Okay, I promise this is the last Tri-Cities Dinner Club promo (until the next event in May).

The inaugural Dinner Club is this Thursday (April 23). If you've been meaning to sign up and just haven't gotten around to it, this is your nudge — registration closes tomorrow.

And if this is the first time you’re reading about it, click the button below to get up to speed.

P.S. Speaking of restaurants — got some exciting news for you. Simple EJ's Kitchen & Tap will officially open on May 9 at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles, bringing a “scratch kitchen,” a 22-foot LED sports TV wall, and a kids-eat-free family membership to the brand-new dining and entertainment development.

Get all the details here.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

I called State Automatic Heating & Cooling last week to get my AC checked before summer, and thank goodness I did.

Their technician Jose came out, walked me through everything he was doing, and found something I never would have caught on my own: mice had chewed through some wiring. He fixed it on the spot. I loved that there was no upsell — just a friendly, thorough professional who knew what he was doing.

Then, a couple of days later, my thermostat stopped working (unrelated), and they sent another technician, Will, right back out. Same experience — professional, knowledgeable, and the fix was covered at no charge.

That's the kind of service you remember. And late April (right before the heat arrives and the busy season kicks in) is exactly when you want to get on their schedule. Temperatures need to be above 65°F to properly diagnose an AC system, and that window is opening up right now.

The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Mooseheart site: Batavia wants to use part of a 20-acre Mooseheart land parcel that's scheduled to go to the park district to build a new $50 million police station, but park officials want to finish their own planning before making a decision.

☑️ Parking rules shift: A Geneva committee will consider a proposal to eliminate off-street parking requirements for new developments across its entire downtown area, expanding beyond what a new state law will require.

☑️ Crash charges: A Kane County grand jury has charged a 20-year-old man from St. Charles with reckless homicide and other felonies in connection with a September 2025 crash in Geneva that killed a couple in their 80s.

☑️ Tree plans tabled: Kane County officials are still debating where to plant a commemorative elm tree and build a $600K garden at the Geneva courthouse to mark the nation's 250th birthday, with some board members pushing back on the cost and proposed location.

☑️ Venue pulls the plug: Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles canceled a planned April 21 speaking event featuring a controversial Wisconsin pastor after activists circulated petitions and residents contacted the venue.

🔒 Animal cruelty: A 65-year-old Geneva man faces felony charges after prosecutors say he placed poison-laced chocolate patties in a neighbor's yard targeting their dogs over barking complaints. Police also found 17 guns in his home.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

☑️ Local artist profile: Geneva architect Charles Cassell has spent his retirement turning a lifelong love of watercolor into a one-man documentation project of Fox Valley history — partnering with local museums to preserve it, one painting at a time.

☑️ Fresh blueprint: Geneva is kicking off a new long-term plan for the first time since 2003 — the city is inviting residents to weigh in on the “2040 Comprehensive Plan” at a public input session on May 7 at Geneva High School.

☑️ Long-term safety net: St. Charles approved a 10-year, $224K grant from its Housing Trust Fund to partner with Lazarus House on a permanent supportive housing program for chronically homeless and disabled residents.

☑️ Keeping Batavia weird: On the latest “Area Code: Batavia” episode, host Richard Clark talks with Bonnie Baumgartner and Jessica Jecmen from Water Street Studios about how the community art center has shaped Batavia's creative identity.

☑️ Anniversary show: Geneva High School students will perform "Chicago" April 23–25 with evening and matinee performances, plus a sesquicentennial open house and pasta dinner on Saturday to celebrate 150 years of GHS.

The midweek lineup is starting to fill out a bit with summer approaching — including a rare Monday evening performance at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

Sunday brunch at The Little Traveler's Atrium Café has been a Tri-Cities tradition for decades — and for good reason. For just $13, you get a full spread of house-made favorites: fluffy omelets, crispy bacon, Swedish pancakes, Crab Cakes Benedict.

Plus, it’s routinely named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living's Best of the West awards (trust me, it’s well-deserved).

💥 Your guide to spring discovery: Browse the 2026 Spring Almanack for upcoming events and fresh new products — there's always something new to discover beyond the cafe at The Little Traveler.

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Plunging ahead: Power Moves Yoga has opened a new, larger space off North Avenue in St. Charles with plans to add cold plunge, sauna, float rooms, and contrast therapy — and is hosting a free spa sampling open house on Friday (4/24).

☑️ A cut above: Batavia Hardwoods is celebrating two years in business on McKee Street with a May 2 open house featuring woodworking demos, food, and storewide discounts.

☑️ Putting down roots: Geneva boutique House of 423 on West State Street is celebrating five years with a special event on Thursday (4/23) featuring mocktails, cake, and a raffle entry — plus a group toast and cake cutting.

✳️ Play ball, shop local: The season is underway, and Urban Artisan in downtown Geneva has you covered — from Cubs/Sox gear and bat barrel mugs to uniform art prints and even a bow tie made from a real baseball. Check out their selection.

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities area — including this $2.5M mansion on Easton Street near downtown Geneva with a brand-new pool and a home fitness center.

✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

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

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

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️ Nico Lang Author Event | Tue 4/21, 6:30PM–8PM | St. Charles Public Library | Join a moderated talk with Nico Lang, “American Teenager” author. Books for sale.

🎟️ Girls Night Out: Passport to Flavor | Wed 4/22, 5:30PM–8PM | The Little Traveler, Geneva | Mini world tour with international bites and sips and a 10% shopping discount.

🎟️ LEAP Loves Local | Thu 4/23, 5PM–7PM | K. Hollis Jewelers, Batavia | Fundraising evening with small bites, drinks, live entertainment, and local non-profits.

🎟️ AfterImage Film Festival | Thu 4/23, 5:30PM–9:15PM, Classic Cinemas Charlestowne, STC | Sixth annual fest opens with reception, screening, and director Q&A.

🎟️ Intro to Sustainable Living: Cook From Your Pantry | Thu 4/23, 6PM–8PM | Chipko Market, STC | Learn to shop and cook sustainably with an expert chef.

Enjoy Tri-Cities Central? Support local journalism and spread the word!*

Want an unsolicited spring cleaning tip? An industrial carpet cleaner rental at Home Depot is only $40 for 24 hours — we rented one this weekend and it was glorious.

*Scroll back to the top of this newsletter for a special referral link — you can get gift cards to local restaurants for referring friends.