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Geneva may remove parking minimums for developments across downtown

Local news

Apr 18, 2026

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.

Sam Kraft

Batavia eyes Mooseheart land for new police station — but park district is hesitant

Local news

Apr 17, 2026

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.

Sam Kraft

Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles

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Newsletter

Apr 16, 2026

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.

Sam Kraft

Live music

Apr 18, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: April 20-23

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

Sam Kraft

Live music

Apr 15, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: April 16-19

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

Sam Kraft

Featured

Artist profile

Charles Cassell's retirement project: documenting Fox Valley history in watercolor

Apr 17, 2026

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4 min read

Charles Cassell's retirement project: documenting Fox Valley history in watercolor

Geneva architect Charles Cassell has spent his retirement turning a lifelong love of watercolor into a one-man documentation project of Fox Valley history — partnering with local museums to preserve it, one painting at a time.

Ellen Jo Ljung

Local events

Geneva High School stages "Chicago" this month with a special twist

Apr 16, 2026

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1 min read

Geneva High School stages "Chicago" this month with a special twist

Geneva High School students will perform "Chicago" April 23–25 with evening and matinee performances, plus a sesquicentennial open house and pasta dinner on Saturday to celebrate 150 years.

Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles approves supportive housing program in partnership with Lazarus House

Apr 16, 2026

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2 min read

St. Charles approves supportive housing program in partnership with Lazarus House

The City Council approved a 10-year, $224,515 grant from its Housing Trust Fund to partner with Lazarus House on a permanent supportive housing program for chronically homeless and disabled residents.

Sam Kraft

Local business

Batavia Hardwoods marks two years with a spring open house

Apr 15, 2026

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1 min read

Batavia Hardwoods marks two years with a spring open house

Batavia Hardwoods is celebrating two years on McKee Street with a May 2 open house featuring woodworking demos, food, and storewide discounts.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Early St. Charles benefactor 'Bet-a-Million' Gates finally gets his due

Apr 15, 2026

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4 min read

Early St. Charles benefactor 'Bet-a-Million' Gates finally gets his due

St. Charles will dedicate a bronze bust of John Warne "Bet-a-Million" Gates at the History Museum on May 17, honoring an early industrialist who local author Archie Bentz says helped bankroll much of the early Baker and Norris philanthropy that built the city.

Sam Kraft

Local news

"Free little art gallery" makes its St. Charles debut

Apr 14, 2026

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2 min read

"Free little art gallery" makes its St. Charles debut

The St. Charles Arts Council has opened the city's first Free Little Art Gallery outside the ARC Gallery downtown — a year-round, self-service container where neighbors can view, take, or leave original artwork.

Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles committee recommends $295.6 million school facilities referendum

Apr 14, 2026

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1 min read

St. Charles committee recommends $295.6 million school facilities referendum

A St. Charles D303 committee recommended a $295 million facilities referendum to address needed building repairs, accessibility problems, and classroom capacity gaps across district schools after years of deferred maintenance.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Mayor says Geneva is regrouping after failed public safety referendum

Apr 13, 2026

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2 min read

Mayor says Geneva is regrouping after failed public safety referendum

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns says the city is meeting internally with council members and community leaders to understand why last month's public safety referendum failed and determine how to best refine their approach moving forward.

Sam Kraft

Local news

The Geneva Swedish Days parade is back on

Apr 13, 2026

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3 min read

The Geneva Swedish Days parade is back on

A group of downtown Geneva merchants led by State Street Jewelers has stepped in to rescue the Swedish Days parade, just one week after the Chamber announced it was pausing the popular local tradition for 2026.

Plus a LaFox of Campton Hills TIF update, a deep dive into Batavia's windmill history, and several wine-focused events for the week ahead.

Sam Kraft