🏘️ A brief history of Mill Creek

The Mill Creek subdivision is located in unincorporated Kane County — just outside the city of Geneva's boundary limits. It’s not part of Geneva.

Mill Creek residents know this. Most Geneva residents and long-time Tri-Cities locals probably do, too.

But others are either unaware or find the setup confusing (I was part of the latter camp). So let’s take a closer look.

Oversight: Since it is unincorporated, Mill Creek falls under Kane County jurisdiction, which means that services such as zoning, road maintenance and law enforcement are provided by Kane County and Blackberry Township (not Geneva).

Mill Creek also has a private water and sewer system operated by the Mill Creek Water Reclamation District.

Schools: Despite being unincorporated, most of Mill Creek is part of the Geneva 304 School District, meaning children typically attend Geneva public schools. But due to its wide-ranging boundaries, a small chunk of the subdivision feeds into Batavia schools.

How did Mill Creek come to be?

Mill Creek was planned and developed in the 1990s as a large-scale residential community featuring single-family homes, townhomes, parks, a golf course and open spaces.

As Ron Burgundy might say, it was “kind of a big deal.” A sampling of local newspaper headlines from the early ‘90s tell the story:

• “Mill Creek Project Awes Plan Commission”

• “Mill Creek: City of the Future”

• “Behold Mill Creek: Shodeen Development Simply Boggles the Mind”

In 1992, The Geneva Republican reported that Mill Creek was the largest development ever proposed entirely within Kane County.

By looking through more articles from the old Geneva newspaper, I was able to put together a historical timeline. We’re out of room here, but feel free to keep reading.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Green spending: Batavia officials are discussing how to allocate nearly $200K from last year's single-use bag tax, including reviewing proposals for energy audits and a public education campaign. Read more in this Shaw Local article (🔒) and this city memo.

☑️ Fraud fallout: A former employee pled guilty to stealing nearly $150K from the Elise Flagg Academy of Dance in Geneva. Meanwhile, the studio is striving to restore its finances and reputation with a renewed focus on its students and future.

🔒 Cart crossroads: Elburn is considering a golf cart ordinance that would allow residents to drive them on certain roads, but safety concerns — especially near busy highways — have spurred debate among village officials and residents.

☑️ Reform results: The Kane County Sheriff told officials that the state's cash bail elimination has led to a spike in jail population and arrest warrants, calling it a “revolving door” that increases taxpayer costs.

☑️ Cannabis questions: Five years after Illinois legalized recreational marijuana and promised big payoffs, communities are still waiting to see if the tax money can truly fix past injustices and deliver lasting benefits — especially as funding slows.

☑️ Spring detours: A heads up to drivers and trail users — starting March 3, Riverside Avenue (IL-25) in St. Charles will be closed between Langum Park and Division Street for culvert replacement. Learn more and sign up for updates on this page.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Making history: St. Charles native and current rocket scientist Benjamin Tackett is part of a Blue Ghost mission (🔒) that hopes to land a spacecraft on the moon on Sunday. You can get periodic live updates here and watch the livestream on YouTube here.

☑️ Not horsing around: Did you know that there are at least 862 horses and ponies living in Kane County at 80+ private businesses and facilities? This equestrian community actually plays a key role in the local agricultural economy.

☑️ Kane County spree: In the spirit of local charity-themed competition, local civic leaders raced through the aisles of Jewel in Batavia to stock up on groceries for donation to Lazarus House in St. Charles and Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in Aurora.

☑️ Caregiver camaraderie: If you or someone you know is caring for a loved one with dementia, several upcoming and ongoing Fox Valley events offer support, helpful resources and a chance to connect with others on a similar journey.

☑️ Environmental advocates: Anyone interested in joining Kane County’s Climate Implementation Team can attend an informational virtual session tonight (2/27) or an in-person event at the STC Library on 3/3.

🎸 Live music

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In addition to a live music performance on Friday evening, Grainology in Batavia will be celebrating Mardi Gras with cajun food courtesy of My Kitchen Table.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ More than a bakery: The latest episode of “Area Code: Batavia” features a conversation with Jo Colagiacomi (owner of New Moon Vegan) about her passion for food and how investing in the community has helped create a unique local gathering place.

☑️ Spring refresh: Beginning on March 5, Craft Urban in Geneva is temporarily closing to do some minor renovations, update its menus and roll out new specials. Reopening date TBD — we’ll keep you posted.

🔒 Talking tariffs: While some Kane County business owners are hopeful that proposed tariffs will boost American production, others are bracing for the potential of higher costs and strained relationships with trade partners. Get their perspectives.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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🎟️ Wine Tasting: Best of the Pacific Northwest | Fri 2/28, 4:30-7:30PM | Geneva Wine Cellars | Sip, savor and hang out with fellow wine enthusiasts.

☑️ Ribbon Cutting: St. Charles Motorcycle Museum & Art Gallery | Fri 2/28, 4:30PM | Downtown STC | Discover a new destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

☑️ Depot Museum Reception | Fri 2/28, 6-8PM | Batavia Depot Museum | Celebrate the museum’s 50th anniversary with refreshments and a peak at the new exhibit.

🎟️ Bellydancing Party | Fri 2/28, 7PM | Torus Center for Healing ,Batavia | Let loose with a dancing lesson, food and great company.

☑️ Maple Sugaring Days | Sat 3/1, 12-3PM | Creek Bend Nature Center, STC | Explore all things maple — plus shop syrupy goods, listen to music and try local beer.

🎟️ Polar Pub Crawl | Sat 3/1, 1PM | Downtown STC | Enjoy downtown establishments while supporting the Special Olympics.

☑️ Batavia Beer Walk | Sat 3/1, 1:30PM - ?? | Downtown Batavia | A Mardi Gras-themed pub crawl featuring downtown Batavia’s finest.

☑️ History of the 1893 Viking Ship | Sat 3/1, 2-3PM | Geneva Library | Learn about the infamous ship housed at Good Templar Park in Geneva.

🎟️ Cougars Paint n’ Sip | Sat 3/1, 5-9M | Cougars Stadium, Geneva | A painting workshop plus a buffet, cash bar and free tastings from Acquaviva Winery.

🎟️ Boeing Boeing | Sat 3/1 thru Sun 3/8 | Albright Community Theatre, Batavia | A Parisian juggles three fiancées — until things get rather tricky.

✳️ Yoga with Puppies | Sun 3/2, Various Times | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Enjoy yoga with pups in a welcoming environment — while supporting a local dog rescue!

☑️ State Street Artisan Market | Sun 3/2, 11AM-5PM | Art History Brewing, Geneva | Check out creative goods from local makers while sipping tasty brews.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌧️ Today: High 45F | Low 26F | A shower or 2

🌤️ Friday: High 53F | Low 32F | Warm + windy

⛅️ Saturday: High 38F | Low 19F | Seasonally normal

🌤️ Sunday: High 37F | Low 24F | Brisk + sunny

📖 Thanks for reading

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