February 16 Newsletter: Introducing the 2026 class of Batavia Boardwalk Shops

Plus a new childcare center planned for St. Charles, a water quality alert in Elburn, and a fun visit from regional radio personalities to a local high school.

Brother Chimp to host two beer dinner and limited whiskey release events at both locations

Brother Chimp Brewing is hosting a multi-course beer dinner and releasing a limited collaboration bourbon at both its North Aurora and St. Charles locations within the next couple of weeks.

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: February 16-19

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

Tri-Cities Obituaries: February 16, 2026

Illinois EPA issues PFAS detection notice for Elburn water customers

An Illinois EPA news release says PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”) were detected above state standards in the Elburn Community Water System, triggering a legal requirement to notify residents.

A new childcare center is being planned for Prairie Centre in St. Charles

St. Charles officials are expected to approve plans for The Gardner School, a new 12K-square-foot childcare facility proposed along Route 38 in the Prairie Centre development.

St. Charles North turns a radio rivalry into a feel-good school visit

St. Charles North High School welcomed US 99.5 Chicago radio personalities for a spirited visit after a producer jokingly reignited a long-running rivalry tied to a 2008 soccer championship loss.

What we learned from recent Kane County candidate forums

During a recent League of Women Voters forum in Batavia, Kane County candidates for sheriff and county board shared how they would approach staffing, budgets, public trust, mental health services, and the county’s long-term priorities if elected.

Kane County Forest Preserve District announces spring birding programs

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County announced a slate of spring birding programs running March through May at forest preserves across the county.