🦅 Bald eagle sightings

Public service announcement: Bald eagle season on the Fox River has begun.

I accidentally scared up one of the majestic birds hiding in the brush along the river’s edge around dawn one morning this weekend — it nearly collided with my head as it flapped toward the secure branches of a tall, barren tree.

It was awesome.

Believe it or not, about 3,000 of these national symbols spend the winter in Illinois each year. According to wildlife officials, this makes our state the largest population of wintering bald eagles in the continental U.S. Only Alaska has more.

Eagle viewing: If you’re interested in doing some winter traveling to enhance your chances of seeing some up close, the Illinois Office of Tourism offers a list of the state’s hotspots.

Both Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks attract a solid number of the once-endangered birds — and that’s a pretty easy drive. Plus, it’s the offseason, which means smaller crowds.

Local lore: Many locals likely remember the famous — and frequently photographed — Mooseheart eagles (and their eaglets), who spent about a decade nesting on the Batavia property. Authorities eventually had to remove the 2,000-pound nest in 2022 as a safety precaution.

Feeling eagle curious? Here are some cool facts about bald eagles.

📰 News to use

☑️ STC dam: St. Charles officials are planning to bring in a team of consultants to provide guidance on the dam removal discussion, likely extending a decision into 2026.

☑️ A threatening presence: The ABC 7 Chicago investigative team reports that election officials in Kane County are worried about an “insider threat” from rogue polling place volunteers.

☑️ Ballot monitoring: Kane County officials will operate an election complaint line for voters to report any problems and irregularities they experience on Election Day.

☑️ Safety system: To combat surging hate crimes over the past year, Illinois officials launched a new Help Stop Hate program to allow victims and witnesses to anonymously report these incidents.

☑️ High school football: Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles North all steamrolled their first-round opponents to advance to the second round of the playoffs. Check the 6A bracket and 7A bracket for info on future matchups.

☑️ Transportation update: The Fox River Trail just south of Island Park in Geneva will be closed for about 10 days due to rail construction. Houston Street in Batavia between Water Street and McDonald's parking lot will be closed daily from 7AM-4PM starting Monday (11/4).

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Preservation possibilities: Take a look at some of the historic Tri-Cities buildings that are at risk of demolition as well as a few others that have been successfully preserved.

☑️ Glowing tribute: Beginning on Monday (11/4), Kane County will light up some of its buildings during the week leading up to Veterans Day as part of a nationwide effort to honor those who have served.

☑️ Canines cometh: As the weather cools and snow approaches, coyote sightings will become more frequent in our area. Pet owners should stay vigilant, and remember — do NOT feed them.

☑️ Holiday homes: At Batavia’s third annual Holiday Home Tours and Dinner event on 12/7, folks can get an inside look at two beautifully decorated houses — plus an elegant dinner at the Tanglewood Clubhouse. Proceeds support the 4th of July Fireworks Show.

☑️ Educator honor: Long-time St. Charles art teacher Rebecca Hubbs was recognized by the Illinois Art Education Association as a Distinguished Member for her contributions to the arts in her community.

☑️ Autumn composting: Letting old pumpkins rot in a landfill releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Consider some local (and more environmentally friendly) alternative methods of disposal.

✳️ Pajama Drive: Give a foster child the gift of coziness by donating new pajamas for infants, children and teens (all sizes). Drop donations at Alphagraphics St. Charles or call 630-513-7711 to arrange pickup. Donations will be given to CASA Kane County. Deadline is 12/2.

🎸 Live music

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This week’s lineup features the typical venues plus some special performances on Thursday as part of the Holiday Sneak Peak event in downtown Batavia.

🛍️ Local biz

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☑️ Popular retailer: A Lululemon store is planned for the Geneva Commons, but the opening date remains unclear.

🔒 Entertainment center: An indoor pickleball facility is inching closer to setting up shop at Batavia’s Wind Point Shopping Center. The owners are hoping to open in early December.

☑️ Santa’s Rock-N-Lights: A new mile-long, drive-through holiday light show synchronized to music will begin running nightly at the Kane County Cougars Stadium in Geneva from November 22 to New Year’s Eve.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles — including this stunning $3.2M estate on Crane Road in St. Charles.

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

☑️ City meetings: All three City Councils will meet tonight (11/4). View the agendas: Batavia | Geneva | St. Charles

Geneva’s agenda (starting on page 75) includes a Benchmark Developers proposal for a residential building with 100+ apartments and 12 townhome units on River Lane. Batavia’s Committee of the Whole will discuss the city’s proposed $164M budget after the City Council meeting.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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🎟️ A Taste of Ireland | Mon 11/4, 7:30PM | Batavia Fine Arts Centre | See former World Irish dance champions put on an unforgettable show.

☑️ Protecting Dark Skies | Wed 11/6, 7-8:30PM | Batavia Public Library | Get expert insights on the impact of light pollution and what we can do about it.

☑️ Holiday Fashion Show | Thurs 11/7, 4-7PM | K Hollis Boutique & Wine Bar, Batavia | See the latest festive styles while enjoying music, raffles and more.

☑️ Holiday Sneak Peak | Thurs 11/7, 5-8PM | Downtown Batavia | Embrace festive season at local businesses with specials, food/drink samples and live music.

☑️ Indigenous History of the Fox Valley | Thurs 11/7, 6:30PM | STC History Museum | Learn about the Indigenous peoples of our area and related topics of treaties, reservations and more.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌧️ Today: High 67F | Low 62F | Windy + stormy

🌧️ Tuesday: High 64F | Low 41F | Wet + gloomy

🌤️ Wednesday: High 59F | Low 41F | Nice + mild

🌤️ Thursday: High 62F | Low 40F | Mmm pleasant

📖 Thanks for reading

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