🚦 Locals’ least favorite intersection

After I brought up Batavia’s Fabyan Parkway and Route 31 intersection in last week’s issue, readers’ poll comments emphatically reinforced its less-than-stellar reputation.

Nearly two of three respondents dubbed it the Tri-Cities’ worst intersection.

Folks repeatedly cited the intersection's unusual angle and confusing layout as major concerns. As one driver noted, "The angle makes it confusing and dangerous when going west to east, or vice versa. You are facing directly toward the cars going the opposite direction until you angle into the intersection. Unsettling."

I got a kick out of another reader who was even more direct: "Awful, terrible, really no good, badly designed, scares-the-bejeezus-out-of-you intersection."

Other notable trouble spots

Kaneville Road and Keslinger Road: This Geneva intersection ranked second, with visibility problems and hospital congestion referenced as key issues.

Randall Road and Red Gate Road: This St. Charles crossway also received multiple mentions, with one person arguing, "Anyone who didn't pick Randall/Red Gate obviously doesn't drive that way.”

Downtown St. Charles: A few readers cited the Route 31/64 intersection (and those nearby) as dangerously tight — particularly when semi trucks are involved.

I’ll leave you with an interesting perspective from one reader: "Curious for thoughts from people about how improved safety in these areas would encourage them to walk or bike instead of drive?”

📰 News to use

☑️ Warehouses waved in: A large industrial park development on Geneva’s southeast side has taken a step forward after City Council approved a $42.8M TIF deal to support the project.

☑️ Gunshots in Batavia: Police are investigating reports of shots fired on Sunday night in the 300 block of North Randall Road in Batavia. A gun was found at the scene but it appears no on was hurt.

☑️ Ballot preparedness: Local voters will be asked three “yes or no” advisory questions during this election on the topics of IVF, income tax on earnings over $1M, and penalties regarding election worker interference.

☑️ Alarming incident: After an empty shell casing was found in Batavia’s Rotolo Middle School earlier this week, classrooms were placed on a “hold” while officials investigated. Read the school district’s letter to parents.

☑️ Forging ahead: Geneva City Council has approved several development projects, including the Campbell Courtyard PUD, Geneva Crossing Townhomes and a text amendment on accessory dwelling units.

☑️ Freshen up for fall: Leaf collection services begin on Monday (10/28) in Geneva (details here) and Wednesday (10/30) in St. Charles (details here). Pickup for Batavia is already in progress.

☑️ Plan for delays: Batavia’s Batfest event on Saturday (10/26) will necessitate road closures on several streets around town.

🏘️ In the community

The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ New beginnings: Several businesses recently celebrated ribbon cuttings in Geneva, including Altiro on Third, LEB Insurance Group and 911 Glow Spray Tanning.

☑️ Sophomore concept: The owners of The Graceful Ordinary in downtown St. Charles plan to open their second restaurant in downtown Aurora in the spring. Get a sneak peak at the space.

☑️ Pitch those pills: The Batavia Police Department and Geneva Police Department will participate in National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday (10/26), allowing folks to anonymously drop off old medications.

🔒 Service spotlight: A St. Charles middle school librarian received the 2024 Kiwanian of the Year award for her work in helping the organization serve children in the community.

☑️ Practice makes perfect: Haul the kids to downtown Geneva for some pre-Halloween trick-or-treating tonight (10/24) from 2-5PM. Participating shops and restaurants with signs displayed will be handing out treats.

☑️ South River Street: Batavia is hosting an open house tonight (Thursday 10/24) at City Hall to share information and gather community input for the South River Street Corridor planning process.

🎸 Live music

From Halloween party performances at venues around town to the Halloween Gala Opera at Moonlight Theatre, there’s a clear theme to many of this weekend’s live music events.

Plus, the talented Matt Keen is doing double duty on Saturday — and you’ve got a chance to catch a unique Elvis impersonation.

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

🪖 Fall treats with a dash of history

If you haven’t yet explored The Little Traveler’s unique autumn collection, now’s the time. While you visit, treat yourself to delicious Belgian fondue and take advantage of huge savings on last-minute Halloween items.

💥 Tip: Don’t miss the nostalgic WWII Radio Hour breakfast event on November 8 at Copper Fox.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

Due to the huge number of Halloween events this weekend, I’ve featured a longer-than-normal list without the usual details. Please click on the event title if you’re interested in learning more.

☑️ Featured Event: Batfest | Sat 10/26, 10AM-2PM | Downtown Batavia | The action-packed annual fest features performances, shopping, food, drink, kids’ activities and a lot more.

More weekend happenings:

• Halloween Party: Thurs 10/24 | Wilson Street Mercantile, Batavia

• The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays: Fri 10/25 - Sat 11/9 | Albright Theatre, Batavia

• Halloween Party: Fri 10/25 | Bogarts, STC

• Spooky Skate: Fri 10/25 - Sun 10/28 | Funway, Batavia

• Halloween Jam Dance Party: Fri 10/25 | Pollyanna Brewing, STC

• Mind Reader Jacob Mayfield: Fri 10/25 - Sat 11/2 | Steel Beam Theatre, STC

• Halloween High Tea: Sat 10/26 | The Graceful Ordinary, STC

• Family Scavenger Hunt: Sat 10/26, 9-11AM | Johnson’s Mound, Elburn

• Yoga with Puppies: Sat 10/26 - Sun 10/27, Various Times | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia

• Magic & Mischief Dinner & Magic Show: Sat 10/26 | Arcada Theatre, STC

• Halloween Hayday: Sat 10/26 | Persinger Center, Geneva

• Fab-BOO-lous Pumpking Carving Party: Sat 10/26 | Primrose Farm, STC

• Howl O’ Ween Dog Parade: Sat 10/26 | Peck Farm Park, Geneva

• Halloween Costume Party: Sat 10/26 | The Wine Exchange, STC

• Halloween Party: Sat 10/26 | School of Rock, Geneva

• Haunt House: Sat 10/26 | Hunt House Creative Arts Center, STC

• Kids Halloween Party: Sun 10/27 | Tap House Grill, STC

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Today: High 65F | Low 48F | A cloud or two

🌤️ Friday: High 65F | Low 39F | Shower possible

🌤️ Saturday: High 60F | Low 36F | Pleasant

☀️ Sunday: High 60F | Low 41F | Blissful

📖 Thanks for reading

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