Local news
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Dec 17, 2025
Geneva’s Historic Preservation Commission unanimously denied a third request to demolish the historic blacksmith shop at 4 East State Street, keeping the structure intact unless the decision is appealed to city council.
During this week’s council meeting, several St. Charles residents pressed city officials to clearly limit ICE activity on city property amid discussion about enforcement tactics, legal risk, and Illinois’ new immigration law.
Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles
Newsletter
Dec 18, 2025
Plus STC residents push for a local ICE policy, Batavia's budget approved with tax increases, and a local dog rescued from an icy pond.
Live music
Dec 16, 2025
Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles on Thursday through Sunday.
Dec 12, 2025
Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles from Monday to Thursday.
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2 min read
Batavia School officials approved a summer 2026 renovation plan at Louise White School that adds security upgrades, new classrooms, and significant infrastructure improvements.
Local business
3 min read
Storybook Cafe celebrated a ribbon cutting in downtown Geneva ahead of its public grand opening on December 21, bringing ceremonial-grade matcha, specialty coffee, and a community-focused space to 3rd Street in Geneva.
Local events
The lecture series, based in St. Charles, will spotlight Fox River wildlife, local history, and environmental research from January through April, 2026.
Earthmover Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its new Batavia branch on McKee Street with a multi-chamber ribbon cutting on December 17, marking its expansion into the Tri-Cities area.
Batavia approved its 2026 budget and 2025 tax levy, raising the city property tax by about 13% and adding a new home-rule sales tax to fund public safety, infrastructure, and long-term community needs.
Geneva officials began exploring a proposed riverfront event venue at 28 North Bennett Street, approving an early planning step while leaving funding, design, and parking questions up for future discussion.
Geneva’s Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed a proposal for a new daycare at 501 Lark Street, including zoning variations and parking considerations, before advancing it to City Council for final consideration.
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Batavia officials signaled support for a $150,000 incentive to help bring a major new restaurant concept to the 15 E. Wilson Street space that previously housed Thorabella's and Gaetano's.
A developer has delayed its proposed 83-home Claibourne Farm housing project near St. Charles after residents and city officials raised concerns about density and overall fit with surrounding neighborhoods.
Dec 15, 2025
Plus a St. Charles housing project hits the pause button and county officials continue to discuss potentially redeveloping an east-side Geneva property into a solar field.
Dec 11, 2025
Plus an update on the potential Pheasant Run redevelopment project and American bison make a triumphant return to the Tri-Cities
Dec 8, 2025
Plus a major Campton Hills housing development gets approval and more details emerge about Charlestowne Mall redevelopment plans.
Dec 4, 2025
Plus a special commission for senior citizens in St. Charles, the demolition of a historic chimney in downtown Batavia, and several holiday events over the weekend.
Dec 1, 2025
Plus the upcoming Geneva Christmas Walk and Holiday Home Tour, a historic weather weekend, and loose dogs attack dozens of chickens.
Nov 27, 2025
Plus St. Charles officials plan to review concept plans for a Pheasant Run redevelopment project and big local plans for Small Business Saturday.
Nov 24, 2025
Plus concerns emerge about a new proposed St. Charles subdivision and officials are considering whether to demolish a historic chimney in downtown Batavia.
Nov 20, 2025
Plus a Peace Vigil in Batavia, an immigration enforcement policy for Kane County, and a "Bookstore Trolley" making stops in Geneva and St. Charles
