Since Tri-Cities Central readers chose the nonprofit we supported at last week’s Tri-Cities Tunes on Tap event, I figured I’d start with some good news: We raised $826 for Anderson Humane.

Not bad for a casual Wednesday night out! Thanks to everyone who chipped in.

Speaking of Anderson Humane, dozens of animals recently arrived in Kane County as a result of the catastrophic floods in Texas. We took in a foster dog on Saturday from Anderson.

If you’re able to foster or rescue, it’s a great time to do so with Anderson or any of the other rescue organizations in the area.

Thanks to the hundreds who submitted nominations for the “Best Pizza in the Tri-Cities” bracket competition on Thursday. In hindsight, I suspect I may have opened a can of worms given the number of local pizza spots with multiple locations in the Tri-Cities.

I’m doing my best to make it fair — since the two Riverside locations (Batavia and St. Charles) and the two Gia Mia locations (Geneva and St. Charles) are under the same ownership, they’re each only listed once.

Because the three Charlie Fox’s locations (Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles) are independently owned and operated, they’re each listed separately.

We’ve got 16 local spots in the bracket. Let’s get this friendly competition started!

➡️ Cast your Round 1 votes.

It turns out a lot of Tri-Cities Central readers still hold a soft spot for the Mill Race Inn.

After we featured a piece on the beloved Geneva landmark, readers wrote in from all over to share memories from the past several decades: brunches with family, riverside anniversaries, baby showers, honeymoons, and even a few shifts behind the bar.

➡️ Read some of their stories.

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Looking for ways to contribute to local charities?

Geneva Community Chest may be the best place to to start — 97% of the funds they raise go directly to 25+ vetted local charities.

And here’s the kicker: Giving back can be fun, social, and a little competitive.

Join their 22nd Annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday, August 18 at Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva. It’s open to the public and will feature 18 holes, auctions, restaurant giveaways, and more fun surprises.

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☑️ Big shot in Batavia: U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited Fermilab in Batavia to tour its particle accelerators and quantum labs, getting an up-close look at the lab’s groundbreaking work in particle physics and neutrino research.

☑️ Solar savings: Switch Together — formerly known as Solar Switch — has kicked off its Fall 2025 program to make solar energy more accessible for Kane County residents and small businesses.

🔒 District demands: As Campton Hills gets ready to annex a massive LaFox development, Geneva District 304 is negotiating a deal to receive over $6M in cash (instead of land) to offset the cost of taking on new students as part of the 900-home project.

☑️ Bike thefts: Batavia police are urging residents to lock their bikes and register them after a recent spike in thefts, many involving unlocked bicycles left unattended. You can register your bike here to help police recover it if it’s stolen.

☑️ Did you know? While sweet corn is the kind you pick up at the farmers market and eat fresh during summer, nearly all the corn growing in nearby fields is actually field corn — used for fuel, feed, and processed foods.

☑️ Plan for detours: Beginning 7:30AM on Wednesday (7/30), Main Street in Batavia will be closed between Van Nortwick Street and Feece Drive for two days for emergency water main repairs. Get the details.

☑️ Grand debut: After more than a year of renovation work, Batavia’s new downtown community center is set to celebrate its grand opening on August 9, offering spaces for recreation, learning, and community events.

☑️ Supporting vets: Geneva’s American Legion Post 75 is selling raffle tickets (for a chance to win over $10K) to help fund a much-needed HVAC replacement. Locals can pitch in by buying a ticket at select bars or through Post members.

☑️ A guide for growth: The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is asking residents in Batavia, Geneva, Aurora, and nearby towns to complete a brief survey that will help shape a long-term tourism and community development plan.

🔒 Stronger together: Support Over Stigma, a St. Charles–based nonprofit aiding veterans and first responders with mental health challenges, is hosting a July 29 ribbon-cutting to showcase its services and invite the community to get involved.

☑️ Paws from the past: The Batavia Depot Museum’s new exhibit, Unconditional Love: Batavia’s Best Friends Through History, celebrates the stories of local pets and animals who’ve left their mark on the community.

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We’ve got an unusually busy Tuesday this week, and it’s your last chance to catch one of Geneva’s free “Concerts in the Park” on Wednesday.

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☑️ Top of their craft: Riverlands Brewing (St. Charles) and Brother Chimp Brewing (N. Aurora) took home gold and silver medals respectively at the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Geneva’s Penrose Brewing took six medals at the U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship.

☑️ Now open: Raptor Tap House — a new establishment in South Elgin featuring a variety of craft beers, board games, food trucks, and a family-friend vibe — just celebrated its grand opening on Saturday.

✳️ Local favorite, national buzz: Urban Artisan’s fantastic Pope Leo XIV gear has been grabbing attention here in town — so much so that CNN has taken notice. See the national segment that spotlights the popular Geneva shop.

🎯 Local marketing made easy: Marketing is hard — especially when you’re focused on running a business day to day. Partnering with Tri-Cities Central makes it easier. Check out our sponsorship opportunities.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this resort-style A-Frame house on nearly three acres with a pond and a pool in Campton Hills.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ Get connected: Do you know someone who has recently moved to Batavia or North Aurora? Send them to Welcome Home Batavia, a free service offering info, resources, gifts and gift certificates to connect people to their new community.

☑️ City meetings:

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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☑️ Kids Events: The St. Charles Park District has a variety of family-friendly events coming up. Check them out here.

🎟️ Pizza by the Pool | Wed 7/30, 5:30-8:30PM | Rustic Road Farm, Elburn | Tasty pizza, salad, live music, and good company outdoors at the farm.

🎟️ A Night of Bourbon & Gin | Wed 7/30 & Thurs 7/31, 6:30PM | The Lewis, STC | Discover the robust taste of Windows Distillery and snack on small plates.

🎟️ Geocache Bash | Thurs 7/31, 4:30-7PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | A family-friendly outdoor treasure hunt with hot dogs and s’mores.

🎟️ A View From the Bridge | Thurs 7/31 - Sun 8/3 | Playhouse 38, Geneva | Several weekend performances of the powerful tragedy set in 1950s Brooklyn.

🎟️ Night on the Fox Riverboat Fundraiser | Fri 8/1, 5:30PM | Pottawatomie Park, STC | A riverboat cruise, live music, apps, drinks, raffles and more.

🎟️ A Neil Diamond Story | Sat 8/2, 7:30PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | See the iconic tunes performed and hear the stories behind them.

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