📸 See the Tri-Cities through Drew Pertl’s unique lens

Shortly after discovering Drew Pertl’s photography, I knew it was something TCC readers would want to see.

Like him, I grew up in the Tri-Cities — but I had never seen Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles through the distinctive lens his photos provide.

The timing to share this is perfect: Drew was a recent guest on the “What’s Up St. Charles” podcast and exhibited in the St. Charles Fine Arts Show over Memorial Day weekend. Plus, he was just named one of the best photographers in Kane County by Shaw Media.

A third-generation STC resident, the city is hardcoded into his DNA. He loves the public art, the brewery and dining scene, the Fox River trail and everything else the community has to offer.

His life experiences ensure he takes none of it for granted.

“As a survivor of four open-heart surgeries, I have a daily reminder that every moment on this earth should be cherished,” Drew said. “I’m honored to capture the charm of the Fox Valley one moment at a time."

That unique perspective and local familiarity add both flair and nuance to his photos…allowing him to capture subtle details in the Fox River landscapes, city vistas, downtown streets, local parks and historic buildings he photographs.

The drone photos in particular make you view these communities in an entirely new light — whether you’re a newcomer or you’ve lived here for decades. According to Drew, that’s intentional.

"I’m driven by both a sense of pride in my community as well as a sincere desire to find beauty in every moment,” he said.

Check out the galleries on his website featuring Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and several surrounding communities. All of that work is available for purchase.

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🏠 The White Sox and your roof: Two things you don’t want to gamble on

These storms that have hit the Tri-Cities lately…crazy, right?

I climbed onto the roof and did a quick maintenance check after we got pelted by hail last week. The roof’s old, so I worry about it.

But that’s the beauty of a new, state-of-the-art roof — you can rest easy knowing your home is protected from the harsh Midwest elements. If you get anxious when you see a storm rolling in, it’s probably time to do something about it.

The seasoned roofing contractors at 212° Construction Group are here for you when that time comes. Tell them TCC sent you and they’ll give you a great deal on a new roof this summer.

📰 News to use

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☑️ No laughing matter: Batavia’s Comedy Vault canceled comedian Michael Rapaport’s upcoming shows due to safety concerns and planned protests from a pro-Palestinian group. Here’s Comedy Vault’s statement.

☑️ Safety enforcement: The Tri-Cities traffic safety initiative over Memorial Day weekend resulted in 290 driver stops for speeding and other violations. The Illinois State Police will conduct additional enforcement through June.

☑️ Bankruptcy auction: A Winnetka-based private equity firm emerged as the top bidder for Oberweis Dairy at “somewhere north of $20 million.”

☑️ Compensation changes: The Kane County Board voted last week to give board members a 20% salary bump — but not to raise the chairman’s pay.

🔒 Official resignation: After 14 years serving Batavia’s City Council, 3rd Ward Alderman Dan Chanzit plans to retire and focus on his business.

☑️ Stagnant pay: A new report suggests that public school teachers in Illinois earn five percent less than they did a decade ago (adjusted for inflation). See the average salaries for local teachers.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Artistic accolades: The STC Business Alliance has announced the winners of the 2024 Fine Art Show, including a “Best of Show” honor for Gary Stretar. See who else scored big.

☑️ Pride flag flying: St. Charles is hosting a flag-raising ceremony for Pride Month today (6/3) at 5:45PM to promote acceptance and support for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

☑️ Living history: Batavia celebrated the opening of the Depot Museum’s new History Garden — a free outdoor botanical exhibit located on the riverwalk.

☑️ Geneva updates: The Historic Preservation Commission approved a demolition at 117 S. River Lane, plus the city announced a public hearing for the MIF Geneva Park development on Monday, 6/17.

☑️ Wellness wisdom: The Kane County Health Department produces a monthly “HealthTalk” podcast exploring community health and wellness in our area. The newest episode tackles self-care and mental well-being.

🎸 Live music

STC Live is back! St. Charles’ summer music initiative features 40 free live performances at 1st Street Plaza and various local establishments every Wednesday and Friday evening through August.

We’ll feature all of these performances in our weekly live music roundups. The program kicks off with Cole Brandt at 1st Street Plaza this Wednesday. If you can’t make it, you can choose from plenty of other shows happening throughout the week.

🏬 Local biz

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☑️️ Bonus bounty: To celebrate its 30th season, the Batavia Farmers Market will be open on Wednesday evenings from 5-8PM starting this week (June 5).

☑️️ Party time: Rookies Pub in Geneva (adjacent to the Fox Valley Ice Arena on Kirk Road) celebrated the grand opening of its slick new patio on Friday. Another local outdoor live music spot!

☑️️ Area Code Batavia: Listen to a conversation with Austin Dempsey, the CEO of BEI Commercial Real Estate, about Batavia's rich history and its culture of collaboration and support.

☑️ Fox Valley expansion: The owners of The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles plan to open a “European-inspired cafe and pasticceria” in early 2025 in downtown Aurora.

☑️ Java debut: Northern Coffee Co. — a mobile coffee cart business — celebrated its grand opening this weekend in the lobby of Hearth & Hammer in downtown Batavia.

🗓️ Events + things to do

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☑️ The Girl Who Wore Freedom | Wed 6/5, 1PM & 6PM | Charlestowne Cinema, STC | See a special documentary featuring untold stories of D-Day from the people who lived through the historic event.

☑️ Meet Friends of the Fox River | Wed 6/5, 6-8PM | Riverside Pizza & Pub, STC | State Rep. Matt Hansen will host a meet n’ greet and session about how FOTFR protects the health of the river.

☑️ Movies in the Park | Thurs 6/6, 6-8PM | Moore Park, Geneva | Watch “Trolls Band Together” under the stars. A food vendor will be there, too.

☑️ Safe & Smart Bicycling | Fri 6/7, 5:30PM | Timber Trails Park, STC | A fun way for kids to learn the basics of bike safety, plus a group ride and a raffle.

🎟️ New Pickleball Leagues | 6/23 - 7/28 | Norris Center, STC | Registration is now open for both beginner and competitive leagues.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: Residential property sales for the week ending May 25 included 13 in Batavia, 10 in Geneva and four in St. Charles — including this home on West Lane in Geneva for $660K.

☑️ Local obituaries: During the past week, Tri-Cities funeral homes posted obituary information for several individuals in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles.

☑️ Civic happenings: All three City Councils have meetings tonight. View the agendas — Batavia | Geneva | St. Charles

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌩️ Today: High 85F | Low 67F | Storm possible

🌥️ Tuesday: High 82F | Low 67F | Warm n’ breezy

🌩️ Wednesday: High 80F | Low 61F | Sun + storms

🌤️ Thursday: High 72F | Low 56F | Sun + windy

📖 Thanks for reading!

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