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Geneva moves closer to a formal “Complete Streets” framework

Local news

Feb 3, 2026

Geneva moves closer to a formal “Complete Streets” framework

Geneva officials advanced a "Complete Streets" policy that, if ultimately approved, will formally guide future street projects to better balance safety, access, and mobility for residents and visitors.

Sam Kraft

Batavia affordable apartment project evolves after public hearing

Local news

Feb 1, 2026

Batavia affordable apartment project evolves after public hearing

Following a January 21 public hearing, city staff say revised designs, added safety measures, and tighter conditions on affordability have addressed key resident concerns for the proposed River Pointe workforce apartment project in Batavia.

Sam Kraft

Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles

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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

Live music

Feb 3, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: February 5-8, 2026

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

Sam Kraft

Live music

Feb 1, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: February 2-5

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

Sam Kraft

Featured

Local business

A new speakeasy-style whiskey spot is materializing in St. Charles

Feb 1, 2026

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2 min read

A new speakeasy-style whiskey spot is materializing in St. Charles

An invite-only speakeasy-style whiskey concept called 3PM Social has begun hosting curated events in St. Charles, encouraging people to join a "watchlist" to learn about upcoming events.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Local scholarship opportunities this spring — and their deadlines

Feb 2, 2026

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4 min read

Local scholarship opportunities this spring — and their deadlines

Several local and statewide scholarships for students in Illinois and Kane County are now open, with deadlines ranging from March 1 through early April.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Quick response leads to successful rescue in Campton Hills house fire

Feb 1, 2026

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2 min read

Quick response leads to successful rescue in Campton Hills house fire

Firefighters rescued four people and 18 pets from a Campton Hills house fire, with most of the home left undamaged and no injuries reported.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame announces 2026 inductees

Jan 31, 2026

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3 min read

Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame announces 2026 inductees

The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame will induct its 2026 class on March 27 in Geneva, honoring a diverse group of local artists and expanding its definition of what the arts look like today.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Thompson Farm annexation could pave way for new neighborhood on Batavia's west side

Jan 29, 2026

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3 min read

Thompson Farm annexation could pave way for new neighborhood on Batavia's west side

Batavia officials advanced annexation plans that would allow Thompson Farm on the city’s west side to eventually become a 160-home neighborhood with open space and trail connections.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Water Street factory site set to get new life as tech headquarters

Jan 29, 2026

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3 min read

Water Street factory site set to get new life as tech headquarters

Batavia officials advanced a project to convert the long-vacant former Pamarco factory on Water Street into the new headquarters for QT9, a software company currently located in Aurora.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Officials advance solar project near Route 25 in St. Charles Township

Jan 26, 2026

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2 min read

Officials advance solar project near Route 25 in St. Charles Township

Kane County is moving a community solar project on the capped Tri-County Landfill site near Route 25 forward, but construction will depend on finalizing an agreement that spells out responsibility for protecting the landfill cap before permits are issued.

Sam Kraft

Local business

Viking General Store: A Geneva-based apparel shop rooted in local pride

Jan 26, 2026

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5 min read

Viking General Store: A Geneva-based apparel shop rooted in local pride

The new local clothing and accessory brand is building a following by blending Geneva pride, hometown nostalgia, and small-batch collections launched through pop-ups and online product drops.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Geneva officials approve new daycare near busy intersection

Jan 23, 2026

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3 min read

Geneva officials approve new daycare near busy intersection

Geneva officials unanimously approved a new daycare to be constructed near Delnor Hospital, prompting two nearby residents to raise concerns about traffic safety at the busy Randall–Keslinger intersection.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter Archive

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

Newsletter

Jan 26, 2026

January 26 Newsletter: The Tri-Cities emerge from a very cold weekend

Plus a proclamation from St. Charles officials on federal immigration enforcement activity and national recognition for a local Underground Railroad site.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 22, 2026

January 22 Newsletter: How Riverbank Laboratories in Geneva played a key role in our nation's history

Plus a long-term plan for Batavia's South River Street Corridor, how bison were brought back to a Kane County preserve, and ice skating options in the Tri-Cities.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 19, 2026

January 19 Newsletter: New cigar lounge, raw bar, and jazz venue in the works for St. Charles

Plus an update on the new upscale restaurant planned for downtown Batavia and new regulations for short-term rental properties in Kane County.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 15, 2026

January 15 Newsletter: Geneva Restaurant Week returns this weekend

Plus a narrow vote saves the historic Geneva blacksmith shop (for now), a preservation plan emerges for the Barry House in St. Charles, and a new pedestrian bridge across the Fox River.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 12, 2026

January 12 Newsletter: A new restaurant is coming soon to Geneva's east side

Plus a decision looming for Geneva's historic blacksmith shop and a large senior housing community proposed for St. Charles.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 8, 2026

January 8 Newsletter: Understanding Geneva’s police station referendum

Plus a project to improve safety at a major Batavia intersection, St. Charles' vision for 2026, and surging flu cases for the foreseeable future.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

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