School is starting, which means high school football kicks off soon — and several Tri-Cities teams are coming off noteworthy 2024 seasons. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect this fall:

Batavia is fresh off another huge year — a 12–2 run that included a conference title and a trip to the Class 7A state championship game. The Bulldogs bring back a strong offensive line, a playoff-tested QB, and plenty of talent at the skill positions. The defense is less experienced, so the early non-conference stretch of the season will be a good measuring stick.

See Batavia’s schedule and team details.

The Vikings reached the Class 6A title game last season, their best run since 2008. While they’ll need to replace almost their entire offense — including standout wide receiver Talyn Taylor (who now plays at Georgia) — Geneva still has one of the most promising young QBs in the state in Ben Peterson, plus a veteran defense that could steady the team early.

See Geneva’s schedule and team details.

East managed just two wins last fall, but the Saints bring back a more experienced roster on both sides of the ball, led by a productive running back and a solid group of receivers. The defense isn’t quite as experienced, but if they can tighten things up, East has a good shot to improve on recent seasons.

See East’s schedule and team details.

North finished 9–2 and shared the DuKane Conference crown last year, and they return a ridiculous 17 starters. Even with a new QB under center, the North Stars are in great shape at wide receiver and key defensive positions, and look like a serious contender for a deep playoff run.

See North’s schedule and team details.

Final note: I watched a few minutes of the Geneva-SCN game on YouTube (pictured above), and have to give a shout out to Geneva’s play-by-play commentator (who might be a student?). She’s fantastic and even manages to slip some subtle humor into the game call. Well done.

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From parades to festivals, Batavia’s Valor Carts has been cruising all over the Fox Valley this summer — bringing fun and excitement to every corner of the Tri-Cities.

And they’re using community feedback to plan for new offerings: forward-facing 6-seater carts (a family favorite!), a rental program launching this fall, and custom upgrades like soundbars, fans, and underglow.

💥 Summer Sale Bonus: You can now shop 4-seaters starting at $9,995 — a major bargain.

☑️ Russell running: Former Kane County Coroner Rob Russell announced his campaign for sheriff in the 2026 election, pledging to expand the county’s forensic crime lab while highlighting bipartisan support for his bid.

☑️ Batavia shooting: A 39-year-old man died after firing at officers during a police-involved shooting on East Wilson Street in Batavia on Saturday. The Kane County Major Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident.

☑️ Spam call crackdown: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan effort to launch “Operation Robocall Roundup,” issuing warning letters to 37 telecom providers accused of allowing those illegal robocalls that blow up your phone.

☑️ Reckless flight: A 28-year-old Batavia man allegedly fled a crash while drunk, led police on a high-speed chase, and caused a second crash that injured two people.

☑️ Attention pet owners: Kane County Animal Control will host low-cost, drive-through rabies vaccine and microchip clinics in Geneva in August, September, and October. Get the details.

☑️ Back in action: Two Geneva commuter parking lots (which had been closed since 2022) reopened on Friday now that Union Pacific’s Third Main Line project is largely complete. McKee Street and Van Nortwick Avenue have reopened in Batavia.

☑️ Rare wildlife sighting: Folks from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County believe they may have captured footage of the county’s first documented river otter. See the video.

☑️ Got peppers? For the third year running, Gindo’s Spice of Life is teaming up with the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry to turn local pepper donations into a community hot sauce that raises money for the pantry.

☑️ Hometown heroes: The Kane County Board recognized three residents — a local eight-year-old along with Batavia residents Nathan Muenz and Landen Whiteman — for heroic actions that saved a life and aided police in an arrest.

☑️ All things art: With the Plein Air event kicking off this week, the “What’s Up St. Charles” podcast chats with St. Charles Arts Council representatives about what to expect with the event as well as the Arts Council's new gallery and ARC.

☑️ Fall plant sale: The Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District is having a sale for native plants, trees, and shrubs — ideal for creating a pollinator habitat or border hedge. Orders are due by September 5.

☑️ STC date night: The St. Charles Park District is rolling out a variety of adult-focused late-summer and fall events — from sunset and stargazing river cruises to live music, mini golf, painting nights, and a farm hoedown.

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All the usual spots will have live music this week, but you’ll also have a chance to catch performances at Osteria Trulli in St. Charles, Portofino Trattoria in Campton Hills, and Bad Alice in Geneva.

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☑️ Spreading their wings: Anyone else fans of 93 Octane Brewing in St. Charles? They just announced that they’re expanding with a big ol’ pub and restaurant space in downtown Elmhurst opening on Thursday (8/21). Get the details.

🔒 Club controversy: Kane County officials have once again refused a liquor license for Blackjack’s Gentlemen’s Club in St. Charles Township, turning down the club’s recent request for reconsideration.

✳️ Home goods hub: How would a framed 1860 map of Batavia look on your wall? Or a “Geneva” throw pillow on your living room couch? What about a Chicago flag for the garden? Urban Artisan’s got plenty of stylish items that’ll add local flair to your home. View their Home Goods catalog here.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.2M home set on seven wooded acres on Pheasant Run Drive in St. Charles. I don’t typically editorialize here, but this place is incredible.

☑️ 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.

👍 Want to partner with Tri-Cities Central? Run newsletter ads, get featured on social media, and tell your organization’s story to our vast local audience. Check out our sponsorship opportunities.

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☑️ Fundraiser for Intellectual Disabilities | Thurs 8/21, 11AM-8PM | Wahlburgers, STC | Get a meal with proceeds going to important local nonprofits.

☑️ High School Corn Boils | Thurs 8/21 - Fri 8/22 | Batavia & Geneva | Support local high school boosters at corn boil events in Geneva (Thursday) and Batavia (Friday).

🎟️ BBQ & Bourbon Bash | Thurs 8/21, 5:30PM | Alter Brewing, STC | Hang outside, feast on hearty BBQ, and enjoy handcrafted bourbon.

🎟️ GROW x Chi-Cuterie: Air Plant Picnic | Thurs 8/21, 6-8PM | Chi-Cuterie, Geneva | GROW Geneva and Chi-Cuterie team up for a fun, creative event.

☑️ 3rd Anniversary Celebration | Fri 8/22, 12-2:30PM | Start Something Studio, Batavia | A local market, snacks and bevs, make-your-own candle bar, swag bags, and more.

🎟️ Blues & Brews on the Fox | Sat 8/23, 12-11PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | They’re shutting down Riverside Ave for a day of music, food, beers, and good times.

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