St. Charles approves four-year utility rate overhaul to fund lead pipe mandate

The St. Charles City Council voted to restructure water, sewer, and electric rates over four years — with significant water and sewer increases funding a state-mandated lead pipe replacement program affecting 3,400 customers (partially offset by a 5% electric rate cut).

Geneva officials to review 13-unit residential proposal for East State Street

Geneva officials will review a proposal to build 13 new residential units with live/work spaces at 223 E State Street, transforming a corner lot at Garfield Street currently home to a single commercial building.

Two St. Charles standouts honored with Spirit of St. Charles awards

St. Charles officials honored two community members with Spirit of St. Charles awards Monday night — Mark Weiss (of Comic Books for Kids) and Dawn Phillips (of Brown Butter Baked Goods & Café).

A tea shop that makes its own pottery is opening in downtown Geneva

Steep N' Clay, a family-owned tea shop and working pottery studio from Elgin, opens its second location in downtown Geneva on April 18 with tea samples flowing all day.

Geneva's Fabyan Villa Museum is now home to one of only six Doeuillet gowns in the world

A newly restored couture gown designed by the man credited with inventing the cocktail dress goes on display this month at Geneva's Fabyan Villa Museum — one of only six museums in the world with a Doeuillet garment.

Batavia volunteer fair will unite 35+ nonprofits at the library in April

The Batavia Chamber is hosting a free volunteer fair on April 28 at the Batavia Public Library, bringing together 35+ nonprofits for residents to explore and sign up for community service opportunities.

Geneva Chamber highlighting East State Street businesses during construction

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce is launching a social media campaign to remind shoppers and diners that East State Street businesses are still open during the ongoing reconstruction project.

The kiln whisperer: Matt Brej opens up about pottery, patience, and teaching in St. Charles

Matt Brej stumbled into a ceramics class at Elgin Community College two decades ago, which launched a dynamic career as a potter, teacher, and studio manager at Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles.

Batavia officials continue to debate complexities of consequential state housing bill

Batavia Committee of the Whole took a deep look at the state's BUILD Act housing bill, with officials finding positive opportunities in parts of the proposal even as they raised concerns about local control, parking, and infrastructure.

April 6 Newsletter: Tulip festivals near the Tri-Cities area

Plus Tri-Cities is in the midst of an e-bike boom, a very rare gown goes on display in Geneva, and two local institutions celebrating major milestones.

Tri-Cities Obituaries: April 5, 2026

April 2 Newsletter: Introducing the Tri-Cities Dinner Club

Plus a housing debate in Batavia, a historic building to be revived in downtown St. Charles, and native plant sales coming up.

March 30 Newsletter: A spring planting and gardening guide for the Tri-Cities

Plus the Batavia community rallies behind a local family after tragedy, a major housing project proposed in St. Charles, and a day dedicated to all things Geneva.

March 23 Newsletter: Flea markets near the Tri-Cities

Plus St. Charles residents make their voices heard about the future of a downtown riverfront property and Batavia hosts its first-ever "Wine Walk."

March 19 Newsletter: Local election and referendum results

Plus a potential water and sewer rate hike in St. Charles, new e-bike and e-moto regulations in Batavia, and a smorgasbord of Easter events coming up across the Tri-Cities.

March 16 Newsletter: Readers voice concerns about affordability in the Tri-Cities

Plus a LaFox of Campton Hills TIF update, a deep dive into Batavia's windmill history, and several wine-focused events for the week ahead.

March 12 Newsletter: Local arts community busy with new events, initiatives, and honors

Plus St. Patrick's Day events, a new solar site approved near St. Charles, and weighing in on affordability in the Tri-Cities area.