Proposal would fund Elburn-to-DeKalb Metra extension
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood has proposed $1.2 million in federal funding to help advance a Metra rail extension from Elburn to DeKalb, building on a planning study that's already underway.
Art, butterflies, and a Viking ship: Inside the Geneva Library's sculpture collection
The Geneva Public Library has quietly built one of the area's most interesting public art collections that includes unique literary sculptures, Scandinavia artifacts, and unique pieces that bring the community together.
Ellen Jo Ljung
Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles
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Plus St. Charles neighbors unite against a proposed housing development, a popular downtown Batavia restaurant is closing, and Fermilab welcomes its first baby bison of the season.
Pal Joey's announces that it's closing its riverfront Batavia restaurant
The owner of Pal Joey's announced that it will close its Batavia riverfront location, citing "dramatic changes" in a heartfelt social media post that drew dozens of supportive comments, well wishes, and shared memories.
Garfield Farm Museum to honor local land preservation efforts at annual awards dinner
Garfield Farm Museum's 35th Annual Awards Dinner on May 8 in Campton Hills will honor families and leaders who helped preserve open space and local history across the Fox Valley area.
Kane County's recycling rate just hit a record low
Kane County's curbside recycling rate dropped to its lowest level since tracking began in 2011, sliding to 22.8% in 2025 from 25.1% the year before — and continues to trend downward.
Residents pack St. Charles meeting to oppose proposed Claibourne Farm housing development
Residents from several subdivisions packed a St. Charles committee meeting to oppose a proposed 76-home development on 38 acres of the historic Red Gate Farm property, citing traffic safety, density, water pressure, and other concerns.
The Tri-City Corps of Salvation Army wants to collect at least 75 children's bikes during a two-day donation drive May 1-2 in St. Charles, with each bike paired with a free helmet from The Bike Rack.
Simple EJ's Kitchen & Tap opens May 9 in St. Charles' Fox Haven Square
Simple EJ's Kitchen & Tap opens May 9 at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles, bringing a scratch kitchen, a 22-foot LED sports wall, and a kids-eat-free family membership to the Kirk Road development.
Geneva may remove parking minimums for developments across downtown
A Geneva committee will consider a proposal to eliminate off-street parking requirements for new developments across its entire downtown area, expanding beyond what a new state law will require.
Batavia eyes Mooseheart land for new police station — but park district is hesitant
Batavia wants to use part of a 20-acre Mooseheart land parcel that's scheduled to go to the park district to build a new $50 million police station, but park officials want to finish their own planning before making a decision.
April 20 Newsletter: First Fox Haven Square restaurant sets opening date
Plus Batavia wants to build a new police station on Mooseheart land, a Geneva architect is documenting the Fox Valley in watercolor, and a film festival coming up in St. Charles.
April 16 Newsletter: Four community garage sales are coming up soon
Plus the Swedish Days parade is back on, what's next after Geneva's failed public safety referendum, and a potential school facilities referendum in St. Charles.
April 6 Newsletter: Tulip festivals near the Tri-Cities area
Plus Tri-Cities is in the midst of an e-bike boom, a very rare gown goes on display in Geneva, and two local institutions celebrating major milestones.
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.
