It’s been too long since we’ve run a nice, juicy poll. Between all the new construction, redevelopment projects, and business comings and goings of late, the timing feels right for a check-in.

As a refresher, here’s a sampling of notable recent activity around the Tri-Cities:

Batavia: Potential River Street redevelopment, Peace Bridge ramp, Tin Shop demolition for a public plaza, several new businesses, other downtown building demolitions, new data center, recent bike path improvements, riverfront affordable housing project.

Geneva: Blacksmith shop and Mill Race Inn saga, mixed-use development on East State Street, residential development on Route 31 north of State, new downtown pavilion planned, public facilities overhaul, 3rd Street restaurant turnover.

St. Charles area: Fox Haven Square, 504 townhomes project, new Whole Foods, Pheasant Run and Charlestowne Mall redevelopment, potential old police station redevelopment, LaFox of Campton Hills development, downtown pedestrian improvements, 1st Street Plaza.

It’s a lot, right? And I’m sure I missed some.

Weigh in with your thoughts below — and please feel free to expand by leaving comments in the “Additional Feedback” box.

Thanks for your input. We’ll report on the results of this poll in a future issue.

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Step inside one of the Tri-Cities’ most storied landmarks with local real estate expert Chris Wallace as he explores the historic Hotel Baker — a downtown icon built nearly a century ago on the banks of the Fox River.

From its Spanish Revival design and glowing Rainbow Room dance floor to its one-of-a-kind architecture and rich local history, Chris shares what makes this 1928 gem truly unlike anything else in the western suburbs.

☑️ Department regroup: In response to recent gun-theft charges against former officers, Campton Hills’ police chief emphasized that the issues stem from past leadership and said new safeguards are in place to restore public trust.

☑️ Peak power planning: Batavia officials reviewed a draft of a long-term electric plan outlining how the city can balance reliability, costs, and sustainability, with public hearings planned for later this year.

☑️ Possible solar site: Officials are considering proposals to lease part of the former jail site on Fabyan Parkway in Geneva for a community solar project, which could generate millions in revenue but sparked debate over other potential uses.

☑️ Recycling awareness: Kane County has joined forces with neighboring counties on a three-year “Feed the Cart” initiative to boost recycling rates and reduce contamination across the region — aiming for meaningful results by 2027.

☑️ Winter predictions: The Old Farmer's Almanac suggests we’ll have a milder-than-normal winter, but AccuWeather is predicting that the Chicago area will double its snowfall totals from last year. Get the full overview.

☑️ Road closures: Streets in downtown Batavia will briefly shut down due to the BatFest Parade on Saturday morning (10/25). Get the details.

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☑️ Spooky spectacle: An Elburn family’s outrageous home haunt — the Kamme-O-Circus — has grown into a fully permitted, circus-themed Halloween maze that draws thousands of visitors and raises donations for the Elburn Fireworks Show.

☑️ EV expansion: Batavia will install a new Level 3 fast-charging station for electric vehicles at the Batavia Public Library, with completion expected in November.

☑️ Documenting heritage: The Kane County Board has created an honorary Local Historian position to not only preserve and analyze the county’s history, but bring it to life through research, interesting experiences, and educational programs.

☑️ Young craftspeople: Geneva High School’s woodworking program has become a career springboard, allowing students to design, build, and sell real products while getting hands-on experience with modern manufacturing technology.

☑️ Safe disposal: Batavia and Geneva police, along with Northwestern Medicine in St. Charles, will host free, anonymous prescription drug take-back events this Saturday (10/25) as part of the national DEA initiative. Get the key details.

✳️ Celebrate your saints: On Sunday, Nov. 2, St. Mark’s Church in Geneva invites you to pause, reflect, and honor the important people you’ve lost. Everyone is welcome at the Feast of All Saints, where you can gather in solidarity and dedicate one of the many candles that will glow in the sanctuary.

Don McClean — yes, that Don McClean — will be performing at the Arcada Theatre on Sunday evening.

His 1971 hit song “American Pie” is one of my all-time favorites (though at more than eight minutes long, I don’t recommend it for karaoke night — speaking from experience). Pretty cool that he’ll be here in the Tri-Cities this weekend.

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Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Autumn Almanack is out! Check out The Little Traveler’s Autumn 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

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☑️ Raring to go: The popular Warehouse 55 vintage shop has completed its move from Aurora to Batavia, with a special holiday market planned for all three days this weekend.

☑️ More Batavia businesses: The new female-owned tattoo parlor Obsidian Ink will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday (10/25) with a day of activities. A new shop called Gifts & Amor is now open at 103 E. Wilson St. as well.

☑️ Boardwalk graduate: Stitched By Stephanie — a 2025 Batavia Boardwalk Shop run by a local crochet creator and instructor — is celebrating the opening of a brick-and-mortar location on 3rd Street in Geneva on Saturday (10/25).

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☑️ Multi-Family Estate Sale | Fri 10/24, 8AM - Sat 10/25, 4PM | 2660 Blackman, Geneva | An everything-must-go sale over two days.

☑️ Cruise Night | Fri 10/24, 4-8PM | Acquaviva Winery, Maple Park | See vintage cars while enjoying wine tastings, food, and live music.

☑️ Immigration Laws & Rights | Fri 10/24, 7PM | UUSG, Geneva | Experts will address confusion and share info regarding federal and local immigration laws.

☑️ Batfest | Sat 10/25, 10AM-2PM | Downtown Batavia | The annual Halloween event is back with performances, costume contests, and plenty of family fun.

☑️ Clearance Sale | Sat 10/25, 10AM-9PM | Platos Closet, Batavia | Get up to 90% off on stylish gently used merchandise.

🎟️ Halloween Heyday | Sat 10/25, 11AM-1PM | Persinger Center, Geneva | A costume parade plus a wide range of kid-friendly activities.

✳️ Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party | Sat 10/25, 12-3PM | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | A daytime dance bash with a DJ for the whole family during and after Batfest!

☑️ Boo After Dark | Sat 10/25, 6-9PM | Corron Farm, Campton Hills | Family activities, costumes, food trucks, live entertainment, and more.

☑️ Homemade Horror Show | Sun 10/26, 3:30 & 5PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | Join the Batavia Paranormal Investigation Squad in a brand new mystery!

☑️ Trunk or Treat Party | Sun 10/26, 4-7PM | Obscurity Brewing, Elburn | Halloween treats, food, drink, and live music.

🎟️ ‘BeWITCHed’ Halloween Dinner | Mon 10/27, 5-9PM | The Graceful Ordinary, STC | A Halloween-themed dinner party benefitting Lazarus House.

🎟️ Victorian Vampire Cocktail Party | Thurs 10/30, 6-9PM | The Victorian Fox, STC | Enjoy a classy night of drinks and apps catered by Le Truff Noir.

🎟️ Bluebeard’s Castle | Sat 11/1, 7:30PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Dramatic opera meets psychological thriller — presented by Fox Valley Opera.

Meet this week’s adorable featured pets from Anderson Humane: Wrigley and Sourpatch Cat.

Wrigley is a three-year-old Chihuahua with a huge heart in a tiny body — playful, affectionate, and always ready for attention or a round of happy zoomies. Sourpatch Cat is a shy, sensitive sweetheart who starts off cautious but turns sweet once he feels safe…perfect for a calm, patient home.

Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s Adoptables page or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.

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