TNW News – Aurora Local Update Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Aurora, Illinois Aurora City Hall: The Center of Storm Recovery Efforts The City of Aurora continues to serve as the hub for storm recovery coordination following the intense summer storms that swept across the region last week. Updated images of Aurora City Hall highlight the historic building’s role as the community’s central point of government action and citizen support. Leadership From Mayor John Laesch Mayor John Laesch, who was elected earlier this year, has been at the forefront of recovery efforts. In recent statements, he extended his gratitude to emergency responders, 311 call center workers, and the City’s Street Maintenance crews who have worked tirelessly to restore services, clear debris, and ensure the safety of residents. Mayor Laesch also commended Aurora residents for their resilience and patience, noting that “Aurora is strongest when its community comes together.” Waste Management Support: Clearing Branches and Brush Aurora’s waste management partner, Groot, continues to play a vital role in cleanup. Residents are encouraged to place branches and limbs curbside for removal without waiting for their regular garbage day. Branches and limbs (½ inch – 4 inches in diameter, 2–4 feet in length): Must be bundled, weigh less than 50 pounds, and can be placed curbside without a waste sticker. Brush under ½ inch in diameter: Considered yard waste. Must be placed in a paper yard waste bag with a sticker attached. Residents discovering larger downed trees or storm-related damage are urged to use the myAurora 311 app to file reports promptly. The Role of Drum Knives in Cleanup As cleanup operations continue, specialized equipment like drum knives are being used in brush chippers to help manage fallen trees and large debris. These heavy-duty knives, mounted on rotating drums, allow crews to efficiently reduce branches into manageable mulch, ensuring streets and neighborhoods are cleared more quickly. Drum knives come in two-knife and four-knife drum setups, depending on the size of the chipper, and are vital in large-scale recovery efforts like the one underway in Aurora. Moving Forward The combined leadership from City Hall, the dedication of crews, and the resilience of Aurora’s residents are shaping the city’s recovery. Mayor Laesch emphasized that the work continues but reminded residents that help is here—from waste collection support to 311 reporting systems. For ongoing coverage of Aurora’s recovery efforts and local weather impacts, stay tuned to TNW News. City of Aurora, IL, Government