Author: Fox Valley Magazine

MOLLY PARKERCapitol News Illinois  Dozens of state employees across multiple agencies are under investigation by a state watchdog for claims they fraudulently obtained payments from a federal pandemic-era loan program, Capitol News Illinois has learned. Neil Olson, general counsel at the Illinois Office of the Executive Inspector General, confirmed that “OEIG has been investigating allegations of Paycheck Protection Program fraud by state employees under our jurisdiction.” The review, he said, is “systematic,” involving multiple state agencies and the other governing bodies under OEIG’s jurisdiction, which include state universities, boards and commissions, and regional transit boards. Congress intended for the loans…

After a technical glitch on the day itself, Batavia’s July 4th fireworks will finally be set off this Saturday in Engstrom’s Family Park. The July 4 show was canceled when the fireworks vendor, Pyrotecnico, experienced a computer problem just as the show was about to begin. Pyrotecnico formally apologized for the July 4 cancellation, citing failures in both its primary and backup computer systems. Pyrotecnico will provide the fireworks on Saturday while covering a portion of the event costs as recompense for the previous failure. The event will begin at 5pm with vendors and twelve food trucks available. At 9pm, what the…

A man is in custody for allegedly supplying the cocaine that led to the death by overdose of a Wheaton man in 2021. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Chief of Police Bill Murphy announced yesterday that an Aurora man has been charged with one count of Drug Induced Homicide, a Class X Felony, in the death of sixty-two-year-old Raul Torres of Wheaton. According to prosecutors, it is alleged that on the afternoon of March 29, 2021, Wheaton police officers and paramedics found Torres unconscious and not breathing on the living room couch of his home with a…

An Aurora man was sentenced to 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of domestic battery. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced that Jose E. Avila has agreed to a sentence of seven years of imprisonment in exchange for a guilty plea to the offense of domestic battery causing bodily harm, Class 2 felony. On the evening of January 17, 2023, Avila went to the home of his former girlfriend and their four children. While at the residence, Jose was drinking alcohol and the two were arguing. At about 12:45 the next morning the victim told…

As the calendar turns to August, the dark cloud that lingers on the horizon of every child during the summer months is approaching rapidly, bringing with it the end of carefree days and late bedtimes and ushering in homework and early mornings. Meanwhile, for parents, the day of liberation is at hand. Kane County’s 9 school districts will resume classes at various points this month, commencing with St. Charles’ District 303 and Central District 301 on August 14. The students in East Aurora School District get the longest reprieve, opening on August 23. So, in order to set the mood,…

Tease up that hair and put on your dancing shoes as the music of the Bee Gees is coming to Aurora’s RiverEdge Park on Saturday, August 5 at 8pm. Stayin’ Alive is the ultimate tribute band to the Bee Gees, capturing the excitement of live performance and the tender subtleties of the human voice. Experience blockbusters like “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “You Should Be Dancing.”  Stayin’ Alive is the largest and most definitive production of its kind, offering big screen video clips, photos and dazzling imagery. It has played intimate settings as a six piece band…

The Chicago Steel and the United States Hockey League announced Friday the sale of the Steel to Wirtz Corporation, owner of businesses across professional sports & entertainment, real estate, insurance, banking, and wholesale distribution throughout the United States.  The sale culminates the eight-year ownership of Larry Robbins, during which the Steel became one of the most prominent junior hockey clubs in the world. Robbins, an Arlington Heights native, purchased the Steel in May 2015 and the club relocated from Bensenville to Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva that summer. “Eight years ago, Larry Robbins acquired the Chicago Steel and established…

The Village of North Aurora continues the North Aurora Days tradition of providing a fun-filled weekend of activities and entertainment for the whole family this Friday and Saturday at the North Aurora Riverfront Park. Community events will also spread throughout town. Food, drink, games, music – it will all be here at North Aurora Days. Friday, August 4 – 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm Food Vendors: 5:00 pm—11:00 pm Beer & Wine Tent: 5:00 pm—11:00 pm Free Face Painting and Balloon Art: 5:00 pm—9:00 pm DuPage Children’s Museum Event sponsored by the Messenger Public Library: 6:00 pm—9:00 pm Free Inflatable…

(Photo credit Andrew Adams) By ANDREW ADAMS  Capitol News Illinois  Drivers who need to renew their license at a secretary of state facility will likely have to make an appointment starting this fall. Starting Sept. 1, 44 driver services facilities in medium- to large-sized cities around the state will require appointments for driver services – things like renewing a license, updating a license to meet Real ID requirements or taking a driving test. Vehicle services, like title registration, will still be offered on a walk-in basis. The facilities impacted by the move to appointment-based service are in some of the state’s…

Join in the fun at Blueberry Fest in August at Windy Acres Farm in Geneva. The festival will feature Blueberry Donut Sundaes with fresh Compote served fresh out of our bakery, blueberry slushies, a Beer Garden featuring a Variety of Summer Ales, and Hot off the grill- Local Brats, Angus Beef Burgers and Fresh Sweet Corn. Kids entertainment includes: And, of course, the farm stand will have all things Blueberry! Attraction area is $16 per person ages 2 and older. Under age 2 is free. Age 14 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult at all times. No…