Kane County sees increase in Lyme disease cases as ticks spread north
Kane County reported 42 Lyme disease cases in 2025 (double 2024's count) and health officials say new tick species are moving in from the south, which is contributing to an unusually active tick season.
Great mid-week happy hour options in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles
Weekdays are typically when you find the best local happy hour deals — and if you know where to look, Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles have plenty of solid options waiting for you.
This roundup covers community events happening during the weekend of July 31 through the first two weeks of August 2026 — plus some exciting happenings to look forward to later in the summer.
Officials considering a moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Kane County
Kane County officials are weighing a potential temporary freeze on data center construction in unincorporated areas to allow time for studying environmental impacts and drafting new regulations for the industry.
Batavia continues eyeing Mooseheart land for new rec center and police station
Batavia officials are considering concept plans for a proposal that would put both a new recreation center and police station on 20 acres of Mooseheart land promised to the park district.
Batavia hires architects to inspect condition of 75 historic downtown buildings
Batavia is sending inspectors to check the exteriors of 75 historic downtown buildings this summer as part of a broader push to keep the district well-maintained long-term.
New Batavia schools social media policy: no commenting, no political or religious content
Batavia's school board approved a new social media policy that excludes posts related to political and religious topics and disables commenting on district content after a post earlier this year led to a public controversy.
Village officials approved the redevelopment agreement for the 900-home LaFox of Campton Hills project despite some pushback from the Geneva library and school districts.
A behind-the-scenes look at the local elections process
Kane County Clerk John Cunningham is opening up his office for tours so residents can see exactly how their ballots get counted ahead of the November 3 election.
After avoiding demolition, Barry House in St. Charles gets landmark status
The St. Charles home once slated for demolition to make room for church parking has now been officially landmarked, following a restoration deal that saved it.
Proposed Pheasant Run overhaul includes a Chase Bank, Dutch Bros Coffee, Valvoline, and more
The St. Charles Plan Commission backed a proposal for a major redevelopment of the vacant Pheasant Run site that features Chase Bank, Dutch Bros Coffee, and Valvoline among the first tenants.
Geneva officials approved a 5-megawatt solar farm for a 13-acre site at Fabyan and Kirk, but because the city runs its own electric utility, none of the power will actually go to Geneva homes or businesses.
New Italian restaurant plans opening in historic St. Charles church
The new owners of Nuova Italia restaurant, which is located in an 1850s church building in downtown St. Charles, plan to remodel the space and reopen as "Tranita" — also an Italian restaurant concept.
Batavia is leaning toward a cap on video gaming licenses
Batavia's city council is leaning toward capping video gaming licenses at 14 citywide, with new rules dictating where they can operate and how existing licenses carry over.
Four police officers receive Batavia's highest honor for 2025 rescue
Four Batavia police officers received the department's highest honor for showing extraordinary bravery while rescuing two children from an armed individual during a dangerous encounter last August.
Despite its "better, not bigger" mantra, Elburn keeps growing
Elburn — which was almost named after an Australian city in the 1880s and has seen its population grow 130% since 2000 — is striving to maintain its small-town charm. Here's a brief history and a current snapshot of the Tri-Cities' westerly neighbor.
