Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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How many local museums have you visited?
Batavia Depot Museum
Generally speaking, I love museums. And while there’s no bad time to visit a museum, winter (in my mind at least) feels like the best time to do so.
After all, it’s the season known for slowing down and reflecting. Kinda what museums are made for, right?
Which is why I was intrigued to discover the Aurora Area Museum Check-In Challenge — basically a “museum passport” that turns exploring some of our top local institutions into a little game.
It covers 17 museums ranging from Aurora, Oswego, and Hinckley to Batavia and Geneva. You even get rewarded if you “check in” at enough of these spots. Get the details here.
And here’s an even more comprehensive list of museums and history centers in Kane County if you want to expand your options further. See you out there.
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♨️ HVAC tips for saving frustration down the line
If you’ve ever played the “why is this room freezing?” game, you already know: home heating and cooling can be frustratingly complicated.
A lot of issues actually start with small, easy-to-miss decisions that quietly cost you money (and comfort) for years.
State Automatic Heating & Cooling — based in Batavia and family-owned since 1929 — offers some refreshingly practical tips for homeowners on topics like:
The single most impactful fix for high utility bills
How often your equipment really needs maintenance
The most common filter-changing mistake people make
They’re worth a read before you find yourself stuck in emergency mode.
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☑️ House preserved: After months of discussion, St. Charles officials approved a deal that will transfer ownership of the historic Barry House downtown to a developer for restoration instead of demolition.
☑️ Train tragedy: An 18-year-old man died Sunday night after an eastbound freight train hit him near Geneva’s Western Avenue crossing — police say initial findings show no foul play.
☑️ Flooding fallout: Illinois’ appeal to FEMA for individual assistance after major August 2025 storms has been denied again, meaning residents in Kane County and four other nearby counties won’t receive federal disaster relief funds.
☑️ New Woodman’s wash: North Aurora officials approved plans for a new Woodman’s car wash next to the Woodman’s gas station, featuring a long tunnel wash and 14 vacuum stalls.
🔒 Safety concerns: A St. Charles alderperson is urging the city to study safety improvements on Dunham Road near St. Charles East High School after a multi-vehicle crash, the latest of what she described as “more and more collisions.”
☑️ Fire vanquished: Batavia firefighters put out a small equipment fire at a manufacturing facility on North Kirk Road on Saturday. An official said he did not believe the fire had anything to do with the odd chemical smell reported in the region over the weekend.
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☑️ Centuries of stories: A new exhibit at the Geneva History Museum highlights how Geneva residents experienced major moments in American history, timed to align with the nation’s 250th anniversary and running through December 23.
☑️ Weekend arts events: Three free gallery receptions are happening in St. Charles and Batavia from Thursday (2/12) through Sunday (2/15), featuring new exhibits and an awards announcement.
☑️ Old bakery recognized: St. Charles officials granted landmark status to the former John Gartner’s East Side Bakery at 115 Cedar Avenue, giving the largely intact 1910 building new protections while highlighting its deep community roots.
☑️ Spring planting: Batavia is bringing back its Parkway Tree Program, letting residents buy one discounted parkway tree per address with planting included. See which trees are available for spring 2026 and submit an order form.
☑️ Polar plunge: St. Charles police and fire officials will host a Polar Plunge at Ferson Creek Park on March 8 to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois. Get the details and learn how to contribute.
✳️ Connect with your community: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva is rolling out a variety of community-focused events and initiatives, from a Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner on Feb. 17 to a new storytelling project and a special day of service with the Salvation Army on Feb. 28.
Looking through this weekend’s live music lineup, I spy…a “Broadway Musical” performance, an “Emo Night,” plenty of acoustic sets, and several Valentine’s Day shows. Pretty diverse array of options!
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🌤️ Cruising weather is just around the corner
Valor Carts just rolled out the rest of their 2026 Valor LSV lineup — and these sleek new models are basically begging to be taken out for a spin.
Outdoorsy folks: Check out the orange and blue beauties on the right — designed specifically for hiking, camping, and wooded lakeside adventures.
Out-and-about types: You’re going to want to try the jet-black “going into town” cart — and perfect for bopping around, errands, family cruising, and everything in between.
And the best part? Every Valor LSV is 100% electric, quiet, and sustainable. Stop by Valor Carts’ Batavia showroom to see them in person, or reach out to [email protected] or (708) 934-9349 and tell ’em Sam sent you.
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☑️ Cooking inspo: Relish, a new kitchen-focused shop and resource run by a longtime food writer and former librarian, is starting to share info online and plans to open as a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Batavia this spring.
☑️ Auto update: A new Midas auto repair shop is now open at the old Merlin’s location at 162 Independence Drive in Batavia near the intersection of Randall Road and Main Street.
✳️ Ready to create family memories? Make plans for “Mom Prom” on February 21 at Zen Loft Collective in Batavia, a family-friendly night for local kids and moms with dancing, snacks, games, crafts, and professional photos.
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This section is sponsored by Up North Wine Tasting Room — an inviting, mother-daughter-owned Northern Michigan wine and cocktail bar located at 9 N. 2nd St. in downtown Geneva. Stop by for a special Valentine’s Day live music show from 6-9PM on February 14!
🎟️ Comedy at the Moonlight | Fri 2/13, 7-9PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Stand-up and impressions with Vince Maranto and Bob Jay.
☑️ Bad Alice 1st Anniversary | Fri 2/13, 8-11PM | Bad Alice, Geneva | Celebrate with live music, a food pop-up, and raffle prizes.
☑️ Love Fur-Ever | Sat 2/14, 1-3PM | HomeSmart Connect, STC | Free pet photos, treats, and meet-and-greet with local rescues and pet-friendly businesses.
🎟️ Valentine’s Charcuterie Night | Sat 2/14, 5-8PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Build a custom charcuterie box and pair it with a flight of brews.
🎟️ Bison Tales & Tallgrass Trails | Sun 2/15, 10-11:30AM | Barbara Belding Lodge, STC | Learn from experts about bison history, prairie ecology, and where to see them locally.
☑️ Love Brewed Makers Market @ Obscurity | Sun 2/15, 11AM-4PM | The Warehouse On North, Elburn | Shop 20+ makers, sip drinks, and grab food next door.
☑️ Mardi Gras Art Activity Day | Sun 2/15, 12-2PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | Make masks, bead strings, and Mardi Gras crafts for all ages.
🎟️ Celebrate America 250 | Sun 2/15, 1-4PM | LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, STC | Presidents’ Day history, museum tours, and a 250th anniversary souvenir craft.
☑️ Presidents’ Day Paint Party | Mon 2/16, 11AM-1PM | Geneva Commons | A free, fun day where the kiddos can paint a ceramic fox with Color Me Mine.
Looking ahead:
🎟️ Wine, Cheese & Trees | Sat 2/28, 7-10PM | Geneva Public Library | Sip, snack, enjoy live music and auctions, and bid to support local tree planting.
🎟️ Spring Into Art | Thu 3/19, 5:30PM | Society 57, Aurora | Celebrate local art, enjoy food, and support Batavia nonprofit Suicide Prevention Services of America.
🐶 Pets of the week
Introducing this week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane:
Ruby Red is a bright and curious Siberian Husky, packed with energy and love and always ready to investigate the world — sniffing out new sights, checking in on people, or zooming over for a surprise kiss.
JoJo is a 3-year-old sweetheart who can be a bit shy at first, but has a gentle, loving nature. Once JoJo feels safe, he enjoys quiet companionship and soft pets — and shows a wonderfully silly side, too.
Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s Adoptables page or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.
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