🥗 Local enthusiasm for Whole Foods

Thursday’s poll asked readers if they plan to shop at the new Whole Foods opening soon in St. Charles. The results revealed a mix of excitement, curiosity and mild skepticism.

Nearly half of respondents (48%) chose “Yes, can’t wait!”

Convenience emerged as a major theme, and locals who live near the store expressed the most excitement. As one reader shared, “I live less than a mile from the store. I will absolutely be shopping there regularly.”

Others are thrilled to have an alternative to existing grocery stores that are further from downtown and not as easily accessible. A former city dweller noted, “Love being able to walk to a Whole Foods again!”

Several folks cited the convenience of grabbing last-minute items or specialty foods that other stores don’t carry — plus a salad bar, bakery and the ability to return Amazon items.

The store’s potential impact on the city came up as well. “It could be a destination for Tri-Cities residents and end up bringing more revenue to St. Charles, as they might shop at other retailers,” one person said.

“Maybe” accounted for 44% of the responses.

Hesitant folks noted inventory, parking and high prices as issues to consider. One said, “Not sure what the inventory will be or what the prices will look like compared to competitors.”

Another added, “It might be a good option for specific products, but I’ll probably stick with my usual grocery store.”

Several people were noncommittal, saying they might pop in “just to check it out” or if they happen to be in the area. One respondent mentioned, “If they have samples like Costco, count me in!”

“Absolutely not” came in at 8%.

The holdouts were clear about their reasons. One detractor didn’t mince words: “It’s just another overpriced food store.” Affordability was the main theme, while others mentioned their loyalty to existing grocery options.

What’s next

St. Charles officials confirmed that the project has entered its second phase of construction, which includes exterior and interior signage work.

The parking lot and surrounding sidewalks and landscaping have already been reconstructed, now featuring angled street spots, paver bricks, new landscaping and decorative lighting.

Here’s more info on the project.

📰 News to use

The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Quarry happenings: The Batavia Park District announced an ambitious conceptual plan for revitalizing and preserving Harold Hall Quarry Beach while making it a year-round facility. Related: 2025 Quarry season passes are now for sale. 

☑️ Peck project: Geneva is reviewing plans for "Prairie Grove," a proposed 24-townhome community on Peck Road that would feature ranch and two-story units while preserving green spaces. A public hearing is planned for Thursday (1/9).

☑️ Monetary misconduct: A Batavia woman faces felony charges for allegedly exploiting an elderly family member’s finances, with accusations involving over $50K in unauthorized transfers.

☑️ Prescription vigilance: With the proliferation of new weight-loss drugs transforming how Americans diet, Illinois’ Attorney General is warning residents about sellers that offer unapproved, risky versions of these name-brand products.

☑️ Facility upgrades: During a Monday committee meeting, Geneva officials will consider including a $68M referendum on the April election ballot regarding upgrades to the city’s public safety facilities. Learn more starting at page 20 of this document or via this Shaw Local article (🔒).

☑️ Officer cleared: An investigation into a high-speed police pursuit from last year that led to a man’s death found no wrongdoing by the sheriff’s deputy, according to Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Court chronicles: Did you know that Kane County's first courthouse was completed in 1837, located inside the Herrington Tavern and Inn at 4th and State Streets in Geneva? Learn more about the history of our local courthouses and jails.

☑️ Creativity on display: The St. Charles Public Library will feature a special exhibition by local artist Caitlin Palagi throughout January — including an artist reception on Sunday (1/12).

☑️ New year, new leader: Effective 1/14, Deputy Chief of Operations Eric Blowers will officially take over for retiring Chief Shawn Mazza to lead the Batavia Police Department.

☑️ Class of 2025: See photos of the first newborn babies to arrive at Kane County hospitals in the new year.

☑️ Safe travels: With snow and bitter cold expected this month, here’s a resource for accessing real-time roadway conditions in Illinois.

☑️ New BBQ joint: Located in St. Charles on Prairie Street near Jewel, Puff Shack BBQ serves up slow-smoked meats like pulled pork, ribs and brisket — plus savory sides.

🎸 Live music

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Welcome to the dog days of winter! Even if you’re recovering from the holidays or participating in Dry January, don’t forget to get out and support local establishments from time to time. Live music outings offer a perfect opportunity to do so.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.2M home in St. Charles’ Fox Mill neighborhood.

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

☑️ City meetings: 

• Batavia (1/6): City Council (agenda)

• Geneva (1/6): City Council (agenda) and Committee of the Whole (agenda)

☑️ Police reports: Batavia police report summaries | Geneva police reports

☑️ Envisioning 2025: You might get a kick out of these 100-year-old predictions about 2025 made by various deep thinkers circa 1925.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️ The History of Elvis Presley | Wed 1/8, 6:30PM | Geneva Public Library | Relive the glory days of “The King of Rock and Roll” (who would be 90 today).

🎟️ Beyonce Texas Hold Em Line Dance | Wed 1/8, 7:30PM | Vargo’s Dance, Geneva | Learn the famous dance while getting a workout.

🎟️ Run to Pub Winter Series | Thurs 1/9, 6PM | The Office, STC | Runners of all skill levels jog together, then have a beer at The Office. Four-week series.

🎟️ Crafted Clean Beer Dinner | Thurs 1/9, 7PM | Alter Brewing, STC | Several wholesome dishes paired perfectly with Alter brews.

🌖 Weather snapshot

❄️ Today: High 29F | Low 15F | 1-2 inches

🌤️ Tuesday: High 28F | Low 13F | Breezy

🌤️ Wednesday: High 22F | Low 11F | Chill deepens

🌤️ Thursday: High 26F | Low 21F | Pretty sunny

📖 Thanks for reading

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