🐇 Local Easter happenings

Whoever’s in charge of managing the Easter Bunny’s April appearances, they deserve a raise — that rabbit’s gonna be everywhere in the weeks ahead.

As I was organizing upcoming events, I realized I could probably fill an entire issue with Easter-related events and activities.

So rather than trying to jam everything into the next few newsletters, I consolidated all those brunches, egg hunts, bunny photo ops and family activities into a single article.

I’m sure I missed a few (and others will materialize in the days ahead), so please don’t hesitate to reply to this email with any tips if you have them.

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✨ Award-winning brunch at an unbeatable price

Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Beyond brunch: Check out The Little Traveler’s Spring 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Tax plan defeated: After Kane County voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposed sales tax increase, county officials said that layoffs and gradual cuts to services will likely be necessary.

🔒 Downtown rally: Thousands gathered at the State Street bridge in Geneva on Saturday for a peaceful “Hands Off!” rally, one of many events across the country where people voiced concerns about leadership, rights and government policies.

☑️ No laughing matter: Police in South Elgin and St. Charles are warning families that the annual “Senior Assassin” game — where graduating seniors target classmates with water guns — can lead to dangerous misunderstandings and legal consequences.

☑️ Transportation upgrades: Batavia’s Prairie and Wilson Street rail crossings are set for safety-focused upgrades this year, part of a wider effort across Kane County to improve railroad crossings for drivers and pedestrians.

🔒 Retailers rattled: More than 20 businesses along Randall Road in Geneva reported shattered windows and glass doors following a 3/19 incident that’s under investigation as part of a case involving a police officer injury and a fatal shooting.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Art for awareness: To mark Child Abuse Prevention Month, CASA Kane County has partnered with local students and businesses to create chalk-painted window murals featuring hopeful messages — you may recognize some of these spots.

☑️ Community care: The Kane County Health Department has launched a mental health awareness campaign to help residents access care, reduce stigma and connect with local resources for mental health and substance use support.

🔒 REVving up: Several community leaders were in attendance last week as the Kane County Cougars introduced their new owners, a sports entertainment firm that promises to build on what “is already a local and national treasure.”

☑️ Eat local: A new Illinois Grown program aims to boost local farms and small retailers by labeling Illinois-made products, making it easier for folks to shop local and support the state’s economy.

☑️ Leading lady: Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser won the Quad County Urban League's Women of Power Award for leadership in criminal justice and serving as an inspiration for women of all ages.

🎸 Live music

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Slowly but surely, more weekday performances are popping up — including a special “Emo Night” event at Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles this Thursday (yes, I’m planning to be there…TBD on whether I’ll bust out the skinny jeans).

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🏡🚗🛡️ Javelin Insurance: Good, local people who have your back

Remember how great it was when you actually knew your local insurance rep — and they made things clear, simple and friendly? Well, that’s still how it works at Javelin Insurance in Campton Hills.

Whether it’s home, auto, business or life insurance, they’ll help you find the coverage you need without the confusing fine print or corporate runaround. They’re the easy, local, no-nonsense partner.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ Back in action: Craft Urban in Geneva has reopened following its recent remodel. See photos of the revamped space.

☑️ Family business: Windy Acres Farm in Geneva, which got its start four decades ago as a roadside produce stand, is celebrating its 40th anniversary next week with a variety of events.

✳️ Java journey: Ready for the Geneva Coffee Crawl on April 19? Once you get your caffeine fix, make sure to swing by Urban Artisan to try some Cowboy Coffee Street Taco Bites and sample mouthwatering coffee-flavored hot sauces.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.4M home in the Prairie Lakes neighborhood.

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

☑️ City meetings:

• Monday (4/7): Geneva City Council (agenda) & Committee of the Whole (agenda)

• Monday (4/7): Batavia City Council (agenda)

• Monday (4/7): St. Charles City Council (agenda)

• Thursday (4/10): Geneva Public Hearing for 427 E. State St. Special Use (Honeybirds restaurant property)

☑️ Police reports: Batavia police report summaries | Geneva police reports | St. Charles daily arrest log

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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🎟️ Creative Bites & Flights | Mon 4/7, 6-8PM | Preservation, Geneva | Delicious apps and fine wine in a relaxing setting.

☑️ Peck Farm Prairie Playschool Open House | Tues 4/8, 10AM-7:30PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | See the brand new center for kids programs.

☑️ Rising Lights Project Ribbon Cutting | Wed 4/9, 11AM-12PM | 2015 Dean St, STC | Celebrate a nonprofit making an impact in the community.

☑️ The Lewis & Clark Expedition | Wed 4/9, 1-2:30PM | Baker Community Center, STC | Terry Lynch returns to portray the legendary explorer Meriwether Lewis.

☑️ Hands Around the Courthouse | Thurs 4/10, 12PM | Kane Co. Courthouse, Geneva | CASA Kane County’s annual event recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.

🎟️ AIFF Opening Night Party | Thurs 4/10, 5:30-9PM | Charlestowne Theatre, STC | Drinks, food, a screening of the film 'SALLY' and a director Q&A.

📖 Thanks for reading

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