Latest news with #AngieSmith
Chicago Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
West Aurora School District renews food service contract with OrganicLife
The West Aurora School District 129 board recently voted unanimously to renew the district's food service contract with Chicago-based OrganicLife for the 2025-26 school year. OrganicLife has been the district's food service provider for the past six years. The new contract with OrganicLife has an increase in cost of 3.6% based on the Consumer Price Index, West Aurora School District Associate Superintendent Angie Smith said. West Aurora students do receive free breakfast and lunch. However, they do pay for a la cart items in the cafeteria. Those prices are not going up, Smith said. 'All students in our district receive a free breakfast and lunch daily as we are covered by the Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch Program. Students only pay for a la carte items or second meals and we are not increasing those prices,' Smith said. The district overall is pleased with its food service provider, she said. 'OrganicLife is an amazing partner who continues to look for ways to better support our students. As an example, this year we met with student groups and got some feedback on increasing awareness and availability of plant-based options. At the elementary level, we have tested offering hot breakfast items as part of our menu and will roll that out to all buildings next year,' Smith said. 'We welcome feedback and OrganicLife has always been responsive and provided options and solutions for our students,' she said.
Associated Press
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Route 66 NHRA Nationals Qualifying
Friday At Route 66 Raceway Joliet, Ill. Qualifying after two rounds Top Fuel 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.788 seconds, 326.24 mph; 2. Justin Ashley, 3.805, 329.34; 3. Brittany Force, 3.833, 327.03; 4. Josh Hart, 3.838, 319.98; 5. Clay Millican, 3.845, 326.87; 6. Tony Stewart, 3.847, 320.36; 7. T.J. Zizzo, 3.849, 330.72; 8. Antron Brown, 3.907, 314.90; 9. Steve Torrence, 4.103, 227.65; 10. Shawn Reed, 4.150, 230.10; 11. Will Smith, 4.159, 231.08; 12. Dan Mercier, 4.173, 221.71; 13. Kyle Wurtzel, 4.819, 158.02; 14. Terry Totten, 5.227, 136.65; 15. Lex Joon, 6.276, 110.73; 16. Spencer Massey, 6.284, 98.03. Not Qualified: 17. Shawn Langdon, 6.349, 108.45. Funny Car 1. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.982, 326.71; 2. Alexis DeJoria, Dodge Charger, 3.997, 324.05; 3. Daniel Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.998, 319.22; 4. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.998, 318.17; 5. Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 4.003, 319.52; 6. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 4.005, 313.58; 7. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.018, 322.88; 8. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.026, 321.35; 9. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.029, 325.69; 10. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.038, 321.65; 11. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.057, 319.98; 12. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.085, 311.49; 13. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.143, 253.85; 14. Austin Prock, Camaro, 4.816, 166.87; 15. Blake Alexander, Charger, 4.909, 162.49; 16. Chris King, Charger, 5.546, 130.34. Not Qualified: 17. Spencer Hyde, 5.989, 113.59; 18. Dale Creasy Jr., 6.758, 98.74; 19. Justin Schriefer, 11.056, 81.19. Pro Stock Motorcycle 1. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.797, 199.29; 2. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.824, 199.52; 3. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.880, 196.27; 4. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.889, 196.85; 5. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.892, 196.36; 6. John Hall, Beull, 6.906, 195.82; 7. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.909, 195.99; 8. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.011, 193.71; 9. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.034, 192.49; 10. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.248, 189.12; 11. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.341, 142.96; 12. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.468, 181.35; 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 8.075, 118.09; 14. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 8.171, 116.10; 15. Lance Bonham, Buell, 8.899, 99.83.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Stylist and fashion influencer Angie Smith reveals her ultimate summer style tips (and they're all about staying comfy!)
Fashion and comfort haven't always gone hand in hand (as anyone who remembers the trend for spiked stilettos and bandage dresses will attest). In recent years, however, style and practicality have become more aligned. Just look at the way that flat shoes have all but usurped heels, and the burgeoning trends for hiking trainers, utility jackets and maxi dresses – things that, happily, don't make us wince at the thought of wearing them. One style influencer who champions this casual, comfortable way of looking chic is Angie Smith. Well known for being Holly Willoughby 's former stylist, and now a content creator with a huge following across social media and Substack, Angie's style is all about loose, laidback pieces that still look sophisticated rather than sloppy. Living in Australia for the past few years, Angie also knows all about summer dressing. So who better to share their tips for looking good in the warmer months? Here's her advice for stylish but practical summer outfits… Choose looser silhouettes. Flattering and infinitely more comfortable, easy shapes are what summer style is all about. The best outfits always fall on the body – never cling. If your usual size doesn't quite achieve that look, consider sizing up. If the bust feels too generous, get it tailored for shape without sacrificing drape. Lean into tonal dressing. Monochrome creates an instant air of effortlessness. Head-to-toe neutrals, sun-washed terracottas, earthy greens or all-white or cream always look chic, and don't forget how chic black and navy are with summer skin. To keep it interesting, mix in texture—think woven raffia, soft crinkled cotton, aged leather, or that perfectly crumpled linen. Opt for fabrics that breathe. You simply can't beat 100% cotton or silk once the temperature rises. They feel good against the skin, hang beautifully, and offer that easy polish that high summer dressing demands. Linen—crumpled just so—is great too. If you're building your seasonal wardrobe, start here. An oversized cotton or linen shirt is the summer must. Thrown over a tank dress, paired with boxer shorts, or worn open over a swimsuit—it adds structure, polish, and practicality in one. Draped over the shoulders or tied loosely at the waist, it gives a look depth and makes it more intentional. Get your footwear right. A minimalist leather slide, a barely-there strappy heel or a handmade espadrille can elevate even the simplest outfit. A neutral pedicure (think soft blush or a creamy nude) adds refinement. And when in doubt, a chic leather or grosgrain flip-flop never misses. Balance your proportions. If your shorts are short, balance them with a big shirt. One of my favourite warm-weather looks? Oversized men's boxer shorts, a crisp cotton shirt and a pair of ballet pumps or flip-flops. If I'm wearing longer Bermuda shorts, I'll often pair them with something slightly more fitted or a silhouette that shows a little more skin. Likewise, if you're reaching for trousers or a skirt, a spaghetti-strap linen vest top that falls straight at the waist is incredibly flattering. Don't underestimate light knits. A cotton jumper or cardigan is a summer lifesaver. Cool mornings, chilly evenings, over-air-conditioned restaurants—it pays to be prepared. Worn over the shoulders or knotted at the waist, they become part of the outfit, not just an afterthought. Choose dress shapes that work hard. A bias cut dress—sized up for ease—will never let you down. Oversized maxi dresses feel modern and timeless in equal measure. While I rarely opt for anything cinched at the waist in high summer, I'll make an exception for a structured cotton or linen mini dress that skims (never clings) Head to the office in summer tailoring. A softly structured linen blazer with matching wide-leg trousers or city shorts is the ultimate warm-weather pairing. Choose a muted neutral—stone, oat, tobacco—to keep things elevated. Style with a barely-there silk tank or fine-knit vest. Add a piece of statement jewellery and a minimal sandal with polish. Repeat outfits unapologetically. Style—true style—comes from knowing what works and wearing it on repeat. In the heat, that means choosing pieces that make getting dressed feel like second nature. Less fuss. More ease. And clothes that quietly speak for themselves. Angie has co-designed a 15 piece summer capsule collection with The Upside which will be available on their UK website from 12th June. To get more of what you love from your favourite Sunday supplement, follow us on Instagram (@youmagazine), Facebook (YOU Magazine) and X (@YOUMagSocial).
Chicago Tribune
27-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
School board OKs $1.8 million contract for roof work at West Aurora High School, Freeman Elementary
The West Aurora School District board has approved roofing improvement projects to be done this summer at West Aurora High School and Freeman Elementary School. The board recently awarded a contract of $1.8 million to Malcor Roofing of St. Charles for the work. There were nine bidders of record and four bids were received, with Malcor Roofing being the lowest responsive bidder, officials said. The district's architectural firm Studio GC Architecture + Interiors of Chicago analyzed the bids and qualifications of the bidders and recommended that the contract for the roofing improvements project be awarded to Malcor Roofing. Contractors were asked to provide pricing for one alternate which is included in the total bid amount. Malcor provided an alternate to do work on sections of Freeman Elementary worth $165,700. The alternate was recommended and accepted by the board as well. 'This actually came in better than budget so we will be recommending the base bid and alternate,' West Aurora School District Associate Superintendent of Business Angie Smith said. 'On the roof work, at Freeman it is essentially the entire roof. We had a newer portion as an alternate, but since we came in under budget including the alternate we will do that as well,' Smith said. Malcor Roofing has done considerable roof-related work in the district, she added. 'Even with the alternate we are $200,000 under budget,' Smith said. The bidding process has become more competitive since the end of Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ESSER), a federal grant program that provided financial assistance to schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'This is the first season post-ESSER. When there was so much money being spent, we sometimes saw higher bids than we like,' Smith said. The high school roof work has been ongoing as needed. The building had additions several times and the related rooftops are of varying ages, Smith said.
Chicago Tribune
28-01-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
West Aurora changes supplier for new electric school buses
West Aurora School District 129 has decided to change suppliers for the electric buses it is adding to its fleet. District officials had said the buses would come from Lion Electric Company. 'Lion Electric is currently in bankruptcy proceedings with an uncertain timeline. To make sure that we protected our EPA award, and to avoid any potential disruptions to our operations, we made the decision to switch to Blue Bird buses through Central States,' West Aurora Assistant Superintendent of Business Angie Smith told The Beacon-News. 'As much as we liked the vehicles … the reality is we don't know what the future is for Lion. We have made the decision to move to Blue Bird buses,' Smith said. The West Aurora school board in November decided to add some electric school buses to the district's fleet. The plan to bring in 27 electric buses to replace some older diesel models is part of the district's ongoing efforts to be environmentally conscious, district officials said. The move impacts more than one-third of the district's bus fleet. The district has a fleet of 73 buses powered by diesel engines, half of which are under two-year leases due to expire at the end of the school year. Several changes made the school district's administration look closer at a proposal to make a switch to add some electric buses, including competitive pricing, federal funding and rebates, officials said. The board weighed the benefits of partnering with Massachusetts-based Highland Electric Fleets or purchasing the buses on its own. Highland has projects across the country and has specialized knowledge in the field of electric buses, officials have said. The board decided Nov. 18 to partner with Highland due to several key factors as presented by the administration, including contract concessions, West Aurora School Board President Richard Kerns said at the time. Highland agreed to all the concessions the district requested in the contract, Kerns had said. Other factors in going with Highland include risk management and guarantees, he said. One of the benefits to partnering with Highland Electric Fleets was the ability to change bus vendors when needed, Smith told The Beacon-News. 'It was a simple change for us because of the Highland partnership,' Smith said of the move to Blue Bird buses. Blue Bird is currently the vendor the district uses for gasoline-powered buses, and its vehicles are manufactured in the U.S. The district will be purchasing from Central States Bus Sales, a district taxpayer, she added. While the Blue Bird electric buses are more expensive, the transition is still beneficial to the district, according to Smith. 'Even at a higher price-point we are still at about half the cost when you take into consideration rebates and tax credits versus buying gas buses,' Smith told the board. Initially, there were concerns about the availability of federal funding, rebates and tax credits for electric buses. The district has been assured those rebates and tax credits are 'in the pipeline,' Smith said. 'We still expect to save over $100,000 annually just on fuel,' Smith told The Beacon-News. 'In addition, even though these buses are more expensive, with the EPA, tax credit and ComEd rebates in place, they are still approximately only one-half the cost of a new gas bus. 'Mechanically, both Blue Bird and Lion buses run on electric batteries. The look and feel of them might be slightly different the way a Jeep feels different than a Bronco, but both meet our needs and requirements,' Smith said. 'Blue Bird will be able to meet the timelines we need for our grant and to serve our students. Because the buses that we were replacing were due to go back to Central States, if there is a delay we will just keep what we already have, guaranteeing no disruption,' Smith said. ComEd has now estimated it will take approximately eight weeks to establish the charging capabilities on site for West Aurora's electric school buses. ComEd has also increased incentives, she said. 'We have had initial meetings with ComEd and Highland to plan for the charger installation. The timelines for installing the new service and getting charger equipment in have improved considerably, and we are confident that we will be ready for the start of the school year,' Smith said.
