Open space plan identifies areas near Naperville for future protection

Call it thinking outside the meadow. When planners sat down last year to take a fresh look at the concept of open space in DuPage County, they were prepared to aim their sights beyond sprawling expanses of green grasslands and forests — or perhaps nearer. …

COD officials look at budget with $2.5 million deficit

The College of DuPage Board of Trustees got its first look at the proposed 2014 budget this Thursday. While the college’s financial rating is good, challenges loom in the immediate future — challenges that may lead to an increase in tuition. At the core of …

Woman gets jail, counseling for stealing puppy from Naperville Petland

A 21-year-old woman from Aurora has been sentenced to jail and ordered to undergo counseling, after being convicted of stealing a puppy last fall from a pet shop on Naperville’s far west side. DuPage County Circuit Court Judge John J. Kinsella sentenced the woman, Brandie …

Police, prosecutors differ on charging driver in alleged incident outside Aurora Planned Parenthood

A driver accused of swerving his SUV at a teenage demonstrator outside an Aurora Planned Parenthood clinic was charged with aggravated assault even though police said security cameras never showed him veering toward the protester. As a result Aurora police declined to charge the driver. But the DuPage County State’s Attorney did. The disagreement focuses on security video of the incident.

Group looks to help those in need in Honduras

When Luisa Fernanda Cicero moved to the United States from South Africa, she was amazed. “This is the country of choices,” she said. “I asked for a cup of coffee and I was offered 20 different kinds. I said, ‘How about the regular kind.’ Very …

Aurora program puts art created by young people in the spotlight

You should have been there. Honestly. The toothy grins and coy smiles would have moved you to tears. You should have seen them. Young women, children, pre-teens, shining brightly like stars in the dark summer sky. It was their day — and what a day …

Up close at ‘Fill the Boot’

Luckily people give more cash than coin so the boots aren’t as heavy as they could be.

I knew why Plainfield firefighters were collecting donations last Saturday outside the Jewel on Route 59. “Fill the Boot” sponsors Camp I Am Me where young burn survivors …

Will Co. sheriff passes out awards

NEW LENOX — From investigating fatal shootings to updating training manuals, Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupas on Thursday paid tribute to a wide variety of accomplishments in his department. After recognizing retirees and anniversaries, Kaupas began the department’s annual luncheon at the VFW Hall with …

Yorkville Council sworn in

YORKVILLE ­— The city said goodbye to one long-time alderman and hello to a brand new one as the new City Council was seated here recently. It is the 3rd Ward representation that will be different, as Joel Frieders was seated for the first time …

Superman fans show up early to snag Plano premiere tickets

PLANO — Kimber Dolan’s tired eyes begin to sparkle and a smile creases her face. As she fans four tickets to see “Man of Steel,” the new Superman movie opening next month, like a poker hand, she says the eight-hour wait after the drive from …

High school graduation ceremonies ready to begin

It is that time of year again. Time for caps, gowns and long walks to grab that diploma. High school graduation season is here.

Here are the graduation ceremony times for some high schools in the area:

West Aurora High School

2 p.m. Sunday, May …

Cops: Alcohol played role in drowning

An Aurora man who drowned Friday in a retention pond on the city’s far northeast side apparently consumed a significant amount of alcohol and accidentally fell into the pond, police said Saturday. Aurora police Sgt. Tim Jones identified the man as Joseph A. Pec, 36, …

Aurora murder suspect is deemed fit for trial

A Kane County judge recently deemed murder suspect Delbert Cooper fit to stand trial on charges he killed an Aurora woman, court records show. Cooper has pleaded not guilty to strangling and stabbing Renee Perry inside her apartment in December 2011. Last year, his attorney …

Aurora police release final crime numbers for 2012

Aurora police hit the ground running last year, and their efforts paid off. The city released its annual crime report for 2012, and statistics show both violent and property crimes, as well as traffic crashes, decreased throughout the year. The department also reported an all-time …

Two injured in crash in Aurora

Two people were injured Thursday afternoon after being struck by a car as they were entering a vehicle near New Haven Avenue and North Russell Avenue in Aurora. Police charged the driver, Paris Lisy, 1708 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, with having no license, no insurance …