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If you feel like the pace of the dam removal conversation in the Tri-Cities has slowed down in recent months, you’re probably not alone.

Local municipalities didn’t necessarily intend for the proposed removal activities to lose momentum. Instead, it’s the result of a pause from the federal government due to a funding lapse and ongoing “administrative review.”

Though St. Charles did recently take a formal stance on keeping its dam impoundment in place, the pause has essentially stalled action in other communities around the Fox Valley.

Batavia, meanwhile, owns its dam outright and is leaning toward eventually taking it down, but insurance requirements and that lack of funding certainty will need to be sorted out. Geneva has chosen to stay in the federal study without committing either way, waiting to see where the data lands before making a call.

Read on for a breakdown of where each city stands, a history of our local dams, and what local paddlers and river advocates think should happen next.

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There aren’t many truly local garbage companies left. This is one of them.

When Tri-Cities homeowners need a dumpster, they call Midwest Waste — not a national chain, not a call center, and not a company that buries fees in the fine print.

Midwest Waste is locally owned, locally staffed, and known for helping local residents and businesses choose exactly what they need — whether that’s a quick garage clean-out or a full-scale remodel.

Clear pricing. Real answers. Reliable service. If you’re planning a project this spring or summer, you already know who to call.

☑️ School referendum official: St. Charles voters will decide whether to green light a $282.5M school building bond this November, after the D303 board voted on Monday to place the referendum on the ballot.

☑️ Property taxes: Kane County's board approved a roughly $2.3M property tax levy hike for 2027 to help balance its new $402.9M budget, though five members voted no.

☑️ Pedestrian upgrades: Geneva officials approved a Route 31 deal with IDOT for a new bus pad, sidewalk, ADA curb ramps, and a mid-block crossing near Fargo Boulevard where a section of sidewalk has been closed.

☑️ Early returns: Hollywood Casino Aurora's new $360M campus pulled in more than $17.4M and nearly 156K visitors in July, its first full month on dry land. Learn more about its early success.

☑️ Severe weather response: Kane County is using data from July's historic flooding to improve flood hazard models and launch a new public portal for reporting flood damage in preparation for future severe storms.

☑️ News notes:

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☑️ Dine for a purpose: Project Mobility's Long Table Dinner returns to the Fox River in St. Charles on Sunday (8/23) for a community celebration and culinary experience supporting local individuals with disabilities.

☑️ Food, art & fun: Tri-Cities Canstruction just opened team registration for its first-ever canned food sculpture competition, which will be held at Waubonsee Community College in February 2027 and result in thousands of cans donated to local food pantries.

☑️ Centennial music series: The Norris Cultural Arts Center's 2026-27 season will celebrate the Baker Community Center's centennial with a lineup of 1920s-themed concerts in downtown St. Charles.

☑️ Huge turnout: More than 28K people packed into the Kane County Fairgrounds last weekend for the fourth annual Chicagoland Halal Festival, which featured 140+ specialty vendors, camel rides, and a headline concert.

☑️ Avian rescue: A St. Charles wildlife nonprofit recently came to the rescue after it was notified of an osprey stuck dangling upside down from a South Elgin cell tower, climbing up to rescue the bird (which was miraculously injury-free).

☑️ New fire officials: Geneva's new fire chief and deputy chief will be sworn in on Monday (8/17), and residents will have a chance to meet them first at an open house at City Hall.

✳️ Sounds of Sunday: Vibrant music plays a key role in the St. Mark's experience, and the Geneva church is opening its doors this fall to showcase its professional-level music program and growing, multigenerational choir — all led by the prestigious organist Dr. Lance Peeler.

Lots of familiar performers in this weekend’s lineup, but also quite a few new faces. Should be a nice opportunity to switch things up by seeing a new show or trying a different spot.

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For your next meeting, maybe you should ditch the soulless conference room and opt for the smell of fresh coffee, a cozy cafe vibe, and an array of tasty treats for the group to enjoy.

The meeting room at Maple Leaf Coffee House in St. Charles is yours to book weekday mornings through early afternoon. Comfortably seating 10 to 15 people, it comes with fast wifi, and they’ll even waive the reservation fee if your group buys food and drink to cover the hourly rate.

Interested in Mahjong? Check out Maple Leaf’s friendly monthly Mahjong group, open to beginners and experienced players alike. Get more info on the club.

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☑️ A taste of Mexico: Gallo Santo, a new family-owned Mexican restaurant, is aiming to open this year in the former Rehm's Electric space in downtown St. Charles with help from a $30K city grant.

✳️ The best local brunch: The Little Traveler's Sunday brunch has been a Tri-Cities tradition for decades — and at $13, it's one of the area's best deals. Omelets, Swedish pancakes, Crab Cakes Benedict, and more. Check out the Sunday brunch menu before you visit.

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☑️ German Car Breakfast Bash | Sat 8/15, 9-11AM | The Evergreen Pub & Grill, STC | Show off your German ride and meet fellow car enthusiasts over breakfast.

☑️ Fox & Found Collective Market | Sat 8/15, 10AM-4PM | The Rustic Fox, N. Aurora | Shop over 100 vendors and boutiques with live music all day.

☑️ Battle of the Badges | Sat 8/15, 10AM–4PM | East Side Sports Complex, STC | See the sixth annual law enforcement charity softball tournament benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. 

☑️ State Street Artisan Market | Sat 8/15, 12PM–5PM | Art History Brewing, Geneva | Free family-friendly market featuring a dozen local artists and handmade goods. 

🎟️ Brewery Brawl 4 | Sat 8/15, 5PM–7PM | Obscurity Brewing, Elburn | Live pro wrestling from POWW Entertainment with a full roster of outdoor action. 

☑️ Cruise-In Car Show | Sat 8/15, 5PM–8PM | Geneva Commons | Classic cruise-in show with DJ Tony, an awards ceremony, and free goodies.

☑️ Line Dancing Night | Sat 8/15, 7PM–11PM | Obscurity Brewing, Elburn | Outdoor line dancing with lessons plus a whiskey tasting and face painting.

☑️ In Harmony: Batavians Making Music | Sat 8/15–Sun 11/22 | Batavia Depot Museum | Opening of fall exhibit celebrating Batavia's bands, choirs, and ensembles over the years.

✳️ Yoga with Puppies | Sun 8/16, Various Times | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Absolutely adorable beginner yoga with adoptable puppies in support of a great cause. 

☑️ Plein Air 2026: Painters Around Town | Mon 8/17–Sun 8/23 | Downtown STC | Third annual weeklong outdoor painting event with 65 artists throughout St. Charles.

🎟️ Charity Golf Outing | Mon 8/24, 10AM–4PM | Eagle Brook Country Club, Geneva | 23rd annual golf outing supporting 29 local charities with raffles and giveaways.

Introducing this week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane:

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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