Author: Fox Valley Magazine

By BETH HUNDSDORFER& HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinois Illinois’ “no cash bail” law, the only one of its kind in the United States, went into effect Monday. In courtrooms around the state, judges conducted the first hearings under the new system that determines whether a defendant will be jailed while awaiting trial based on dangerousness and risk of fleeing prosecution, rather than their ability to post bail. The abolition of cash bail was included in the SAFE-T Act criminal justice reform of 2021 and originally slated to take effect Jan. 1, though court challenges delayed its implementation until Monday. In St.…

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Chicago is hosting two meetings to provide a summary of the study findings and to hear public comments. Meetings will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations The USACE has released a draft report on the Fox River and is recommending the removal of nine dams from Carpentersville to Montgomery.  The USACE, in its multi-year study, examined a range of measures to improve water quality, restore habitat and reduce pollution on the Fox River.  The options included: taking no action, rock ramps, bypass channels, partial removal…

The popular Justa Coupla Guys podcast sat down with legendary rock guitarist and founder of Hall of Fame band Cheap Trick Rick Nielsen yesterday to discuss Rick’s incredible journey from a kid in Rockford to international stardom. Andy Rioniotis, his business partner, joins Rick to discuss their newest venture, ROCK’N Vodka. Meet Rick Wednesday, September 20th, at Rookies Rochaus at a ROCK’N Vodka Bottle signing. His son’s band Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts will be performing with opener ONSET.

The annual Scarecrow Festival returns from Friday to Sunday, October 6-8, in downtown St. Charles. Scarecrow contest entries will be on display beginning at 12 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6. All Scarecrow Festival visitors can vote in the Scarecrow contest to help decide the winners in four categories: Individual/Family, Business, Club/Not-for-Profits/Schools, and Mechanical/Mega. The scarecrows will be displayed on 1st Street and Riverside Ave and throughout downtown, and the Mechanical/Mega scarecrows will be displayed in Lincoln Park. The Family Zone will be in Lincoln Park and will feature many family-friendly activities along with live music and entertainment. The Activity Zone…

The American Association of Professional Baseball announced Monday that Cougars General Manager and Vice President Curtis Haug was named the 2023 AAPB Executive of the Year. Haug joined the Cougars organization in 1993. Over the years he worked in many roles with the team including stints in ticket sales, sponsorship sales and promotions. He later served as the Assistant General Manager for 13 seasons before being named General Manager in 2011. “Curtis is so deserving of this honor,” said Owners Dr. Bob and Cheryl Froehlich. “He makes the organization a better place and he works tirelessly to make it even…

Abbey Farms’ most celebrated event, Pumpkin Daze, kicked off this weekend in Aurora. Pumpkin Daze is jam packed with family-friendly activities. Explore their 8-acre corn maze, pick pumpkin, and try the award winning Abbey Farms Donuts. Kids will have a blast on the zipline, Bouncing Cow Train, Corn Cannon, Mega Drop Slide and other thrilling attractions. Adults will enjoy the Beer and Wine Tent, especially the Marmion Abbey Ale and Wine. Classic and delicious concessions food is available within the park, and an elevated fall-themed menu will be featured in the Nagel Farmstead Emporium cafè. Visit Pumpkin Daze on the…

West Suburban Irish will be putting on their third annual Naperville Irish Fest this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, September 22-23, there will be live music, Irish cultural activities, Irish dancing, Hurling and Camogie demonstrations, children’s activities and more during the family-friendly festival at Naperville Central Park, 104 East Benton in Naperville. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. One-day tickets are $10 ($15 for two people). Children, age 12 or younger, are free. For tickets, go to www.wsirish.org. Parking is available at the following lots: Live MusicCheck out the incredible live music and entertainment…

Supernatural (formerly The Lotus Kings): All-Star Grammy® Tribute To Santana will play the Arcada Saturday evening, September 23, in St. Charles. Supernatural brings together eight Chicago-area stellar musicians that procure an astonishing replication of the musical wonder that is Santana. From “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va” to “Smooth,” “Maria Maria,” and “The Game of Love,” the Supernatural repertoire includes everything from the classic early hits to the “Supernatural” Grammy® songsm, and everything in-between. This excursion into the world of Santana is made complete with the group’s awe-inspiring multimedia presentation. The All-Star Supernatural collective includes guitarist Steven Kikoen (Deacon…

West Dundee is hosting its annual Heritage Fest this weekend. The event continues this morning at 10am and runs through Sunday at 5pm. Click here for the schedule of events. (Photo credits Kevin Ketchum)

Bond was set at $300,000 Friday for a West Chicago man charged with injuring a pregnant woman during an alcohol-induced traffic accident last month. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Glen Ellyn Chief of Police Philip Norton announced that bond has been set for a West Chicago man accused of causing an accident while intoxicated that seriously injured a pregnant woman. The 28-year-old West Chicago resident appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Daniel Guerin set the bond. He is charged with one count of Aggravated DUI – Great Bodily Harm, a Class 4 Felony. On August…