Author: Fox Valley Magazine

In its fourth year, Sugar Skull City will turn downtown Aurora into a celebration of Day of the Dead now through November 5. The downtown will be rich with decorations and activities that surround the Mexican holiday. The annual event features a three week celebration honoring the beloved Mexican cultural tradition of Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos, and culminates with events during the first week of November including First Fridays on November 3. Athziry Dia de los Muertos will host several activities throughout downtown at First Fridays on November 3. The nonprofit run by Jose Torres will…

21-year-old Jaylin Buckner of Oswego has been sentened to 3 years and 6 months in prison in the accidental death of Antonio Villarreal. In May, Buckner had pleaded guilty to one count of Reckless Homicide and one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of an Electronic Communication Device. Reckless Homicide is a class 3 felony where the Court can impose a maximum sentence of 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Charges were filed after a tragic crash on July 1, 2021. Buckner was speeding eastbound on Mill Road towards Lynx Lane in Oswego and struck Villarreal, a 32-year-old combat…

In the early morning hours of June 25, 2023, 22-year-old Rayquan Smith of Elgin was shot and killed on Elgin’s west side. On Friday, a 16-year-old juvenile was taken into custody without incident, having been charged in the murder by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office with the following: According to Illinois law, the juvenile’s case was transferred to adult court and they appeared in front of a judge in Kane County Court on Saturday, October 14. The judge set a detention hearing for Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 311 at the Kane County Judicial Center.…

Old Republic Bar in Elgin will host the ultimate after party following the “Nightmare on Chicago Street” event this Saturday. The party starts at 10:30pm and promises an unforgettable night of music, entertainment, and non-stop dancing. A lineup of DJs – Don Parra, Brotinez, DJ AO and Umbertron – will provide a diverse range of musical styles, while live entertainment, courtesy of Black Circle Creative, will include spellbinding performances with Fire Breathers, Lollipop Girls, Grinders and Go-Go Dancers. It promises to be a sensory overload of sights and sounds. Guests can embrace the Halloween spirit and come dressed in their most…

Halloween Happening is scheduled for Sunday, October 29 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court (just west of Centennial Beach). This free event is designed for children ages 10 and under, featuring Halloween-themed games and activity stations where they can collect treats and win prizes. Additionally, families can enjoy a performance by Élan Dance Company at 1:15 p.m., a hayride, inflatables, food trucks and Tot Town—a special toddler area. Everyone is welcome to wear family-friendly costumes to the event. Thanks to the support of approximately 100 student volunteers and the event sponsors, the Park…

The 6-year-old Palestinian child who was brutally stabbed to death in Plainfield Saturday morning had just celebrated his birthday, according to a national Islamic relations organization. According to a news release from the Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Wadea Al-Fayoume and his mother, Hanaan Shahin, were the victims of Saturday’s hate crime “The mother, Hanaan Shahin, and her son Wadea Al-Fayoume had lived on the ground floor of the house for two years with no previous notable issues with the landlord,” reported as a 71-year-old man who is accused of the killing.    “According to written…

Update: Authorities have provided an update on Saturday’s stabbing incident in Plainfield. It was initially reported to police that the boy who was killed was 8 years of age. He was 6. During an autopsy conducted Sunday, the forensic pathologist removed the knife from the abdomen of the boy and determined it was a twelve-inch serrated military style knife that has a seven-inch blade. Despite the suspect not providing a statement to detectives, investigators gathered sufficient information through interviews and evidence to formally charge him with First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, Hate Crime (2 counts), and Aggravated Battery…

A 31-year-old woman wa found dead in the Fox River Saturday afternoon in the 700 block of South River Street in Aurora. At approximately 3:30pm Saturday, Aurora Police officers were dispatched after the body of a 31-year-old deceased woman was discovered in the Fox River. Police indicate that, at this time, there is no indication of foul play. The identity of the woman is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Bureau and the Kane County Coroner’s Office are both investigating the cause and manner of death. Anyone with information is asked to call…

An 8-year-old boy is dead and a 32-year-old woman in serious condition after a brutal stabbing incident in Plainfield Saturday morning. According to police, at approximately 11:38am Saturday morning deputies with the Will County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a woman who said that her landlord was attacking her with a knife. The woman said that she had run into the bathroom to make the call and was continuing to fend off the attack. Her residence is located near the 16200 block of S. Lincoln Highway in Unincorporated Plainfield Township. When police arrived, they located the suspect,…

Magic, monsters, and mythical entertainment will be summoned on the grounds of Naper Settlement during the annual All Hallows Eve celebration. Come enjoy a line-up of Halloween-themed outdoor activities, art and performances for the entire family. Performances Interactive Experiences Tickets are $20 per person. Members and children under 4 receive complimentary admission. Visit napersettlement.org/285/All-Hallows-Eve for more information and to purchase tickets.