Kane County approves permit for Tanner Road solar farm over North Aurora’s objection
The Kane County Board approved a special use permit for a solar farm on a Tanner Road property next to North Aurora homes — despite the village's objection to the project.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve just got 33 acres bigger
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County just added 33 acres to Bliss Woods, protecting the original part of the woodland that gave Sugar Grove its name.
Sam Kraft
Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles
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October 19 Newsletter: Hotel Baker and its spooky history
Plus the St. Charles Lou Malnati's sets an opening date, neighbors push back on a proposed housing development, and two Batavia businesses are closing.
Batfest festivities to take over downtown Batavia on Saturday
BatFest takes over downtown Batavia on Saturday (10/24) with trick-or-treating at 60+ businesses, festive performances, a community parade, and costume contests for kids and pets.
No talent? No problem. This local colored pencil artist will show you the way
Andria Burchett went from teaching neighbors in her basement to running Beech Tree Studio in Geneva, where five weekly colored pencil classes are built on a key principle: anyone willing to learn can draw.
State recommends removal of North Aurora dam but seeks community input
The state recommended removing the Fox River dam in North Aurora with a roughly $3M plan that keeps water flowing through the village’s mill race. Residents can weigh in through Oct. 29.
Batavia working on $1.25M deal to support Suncast's expansion
Batavia officials are working on a 10-year, $1.25 million incentive package for Suncast, the city’s largest industrial employer, that would keep the company in town, support its growth, and help keep electric rates stable for residents.
Seventh Street Commons project heads to St. Charles committee amid pushback from neighbors
The 105-home Seventh Street Commons development plan heads to St. Charles aldermen on Monday (10/19) as neighbors circulate a petition to stop it over tree loss, traffic, and housing costs.
New St. Charles Lou Malnati’s set to open later this month
Lou Malnati’s will open its 70th restaurant on Oct. 27 at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles, complete with a full bar, private dining room, and local décor sourced from the St. Charles History Museum.
Ed Bessner to step away from St. Charles City Council when term ends
Longtime St. Charles Alderman Ed Bessner won’t run for reelection after 20 years representing the Fifth Ward, a tenure highlighted by the recent First Street Plaza project and several community initiatives.
Starbird chicken chain opens its first Midwest spot in St. Charles on Monday
West Coast chicken tender chain Starbird will make its Midwest debut on Randall Road in St. Charles on Monday when it holds a grand opening celebration — including a friendly local competition.
A St. Charles insurance office with a sweet backstory
The local roots run deep for Olech Farmers Insurance in St. Charles, an agency that has served the Fox Valley for more than half a century and operates out of the old Colonial Dairies building.
St. Charles recognized for building a bike-friendly community
The St. Charles Park District and the City of St. Charles won a statewide award for their decades-long partnership and ongoing efforts to make the city easier and safer to get around by bike.
