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Happy Thursday!
The details aren’t yet publicly available, but it sounds like an Italian restaurant operator is planning to move into the former Little Owl space in downtown Geneva.
That being said, different plans have materialized and fallen through over the past few years, so we’ll see what happens.
Join the investigation: About 30 inquisitive neighbors have already signed up for the Tri-Cities Murder Mystery in Geneva next Wednesday, Oct. 28, and registration closes in a few days. Grab your spot before the case goes cold!
📮 Need to contact me with questions, tips or suggestions? Get in touch here.
LEAD STORY
Your local election guide
Election Day is coming up quick.
Local voters are weighing in on Illinois House and Senate races, several contested Kane County board seats, and other key county offices. St. Charles-area residents will also vote on a referendum deciding whether the school district can borrow $282.5 million for school facility projects.
It can be a lot to sort out, so we put together a high-level guide to the key local races and ballot questions.
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A spacious, secluded Geneva gem minutes from Third Street
If you’ve been on the lookout for a newer home near downtown Geneva, this one’s worth a look.
Built in 2020, this 617 Riverbank Court townhome is tucked away on a tree-lined street, minutes from downtown Geneva, Batavia, and the Fox River. Tri-Cities realtor Chris Wallace has it listed at $589,900.
With 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, custom walk-in closets, and more than 2,000 square feet, there’s plenty of room to spread out. The finished basement with a dry bar and flexible space for a gym or office is a nice touch, too.
This one won’t last long — get a full video tour here.
Below are the most clicked stories from our last newsletter issue.
☑️ Haunted hotel: With spooky season in full swing, here’s a look at the history behind St. Charles’ Hotel Baker and the ghostly legends that have surrounded the local landmark for decades.
☑️ Disturbing discovery: A 25-year-old Geneva man faces several counts of possessing child sexual abuse material after Kane County officials found images and videos on his phone while investigating a string of vandalized license plate readers.
☑️ State Street update: Geneva public works staff said that eastbound East State Street lanes are on track to reopen around Thanksgiving — and construction will take a break during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods.
☑️ Incentive deal: St. Charles officials advanced a $3.5 million TIF agreement for the Shops at Pheasant Run that would reimburse the developer for eligible costs through property tax revenue generated by the project.
☑️ A step toward solar: The Kane County Board approved a special use permit for a solar farm on a Tanner Road property next to North Aurora homes — despite the village's objection to the project.
☑️ Namesake woods grows: The Forest Preserve District of Kane County just added 33 acres to Bliss Woods, protecting the original heart of the woodland that gave Sugar Grove its name.
☑️ Local race: Property taxes and data centers are among the top issues in the race between Edgardo Perez (R) and Jared Ploger (D) for the open 42nd District Illinois Senate seat, which covers parts of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles. See where each candidate stands.
☑️ Halloween schedule: Tri-Cities area communities have announced trick-or-treating hours — Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, and Campton Hills are going from 3-7PM, Elburn from 4-8PM, and North Aurora from 4:30-8PM.
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Local artist Andria Burchett (left) with a student
☑️ Local artist profile: Andria Burchett went from teaching neighbors in her basement to running Beech Tree Studio in Geneva, where five weekly colored pencil classes are built on a key principle: anyone willing to learn can draw. Read the full profile.
☑️ Bat signal deployed: BatFest takes over downtown Batavia on Saturday (10/24) with trick-or-treating at 60+ businesses, festive performances, a community parade, and costume contests for kids and pets. Get all the details.
☑️ Ballpark bazaar: Shoppers and browsers packed into Northwestern Medicine Field (where the Cougars play) last weekend to see 140 artisan vendors during the first-ever Festival of Arts and Crafts — and some want to see it return next year.
☑️ Financial guidance: The Batavia Park District is offering low-cost classes for seniors on avoiding scams, retirement planning, protecting investments, and understanding Medicare — most sessions are just $5 at the Callahan Community Center.
✳️ Girls’ night, reimagined: Forget the small talk — spend an evening laughing, swapping stories, and recharging with other women at the Sacred Woman Collective’s Girls’ Night Out Circle, happening Oct. 30 at Zen Loft Collective in Batavia.
☑️ High school football playoffs: As part of the new expanded bracket, St. Charles East (3-6) opens on the road at Elk Grove on Friday at 6:30PM, while St. Charles North (5-4) hosts McHenry on Saturday at 1PM. Geneva (8-1) and Batavia (7-2) earned opening-round byes and will host their first playoff games next weekend.
Any Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds fans out there? You may want to check out Proudest Monkey at Pollyanna this weekend — I’ve heard they put on a great show.
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Honor a loved one on All Saints Day
All Saints Day isn’t just for famous, historic Christian figures. It’s about honoring the beloved people in our own lives who have passed on.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva is opening its doors to the community for The Feast of All Saints on Sunday, Nov. 1 — a morning to reflect and give thanks for the people who have touched our lives. There will be three services: 8AM in the historic Chapel, plus 9AM and 10:30AM in the main church.
Want to honor someone specific? Remembrance candles are available for $3 in the main church Narthex on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8:45-11:45AM. Each one will be placed and lit during the Nov. 1 services. Come one, come all. No need to be a member.
☑️ Third Street arrival: Audyn Boutique is opening a downtown Geneva storefront (its second location) with a celebration on Saturday (10/24), where the first 50 shoppers get a free gift bag from the women’s clothing and accessory shop.
☑️ Industrial expansion: Food container manufacturer CuBE Packaging is investing more than $30M to expand its St. Charles plant, adding local manufacturing jobs as it grows in the Fox Valley area.
☑️ Restaurant planned: St. Charles officials approved a liquor license for ROHO 312, an Indo-Asian restaurant that plans to open downtown once the owners finish building out the space. A city memo shows they’re planning two bars and outdoor seating.
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🎟️ Hutti Halloween | Fri 10/23, 7PM-10PM | Geneva Wine Cellar, Geneva | Wine, live magic, music, raffles and silent auction benefiting Muscular Dystrophy Association.
🎟️ Halloween Hayday | Sat 10/24, 10AM-1PM | Persinger Recreation Center, Geneva | Costume parade and contest, bounce houses, science activities, and hayrides.
☑️ BatFest 2026 | Sat 10/24, 10AM-2PM | Peg Bond Center, Batavia | Free Halloween family event with trick-or-treating, music, dance, and pet costume contests.
☑️ Pond-O-Ween | Sat 10/24, 11AM-1PM | Aqualand, STC | Family trick-or-treating around the ponds with games, animals, and goodie bags.
🎟️ Flannels on the Fox Pub Crawl | Sat 10/24, 1PM-6PM | Downtown STC | Fourth annual flannel pub crawl with drink specials, games, prizes, and a raffle.
🎟️ Bourbon Social 2026 | Sat 10/24, 6PM-8PM | Liquor ’n’ Wine, STC | 5th annual benefit for CASA Kane County with tastings, food, live music, raffles.
🎟️ Halloween Costume Party | Sat 10/24, 6PM-11PM | Geneva Winery, Batavia | Live music, games and costume prizes for across several categories.
🎟️ Inaugural Pumpkin Bowl | Sun 10/25, 12PM | The Evergreen Pub & Grill, STC | All ages bowl with pumpkins, benefiting Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.
🎟️ Spooky Boo Bingo | Sun 10/25, 1PM-3PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | Batavia Woman’s Club hosts bingo, with proceeds supporting the Imagination Library.
🎟️ Homemade Horror Show 2026 | Sun 10/25, 6PM-8:30PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | 4th annual kitschy horror film showing from local filmmakers.
☑️ An Evening with Elizabeth Gonzalez James | Mon 10/26, 7PM-8:30PM | Arcada Theatre, STC | Bestselling author discusses The Bullet Swallower, followed by a book signing.
Looking ahead
🎟️ Jolly Jingle Mix & Mingle Girls Night Out | Thu 11/5, 5PM-8PM | The Little Traveler, Geneva | Exclusive shopping specials, wine, snacks, and live music.
Pets of the week
Introducing this week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane:
Junie B is a beautiful Hound mix with strikingly bright orange eyes. Behind those gorgeous eyes is a sweet girl who is curious, gentle, and ready to find someone she can trust.
Starr is a a beautiful 1-year-old Domestic Shorthair with a gorgeous coat. This sweet and gentle girl has a lovely, easygoing personality and enjoys nothing more than getting cozy and soaking up affection.
Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit andersonhumane.org or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.
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