Batavia Sun :: News ::

Former guard: 'beliefs cost me my job'

Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

A former Kane County jail guard claims he lost his job because of his Muslim beliefs, according to a federal lawsuit filed last week in Chicago.

Mayors: Lots of work ahead for ailing area roads

sun-times News Group — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Roads throughout the Fox Valley need a lot of work.

Oberweis on energy: Produce more, use less

BY LINDA SCHWEITZER Special to the Beacon News — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Considering that the high price of gas affects everyone, it was poor attendance of about 30 residents at a town hall meeting hosted by Republican congressional candidate Jim Oberweis. In the first of a series of 12 town hall meetings throughout the 14th Congressional District, Oberweis took the platform at the old Kendall County Courthouse Tuesday and described his ideas for reducing America's dependence on foreign oil.

Health Dept.: Weather just right for West Nile virus

sun Staff — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

With temperatures climbing into the 90s last week, the Kane County Health Department is warning that now is the time to be thinking about West Nile virus.

in brief

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Zonta Club will host annual meeting

Record-breaking pillow fight a hit with fans

BY BEACON NEWS STAFF — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The feathers were flying at Elfstrom Stadium for what the Kane County Cougars believe was a world record-setting pillow fight. The Cougars announced Monday that 3,872 people participated in the 90-second pillow-palooza last weekend, besting the previous record of 3,648 people, set in 2005 in Albany, N.Y.

Local corn arriving at Valley farmers markets

BY LINDA GIRARDI Special to the Beacon News — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Fox Valley corn-on-the-cob connoisseurs are about to get a taste of the season's first locally grown sweet corn.

Foster says visit to border gives him new insight

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Fox Valley Congressman Bill Foster took a trip to the southern border of Arizona and California last weekend, and what he saw there has given him new insight into illegal immigration.

Bus transit could transform Randall

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- It was 1958 when the Kane County Board first designated Randall Road as a limited-access highway to get people north and south in the county.

Column: The legend lives on -- Megasaurus | Video

BY ANDRE SALLES Staff Writer — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

St. Charles firefighter injured in blaze

From Staff Reports — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

A firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling a Saturday morning warehouse blaze in St. Charles that caused an estimated $50,000 in damage.

Muslim Kane jail guard sues over discrimination

FROM STNG REPORTS — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

A Muslim man is suing the Kane County Sheriff�s Department for religious discrimination, claiming he was fired as a correctional officer after refusing to shave off the mustache he kept for religious reasons.

Kane County fair debuts new exhibition hall

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Hot and sticky with 90-plus heat indexes? It must be fair week. But hundreds of people who decided to spend their day at the Kane County Fair Wednesday didn't mind so much -- not with $1 ice cream cones, lemon shake-ups, smoothies and a new, air-conditioned building in which to cool off. The 140th annual event kicked off at noon with the official ribbon-cutting for the new, 42,000-square-foot exhibition hall.

Library board OKs link to Teenwire site

BY MICHELE DU VAIR Special to the Beacon News — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The Batavia Public Library Board of Trustees voted 4-2 to continue linking to the Planned Parenthood Web site Teenwire.com from the library's site, but to move it from the Young Adult to the Web Reference page.

New interchange could mean rerouting of bike path

By Dan Campana dcampana@scn1.com — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Ed Barsotti describes the Illinois Prairie Path's Batavia spur as a "nice, family-friendly section" of the trail.

Rules changed for reserving preserve shelters

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- Use of shelters in Kane County forest preserves will no longer necessarily be first-come, first-served.

Kane County Board splits four precincts

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- The Kane County Board on July 8 approved splitting four of the largest precincts in the county as a way of making election day in November more efficient.

Kane sheriff's office making move next week

sun Staff — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The Kane County Sheriff's Department is ready to make its move from its present site on Fabyan Parkway in Geneva to the county judicial center campus on Route 38 west of St. Charles.

Foster revving up 14th District's cash register

By Dan Campana dcampana@scn1.com — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Gentlemen, start your campaign bank accounts.

in brief

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Homecoming banners on sale

Gas-saving gadgets too good to be true

By Emily McFarlan Staff Writer — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Right now, you can drive around using water as fuel and laugh at rising gas costs.

Bulls top pick pleads guilty, learns lesson

BY DAN CAMPANA Staff Writer — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The NBA's No. 1 pick had to wait his turn Monday morning in a Kane County courtroom. Derrick Rose, the Bulls top choice in last month's draft, sat patiently as five others were called to Judge Robert J. Morrow's bench to answer traffic and misdemeanor charges before he stepped up to plead guilty to speeding.

Motorcyclist in critical condition after Batavia crash

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

A motorcyclist was airlifted in critical condition from the scene of a traffic accident in Batavia on Monday evening, fire officials said.

New Midway, stages add to Kane fair fun

BY EMILY McFARLAN Staff Writer — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Elephants and tigers and prize-winning pigs -- oh, my! The exotic animals, rides, fair foods and entertainment return Wednesday to the 140th Kane County Fair at the Kane County Fairgrounds. The fair runs through July 20 at the fairgrounds on Randall Road between Routes 64 and 38 in St. Charles.

Oberweis slates forums on gas prices

BY BEACON NEWS STAFF — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Congressional candidate and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis is hitting the road to talk about high gas prices.

New tollway would force Prairie Path rerouting

BY DAN CAMPANA dcampana@scn1.com — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Ed Barsotti describes the Illinois Prairie Path's Batavia spur as a "nice, family-friendly section" of the trail. Hundreds of times Barsotti, director of the League of Illinois Bicyclists, has traveled the path between Warrenville and Batavia, a route which benefits from very little direct interaction with major roads because of strategically placed bridges and underpasses.

Four arrested in FBI drug sweep

Beacon News Staff — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Four people � including an Aurora woman, two Naperville residents and a Batavia man � have been charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance after a drug sweep Wednesday in Aurora.

Democrats to rally at Downtown Alive!

BEACON NEWS STAFF — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Several Democratic candidates in the fall election will be on hand Friday night at a reception at Aurora�s Downtown Alive! music festival.

Diaper derby, water games & dodgeball

Beacon News Staff — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- While rain Thursday may have gotten the annual Windmill City Festival off to a soggy start, today's lineup is sure to brighten the spirits of kids of all ages. Festival highlights today include athletic events throughout the day -- a dodge ball tournament from 9 a.m. to noon at Memorial Park, a Kid's Fun Run at 11 a.m. at the Riverwalk and the All-Star Sports Corner from 1 to 4 p.m. At noon, there will be Big Wheel races for kids up to age 6 on Island Avenue. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. there will be a Fire Hose Challenge on the Riverwalk. And the ever-popular Diaper Derby is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Oberweis to hold town-hall meetings

BY BEACON NEWS STAFF — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- Congressional candidate and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis is hitting the road to talk high gas prices.

Can greed stop progress? Batavians weigh in on Fourth

By Michele Du Vair SPECIAL TO THE sun — Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

About a dozen Batavians gave up the opportunity to sleep in on Friday, opting instead to participate in their city's annual Fourth of July American Dialogue, hosted by Roger Breisch.

Kane Forest Preserve to charge for shelter use

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- Use of shelters in Kane County forest preserves will no longer necessarily be first-come, first-served.

Prosecutors: Juvenile weapons charges on the rise

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

With Kane County Juvenile Court on pace to surpass new cases totals from last year -- albeit slightly -- prosecutors said Tuesday that weapons offenses are one reason more youths are showing up in court.

in brief

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Quilts to honor organ donors

County sheriff asked to check residency of inmates

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

An anti-illegal immigration group that pushed for changes in Elgin now is seeking information about the screening processes at the Kane County jail.

Floodwater mosquitoes thrive after heavy rains

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Outdoors lovers probably already have noticed the return this year of a familiar annoyance.

Fire damages Batavia waste transfer station

FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS — Mon, 7 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

No one was injured in a fire at a waste transfer station in Batavia on Monday afternoon.

Column: Vote centers could change 'politics as usual'

BY STEVE LORD Staff Writer — Mon, 7 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The concept of vote centers in Kane County could have an unusual effect on local politics.

Kane Forest Preserve set to OK lower budget

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- Kane County Forest Preserve commissioners are set to approve a $98.1 million budget -- about 21 percent less than last year.

Midnight ride at Fermilab benefits conservation group

BY BEACON NEWS STAFF — Mon, 7 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Area bicyclists are invited to enjoy a moonlit, pedal-powered view of the grounds of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory during the annual Chase the Moon Midnight Bike Ride.

Who's buying the booze for teens?

BY ERIKA WURST Staff Writer — Mon, 7 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

There are an estimated 10.8 million underage drinkers in the United States, and they are getting their alcohol from somewhere. According to a new federal study and local teens, it's never difficult to get. Much of the time, it comes from adults.

Can greed prevent progress? Batavians weigh in

BY MICHELE Du VAIR Special to the Beacon News — Sat, 5 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

About a dozen Batavians gave up the opportunity to sleep in on Friday, opting instead to participate in their city's annual Fourth of July American Dialogue, hosted by Roger Breisch.

A day for independence

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Every Fourth of July, Americans celebrate their independence with fireworks shows and outdoor concerts, community picnics and backyard cookouts. Today we share tales of personal independence, from Fox Valley residents young and old. Regardless of their age or their physical and mental abilities, they all desire the same thing -- a sense of freedom in the land of the free.

Save energy -- shop locally

By MICHELE du VAIR Special to The Beacon News — Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- Annie Collins can't quite decide which of the delicious delectables to purchase from the Tastefully Simple booth at the Batavia Farmers Market.

A generous gesture for those who served bravely

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Wednesday, June 25: 0300 hours

Batavia panel checks out bridge sites

By Michelle DuVair Special to the sun — Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

A Batavia bridge committee met last week and toured several sites, looking for a good crossing. All but one of the sites was south of the existing Wilson Street bridge.

New federal funds save jobs at Fermilab

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

As President Bush signed a supplemental budget resolution Monday, securing millions more for scientific research, employees at Fermilab breathed a sigh of relief. For more than six months, the lab in Batavia has been dealing with the effects of a 2008 budget that saw the lab's Department of Energy funding cut by about $22 million.

Bringing new life to old church yard

BY KAREN GOVEIA Special to the Beacon News — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

When Kyle Meyers, 17, heard a small church in Aurora needed help with a landscaping project, he knew he'd be perfect for the job. Meyers took on the work as his Eagle Scout project. He also had the right resources for the job. Meyers' grandfather, Anthony Tyznik of Batavia, is the renowned landscape architect of 40 years at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Chef brings culinary expertise to Delnor

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- After delivering a baby girl, Abigail Rose, last week at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva, Vicki Ross has been eating chef salads, "which haven't been that bad."

Chef dishes up cuisine for patients at Delnor

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

After delivering a baby girl last Thursday at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva, Vicki Ross of Sycamore, has been eating chef salads, "which haven't been that bad." But her hospital entree Wednesday morning was prepared by a chef who is among a team of hospitality consultants working with Delnor to improve patients' meal satisfaction.

Batavia cautious with new food-service contract

By Denise Linke Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- School Board members have extended Sodexho America's food-service contract for a second year, saying they are satisfied with how the company improved security after hiring a convicted sexual predator to work in two district schools.

Batavia schools approve waste, cleaning contracts

By Denise Linke Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- The Batavia School District this week retained one service vendor and replaced another for a company with a lower contract bid.

Pre-term births increase mirrors trend

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Tiny Samantha Grace Jansey of Batavia slept as nurses wheeled her incubator across the hall into Rush-Copley Medical Center's new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit last Tuesday in Aurora.

County continues its push for homeowners

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- It might be too late.

Preservation move puts farmhouse on wheels

By Linda Girardi Special to the sun — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The Byron Kendall Farmstead was moving as though it had its best years ahead.

One hearing on Web site not enough

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- A Planned Parenthood Web site aimed at teen-agers is crude and inaccurate, a group told the public Library Board here.

Band shell fundraiser needs $10,000 to hit goal

sun Staff — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- Community fundraising for the Batavia Riverwalk Band Shell project has topped $90,000 in cash and pledges, with about two weeks left to reach the initial goal of raising $100,000 in 100 days.

in brief

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Youth coach to be honored for service

July 4 fireworks in jeopardy after 2010

By Michele du Vair Special to The sun — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The 58-year tradition of July 4th Batavia fireworks is in jeopardy beyond 2010.

Floods cause trains to divert through Fox Valley

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Attentive watchers might notice a few more freight trains moving through the area as the flooding in and around Iowa has forced some rerouting.

Foster releases list of federal funding requests

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Capping off 100 days in office, Rep. Bill Foster last week released his full list of appropriations requests for 2009.

Fermilab gets funding boost from U.S. House

By Elisabeth Kilpatrick ekilpatrick@scn1.com — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- Fermilab officials welcomed the prospect of a much-needed financial boost after the House approved an appropriations bill Thursday evening that included $400 million for science programs.