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Geneva officials approve new daycare near busy intersection

Local news

Jan 23, 2026

Geneva officials approve new daycare near busy intersection

Geneva officials unanimously approved a new daycare to be constructed near Delnor Hospital, prompting two nearby residents to raise concerns about traffic safety at the busy Randall–Keslinger intersection.

Sam Kraft

Forest Preserve District expands Meissner-Corron Forest Preserve by 45 acres

Local news

Jan 22, 2026

Forest Preserve District expands Meissner-Corron Forest Preserve by 45 acres

Kane County Forest Preserve officials expanded Meissner-Corron Forest Preserve by 45 acres, adding a key parcel in St. Charles that strengthens habitat protection and sets the stage for future prairie restoration.

Sam Kraft

Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles

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Newsletter

Jan 22, 2026

January 22 Newsletter: How Riverbank Laboratories in Geneva played a key role in our nation's history

Plus a long-term plan for Batavia's South River Street Corridor, how bison were brought back to a Kane County preserve, and ice skating options in the Tri-Cities.

Sam Kraft

Live music

Jan 20, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: January 22-25

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

Sam Kraft

Live music

Jan 17, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: January 19-22

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

Sam Kraft

Featured

Local news

Batavia adopts long-term plan for South River Street corridor

Jan 21, 2026

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2 min read

Batavia adopts long-term plan for South River Street corridor

Batavia officials approved the South River Street Corridor Plan, establishing a long-term framework for redevelopment of the area while maintaining protections for existing businesses and future public input.

Sam Kraft

Local news

The Graceful Ordinary team bringing two new concepts to downtown St. Charles

Jan 17, 2026

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3 min read

The Graceful Ordinary team bringing two new concepts to downtown St. Charles

O&D Hospitality plans to open a members-only cigar lounge and a raw bar with live jazz in downtown St. Charles, while construction is now underway on their Vicolo café concept in Aurora.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Here's where to skate this winter in the Tri-Cities

Jan 20, 2026

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3 min read

Here's where to skate this winter in the Tri-Cities

Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles offer free outdoor ice skating when cold-weather conditions allow, with residents encouraged to check daily rink status updates before heading out.

Sam Kraft

Local news

More Kane County homeowners are going solar — and saving money doing it

Jan 20, 2026

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2 min read

More Kane County homeowners are going solar — and saving money doing it

According to officials, Kane County's "Switch Together" group-buy solar program has helped local homeowners save about $450,000 so far, with 84 installations completed and more underway.

Sam Kraft

Local news

St. Charles North senior earns statewide volleyball honor

Jan 19, 2026

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2 min read

St. Charles North senior earns statewide volleyball honor

St. Charles North senior Haley Burgdorf was named the 2025–26 Gatorade Illinois Volleyball Player of the Year after a standout season on the court, strong academics, and local community service.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Geneva may join regional group to monitor a proposed railroad merger

Jan 17, 2026

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2 min read

Geneva may join regional group to monitor a proposed railroad merger

Geneva is considering joining a regional alliance to monitor a proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern railroad merger that could affect communities along the UP-West rail line.

Sam Kraft

Local news

New Mexican restaurant eyes spring opening in downtown St. Charles

Jan 17, 2026

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2 min read

New Mexican restaurant eyes spring opening in downtown St. Charles

A new Mexican restaurant called Gallo Santo is hoping to open this spring in downtown St. Charles after officials review a liquor license request for the Main Street location.

Sam Kraft

Local news

Batavia officials back new upscale restaurant with $150K downtown grant

Jan 17, 2026

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3 min read

Batavia officials back new upscale restaurant with $150K downtown grant

Batavia's Committee of the Whole advanced a $150,000 redevelopment grant to help transform the former Thorabella’s space on East Wilson Street downtown into a new upscale restaurant.

Sam Kraft

Local events

Celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday with a Batavia extravaganza

Jan 16, 2026

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3 min read

Celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday with a Batavia extravaganza

Batavia United Way is hosting a series of Dolly Parton–themed events through Saturday (1/24) to celebrate her 80th birthday while raising money for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter Archive

Newsletter

Jan 19, 2026

January 19 Newsletter: New cigar lounge, raw bar, and jazz venue in the works for St. Charles

Plus an update on the new upscale restaurant planned for downtown Batavia and new regulations for short-term rental properties in Kane County.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 15, 2026

January 15 Newsletter: Geneva Restaurant Week returns this weekend

Plus a narrow vote saves the historic Geneva blacksmith shop (for now), a preservation plan emerges for the Barry House in St. Charles, and a new pedestrian bridge across the Fox River.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 12, 2026

January 12 Newsletter: A new restaurant is coming soon to Geneva's east side

Plus a decision looming for Geneva's historic blacksmith shop and a large senior housing community proposed for St. Charles.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 8, 2026

January 8 Newsletter: Understanding Geneva’s police station referendum

Plus a project to improve safety at a major Batavia intersection, St. Charles' vision for 2026, and surging flu cases for the foreseeable future.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 5, 2026

January 5 Newsletter: Spotlight on the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles

Plus a proposal for how to repurpose the old Geneva blacksmith shop, local spots with alcohol-free drinks for Dry January, and Limestone Coffee & Tea sets an opening date for its new location.

Sam Kraft