The 2027 Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence have announced finalists in 12 categories plus three special recipients, including two pioneering chefs and an iconic deli in Chicago. New this year, The Banchets will present its inaugural Environmental Leadership Award to chef Sarah Stegner, co-owner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook.
Bobcats have been spotted this year on trail cameras set up by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Forest preserve officials say bobcats pop up pretty regularly in the southern part of the county.
Following the closure of Hawthorne Race Course, programs like Galloping Out are working to retrain and rehome retired racehorses for new careers. These thoroughbreds, which typically have short racing careers but can live 25-30 years, are being adopted for various purposes including show jumping, trail riding, and therapy work.
Like a lot of people, Joe Holloway of St. Charles was looking for something to do following retirement and found it in nearby Geneva at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Tuesday morning was a time for taking part in the effort to combat food insecurity as 200 volunteers pitched in during Hunger Action Day at the food bank.
Daily Herald photographers bring you moments from the last two weeks of September. ...
“We have the traditional German Oktoberfest feel with a modern twist,” says Naper Settlement spokesperson Denise Wilt. In addition to oompah music, the Naperville museum’s Oktoberfest Oct. 2-3 features a variety of German beer and cuisine, children’s activities and the popular stein-holding contest. “We’re looking forward to a great event.”
In early October, two theater productions in Elgin are supporting PADS homeless services, with director Pat Henderson leading both “From Dust” at The Lodge and “Bullets, Nickels, Dimes and Life” at Habitat for Humanity.