

First graders Brenna Hornsey, right, and Lucas Kallieris, work on an experiment during the "What's The Matter" program by High Touch High Tech Monday for first grade students at Butterfield School in Libertyville. The kids learned about changing physical properties with a hands-on experiment using crystals and colored water.
Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer


I saw a few kites hanging in the garage this week and it got me thinking about how much I'm looking forward to warm temps and bright summer colors. Then I remembered the fun and colorful photos I took during the last week of summer at the Geneva Park District's annual Kite Festival and thought I'd share. Tania Oldham of Geneva takes a photo of her son, Lucas, as his biplane kite soars at Peck Farm Park.
Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Fourth grade students, Alice Gramlich, Lilia Carman, Zach Bertrand, and Ajani Rowland work on their electro magnet project as teacher Dee Dee Aldrich looks on at Churchill School. Glen Ellyn School District 41 is proposing to combine classes as part of the Think Tank initiative, in an effort to better focus on science, math, and literacy instruction.
Mark Black | Staff Photographer





Fitness Equipment Services movers James Dunning, left, and Fernando Silva, remove exercise equipment from the New Lakeview Fitness Center Wednesday in Vernon Hills. The former YMCA closed last year and fitness equipment from the Vernon Hills Park District Sullivan Center will be moved to this site.
Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer


Becky Fritz, 16, of Geneva, left, plays with her piano teacher, Stephanie Spolum, of St. Charles, while playing the Star Spangled Banner in Elgin Community College Arts Center's American Grands XVIII concert on Saturday, January 26. Almost 500 performers of all talent levels and age groups from throughout the area were in the three performances.
Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer



On Tuesday, visitors of the Lakewood Dog Exercise Area near Wauconda were enjoying temperatures in the 60's. Thursday's temperatures were radically different. Mundelein resident Tony Farina bundled up against the cold and visits with a German Shepherd who paid him a visit.
Paul Valade | Staff Photographer


Connor Cummings and his twin Katie Cummings, 7th graders, say the Pledge of Allegiance alongside Staff Sgt. Heather Smith, who paid a visit to their school for a flag ceremony as part of Catholic Schools Week at St. James School in Glen Ellyn on Thursday. Students brought things like Beanie Babies, socks and granola bars for Operation Gratitude, an organization which will send care packages for the troops overseas.
Bev Horne | Staff Photographer


Michael Woods, 12, of Crystal Lake, adjusts his safety goggles before trimming invasive brush at the Kane County Forest Preserve's new Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes in St. Charles. Woods and fellow sixth and seventh graders from Harvest Christian Academy spent a few hours at the center as a school elective.
Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Lia Baldini, 4, of Huntley, participates in a dance during Einstein Academy's pancake breakfast and pajamas day Friday. The breakfast kicked off the Elgin school's annual participation in the Pennies for Patients fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer



People started gathering at 6:30 am at the Woodstock Square gazebo on Groundhog Day, Saturday, February 2, to see if a groundhog will see it's own shadow. The city is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the filming of the movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray.
Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Volunteer Alexis Romero, 16, of Lake in the Hills, helps Durryiah McFadden, 4, of Elgin, make a bead bracelet at the eighth annual Black History Family Festival at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin Saturday. This year's theme was, "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind." Romero's mother, Erica, is on the committee that organizes the event.
Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer






Five-year-old Harrison Zhang, of Brookfield, bowls during the Fourth Annual Football Sunday Benefit for the Little Angels Center for Exceptional Care at Arlington Lanes Bowl Sunday in Arlington Heights. The fundraiser was hosted by the Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club and featured unlimited bowling, a buffet and a silent auction.
Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer