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.

Looking for comfort in difficult times.

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.

HELLMICH: My appreciation for the beauty and abundance of the Sauk Valley’s natural resources has grown during my 10 years in the area, and I thank our neighbors who dedicate themselves to protecting these resources for our children and grandchildren.

Column: Fall in Batavia means it’s time to celebrate our business community! Join us for Chamber Cheers on Oct. 2, writes Shirley Mott of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

"What’s the end goal behind the disturbing things happening with the Board at the Crystal Lake Park District?" five former park board members write in a guest opinion.

"Not a single member of this board has made any move to 'take away' or 'harm' the parks," Crystal Lake park board President Fred Tiesenga said at a recent school board meeting, a statement shared here.

Shelby Yonk, Westwood’s new director of Human Performance, brings both academic preparation and applied experience to the role. Yonk holds a master of science degree in exercise science and wellness and is a certified strength and conditioning coach.

There have been many studies on motivation, and the science is clear: People are far more successful when they regularly track progress. Recognize how far you’ve come.

DeWalt: A healthy obsession with apples can benefit our health in several ways.

Column: What's Happening in Batavia? The Batavia Fire Department will host an Open House is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Station 2, 1400 W. Main St.

So, what is heaven, and where is it? Is it a place, a state of being, or a journey? Or is it all of the above?

Column: The St. Charles Park District's Adult Activity Center was designed for adults 50 and older, with a full calendar of engaging and entertaining events.

Wadsworth: Dixon’s saddest tragedy of the last 100 years is likely the 1957 story of the little Guernsey girls. The heart-rending accident emerged from a quarry at Dixon’s cement plant and was front-page news from coast to coast.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes about how having a Plan B affects your life's Plan A.

Column: The DeKalb Chamber Foundation has a new program for residents to learn about running for office. The goal is to provide a realistic and encouraging look at public service, equipping residents with the knowledge and confidence to step up as local leaders, writes Matt Duffy

Veteran groups are collaborating on events that increase awareness of resources available and help ease access, the McHenry County Mental Health Board writes.

OBENDORF: We seem to have an early fall and the migration of the birds has begun.

MCDERMOTT: The story of Rochelle cannot be told without a mention of the taverns and Cherry Avenue.

As summer 2025 winds down and harvest season will soon arrive, it is good to reflect on the generosity of God.

Column: Pollution prevention is vital to protect the environment and is everyone’s responsibility, writes Linda Srygler of DeKalb Citizens' Environmental Commission.