R. Christian Smith – Page 55

Kane County officials are looking at moving the health department from this building at 1240 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora to a proposed $30 million facility in St. Charles. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Kane County eyes moving health department facility from Aurora to St. Charles

February 24, 2024 at 10:16 a.m.

The proposed $30 million building in St. Charles would be more centrally located in the county, have more room for programming and get the health department out of its current...

Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross talks to mourners gathered outside the former Henry Pratt Co. building in Aurora on Feb. 15, the fifth anniversary of a mass shooting there. Police and fire department officials say that new gear and training are all part of preparing to deal with any active shooter situations in the future. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Aurora first responders incorporate lessons learned during Pratt mass shooting

February 22, 2024 at 2:21 p.m.

Aurora police and fire department leaders say they have new training programs, improved communications and specialized equipment because of lessons learned during the mass shooting on Feb. 15, 2019.

A draft concept plan for improvements at Garfield Park in Aurora includes a renovated playground, a new splash pad, upgraded sports facilities and more. (Courtesy of the City of Aurora)

Aurora area communities receive $2.8 million in state funding for park projects

February 20, 2024 at 4:35 p.m.

Aurora and other nearby communities received over $2.8 million in funding for local park projects from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the OSLAD grant program.

Kane County eyes change in budgeting process

February 20, 2024 at 10:34 a.m.

Kane County will not have enough revenue to support its expected expenses in the next fiscal year, the county’s finance director says, so she is asking the Kane County Board...

As Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin looks on, Emily Pinkard, whose father Josh Pinkard was killed in the mass shooting in 2019 at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, speaks about her father's strength and how it continues to inspire her during the city of Aurora's candlelight vigil Thursday night held to honor the victims of the tragedy and their families. (R. Christian Smith/ The Beacon-News)

Aurora honors victims of Pratt mass shooting at candlelight vigil

February 16, 2024 at 8:56 p.m.

City officials and family members of the victims shared memories at a candlelight vigil on Thursday on the fifth anniversary of the mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. in...

Ted Beyer visits the grave of his son, Russell Beyer, on Tuesday at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Aurora. Russell was one of five victims in the mass shooting at the Henry Pratt warehouse in Aurora on Feb. 15, 2019. (Stacey Wescott/baiduhai)

Memories, pain remain fresh five years after Pratt mass shooting in Aurora

February 14, 2024 at 3:10 p.m.

For those involved, from victims' families to first responders, the incident left an indelible mark on their lives.

Elementary school students in School District 204 created a lantern using pressed autumn leaves, then designed its light using SAM Labs. (Courtesy of School District 204)

Officials say School District 204’s new K-5 STEM program seeing results

February 14, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

The program, called SAM Labs, uses building blocks with lights, motors and more to teach students about science and coding.

Standing alongside a number of city officials on Thursday, Aurora 911 Center Supervisor Jacqueline Hobday said that the newly renovated center will improve communication internally and with other city departments. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Aurora officially opens renovated 911 emergency dispatch center

February 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

The city of Aurora’s new 911 emergency dispatch center, which includes updated technology and a new floor plan, officially opened on Thursday.

Lansing man arrested in Aurora charged with making illegal gun sales

February 9, 2024 at 5:54 p.m.

The Aurora Police Department arrested a man from Lansing on Wednesday after he allegedly made illegal sales of guns and accessories in Kane and DuPage counties, officials said.

School District 204 board approves new elementary English resource

February 6, 2024 at 4:13 p.m.

After a pilot program in the fall semester, Indian Prairie School District 204 elementary schools will be fully adopting a new, comprehensive English language arts resource program for the 2024-25...

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