Howard Backman was just 22 when he was killed at Pearl Harbor. Now he’s finally coming back to his hometown.

AURORA, IL — U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Walter Howard Backman was killed at the bombing of Pearl Harbor when he was just 22 years old. Like many of the other victims of Pearl Harbor, the Aurora native’s remains were not identified after his death. Now, after more than 75 years, Backman’s remains have been identified and will be buried in a Batavia cemetery, according to Chicago Tribune.  Continue reading

SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS As the snow has continued to fall throughout the night, the full fleet of the Aurora Snow Team has been plowing primary streets around the clock. This morning, more than 75 contractors have started to assist the Aurora Snow Team with the residential streets.

Heavy snow is expected to continue through the morning rush hour at approximately an inch per hour and taper off by late morning/early afternoon. The Aurora Snow Team will maintain around-the-clock operations. Continue reading

Here is a great link to events in Aurora. Learn about what’s happening in our town with Art, Music and more. CLICK HERE

Intersections With the Most Traffic Crashes in 2017 (and the Number of Crashes):

1. Eola & Indian Trail/North Aurora Rd. (68) 2. New York & Rt. 59 (67) 3. Indian Trail & Lake (59) 4. Butterfield/Rt. 56 & Eola (58) 5. Ogden/Rt. 34 & Rt. 59 (54) 6. Eola & New York; Eola & Liberty and Galena & Orchard (50) 7. Rt. 59 & 75th St. (49) 8. Liberty & Rt. 59 (47) 9. Montgomery & Rt. 59 (44) 10. Farnsworth & Molitor and McCoy & Rt. 59 (43)

Intersections With the Most Fatal/Personal Injury Crashes in 2017 (and the Number of Crashes):

1. Orchard & Sullivan (16) 2. Montgomery & Rt. 59 (15) 3. Ogden/Rt. 34 & 75th; Rt. 59 & 75th and Butterfield/Rt. 56 & Eola (13) Let’s be careful out there!

Ever wonder why we do what we do? Then join the Citizen Police Academy! The academy allows you to learn how the police department and our officers function on a daily basis by exploring a wide variety of interactive topics including the difference between criminal and civil law, gang and drug awareness, use of force, investigations, juvenile law, and other relevant topics. You also engage in practical exercises that cover building searches, crime scene processing, and traffic stops. Continue reading

Adrienne Holloway, City of Aurora innovation and core services department director, keynoted the​ ​​Jan. 2 meeting of Invested Neighbors, a networking group of Aurora University-area residents.

In added photo, Fifth Ward resident Fran Berg, left, chats with Holloway before her remarks.

Holloway said the innovation team, including technical division and community resources employees, works with city staff, community partners and citizens to investigate and solve challenges with creative solutions.

Future Invested Neighbors meetings will be held at 7 p.m. in the Homer Easley Room at Aurora University’s STEM school, 349 S. Gladstone Ave. in Aurora, on March 6, May 1, July 3, Sept. 4 and Nov. 6. Guest speakers in addition to Fifth Ward Alderman Carl Franco and Aurora Police Department officers will be announced.

The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.​ ​​ Call (630) 892-6803 for more information.​

The December Orchard Valley Homeowners meeting originally scheduled for December 21st has been cancelled. Our next meeting will be held on January 18th.

It’s that time of year again for thieves to steal the good cheer of the holidays by stealing packages delivered by commercial companies and/or the U.S. Postal Service.

What can you do to make sure you’re not victimized?

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Be sure to sign up for “Breakfast with Santa” by November 27th by calling Alpha Management at 630.892.8823. For the first time, Grandchildren of Orchard Vally homeowners are welcome. There will be 2 separate seatings which will be determined when you call to make your reservation. December 2nd the first seating is 8:30am – 10:30am, the second seating from 11:00am – 1:00pm.