🏛️ The candidates have spoken. Are you listening?

Thanks to the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County’s recent candidate forums (and “the Batavia podcast” as I colloquially call it), Tri-Cities voters have plenty of new information to consider.

Here’s an overview:

Geneva

A standing-room-only crowd (on Super Bowl Sunday, bravo) attended the Geneva Candidate Forum at the library.

Both mayoral candidates emphasized the importance of economic development and securing funding for Geneva projects. Whereas Mayor Kevin Burns highlighted high city occupancy rates and ongoing progress with the city's strategic plan, challenger Karsten Pawlik called for a more aggressive approach to stalled developments — among other discussion points.

• Watch: See a video recording of the Mayor and City Council forum.

• Read: Check out the Shaw Local article.

Batavia

On February 4 at City Hall, incumbent Mayor Jeff Schielke and challenger Tom Connelly shared their visions for Batavia. Schielke spoke to the city’s recent progress and successes during his 40+ years of leadership, while Connelly focused on downtown development projects and attracting businesses.

In other mayoral news, the “Area Code: Batavia” podcast released an interview with Mayor Jeff Schielke on Monday, during which the candidate reflected on his decades in office and deep connection to the city.

• Watch: See a video recording of the Mayor and City Council forum.

• Listen: The “Area Code: Batavia” episode featuring challenger Tom Connelly.

St. Charles

During a forum on January 29 at the library, incumbent Mayor Lora Vitek emphasized her experience and accomplishments (the revitalization of downtown, for example) and how she’d build on that during her next term.

Challenger Clint Hull, meanwhile, shared his vision for leadership, improved transparency and a proactive approach to problem-solving in St. Charles.

• Watch: See a video recording of the Mayor and City Council forum.

• Watch: See a video recording of the forum for St. Charles candidates for Library Board and District 303 School Board on February 3.

📰 News to use

The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ River reborn: A recent Friends of the Fox River presentation showed how removing the Carpentersville dam has already changed the Fox River’s appearance and improved its health — providing an example of what might happen with dam removals in the Tri-Cities. Check out this recap for photos, specific impacts and FAQs.

☑️ ID mania: Kane County shattered its record for passport applications processed last month, driven by a surge in travel demand and the looming May deadline for REAL ID compliance.

☑️ Influenza persistence: The Chicago area is experiencing its most intense flu season in 15 years — with symptoms that appear to be more severe and longer-lasting than previous flu seasons.

🔒 Budget debate: After some Geneva alderpersons expressed skepticism about a $55K lobbyist on the city payroll, City Council ultimately voted to keep funding for the lobbyist in the $143M city budget. You can view the adopted budget here.

☑️ Migrant legislation: Local State Senator Don DeWitte is co-sponsoring a bill requiring detailed annual reports on state spending for programs benefiting non-citizens, aiming to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.

☑️ Winter storm: Friendly reminder about snow plowing processes and parking restrictions for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Batavia’s best: Batavia MainStreet recently honored standout local businesses with community-voted awards, celebrating the places and people that make downtown special. Learn who won and see a video recap.

☑️ Senior social: Are you familiar with the St. Charles’ Adult Activity Center? The facility offers residents aged 50+ a free and welcoming space for socializing, fitness games and trips — making it easier to maintain an active and engaged lifestyle.

☑️ Spring search: At the Ultimate Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt on 3/22, locals will get a chance to scour downtown Batavia for clues, spend time with friends and raise funds for the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence to support local schools. Learn more and RSVP.

☑️ Eco action: Kane County has made progress on its Climate Action Implementation Plan with initiatives like green workforce development and better recycling education — and they’re looking for local supporters to help keep the momentum going in 2025.

☑️ Path beautification: Volunteers are needed to help clean the Great Western Trail at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles as part of the local group’s 30th anniversary trail cleanup on 4/26. Learn how to get involved.

🎸 Live music

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Several local spots will feature special Valentine’s Day performances on Friday evening, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a special night out.

🌮 Food & drink

☑️ New watering hole: After the abrupt closure of Beer Cellar on State Street in Geneva almost one year ago this week, Bad Alice — a new “neighborhood bar” — is now open in the space. See photos of the sleek spot.

☑️ Puffed to perfection: Any BBQ fans in the house (er…inbox)? The STC Business Alliance recently interviewed the owner of Puff Shack Barbecue, a new local business serving up savory slow-cooked meats.

☑️ Local deals: To celebrate their 22nd anniversary, Aurelio’s Pizza in Geneva is offering 22% off all pizzas during February (Monday through Thursday). Riverlands Brewing just upped its Tuesday happy hour game with 15% off beers and two pizzas for $25 from Chuck’s Wood-Fired Pizza through May 20.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️ Glam & Glow Galentine’s Night Out | Thurs 2/13, 6-8PM | House of 423, Geneva | Browse unique pieces, socialize and enjoy sips and bites — all in support of the Rising Lights Project.

☑️ Valentine's Day @ Sidecar | Fri 2/14, 5PM | Sidecar Supper Club, Batavia | Enjoy a 5-course meal, check out the V-Day ArtBar and stay for live music.

🎟️ V-Day Dinner | Fri 2/14, 6PM | Preservation, Geneva | A fabulous 4-course dinner paired with 3 wines and a cocktail (stay for live music!).

☑️ Second Fridays | Fri 2/14, 6-9PM | Batavia Arts District | Art, music, food, drink and shopping at Hearth & Hammer, Kiss the Sky and Water Street Studios.

🎟️ The Sound of Music | Fri 2/14 - Sun 2/23 | Marquee Youth Stage, STC | Experience the beloved classic with its treasure trove of songs.

☑️ Seapeak Style Grand Opening | Sat 2/15, 10AM-5PM | Wilson Street Mercantile, Batavia | Celebrate the new boutique with gifts, giveaways and more.

☑️ Fizzy Fuzzy Valentine's Maker's Market | Sat 2/15, 12-4PM | Brother Chimp Brewing, N. Aurora | Unique artists, talented makers, handcrafted items and craft beer.

🎟️ Fill Your Hole | Sat 2/15, 5-7PM | Steel Beam Theatre, STC | A moving and humorous performance looking at life, love and loss.

🎟️ I Have a Dream: King’s Journey | Sun 2/16, 3-5PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | A captivating one-man show that tells the famous Dr. King’s story.

🎟️ Wine, Cheese & Trees | Sat 2/22, 7-10PM | Geneva Public Library | A fun night of apps, drinks, entertainment and live auctions to support planting more trees in Geneva.

📖 Thanks for reading

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