🌀 Get to know an iconic local landmark

Perched along the Fox River, smack dab in the middle of the Tri-Cities, the Fabyan Windmill is a piece of living history.

Originally built by a German craftsman in the mid-1800s and moved to the Fabyan estate in 1914, the 68-foot wooden windmill is one of the top examples of authentic Dutch millwright work in the U.S.

Over the decades, the landmark has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, graced a U.S. postage stamp, and impressed windmill experts from around the world.

If you’ve never been (or haven’t been in a while), now’s a perfect time to experience this local gem — it’s open for tours on Sundays through September.

Some other fun facts:

• During its grinding days, it was used for wheat, buckwheat and feed — with six different owners over its long existence. Read a detailed history.

• The structure was restored by third-generation Dutch windmill maker Lucas Verbij about 20 years ago before it re-opened to the public in 2005. This year, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is implementing a fire suppression system as part of a grant for protecting and improving the windmill.

• Experts share interesting stories about the windmill — along with footage of the interior — in this three-minute video.

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🏡 Explore local listings — with a trusted guide

Chris Wallace lives here, works here, and loves it here. 

He’s living his dream job, helping folks find their dream homes right here in the Tri-Cities. Whether it’s a riverfront fixer-upper in St. Charles, a quiet cul-de-sac in Geneva, or that perfect front porch in Batavia, Chris knows how to spot the right fit.

His website features property listings organized by city and an easy home valuation tool — useful if you’re casually browsing or seriously thinking about your next move.

Round 2: Tri-Cities “Best Pizza” Bracket

We’re on to Round 2 with eight competitors remaining after two upsets in the first round. Cast your Round 2 votes.

📰 News to use

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☑️ River incident: A kayaker went missing on Tuesday night after a boat capsized near Boy Scout Island in St. Charles. Crews searched the Fox River through the night on Tuesday and still had not located the individual as of Wednesday evening.

☑️ Power play: St. Charles officials are debating whether to sign a 20-year extension with IMEA for power supply or wait to explore cleaner, potentially more flexible alternatives. Get a recap of Monday’s committee discussion on the topic.

🔒 Supermarket makeover: Cinco de Mayo Market will take over the former Berkeley Finer Foods location on Batavia’s east side, keeping many of the same employees and popular items while adding baked goods from its existing Aurora bakery.

☑️ Moving on up: The IDNR is asking northern Illinois residents to report sightings of armadillos, which are gradually expanding their range north due to milder winters. Here’s what you should know.

☑️ Russell returns: Former Kane County Coroner Rob Russell announced his 2026 run for sheriff, highlighting his law enforcement background and plans to expand the county’s forensic lab.

☑️ Traffic updates: Kane County will begin its annual pavement marking program next week (8/4), causing temporary lane closures across the Tri-Cities through September. Utility work on East State Street in Geneva will also begin causing lane closures on Monday (8/4).

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Come on out: Communities across Kane County will host National Night Out events on August 5 — including gatherings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles — to promote neighborhood safety and connect residents with local law enforcement.

☑️ Civic roles: Geneva is seeking residents to fill open volunteer seats on its Historic Preservation Commission and Mental Health Board, with applications due by August 8.

☑️ Civic stories: In the first installment of a new “Area Code: Batavia” podcast series spotlighting city council voices, Ward 3’s Kevin Malone and Alice Lohman discuss navigating neighborhood diversity and what it means to serve in Batavia.

☑️ On display now: The St. Charles History Museum’s new Grounded exhibit explores Indigenous history in the Fox Valley. Open through December, the museum developed the exhibit with input from tribes (including the Prairie Band Potawatomi).

☑️ Power planning: Batavia will host a Utility Town Hall on Monday (8/4) to discuss upcoming infrastructure plans and gather public input on electric priorities like affordability, reliability, and sustainability. The public is encouraged to attend.

☑️ Annual break: The Norris Recreation Center in St. Charles will be closed for deep cleaning and maintenance from August 4-8. Members can enjoy free use of other local fitness facilities during that time period.

🎸 Live music

Exciting weekend lined up, including a performances at Up North Wine Tasting Room in Geneva and the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum & Art Gallery, two shows at the Geneva Commons, and a family-friendly performance at Sturdy Shelter in Batavia on Saturday morning.

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✨ Award-winning brunch at an unbeatable price

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.

💥 Beyond brunch: Check out The Little Traveler’s Summer 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ Deepening roots: St. Charles–based Elder Oaks Farm (which has a farm stand at Primrose Farm) is expanding its reach with fresh produce, community programs, and support from a county grant aimed at strengthening local food systems.

☑️ Retail trail: The STC Business Alliance has launched a year-round “Retail Route” challenge through its Travel St. Charles app, encouraging shoppers to check in at three local stores to earn a tote bag and access exclusive in-store deals.

✳️ Relax. Reset. Repeat: Zen Loft Collective offers massage therapy right inside their downtown Batavia studio. From hot stone to deep tissue work, their licensed therapist helps relieve chronic pain and improve mobility — so you can feel better in your body.

🎯 Got an event to promote? Make sure thousands of locals hear about it with a “Featured Event” listing in upcoming issues of Tri-Cities Central. Learn more here.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ New event series: Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park just kicked off Farm Days — a family-friendly Saturday series running now through October in Maple Park. Expect wine tastings, vineyard views, live music, and even some farm animal cameos.

☑️ One Year Later: Still Fire! | Thurs 7/31 | Stockholm’s, Geneva | The beloved brewpub will mark the anniversary of its 2024 fire by raising money for a great cause.

☑️ Big 30th Celebration | Fri 8/1, 1PM-Late | Prairie Landing Golf Club, West Chicago | A family-friendly festival followed by an adults’ dance party with food and drink.

☑️ North Aurora Days | Fri 8/1 & Sat 8/2 | Riverfront Park, N. Aurora | A community garage sale plus food, beer, live music, kids activities, sports, fireworks, and more.

☑️ Kane County Flea Market | Sat 8/2 & Sun 8/3 | Kane Co. Fairgrounds, STC | It’s not “what treasures will I find?”…it’s “what treasures won’t I find?”

☑️ Super Car Show | Sat 8/2, 11AM-2:30PM | French Med Spa, STC | Witness exotic cars, peruse wellness products, and enjoy food/drinks and live music.

☑️ Con•Café | Sat 8/2, 11AM-2PM | Altiro Latin Fusion, Geneva | A coffee and DJ pop-up with brunch, music, iced lattes, and free mimosas from 11-11:30.

🎟️ Barnyard Bash | Sat 8/2, 11AM | Primrose Farm, STC | Family lawn games, tractor rides, and animal-based activities — plus summer treats.

☑️ Shakespeare in the Park | Sat 8/2, 4-7:30PM | Island Park, Geneva | See a performance of “Much Ado About Nothing” while picnicking with neighbors.

🎟️ Prairie Ecosystems of Kane County | Sun 8/2, 9-11AM | LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, STC | Learn from the experts about the history of our local prairies.

📖 Thanks for reading

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