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Holiday lights adventures near the Tri-Cities in 2025

Local events

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Dec 2, 2025

Holiday lights adventures near the Tri-Cities in 2025

A roundup of the region’s biggest and most popular holiday lights displays highlights a variety of festive spots worth the short drive from the Tri-Cities this season.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
Riders flag ongoing platform confusion at La Fox Metra station

Local news

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Dec 12, 2025

Riders flag ongoing platform confusion at La Fox Metra station

The "Friends of La Fox Metra Station" group is warning fellow riders about unpredictable platform changes and safety concerns at the station, urging some passengers to consider boarding in Geneva instead.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles

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December 11 Newsletter: New coffee spots in the Tri-Cities

Newsletter

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Dec 11, 2025

December 11 Newsletter: New coffee spots in the Tri-Cities

Plus an update on the potential Pheasant Run redevelopment project and American bison make a triumphant return to the Tri-Cities

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
Tri-Cities Live Music Events: December 15-18

Live music

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Dec 12, 2025

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: December 15-18

Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles from Monday to Thursday.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
Tri-Cities Live Music Events: December 11-14

Live music

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Dec 9, 2025

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: December 11-14

Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles on Thursday through Sunday.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Featured

Local news

St. Charles officials review early plans for Pheasant Run redevelopment

Dec 9, 2025

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2 min read

St. Charles officials review early plans for Pheasant Run redevelopment

St. Charles officials reviewed an early concept for redeveloping nearly 34 acres of the former Pheasant Run site, leading to a thoughtful discussion about potential uses, traffic flow, and a possible TIF agreement.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

Brightmont Academy private school opens new campus in St. Charles

Dec 11, 2025

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2 min read

Brightmont Academy private school opens new campus in St. Charles

Brightmont Academy has opened a new St. Charles campus offering year-round one-to-one instruction for grades 1–12, with tours available during its December 15 grand opening event.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

Batavia officials outline next wave of bike, sidewalk, and pedestrian upgrades

Dec 8, 2025

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2 min read

Batavia officials outline next wave of bike, sidewalk, and pedestrian upgrades

As part of its long-term transportation plan, Batavia is preparing a new round of sidewalk, bike, and crossing upgrades — including school-area sidewalks, downtown safety improvements, and a possible Randall Road grade-separated crossing.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local business

Limestone to take over Batavia library café in early January

Dec 8, 2025

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2 min read

Limestone to take over Batavia library café in early January

Limestone Coffee & Tea will take over the Batavia Public Library café in early January, offering its full drink menu and partnering with North Aurora's Breads & Bakes Co. for baked goods.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

Kane County Farm Bureau earns state recognition for member-focused innovation

Dec 8, 2025

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2 min read

Kane County Farm Bureau earns state recognition for member-focused innovation

The Illinois Farm Bureau recognized the Kane County Farm Bureau with an award for Membership Value, citing the local organization’s "Country Store" and innovative, community-focused programs.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

Batavia officials narrowly approve video gambling at Gammon Coach House

Dec 7, 2025

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2 min read

Batavia officials narrowly approve video gambling at Gammon Coach House

Batavia City Council gave the green light for a conditional-use permit allowing Gammon Coach House to install video gambling machines despite concerns over its location next to two church properties.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

Special Geneva council meeting will focus on police facility ballot question and home rule education

Dec 5, 2025

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2 min read

Special Geneva council meeting will focus on police facility ballot question and home rule education

Geneva City Council will vote at a special meeting on whether to send a $59.4 million police facility bond question to the March 2026 ballot and launch a citywide home rule education effort.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local business

Festive chocolate treats return to The Graceful Ordinary for holiday season

Dec 4, 2025

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2 min read

Festive chocolate treats return to The Graceful Ordinary for holiday season

The downtown St. Charles restaurant has brought back its popular Boozy Hot Chocolate Flights, offering four decadent seasonal flavors through January 31.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles looks to formally reactivate its Senior Services Commission

Dec 2, 2025

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2 min read

St. Charles looks to formally reactivate its Senior Services Commission

St. Charles officials supported reinstating the city’s long-inactive Senior Services Commission to better support a growing senior population and improve coordination of existing programs.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft

Newsletter Archive

December 8 Newsletter: Tri-Cities holiday traditions

Newsletter

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Dec 8, 2025

December 8 Newsletter: Tri-Cities holiday traditions

Plus a major Campton Hills housing development gets approval and more details emerge about Charlestowne Mall redevelopment plans.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
December 4 Newsletter: A guide to nearby holiday light shows this season

Newsletter

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Dec 4, 2025

December 4 Newsletter: A guide to nearby holiday light shows this season

Plus a special commission for senior citizens in St. Charles, the demolition of a historic chimney in downtown Batavia, and several holiday events over the weekend.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
December 1 Newsletter: A restaurant and lounge inspired by Mexico's coast set to open this winter

Newsletter

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Dec 1, 2025

December 1 Newsletter: A restaurant and lounge inspired by Mexico's coast set to open this winter

Plus the upcoming Geneva Christmas Walk and Holiday Home Tour, a historic weather weekend, and loose dogs attack dozens of chickens.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
November 27 Newsletter: Local nonprofits and charitable organizations you can support on Giving Tuesday

Newsletter

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Nov 27, 2025

November 27 Newsletter: Local nonprofits and charitable organizations you can support on Giving Tuesday

Plus St. Charles officials plan to review concept plans for a Pheasant Run redevelopment project and big local plans for Small Business Saturday.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
November 24 Newsletter: It's "Holiday Homecoming" weekend in St. Charles

Newsletter

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Nov 24, 2025

November 24 Newsletter: It's "Holiday Homecoming" weekend in St. Charles

Plus concerns emerge about a new proposed St. Charles subdivision and officials are considering whether to demolish a historic chimney in downtown Batavia.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
November 20 Newsletter: "Up North" in Geneva is more than just a wine bar

Newsletter

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Nov 20, 2025

November 20 Newsletter: "Up North" in Geneva is more than just a wine bar

Plus a Peace Vigil in Batavia, an immigration enforcement policy for Kane County, and a "Bookstore Trolley" making stops in Geneva and St. Charles

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
November 17 Newsletter: A Thanksgiving food guide for Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles

Newsletter

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Nov 17, 2025

November 17 Newsletter: A Thanksgiving food guide for Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles

Plus three local businesses are being honored with "Made in St. Charles" awards and Batavia adopts a new policy on federal immigration enforcement.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
November 13 Newsletter: Bread & Vine restaurant officially takes over former Graham's 318 space in downtown Geneva

Newsletter

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Nov 13, 2025

November 13 Newsletter: Bread & Vine restaurant officially takes over former Graham's 318 space in downtown Geneva

Plus an armed bank robbery in St. Charles, a discussion about local coyote concerns, and Winterfest Art Market weekend in Batavia.

Sam Kraft
Sam Kraft
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