Author: Fox Valley Magazine

The sunny days and long evenings of summer provide the perfect conditions to get active outdoors. The St. Charles Park District offers a multitude of opportunities to break a sweat and have some fun. Pickleball is the nation’s fastest growing sport, and park district facilities are here to serve those seeking to try out or improve their game. Outdoor courts are free to all and open daily from dawn to dusk at Belgium Town Park, Pottawatomie Park and James O. Breen Community Park. Various parks also offer basketball, sand volleyball and tennis for open play. Skate parks are available to…

A new facility expected to open in August of this year will address the rapidly-growing popularity of pickleball. The facility, to be named Sure Shot Pickleball, will be located at 2244 Corporate Lane in Naperville, and will offer more than 27,000 square feet of dedicated playing space. The facility will include: “We are thrilled to bring Sure Shot Pickleball to Naperville and the Chicagoland area,” said Tim Kelly, co-owner of the facility. “Our goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive community of pickleball enthusiasts while offering a top-notch facility that meets the needs of players at every level. With…

Welcome to our latest edition of Fox Valley Magazine’s 4 FOR THE WEEKEND where every day we have the blues. So let’s get to it, starting with….. Our Woman Done Left Us… Sorry, that phrase just seemed right for this event. Get on down to RiverEdge in Aurora for the 26th Annual Blues on the Fox bluesfest this weekend. The lineup is fantastic and the venue magnificent. Not much more to say. Get to it! Click here for more. Well, Yee-Haw! How’s that for cultural whiplash? We don’t get many rodeos in these-here parts. So git yer rear end down…

Sandeep Arora of Naperville has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting a female passenger in 2017. The State had asked for a sentence of between fifty to sixty years, which is the maximum allowable under the law The sentence was issued by Judge Michael Reidy. Arora, 48, was convicted on two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X Felony), two counts of Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1 Felony), one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 4 Felony) earlier this year. “Mr. Arora committed a…

Just two days after being released from prison after completing a 41/2 year sentence for child sexual assault, a Chicago man raped a young woman in his mother’s house in Aurora. On August 20, 2021, the victim gave 40-year-old Joseph E. Baker, just released from prison, a ride from a residence in Chicago to his mother’s home on Springbrook Drive in Aurora. The victim had known Baker since she was a young child. During the trip to Aurora, Baker asked the victim if she was interested in engaging in sexual activity with him. The victim declined. When they arrived at…

Update: Chad L. Dockery, 49, of Hinsdale, IL contacted 911 Wednesday evening to report that he had murdered his former wife, Amanda R. Dockery, 48, a resident of the Pebble Beach Court home, according to a release from the City of Geneva.  At the time of the call Chad informed police dispatchers he was armed with a pistol.   Upon the arrival of the first responding officer, Chad was observed inside a vehicle at the end of the home’s driveway.  As the officer approached, a gun was fired.  Chad was found to be suffering from a self-inflicted gun shot wound…

The Rodeo is coming to Sonny Acres!  Hold on to your cowboy hats, this Father’s Day weekend (June 17 & 18) Sonny Acres in West Chicago will be hosting the Sonny Acres Pro Rodeo experience. This all-ages, family friendly experience will wow audiences with a mix of world-class performances including Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Girls Breakaway Roping, Cowgirls Barrel Racing, Bull Riding and more. Before or after the show, take advantage of the wristband special to enjoy the farm’s many amusement rides. Pony rides and the self-feed petting zoo will also be open to add even more…

A man and a woman are dead after suffering gunshot wounds in an apparent domestic dispute in the Eagle Brook neighborhood of Geneva. According to Geneva Police Chief Eric Passarelli, police arrived at a home on Pebble Beach Court at approximately 5:22pm Wednesday evening and found a woman inside the residence and a man outside in the street, both with gunshot wounds. Both were rushed to the hospital, where they died from their wounds. Police said the scene is secure and there is no immediate risk to the public. Passarelli indicated that the shootings “didn’t appear to be accidental” but…

Oswego Prairie Fest returns this year from Thursday, June 15 to Sunday, June 18. In addition to featuring free parking and free admission, the festival will feature a plethora of free entertainment. 2023 PrairieFest Carnival Individual ride tickets may be purchased at the ticket box. Rides take multiple tickets depending on the ride. Individual Tickets: $1 each20 Tickets: $2044 tickets: $40 Please Note: Carnival is cash only. ATMs are available, both on the festival grounds and in the carnival area Performers All Weekend: Magic with Steve Belliveau EVENTS ThrillABLE Inclusive Family Carnival June 15 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Families who…

An Aurora man who pleaded guilty of sexually assaulting a young child in 2022 has agreed to a sentence of 15 years in prison in return for his plea. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced yesterday that Jose A. Jimenez has agreed to the sentence in exchange for a guilty plea to the offense of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, Class X felony. Judge Alice C. Tracy accepted the plea. Prosecutors demonstrated that Jimenez, 38, sexually assaulted the child during the period January-March 2022. Jimenez knew the child, who was younger than 12 years old. “This…