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

Local news

Feb 18, 2026

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 candidates share their views during GOP primary forums in Batavia

Local news

Feb 17, 2026

Local candidates share their views during GOP primary forums in Batavia

At recent League of Women Voters forums in Batavia, Republican candidates for Illinois Senate District 33 and U.S. Congress District 11 outlined differing approaches on immigration, election rules, Social Security, and how to rein in the cost of living.

Sam Kraft

Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles

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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

Live music

Feb 17, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: February 19-22

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

Sam Kraft

Live music

Feb 15, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: February 16-19

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

Sam Kraft

Featured

Local news

St. Charles officials weigh options for addressing $84 million unfunded lead pipe mandate

Feb 16, 2026

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2 min read

St. Charles officials weigh options for addressing $84 million unfunded lead pipe mandate

St. Charles officials said during a recent budget meeting that replacing thousands of lead service lines could cost $84 million over the next decade, which could require the city to lean on utility rate increases to pay for it.

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

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

Local business

Batavia's Bocaditos Cafe Awarded $10K grant through Main Street America Program

Feb 17, 2026

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3 min read

Batavia's Bocaditos Cafe Awarded $10K grant through Main Street America Program

Batavia MainStreet announced that Bocaditos Cafe received a $10,000 national “Backing Small Business” grant, which the downtown Batavia café used to buy new equipment and expand its offerings.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Illinois EPA issues PFAS detection notice for Elburn water customers

Feb 15, 2026

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2 min read

Illinois EPA issues PFAS detection notice for Elburn water customers

An Illinois EPA news release says PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”) were detected above state standards in the Elburn Community Water System, triggering a legal requirement to notify residents.

Sam Kraft

Local news

A new childcare center is being planned for Prairie Centre in St. Charles

Feb 14, 2026

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3 min read

A new childcare center is being planned for Prairie Centre in St. Charles

St. Charles officials are expected to approve plans for The Gardner School, a new 12K-square-foot childcare facility proposed along Route 38 in the Prairie Centre development.

Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles North turns a radio rivalry into a feel-good school visit

Feb 14, 2026

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3 min read

St. Charles North turns a radio rivalry into a feel-good school visit

St. Charles North High School welcomed US 99.5 Chicago radio personalities for a spirited visit after a producer jokingly reignited a long-running rivalry tied to a 2008 soccer championship loss.

Sam Kraft

Local news

What we learned from recent Kane County candidate forums

Feb 14, 2026

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5 min read

What we learned from recent Kane County candidate forums

During a recent League of Women Voters forum in Batavia, Kane County candidates for sheriff and county board shared how they would approach staffing, budgets, public trust, mental health services, and the county’s long-term priorities if elected.

Sam Kraft

Local news

The 2026 Batavia Boardwalk Shops lineup has been revealed

Feb 13, 2026

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4 min read

The 2026 Batavia Boardwalk Shops lineup has been revealed

Batavia MainStreet announced that the Batavia Boardwalk Shops will return May 8 for the 2026 season with a diverse group of 10 vendors in downtown Batavia.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter Archive

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

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