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The 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide is now available

Local news

Mar 2, 2026

The 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide is now available

Batavia MainStreet has released its 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide, spotlighting 35 local bars, cafés, and restaurants to help residents and visitors plan their next meal out.

Sam Kraft

Local creative powerhouse Ellen Ljung has built a life in art and advocacy

Artist profile

Mar 2, 2026

Local creative powerhouse Ellen Ljung has built a life in art and advocacy

Longtime Tri-Cities creative Ellen Ljung continues to shape the local arts and nonprofit community through her award-winning glasswork, published books, wearable art, and decades of volunteer service around the Tri-Cities.

Sam Kraft

Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles

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Newsletter

Mar 2, 2026

March 2 Newsletter: Vintage Shop Hop weekend approaches

Plus plans are progressing for Batavia's new downtown plaza, election resources as the March 17 Primary approaches, and a mysterious headstone in Geneva.

Sam Kraft

Live music

Mar 1, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: March 2-5

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

Sam Kraft

Live music

Feb 25, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: February 26 - March 1

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

Sam Kraft

Featured

Local news

Batavia's River Street Plaza project progresses with summer opening in sight

Feb 28, 2026

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3 min read

Batavia's River Street Plaza project progresses with summer opening in sight

Batavia officials are progressing plans for the new River Street Plaza downtown — complete with seating, landscaping, art, and a self-cleaning public restroom — with construction expected to kick off in March or April.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Elburn plans additional water tests after PFAS detection

Mar 2, 2026

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2 min read

Elburn plans additional water tests after PFAS detection

Elburn officials are retesting the village's drinking water after notifying residents that the state detected a PFAS compound above recommended reporting levels in a village well.

Sam Kraft

Local events

Pickleball, blues, and a good cause: North Aurora event aims to connect generations

Mar 1, 2026

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3 min read

Pickleball, blues, and a good cause: North Aurora event aims to connect generations

Organized by local advocates, a grassroots pickleball and blues night on March 13 in North Aurora will raise money for local senior programs while bringing the community together for an evening of connection and fun.

Sam Kraft

Local business

St. Charles Business Alliance points to downtown momentum while outlining 2026 goals

Feb 24, 2026

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3 min read

St. Charles Business Alliance points to downtown momentum while outlining 2026 goals

The St. Charles Business Alliance highlighted steady hotel occupancy, a successful Unwind Wednesday event series that it plans to expand, and a boost in downtown programming as it seeks city funding for its 2026 initiatives.

Sam Kraft

Local business

Geneva Wine Cellars announces closure, final sale set for this weekend

Feb 23, 2026

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2 min read

Geneva Wine Cellars announces closure, final sale set for this weekend

Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room announced that it will close its Third Street location after more than 12 years and is holding a final 20% off sale on February 27 and 28.

Sam Kraft

Local business

Savia Cafe brings coffee, culture, and baked goods to downtown Geneva

Feb 23, 2026

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7 min read

Savia Cafe brings coffee, culture, and baked goods to downtown Geneva

Savia Cafe recently opened at Geneva’s Metra station, bringing a cozy new grab-and-go coffee and baked goods spot — with Mexican-inspired drinks and plans to expand — to the growing local cafe scene.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Kane County Clerk launches new voter wait time app

Feb 18, 2026

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3 min read

Kane County Clerk launches new voter wait time app

Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham just announced the launch of a new online “Voter Wait Time” app that lets voters check estimated line lengths at polling places ahead of the March 17 primary election.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Batavia eyes new rules for e-bikes, scooters, and electric dirt bikes

Feb 18, 2026

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2 min read

Batavia eyes new rules for e-bikes, scooters, and electric dirt bikes

Batavia officials discussed drafting a local ordinance to improve safety and enforcement around e-bikes, scooters, and high-powered electric dirt bikes ahead of spring and summer riding season.

Sam Kraft

Local news

League of Women Voters urges residents to mail ballots by March 10

Feb 17, 2026

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3 min read

League of Women Voters urges residents to mail ballots by March 10

The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County is urging local voters using mail-in ballots for the March 17 primary to mail them by March 10 or drop them off in person to ensure they’re counted.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter Archive

Newsletter

Feb 26, 2026

February 26 Newsletter: The newest addition to Geneva's cafe scene

Plus a big year for downtown business and tourism in St. Charles, a Geneva wine spot is going out of business, and an update on the Kane County Sheriff's race.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 19, 2026

February 19 Newsletter: Top fish fry spots near the Tri-Cities

Plus local candidates share their positions during recent voter forums, Batavia explores new e-bike and e-moto regulations, and Illinois' "biggest cat show."

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 16, 2026

February 16 Newsletter: Introducing the 2026 class of Batavia Boardwalk Shops

Plus a new childcare center planned for St. Charles, a water quality alert in Elburn, and a fun visit from regional radio personalities to a local high school.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 12, 2026

February 12 Newsletter: Local museums to visit this winter

Plus a weekend of local arts events, an update on historic buildings in St. Charles, and a new exhibit celebration the nation's 250th anniversary.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 9, 2026

February 9 Newsletter: A voter guide for local elections

Plus another new cafe opens in Geneva, proposed "road diet" changes in Batavia, and St. Charles reactivates its Senior Services Commission.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 5, 2026

February 5 Newsletter: Local rescue organization launches GoFundMe following van crash

Plus a "Complete Streets" policy for Geneva and a new home repair grant program for residents of St. Charles.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 2, 2026

February 2 Newsletter: Things to do for Valentine's and Galentine's Day

Plus updates on proposed housing projects in Batavia, a funding shortfall for Geneva's annual festivals, and the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame's 2026 class.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 29, 2026

January 29 Newsletter: St. Charles Restaurant Week approaches

Plus a community solar development proposed in St. Charles Township, big changes for popular local businesses, and free help on your taxes.

Sam Kraft