The people have spoken: Riverside Pizza & Pub reigns supreme in the local pizza realm after winning the 2025 Tri-Cities Central “Best Pizza” competition.

And it wasn’t really close — a resounding 63% to 37% victory over Lou Malnati’s. Thanks to everyone who voted.

Riverside quickly became a neighborhood favorite after first opening in St. Charles back in 2014. Their fresh take on the classic pizzeria — with creative takes on comfort food and a strong lineup of craft beer, cocktails, and wine — has helped them develop loyal following over the past decade.

That concept has since expanded to South Elgin in 2016, downtown Batavia in 2019, and Oswego in 2021. I’ve never been to the South Elgin or Oswego spots, but the Batavia and St. Charles locations always seems to be hopping.

They also have great specials and happy hours. Get the details for St. Charles and Batavia.

Anyone know the owners and/or local management? Would love to send them a framed certificate recognizing their Tri-Cities pizza conquest.

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Stretching. Yoga. Cold plunges. Infrared saunas. Board games. Group bike rides. Personal coaching. Comfy couches.

At Strongoo, a new nonprofit in downtown Geneva, “health and fitness” means more than working out. It’s about slowing down, getting focused, and actually feeling better — no matter where you are in life.

I sat down (literally, on a mat) with founder Joe Donar to learn how a former Army infantryman and CrossFit gym owner ended up creating what is perhaps the Tri-Cities’ most unique wellness space — and how recovery, not intensity, is helping local folks achieve long-term health.

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☑️ Bomb threat #2: For the second time in three days, St. Charles police investigated a bomb threat on Friday at the Q Center hotel housing Texas Democratic lawmakers. They found no threats and confirmed all 70 guests were safe.

☑️ Out of harm’s way: After Kane County Sheriff deputies received a call about a baby deer in distress, they consulted with local wildlife specialists and managed to rescue the fawn. See photos of the effort.

☑️ Data center details: The City of Batavia published a Q&A article about the recently approved $500M data center project, which could use up to 50 megawatts of power and require major electrical infrastructure upgrades.

🔒 Charging ahead: Geneva was honored at a Chicago ceremony for earning bronze-level “EV Ready” recognition from ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for its efforts to support electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

☑️ Pedal protection: Batavia police are warning residents after a recent spike in downtown e-bike thefts and are urging riders to use stronger locks, store bikes securely, and report any tips.

☑️ Traffic updates: Road work in Batavia on E. Wilson Street & N. Prairie Street will likely cause delays beginning Monday (8/11).

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☑️ Cycle adventures: The STC Business Alliance put together a guide for five scenic local bike routes, from low-key park loops to long-distance journeys with suggested stops at local parks, shops, breweries, and restaurants along the way.

☑️ Home court hero: Batavia native Brooke Carlson — now a Colorado State basketball standout — returned home to host her second annual youth camp, drawing about 80 kids and illustrating her focus on giving back to the community that supported her.

☑️ Hall of Honor: The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence will honor eight extraordinary local people at their 2025 Hall of Honor ceremony on September 11, celebrating their achievements and service to the community.

🔒 Rooted in reading: After nearly 25 years of teaching in St. Charles schools, reading specialist Amy Kappele is giving back with a new scholarship program that offers free summer tutoring to local elementary students who need it most.

☑️ Cultivating talent: Through partnerships with community colleges, Fermilab in Batavia is offering hands-on internships and customized programs to help students jumpstart careers in science and engineering or even land technical roles at Fermilab.

☑️ STC pride: During last week’s City Council meeting, officials presented "Spirit of St. Charles" awards to four local champions in Ward 2 to recognize their volunteer, business, and academic contributions to the community. See who was honored.

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Remember Five for Fighting and Vertical Horizon? Both were quite popular nationally in the late 1990s and early 2000s — and they’ll both be performing at the Arcada Theatre on Thursday.

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☑️ Homegrown history: Wiltse’s Farm in Maple Park is celebrating 60 years of multigenerational family farming — here’s a look back at their community roots and long-standing role as a trusted source of fresh produce in Kane County.

☑️ Paw-ty on the dance floor: Fred Astaire Dance Studios in St. Charles is donating a portion of all new student enrollments in August to Anderson Humane in support of the national Clear the Shelters campaign.

☑️ Business updates:

✳️ 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 $1M home with a pool on an acre in St. Charles’ Three Lakes subdivision.

☑️ 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 share your story with our vast local audience. Check out our sponsorship opportunities.

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☑️ Cookout in the Park | Tues 8/12, 5:30-7PM | Meadows Park, Geneva | Hang with neighbors and enjoy a summer grill-out out in the fresh air.

☑️ Mix It Up with Jerry | Thurs 8/14, 7-9PM | Strongoo, Geneva | Learn how to mix a tasty Old Fashioned from an expert mixologist — plus food, games, and socializing.

☑️ Elburn Days | Fri 8/15 - Sun 8/17 | Lions Park, Elburn | A full-weekend fest with a carnival, music, food stands, beer tents, raffles, and outdoor fun.

🎟️ Summer Sock Hop | Sat 8/16, 4-7PM | Baker Community Center, STC | Swing into a 1950s party with live music, hula hoops, classic cars, food trucks, and more.

☑️ VFW Car Show | Sun 8/17, 9AM-3PM | Batavia VFW | See rare, old vehicles while enjoying food, drinks, and raffles.

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