_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

Last week, we introduced you to 212 Degrees Construction, a local construction crew with more than 30 years of remodeling experience right here in the Tri-Cities.

This week, they’ve got another special offer for you: $2,500 off new siding.* All you have to do is book a free consultation by April 15 — and mention Tri-Cities Central when you do.

Their detailed approach to siding replacement will beautify your home, enhance your property value and even help you save on energy costs.

_{*Qualifications apply. One discount per address.}

More information has trickled out following initial reports from residents about a foam discharge discovered in Batavia’s Mahoney Creek.

Perhaps most importantly (from the city website):

Cleanup crews began working to remove the foam on Friday. The city advises residents to stay away from the creek while cleanup efforts continue.

The City of Batavia  has been collaborating with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and an environmental consultant group to investigate the incident.

In a nutshell, the Illinois EPA has connected the appearance of the foam to the activation of an outdoor fire suppression system at a warehouse owned by Flint Group, a printing and packaging company located on Kirk Road.

The Flint Group issued a statement addressing its involvement with the incident on March 13.

The company has also enlisted the services of Clean Harbors and Ramboll to conduct the cleanup and further testing. Both organizations are coordinating efforts with the City of Batavia and the IEPA.

Residents who would like to report additional foam sightings can call the city at 630-454-2002 or send an email to [email protected].

The city continues to update a special page on its website with details as they become available. Check that out for more information.

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☑️ TikTok drama: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi — a local rep for Illinois’ 8th District — recently appeared on CNN to speak about the importance of forcing TikTok’s parent company to divest. He argues that the social giant poses a national security threat.

☑️ Work zone awareness: More road work begins today in Geneva as IDOT begins making sidewalk improvements along Route 31. Street closures should be minimal.

🔒 Beyond the primary: Several local elected officials spoke to a crowd of hundreds about party unity at the Kane County Democrats' Truman Dinner at the Q Center in St. Charles.

☑️ Safety + accountability: By the end of the month, all Geneva police officers will be outfitted with body-worn cameras.

🔒 Much-needed support: In 2023, CASA Kane County broke a record that was set the previous year by helping 625 abused and neglected children. And the nonprofit plans to do even more moving forward.

🔒 Girls track & field: In a convincing win, Batavia took home its sixth straight DuKane Conference indoor title with Geneva coming in second.

☑️ Celeb sighting: Local “New Kids On The Block” fans recently pulled together a flash mob at Wahlburger’s — and even got Donnie Wahlberg himself to participate (video).

☑️ A very good boy: Arko, a local police dog who recently passed away, was beloved by the community and would do anything to protect his partner.

☑️ VFW engagement: A panel of local veterans recently shared firsthand accounts of their wartime experiences with St. Charles North High School students as part of their Vietnam War studies.

☑️ Let’s grow: The Batavia Public Library is giving out free seed packets to help residents get gardening season off to a fertile start.

☑️ Fresh digs: Springs at St. Charles — a new apartment community with a pool, clubhouse, two dog parks and other amenities — is now open near Charlestowne Mall.

☑️ Local pride: The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence announced the eight honorees that will be inducted into its 2024 Hall of Honor.

☑️ More celeb sightings: NHL legend and former Blackhawk Jeremy Roenick was out and about in the area last week, judging by photos from Dukes Northwoods and Aurelio’s Geneva. Oh, and comedian David Koechner was hanging out at Limestone in Batavia (among other places).

*Below are “listed” start/end times — actual play times tend to vary. The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. Links to band/event info are provided where available.

Quick note: No live music at Flagship on the Fox this week due to college basketball tournament games.

Also: Katie and I checked out Magoo at Preservation on Friday night — heck of a performer. Highly recommend popping into one of his shows next time he’s playing nearby.

✔️ Ryan Worthy: Firewater BBQ | Geneva | 5-7PM | Musician info

✔️ Terry Byrne: Preservation | Geneva | 6-9PM | Event info + video

✔️ Pete Jive: Firewater BBQ | Geneva | 5-7PM | Musician info

✔️ Matthew Kopecky: Preservation | Geneva | 6-9PM | Event info + video

✔️ Ry Guys: House Pub | St. Charles | 9PM-12AM | Musician info

☑️ Patio season: Whiskey Bend’s beautiful outdoor patio is open! Weather permitting, of course.

☑️ Furry finds: The Tri-Cities will soon be home to a unique new pet boutique when CāDō & Company celebrates its grand opening this coming weekend in Batavia.

☑️ Smart investing: According to Business Insider, Illinois offers the best 529 college savings program in the nation.

☑️ Life at the Bottom of the Fox | Wednesday, 7PM | Baker Community Center, STC | Learn from expert Pam Otto about the fish, mollusks, turtles and other creatures you may not always see from the shoreline of the Fox River.

☑️ Stone-A-Palooza | Thursday, 2-8PM | Fine Line Creative Arts Center, STC | Peruse a plethora of locally made beads, stones and jewelry.

☑️ Pub Theology | Thursday, 6:30-8:30PM | Art History Brewing, Geneva | Dive into topics involving faith, meaning, identity, culture, politics and more (where all perspectives matter).

All three City Councils will hold meetings tonight:

☑️ Batavia: The agenda for tonight’s meeting includes a wide range of resolutions as well as the adoption of the Batavia Fox River Corridor Master Plan and an amendment to restrict advertising for video gaming.

☑️ Geneva: The agenda for tonight’s meeting is relatively sparse, featuring financial and revenue reports and a resolution for publication of the City of Geneva zoning map.

☑️ St. Charles: The agenda for tonight’s meeting includes a National Vietnam War Veterans Day Proclamation plus the approval of special use ordinances for a cultural center and a church.

🌤️ Today: High 37F | Low 28F | Quite chilly

🌤️ Tuesday: High 53F | Low 28F | Random warmup

🌤️ Wednesday: High 39F | Low 20F | Brisk + breezy

🌤️ Thursday: High 40F | Low 30F | Small chance of rain

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