Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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A local rescue group in need of rescue
If you’re not familiar with Starfish Animal Rescue, the Geneva-based organization rescues animals from kill shelters, transports them to secure, non-kill establishments, and promotes responsible pet ownership while advocating against animal cruelty.
Recently, one of their transport vans carrying 60 dogs and three cats crashed in Indiana. While no one was harmed, the nonprofit now has to raise money to replace their largest van (which is totaled) so they can keep saving animals.
If you’re interested in contributing to the GoFundMe, you can do so here.
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☕ An inside look at Third Street’s new cafe
Local real estate expert and self-professed “latte guy” Chris Wallace recently visited Storybook Cafe, which just opened on Third Street in Geneva in December.
Their specialty is ceremonial-grade matcha (which happens to be Caleb Williams’ favorite beverage), but the menu also features tea, specialty coffee drinks, and tasty pastries.
Watch the video to see why this passion project is quickly becoming a local favorite.
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☑️ Roadways reimagined: Geneva officials advanced a "Complete Streets" policy that, if approved, will formally guide future street projects to better balance safety, access, and mobility for residents and visitors.
☑️ Home improvement help: St. Charles is offering income-qualified homeowners up to $20K to cover urgent home repairs and accessibility upgrades through a city-funded grant program administered by Habitat for Humanity.
☑️ Rules for riding: Illinois officials are moving to update state law to regulate high-powered e-bikes and e-motos while expanding safety education for riders, addressing an issue that has surfaced repeatedly in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles.
☑️ Trades training: A free, state-funded pre-apprenticeship program is expanding to Kane County this spring, offering residents paid, hands-on training and a direct path into union construction trades.
🔒 Blacksmith shop: According to Shaw Local, two Geneva officials privately met with Shodeen Group ahead of the City Council vote on the historic blacksmith shop, prompting a city attorney email urging officials to avoid off-the-record discussions.
☑️ All things Elburn: The Village of Elburn’s monthly newsletter includes updates on several newly installed pedestrian crosswalks, a proposed 40-unit new residential development, and the next phase of the Elburn Station housing project.
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Local woodworker Bill Bergeson
☑️ Local artist spotlight: St. Charles woodworker Bill Bergeson blends barn quilts, reclaimed barnwood, and local roots into art that’s earned recognition — and deepened his connection to the community. Read the full profile.
☑️ Shared stories: The Geneva Public Library launched its fifth annual One Book, One Community program, inviting residents to read "The Correspondent" together and take part in a variety of events from February through April.
☑️ The fragility of history: This week’s episode of “Area Code: Batavia” features Kate Garrett, Director of the Batavia Depot Museum, who examines the evolution of Batavia’s civic character from its early days in the 1840s to the identify it has cultivated today.
🔒 Caring collab: Kane County recently launched the Circle of Care, a new countywide network that connects families and at-risk youth to coordinated mental health, housing, food, childcare, and prevention services to reduce the local need for foster care.
☑️ Scholarship opportunities: Several local and statewide scholarships for students in Illinois and Kane County are now open, with deadlines ranging from March 1 through early April. Get more details and learn how to apply.
☑️ Sweetcorn Sam: Get the story behind “Sam the Sweetcorn Man” — a Maple Park farmer with a reputation for delicious corn who is working to diversify crops, serve more local markets, and open a farmstand this coming spring.
The Friday night Winter Bluegrass series is firing back up at Riverlands Brewing this Friday — and it looks like live music will be returning to a couple of other local venues that’ve been quiet so far in 2026.
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🔥 “One of the best coffees I’ve ever had”
Kurt B wasn’t kidding around when he left a review for Dragon Fire Coffee’s Black Dragon Blend:
My wife told me she is mad at me, because she can no longer drink the coffee she buys. This is some of the best beans we have ever brewed. Make the switch — oh, and they are local too, can’t get better than that.
That pretty much says it all. And remember, it’s roasted daily in Warrenville and they offer free local delivery in the Tri-Cities.
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☑️ Monkeying around: The “What’s Up St. Charles” podcast chatted with Brother Chimp Brewing's owner and founder, Steve Newman, about their new STC location, new upcoming brews, and being a destination on the St. Charles Brew Tour.
☑️ Rose rewards: With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the Geneva Commons is offering a free half-dozen roses to shoppers who spend $50 between February 6 and February 12. Make sure to save those receipts!
✳️ Community shopping event: Have bins of kids’ clothes or outgrown toys? Get ready for Zen Loft Collective’s “Old Things. New Stories.” community drop, swap, and shop event in Batavia that lets families donate gently used items throughout February, then browse free or low-cost finds on Friday, February 28 for just $5.
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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 special cupcake and wine pairing events on February 14 and 15!
☑️ Shop with Heart | Sat 2/7, 8AM-12PM | VSW, Batavia | Inclusive vendor fair featuring handmade goods by local entrepreneurs with disabilities.
🎟️ Learn from the Experts: Ecology of Fermilab | Sat 2/7, 9:30AM-11AM | Barbara Belding Lodge, STC | Expert talk on Fermilab prairie ecology and restoration.
🎟️ Clearance Grab Bag Sale | Sat 2/7, 10AM-9PM | Plato’s Closet, Batavia | Fill a bag with 90% off clearance finds.
☑️ 100 Years of Winter Olympics | Sat 2/7, 10AM-4PM | STC Library | Drop-in exhibit celebrating Winter Olympic history as the games begin.
☑️ 2026 Student Art Show Opening Reception | Sat 2/7, 11AM-3PM | The ARC, STC | See and celebrate student artwork from 100 young artists across Kane County.
🎟️ Between the Pages | Sat 2/7, 12PM-4PM | Geneva Winery, Batavia | Meet local authors, sip wine, and discover new reads with like-minded locals.
🎟️ Chicago Winter Bike Swap | Sun 2/8, 9:30AM-2PM | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | Huge selection of new and used bikes, gear, and cycling information.
☑️ Super Bowl Party @ Rec Haus | Sun 2/8, 11AM - End of Game | Rec Haus, STC | Watch the big game with raffles, arcade play, and food specials.
🎟️ FVBN Happy Hour | Tue 2/10, 5:30PM-8PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Casual networking with local business professionals over pizza and beer.
Looking ahead:
🎟️ Death of a Gangster | Thu 2/12, 7PM-10PM | Club Arcada Speakeasy, STC | Valentine’s murder mystery dinner with interactive show.
🎟️ All in for Art | Sat 2/28, 7PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | Lively benefit night with art, music, food, drinks, casino games, and much more.
Thanks for reading
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