R. Christian Smith – Page 43

Kane County Health Department offers new service linking people to resources they need

September 20, 2024 at 4:54 p.m.

The Kane County Health Department is launching a new service that will connect people in need to resources like substance use services, housing assistance and more.

The Aurora Fire Department's newest fire truck, Truck 14, was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Aurora Fire Department adds first new fire truck in over 25 years

September 20, 2024 at 4:32 p.m.

While the Aurora Fire Department has replaced vehicles in that timeframe, Truck 14 represents the first addition of a “water apparatus” to the city’s fleet since 1998, officials said.

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin gave his State of Education in Aurora address at Aurora University on Wednesday, where he announced a number of new initiatives by the city to support education. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin announces new education division, other initiatives

September 19, 2024 at 1:12 p.m.

At his third State of the City address of the year, Irvin announced a number of educational initiatives the city would be taking on.

A new Small Business Development Center is located inside the Kane County Sheriff's Office. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Kane County Sheriff’s Office launches small business development program for current, former inmates

September 20, 2024 at 10:12 p.m.

The program will be open to current inmates as well as those in the community who have previously been involved with the justice system, officials said.

A look inside the new Riverside Lift Station in St. Charles. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

New lift station seen as ‘crucial infrastructure’ for St. Charles

September 18, 2024 at 12:27 p.m.

The area around the lift station was also improved with walking paths, sitting areas and public restrooms.

Timothy Ruppel, co-director of the Kane County Forensic Science Center, examines a blood sample's alcohol content at the center in Geneva last spring. The county recently formally accepted a federal grant of nearly $1 million to help expand the laboratory. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Kane County formally accepts almost $1 million for forensics lab

September 18, 2024 at 10:53 a.m.

The goals of the Kane County Forensic Laboratory are to rapidly generate leads for criminal investigations, streamline the process of obtaining information for pending court cases and determine cause of...

The Kane County Board recently voted to put a sales tax referendum question on the spring ballot, and also to put the draft 2025 county budget on display. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Kane County Board OKs sales tax referendum, puts 2025 draft budget on display

September 18, 2024 at 10:54 a.m.

Along with approving a sales tax referendum for next spring, the Kane County Board Tuesday voted to put a $416.6 million draft budget for 2025, which does not include millions...

The St. Charles City Hall Council Chambers fills up for a Plan Commission meeting on Sept. 4 concerning a plan to annex 970 acres into St. Charles for a large residential development. St. Charles officials on Friday announced the city is no longer interested in the plan for the development. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

St. Charles turns down plan to annex 970 acres for development after significant opposition

September 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Pulte Homes had proposed a large residential development within the rural La Fox community, but residents along with local organizations, businesses and governments pushed back against the plan.

A rendering shows what the town center planned at The Grove development might look like. (Norris Design)

Despite significant resistance, Sugar Grove Village Board approves 760-acre Crown development

September 11, 2024 at 3:41 p.m.

The Grove, a mixed-use development by Crown Community Development, was approved by the majority of village trustees despite significant pushback from area residents.

The Indian Prairie School District 204 office is at the Crouse Education Center at 780 Shoreline Drive in Aurora. The district is eyeing a variety of projects to be done in the summer of 2025 if funding is available. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Indian Prairie School District plans for $40 million in projects for summer 2025 if voters approve bond issue

September 11, 2024 at 9:24 a.m.

If voters do not approve the bond proposal, the district would instead scale back efforts and focus only on the district’s highest priority needs over summer 2025, bringing the cost...

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