Author: Paul Stukel

It must the season. In what can only be called a bizarre incident, a suspect is in custody after what Aurora police termed an “imitation firearm” was accidentally discharged Sunday afternoon inside Fox Valley Mall in Aurora. According to a post on the APD Facebook page, at approximately 4:39pm Sunday officers responded to a report of a single shot fired inside Fox Valley Mall. Upon investigation, it was determined that the discharge, caused by an “imitation firearm,” occurred accidentally when the device fell from the suspect’s clothing and dropped to the ground. The suspect fled the scene but was quickly…

A 33-year-old Chicago man is in custody after being arrested carrying significant quantities of cocaine and a heroin/fentanyl combination. In a press release, Naperville police indicated that in early October the department received information regarding the illicit sale of narcotics on the northwest side of the city near Route 59 and Pebblewood Lane. An investigation by the Naperville Police Special Operations Group identified the suspect, who was later found to be in possession of 125 grams of suspected cocaine and 44 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl combination. The suspect was taken into custody and charged with 1 count of Unlawful Possession…

A 37-year-old Naperville woman has been charged with Reckless Homicide and related offenses in connection with a May 1st traffic crash that claimed the life of a 29-year-old motorcycle passenger, Nicole Ross. According to prosecutors, at around 5:02pm on Wednesday, May 1, a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban driven by the defendant was traveling eastbound on Butterfield Road and attempted to make a U-turn in the roadway. While turning, a 1990 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling eastbound on Butterfield Road was unable to stop and struck the driver’s side of the vehicle. The collision resulted in the driver of the motorcycle, a 30-year-old…

Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival is home to Chicagoland’s best haunted experiences. The Haunted Barn and Haunted Hayride Run September 27th through October 27th. The Haunted Barn, Curse of the Scarecrow!The Haunted Barn is a creepy maze with twists and turns and creepy characters (live actors) around every corner. The scene is set in an old abandoned barn themed “The Curse of The Scarecrow”; he’s on the loose inside the barn and out for revenge. The Scarecrow is joined by many of his sinister cohorts and they just can’t wait to meet you. The Haunted Barn is great for kids…

Kanecountyconnects. com We’re not ready for this. With winter fast approaching and Chicago expecting a La Niña weather pattern that could bring colder and snowier conditions to the Midwest, the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) is taking proactive steps to keep roads safer and reduce environmental impact. The Division is using innovative deicing technology to work smarter, not harder, in preparation for the challenging months ahead. Last winter, KDOT began using Frost Solution cameras—portable, mini weather stations that provide real-time data to predict frost, snow, and ice conditions on roads. These cameras, currently leased by KDOT, offer an hourly…

Whiplash is a neck strain caused by a sudden, forceful head movement, typically snapping forward and backward. Although often linked to car accidents, whiplash can occur during various activities, including high-impact sports like boxing, football, horseback riding, and more. Understanding the signs of whiplash, recognizing common symptoms, and knowing the steps to take if you experience neck pain can help you manage this condition effectively. Identify WhiplashIt can be challenging to identify whiplash immediately after an accident. However, the onset of several symptoms can help you determine if you have this condition. These include: It’s important to remember that whiplash…

An Elgin man has been found guilty of sexually abusing a child over a nineteen-month period beginning in October 2021. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced today that a jury has found 36-year-old Ernesto Velasquez-Jimenez guilty of Predatory Criminal Sex Assault of a child, a Class X felony (3 counts), and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a child, a Class 2 felony (7 counts). Prosecutors asserted that between the dates of October 1, 2021 and June 3, 2023 Velasquez-Jimenez sexually abused the victim on multiple dates. The defendant touched the victim, who was under the age of 13,…

Magic, monsters, and mythical entertainment will be summoned on the grounds of Naper Settlement during All Hallows Eve for families with children 16 and under on Oct. 18-19 from 6:30-10pm. New this year, visitors are welcome to wear a costume (no masks or costume weapons) and enter the Dress for the Dead Costume Contest for the chance to win up to $500. This year’s All Hallows Eve promises to be the most spine-chilling yet with a lineup of all new experiences, including:   Returning attractions will include a zombie maze, axe throwing, an alien autopsy, a magic show, a dark art…

An 21-year-old man has been charged with First-Degree murder in relation to a stabbing death on Elgin’s north side Saturday afternoon. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Elgin Chief of Police Ana Z. Lalley today announced that the suspect has been charged with First-degree murder, a Class M felony (3 counts), and Aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, a Class 3 felony. According to prosecutors, the incident took place just after noon in the 1000 block of Cedar Avenue in Elgin, where Elgin police located an adult male with life-threatening injuries after receiving reports of a stabbing. The victim…

Lords Park Zoo has four new cervine residents today. On Saturday, four deer sourced from Elkhorn Creek Whitetails, a USDA-certified farm in Oakdale, Illinois, were welcomed to the zoo, including two 4 ½-year-old deer, one 3 ½-year-old deer, and one 2 ½-year-old deer. The delivery of the deer was facilitated by Chase Baker, the president of the Illinois Deer Farmers Association. Their arrival is made possible by the generosity of the Friends of Lords Park Zoo, who are covering the cost of both the purchase and delivery. These new additions will join Ruby, a 15-year-old deer born at Lords Park…