🦅 A bird’s-eye view of the Tri-Cities

Ever wonder what our Fox River communities look like from above?

Thanks to a recent sky tour with a local flight school, I had the unique (and exhilarating) opportunity to take in those views from a two-seater, light-sport aircraft.

It was an unique experience to say the least — resulting in some cool footage of our Fox River communities. Check out the video:

Freedom Flying Company operates in Sugar Grove out of Aurora Municipal Airport, offering flight training services for both aspiring pilots and enthusiastic hobbyists.

Chief Instructor Jack Maechtle has carved out a sweet spot: A professional yet approachable flight school for aspiring pilots, recreational aviators and everyone in between.

They even host a free “Ground School” series (sessions every Saturday morning, open to the public) covering the basics of becoming a licensed pilot — as well as 30-minute discovery flights.

Prior to visiting the facility, I didn’t realize just how accessible this type of aviation could be. All right here in our backyard.

📰 News to use

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Future of Route 25: Batavia has brought in consultants to help with the South River Street Corridor Plan, which will be used to guide development and investment for the next decade. Learn more and provide input.

🔒 Fielding questions: Candidates for local office recently participated in forums for the Kane County Board chair and Kane County State’s Attorney races — making their cases for why they deserve voters' support.

☑️ Downtown project: For the fourth time, Geneva officials have approved a plan extension for the mixed-use commercial and residential development proposed at the former Duke & Lee’s site near the train station.

☑️ Pride of the Fox: Meet the four St. Charles school district grads who will be recognized in November as the Distinguished Alumni Class of 2024 for their achievements and contributions to the community.

☑️ Avoid the area: Prepare for congestion and delays on East Side Drive in Geneva through October 14 due to a road resurfacing project.

🔒 Narcotics case: A former Batavia alderman was charged with possession of methamphetamine and other drugs — though he claims the drugs belong to two employees living in his home, not him.

🏘️ In the community

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Another light show: The Northern Lights were again visible in communities across our area earlier this week. You can scroll through this this Facebook group to see stunning photos.

☑️ Foundational feedback: The City of Geneva is kicking off a community engagement initiative to help determine how to best address challenges posed by its aging infrastructure. Learn more here and provide input via this survey through Friday (10/11).

🔒 Pond predicament: Mill Creek residents have voiced concerns over a smelly, algae-covered retention pond bordering their properties — and want the property owner to take better care of it.

☑️ Valley Sheltered Workshop: Not only is VSW gearing up for its annual Hog Wild for VSW Pig Roast event on 10/19, but the Batavia nonprofit announced that it’s expanding its services to Montgomery.

☑️ Healing hunger: CHIP IN Batavia, Fox Valley Christian Church and Chicken Salad Chick are collaborating on a food drive benefitting BPS101 families. See how to donate and which items are needed.

🎸 Live music

Well, we’re entering mid-October and the opportunities to catch some outdoor live music haven’t yet disappeared — quite the contrary. Discover where to go for that, not to mention a jam-packed weekend of shows at the theaters in St. Charles.

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

🍴Fall finds & fresh edges at The Little Traveler

Prepare for the holidays with precision! The Little Traveler’s Knife Sharpening expert will be at the store on Saturday (10:30AM-2:30PM) ready to sharpen kitchen knives, household & fabric scissors, and garden tools — just in time for holiday hosting season.

💥 Bonus: Explore room to room to discover the store’s latest fall finds.

🛍️ Local biz

☑️ Flavors of Mexico: Tía Carmen, a new Mexican restaurant that’s set to take over the former Sergio’s Cantina location in Geneva, announced October 15 as the date of its soft opening.

☑️ Sipping and science: Smarty Pants Cafe in Batavia was awarded a $2,500 STEM grant that it will use to create a dedicated space for young science enthusiasts within the coffee shop.

🗓️ Events & things to do

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. 

☑️️ STC Scarecrow Weekend | Fri 10/11, 12PM - Sun 10/13, 5PM | Downtown STC | A one-of-a-kind autumn festival featuring 100+ scarecrows on display.

🎟️ Ghoulish Golf | Fri 10/11, 4PM - Sun 10/13, 9PM | River View Mini Golf, STC | Putt-putt with spooky surprises!

🎟️ Superman II Weekend | Fri 10/11, 7:30PM - Sat 10/12, 4PM | Emagine Batavia | Superman star actress Sarah Douglas will be in town for a variety of exciting events.

☑️️ Second Fridays | Fri 10/11, 6-9PM | Batavia Arts District | A delightful blend of live music, local art, food/drink and shopping.

☑️️ Thriller on 38 | Fri 10/11, 7PM | Vargo’s Dance, Geneva | The one-of-a-kind annual zombie dance performance now has a legit stage!

☑️️ Empty Bowls for Food | Sat 10/12, 9AM-4PM | Batavia Boardwalk Shops | Volunteer woodturners will be selling bowls and other handcrafted items.

🎟️ Needle Felting Pumpkin Workshop | Sat 10/12, 2-4PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Create a unique felted pumpkin and all supplies will be provided.

☑️️ VFW Oktoberfest | Sat 10/12, 6PM | Batavia VFW | Fest season continues with stein-hoisting, music, food and more. Prost!

☑️️ Suicide Prevention Fundraiser | Mon 10/14, 10AM-9PM | Batavia Creamery | Grab some ice cream and support a wonderful cause.

🎟️ Wine Pairing - Creative Bites & Flights | Mon 10/14, 6PM | Preservation, Geneva | Four delicious appetizers served with flavorful wines in the revamped front lounge.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Today: High 75F | Low 47F | Picture perfect

🌤️ Friday: High 84F | Low 54F | Record-setting

☀️ Saturday: High 70F | Low 48F | Cooling down

💨 Sunday: High 58F | Low 38F | Super windy

📖 Thanks for reading

✅ Not signed up yet? Subscribe here. 

🚀 Interested in advertising? Get more info here.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please spread the word and/or leave a review!