Good morning, DuPage! It's a cozy Tuesday with a high of 60°F and a low of 49°F, perfect for a light jacket as you step out into those broken clouds. ☁️

The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Glen Ellyn Community Awards tonight, March 10, to celebrate the individuals and organizations that make the village a special place to live. The highlight of the evening will be the recognition of Tom Melms as the Glen Ellyn Park District "Volunteer of the Year". Melms is being honored for his tireless commitment to local parks and recreation, embodying the spirit of service that defines the community.

The awards ceremony, held at the Abbington Distinctive Banquets, brings together local leaders, business owners, and residents to applaud achievements in categories ranging from "Citizen of the Year" to "Non-Profit of the Year". It’s a signature "feel-good" event for the village, serving as a reminder of the collective effort required to maintain Glen Ellyn’s vibrant downtown and family-friendly atmosphere.

The local sports world is still buzzing after the Nazareth Academy girls' basketball team captured the IHSA Class 4A State Championship over the weekend. In a dominant performance, the Roadrunners defeated Loyola Academy 55-23, marking the second state title in the program's history and the largest margin of victory ever recorded in a 4A championship game. BYU recruit Stella Sakalas led the charge with a standout performance, capping off a season defined by grit and teamwork.

The victory has sparked celebrations across the Hinsdale and La Grange area, as fans and faculty prepare for a homecoming rally to honor the team’s historic run. For the Roadrunners, this title isn't just about the trophy; it’s a testament to the school's "unimaginable" post-season momentum and a shining example of suburban athletic excellence on the biggest stage in Illinois.

As part of the nationwide countdown to America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Wheaton has launched a unique environmental project: the 2026 Shared Cost Parkway Tree Planting Program. The city plans to plant 250 parkway trees this season, each adorned with a commemorative America 250 medallion that will remain attached for its lifetime. Residents can choose from 12 different species, with the city splitting the cost to help beautify local neighborhoods while honoring the nation's history.

Beyond the aesthetic boost, the program is a key piece of Wheaton’s broader celebration strategy, which also includes a new downtown mural and special musical tributes by the Wheaton Municipal Band. By focusing on long-term growth through these commemorative trees, the city is offering a way for property owners to leave a "living legacy" that will benefit the local canopy and future generations for decades to come.

Applications are open until March 15 and the cost is $120 per tree. 

Click Here to See the Full List of Tree Species

See our Calendar of Events Here!

On this day in 2006, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter made its grand arrival at Mars, ready to unveil the mysteries of the Red Planet. This impressive spacecraft has been sending back stunning images and valuable data ever since, helping us understand our cosmic neighbor a little better. Talk about a stellar achievement!

One of the most famous facts about Villa Park is its long-standing relationship with Ovaltine. In 1917, the Switzerland-based Wander Company chose Villa Park as the site for its only American manufacturing plant.

For over 70 years, Ovaltine was the village's largest employer and benefactor. The factory's impact was so massive that it actually necessitated the construction of a first-class post office in 1935 just to handle the mountains of fan mail and "secret decoder ring" requests generated by Ovaltine’s sponsorship of the Little Orphan Annie and Captain Midnight radio shows.

While the factory closed in 1988, the historic building remains a local landmark and has since been converted into the Ovaltine Court loft apartments.

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow, and remember to always support your local businesses!

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