I spent a lot of time with Kylie and her mother Nicole during my first few months at the Beacon-News as we worked on a story about Kylie battling a rare form of cancer in her brain and spinal cord.

An update just over a year ago now showed she was doing great in her recovery, but unfortunately they could not remove everything and the tumor grew back.

This weekend, after 2 years and 6 months of battling, Kylie finally gave in.
My heart and thoughts go out to her parents Nicole and Dustin. They had a truly amazing daughter that made a lasting impact on not only myself but everyone around her.
Please send your thoughts and prayers to her family as they go through this difficult time.

What started as a YMCA boys basketball mascot has turned into a hobby for Bobby Pavliga.

"It just kept getting more and more popular and that is where we are today," said Pavliga who was wearing the Gumby suit around downtown Naperville on Friday night.
Pavliga and his friends have been dressing in the suit and filming themselves at different spots around town to win a chance to hang out with the band Lucky Boys Confusion before an upcoming show.
"Over the summer at a Lucky Boys Confusion concert in Lombard, the Gumby actually got arrested after getting kicked out then re-entering," according to Pavliga. "We figured we could have some fun and somewhat reenact what happened on that day."

"We have gotten some funny reactions in the past," Pavliga said, "not to mention some very confused looks as well."
"Usually people will see Gumby, do a double take then whisper to the person next to them, 'what is that?''
Pavliga said putting on the Gumby suit allows you to, "act as gooney as you want."

"You know all eyes are on you and that you have to make a memorable impression on everyone," he said.
While concert tickets may be one source of motivation for the guys, Pavliga said he enjoys being able to bring a smile and a little bit of laughter to the people he sees.

"Gumby wants peace in the world and always tries to bring the best out of everyone. He is always happy, too. I mean, have you seen him recently? When was the last time there wasn't big ol' smile across Gumby's face?" Pavliga said.

To see the video Bobby and company produced check out their YouTube video HERE

I had the incredible opportunity to spend part of my night on Wednesday with the congregation of Sacred heart Parish. Since a fire destroyed their church 13 years ago they have been gathering in the basement of the adjacent school every Sunday to pray. Their time has come, and last night they held their last mass in that basement and they are ready to move into their new sanctuary.

Click on the photos to scroll through them:

Be sure to read the story in today's Beacon-News to find out how you can continue to help this amazing parish!

It's always fun to see how many different ways players can find to greet each other as they are introduced before a basketball game...

Jenica Jeevan rests her head as she works on her writing during the Writers Workshop part her day at May Watts Elementary in Naperville on Thursday, February 16, 2011.
District 203 has been paying a bit closer attention to the other district in town, District 204, as it considers going to an all day kindergarten system like 204's.
Read the full story in today's Naperville Sun!

Yes, there is still some out there...