Author: Fox Valley Magazine

“It’s not worth your life.” That’s what 32-year-old Frederick Holmon said to his would-be victim on the morning of July 27, 2021 while brandishing a 9mm semi-automatic rifle. He was attempting to rob a delivery of wine and liquor to a Naperville Jewel store. As it turned out, it is Holmon who will waste much of his life, in prison. He faces 15-30 years behind bars. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced yesterday that DuPage County Judge Mia McPherson has found Holmon guilty of two counts of Armed Violence (Class X Felony), one count of Attempt Armed Robbery with…

Ten singers with amazing voices, magnetic personalities, and true love for ensemble singing, bringing creative concert experiences that make connections and inspire both awe and laughter. Come fly with them back to the golden age of the classic musical and legendary vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, where you’ll melt into the romance and nostalgia of the Great American Songbook. Swept off your feet by witty tunes of Gershwin, Porter, Kern, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, you’ll come to see why some call this “America’s classical music.” That’s Chicago a cappella. It all happens on Friday, April 28, from 8-10pm…

Enjoy the brilliance of Beethoven on Sunday, April 30 as the Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus perform Beethoven’s Mass in C Major at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora. Stephen Squires will conduct with Lisa Fredenburgh as chorus master as the FVO performs the underappreciated work along with a “sampling” of other works from the master, including Allegro con brio (Sym. #5), Allegretto (Sym. #7), Allegretto scherzando (Sym. #8) and Presto (Sym. #7). Beethoven composed the Mass in C major to a commission from Prince Nikolaus Esterházy II in 1807. The mass, scored for four vocal soloists, choir and orchestra, was premiered that year by the…

Rookies All-American Pub & Grill After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Bob Karas decided he would open his first Rookies All-American Pub & Grill, achieving a lifelong dream of owning a sports bar. Rookies’ St. Charles is the first of seven locations and part of 15 (soon 16) restaurants in the Karas Group. “It felt natural to meld my passion for sports and restaurants into my career,” he says. In the early years, he and co-owner Mike Maridis faced competition from local sports bar franchise Bud’s, now closed. The two concocted the $1 burger and hot dog special to separate…

On the afternoon of January 15, 2021, 32-year-old Fernando Carapia was in the back yard of his Aurora home when he was suddenly attacked by then 22-year-old Daniel Aguirre. Carapia died of multiple gunshot wounds that same day. Yesterday, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced that a jury has found Aguirre guilty of the offense of first-degree murder. In addition, the jury found that Aguirre personally fired the gun that killed Carapia. Aguirre faces a sentence of between 45 years and life imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The sentence includes a mandatory 25-year enhancement because Aguirre…

Former Kane County Circuit Clerk Tom Hartwell has been charged with numerous felony counts related to the misuse of public funds while in office. In January 2021, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser notified the Illinois State Police’s Special Investigations Unit about what appeared to be misappropriated county funds by Hartwell. ISP, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Revenue, launched a two-year in-depth investigation. According to SA Mosser, between December 2018 and November 2020, Hartwell, acting in his official capacity as the Circuit Court Clerk for Kane County, Illinois, misappropriated Kane County funds in the amount of $119,575. In…

Join actor Terry lynch this Sunday from 3-4pm at the Norris Cultural Arts Center for a portrayal of “Between Two Comets,” a one-man presentation of the life and works of American icon Mark Twain. Twain lived his life between the Halley’s Comets of 1835 and 1910. During that time, he penned some of the most beloved and controversial literature of the 19th century. Listen as Twain discusses his life, writings, and the constant struggle to be accepted by society and to support his family with his work. Nationally known actor Terry Lynch specializes in historical portrayal to meet the needs…

Must try appetizers, entrees, desserts or cocktails available at local Fox Valley restaurants. (Above: Minnesota Walleye Fish Fry, Old Republic) Berry Good PancakesBerry mascarpone, raspberry coulis, vanilla crème anglaise, fresh berries and whipped cream. Alexander’s CaféLocations in St. Charles and Elgin1650 W. Main StreetSt.Charles, IL 601741-630-549-0514 Bloody Mary TowerNew Amsterdam Vodka, Canyon Road Merlot, Guinness, Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix, lemon, lime and our house skewer made with meat, cheese, house pickles & pepperoncini. Chicago Street Pour House1350 E. Chicago StreetElgin, IL 601201-847-214-1708 The James Joyce Irish BoxtyGrilled chicken, Kerrygold cheese sauce, grilled onions and asparagus. McNally’s Irish Boxty is…

“Get her!” That’s what a Naperville parent is alleged to have told her step-daughters as she watched them physically assault a classmate at a bus stop. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that charges have been filed against the parents of two junior high school sisters who allegedly prompted, facilitated and encouraged their daughters to beat a fellow student. The suspects, a 36-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, both of Naperville, are charged with one count of Contributing to the Criminal Delinquency of a Minor, a Class 2 Felony. It is alleged…

A 24-year-old Aurora man allegedly led Warrenville police on a 100-MPH joy ride down I-88 Monday evening, ending in a crash and foot chase during which he was apprehended. The suspect has been charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony), one count of Misdemeanor DUI and thirteen additional Misdemeanor and petty driving offenses. He appeared in Bond Court this weekend where Judge Luis Aranda set bond at $100,000 with 10% to apply. It is alleged that on Friday evening at approximately 8:15 p.m., a Warrenville police officer observed a purple Chevrolet Trailblazer,…