Sheridan’s Ally Rott and Oswego’s Ethan Heidrich attended the 94th National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga. (Photo courtesy of U of I Extension)

Kendall County

Area 4-H members represent state at National Congress

The University of Illinois Extension reported that Kendall County 4-H members Ethan Heidrich, of Oswego, and Ally Rott, of Sheridan, were two of the 23 4-H members representing Illinois to attend the 94^th National 4-H Congress, held in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 27 to Dec. 1. Heidrich, a nine-year member of 4-H, was invited to attend the event after excelling in the Food, Nutrition and Health Category, while eight-year 4-H member Rott earned her ticket for accomplishments in the Achievement Category. Heidrich and Rott each received a State Blue Award for previous 4-H project work.

Area credit union raising funds for Oswego family

The Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce reported that Earthmover Credit Union — which has branches located in Yorkville, Montgomery, Oswego, Aurora and North Aurora — is selling Mint Meltaways from World’s Finest Chocolate for $2 a box through the end of the year in an effort to support Josiah Null, a 12-year-old Oswego resident who is fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Null, who uses a wheelchair, experiences difficulty getting in and out of the family car for numerous doctor visits. Earthmover is raising funds for the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van for the family. In addition to selling the boxes of chocolate, Earthmover is accepting monetary donations at each of its five branches. For a list of locations, visit www.earthmover.com or call (630) 844-4950.

Shaw, Wehrli not to seek re-election bids

A report stated that Kendall County Board Chairman John Shaw and Kendall County Forest Preserve District President Jeff Wehrli will not seek re-election for another term. Shaw, a resident of Yorkville, joined the board in 2010 and became chairman in 2012. Wehrli, of Oswego, joined the board in 2003. He also serves as chairman of the Public Building Commission, and is a member of the Kendall County Board of Health. Shaw and Wehrli each will serve in their respective positions until the expiration of their terms following the general election in November 2016.

Yorkville

City to hold community photo contest

The city is inviting amateur and professional photographers to take part in its Photo Contest, open to Yorkville residents only. Categories are: Life in Yorkville (special events, community celebrations, sports activities, parades, children playing, etc.); Places in Yorkville (neighborhoods, businesses, streets, parks, trails, etc.); and People of Yorkville (reflecting the wide range and diversity of individuals and families in the community). Contest entries will be judged on overall quality, creativity, and how well each photo portrays Yorkville. Entries must be submitted online — at www.yorkville.il.us/493/Photo-Contest — and received by Jan. 26. Category winners will be announced by Feb. 12. For complete details, visit www.yorkville.il.us.

Hillside Rehab serves as drop-off site for food pantry

Hillside Rehab & Care Center, 1308 Game Farm Road, is serving as a drop-off site for the Kendall County Food Pantry from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Dec. 18. For each food item donated, Hillside will match the donation equally. In addition, Hillside is accepting donations for the Toys for Tots Foundation during the same hours through Dec. 11. For more information, call (630) 553-5811 or send an email to info@hillsiderehab.com.

Plano

Farm Bureau approved for further crop growing near high school

A report stated that the Kendall County Farm Bureau was granted approval by Plano Community School District 88 to plant and harvest crops in a 13-acre field west of Plano High School, 704 W. Abe St., in 2016. In conjunction with the Kendall County Farm Bureau Young Leaders, a volunteer group harvested and sold approximately 2,400 bushels of corn grown this year in the field, which is owned by District 88. Sales resulted in a profit of $9,000, divided equally between the Kendall County Food Pantry and Rockin’ Christmas Food Basket program, the Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program, and the high school to assist with the formation of a new science club.

Sandwich

Library offers all-day holiday festival

The Sandwich Public Library, 925 S. Main St., will present its Holiday Concert & Tree Trim Festival, an all-day event beginning at noon Dec. 12. The program will open with a live Christmas concert, featuring the Indian Valley Community Band, and continue with the trimming of the library’s Christmas tree. Treats will be offered, and Santa Claus will make an appearance to distribute gifts to all attendees. All ages are welcome. To register, visit www.sandwichpld.org or sign up in person. For more information, call (815) 786-8308.

Oswego

Bertino-Tarrant to hold town hall meeting

State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) will hold a town-hall meeting to discuss state issues from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Oswego Public Library, 34 W. Jefferson St. During the meeting, Bertino-Tarrant will answer questions from attendees regarding state legislation, the budget, and other issues. The town-hall meeting is open to the public. For more information, or to submit questions prior to the meeting, contact the senator’s district office at (815) 254-4211 or send an email to bertinotarrant49@att.net.

Aurora

Waubonsee dean earns national distinction

Waubonsee Community College Dean for Students Dr. Scott Peska was honored as Outstanding Community College Professional during the National Association for Student Personnel and Administrators IV East Regional Conference, held in November. Peska, who also serves on the Community College Division for the region, came to Waubonsee in 2012 after working at Northern Illinois University, beginning in 2004. He earned his doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Illinois, and also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication from Illinois State University.

Nominations being accepted for AAHAB award

Aurora’s African-American Heritage Advisory Board (AAHAB) is accepting nominations for the 2016 Outstanding African-American Award, which will be presented by AAHAB during its 12th Annual Heritage Dinner, scheduled for Feb. 26. Each year, the award is bestowed upon a local African-American who has demonstrated consistent leadership and committed service to Aurora’s African-American community and the city at large. Nominations must include a brief, biographical sketch of the nominee and detailed information regarding work done in the community. Submissions (due by Dec. 11) can be made by completing a nomination form (available at www.aurora-il.org) and also by emailing the requested information on the form to AAHAB Chairman Toussaint Smith at tou828@gmail.com.

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) will host “Coffee with

Kifowit” from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at Pomegranate Café, 55 S. Commons Drive, Aurora. The event is free and open to the public, and is designed to provide area residents with an opportunity to share their thoughts on state and local issues. Attendees will be treated to a drink of their choice, including coffee, tea and soda. For more information, contact Kifowit’s constituent service office at (630) 585-1308 or by email at Stephanie.Kifowit @att.net, or visit www.ILDistrict84.com.

Montgomery

Beautification Committee holding village-wide decorating contest

The Montgomery Beautification Committee is sponsoring its annual Holiday Decorations Contest, which provides an opportunity for homes and businesses to be recognized for exceptional holiday displays. Residents can nominate their own property or that of others, and nominations will be accepted through Dec. 14. Committee members and volunteer judges will visit the nominated addresses on Dec. 16, and then place a sign in front of each property selected for an award. To nominate a property, visit the village’s website at www.ci.montgomery.il.us or call the Public Works Department at (630) 896-9241.

–Kendall County Area News Briefs–