Roger Breisch, chairman of the fireworks committee in Batavia, poses before the field where his last fireworks show will be launched over the weekend. (Heather Eidson/Staff Photographer)
There were more last-minute close calls than he cares to remember, when
it was in doubt whether the fireworks display would actually happen. Through it all, Batavia's "Mr. Fireworks," as Roger Breisch is fondly
known, says he has had a blast.
I scream, you scream ... ... we all scream for ice cream!
Our GO section is planning a story on the area's best ice cream shops and we'd like your input. Tell us about your favorite spot for frosty treats and why you think it licks the competition.
Murray closes in on coveted role
With the closer's role up for grabs for the Kane County Cougars,
Justin Murray showed Wednesday he has one of the qualities needed to
fill the position: a short memory. Called on in the ninth inning
with his team holding a one-run lead against Peoria, Murray came on and
retired the side to pick up his third save of the season as the Cougars
made it 2-for-2 in the series with a 3-2 win.
Kleen slate
Baseball is a game, and games are supposed to be fun.
It is that way for former Cougars first baseman Steve Kleen. After missing the entire 2008 season with a torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder, the 26-year-old came back to earn a starting nod in the Midwest League All-Star Game on June 23 in Clinton.
Portraits to the people
John Sibley thinks "highbrow" art is overrated. Art selling for millions just isn't his style, he says. Sibley, from North Aurora, draws portraits on the spot for about $10 or $20. He believes that art should be accessible to everyone, which means
affordability and availability. So with his black easel and drawing paper, Sibley sets up every weekend in the summer at Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora and creates art for people to enjoy.
5 questions for a hammered-dulcimer player
Ted Yoder knows he'll have some explaining to do. Any time someone asks him about his music, he knows he'll have to start with the basics. Yoder, 37, plays a hammered dulcimer, an uncommon instrument that's part harp, part piano, that one plays by striking the strings with metal hammers.
