🔦 A local cold case heated up this week

After more than four decades of mystery, this week marked a major milestone in a local cold case: The 1983 disappearance of 23-year-old Karen Schepers of Elgin.

Elgin police and a specialized dive team used sonar technology to locate Schepers’ yellow 1980 Toyota Celica from the Fox River, just north of the Slade Avenue boat launch. Authorities hauled it out on Tuesday.

The vehicle had been submerged in about seven feet of water and was confirmed via license plate match. The Kane County Coroner’s Office confirmed that authorities found skeletal human remains inside the vehicle, but it could take several weeks to positively identify them as Schepers.

Schepers vanished in April 1983 after leaving a party at a now-closed bar in Carpentersville. Neither she nor her car were ever seen again — until now.

Police podcast

In May 2024, the Elgin Police Department launched a new Cold Case Unit to reexamine unsolved homicides and missing persons cases — and, in true 2025 fashion, paired it with a podcast to drive community engagement and share updates with the public.

The “Somebody Knows Something” podcast — hosted by Elgin PD detectives — takes listeners on a journey as the hosts investigate cases in real time, sharing actual police interviews and additional never-before-released information.

The Season 1 "Where is Karen?" episode focuses on the disappearance of Karen Schepers. Listen to it here.

Get the latest coverage:

• CBS Chicago video segment

• WGN TV Chicago article and video segment

📰 News to use

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☑️ Back on track: The Geneva Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approved proposed modifications for renovation work on the Little Owl building — if all goes according to plan, a new restaurant could open there in 2026.

☑️ Revamped space: According to the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, the St. Charles Historic Preservation Commission reacted positively to a proposed addition to the city’s Haines On Main property that would serve as a for-profit event space.

🔒 Differing visions: In a conversation with The Daily Herald, St. Charles Ward 2 alderman candidates Angela Churchill and Ryan Bongard shared views on the Charlestowne Mall redevelopment, energy contracts and how the city should handle future growth and infrastructure.

☑️ Secure voting: If Kane County residents see any suspected illegal activity on Election Day (4/1), they can call a dedicated complaint line staffed by the State’s Attorney’s Office.

☑️ Late-night scare: A Batavia man was arrested early Tuesday morning after allegedly damaging a neighbor’s home and attempting to break in with a box cutter on South Jefferson Street.

🔒 Healthy enough: After some back and forth, a judge ruled that a 74-year-old St. Charles businessman implicated in an alleged six-figure theft and kickback scheme from 2023 is indeed fit to stand trial.

☑️ Tribal victory: A new Illinois law has returned nearly 1,500 acres of land in DeKalb County (including Shabbona State Park) to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation — 175 years after it was seized and sold by the US.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Green thumbs: St. Charles Park District garden plots are now available to rent for the upcoming growing season, with space for vegetables, perennials and even raised beds for gardeners who need easier access.

🔒 Coal concerns: At a Monday committee meeting, St. Charles officials and residents continued to debate over whether to extend the city’s contract with coal-reliant energy provider IMEA through 2055, with many calling for cleaner alternatives and more time to explore options.

☑️ Water wonders: A new fly-fishing exhibit and series of hands-on watershed programs are coming to Creek Bend Nature Center in St. Charles this spring as part of Kane County's forest preserve centennial celebration.

☑️ Summer prep: Geneva Park District memberships for Sunset Pool and Mill Creek Pool are being offered with early-bird pricing through April.

☑️ Brush pickup: Brush collection service for the Tri-Cities begins in April. Here’s where you can find schedules for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles.

✳️ Zen zone: Whether you want to celebrate, stretch or sweat it out — Zen Loft Collective’s inviting event space is a prime spot to host your next wellness party, class or retreat in the heart of downtown Batavia.

🎸 Live music

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In a sign of exciting things to come, Geneva Winery announced that its Summer Music Series on the front lawn will kick off with six performances in April. If you’ve never chilled out there for live music — trust me, it’s a vibe.

And don’t forget to check out this weekend’s lineup.

🤝 Local biz

☑️ Wellness journey: The new episode of Area Code: Batavia features a chat with Kelly Vida of Zen Loft Collective about how her personal struggles in motherhood led to the creation of a business that’s making a much-needed impact in the community.

☑️ Ribbon cuttings: Best Realty-Fox Valley and Elements Massage both recently celebrated ribbon cuttings in Geneva after Beyond Physio celebrated a ribbon cutting in Batavia the week prior. See photos from the Beyond Physio event.

💥 Local advertising: Want to showcase your business in this newsletter? Check out our easy, cost-effective advertising program.

🗓️ Events & things to do

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☑️ Kane County Cougars Garage Sale | Fri 3/28, 9AM - Sat 3/29, 2PM | Cougars Stadium, Geneva | Shop apparel, swag and much more.

🎟️ Easter Bunny! | Sat 3/29, 9AM-12PM | State & Society, Geneva | Bring the youngsters for fun, treats and photo ops.

☑️ New to Natives | Sat 3/29, 10AM | Wasco Nursery, St. Charles | A free, expert session on pollinators and native plants.

🎟️ Shipshewana on the Road | Sat 3/29, 9AM - Sun 3/30, 4PM | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | Discover treasures at this gift, food and craft show.

🎟️ Fred Klett Live | Sat 3/29, 7PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | See the hysterical standup comic who performs internationally.

🎟️ Comedian Fred Rubino | Sat 3/29, 7PM | Rock N Ravioli (Arcada Theatre), STC | The Brooklyn-based comic will perform on the Legends stage.

☑️ Spring Fling Market | Sun 3/30, 11AM-4PM | Grainology, Batavia | Shop from 20+ local vendors while eating and sipping.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌧️ Thursday: High 55F | Low 47F | AM showers

🌩️ Friday: High 75F | Low 54F | Sun + t-storm

🌧️ Saturday: High 66F | Low 46F | A little rain

🌧️ Sunday: High 52F | Low 32F | Wet + gray

📖 Thanks for reading

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