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Batavia adopts long-term plan for South River Street corridor

Local news

Jan 21, 2026

Batavia adopts long-term plan for South River Street corridor

Batavia officials approved the South River Street Corridor Plan, establishing a long-term framework for redevelopment of the area while maintaining protections for existing businesses and future public input.

Sam Kraft

More Kane County homeowners are going solar — and saving money doing it

Local news

Jan 20, 2026

More Kane County homeowners are going solar — and saving money doing it

According to officials, Kane County's "Switch Together" group-buy solar program has helped local homeowners save about $450,000 so far, with 84 installations completed and more underway.

Sam Kraft

Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles

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Newsletter

Jan 19, 2026

January 19 Newsletter: New cigar lounge, raw bar, and jazz venue in the works for St. Charles

Plus an update on the new upscale restaurant planned for downtown Batavia and new regulations for short-term rental properties in Kane County.

Sam Kraft

Live music

Jan 20, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: January 22-25

Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles on Thursday through Sunday.

Sam Kraft

Live music

Jan 17, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: January 19-22

Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles from Monday to Thursday.

Sam Kraft

Featured

Local news

Here's where to skate this winter in the Tri-Cities

Jan 20, 2026

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3 min read

Here's where to skate this winter in the Tri-Cities

Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles offer free outdoor ice skating when cold-weather conditions allow, with residents encouraged to check daily rink status updates before heading out.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Geneva may join regional group to monitor a proposed railroad merger

Jan 17, 2026

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2 min read

Geneva may join regional group to monitor a proposed railroad merger

Geneva is considering joining a regional alliance to monitor a proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern railroad merger that could affect communities along the UP-West rail line.

Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles North senior earns statewide volleyball honor

Jan 19, 2026

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2 min read

St. Charles North senior earns statewide volleyball honor

St. Charles North senior Haley Burgdorf was named the 2025–26 Gatorade Illinois Volleyball Player of the Year after a standout season on the court, strong academics, and local community service.

Sam Kraft

Local news

New Mexican restaurant eyes spring opening in downtown St. Charles

Jan 17, 2026

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2 min read

New Mexican restaurant eyes spring opening in downtown St. Charles

A new Mexican restaurant called Gallo Santo is hoping to open this spring in downtown St. Charles after officials review a liquor license request for the Main Street location.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Batavia officials back new upscale restaurant with $150K downtown grant

Jan 17, 2026

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3 min read

Batavia officials back new upscale restaurant with $150K downtown grant

Batavia's Committee of the Whole advanced a $150,000 redevelopment grant to help transform the former Thorabella’s space on East Wilson Street downtown into a new upscale restaurant.

Sam Kraft

Local events

Tickets are on sale for Batavia’s first Step into Spring wine walk

Jan 17, 2026

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2 min read

Tickets are on sale for Batavia’s first Step into Spring wine walk

Batavia MainStreet has opened ticket sales for its inaugural Step into Spring: Wine Walk, set for March 21 in downtown Batavia with wine tastings at 14 local businesses.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Anderson Humane invites the community to share stories as it marks 60 years of compassion

Jan 16, 2026

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2 min read

Anderson Humane invites the community to share stories as it marks 60 years of compassion

Anderson Humane is marking its 60th anniversary by launching a “60 Stories in 60 Days” campaign that invites community members to share personal stories about the people and animals whose lives the organization has touched.

Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles parents renew calls for action amid safety concerns at local school

Jan 13, 2026

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2 min read

St. Charles parents renew calls for action amid safety concerns at local school

Parents of students at Fox Ridge Elementary pressed the St. Charles School Board over ongoing safety and communication concerns, describing serious incidents and urging faster, clearer action from district leadership.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Barry House preservation plan advances in St. Charles

Jan 13, 2026

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3 min read

Barry House preservation plan advances in St. Charles

St. Charles officials signaled support for a city-backed agreement to restore the historic Barry House on Cedar Avenue, add new downtown parking, and bring the long-vacant property back into productive use.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter Archive

Newsletter

Jan 15, 2026

January 15 Newsletter: Geneva Restaurant Week returns this weekend

Plus a narrow vote saves the historic Geneva blacksmith shop (for now), a preservation plan emerges for the Barry House in St. Charles, and a new pedestrian bridge across the Fox River.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 12, 2026

January 12 Newsletter: A new restaurant is coming soon to Geneva's east side

Plus a decision looming for Geneva's historic blacksmith shop and a large senior housing community proposed for St. Charles.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 8, 2026

January 8 Newsletter: Understanding Geneva’s police station referendum

Plus a project to improve safety at a major Batavia intersection, St. Charles' vision for 2026, and surging flu cases for the foreseeable future.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 5, 2026

January 5 Newsletter: Spotlight on the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles

Plus a proposal for how to repurpose the old Geneva blacksmith shop, local spots with alcohol-free drinks for Dry January, and Limestone Coffee & Tea sets an opening date for its new location.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Dec 29, 2025

December 29 Newsletter: That's a wrap on 2025 in the Tri-Cities

Plus new Illinois laws to know about, an update on the former St. Charles police station site, and ideas for last-minute New Year's Eve plans.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Dec 22, 2025

December 22 Newsletter: The Baker’s Dozen Holiday Festival is back

Plus a Tri-Cities Dinner Club update, a new cafe opens in Geneva, and a plan crash at DuPage Airport.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Dec 18, 2025

December 18 Newsletter: Local New Year's Eve happenings

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.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Dec 15, 2025

December 15 Newsletter: A new restaurant could be headed to downtown Batavia

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.

Sam Kraft