Author: Fox Valley Magazine

The Illinois Office of Tourism has released its annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide highlighting 20 small businesses around the state ahead of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25th. The guide offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind products and experiences that are unique to Illinois, from custom golf clubs to eight nights of delicious tea samples to celebrate Hanukkah, to hands-on experiences like quilt and candle-making classes. “Promoting small businesses is key to the state’s economic growth as it drives tourism across Illinois,” said Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). “With the help of our guide, both…

The City of Aurora announced today that construction has begun on the new $360 million Hollywood Casino Aurora on the city’s south side. The casino will replace the casino currently located downtown on the river. The new casino resort is located at the Farnsworth Avenue & I-88 intersection, across from the Chicago Premium Outlets. According to planners, the new casino resort will boast a modern, best-in-class casino with approximately 900 slots, and 50 live table games; a best-in-class hotel with approximately 200 hotel rooms; a 10,000 square foot event center; a full-service spa; and high-quality bars and restaurants. The city expects…

This year’s Dickens In Dundee will take place in East Dundee and West Dundee on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2. Dickens in Dundee was formed in 1988. It began as a small community gathering, with caroling and the search for Tiny Tim’s crutch in local stores. With the support of local businesses, this event has grown significantly and attracts people from all over the Dundee area. Friday, December 1, 5:30pm-9:00pm East Dundee East Dundee activities will take place near The Depot at 319 N. River Street and the surrounding area. West Dundee Saturday, December 2, 9:00am-9:00pm West Dundee…

It’s time for Aurora Downtown’s annual Cocoa Crawl in conjunction with the downtown group’s monthly First Fridays event on December 1. The popular seasonal event offers more than 40 holiday activities throughout downtown including photos with Santa, holiday shopping, live music, and more. To participate in the Cocoa Crawl portion of First Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., an official Cocoa Crawl mug and button are needed. Mugs and buttons are currently on sale at a handful of downtown locations including Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, G.A.R. Military Museum, Renew Salon and Spa, Society 57, and Wyckwood…

A jury has found an Elgin man guilty of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced yesterday that 38-year-old Sergio Varela was found guilty of the offenses of Predatory criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony (2 counts); and Aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony. Varela sexually assaulted the child, whom he knew, over a three-year period from 2014 to 2017. “I am grateful to this victim for her courage to face her abuser in court,” said Assistant State’s Attorneys Stacey Wittman. “My thanks to a second victim…

An Aurora woman who lead police on a high-speed chase down I-88 early Saturday morning has been denied pre-trial release. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Anthony Coco granted the State’s motion to detain the 22-year-old woman after she was charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Attempt Aggravated Assault. According to police, on Saturday morning at approximately 1:18am, officers with the Naperville Police Department conducting surveillance in the parking lot of Bowlero, which is located at 1515 Aurora…

Bring the family for a magical and memorable experience – just like visiting the North Pole! Blackberry Farm is a winter wonderland amid thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday decorations and happy holiday music. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train – a charming tour around scenic Lake Gregory – and enjoy a hay wagon ride, too. Back in the historic pioneer village, you’ll enjoy crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of holiday classics at the one-room schoolhouse, and…a special visit with Santa. Food and drinks available for purchase. Get ready for some holiday cheer – all aboard…

After months of hints and backtracks by Board members regarding additional taxes for the coming fiscal year, and against the explicit support for such tax hikes by Board CFO Kathy Hopkinson, the Kane County Board has approved a budget of $394 million for Fiscal Year 2024 without raising property taxes. “With deliberation, the Kane County Board voted to use its reserve fund to balance this year’s budget, marking the 14th year of a restrained property tax levy,” said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog. “The budget would not have been possible if not for the talents of our county staff,…

On Friday, December 1, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will present the Greater Elgin Do-It-Yourself Messiah at the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College. Elgin resident Mally Miceli came up with the idea for a locally produced Sing-Along Messiah after traveling to Chicago’s Do-It-Yourself Messiah for years. A supporter of the Elgin arts community, Mally realized that the Northwest suburbs have a wealth of musical and vocal talent that could be showcased through a community sing-along. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with the singing of familiar holiday carols, including a special carol performance by the…

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Anthony Coco granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for two Naperville men accused of beating a man outside a Naperville apartment complex and then breaking into an apartment at the complex. Police allege that in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving, two Naperville men travelled from Maywood to an apartment complex located in the 1500 block of West Jefferson Avenue to confront an individual with whom they had been communicating. Upon their arrival, the men encountered an individual outside the complex…