Kane County Reporter

This week in Kane County history.

Jeff Olson, born July 14, 1962, moved to Aurora, Illinois

Jeff Olson was born on July 14, 1962, in Wareham, Massachusetts. He moved to Aurora, Illinois, at age five. He began playing piano at six and trumpet at eight. In 1979, he joined the band Trouble as the original drummer. During Trouble's hiatus, Olson graduated from Berklee College of Music. He taught music at Waubonsee Community College in Aurora. Olson also founded the band Retro Grave and Upland Recording. He has played with multiple bands and started a radio show, Heady Metal with Jeff Olson. Olson's connection to Aurora remains through his teaching and early musical development.

Clive Cussler Born in Aurora, July 15, 1931

Clive Eric Cussler was born on July 15, 1931, in Aurora, Illinois. He became a well-known adventure novelist and underwater explorer. His novels, featuring the character Dirk Pitt, appeared on The New York Times best-seller list more than 20 times. Cussler founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), which has discovered over 60 shipwrecks. He authored more than 80 books and often included himself in his stories. Cussler's work includes both fiction and non-fiction, with significant contributions to marine exploration and literature. His achievements include multiple awards for his exploration and writing, and he influenced various other works of fiction.