Kane County adds residents while Tri-Cities remain relatively flat
Kane County's population grew 1.8% between 2020 and 2025 — but Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles barely budged while outer communities like Elburn and North Aurora posted notable gains in new census estimates.
Geneva may open up more tourism grants, but festivals would have to prove they qualify
Geneva is weighing an expansion of its Destination Geneva grant program that would make up to $75,000 in hotel tax money available for local events — but to qualify, applicants would have to show their event actually brings overnight visitors to town.
Sam Kraft
Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles
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May 14 Newsletter: Here's what you should know about local farmer's markets this season
Plus a new restaurant planned for the former site of The Elms in Batavia, a proposed solar farm in Geneva, and a sneak peek at Simple EJ's in St. Charles.
Chicago's version of the Savannah Bananas is coming to Geneva
A newly founded Chicago-based co-ed baseball entertainment team modeled on the Savannah Bananas phenomenon is bringing its show to Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva on June 6.
Campton Hills approves LaFox TIF district for 900-home Shodeen development
Campton Hills officials voted to establish the LaFox TIF district for the 900-unit Shodeen development — but the redevelopment agreement that determines how the money actually flows still needs to be finalized.
Kane County tax bills spark complaints about campaign messaging
A half-page insert tucked inside 200,000 Kane County property tax bills is drawing complaints that Treasurer Chris Lauzen used county resources to promote his reelection campaign.
Get an early look at Simple EJ's of Fox Haven Square
Simple EJ's restaurant and bar opens to the public at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles this Friday (5/15). We got an early look at the space and a chance to try the menu before the doors open — here's what stood out.
New neighborhood restaurant planned for the former site of The Elms in Batavia
The Main Street property on Batavia’s west side that was previously home to The Elms restaurant is getting closer to welcoming a new neighborhood eatery.
Four Batavia High School seniors are heading into college and trade school with a little extra support after the Batavia Chamber awarded $1,000 Inspire Scholarships to students pursuing specific career paths.
A local high schooler's vision became this year's "Paint the Street" mural in St. Charles
A St. Charles East student designed this year's "Paint the Street" mural in downtown St. Charles, with an Art Deco color palette honoring The Arcada's upcoming 100th anniversary.
Nine local students honored for overcoming adversity at annual ACE Awards breakfast
More than 135 people were on hand at the Tri Cities Exchange Club’s annual ACE Awards breakfast, where the group recognized nine local high school seniors for overcoming major personal hardships on their way to graduation.
Solar farm proposed for long-vacant Geneva lot near Fabyan and Kirk
A renewable energy firm wants to construct a community solar farm on a 13-acre lot near Fabyan and Kirk in Geneva that the developer says has been vacant for more than a century — with a public hearing set for May 28.
May 7 Newsletter: Tri-Cities Dinner Club and Mother's Day weekend
Plus opening weekend for the Boardwalk Shops, another proposed residential development in St. Charles, and the Swedish Meatballs prepare to play ball in Geneva.
April 27 Newsletter: Where to find Little Free Libraries in the Tri-Cities area
Plus a proposed 100+ home housing development in St. Charles, public art in Geneva, a local bank robbery, and the forthcoming return of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops.
Plus St. Charles neighbors unite against a proposed housing development, a popular downtown Batavia restaurant is closing, and Fermilab welcomes its first baby bison of the season.
April 20 Newsletter: First Fox Haven Square restaurant sets opening date
Plus Batavia wants to build a new police station on Mooseheart land, a Geneva architect is documenting the Fox Valley in watercolor, and a film festival coming up in St. Charles.
April 16 Newsletter: Four community garage sales are coming up soon
Plus the Swedish Days parade is back on, what's next after Geneva's failed public safety referendum, and a potential school facilities referendum in St. Charles.
