Tickets are available here. (Every Sunday and Thursday this season, you will save $6.66 on your tickets when you purchase online. No code is necessary.)…

Located in downtown Aurora, Basement of the Dead haunted house is rated the #1 scariest haunted house in Chicago and the world by BuzzFeed, #1 haunted house in Chicago by Haunted House Chicago, #1 haunted house by Hauntworld, best haunted houses by Chicago Tribune, top haunted houses by USA Today, Top 13 with 13th floor haunted house Chicago in America. Welcome to the Basement of the Dead Haunted House, where horror and thrills await. This is not your average haunted house attraction—this is a nightmare come to life. Basement of the Dead features two distinct attractions that promise to leave…

The first locally-produced staging of the theatrical megahit Frozen, debuting at Paramount Theatre in Aurora beginning Wednesday, October 30, brings Disney’s beloved animated film to life and fills the stage with winter magic. Frozen is a powerful fable that captures the essence of sisterhood, self-discovery and the enduring power of love, making it a magical and heartwarming experience for audiences of all ages. The story is set in the kingdom of Arendelle, where two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, navigate love, loyalty and Elsa’s uncontrollable powers. In her struggle to understand her identity, Elsa questions her talents, confusing them for…