When Major Steven Koehler saw the numbers for families in need of holiday assistance this year, he was shocked at how much it had jumped from 2008.

The polling firm Gallup reported this year that 39 percent of Americans accept the truth of evolution, that 36 percent have no opinion on it, and that 25 said they don’t believe it. With such apathy toward the natural world, it’s no wonder children from other nations have surpassed American students in science and technology.

YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:

Some of Santa's helpers are concerned that children are spreading germs to the Man in Red when they visit him. This has prompted some to advocate offering the vaccine for swine flu to those who portray Santa. Should shopping mall Santas be given a priority in receiving the H1N1 vaccine?

Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.

Tip-off for the 2009-10 boys basketball season is next week. Meet your team's veteran stars and promising new talent as they begin their march toward postseason glory. Find team previews here.

Applications for project financing under the Kane-Elgin Consortium’s Rental Housing Development Network are due at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 4.

Kane Kares was recognized by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a leading health care philanthropy, as a Nurse-Family Partnership program that outpaces the national average for outcomes.

In debating whether we should abolish capital punishment, it’s important to decide which aspect of this story dominates — the psychopath who deserves the ultimate punishment or the wrongful conviction of two men. Is it better for us to enhance public safety by eliminating society’s most serious threats or to protect civil liberties by making sure innocent people are never put to death?

YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:

The Geneva City Council is considering requiring homeowners to pay a $75 for replacing their doors and windows. This would be done by extending a building permit now reserved for the historic district throughout the entire city. Should city charge homeowners a $75 permit fee for replacing their windows and doors?

Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.

EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Ken Voegele of Geneva has been trying to evict the Schnaitman family from a home he owns in St. Charles.
OUR VIEW
The landlord hasn’t been acting in good faith. Does he really want to put a woman who just had a baby on the street?
SPEAK UP
Which side deserves more sympathy — the landlord who’s not getting full payments or the family that’s struggling through unusual circumstances? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.

YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:

The Geneva City Council is considering requiring homeowners to pay a $75 for replacing their doors and windows. This would be done by extending a building permit now reserved for the historic district throughout the entire city. Should city charge homeowners a $75 permit fee for replacing their windows and doors?

Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.

The GIS Technologies Department of Kane County will host their annual GIS Day Open House tomorrow.

After canceling vaccination clinics last month due to a shortage, the Kane County Health Department has received another shipment of swine flu vaccines.

Dan Kairis decided to become an independent in the late 1970s after a failed run at office as a Republican.

The Tri-City Salvation Army, at 1710 S. Seventh Ave. in St. Charles, will distribute food for the holidays.

When Darlene Marcusson first found out she had been nominated for this year’s Roscoe Ebey Citizen of the Year Award, she was honored. When she won, she was shocked.

One week later and it seems the Schnaitman family and landlord Ken Voegele still can’t agree on anything.

Big-time college recruits and state title contenders take the court next week when the high school girls basketball season tips off. Check out your team's prospects here.