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Batavia taking steps aimed at a safer Randall Road crossing near Main Street

Local news

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Jan 6, 2026

Batavia taking steps aimed at a safer Randall Road crossing near Main Street

Batavia officials approved an agreement with Kane County to help fund a feasibility study exploring a project that would create safer ways to walk or bike across Randall Road near Main Street.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
Classic rock concert aims to restock local food pantries this winter

Local events

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Jan 7, 2026

Classic rock concert aims to restock local food pantries this winter

A January 18 classic rock concert at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles will raise money for food pantries across the Fox River Valley as winter demand continues to rise.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles

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

Newsletter

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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
Sam Kraft
Tri-Cities Live Music Events: January 8-11

Live music

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Jan 6, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: January 8-11

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

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
Tri-Cities Live Music Events: January 5-8

Live music

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Jan 4, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: January 5-8

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

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Featured

Local news

Batavia backs new mural concept for police station windows

Jan 6, 2026

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2 min read

Batavia backs new mural concept for police station windows

Batavia officials endorsed a grant application for a $15,000 public art project that would turn the police station’s boarded windows into murals celebrating the city’s past, present, and future.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

Summer park district jobs are opening across the Tri-Cities

Jan 6, 2026

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2 min read

Summer park district jobs are opening across the Tri-Cities

The local park districts in Geneva, Batavia, and St. Charles are opening seasonal summer job applications, with a wide range of roles available for teens and adults across camps, pools, museums, and recreation programs.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Artist profile

Liza Mitchem finds focus and fantasy in clay at Water Street Studios

Jan 3, 2026

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7 min read

Liza Mitchem finds focus and fantasy in clay at Water Street Studios

Batavia artist Liza Mitchem is building a distinctive ceramics practice at Water Street Studios, blending science, fantasy, and animal portraiture into wheel-thrown pieces that have quickly found a local following.

Ellen Jo Ljung
Ellen Jo Ljung

Local news

Volunteer group to showcase model of Geneva blacksmith shop as vision for potential adaptive reuse

Jan 2, 2026

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2 min read

Volunteer group to showcase model of Geneva blacksmith shop as vision for potential adaptive reuse

A local volunteer group will unveil an architectural model on January 8 showing how Geneva’s 1845 blacksmith shop once looked — and how it could potentially be restored and reused as a Tri-Cities visitor information center.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

Geneva set to formally regulate solar energy systems

Jan 2, 2026

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2 min read

Geneva set to formally regulate solar energy systems

Geneva City Council will consider new zoning rules on January 5 that would formally regulate solar energy systems citywide, following unanimous support from the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

Where to go during Dry January in the Tri-Cities in 2026

Jan 2, 2026

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4 min read

Where to go during Dry January in the Tri-Cities in 2026

If you're embracing Dry January (or if you are a non-drinker to begin with), here are some local spots you can find an enticing selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, beers and other beverages.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles hits pause again on video gaming push tax

Jan 2, 2026

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2 min read

St. Charles hits pause again on video gaming push tax

St. Charles has postponed enforcing its proposed video gaming push tax until the end of 2026 as lawsuits and regulatory questions continue statewide.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

MDW Cares kicks off 2026 with wellness, creativity, and financial confidence events

Jan 1, 2026

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2 min read

MDW Cares kicks off 2026 with wellness, creativity, and financial confidence events

MDW Cares is launching a series of January events in the Tri-Cities that bring women together for judgment-free conversations about drinking less, hands-on creative goal-setting, and practical financial education — all designed to be welcoming, supportive, and accessible.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

A look back at 12 of the most popular Tri-Cities topics in 2025

Dec 26, 2025

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9 min read

A look back at 12 of the most popular Tri-Cities topics in 2025

Tri-Cities Central wrapped up the year by spotlighting the most popular stories of 2025, from new restaurants and major developments to deep dives into local history and community favorites.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Newsletter Archive

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

Newsletter

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

Newsletter

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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
Sam Kraft
December 18 Newsletter: Local New Year's Eve happenings

Newsletter

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

Newsletter

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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
Sam Kraft
December 11 Newsletter: New coffee spots in the Tri-Cities

Newsletter

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Dec 11, 2025

December 11 Newsletter: New coffee spots in the Tri-Cities

Plus an update on the potential Pheasant Run redevelopment project and American bison make a triumphant return to the Tri-Cities

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
December 8 Newsletter: Tri-Cities holiday traditions

Newsletter

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Dec 8, 2025

December 8 Newsletter: Tri-Cities holiday traditions

Plus a major Campton Hills housing development gets approval and more details emerge about Charlestowne Mall redevelopment plans.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
December 4 Newsletter: A guide to nearby holiday light shows this season

Newsletter

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Dec 4, 2025

December 4 Newsletter: A guide to nearby holiday light shows this season

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.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
December 1 Newsletter: A restaurant and lounge inspired by Mexico's coast set to open this winter

Newsletter

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Dec 1, 2025

December 1 Newsletter: A restaurant and lounge inspired by Mexico's coast set to open this winter

Plus the upcoming Geneva Christmas Walk and Holiday Home Tour, a historic weather weekend, and loose dogs attack dozens of chickens.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
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Get the top news, events, live music and community happenings for Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles in a quick, entertaining read.

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