🏈 A heck of a run for local football teams

On a frigid Saturday afternoon down in Normal, both Batavia and Geneva fell short of their state title aspirations despite exciting offensive performances.

The Vikings’ 28-48 loss to East St. Louis marked the end of an impressive senior season for quarterback Anthony Chahino — a guy who was playing fullback and linebacker just a year ago. It would’ve been the Vikings’ first state title in program history.

Following that game, Batavia took the field against Chicago Mount Carmel, quickly going down 14-0 before taking a single offensive snap. The Bulldogs rallied to make it a competitive game, ultimately falling 34-55 after Mount Carmel stormed to a commanding lead.

The silver lining? Batavia’s sophomore quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren broke the 7A title game record for most passing yards by a quarterback with 390 yards and three touchdowns.

Two decades of success: Batavia finished as the runner-up in the 6A State Championship game in 2006, won the 6A State Championship in 2013, won the 7A State Championship game in 2017, and finished as the runner-up in 2022 (also against Mount Carmel).

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🎄📚 Holiday stories, local roots

Award-winning author and Geneva native Margaret Philbrick has returned to her hometown for the holidays — and she’s brought some big news: A newly released novel!

Set in Italy, “House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity” is a powerful story that blends art theft and mafia allure with betrayal, loyalty and love. If Margaret’s name sounds familiar, you may recall her beloved 2009 children's book “Back to the Manger,” a Christmas story set right here in Geneva, illustrated in oil paintings by her mother, Sarah McGreevy.

💥 Don’t miss this: Margaret will be signing copies of both books during a special event at The Little Traveler on December 7 (12–4PM).

📰 News to use

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☑️ Deadly confrontation: St. Charles police said an officer shot and killed a man who was trying to attack residents and officers at the River Glen of St. Charles assisted living facility with a chainsaw on Sunday morning.

☑️ Batavia’s finances: After much discussion among citizens and city officials, the new city budget and a half-rate property tax levy increase (instead of the originally proposed full rate) has been recommended for final approval at the next City Council meeting. Get details via Shaw Local (🔒), on Nextdoor or watch the meeting video.

☑️ STC development: The St. Charles Plan Commission will discuss a proposal to develop a new 6K-square-foot office building for Parent Petroleum on Route 64 near Peck Road. Check out the detailed proposal.

🔒 TIF recommendation: Officials from Geneva and Sugar Grove offered differing opinions on a state proposal to give representatives from local taxing bodies the authority to veto TIF proposals.

☑️ Batavia dispensary: A public hearing has been scheduled for 12/18 as the city considers a conditional use permit for a new cannabis dispensary at 144 S. Randall Road.

☑️ Police reports: Recent Geneva police reports include theft charges of more than $100K from a local business as well as charges of home invasion, assault and domestic battery (all associated with the same defendant).

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Free leaf pickup: Residents of Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles may place leaves in yard waste bags and put them out for collection on their scheduled refuse collection day without a sticker throughout December. 

☑️ Antler alert: Last year saw about 15K vehicle crashes involving deer in Illinois — and Kane County officials are seeing more incidents now that we’re in the heart of deer season. Make sure to stay alert and take precautions.

🔒 Twinkly showdown: A Batavia family will be featured on ABC's “The Great Christmas Light Fight” reality show for their elaborate, music-synced Christmas light display that’s a big hit with locals.

☑️ Open seats: Geneva is seeking volunteers to fill two vacancies on its Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, which plays a key role in developing and implementing the city’s strategic plan.

☑️ STC pickleball: Drop-in pickleball games have returned to Haines Gymnasium and continue at the Norris Recreation Center. Registration for January pickleball leagues opens next week.

☑️ Charitable spirit: 1st Place Chiropractic of St. Charles is spearheading its 22nd Annual Food Drive throughout December with proceeds benefitting the Tri-City Salvation Army. Participants can win gift cards to restaurants around town.

🎸 Live music

A new series from the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles will make the winter weekday music scene a little more exciting. During Indie Nights on Tuesdays at Rock ‘N Ravioli (located in the theatre lobby), local musicians will perform in an intimate setting — with special happy hour pricing on drinks.

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🎄 A daily dose of holiday magic awaits!

Get ready for the Norris Cultural Arts Center’s fifth annual Baker’s Dozen Holiday Festival, an online celebration of festive musical and dramatic performances. The 13-episode video series kicks off on December 8 and features incredible talent — from the Elgin Symphony String Quartet to vocal stars like Diva Montell & Jeorge Holmes.

✨ Bonus: After each daily episode, answer a fun trivia question for a shot at a holiday ticket giveaway!

🛍️ Local biz

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☑️ Mandrake closure: With Google Maps showing “Permanently closed” and their website no longer operational, it appears Mandrake on 3rd Street in Geneva has abruptly shut down after only a year or so in business.

☑️ Keeping it local: Richard Clark of Area Code: Batavia did some walk-and-talk holiday shopping with Jamie Saam of Start Something Studio in the heart of downtown Batavia. Listen in for great tips on unique local gifts — and experiences.

🔒 The next generation: The owner of Janecek Builders in St. Charles is passing the company baton to his daughter, who plans to transition the business’ focus from custom home construction to remodels and renovations.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this newly constructed home listed for nearly $1.1M on Hilldale Lane in St. Charles.

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

☑️ Best of 2024: Check out the 2024 finalists for Apple’s app and game of the year and The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2024.

☑️ City meetings:

• 12/2: Geneva City Council Meeting (agenda) + Geneva COTW meeting (agenda)

• 12/2: Batavia City Council Meeting (agenda)

• 12/2: St. Charles City Council Meeting (agenda) + Public Hearing on 2024 Proposed Tax Levy + STC Government Operations meeting (agenda)

• 12/3: St. Charles Plan Commission meeting (agenda)

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Giving Tuesday | Tues 12/3, 3-6PM | SciTech, Batavia | Enjoy shopping, STEM activities treats — all in support of SciTech’s mission.

☑️ End-of-Year Tax Tips | Tues 12/3, 6:30-8PM | STC Public Library | Great money-saving info for individuals or small business owners.

🎟️ Jewelry Wine Night | Wed 12/4, 6-8PM | Up North Wine Tasting, Geneva | Interactive jewelry making with wine!

☑️ Artisan Gift Sale | Thurs 12/5 - Tues 12/10 | Fine Line Arts Center, STC | Get unique items while supporting local artists.

☑️ Thursday Night Boardwalk Shopping | Thursdays in December (5-8PM) | Batavia Boardwalk Shops | Shop local in an inviting, festive atmosphere.

🎟️ A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play | Fri 12/6 - Sun 12/8 | Playhouse 38, Geneva | The Charles Dickens holiday classic comes to life as a live radio broadcast.

🎟️ The Ultimate Christmas Carol | Fri 12/6 - Sun 12/22 | Steel Beam Theatre, STC | A clever, modern adaptation of the family favorite.

☑️ Gingerbread House Contest & Display | Sat 12/7, 10AM-3PM | Baker Community Center, STC | Experience a fun community holiday display for the whole family.

📖 Thanks for reading

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