Pulte Homes pitches 105-home development on vacant factory site west of downtown St. Charles
The homebuilder presented a concept plan for 105 homes on a vacant 27-acre industrial site west of downtown St. Charles that would feature homes starting above $500K — but several sticking points would need to be worked out with the city first.
Batavia Boardwalk Shops open for seventh season on May 8
Downtown Batavia's Boardwalk Shops return on May 8 for their latest season of local vendors, handcrafted goods, and weekly "Downtown Dollar" raffle prizes at the corner of Wilson and River streets.
Sam Kraft
Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles
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Plus St. Charles neighbors unite against a proposed housing development, a popular downtown Batavia restaurant is closing, and Fermilab welcomes its first baby bison of the season.
Proposal would fund Elburn-to-DeKalb Metra extension
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood has proposed $1.2 million in federal funding to help advance a Metra rail extension from Elburn to DeKalb, building on a planning study that's already underway.
Pal Joey's announces that it's closing its riverfront Batavia restaurant
The owner of Pal Joey's announced that it will close its Batavia riverfront location, citing "dramatic changes" in a heartfelt social media post that drew dozens of supportive comments, well wishes, and shared memories.
The Graceful Ordinary's burger collab series returns with a James Beard finalist
The Graceful Ordinary's popular Big City Burger Collab returns May 7–15 with a limited-run "Vistro Burger" from James Beard finalist Chef Paul Virant that's decked out with pimento cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, and pickled asparagus.
Garfield Farm Museum to honor local land preservation efforts at annual awards dinner
Garfield Farm Museum's 35th Annual Awards Dinner on May 8 in Campton Hills will honor families and leaders who helped preserve open space and local history across the Fox Valley area.
Art, butterflies, and a Viking ship: Inside the Geneva Library's sculpture collection
The Geneva Public Library has quietly built one of the area's most interesting public art collections that includes unique literary sculptures, Scandinavia artifacts, and unique pieces that bring the community together.
Kane County's recycling rate just hit a record low
Kane County's curbside recycling rate dropped to its lowest level since tracking began in 2011, sliding to 22.8% in 2025 from 25.1% the year before — and continues to trend downward.
Residents pack St. Charles meeting to oppose proposed Claibourne Farm housing development
Residents from several subdivisions packed a St. Charles committee meeting to oppose a proposed 76-home development on 38 acres of the historic Red Gate Farm property, citing traffic safety, density, water pressure, and other concerns.
The Tri-City Corps of Salvation Army wants to collect at least 75 children's bikes during a two-day donation drive May 1-2 in St. Charles, with each bike paired with a free helmet from The Bike Rack.
April 20 Newsletter: First Fox Haven Square restaurant sets opening date
Plus Batavia wants to build a new police station on Mooseheart land, a Geneva architect is documenting the Fox Valley in watercolor, and a film festival coming up in St. Charles.
April 16 Newsletter: Four community garage sales are coming up soon
Plus the Swedish Days parade is back on, what's next after Geneva's failed public safety referendum, and a potential school facilities referendum in St. Charles.
April 6 Newsletter: Tulip festivals near the Tri-Cities area
Plus Tri-Cities is in the midst of an e-bike boom, a very rare gown goes on display in Geneva, and two local institutions celebrating major milestones.
March 30 Newsletter: A spring planting and gardening guide for the Tri-Cities
Plus the Batavia community rallies behind a local family after tragedy, a major housing project proposed in St. Charles, and a day dedicated to all things Geneva.
