🧊 Bundle up: Brutal cold awaits

Assuming the mercury dropped below zero before midnight last night as forecasted, meteorologists predict four straight days of below-zero temperatures to start this week in the Tri-Cities.

According to the National Weather Service, the last time that happened in the Chicago area was 2015 (when we endured six consecutive days).

The all-time record? That dates back more than a century to 1912 — when 10 days from January 4-13 fell below zero. In Rockford, that streak lasted 17 days from January 1-17 (same year).

Fun fact: According to the great Tom Skilling, we also experienced two three-day stretches where temps remained below zero throughout the entire day in both 1883 and 1983.

Stay warm: Here’s a list of warming center locations in Kane County — share with anyone who might need the info.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Regulation rift: As Batavia officials consider restrictions on hemp-derived products, local business owner Cheryl Cryer warns that a ban could devastate legitimate shops in the area. This article does a good job breaking down the complex struggle between small businesses and patchwork regulations with no clear state/federal policy.

☑️ Burglar blitz: After nearly 20 cars were burglarized across multiple Geneva neighborhoods late last week, police were searching for a suspect that fled when officers attempted a traffic stop.

☑️ Costly distinction: A new report suggests that the Chicago area now leads the nation in inflation, forcing people to cut back on groceries, dining out and other routine expenses.

☑️ Energy crossroads: As Batavia evaluates its long-term energy future, city officials have hired consultants to explore options before committing to extended contracts that rely on coal power from the Prairie State plant.

☑️ Agro anxiety: Illinois farmers are grappling with economic uncertainty as trade tensions, tariffs and a federal freeze on foreign aid programs threaten key agricultural exports and farm income. See what the IL Farm Bureau leader had to say.

🔒 Bus bandits: Thieves caused more than $14K in damage when they stole four catalytic converters from a Batavia school bus company — part of a growing trend of targeting high-clearance vehicles for valuable metals.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ STC history: St. Charles is honoring Black History Month with exhibits, discussions and events highlighting local connections to the Underground Railroad — including the story of Joanna Garner, who escaped slavery to ultimately settle in St. Charles as one of its first permanent Black residents.

☑️ Best in class: WGN Chicago’s “Around Town” show visited the Geneva High School dance team to celebrate after it won the state championship. Watch the interviews and performances.

🔒 Heart of Geneva: When a local 87-year-old faced a failing heart valve, doctors told her surgery was too risky — until a cutting-edge procedure gave her a new lease on life, allowing her to continue her passionate volunteer efforts at Delnor Hospital.

☑️ Property beautification: Thanks to funding from the Non-reusable Bag Fee, Batavia residents can support local reforestation by purchasing discounted parkway trees for $45-65.

☑️ Educational stories: Vietnam veterans from STC VFW Post 5036 visited local high school students to share powerful lessons from their experiences while local elementary school students celebrated Civil Rights leaders for Black History Month.

☑️ Legal help: Kane County is restarting its free Lawyer in the Lobby program, which allows Kane County residents to get legal guidance on non-criminal issues at no cost.

🎸 Live music

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Music news: Ron Onesti, the producing force behind St. Charles’ Arcada Theatre, was inducted into the Rock Godz Hall of Fame on Sunday for his decades of championing live music and preserving classic rock in the Chicago area.

See who’s performing at the Arcada and other local venues this week.

🛍️ Local biz

☑️ Barn babies: If you’re anything like my wife and mother-in-law, you’ll be thrilled to learn that four baby goats have arrived at Rustic Road Farm in Elburn. See a video of the cute little kids.

☑️ Bar bites: The ownership group behind Rudy’s Bar and R House will soon be opening Rud Dogs in downtown St. Charles, which will offer late-night hot dogs and comfort food with delivery to nearby bars.

☑️ Hydration station: Coming soon to 3rd Street in Geneva — Prime IV Hydration & Wellness, the newest location from a chain of IV therapy clinics that provide vitamin-infused hydration treatments.

☑️ Commons updates: A new Vera Bradley store is celebrating a grand opening at the Geneva Commons on Monday, 2/17. The Joann Fabrics Store at the Commons is going out of business as part of a wave of bankruptcy closings for the retailer.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — and check out this 40-acre, $8.5M equestrian property for sale on Deerpath Road in Batavia.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

• Monday (2/17): Batavia City Council Meeting (agenda)

• Tuesday (2/18): Geneva City Council (agenda) & Committee of the Whole (agenda)

• Tuesday (2/18): St. Charles City Council (agenda)

☑️ Police reports: Batavia police report summaries | Geneva police reports

☑️ Had to share this: A dude was recently kayaking in the Strait of Magellan off Chilean Patagonia when a humpback whale SWALLOWED him, then released him unharmed. It was caught on video.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Great Winter Mixer: Tri-City Networking | Wed 2/19, 4:30-6PM | Grainology, Batavia | Complimentary apps, a cash bar and plenty of networking.

🎟️ Finding Your Therapist Workshop | Thurs 2/20, 5:30-8:30PM | Batavia | Learn the ins and outs of choosing a therapist who meets your needs.

☑️ Batavia Resource Fair | Thurs 2/20, 6-7:30PM | Batavia High School | Learn about community resources for students through age 22.

🎟️ Cougars Trivia | Thurs 2/20, 6PM | Kane County Cougars Stadium, Geneva | Trivia, raffles, food, cash bar, karaoke and more.

🎟️ Mom Prom | Sat 2/22, 5-7PM | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | A fun night of dancing, games, snacks and more for moms and their kids.

🎟️ All In For Art! | Sat 2/22, 7-10PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | A fun-filled benefit featuring food, drink, music, dancing and casino games.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🧊 Today: High 10F | Low -8F | Dangerous cold

🧊 Tuesday: High 8F | Low -1F | Arctic

🌨️ Wednesday: High 8F | Low -2F | Flurries

🌤️ Thursday: High 15F | Low 1F | Above zero!

📖 Thanks for reading

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