Thanks to unseasonably low water levels, islands of silt, rock and sand — and even an abandoned car — have emerged in the Fox River near East and West Dundee and Carpentersville.

Elgin-area Catholics looked back with fondness on the 12-year reign of Pope Francis, who died Monday of a cerebral stroke at the age of 88.

The cards will include information about orders of protection and can be presented to law enforcement when reporting a violation.

Roundup of small news items for the Elgin area.

St. Ambrose recruit Amber Gnutek hits a homer and drives in four runs as South Elgin eases to 10-0 win over Larkin.

Nolan Macholz comes through with a pair of bunt singles, sparking St. Charles North to a 7-2 win over Batavia.

Surging Oswego takes over the top spot, while West Aurora and Kaneland jump into the rankings.