Our nation’s officially-designated day for giving thanks has come and gone.

Column: Before you dive into the big-box Black Friday frenzy, we invite you to slow down just a bit, savor the season, and support the small businesses that make Batavia feel like home, writes Shirley Mott of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

Angels are messengers from God. How those messengers take form will always be a mystery to us, but if they bring a sense of hope, peace and goodwill during our darkest days and nights, then it should not be too much of a stretch to believe they are real.

Column: As the year winds to a close, the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation is reflecting on a year that was shaped by the one thing that has always made our county stand out from the pack – innovation, writes Mellissa Amedeo.

Wadsworth: For many early stagecoach passengers, the Rock River ferry forced them to stay for the night. But for others, the beauty of Dixon’s unique perch above the river would inspire them to stay for a lifetime.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes that permission from the so-called gatekeepers or institutions are no longer needed to reach customers, readers or supporters.

Column: Holiday magic is coming to DeKalb! writes the chamber's resident festive elf, Elfie. Local magic is real — and you’re part of it. Let’s make this holiday season shine brighter than ever.

Column: What's Happening in Batavia? Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet open house is Nov. 21. Public input is needed on a longterm city energy plan. And the city's fiscal 2026 budget draft has been published, writes Lori Botterman.

He is Pope Leo XIV, and he recently marked his first six months in the role he was elected to in May after the death of Pope Francis.

Column: As we all ease into the holiday spirit, you’ll notice that DeKalb County certainly doesn’t lack festive celebrations, writes Katherine McLaughlin of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes that maintaining a life balance is crucial, but this balance is allowed to be altered.

Column: Friday, Dec. 5 brings one of the most magical nights of the year, when the Christmas Walk officially kicks off the holiday season in Geneva, writes Johanna Patterson of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

Wise: We have much to be thankful for in the Sauk Valley. Our local governments, from Oregon to Fulton, work to meet the needs of our communities. There may be occasional shortcomings, but overall, we are thankful for those who do that work.

Wadsworth: Dozens of early local villages had “grove” in their name. You’re probably familiar with Franklin Grove, Sugar Grove, Gap Grove, and Deer Grove. But there were many more.

Column: Unfortunately, massage is not covered by insurance in our good ol’ US of A, so it can be difficult on the pocketbook. And here’s where our wonderful local community college can help, writes Joan Budilovsky.

Column: Every unique volunteer opportunity provides some benefit to the world around us. When we put in the effort, we improve our community, writes Rob Srygler.

In this week's column, Toby Moore write this country's greatness comes through human hearts and hands, not government checks.

Through every season, Nature sings different songs, and if we listen closely, those songs can inform the cycles of our soul’s internal seasons we move through in life.

But it is precisely because we see and feel all of the cruelty, pain and destruction, that we have no choice but to continue to live and give from the heart.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes that that harshest times can often create the strongest of souls.

We have been hit hard with celebrity deaths recently.

Plote: The DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA) is launching a discussion series exploring the use of artificial intelligence in farming. The first event is Oct. 29 in Malta.

Column: You won’t find this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed farmhouse (the one and only) by looking for it, the single roadside proclamation on a simple black mailbox: “Muirhead Farm," writes Richard Holinger.

Column: Not to toot my own horn, but these days I toot my horn to alert drivers who want to join the flow of rush hour traffic that they can enter in front of me. They wave, and I wave back, writes Richard Holinger.

Column: Sing carols to the cows and dine with the Grinch this holiday season as the St. Charles Park District presents a holiday lineup filled with fun and new traditions for all ages, writes Melissa Rubalcaba Riske. Register now since these events fill fast

Imagine Dixon with no buildings, no roads, no people … just trees and native grass. The river has no dam and no bridges … just a free-flowing wide stream with many little islands.

Column: Batavia Business Beat: The public is invited to the 2025 State of the Community Breakfast on Nov. 6, writes Shirley Mott of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes that despite the many theories of our existence, of our reason for being, there is a common thread: We are participants in something vast - and alive.

Column: What’s happening in Batavia? BatFest returns this weekend, writes Lori Botterman.

A free workshop offered by the McHenry County Mental Health Board on World Trauma Day, Oct. 17, will help attendees reclaim their stories.

Column: Community members who wish to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area and who are interested in the work needed to support it are encouraged to check out the Kane County Certified Naturalist information session Nov. 6, writes Patricia MacMillan.

Wadsworth: Many cities named their streets after presidents, famous Americans, trees or nearby towns. But Dixon’s north side holds the distinction of having a large number of streets named after early Dixon settlers.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes about the humble - somewhat ragged - beginnings of the U.S Navy.

Column: Brush pickup begins Monday, Oct. 13, for east side residents and Monday, Oct. 20, for the west side, writes Lori Botterman.

Anyone with a talent for carving or decorating pumpkins won’t want to miss submitting their masterpiece for Ghoulish Gourds on Parade with the St. Charles Park District.

Column: Since many Scandinavians live in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, and South Elgin, I would love to hear from anyone who has baked with antler salt, writes Janet Lagerloef.

Recently, it was the all-town rummage sale and the chili cook off on the same day. At the museum we had some things out for people just to take, such as old picture frames and some furniture that the Tri-County had left many years ago.

Column: With grass growing slower and leaves starting to drop, our lawn care shifts from beautifying to cleaning up and preparing for the cold winter ahead, writes Rob Srygler of DeKalb's Citizens' Environmental Commission.

Column: Homecoming is just around the corner, and as Executive Director of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau and an NIU alumnus, I can barely contain my excitement, writes Cortney Strohacker.

Column: On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the public is invited to join the “Makers on the Move” Bus Tour as it stops in DeKalb County to celebrate centennial manufacturers and farms, writes Melissa Amedeo.

Repetition works both ways. If negative words can burrow deep and take root, then positive ones can heal, strengthen and grow.

Health literacy is defined as the ability to access, understand, appraise, and use health information and services to make informed health decisions for yourself and others.

Column: Developing societal kindness is not a new or novel concept. In fact, about 2600 years ago the Buddha was doing just that by teaching his disciples Metta Meditation. This is the meditation of loving-kindness, writes Joan Budilovsky.

Column: Apple cider, pumpkins and a spooky game of minigolf are the recipe for a perfect autumn outing with the St. Charles Park District.

Meier: It’s very easy for grifters and thieves to fake almost any official document and to include real-looking signatures. If you find yourself looking at something you don’t understand, from someone who wants your money, ask for help.

After the Black Hawk War ended in August 1832, settlers from eastern states slowly began to feel safer about venturing into the Rock River valley.

Whatever you release – kindness, anger, pride, hope – doesn’t vanish. Like a boomerang, it circles back, sometimes years later, sometimes in an instant.

SCHLEGEL: A few Amboy residents in 2006 decided to put love into action and established PFLAG Sauk Valley. Their vision created a safe, supportive community – one that transformed my quiet support into active advocacy for my son and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.

Column: The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet will move into its new permanent home at 916 First St. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, writes Lori Botterman of the city of Batavia.

Looking for comfort in difficult times.