You’ve probably noticed that here at Tri-Cities Central, we’re big on local businesses and community connections.

So when I initially connected with Amber Blomquist, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she’d only lived in Batavia for three weeks. What a great opportunity to introduce an innovative new business to local residents!

With The Magical Traveling Pet Groomer, her mobile pet-grooming business serving the Tri-Cities and greater Chicagoland area, Amber is committed to providing a more personalized, stress-free grooming experience for both pets and their owners — especially when compared to the noisy, chaotic environment you often find in brick-and-mortar salons.

Already involved in the community, she plans to participate in the Joyful Holiday Market event in downtown Batavia on December 8 and 9 with a variety of other local businesses.

Read on for details on her unique approach to pet grooming and some of the services and special discounts she’s got lined up.

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🔒 Time is a flat circle: The now notorious former blacksmith shop along the Fox River in Geneva is in the headlines again thanks to its owner’s latest request to eliminate its landmark status.

🔒 2024 Primary filing: Several incumbents in suburban congressional districts will face primary challengers while others kicked off campaigns for offices across Kane County.

☑️ Plan accordingly: To accommodate the Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour, Geneva will close some downtown streets and enact parking restrictions during the weekend events.

🔒 Polar vortex offseason: Experts predict a strong El Nino winter for the Chicago area, which might mean we’re in for a milder-than-normal season.

☑️ Unsafe driving: According to a new federal study examining the rate of fatal vehicle crashes in each state, Illinois dropped from the 9th safest to the 21st safest over the span of a decade.

☑️ More tainted fruit: Peaches, plums and nectarines sold at major Illinois retailers (including Walmart and Aldi) have been linked to a listeria outbreak. Here’s what to avoid buying and eating.

🔒 Scandinavian romance: A chance encounter on a ship bound for America, family heirlooms and Swedish love letters — it’s all part of the story behind the Geneva History Museum’s latest treasure.

☑️ Stopped in its tracks: A Geneva Planning and Zoning Commission vote denied the Venture Park development, which means it won’t move on to City Council.

🔒 Kettle match days: Two local organizations are stepping up to match $25K+ in donations to The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps during special events on 12/9 and 12/16.

☑️ New local legislator: Robin Barraza, a current small business owner who worked in public education for two decades, will be sworn in as Batavia’s new Ward 7 Alderperson on Monday.

☑️ Free leaf collection: Batavia and Geneva will pick up leaves (no other refuse) in yard waste bags throughout December. St. Charles will pick them up from 12/4 through 12/27.

🔒 Treats for STC: A new Andy’s Frozen Custard location is expected to open adjacent to the Foxfield Commons Shopping Center on Route 64 in early December.

☑️ New local listen: If you enjoy podcasts and community-centric conversations, the St. Charles Chamber’s new podcast featuring local businesses may be right up your alley. Episode 1 is out.

A reminder to our regular readers: The live music schedule is now featured on its own, separate page.

On tap for this weekend:

☑️ All Weekend | Friends Book Sale: You know we’re big fans of book sales around here. The Geneva Public Library will offer bargains galore on Friday (10AM-4PM), Saturday (10AM-4PM) and Sunday (12-4PM).

☑️ 6PM | Geneva Christmas Walk: Santa Lucia will light the Great Tree before Santa arrives and the evening continues with roasted chestnuts, carolers and special treats from local businesses.

☑️ 4-7PM | 29th Annual Christmas Stroll: Elburn is getting in on the holiday fun with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a tree lighting, photo ops and a chance to visit participating festive businesses.

🎟️ 3PM | Swedish Christmas and St. Lucia Festival: The Swedish American Children's Choir — the largest choir of its kind in the Midwest — will put on a show at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia. Swedish treats and baked goods to follow.

🌥️ Today: High 48F | Low 34F | Clouds but warm-ish

🌧️ Friday: High 39F | Low 34F | Objectively bad weather

☁️ Saturday: High 42F | Low 34F | Some rain may linger

☁️ Sunday: High 41F | Low 32F | More monotonous gray

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