When it’s cold out, everyone knows there’s no better place to be than hunkered down by the fireplace.

But did you know the creosote buildup found in unmaintained chimneys is a leading cause of dangerous house fires? Not good.

If you’re about to have a house full of family and friends over Thanksgiving, now’s the time to schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection. A pro will make sure your chimney is filtering smoke properly and that any materials utilized in your remodel are fire-rated so you can cozy up safely. Continue reading

Join Michael Huff, MLB of the Chicago White Sox and Alderman Carl Franco as we kickoff the Christmas season in style at the Paramount. Entry is free, donations are encouraged! RSVP by Wednesday, November 15 to save your spot!

For all the 5th Ward residents, I hope the newsletter gave you a good idea of happenings in our ward. However, in this ever changing environment, print can be old news the very next day. Case in point, there is disappointing news about Aurora Packing. Long story short, they have pulled out of the deal to move into the old Cosmopolitan bldg. Continue reading

Aurora’s annual Memorial Day parade steps off at the corner of Benton and Broadway at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, and ends at the GAR Memorial Hall, 5 E. Downer Place, for the “Honoring All Who Served” ceremony. Keynote Speaker is Lt. Lauren Carthan, senior naval science instructor, East Aurora High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

The ceremony concludes with a military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11 a.m., the exact time the armistice was signed that ended WWI. The parade lineup includes active and retired military personnel, local and regional veterans’ organizations, public safety personnel, a community chorus, marching bands, ROTC units and special guests. Following the parade and ceremony, the award-winning historic GAR Hall will be open for tours.

6 things to know about “falling back”

On Sunday, at 2 am, clocks will turn back one hour, heralding the end of daylight saving time for much of the country. The change will shift daylight back into the morning hours. For 9-to-5 office workers, it means saying goodbye to leaving work while it’s still light out. And for weekend workers, it will mean an additional glorious hour of sleep this Sunday.

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Have a SCARY but SAFE Halloween! We ask you and your little goblins to adhere to Aurora’s official trick-or-treat hours, which are 4 to 7:30 p.m. today. If you’re accompanying your little ones, try and go out earlier when it still is light outside.

Other safety tips:  Continue reading

We’re investigating two recent scams that both revolve around the paying of bills using department store gift cards or pre-paid money cards. The latest fraud started with a phone call around 12:35 p.m., Oct. 16, and cost a 74 year-old West Side couple around $6000 after they paid a man who identified himself as a court appointed attorney for their grandson who was away at college; and had supposedly just been arrested after riding in a car that was pulled over and marijuana was found. Continue reading

AURORA, IL — Is Wednesday too early to start thinking about the weekend? We sure don’t think so. Here’s a list of ten unconventional Halloween-themed things to do in your area. Prices range from free to $30 for a specialized zombie haunted house. Happy haunting!

AURORA Continue reading

The City of Aurora, in partnership with Will County, is hosting a free Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  All items are free to recycle, including televisions, but registration is required.

Due to the high demand for service:

• The event is open to Aurora residents only. ID is required.
• Each car is limited to five (5) items in total, including two (2) total screens – either television OR computer screen.
• Only approved household items and electronics will be accepted.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR TIME SLOT BELOW WITH JUST YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS. THE COMMENT SECTION SECTION AND QUANTITY SECTION DO NOT HAVE TO BE COMPLETED.

Date: 10/28/2017 (Sat.) Location: Parking Lot W – 309 N. River Street

Click Here for available time slots.