Good morning!

Have you ever been to the Aquascape Pond Shop & Inspiration Center in St. Charles? We stopped by last weekend — what a cool place.

Even if you’re not in the market for pond kits or water plants, it’s fun to explore the little nature oasis they’ve created: aquatic landscapes featuring hopping frogs, tanks of turtles and exotic koi fish, and whimsical decor you might want to snag for your backyard.

Pretty interesting under-the-radar spot.

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Monday’s edition featured a poll question: How do you feel about the current direction of the town you live in?

The responses show a mix of optimism, frustration, and an acute feeling of affection for the area’s small-town character.

Out of 323 respondents, those who described their outlook as “a mixed bag” were nearly evenly matched with those who said they were “excited about the future.”

Only about 12% expressed serious concerns about the direction of their communities. Many say they understand change is necessary, but want it managed in a way that preserves what makes each community unique.

“Towns have to continue to change and grow,” one person wrote. “If they stagnate and have nothing to offer each generation, towns run the risk of becoming ghost towns.”

That sentiment — embracing progress without losing identity — permeated the responses. Residents repeatedly referenced the small-town feel that still defines their town, especially in Batavia and Geneva.

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Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Autumn Almanack is out! Check out The Little Traveler’s Autumn 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

☑️ Local landmark: Local realtor Chris Wallace offered a video tour as he explored the historic Hotel Baker in St. Charles.

☑️ Spooky spectacle: An Elburn family’s outrageous home haunt has grown into a fully permitted, circus-themed Halloween maze that draws thousands of visitors and raises donations for the Elburn Fireworks Show.

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☑️ New taxes: Kane County officials approved plans to raise the local gas tax and create a new grocery-retail tax in unincorporated areas, green-lighting two revenue measures that many residents have pushed back on.

🔒 False alarm: St. Charles East High School briefly went into lockdown last week after a reported student gun threat, but police and school officials later determined the threat was not credible and all students were safe.

☑️ Downtown building’s fate: Batavia’s Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday (10/27) as it considers a proposal to demolish the long-vacant former Ethan Allen building at 14-18 N. Batavia Ave.

☑️ Data center debate: Aurora has temporarily halted new data center projects to review zoning and environmental impacts, prompting nearby cities like Naperville and Geneva to consider how to best approach regulating the industry.

☑️ Fatal collision: Two people were killed Saturday night in a two-vehicle crash on westbound I-88 near Mitchell Road in North Aurora, according to Illinois State Police.

☑️ EV opportunity: Kane County residents can now apply for state rebates of up to $4K toward the purchase of an electric vehicle — applications are open October 28 through January 31 or until Illinois’ program funding runs out.

☑️ Seasonal shift: The Batavia Indoor Market kicks off on November 1 at Sturdy Shelter Brewing, running every Saturday through mid-May with more than 20 local vendors, hot breakfast options, and the same community spirit — just indoors for the winter.

☑️ Local Latino perspective: The latest “Area Code: Batavia” episode features a candid conversation with a Batavia therapist who is helping local families cope with growing fear and anxiety amid increased immigration enforcement in the Fox Valley.

☑️ Artistic afternoon: Local organizers will host the first-ever Artists Sunday Road Rally event in Geneva on November 30, giving residents a free, self-guided art tour featuring local studios, galleries, and shops with live demos and exhibits.

☑️ Awesome alumni: The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence is now accepting nominations through February 1 for its 2026 Hall of Honor, recognizing graduates, staff, and residents who’ve made a lasting impact in the community.

☑️ Seasonal showcase: The St. Charles Arts Council is inviting local artists to submit work for Winter Light, a juried holiday art show running November 22 through January 4 at the Arts Resource Center. Submissions are due by November 7.

☑️ River resources: The Fox River Study Group — a coalition dedicated to enhancing the health and vitality of the river — has invited residents to its 2025 Annual Meeting on November 6 in Batavia for a discussion on habitat, connectivity studies, and watershed projects.

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Speaking of Preservation — Squares Pizza Pub in Bartlett (from the owners of Preservation and Atlas Chicken) is having its grand opening party this Wednesday (10/29) at 1048 W. Army Trail Road.

And here in the Tri-Cities, we’ve got a nice lineup of local live music for Halloween week.

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Local Halloween fun was in full swing this weekend, and Valor Carts’ custom “Steel-mobile” was right in the mix.

From bringing pre-game spirit to the Chicago Steel in Geneva on Friday (they won!) to cruising through Elburn’s Trunk or Treat with community partners like Rising Lights Project and My Recess Therapy, Valor Carts brought the good vibes — and left behind plenty of smiles.

All-electric, street-legal, and effortlessly cool — these carts are the most fun you can have on four quiet wheels.

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☑️ Restaurant debut: The Geneva Chamber held a ribbon cutting last week for Prime Cut Restaurant & Wine Bar, a new contemporary spot at the Geneva Commons. Check out their menu.

☑️ Downtown shop debut: The Batavia Chamber held a ribbon cutting last week for Gifts & Amor, a new store offering a variety of leather goods plus gifts and party supplies. Check out a video of the space.

☑️ A reopening of sorts: Coffee, Cones, & Cabernet (previously known as All Chocolate Kitchen) will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday (11/1) and Sunday (11/2) at its space on 3rd Street in Geneva with prizes and giveaways.

☑️ Drive-thru burritos: Chipotle has opened its third St. Charles location on East Main Street, featuring a drive-thru “Chipotlane” for mobile order pickups.

✳️ Local looks good: Let’s show off our Tri-Cities pride with style, shall we? Urban Artisan in Geneva carries clever local apparel, quirky community gifts, and locally inspired home décor you won’t find anywhere else. Check out their Tri-Cities selection.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.7M mansion in Geneva’s “Gold Coast” neighborhood (that bar and billiards setup, wow).

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes, plus this Daily Herald article about the “phenomenal Batavian” Bob Peterson, who died on October 17 after decades of giving back to the community.

☑️ For business owners: Reaching new residents early with offers through the services of Welcome Home Batavia & North Aurora can increase the chance of turning them into loyal customers while boosting brand recognition for your business.

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

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☑️ Police Chief Meet n’ Greet | Tues 10/28, 3-6PM | STC Police Station | Meet and chat with new St. Charles Police Chief Dan Likens.

☑️ Meet Your Mayor | Tues 10/28, 5:30-7:30PM | City Hall, Geneva | Chat with Mayor Kevin Burns and share your thoughts on community happenings in Geneva.

☑️ Martina Mathisen Presents “The Lift” | Wed 10/29, 1-2PM | Norris Cultural Arts Center, STC | A motivational and uplifting speaking program.

🎟️ I Love The 80s to Death | Thurs 10/30, 7PM | Arcada Theatre, STC | An exhilarating murder mystery dinner and show with a cash bar.

🎟️ Ghost Stories: A Cozy Haunt for Curious Souls | Thurs 10/30, 7PM | Soul Studio, Batavia | Get spooked in the dark with snacks and mocktails.

🎟️ Flannels on the Fox Pub Crawl | Sat 11/1, 1PM | Downtown Geneva | Five local stops on a trolley — wear your flannel and make sure you’re thirsty.

🔥 Loved it, keep up the good work [this]

😐 Mediocre, could take it or leave it [this]

🛑 3 minutes I’ll never get back [this]

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