Geneva—As the holiday season approaches, Marklund is gearing up for its annual Giving Tree drive, which takes place now through Dec. 11, at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Dr., Geneva.

AURORA—The Polar Express train is welcoming all aboard during the first two weekends in December at Blackberry Farm for its annual Yuletide celebration amid thousands of glittering lights.

Kaneville—The village of Kaneville will bring Christmas to the area a bit early when Christmas in Kaneville comes to town on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Kaneland—Esai Ponce has a Rochelle wrestler in a cradle. After struggling for a minute, he finally pins him down. The two wrestlers stand up and shake hands.

DeKalb County—The holiday season is a time to focus on family, and TAILS Humane Society reminds us that the furry (and feathered) family members are just as important.

Geneva—LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, a provider of non-medical support at no cost for people living with cancer, will host a Nutrition Boot Camp.

Kaneland—Kaneland High School presents its 32nd annual Madrigal Dinner performance on Friday through Sunday, Dec. 11-13.

Sugar Grove—Waubonsee Community College Assistant Professor of Art/Ceramics Doug Jeppesen, of Sugar Grove, and Associate Professor of Graphic Design John Fu, of Palatine, recently showed their artwork as part of two local exhibits.

KANEVILLE—Friends of Bruce Conley prayed for him Wednesday at Kaneville United Methodist Church during a day-long vigil ending with a service attended by nearly 100 people.

KANELAND—A letter sent to the Kaneland Education Association at the beginning of the month requesting that members return to the bargaining table so far remains unanswered.

Sugar Grove—After a weekend of collecting food, coats, mittens and hats, as well as pet food and supplies, a pair of 12-year-old friends surveyed the pile of coats that their neighbors donated through their Fill Your Door...

ELBURN—A new or revised comprehensive plan is a project that Elburn officials may tackle next year, to make the document reflect residents' current vision for village growth.

ELBURN—A recent village survey indicated that many Elburn residents want Mediacom and any other future cable provider to be more accountable for incidents of substandard service.

Dr. Greg Fantozzi, the current interim principal for Kaneland High School, will remain for another school year under the same terms as this year's contract.

Sugar Grove—The village of Sugar Grove currently has an opening on the Plan Commission.

Also: Library begins to ‘Tweet,’ recognizes long-term employee

ELBURN—Walgreens representatives said they want their new Elburn store to contribute to the village in some way in appreciation for its residents' business.

The following reports were obtained from local police departments. The individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Village tractor sold on e-Bay; Tree removal begins

GENEVA—Both single-game and group tickets are now on sale for the Kane County Cougars' 2010 season. The organization’s annual ticket-on sale event, held Saturday morning at Elfstrom Stadium, was the formal kickoff for single-game ticket sales.

Kaneville—The Kaneville Public Library announced that it received a significant memorial donation from the family and friends of the late Audrey Ledbetter.

Sugar Grove—The Sugar Grove Library has joined forces with the Sugar Grove American Legion Post 1271 Women's Auxiliary to collect items to send to members of the military.

Lady Knights basketball is hoping that the next couple of contests go better than their three opening games.

MAPLE PARK—Kaneland High School learned of five football players that were not just exceptional on the field, but in the classroom as well.

Thanks to the efforts of new Kaneland basketball coach Brian Johnson (right) and 2009-10 team members, the Knight community enjoyed a spaghetti dinner on Thursday at KHS.

Kaneland School District officials began discussions with municipal leaders regarding an intergovernmental agreement for standardized developer fees in support of the schools. The agreement will expire at the end of 2010.

Kaneland—News of budget cuts are leaving students and staff wondering what’s going to be cut and what’s going to change.

District to add content to staff development program; School Board adopts tentative levy

Pamela Hope Williams, 60, of Gerton, N.C., died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

Winifred “Winnie” Zimmer, 85, of Virgil, passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 21, 2009, at Meadowbrook Care Center, Naperville, Ill., where she had recently become a resident and was battling cancer.

A look through the faith community’s upcoming news and events.

INDIANAPOLIS—Sarah Carson received the American FFA Degree at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on Saturday, Oct. 24.