Tri-Cities Central

Where to find food and help in the Tri-Cities area

Local news

Oct 31, 2025

Where to find food and help in the Tri-Cities area

With SNAP benefits disrupted during the federal government shutdown, Tri-Cities food pantries and nonprofits are stepping up to help local families access meals and groceries. Here's a list of resources.

Sam Kraft

Geneva Chamber honors 2025 award recipients

Local news

Nov 7, 2025

Geneva Chamber honors 2025 award recipients

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce honored local leaders, businesses, and organizations at its 2025 Annual Dinner, highlighting Martha Sanchez of State Street Jewelers as this year’s Wood Award recipient.

Sam Kraft

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Newsletter

Nov 6, 2025

November 6 Newsletter: Getting ahead of "giving season" in the Tri-Cities

Plus pumpkin recycling opportunities, the St. Charles Farmers Market moves indoors, and holiday event season kicks off.

Sam Kraft

Live music

Nov 8, 2025

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: November 10-13

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

Sam Kraft

Live music

Nov 5, 2025

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: November 6-9

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

Sam Kraft

Featured

Local news

CHIP IN Batavia rallies locals to ‘adopt a bag’ and fill Thanksgiving baskets

Nov 6, 2025

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3 min read

CHIP IN Batavia rallies locals to ‘adopt a bag’ and fill Thanksgiving baskets

Chip In Batavia and Holzl Homes are leading two community drives this holiday season to provide Thanksgiving meals and essential supplies for local families in need.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Furnish Forward turns empty spaces into homes for local families in need

Nov 4, 2025

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3 min read

Furnish Forward turns empty spaces into homes for local families in need

Founded in Batavia by longtime residents Tim and Sharon Sullivan, Furnish Forward serves much of Kane County to help individuals and families emerging from homelessness furnish their new homes.

Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles officials approve preliminary estimate of 3.99% increase in property tax levy

Nov 4, 2025

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2 min read

St. Charles officials approve preliminary estimate of 3.99% increase in property tax levy

St. Charles officials approved a preliminary 3.99% property-tax levy increase to fund pensions and essential services, with final adoption set for December 1.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Geneva race walker honored for world championship gold

Nov 4, 2025

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2 min read

Geneva race walker honored for world championship gold

Geneva officials honored local athlete Ben Bluemond for winning gold at the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships and proclaimed this week “Ben Bluemond Week” in his honor

Sam Kraft

Local news

Batavia honors memory of Brice Worley with tribute and new foundation

Nov 4, 2025

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2 min read

Batavia honors memory of Brice Worley with tribute and new foundation

Batavia officials honored the late Batavia High School graduate Brice Worley with a city proclamation and the launch of a new scholarship foundation in his name.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Residents invited to weigh in on Batavia’s long-term energy plan

Nov 3, 2025

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2 min read

Residents invited to weigh in on Batavia’s long-term energy plan

The Tri-Cities Clean Energy group is hosting a November 13 community meeting as part of its Bright Future Batavia campaign to help residents understand and comment on the city’s new long-term energy plan before it’s finalized in 2026.

Sam Kraft

Local business

Batavia's New Moon Vegan is the latest local "Illinois Made" business

Nov 3, 2025

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3 min read

Batavia's New Moon Vegan is the latest local "Illinois Made" business

New Moon Vegan, a woman-owned bakery and café in downtown Batavia known for its scratch-made, plant-based pastries and community involvement, has earned statewide recognition with its induction into the Illinois Made program.

Sam Kraft

Local news

“Like nothing we’d ever seen”: Remembering the biggest fire in St. Charles history

Nov 1, 2025

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5 min read

“Like nothing we’d ever seen”: Remembering the biggest fire in St. Charles history

St. Charles firefighters reflected on the 2022 Pheasant Run Resort fire — the city’s largest in history — sharing firsthand accounts of the three-day battle that destroyed a landmark and became a significant moment in local history.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Actor Chris Witaske of ‘The Bear' named St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade grand marshal

Oct 31, 2025

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3 min read

Actor Chris Witaske of ‘The Bear' named St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade grand marshal

St. Charles native and actor Chris Witaske will return home to serve as grand marshal of the 2025 St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade during the city’s Holiday Homecoming weekend.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter Archive

Newsletter

Nov 3, 2025

November 3 Newsletter: Dunham Castle — a European style landmark in the Fox Valley

Plus local food pantries and community organizations step up amid SNAP disruptions and St. Charles firefighters look back on the massive Pheasant Run fire.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Oct 30, 2025

October 30 Newsletter: A new concept could give Tri-Cities a public park atop the Fox River

Plus a "La Fox of Campton Hills" public hearing, a local artist profile, and the Rec Haus gaming venue debuts in St. Charles.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Oct 27, 2025

October 27 Newsletter: Locals share their thoughts on the state of the Tri-Cities

Plus a new gas tax and a new grocery tax passed in Kane County and Batavia's Indoor Market set to kick off the winter season.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Oct 23, 2025

October 23 Newsletter: A community vibe check for the Tri-Cities

Plus updates on a long-term power plan for Batavia, outrageous haunted homes, several new local business openings, and BatFest weekend.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Oct 20, 2025

October 20 Newsletter: A famous comedian was hanging out in Batavia between performances at the Comedy Vault

Plus safety concerns at a St. Charles elementary school, a weekend rally on Randall Road, and thousands of daffodils planted at a local park.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Oct 16, 2025

October 16 Newsletter: Welcome to St. Charles, Brother Chimp Brewing

Plus restaurant news in Geneva and St. Charles, rare bird sightings on the Fox River, and leaf pickup schedules across the Tri-Cities.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Oct 13, 2025

October 13 Newsletter: Riverfront transformation ideas for St. Charles

Plus Batavia officials will consider a proposal to demolish the former Ethan Allen building and a pair of St. Charles North seniors are doing big things.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Oct 9, 2025

October 9 Newsletter: What you need to know as fall colors approach

Plus new e-bike and scooter rules adopted in St. Charles, an update on the Duke & Lee's property in Geneva, and Thriller on 38 is this Saturday.

Sam Kraft