🍯 Meet a local nonprofit making a big difference

Rising Lights Project. You’ve probably seen the name around town — perhaps on a jar of local honey or a flyer for one of their events.

But behind the name is a story of community, growth and friendship that’s changing lives in the Tri-Cities in unexpected ways.

The local nonprofit has grown from a weekly garden program into a key source of purpose, connection and fun for local adults with disabilities and their families. I spoke with founder Jaimie Valentini about Rising Light's origin story, its impact in our community and what's coming next.

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🌳 Is it safe to start planting? Let’s ask Wasco Nursery

Is it safe to start planting? St. Charles’ Wasco Nursery says yes — and no.

It’s a bit early for vegetables and tropicals, but the time is ripe to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, native plants, evergreens and fruiting plants.

Here’s a great rule of thumb: If it’s currently outside in Wasco Nursery’s Garden Center, it’s safe to plant. And now that it’s bursting with color out there, owner Matt Zerby just shared his favorite plants for early spring blooms in this video.

Oh, and fun fact: Wasco Nursery is celebrating 100 years as the Tri-Cities’ go-to garden experts this year.

📰 News to use

☑️ Reporting for duty: The Batavia Police Department’s newest officer, River the comfort dog, was sworn in at the Batavia City Council meeting on Monday. See photos of the dedicated public servant.

☑️ Alcohol oversight: Geneva officials voted to uphold the city’s policy allowing elected officials to hold liquor licenses, while adding state language requiring them to recuse themselves from any alcohol-related decisions.

☑️ House blaze: A weekend evening fire caused $15K in damage and left a St. Charles home uninhabitable. Thankfully, no one was injured.

☑️ Landmark protection: The Kane County Forest Preserve is using state grant funds to install a custom fire suppression system to help protect the historic Fabyan Windmill in Geneva, one of the nation’s best-preserved Dutch windmills.

☑️ Drive-thru resources: The Kane County Health Department will host a special event on Friday (4/25) in St. Charles to distribute free suicide and crisis lifeline awareness materials, naloxone and gun safety tools as part of a mental health campaign.

☑️ Expanding opportunities: Proposed legislation in Illinois would allow community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees — and some rural folks believe it would make a big difference.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Fuzzy faces: It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for…baby bison have arrived at Fermilab! Meet the cinnamon-colored youngsters as calving season kicks off at the Batavia research site.

☑️ Comeback creek: Work to restore a long-overlooked stretch of Geneva Creek near the Kane County Government Center is nearly complete, resulting in better water flow, cleared brush and at least one unexpected discovery.

☑️ Food funding: Northern Illinois Food Bank (which has a location in Geneva) is facing a potential shortfall of 4.5M meals per year due to federal funding cuts — prompting a call for extra community support to help fight hunger.

☑️ Arbor honors: Geneva has been recognized as a Tree City USA for the 25th year in a row and will plant 77 new parkway trees this spring. Batavia also received the designation for the 28th straight year.

☑️ Float favorites: Winners of the 2025 St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade were recognized at the April 21 City Council meeting, with Arcada Theatre taking home Best in Show. Find out who won the other awards and see photos from the meeting.

✳️ Perimenopause, unpacked: Feeling off, overwhelmed or just not quite yourself? Join Zen Loft Collective for a free 5-day virtual lunch series (starting 4/28) that gives you practical tools to help you make sense of these shifts — and feel more like you again.

🎸 Live music

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This weekend’s got a little bit of everything, from acoustic singer-songwriters to traditional country and even a Creed tribute band performance.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ Taproom farewell: After more than six years operating in St. Charles, D and G Brewing announced that it will closing around May 18. Few spots better encapsulate the term “hole-in-the-wall local brewery.” Read a statement from the owner.

☑️ Still waiting: When reached for comment this week, a corporate communications rep for Whole Foods said the company doesn’t yet have have an official opening date to share for the new St. Charles location.

☑️ Fresh faces: Smallcakes (a cupcake shop in St. Charles) announced that the business is under new ownership — and will soon be doing a special giveaway in celebration.

☑️ Blind tasting: To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Cooper's Hawk Winery is hosting a "Behind the Label" wine tasting challenge through April 30 at all of its restaurant locations, including St. Charles.

💥 Let’s work together: When you sponsor Tri-Cities Central, you can be certain that real, local people will get your message. Ask about our easy advertising program.

🗓️ Events & things to do

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☑️ Used Book Sale | Fri 4/25, 2:30PM - Sun 4/27, 3PM | STC Library | Get books, CDs, DVDs and more at huge bargains.

🎟️ Plot Twist Trivia Night | Fri 4/25, 7-10PM | Geneva Library | An ambitious night of trivia with a literary spin.

☑️ Native Garden Planting | Sat 4/26, 1-3PM | Geneva Commons | Intro to starting a pollinator garden — leave the event with supplies!

🎟️ Flair & Debonair: A RnB Steppers Affair | Sat 4/26, 7-11:30PM | The Dance Lab, STC | Groove, vibe and enjoy an unforgettable night of dancing.

☑️ Robert Ridgeway: Amateur Bird Watching | Sun 4/27, 10AM-12:30PM | Brewster Creek Forest Preserve, STC | Learn from Illinois’ most preeminent bird man.

🎟️ Geneva Wedding Walk | Sun 4/27, 11AM-3PM | Downtown Geneva | Connect with vendors and enjoy special promos and giveaways.

☑️ 2025 Just Shave It! | Sun 4/27, 12-3PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Get a buzz in a fun environment to raise money for pediatric cancer.

🎟️ Civil War Soldier Encampment | Sun 4/27, 1-4PM | Durant-Peterson House, STC | Civil War reenactors teach history by reliving it.

☑️ LEGO Buildapalooza | Sun 4/27, 1-4PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | Bring the fam for a build-a-thon — and don’t forget some LEGOs to donate.

🎟️ Whiskey Acres Bourbon Dinner | Mon 4/28, 6:30PM | The Graceful Ordinary, STC | A four-course dinner paired with delicious bourbon.

🎟️ 3rd Anniversary Celebration | Wed 4/30 - Sun 5/4 | Up North Wine Tasting, Geneva | Tasting events, raffles and a VIP Kentucky Derby Party.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Thursday: High 78F | Low 51F | Wow

🌩️ Friday: High 67F | Low 42F | Late storms

🌤️ Saturday: High 59F | Low 40F | Some clouds

🌥️ Sunday: High 70F | Low 51F | Pleasant

📖 Thanks for reading

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