The debate over removing dams along the Fox River has been simmering for some time — with few major developments of late.

One recent update worth sharing: Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley — a local organization focused on historic preservation and grass-roots advocacy — has been named a consulting party by the Army Corps of Engineers for the Section 106 review process.

What’s Section 106? Essentially, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal projects to minimize harm to historic sites in the affected area. This can involve various strategies like changing plans, relocating structures or preserving parts of historic buildings.

Of note in this case: The Preservation Partners contacted the Army Corps of Engineers requesting a re-evaluation of the initial Section 106 review, citing concerns that the original 2015 review was based on incomplete information about potentially affected historic sites.

Into the fold: The Army Corps of Engineers responded last month, saying they’ll “revisit Section 106 compliance on a project-by-project basis during the design phase of the project.”

As a consulting party, Preservation Partners will help ensure historic resources are properly considered in the decision-making process.

Need a quick refresh on the Fox River dam debate?

For removal: Supporters argue dam removal will create a more natural, free-flowing river with improved recreation opportunities and environmental benefits. The Friends of the Fox River organization has been a vocal advocate for removal.

Against removal: Opponents fear lower water levels will harm property values, eliminate certain water activities and potentially expose contaminated riverbeds. Over 6K people have signed a petition to keep the St. Charles dam in place.

The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles is also exploring alternatives to full removal that would (in theory) maintain water levels while improving river health.

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☑️ Future focused: Kane County may create its first strategic plan since 2006, creating a living roadmap for the county's future.

🔒 Seasonal spruce-up: The STC school district’s $23M investment in summer construction projects includes renovations and improvements to Lincoln School, the Haines Center, East High School and various elementary schools.

☑️ Geneva construction: Residents looking for info about upcoming road work projects can attend a public meeting at 5PM on Wednesday (7/10) at the Public Works Department. Here’s a map of future project locations.

☑️ Hands-on learning: SciTech in Batavia announced the launch of its new STEM Lab and Classroom featuring fun, interactive courses for kids.

🔒 Impactful program: The Congregational Church of Batavia has been helping disadvantaged folks with low-cost legal advice by launching a Legal Aid Clinic with a local nonprofit.

☑️ Scandinavian VIP: On Friday, Geneva officials and community leaders hosted Masud Gharahkhani, Norway President of the Storting (Parliament), giving him a tour of the Viking Ship at Good Templar Park. See photos here.

☑️ IPass update: State Sen. Don DeWitte and Rep. Dan Ugaste will be helping local folks upgrade their plastic IPASS transponders to new stickers during a Wednesday (7/10) event at their St. Charles office.

☑️ Music in River Park: Geneva has unveiled the lineup for its weekly Concerts in the Park series, which kicks off this Wednesday (7/10).

☑️ Trending local brews: Pollyanna Brewing’s Summerly Ale and Art History Brewing’s Punting English Summer Ale were featured in Binny’s “Beer Buzz” report of hot new seasonal arrivals.

☑️ Outdoorsy day: At Prairie Strips Field Day on 7/25 in Geneva, you can learn about a special conservation practice using native plants that protects soil and water while providing habitat for wildlife (must register by 7/15).

As mentioned above, Geneva has joined Batavia and St. Charles in launching a weekly concert series (for July only it seems) down at River Park.

Make sure to check these listings for updates throughout the week before finalizing your plans.

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🎟️ Windy City Warbirds & Classics Airshow | Thurs 7/11 - Sat 7/13 | Fox Valley Aero Club, STC | All-day exhibition of military and civilian classic airplanes.

☑️ Geneva Classic Car Show | Thurs 7/11, 5-8PM | Kane County Courthouse, Geneva | Enjoy live music and a showcase of sweet vintage rides.

🎟️ The Dinner Party: Italian Summer | Thurs 7/11, 6-9PM | The Hallow Traveler, Batavia | A curated dinner with great cocktails and conversation.

☑️ Movie in the Park: Barbie | Thurs 7/11, 8:30PM | Moore Park, Geneva | Enjoy the blockbuster hit outdoors on a summer night.

☑️ Windmill City Fest | Fri 7/12 - Sun 7/14 | Downtown Batavia | The annual Boo Boo Days festival is back and better than ever!

🎟️ Stanley’s Park Pursuit | Fri 7/12, 5:30PM | Pottawatomie Park, STC | Compete in family-friendly physical and puzzle games for a chance to win a big prize.

🎟️ Til Death Do Us Part! | Sat 7/13, 6-10PM | Copper Fox, Geneva | An exciting murder-mystery event with dinner and drinks.

🎟️ Windmill Whirl | Sun 7/14, 7AM | Downtown Batavia | A 5K run/walk on the final morning of Windmill City Fest.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles — including this $988K home on Campbell Street near downtown Geneva.

☑️ Local obits: During the past week, Tri-Cities funeral homes posted obituary information for several individuals in the area.

☑️ City Council meeting: Geneva will hold a special meeting this evening to consider approving a tax increment redevelopment plan for the Southeast Master Plan Redevelopment Project Area (among other items).

➡️ Here’s the meeting agenda.

🌩️ Today: High 79F | Low 66F | Clouds + a storm

🌤️ Tuesday: High 82F | Low 66F | Muggy

🌧️ Wednesday: High 79F | Low 63F | Gloomy + showers

🌤️ Thursday: High 83F | Low 62F | Nice day finally

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