Happy Thursday!

We try to make it to at least a couple of Kane County Cougars games every summer. It’s not quite on the level of Wrigley Field or The Rate, but it’s a lovely summer ballpark atmosphere — and the convenience and price tag certainly make it more accessible than a trip to the city.

Their season kicks off at Northwestern Memorial Field in Geneva Friday night (5/15). Looks like a beautiful evening for it. Check out their season schedule here.

📮 Need to contact me with questions, tips or suggestions? Get in touch here.

Local produce, fresh bread, hot coffee, and live music on a Saturday morning — that’s worth waiting all winter for in my humble opinion.

The Batavia Farmers' Market kicks off its 32nd season on Saturday (5/16), running every Saturday 8AM–12PM on North River Street through October 24. Nearly 60 sellers will set up shop weekly, from veteran vendors Flat Tire Farm and Stamper Cheese to new additions like North Sky Farm's organic cheese, Banter Marketplace's baked goods, and Lil C's mini cheesecakes.

Special event: At the inaugural market this Saturday, local alderpersons will also be on hand for “Sweet Talk with City Council” from 8AM to noon if you’re interested in sharing a free donut and chatting about the Windmill City with some of your elected officials.

More markets: Beyond the Tri-Cities, there’s a wide variety of farmer’s markets and farm stands opening up in the weeks ahead across Kane County. Keep reading for an interactive map featuring key details for all of them.

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Some homes check boxes. This one's in a category of its own.

Tucked on Alexander Drive in Geneva's Mill Creek neighborhood, this custom brick ranch backs directly to the golf course — 7K+ square feet with six bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a chef's kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, a fully remodeled primary suite on the main level, and a walkout basement complete with a bar and guest space.

If you know Mill Creek, you know properties like this don't sit long. Get in touch with local realtor Chris Wallace if interested.

Below are the most clicked stories from our last newsletter issue.

☑️ Dog-friendly patios: From casual bars to hidden beer gardens and local cafes, here’s a list of Tri-Cities patios where dogs are welcome and the vibes are just right for summer relaxation (including new spots for 2026).

☑️ Investigation update: The woman who was found dead Friday night in Campton Hills has been identified and had injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle, according to the Kane County Coroner’s Office.

☑️ BUILD rebuttal: State Sen. Don DeWitte, whose district covers Geneva and St. Charles, has proposed a housing bill as an alternative to Gov. Pritzker's BUILD plan that aims to produce more affordable housing options without removing local government controls.

☑️ Restaurant plans unveiled: The Main Street property on Batavia’s west side that was previously home to The Elms restaurant is getting closer to welcoming a new neighborhood eatery.

☑️ Solar proposal: A renewable energy firm wants to construct a community solar farm on a 13-acre lot near Fabyan and Kirk in Geneva that the developer says has been vacant for more than a century — with a public hearing set for May 28.

☑️ Officers cleared: No charges will be filed against two Aurora police officers who fatally shot a 19-year-old in March 2025 following a car chase that started in Geneva.

☑️ Campaign complaints: A half-page insert tucked inside 200,000 Kane County property tax bills is drawing complaints that Treasurer Chris Lauzen used county resources to promote his reelection campaign.

☑️ A team effort: A St. Charles East student designed this year's "Paint the Street" mural in downtown St. Charles, with an Art Deco color palette honoring The Arcada's upcoming 100th anniversary. Get details and see photos.

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☑️ Uplifting awards: More than 135 people were on hand at the Tri Cities Exchange Club’s annual ACE Awards breakfast, where the group recognized nine local high school seniors for overcoming major personal hardships on their way to graduation.

☑️ Inclusive impact awards: A Geneva library professional and a St. Charles fitness instructor were honored at last weekend's Rising Lights Project gala for their community work creating accessible programming for adults with disabilities.

☑️ Early career boost: Four Batavia High School seniors are heading into college and trade school with a little extra support after the Batavia Chamber awarded $1,000 Inspire Scholarships to students pursuing specific career paths.

☑️ Swing for a cause: The Geneva Women's Club is hosting its annual Golf Fore Charity fundraiser at The Hawk Country Club in St. Charles on June 1, with proceeds benefiting eight local nonprofits including Lazarus House, Mutual Ground, and TriCity Family Services.

✳️ Summer at St. Mark's: The downtown Geneva church is replacing their regular 10:30AM service with a dedicated hour for coffee, snacks, and a conversational study of Revelation — and on Wednesday mornings at 7:30AM, their healing prayer service is a peaceful way to center your week. Learn more about St. Mark’s.

Art History Brewing in Geneva is celebrating its sixth anniversary this weekend with live music on the patio all three days — a rare treat.

And that’s just a fraction of our largest live music lineup thus far in 2026.

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Summer evenings hit different when you can spend them relaxing in an outdoor living space made just for you.

Whether you've been eyeing a wraparound front porch, a composite deck off the back door, or something with a pergola and a built-in grill station — 212° Construction builds all of it, custom, right here in the Tri-Cities.

They work in wood and composite decking, screened porches, gazebos, pergolas, and full outdoor kitchens with fireplaces. If you can picture it, they can make it a reality.

💥 Give Brian from 212° a call at (630) 777-0688 for a free consultation.

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☑️ Simple EJ’s sneak peek: Simple EJ's restaurant and bar opens to the public at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles this Friday (5/15). We got an early look at the space and a chance to try the menu before the doors open — here's what stood out (with photos).

☑️ Shop closing: Dover Saddlery, a retailer specializing in equestrian supplies and horse equipment, is closing its Batavia location as the company’s private equity owners seek to find a buyer or new financial backing.

✳️ Spring season excitement: Not only is Zen Loft Collective in Batavia launching outdoor yoga classes in May, but another adorable puppy yoga session is coming up — not to mention space rental availability at its unique downtown studio. Get all the details.

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☑️ Spring Community Garage Sale | Fri 5/15 & Sat 5/16 | North Aurora | North Aurora's annual community sale is free and open to all residents. 

☑️ Native Plant Sale | Sat 5/16, 9AM–2PM | Gray Willows Farm, STC | Wild Ones Greater Kane County sells wildflowers, grasses, perennials, shrubs, and trees. 

🎟️ Chicago Drum Show | Sat 5/16 & Sun 5/17, 10AM–5PM | Kane Co. Fairgrounds, STC | Two-day celebration of drums and music with exhibitors and drum makers. 

☑️ May Moosic' Fest and Pork BBQ | Sat 5/16, Noon–9PM | Batavia Moose Lodge | Live music with three bands, a pork BBQ dinner, and fun in the sun.

🎟️ Beginning Line Dancing | Sat 5/16, 7:30PM | Marquee Youth Stage, STC | Beginner-friendly line dancing night; proceeds benefit Marquee Youth Stage. 

☑️ Big Sit at Fabyan | Sun 5/17, 8–9:30AM | Fabyan East Forest Preserve, Geneva | Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by spotting birds passing through the woods. 

☑️ Bike Rodeo | Sun 5/17, 11AM–1PM | Wheeler Park, Geneva | Kids enjoy bike safety courses, helmet fitting, free repairs, and pedestrian safety education. 

☑️ Pop-Up Plant Sale | Sun 5/17, 11AM–3PM | Pepper Valley Clubhouse, Geneva | Shop veggies, herbs, flowering plants, and gardening supplies for spring planting. 

☑️ Wildlife Baby Shower & Open House | Sun 5/17, 11AM–3PM | Elburn Forest Preserve | Meet wildlife ambassadors while enjoying bake sales, raffles, and games.

☑️ Cinco de Mayo Market Grand Opening | Sun 5/17, 1–4PM | Cinco de Mayo Market, Batavia | Celebrate the grand opening with free tacos, live music, raffles, and family fun. 

🎟️ Legacy of John Warne Gates | Sun 5/17, 2–3PM | St. Charles History Museum | Community ceremony honoring John Warne Gates with bronze bust dedication and family tributes. 

🎟️ Spring Canning & Pickling Workshop | Sun 5/17, 2–4:30PM | Rosewood Market, Batavia | Hands-on class using radishes, carrots, beets, and farm produce. 

🔥 Loved it, keep up the good work

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