Far-flung 'burbs fork over more for gas than city folk
Living in the far-flung suburbs of McHenry and Kane counties may give you a bigger lawn than living in Chicago. But the bucolic life has gotten more expensive because of high gas prices, according to a recent study. Since 2000, average gas costs in the Chicago area have risen from about $1.99 a gallon to $4.24 a gallon.

Carriage Oaks
Shirley Wagner, a resident of Carriage Oaks for the last eight years, told me, "I'll never say anything bad about this place. The only way I'm going out of here is feet first."

Egg Harbor Cafe
At Swedish Days, I chatted with Egg Harbor Cafe manager Gary Dudkowski. He was flipping burgers on an outdoor grill temporarily set up on Geneva's Third Street.

Northern Illinois Food Bank earns high rating
ST. CHARLES -- Northern Illinois Food Bank recently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, landing it in an elite position among charities.

Sun-Times group ready 'to weather worst storms'

The parent company of The Beacon News and the Chicago Sun-Times has enough cash for two to three years of operations despite ongoing declines in advertising revenue, its chief executive officer said Tuesday.

Daddio's Diner
At Daddio's Diner, better known as Kathy's to its many longtime fans, there are Beatles posters on the wall, an LP record album cover for Roy Orbison and miscellaneous kitsch from yesteryear decorating the walls above the old fashioned soda fountain, which features vintage soda glasses stacked on glass shelves in front of a mirror. Beneath the mirror are rounded stainless steel countertops.

VIA members advised to track lawmakers' views
AURORA -- Change has come in many shapes and forms for manufacturers in the Fox Valley.

business briefs
Link receives managerial award

Kane restaurants get in-person tomato warnings

When the Kane County Health Department realized the tomato recall fax-blasts they sent out at 8 a.m. Sunday weren't making it into the appropriate hands, officials were concerned.

Minta Interiors
Minta Interiors' recently opened showroom in a former candy store is an example of Interior Designer Anna Lisznianski's style. It's smashing, with wonderful understated colors and attention to detail. If the old candy store was a Goo-Goo Bar, Minta Interiors showroom is fine Austrian chocolates. Very tasty indeed.

Kane County wants to help troubled homeowners
GENEVA -- Kane County officials have several programs to help troubled homeowners, and they want to get the word out.

business briefs
ADP Plastics marks 20 years in Fox Valley

At least Saudis agree: Oil prices are too high

NEW YORK -- Oil prices dropped Monday on a stronger dollar and a call from Saudi Arabia for a meeting to talk about prices it called unjustifiably high, but gas prices kept marching higher, leaving the $4 mark in the rearview mirror.

Stressing over debt can be bad for health

WASHINGTON -- The stress from deepening debt is becoming a major pain in the neck -- and the back and the head and the stomach -- for millions of Americans.