Riverlands Brewing celebrates 7 years of bringing the community together through beer
The St. Charles brewery just celebrated its seventh anniversary, and co-founder Steve Marck reflects on how a Fourth of July barbecue, a decade of homebrewing, and a commitment to transparency turned Riverlands into a Tri-Cities institution.
Batavia officials continue to debate complexities of consequential state housing bill
Batavia Committee of the Whole took a deep look at the state's BUILD Act housing bill, with officials finding positive opportunities in parts of the proposal even as they raised concerns about local control, parking, and infrastructure.
Sam Kraft
Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles
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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.
St. Charles water meters going wireless — no more home visits for readings
St. Charles is replacing aging water meters with wireless versions that allow remote readings and real-time leak detection so that home visits will no longer be required.
Spring gardening guide for Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles
Everything you need to kick off your spring garden in the Tri-Cities, including ideal timing for local planting, free seeds at all three library systems, native plant resources, and more.
Geneva considering grant program to help historic homeowners pay for repairs
Geneva's Historic Preservation Commission recommended a new facade grant program that would offer up to $10,000 to help historic district homeowners pay for repairs that align with historic character.
Batavia and Campton Hills police launching Blue Envelope Program
The Batavia and Campton Hills police departments are both launching the free Blue Envelope Program, giving residents with autism, cognitive disabilities, or severe anxiety a simple tool to communicate their needs during officer encounters.
St. Charles residents want public, open space at the former riverfront police station site
St. Charles residents expressed a strong preference that the former downtown police station site be turned into public riverfront open space — not a townhome development or a hotel. A second community feedback event is coming up.
Batavia residents speak at school board meeting about Women's History Month post
After a Women's History Month post from the Batavia school district about U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride drew national commentary and was quietly deleted, Batavia community members showed up to the school board meeting to speak about it.
Batavia rethinking approach to energy plan after residents push back on first draft
Batavia paid a consultant $385K to draft a long-term energy plan, but council members and residents say the first attempt fell short — and now they're sending it back for a rewrite while exploring a task force.
Your guide to election results in the Tri-Cities area
Unofficial results show that Geneva voters rejected a $59.4 million bond measure for a new police station as Kane County wrapped up its March primary with results across several contested races.
St. Charles water and sewer rates may be going up significantly
St. Charles officials signaled support for a utility rate hike that would push a typical resident's combined bill nearly 50% higher by 2029, with further discussion and a public hearing coming on April 6.
March 19 Newsletter: Local election and referendum results
Plus a potential water and sewer rate hike in St. Charles, new e-bike and e-moto regulations in Batavia, and a smorgasbord of Easter events coming up across the Tri-Cities.
March 9 Newsletter: A week of St. Patrick's Day festivities
Plus a popular coffee chain may be coming to St. Charles, the debut of Batavia's first dispensary, and a Batman-like Grappler device in action in Kane County.
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.
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.
