This roundup covers community events happening during the weekend of July 31 through the first two weeks of August 2026 — plus some exciting happenings to look forward to later in the summer.
Kane County sees increase in Lyme disease cases as ticks spread north
Kane County reported 42 Lyme disease cases in 2025 (double 2024's count) and health officials say new tick species are moving in from the south, which is contributing to an unusually active tick season.
Sam Kraft
Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles
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Officials considering a moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Kane County
Kane County officials are weighing a potential temporary freeze on data center construction in unincorporated areas to allow time for studying environmental impacts and drafting new regulations for the industry.
For art enthusiasts, the St. Charles Public Library holds much more than books
The St. Charles Public Library's art collection features a century's worth of unique pieces, including bronze sculptures, decades-old lithographs, and an outdoor mural you can help fund with a name plate.
Batavia continues eyeing Mooseheart land for new rec center and police station
Batavia officials are considering concept plans for a proposal that would put both a new recreation center and police station on 20 acres of Mooseheart land promised to the park district.
New Batavia schools social media policy: no commenting, no political or religious content
Batavia's school board approved a new social media policy that excludes posts related to political and religious topics and disables commenting on district content after a post earlier this year led to a public controversy.
Batavia hires architects to inspect condition of 75 historic downtown buildings
Batavia is sending inspectors to check the exteriors of 75 historic downtown buildings this summer as part of a broader push to keep the district well-maintained long-term.
Village officials approved the redevelopment agreement for the 900-home LaFox of Campton Hills project despite some pushback from the Geneva library and school districts.
A behind-the-scenes look at the local elections process
Kane County Clerk John Cunningham is opening up his office for tours so residents can see exactly how their ballots get counted ahead of the November 3 election.
After avoiding demolition, Barry House in St. Charles gets landmark status
The St. Charles home once slated for demolition to make room for church parking has now been officially landmarked, following a restoration deal that saved it.
Proposed Pheasant Run overhaul includes a Chase Bank, Dutch Bros Coffee, Valvoline, and more
The St. Charles Plan Commission backed a proposal for a major redevelopment of the vacant Pheasant Run site that features Chase Bank, Dutch Bros Coffee, and Valvoline among the first tenants.
Geneva officials approved a 5-megawatt solar farm for a 13-acre site at Fabyan and Kirk, but because the city runs its own electric utility, none of the power will actually go to Geneva homes or businesses.
July 16 Newsletter: July Dinner Club, a school facilities referendum, and Wienermobile fun
Plus a downtown St. Charles senior housing tower was acquired by a private equity firm and Brother Chimp Brewing prepares to close its North Aurora taproom.
July 13 Newsletter: The Kane County Fair arrives in the Tri-Cities this week
Plus an overhaul of a major local intersection, a GoFundMe for the Batavia family who lost their 10-year-old daughter in a tragic boating accident, and the Barry House in St. Charles up for landmark designation.
July 2 Newsletter: Historic sites in the Tri-Cities
Plus Wahlburgers abruptly closes its St. Charles location, new laws just went into effect in July, and Batavia's Boo Boo Days festival is quickly approaching.
June 29 Newsletter: A detailed look at who lives in the Tri-Cities
Plus Moonlight Theatre is leaving its St. Charles location, a huge new casino complex opened in Aurora, and a conversation with a long-time Batavia rabble rouser.
