The County Weekly
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❄️ 38° | The Final February Frost

Published 2026-02-28

❄️ Good Morning!

Back to Winter...

We’ve officially reached the finish line of February. Tomorrow is March, but Mother Nature is giving us one last winter "hug" today with a high of 38° and a low of 22°. It’s the perfect weather to grab a heavy sweater and support our local businesses during the final weekend of Restaurant Week.

Here is your Saturday morning 60-second brief to get you in the loop.

📰 Top Stories

DuPage County Announces 2026 Scholarship Program

DuPage County is rolling out a new scholarship program for 2026, aimed at supporting local students pursuing higher education. The initiative will provide financial assistance to eligible students, helping to ease the burden of tuition costs. This program reflects the county's commitment to investing in the future of its youth and fostering educational opportunities. 

Applicants are required to provide proof of DuPage County residency, gross household income for the past 30 days, and information about members living in the household. Income for the household must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Applicants must also include a 500-word original essay or personal statement, official school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a Financial Aid Audit (financial aid award letter) and proof of enrollment in an accredited institution.

The scholarship awards will vary based on financial need, with a minimum award of $1,000 up to a maximum award of $5,000. Past winners have included:

Remembering Jorie Butler Kent

Remembering Jorie Butler Kent

Jorie Butler Kent, the daughter of the founder of Oak Brook, has passed away at the age of 95. Known for her philanthropic efforts and contributions to the community, Kent's legacy will be remembered by many. Her impact on the local landscape, especially in the realms of education and social services, is profound. 

While her name is synonymous with the founding of Oak Brook, Jorie Butler Kent was a trailblazer who refused to stay in the shadows of history.

Though she helped put Oak Brook on the map through the International Polo Club, her heart was often in the wilds of Africa. She was a pioneer in conservation travel, co-founding Abercrombie & Kent and advocating for the protection of endangered species long before it was a global trend.

Locally, she was known for her quiet, persistent generosity. Whether it was supporting education or local social services, she viewed her community as an extension of her family.

Neighbors remember her as a woman of immense grace who possessed a rare "pioneer spirit"—equally at home in a boardroom, on a polo pony, or in the bush of Kenya.

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⛸️ Quick Hits

  • Both Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn are in the final stretch of their Restaurant Weeks (ending March 1).
  • Hinsdale South senior Callie Carr is in the semifinals of the IHSA state wrestling tournament tomorrow in Bloomington.
  • The Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers Competition is taking over the DuPage County Fairgrounds tomorrow.

⭐ Events This Week

  • Sat, Feb 28 — Celebrate Three Dog Night at Tribute Concert and Live Show · Stage 119, Elmhurst · 7:30p · $20/$15 — Details →
    Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 online
  • Sat, Feb 28 — Brunch & Burn - Pinstripes x Pure Barre · Pinstripes, Oakbrook · 9a · $40/$13 — Details →
    $40 includes brunch. $13 Class + Mimosa
  • Sat, Feb 28 — Household Hazardous Waste Collection · 156 Fort Hill Dr., Naperville · 9a - 2p · Free — Details →
    Open to ALL Illinois Residents
  • Thu, Mar 5 — Design, Wine & Wealth - Charity Wine Tasting Event · Tasting deVine, Wheaton · 6p - 8p · $24

🤝 On This Day

On February 28, 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick announced they had discovered the double helix structure of DNA. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for modern genetics and has had a profound impact on biology, medicine, and forensic science.

🚀 Local Fun Fact

Did you know that Argonne National Laboratory, located in DuPage County, is one of the oldest and largest science and engineering research centers in the United States?

Established in 1946, it was originally created to support the development of nuclear energy. Today, Argonne conducts cutting-edge research in a variety of fields, including energy, environmental science, and advanced materials. The lab is home to some of the world's most advanced scientific instruments, including the Advanced Photon Source, which produces X-ray beams for research in numerous scientific disciplines.

Argonne is not just a hub for scientific innovation; it also plays a vital role in education and outreach. The lab hosts numerous programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

From summer camps for students to public tours and educational workshops, Argonne is committed to fostering curiosity and learning in the community.

✨ That's it for today.

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