Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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✨ The biggest, brightest holiday lights near the Tri-Cities
Lightscape 📸 Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden on Facebook
If you’re looking for a spectacular outdoor display this season, you don’t have to travel far.
In Geneva, the greater Chicago area, and beyond, many of the most popular regional light shows have returned for 2025 — and several are just a quick hop from the Tri-Cities. From synchronized drive-through displays to cozy forest trails and dazzling garden strolls, you’re likely to find a fun option for whatever you’re into (spiked hot cocoa, anyone?).
Check out this list to plan out your holiday adventure.
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👁️ When it comes to vision, you’re in good hands
At Fox Valley Ophthalmology, caring for the Tri-Cities means bringing the latest breakthroughs in eye health directly to local patients — including the Light Adjustable Lens™, the first lens that can be customized after cataract surgery.
This new approach lets you “test-drive” your vision and fine-tune it with your doctor in the weeks following surgery, creating a level of personalization that simply isn’t possible with traditional fixed lenses. It’s a game-changer for anyone ready to reclaim crisp, confident vision — on their own terms.
From advanced cataract care options to LASIK, glaucoma treatments, retina services, and family eye care, Fox Valley Ophthalmology continues to offer the best vision care in the Tri-Cities.
📰 News to use
☑️ Senior synergy: In a recent city meeting, St. Charles officials supported reinstating the city’s long-inactive Senior Services Commission to better support a growing senior population and improve coordination of existing programs.
☑️ Chimney coming down: Batavia officials approved demolition of a historic but deteriorating chimney above Pal Joey’s on North River Street after engineers deemed the 110-foot structure unsafe.
☑️ Calmer communication: St. Charles officials introduced the Blue Envelope Program, a new resource that helps officers and autistic drivers communicate more calmly and clearly during traffic stops.
☑️ Ongoing investigation: As the prosecution of the Batavia chiropractor accused of secretly videotaping patients continues, the Kane County state’s attorney’s office has launched a dedicated webpage to keep people updated on the evolving case.
☑️ Real ID rules: Starting February 1, Illinois travelers flying without a REAL ID will have to pay a $45 TSA fee for alternative identity verification at airport security.
☑️ Event closures: Geneva will close portions of 3rd Street and restrict parking this weekend to support the Christmas Walk, Holiday House Tour, and Steeple Walk events downtown. Get the details.