🌊 Fox River dam update

The dam removal conversation has its own special rhythm.

Sometimes it’s the talk of the town. Then, for a stretch, it retreats into the background, only to roar back into the local dialogue when a new update emerges.

On Tuesday evening, it was back on the table for Batavia.

The Committee of the Whole had an extensive discussion about a proposed $20K feasibility study that would explore multiple dam removal and alternative design options. You can watch the discussion during the first hour of this meeting recording.

Batavia’s situation is interesting. Unlike Geneva and St. Charles, Batavia already owns its dam and previously voted to remove and replace it with a series of rock weirs that would help maintain the Depot Pond.

Now, it appears that approach is in flux. The committee debated the original plan, potential economic impact studies, IDNR funding uncertainties, possible designs for a whitewater park and/or a canoe chute, and the importance of being prepared in the event the dam fails prior to any work commencing.

Ultimately, officials voted to table the issue until more information is gathered. It’s worth noting that even if a feasibility study gets approved, that would be the first of many steps in a complex process.

• Here’s a city memo with background on the proposed feasibility study.

• Check out the Batavia Fox River Corridor Master Plan for more details on dam alternative options.

Nearby: In St. Charles, the Fox River Dam Joint Task Force meeting scheduled for April was cancelled (the next meeting date is unclear). Geneva’s city website states that it will not take any action related to its IDNR-owned dam until spring 2026 — and only after public meetings are conducted.

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👀 Something’s afoot in Downtown Geneva

As Easter approaches, something special is coming to Downtown Geneva! Tri-Cities guide and real estate expert Chris Wallace is dropping some surprises throughout the downtown area on Saturday morning — so keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you might find out there.

Check out the teaser video to see what’s in store.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Countdown is on: Final inspections are underway at the new Whole Foods in downtown St. Charles, which is expected to open soon in the former Blue Goose Market building.

☑️ Year in review: The Batavia Police Department’s 2024 annual report highlights a year of reduced crime, expanded community outreach, investment in officer training and public safety tools, and a new comfort dog program.

☑️ Done & dusted: Kane County has posted official results for the 2025 Consolidated Election, solidifying the outcome for a handful of close local races.

☑️ Policy pushback: A bill to add regulations and registration requirements for homeschooling in Illinois missed a key deadline in the state House, though it could be revived later this session. Some local officials have been vocal opponents of the bill.

☑️ Plant passions: The Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners group has launched a $2K scholarship for a Batavia High School senior pursuing a college degree in horticulture or related environmental sciences.

☑️ New detour date: Remember the Anderson Boulevard closure in Geneva we reported on Monday? It was delayed — the northbound Anderson Boulevard entrance near State Street will now be closed on April 22 for water main work.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Heartfelt hospitality: The Walrus Room in Geneva is rallying support for one of its servers who was diagnosed with an aortic blockage that requires surgery. See how you can help by dining at one of their local establishments.

☑️ Garage sale season: The St. Charles citywide Community Garage Sale is coming up on May 2–3, with the park district’s teen center handling advertising, signage and listings for participants. Learn more about the sale and how to get involved.

☑️ Flora aflame: Kane County crews wrapped up a successful spring burn season with 41 prescribed fires across 1,500 acres as part of a strategy to support native plant growth and manage invasive species. See photos from several of the local burns.

☑️ Student creativity: Three fifth graders from Geneva’s Fabyan Elementary School won top honors in a statewide IEPA contest for their creative work promoting this year’s “Slash the Trash” environmental theme.

☑️ Canine companions: Life’s just more fun when you’re hanging with your dog, right? Check out this roundup of dog-friendly activities, shops and services in St. Charles as we inch toward summer.

✳️ How will I know when it’s time for memory care? LaVon of Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services in Batavia shares the real-life signs to watch for — and why considering support sooner can make a huge difference for your family.

🎸 Live music

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Add 93 Octane Brewery to the list of local venues that have resumed weekly live music performances for the season — just one of dozens of spots you can hit up for a show this weekend.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ Alumni spotlight: Batavia alum Freddy Martinez (‘94) has done it all — restaurants, salons, a food truck hustle — and now has a thriving business with Fernando’s Street Kitchen and a commercial space that’s helping other small businesses grow. Read the interview.

☑️ Ribbon cuttings: See photos from recent ribbon cutting events celebrating Rising Lights Project in St. Charles and Batavia’s new Clark Island Recreation Area.

☑️ Vintage stories: Industrial Treasures in St. Charles likes to describe itself as “like a museum where you can buy stuff.” Hear from the store owner in the latest What’s Up St. Charles podcast episode.

✳️ Feel-good find: Want to hear a touching story? A local family was reunited with their missing dog after spotting her in a Zen Loft Collective puppy yoga photo — the kind of unexpected magic that makes Zen Loft such a special part of our community.

💥 Let’s work together: When you sponsor Tri-Cities Central, you can be certain that real, local people will get your message. Ask about our easy advertising program.

🗓️ Events & things to do

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☑️ Local Easter events: Egg hunts, Easter brunches, Easter bunny photo ops and much more.

☑️ Backyard Park - Soft Opening | Fri 4/18 - Sun 4/20 | Funway, Batavia | Mini golf, go karts, batting cages and more outdoor fun.

🎟️ Comedy All Stars | Fri 4/18, 4:30PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | See some of Chicagoland’s top comedic performers.

☑️ Plant Sale | Sat 4/19, 9AM-2PM | Heritage Prairie Farm, Elburn | Get locally grown organic veggies, herbs and more.

🎟️ Viking Ship Tours | Sat 4/19, 10AM-4PM | Good Templar Park, Geneva | See and learn about the famous Viking ship that’s been in the news of late.

☑️ Earth Day Celebration | Sat 4/19, 11AM-1PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | A recycling center, food vendors, art, plant giveaways and more.

☑️ Nature Play | Sat 4/19, 11AM-3PM | Hickory Knolls, STC | Bring the kids for crafts, animal meet & greets and more fun with nature.

☑️ 2025 Geneva Coffee Crawl | Sat 4/19, 11AM-3PM | Downtown Geneva | A self-guided crawl featuring tasty samples at local spots.

🎟️ Spring Soap Making | Sat 4/19, 11AM-3PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Choose a design and fragrance, then craft your own soap!

🎟️ Eat Your Heart Out | Tues 4/22, 5:30PM | Downtown Geneva | Join the Geneva Women in Business for a mouthwatering evening on the town.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌦️ Thursday: High 63F | Low 55F | Sun then showers

🌩️ Friday: High 78F | Low 47F | Hot + stormy

🌥️ Saturday: High 57F | Low 41F | Mild + clouds

🌧️ Sunday: High 56F | Low 44F | Rainy day

📖 Thanks for reading

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