When David Koechner swings through Batavia to perform at the Comedy Vault, you know he’s not staying holed up in his hotel room — he likes to get out into the community. 

The longtime comedian and actor, best known for his roles in “The Office” and “Anchorman,” seems to have developed an affection for the Tri-Cities area during return visits to perform at the club. 

This weekend was no different. Between sold-out trivia and standup shows, he was spotted grabbing coffee at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, chatting with locals, and talking shop in the green room with comedy club staff. 

This seems to have become a fun trend; last time he performed at the Comedy Vault, I recall seeing social posts of him out and about downtown and posing for photos in St. Charles restaurants. 

In an interview over the weekend, he mentioned that he even carved out time to explore Fermilab — the globally renowned research center on the east side of Batavia. 

“The building is like a temple to science, beautiful and awe-inspiring,” he told the interviewer.

And it doesn’t appear to be an act, considering he referenced the “Windmill City” nickname and said he loves to wander around to check out local architecture.

The celebrity also did a TV interview on WGN Chicago before appearing in several social media posts around town.

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Fox Valley Ophthalmology has been helping Tri-Cities families see clearly for decades — and now they’ll be bringing the next generation of lens technology to town.

The newly FDA-authorized Essilor Stellest™ lenses are designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in kids…pretty cool stuff. It’s part of FVO’s comprehensive service lineup that includes everything from advanced cataract surgery and retina care to LASIK, cosmetic treatments, and routine eye exams for all ages.

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☑️ Classroom concerns: Parents attending the latest St. Charles School Board meeting demanded stronger safety measures after a string of reported behavioral incidents at Fox Ridge Elementary impacted students and staff.

🔒 Local protest: Thousands of residents lined Randall Road in Geneva for a “No Kings” rally on Saturday, joining a nationwide day of protests that describes itself as a movement for defending democracy against authoritarianism.

☑️ Prime real estate: St. Charles is calling on developers to pitch bold new ideas for the final piece of its First Street redevelopment — a prime downtown lot that could help shape the future of the business and entertainment district.

☑️ Cop scandal: Four current and former Campton Hills police officers, including the ex-chief, have been indicted on felony charges for allegedly stealing and selling guns from the department’s evidence room over several years.

☑️ Budget blowback: Kane County’s top public safety officials are warning that proposed 2026 budget cuts could slash dozens of staff positions, reduce services that residents rely on, and expose the county to legal and public-safety risks.

☑️ Downtown site renewal: Batavia is accepting redevelopment proposals for the Larson Becker East site on North River Street, aiming for a mixed-use project that enhances downtown and builds on the city’s riverfront growth plans.

☑️ Spring prep: Volunteers gathered at Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles on Saturday to plant 5K daffodil bulbs as part of “Project Daffodil,” a community beautification effort that has now added more than 25K blooms to the park since it started.

☑️ Wildly impressive: Midnight on Morton is one of the area’s most extravagant annual home Halloween displays — and it’s now in fully glory. Head over to check it out at 714 Morton Street in Batavia and get a preview on their Facebook page.

☑️ Distractions down: St. Charles high schools are seeing early success with their new cell-phone policy, reporting significant declines in device misuse, more engaged classrooms, and improved social interaction among students.

☑️ Spooky spirit: From trick-or-treating to pumpkin carving and a special parents’ night out, the St. Charles Park District has a variety of family-friendly events coming up to close out Halloween season.

☑️ Mail clarification: After a recent plumbing letter using the city’s logo was sent to Geneva residents, officials clarified that it was not sent by the city. Homeowners interested in the sanitary sewer lining reimbursement program should contact Public Works.

☑️ Timely giveaway: Costume hunting? The Geneva Park District will be giving away costumes from past theater and dance productions from 4-6PM on Wednesday (10/22) at Sunset Community Center (710 Western Ave).

Great to see the former D and G Brewing space brought back to life for Brother Chimp’s grand opening weekend — that place was packed full of people with the live music pumping on Friday night.

Here’s what’s coming up this week.

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Diet and exercise are super important, but there’s an underrated ingredient to a healthy lifestyle that folks often fail to consider.

It’s feeling connected to other people.

That’s what Strongoo in Geneva is all about. And over the next few weeks, they’ve lined up a series of free events to fit that theme — from game night and deep discussions to a book club and even a “Howl-o-ween” dog costume party.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, here’s a place you can slow down and belong.

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☑️ Local in the spotlight: Annie Hex — a Batavia performance artist, community organizer, and tarot reader — appeared on CBS News Chicago to do an entertaining reading that even had the hosts smiling and laughing. Watch the segment.

🔒 Restauranteur spotlight: BG Hospitality Group — which is behind Gia Mia, Livia, Fire+Wine, Ella’s, and St. Charles’ moto imōto — continues to grow its family of restaurants by bringing people together through food, atmosphere, and connection.

✳️ Halloween hub: We’re almost to the big day, with spooky season in full swing. From Halloween decorations to autumn candles and even a cauldron serving set, Urban Artisan has a nice selection of seasonal favorites. Shop local!

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — and check out this stunning six-bedroom home for sale at $2.8M on Easton Avenue in Geneva.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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🎟️ Autumn Cupcake & Beer Pairing | Tues 10/21, 6:30-8:30PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Got a sweet tooth? Or a beer tooth? Great event either way.

🎟️ Fall Fashion Show | Wed 10/22, 6PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | See new fall fashion while enjoying appetizers and improv comedy.

🎟️ Second City Comedy Night | Wed 10/22, 7PM | Arcada Theatre, STC | A “laugh til you howl” sketch comedy performance benefitting Anderson Humane.

☑️ Confidently You - A Style, Color & Wellness Event | Thurs 10/23, 5PM | House of 423, Geneva | See live demos and get expert advice on style and wellness.

☑️ Rummage & Bake Sale | Thurs 10/23-Sat 10/25 | United Methodist Church, Geneva | Shop gently used items and delicious homemade baked goods.

🎟️ The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong | Fri 10/24-Sun 11/2 | Playhouse 38, Geneva | Several showings of the entertaining 1920s whodunit.

🎟️ Voices of Autumn Sound Bath | Sat 10/25, 6:30-8PM | Power Move Yoga, STC | An immersive sound bath experience inviting deep relaxation and restoration.

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