Long-time Tri-Cities Central readers are likely aware of the historical connection between Batavia and Abraham Lincoln, which we’ve covered in past issues.

Long story short, 10 years after Lincoln's assassination in 1875, his widow Mary Todd Lincoln was declared insane and committed to Bellevue Place in Batavia, which at the time was a mental institution for women. She was released a little more than three months later.

That tale is well documented, but a lesser-known chapter of the story appeared in the news this week.

Well before it confined Mary, the building played a key role in Batavia's failed bid to lure a brand-new university to town back in 1857. In fact, Lincoln himself helped make sure Illinois State went to a rival community instead.

Keep reading to learn how Batavia could’ve become a college town and how Lincoln’s maneuverings may have tipped the scales in Bloomington’s favor.

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Tucked behind Townhouse Cafe in downtown St. Charles is a patio that makes you feel like you’re relaxing in Europe.

In his latest video spotlight, local real estate expert Chris Wallace shows us the patio’s impeccable lunchtime vibes (and why the peach cobbler crumble is worth the indulgence).

He also takes us next door into Townhouse Books, one of St. Charles' beloved independent bookstores. Located in a charming 1853 house that was built for the city’s second mayor, it’s been a community staple since 1974 — definitely worth a visit any time of year.

☑️ Housing help: The new national "ROAD to Housing" law doesn’t include the local zoning mandates that made the Illinois BUILD Act controversial locally, but its full impact is yet to be determined. Here's how it might affect the Tri-Cities.

☑️ Public review period: After using reserve funds in previous years, Kane County's draft 2027 budget (which at this point is balanced without reserves) is now on public display as the board eyes August for a final vote.

☑️ Suspicious activity: Batavia police are warning residents after a stranger offered rides to a woman walking near McKee and Jackson streets in two separate incidents (one in June, one in July).

☑️ Storefront facelifts: Batavia officials recommended a new grant program that would cover up to $25K of exterior upgrade costs for commercial and light-industrial properties near downtown but outside the TIF districts.

☑️ New school officials: The Batavia Board of Education has filled its two vacancies, swearing in Tara Gray and Patrick Ryan after May resignations left the seats open. Learn more about the additions.

☑️ News notes:

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☑️ Community canvas: Batavia's "Peace Out Batavia" mural is being painted one panel at a time, and there's still time to contribute to the piece before its September installation on the Peace Pedestrian Ramp. Get all the details.

☑️ Casino cash for a cause: Kane County just handed out more than $800K in casino-funded grants to support 24 local nonprofits, with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and CASA Kane County getting the biggest checks.

☑️ Civic pride: Geneva is giving away 50 limited-edition America 250 challenge coins to residents who submit a photo celebrating the city's history or patriotism by the end of the month. Learn how it works.

☑️ Riverside brews: Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia shared a photo of its nearly completed riverfront deck behind the brewery building, generating buzz about the soon-to-open outdoor space.

☑️ A weekend for women: The Kane County Forest Preserve is bringing back its Women's Weekend nature retreat (overnight optional) August 29-30 at Camp Tomo Chi Chi in Gilberts, with cooking classes, hikes, campfires, stargazing, crafts, and more.

☑️ Honor a veteran: North Aurora is asking residents to submit photos of loved ones who served for a Veterans Memorial photo wall, part of a broader memorial upgrade at Farview and Willow Way.

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Wherever you reside in the Tri-Cities area, you’ll have easy access to a free outdoor show near you this week — Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles are all hosting public concerts at local parks.

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If some rooms in your house always seem too cool or too warm, it's probably not your furnace or AC’s fault.

In reality, the problem is usually a duct leak. State Automatic, a Batavia-based HVAC company serving the Tri-Cities area, uses a technology that seals those leaks from the inside in just a day — no need to tear up any walls.

They walked us through how common duct leaks are, what they cost homeowners in wasted energy every year, and why it's probably worth checking sooner rather than later.

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☑️ Strength + movement: Glow Lagree, a sister-owned fitness studio that started in Roselle, has opened its second location at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles where it offers low-impact, high-intensity classes (not to be confused with Pilates).

☑️ New local vet: Pet Station Animal Hospital is now open in downtown Elburn, offering a full range of vet services from routine wellness care and surgery to urgent care. The clinic is also looking to partner with local animal rescues.

✳️ Play ball! Both Chicago baseball teams are on hot streaks heading into the second half of the season, and Urban Artisan in Geneva a whole selection of unique Cubs and Sox-themed gear to show off your pride or gift to a fan in your life.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities area — including this $1M, 6K-square-foot home in the Fox Mill subdivision of Campton Hills.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ Public hearings: According to the Daily Herald, Geneva and the Shodeen Mill Race Land Company LLC will have a hearing with an adjudication officer on August 20 at Batavia City Hall about the 1840s blacksmith shop.

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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🎟️ Tri-Cities Dinner Club | Wed 7/22, 6:15PM | Downtown Geneva | Get matched with like-minded locals for dinner at a local restaurant, plus an optional afterparty.

☑️ Sculpture at the Kavanagh: Opening Reception | Thu 7/23, 6PM–8PM | Fine Line Creative Arts Center, STC | Opening reception for a multi-artist sculpture exhibit.

🎟️ Speaker Series: Kathy Evangelista | Thu 7/23, 6:30PM–8:30PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | Kathy presents "Impossible Choices: The Reality of Working and Struggling in Batavia." 

☑️ Dockside Party | Fri 7/24, 5:30PM–7:30PM | Pottawatomie Park, STC | Free all-ages riverboat tours, live music, and yard games along the Fox River at sunset. 

🎟️ Putt & Pour Night | Fri 7/24, 6-8PM | Stone Creek Miniature Golf, Geneva | Minigolf paired with local drinks, live music, and a food truck.

☑️ Down Low Comedy | Fri 7/24, 8PM–10PM | Pollyanna Brewing Company, STC | Free in-person comedy event with humor, good vibes, and tasty beverages.

🎟️ Cocktails in the Park | Sat 7/25, 7PM–10PM | Appleton Park, Batavia | Batavia MainStreet's largest fundraiser features appetizers, live music, and raffle prizes.

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