🍔 The Tri-Cities’ best burger — according to you

The verdict is in — you’ve selected Stockholm’s Restaurant and Brewery in Geneva as the culinary mastermind behind the best burger in the Tri-Cities.

Fun fact: The first time I enjoyed a delicious Stockholm’s burger was on January 13, 2018.

Some of you are now asking, “Why do you know that, you psychopath?”

Because that was the day I met my wife, Katie. Life works in mysterious ways, eh?

Anyway, a heartfelt congratulations to Stockholm’s for being voted as the champion of the inaugural Tri-Cities Burger Bracket. It’s a fitting end to a fun, friendly competition.

Shout out to runner-up Burger Local and the other finalists, GOAT and McNally’s. A formidable Final Four if there ever was one.

Some interesting learnings from the tournament:

• Dark horse: I didn’t realize that McNally’s Irish Pub in St. Charles had such a beloved burger. We are planning to try it ASAP.

• Fast food: Lots of love for Portillo’s and Culver’s out there. Nothing wrong with that — they’re great. Would’ve liked to see more Munchie P’s votes.

• Round 1 surprise: Had no idea Country House’s burger was so popular until it edged out Nobel House. Seems like that one’s worth a try, too.

One last question for you all: What should we do next?

We’ll take a break from bracket-style competitions for a little while, but we’d love you to weigh in on what the next one should feature.

Some ideas: Best pizza, best wings, best ice cream, best fish fry.

Any others? Weigh in here.

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

🏡 One more chance to secure an incredible spring deal

Okay, let’s run through the special spring deals 212° Construction Group has offered to TCC readers:

1. New roof: $1,500 off

2. New siding: $2,500 off

3. New deck: 10% off

Remember: To get one of these deals, all you need to do is schedule a consultation with their team and mention Tri-Cities Central. The deadline to reach out is April 15. 

These guys are good, professional and local — based right here in St. Charles. And they also do doors, windows, gazebos, pool houses and a wide variety of interior projects.

You won’t regret hitting them up for your next project.

_{*Qualifications apply. One discount per address.}

📰 News to use

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☑️ Ripple effects: According to a new study, Fermilab has a big impact on Illinois’ economy — sparking significant B2B spending, creating jobs and even increasing household income.

☑️ Measles outbreak: The Kane County Department of Health is urging residents to be aware of measles symptoms as an outbreak has sickened people in Chicago and nearby counties.

☑️ PEACE Center: The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice celebrated the grand opening of a St. Charles youth facility specializing in vocational, educational and life skills development opportunities for young people in custody.

☑️ At-risk waterways: The Nature Conservancy is urging folks to contact their legislators about safeguarding Illinois wetlands, which recently lost federal protections.

🔒 Shot down: The Kane County Board nixed a proposal to use COVID relief funds to build a new county health department headquarters.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Attention music venues! School of Rock Geneva is nurturing the next generation of musical talent — and its House Band is accepting bookings to perform at local venues.

☑️ Stargazing: Dark Sky Week — which begins tomorrow — helps drive awareness about light pollution’s impact on human health, wildlife and natural ecosystems. There are several ways you can participate locally.

🔒 Registration now open: From pool games to mini golf and field trips, the St. Charles Park District’s summer camp sessions will entertain and engage kids aged two through 16.

☑️ Conservation conversation: Mike Nowak, host of “Let’s Talk Gardening” on WGN-720 AM, will lead a presentation about how to fight climate change in your own backyard at tomorrow’s Geneva Garden Club meeting.

☑️ Spring fishing: Illinois trout season begins on Saturday at 58 locations statewide, including the three lakes of Pratt’s Wayne Woods.

☑️ Local home sales: Residential property sales for the week ending March 23 included four in Batavia, four in Geneva and six in St. Charles — including a townhome on Brownstone Drive in St. Charles for $965K.

🎸 Live music 

Nothing on the early-week docket, but there are a couple of live music options on Wednesday with things really picking up steam on Thursday.

Flagship on the Fox typically features live music every Wednesday and Thursday, but they haven’t announced performers yet. I’ll add those as soon as they’re announced.

🗓️ Events + things to do

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☑️ Villa and Farm Pop-up Shop | Wednesday (ongoing) | Geneva Commons | The Villa and Farm pop-up decor shop will kick off its spring season.

☑️ Chad Goodman, from the Podium | Wednesday, 1-2:30PM | Baker Community Center, STC | Chad Goodman, the new music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, will share his story and speak to a variety of musical topics.

🎟️ After Image Film Festival: Trailer Extravaganza | Wednesday, 6:30-7:30PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Get a sneak peek at the films that will be featured as the upcoming film festival.

🎟️ Barbie: The History of America’s Most Famous Doll | Thursday, 10AM | Copper Fox, Geneva | A historian will delve into the inspiration behind Barbie’s creation in 1959 and the iconic toy’s impact on American culture ever since.

☑️ Hands Around the Courthouse | Thursday, 12PM | Downtown Geneva | In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, CASA Kane County will host its annual observance event featuring guest speakers.

☑️ The Heart of Quantum Mechanics | Thursday, 7-9PM | Smarty Pants Cafe, Batavia | Sound nerdy? You betcha. Learn about the mind-blowing secrets of protons and electrons from an accomplished physicist.

🏛️ Civic updates

All three City Councils will hold meetings tonight:

☑️ Batavia: The agenda for tonight’s meeting includes an agreement with a grant-writing consultant service, contract for a mosquito abatement program and a small amendment to the liquor code.

☑️ Geneva: The agenda for tonight’s meeting includes a contract with a new cleaning service and an agreement with St. Charles for the reconstruction of Kautz road.

☑️ St. Charles: The agenda for tonight’s meeting includes a 4th of July fireworks event at Langum Park, liquor license applications and authorization for Pollyanna’s seasonal patio.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌨️ Today: High 46F | Low 38F | Bad

🌨️ Tuesday: High 42F | Low 32F | Worse

🌨️ Wednesday: High 41F | Low 31F | Bad + snow

🌤️ Thursday: High 49F | Low 26F | Thank goodness

📖 How am I doing?

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