Roger Breisch, chairman of the fireworks committee in Batavia, poses before the field where his last fireworks show will be launched over the weekend. (Heather Eidson/Staff Photographer)
There were more last-minute close calls than he cares to remember, when
it was in doubt whether the fireworks display would actually happen. Through it all, Batavia's "Mr. Fireworks," as Roger Breisch is fondly
known, says he has had a blast.
Fairs, festivals and more Your online guide to summer fun
Time to plan for summer fun. From local community celebrations to county fairs and Illinois getaway locations, the Beacon News provides this online guide to affordable family fun. And remember to send us your snapshots from the local festivals in jpeg format to fvpreaders@gmail.com.
I scream, you scream ... ... we all scream for ice cream!
Our GO section is planning a story on the area's best ice cream shops and we'd like your input. Tell us about your favorite spot for frosty treats and why you think it licks the competition.
Coke, marijuana seized in four busts
Several Aurora residents are under arrest after four drug busts
conducted by the Kane County Sheriff's Department over the past few
weeks. The operations were done primarily in conjunction with the West Aurora
Weed and Seed Program and led to significant seizures of cocaine and
marijuana, the sheriff's office said Thursday.
No-refusal weekend cracks down on DUIs
In an effort to reduce the number of intoxicated motorists on
the road, Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti said
representatives from his office, along with local police, plan to
conduct operations over the next two nights to hold accountable those
suspected drunken drivers who try to refuse submitting to a test of
their blood-alcohol levels.
East Aurora's Boatright got game, not USC
East Aurora's Ryan Boatright can remember watching "He Got Game" while
growing up and fantasizing what it would be like to be Jesus
Shuttlesworth, a recruit every college sought. Unfortunately for Boatright, he never had that opportunity. Just after
finishing eighth grade, Boatright jumped at his first college offer and
committed to the University of Southern California and coach Tim Floyd
in summer 2007. • Video: Boatright in action
Kane loses game, Elfstrom gains Cub
There have been many superstars at Elfstrom Stadium over the years, but
the biggest one so far this year is coming to Geneva tomorrow. The Chicago Cubs' Aramis Ramirez is scheduled to start a minor league
rehab assignment today with the Peoria Chiefs, the Cubs' Class A
affiliate. • Cubs slugger playing in Kane County
Crisp whites, cool reds for summer
Wine isn't like your wardrobe. No need to wait until Memorial Day to bring out the whites or save that sparkly red for a holiday party. Still, there is some reason to sip with the season — as the temperature climbs think crisp, light, tangy.
McDonald's new Angus burgers on the menu
McDonald's Corp. will begin selling its new line of bigger burgers priced at about $4 each on Thursday to bring in customers looking for a beefy alternative to pricier burgers at sit-down restaurants. The new Angus burgers are made with one-third pound of Angus beef and come in three varieties.
Time to light up the skies
Everyone loves a party, and America's birthday is a great reason to celebrate. With parades, picnics and patriotism on full display, the Fourth of July is some of the best of what our country has to offer. But the patriotic display isn't over when the sun sets; that's when the party is just getting started.
