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Members of the Elgin Steelers Youth Football & Cheer board of directors gather onstage Tuesday to collect their Volunteer Extraordinaire award during the annual Elgin Image Awards at The Centre of Elgin. (Rick West/Daily Herald)

Elgin Image Awards honor people, groups making a positive impact

Individuals, businesses and organizations that have made a positive impact in the community were honored Tuesday during the annual Elgin Image Awards at The Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom.

The best Trader Joe’s parking lot in Illinois — essentially, the least frustrating — is at the Libertyville location, alongside Highway 21(Paul Valade/Daily Herald)

Why Trader Joe’s parking lots are the way they are: We ranked every one in Illinois

A Trader Joe’s parking lot, typically, is crowded. Spots are tight, and there are rarely enough. All vehicles, big or small, get limited room to maneuver — in fact, the tempers of anyone who decides to park here will rise in inverse proportion to the snugness of the lot itself.

In tribute to fall, Penny Kazmier reimagined a pear tart as a Cinnamon Apple Frangipane Tart. (Penny Kazmier)

A-peeling twist: Penny Kazmier turns a pear dessert into a delectable Cinnamon Apple Frangipane Tart

The moment the leaves start to turn, I suddenly begin craving everything apple. While I have made my own share of applesauce, this year I experimented with a recipe that originated as an elegant pear tart. With a few changes, it became an apple version worthy of sharing.

The fiberglass pumpkin “Happy Jack” has been drawing visitors to Goebbert’s Farm in South Barrington since 1979. Goebbert's Fall Festival runs through Nov. 1. (Joe Lewnard/Daily Herald)

Oh, my gourd! Suburban pumpkin patches, fall fests offer autumn adventures

Suburban farms have rolled out a leaf-covered carpet for autumn with their fall festivals and pumpkin patches in full swing.

The DuPage County Health Department reported Wednesday that a resident of the county has measles, a highly contagious viral disease. (Getty Images)

Measles case reported in DuPage County; exposure occurred at O’Hare

A DuPage County resident has the measles, health authorities said Wednesday.

Vernon Hills High School was among 16 public and eight private institutions to be honored Tuesday as 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools. (Steve Lundy/Daily Herald)

Suburban schools named 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon winners

Several suburban schools were among 16 public and eight private institutions in Illinois recognized for exemplary academic achievement through a state initiative that models the now-defunct federal Blue Ribbon program canceled by the Trump administration.

JoJo’s ShakeBAR in Napervilles is gearing up for Halloween with spooky sips like the Cookies ’N’ Scream Shake. (JoJo’s ShakeBAR)

Dining out: Halloween treats at JoJo’s and Lou Malnati’s to open in St. Charles

Halloween is fast approaching and JoJo’s ShakeBAR in Naperville and Chuck E. Cheese locations have fun in store for all ages. Plus, a new Lou Malnati’s is opening in St. Charles and Elgin Community College is hosting a six-course benefit wine dinner.