🗳️ Locals prefer early voting

Monday’s newsletter included a reader poll on voting preferences — and the results are in.

While the Tri-Cities Central subscriber base may very well skew toward the “engaged citizen” side of the spectrum, I was still pleasantly shocked to discover zero “I don’t plan to vote” responses out of more than 200 submissions.

The results:

Several respondents shared reasoning behind their choices, providing a glimpse into the local voting culture.

One early voter mentioned, “I prefer to vote early in person because it fits into my schedule and allows me to avoid any unexpected delays on election day.”

For those who vote by mail, convenience and flexibility are key. “It allows me to take my time when making decisions,” said one respondent. Another mentioned, “I like the privacy and the ability to really look over the ballot.”

Tradition appears to play a role for those who prefer to vote in person on Election Day.

“There’s something special about showing up to my local polling place and participating in the process with my neighbors,” one person stated. Another expressed, “I think voting in person on Election Day is the most secure way to ensure your vote is counted.”

According to officials, early voting is off to a roaring start in Kane County this year.

More on the election:

• Video: Kane County Board Chair candidates Corinne Pierog and Lance Bell recently discussed myriad issues with the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

• State Senate: Voters in Batavia and Geneva will see the 25th District race on the ballot, which features incumbent Democrat Karina Villa and Republican challenger Heather Brown. Here’s a look at the race’s top issues.

📰 News to use

☑️ Paving the way? Baker Memorial Church in St. Charles is proposing to demolish two residential buildings on Cedar Ave. — including the historic 1844 Judge Barry House — to construct a parking lot. The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the topic last night (more to come on that).

☑️ Dam destiny: Batavia is thoughtfully advancing its dam project, budgeting for a feasibility study in 2025 to inform removal plans while aiming to preserve the Depot Pond.

☑️ Youth attacked: A homeless man was charged with aggravated battery after hitting a child at a football field in St. Charles last weekend.

☑️ Threat response: Batavia police investigated unrelated threats of violence at Batavia High School and Rotolo Middle School last weekend, resulting in criminal charges for a 13-year-old juvenile.

☑️ Bullying debate: Batavia Public School District 101 has revised its anti-bullying policies to align with new standards, sparking discussions about student safety and policy effectiveness.

☑️ Striving for stability: The U.S. Department of Energy announced that a new management group will be taking over Fermilab in Batavia following a turbulent stretch for the renowned physics laboratory.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Emergency closure: A gas leak prompted Batavia officials to shut down a portion of South Raddant Road from Norcross Drive south to Mark Twain Trail yesterday afternoon (10/2).

☑️ Smells like fall: As the weather cools and trees shed, you may be tempted to burn some of those dead leaves — but make sure to consult Kane County’s burning regulations before you do so.

☑️ You punkin’ me? Illinois is one of the top pumpkin-producing states in the nation — and many of its plentiful pumpkin patches can be found right here in Kane County.

🔒 Transit transformers: Two St. Charles high school students founded a nonprofit to promote local urban safety — and honored a local chef's memory by donating bike safety kits to restaurant employees who cycle to work.

☑️ Give back: Senator Don DeWitte is hosting a coat drive for families that may not have adequate outerwear for the winter. You can donate at two St. Charles locations.

☑️ REAL ID changes: Anticipating a surge in demand, officials proposed a new rule that would allow for REAL ID requirements to be rolled out in phases while maintaining the May 2025 deadline.

🎸 Live music

Pollyanna in St. Charles is hosting a special concert on Friday evening benefitting Anderson Humane, one of the best animal welfare organizations out there. I’m anticipating good vibes and great beer for an even better cause.

But there are lots of other performances across the Tri-Cities worth checking out this weekend, too. Enjoy!

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

🥳 Your recipe for local fun this October

Miss the chocolate fondue from Graham's 318? Pay a visit to the Little Traveler’s Atrium Café to try their version of the sweet classic — and make sure to save time to explore the shop!

💥 Bonus: If you’re looking for a laugh, check out their special St. Charles Comedy Posse event at Copper Fox on October 17.

🎨 The arts scene

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☑️ Be kind pass it on: A local artist has completed a new public art installation on the exterior wall of Smitty's on the Corner in downtown St. Charles. See photos of the mural and its positive message.

🔒 Singing season: The St. Charles Singers — a renowned local chamber choir — is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary season with a diverse repertoire of performances over the next several months.

🗓️ Events & things to do

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☑️️ Geneva Autumn Fest Jack O’Lantern Walk | Fri 10/4, 5-8PM | Downtown Geneva | Stroll through the scenic streets of Geneva and see spooky displays from small businesses.

☑️️ Art of the Fox Mural Unveiling | Sat 10/5, 11AM-1PM | Batavia City Hall | Be the first to see creative, nature-inspired murals by local artists.

🎟️ Black Tie Bar Crawl | Sat 10/5, 12PM | Downtown Geneva | Dress up, socialize at local establishments and raise money for a variety of wonderful charities.

🎟️ Elite Tuner CHI2K24 | Sat 10/5, 2PM | Cougars Stadium, Geneva | A family-friendly car show with drifting, tug of war, live music and much more.

🎟️ Grave Reminders | Sat 10/5, 5-7PM | North Cemetery, STC | Hear stories of local legends as you walk through one of the area’s oldest graveyards.

☑️️ Light Up The Sky | Sat 10/5, 5:30-8:30PM | James O. Breen Community Park, STC | Experience a professional lighted kite show with music and refreshments.

🎟️ The Great St. Charles Art Heist | Sat 10/5, 7PM | Downtown STC | Visit downtown venues to find clues and solve a mystery.

🎟️ Up The River, Down the River Bike Ride | Sun 10/6, 11AM-4PM | Batavia & STC | Start your ride at Sturdy Shelter or Riverlands Brewing — then end with a beer at the other brewery.

☑️️ Civil War Soldier Encampment | Sun 10/6, 1-4PM | Durant House, STC | A hands-on event featuring historic displays and Civil War reenactors.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Today: High 80F | Low 55F | August-ish

🌤️ Friday: High 72F | Low 49F | A few clouds

☀️ Saturday: High 79F | Low 57F | Soak it in

🌤️ Sunday: High 72F | Low 44F | Breezy beauty

📖 Thanks for reading

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