crosby
Trial of Cardamone’s mother is a strange case indeed
For most of us average taxpaying citizens, stepping into a witness box to face prosecutors who want to nail you with a forgery conviction would be an intimidating, terrifying experience. Now imagine having to testify to your innocence while breathing through an oxygen tube, just …
It will take whole community to beat the scourge of heroin
When Robin, struggling to conceive, found out she was pregnant that Christmas Eve of 1990, she dubbed this child later named Matt as “my miracle baby.” It was a story she shared with Aurora Beacon-News readers — mother and son were even pictured on the …
Cross: Tougher laws needed to protect our kids
State Republicans have declared it’s time to take off the kid gloves. House Republican Leader Tom Cross, a Fox Valley representative from Oswego, was part of a group that recently introduced new legislation it believes will help keep children safer from shootings that have grabbed …
Stored cremains also an issue at private funeral homes in Fox Valley
Unclaimed cremains are not unique to a coroner’s office. The owners of several local mortuaries say they have close to the same number of ashes in storage as Kane County. Despite the fact all fees have been paid, “It can be a challenge” finding families …
Baldness to be sign of sister’s lasting love
Phoebe Pruneda already has given considerable thought to what her hair is going to look like for the prom in May. It will be short. Really short. Like peach fuzz short. Buzz-cut short. That’s because the 16-year-old sophomore at East Aurora High School plans to …
Local NAMI in the trenches of mental illness treatment reform, awareness
When Laurie Huske was in crisis five years ago, struggling to deal with a loved one diagnosed with bipolar disorder and addictions brought on by his disease, she turned to the NAMI North Kane County chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. The …
Are adoption rules sheltering too many strays from good homes?
After acquiring two pets — a mutt and a cat — from a DeKalb shelter over a span of seven years, I figured I had this whole adoption thing pretty much figured out. Go in, pay a fee and take home the newest member of …
Local agencies struggle to keep up with state’s rising poverty rate
A few years ago, folks at the Salvation Army in Elgin had a problem. The people coming in to use the thrift store couldn’t even afford the pittance being charged for the used items sold there. “That’s when we went to an Emergency Clothing Closet,” …
Chance encounter lifts survivor’s guilt from WWII vet
Ken Udstad insists this story not be about him. He’s got a great tale to share, as do most of those old vets still around to reminisce about World War II. But a compelling part of his narrative — his desire to return the Japanese …
New church’s benefactor shared riches beyond wealth
In both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, the number 12 has significant meaning. It symbolizes completion, as in the 12 tribes of Israel; Jesus’ 12 apostles; the 12 nights of Christmas leading up to the Epiphany; the 12 broken breads at the …
Home for holidays special blessing for wounded warriors
Home for the holidays has taken on special meaning for two local families this year. It means their sons, Army Pvt. First Class Nathan Knutson from Newark and Marine LCpl. Kyle Moser from Oswego — both Purple Heart recipients and still recuperating from serious wounds …
Two moms: Two different killers put away
Garnett Bailey’s daughter and Karen Dobner’s son died 30 years apart and from two totally different kinds of killers, but both moms had suspicions early on where to put the blame. And this year, their tenacity went a long way in making sure both killers …
Some neighbors see red over ‘disturbing’ reindeer display
Mike and Yvonne Hammond may not have the most spectacular holiday decorations in their Century Hills subdivision, but the Naperville couple can certainly lay claim to the most controversial. That’s because, in addition to some sparkling but run-of-the-mill Christmas lights, their home on Cape Road …
After writing about shipwreck, WWII vet ‘became more vulnerable’
Every time I read the obituary of a World War II veteran — whether I knew him or not — I can’t help but feel a sense of melancholy as our country loses yet one more member of this Greatest Generation. Read the obit on …
Trial to begin on birthday of murdered NIU student — ‘family is devastated’
It was the second time in three months I spoke to Toni Keller’s grandmother. And for the second time, I heard the heartbreak in 72-year-old Joan Knable’s voice. Another postponement. Another delay until the trial begins for the man accused of killing her beloved granddaughter, …
