🗳️ Local election recap

Election Day has come and gone, and we’re already seeing the sea of campaign signs begin to recede from the lawns and intersections they once flooded.

According to unofficial results from the Kane County Clerk’s Office on Tuesday night (results will be finalized in the next couple of weeks), here’s how locals voted:

Mayoral races

• Batavia: Long-time incumbent Jeffery Schielke appeared to defeat challenger Tom Connelly, earning 53% of the vote (2,620 votes) to Connelly’s 47% (2,294 votes).

• Geneva: In a tight race, Kevin Burns appeared to win re-election with 51% (2,945 votes), narrowly beating Karsten Pawlik who received 49% (2,827 votes).

• St. Charles: Challenger Clint Hull appeared to unseat incumbent Lora Vitek, receiving 59% (4,696 votes) to Vitek’s 41% (3,281 votes).

Watch a video statement from Clint Hull and read a statement from Lora Vitek.

Watch a video statement from Karsten Pawlik and see a brief message and photo posted by Mayor Kevin Burns.

Sugar Grove

In nearby Sugar Grove, voters appeared to elect Susan Stillwell as village president with 58% of the vote, replacing incumbent Jennifer Konen. Stillwell opposed a TIF agreement approved by the current board that had become a major talking point of the campaign.

View more results (including local aldermanic races).

Check out Daily Herald articles on local mayoral races and Fox Valley school board races.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Route revamp: Kane County will begin construction this summer on the Bunker Road Extension, a long-awaited $11.5M project that adds a fifth roundabout and improves north-south access between Geneva and Elburn.

☑️ Mystery matter: The City of Batavia confirmed that test results from the Mahoney Creek foam sighting two weeks ago revealed detergent-based substances in the water. The source of the contamination is still under investigation.

🔒 Protest planned: The We Can Lead Change Fox Valley grassroots group has organized a National Day of Action rally for Saturday (4/5) at the Geneva Route 38 bridge.

☑️ Fast action: First responders quickly contained a fire that started in a home on the 400 block of South 13th Avenue in St. Charles this week and caused an estimated $45K in damage.

🔒 Referendum results: Kane County voters overwhelmingly rejected a public safety sales tax and a cemetery tax hike, while unofficial results showed a Campton Township open space measure as narrowly ahead. Get the details.

☑️ Snacks & bags: In his recent legislative update, local State Sen. Don DeWitte announced a Healthy Snack Drive for kids April 5–11 in St. Charles and voiced his opposition to a proposed statewide ban on plastic bags at certain retailers.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Brews & birdies: A free, 12-hole mini golf course with individual holes spread across 12 local breweries (including three in the Tri-Cities) launches April 7, inviting participants to sip, putt and enjoy the area’s craft beer scene and compete for prizes.

☑️ Senior scene: The STC District’s Adult Activity Center is rolling out a variety of spring programs for residents 50 and older, including health talks, bingo, art classes and a historic walking tour.

☑️ Educator accolades: St. Charles elementary school orchestra teacher Christopher Pettit won an Early Career Teacher of the Year Award while STC East science teacher Matt Bulman was named an Illinois finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

☑️ Sustainable sale: Kane County is once again offering discounted rain barrels and compost bins this spring, with pre-orders due by May 27 and local pickup available in St. Charles on May 29.

☑️ Moving on up: The St. Charles Police Department announced promotions for Deputy Chief Rich Clark, Commander Rob Vicicondi and Sergeant Rick Jackson. The officers were sworn in last Friday (3/28).

☑️ Pretty paths: The Friends of the Great Western Trails group is seeking volunteers for its annual trails cleanup on April 26. Get the details here if you want to make a morning of it.

🎸 Live music

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Solid weekend music lineup on deck, including the “Class of 68: British Invasion Show” at Moonlight Theatre on Friday featuring music from classic bands like The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Hollies, The Animals and many others.

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🫶 Dementia care shouldn’t be intimidating

“I wish I would’ve done this sooner!”

That’s the common refrain LaVon Lenaway often hears after families make the difficult decision to move a loved one into memory care.

But LaVon, who owns Dragonfly Senior Navigating Services in Batavia, often sees a remarkable transformation once that loved one settles in: safety, socialization, expert care and peace of mind.

Navigating a mix of confusing feelings, family dynamics and finances is always tricky. But with LaVon’s expert tips, it’ll feel much easier.

🤝 Local biz

☑️ Jive for java: As part of its 19th anniversary celebration this week, Daddio’s Diner in Batavia will be giving out free cups of coffee on Saturday and Sunday to anyone brave enough to bust out their dance moves in the restaurant.

☑️ Boutique gym: LadyStrong Fitness, an exercise studio focused on empowering women through group class and strength training, is planning to open a new Geneva location in May.

☑️ Hot gym: Offering exercise programs that specialize in sauna-based workouts, Hotworx has planned a grand opening celebration on April 19 for its new Geneva location that will feature food/drinks, giveaways, music and more.

💥 Local advertising: Want to get the word out about your business to thousands of local residents? Check out Tri-Cities Central’s super-easy advertising program.

🗓️ Events & things to do

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☑️ First Fridays | Fri 4/4 (All Day) | Downtown Geneva | Discounts, specials, giveaways and special events throughout the downtown district.

🎟️ Magic & Mischief Dinner | Fri 4/4, 7PM | Rock N Ravioli, STC | Dinner and an award-winning magic show.

☑️ Fairy Festival | Sat 4/5, 9AM - Sun 4/6, 3PM | Heinz Bros Greenhouse, STC | Enjoy activities, discover mini fairy gardens and maybe even win your own.

☑️ 20th Anniversary Celebration | Sat 4/5, 10AM-5PM | K. Hollis Jewelers, Batavia | Celebrate a local business with great deals and a chance to win a diamond!

☑️ Peaceful Parlour Final Popup | Sat 4/5, 10AM-4PM | Urban Apothecary, Batavia | One last blowout sale before the local business shuts down.

☑️ Volunteer Fair and Blood Drive | Sat 4/5, 10AM-2:30PM | Geneva Library | Learn about local volunteer opportunities and/or donate much-needed blood.

🎟️ Easter Bunny Photos | Sat 4/5, 10AM - Sun 4/6, 4PM | Wet Nose, Geneva | Get amazing photo ops while supporting a local dog rescue.

☑️ Kane County Flea Market | Sat 4/5, 10AM - Sun 4/6, 4PM | Kane Co. Fairgrounds, STC | Pop by the Mother of All Local Flea Markets.

✳️ Pilates & Pints | Sun 4/6, 11AM-12PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | After an invigorating session of stretching and strengthening, reward yourself with a refreshing local brew.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌥️ Thursday: High 59F | Low 41F | Breezy

🌧️ Friday: High 55F | Low 42F | Sporadic rain

☁️ Saturday: High 53F | Low 33F | Super cloudy

🌥️ Sunday: High 50F | Low 32F | Chilly

📖 Thanks for reading

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