📍 A one-stop shop for pickleball in the Fox Valley

Pickleball’s rapid rise as the nation’s fastest-growing sport isn’t just a trend — it’s reshaping local parks and recreation too.

In the Tri-Cities, Geneva resident Kevin Howe is helping the movement grow with the launch of Fox Valley PickleFinder, a new platform connecting players with courts, tournaments and community events.

Howe, an avid player himself, said he wanted to create a resource where players could “discover new places to play, actually see the courts before they go, and connect with everything the local scene has to offer.”

From tucked-away courts like Belgium Town Park in St. Charles to bustling spots like Pickled! in Batavia, Fox Valley PickleFinder is already making it easier for players of all levels to find their next match — and their next community.

➡️ Read more about the project and explore the Fox Valley’s growing pickleball scene.

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⚡ Here’s how to make your summer electric

Dreaming of weekends at the cabin, lake or beach house? Batavia’s Valor Carts can make the reality even better than the dream.

Their brand-new electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are built for cruising cabins, beaches and backroads — and yes, they’re fully street-legal on roads up to 30 mph.

Designed by a local family with a love for the outdoors, Valor Carts mix serious style with 72V electric batteries, touchscreens, a built-in cooler and other smart features — making summer weekends with your crew a lot more fun.

Want a closer look? Schedule a showroom visit or check out their new models.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Downtown walkability: Members of a St. Charles committee recommended approval of a construction project that would create a new pedestrian crossing on Illinois Avenue, just west of the bridge.

🔒 Budget bridge: Batavia officials plan to keep the current 1% grocery tax in place by implementing a local version once the state repeals its own in January 2026, citing a need to preserve $1.2M in annual revenue. Watch the committee discussion (22-minute mark).

☑️ On the run: Authorities are searching for former a St. Charles driving instructor who was convicted of sexually assaulting a student but failed to appear in court for his recent trial date.

☑️ Due dates: Kane County announced that property tax bills will be mailed by May 1, with the first installment due June 2 and the second due September 2. Get the details.

☑️ Protest planned: Another local “Hands Off!” rally will be held on Saturday (5/3) at Foxfield Commons on the corner of Route 64 and Fieldgate Drive in St. Charles.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Nature’s playground: The Midwest Tulip Fest at Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park is now open through mid-May, giving you the chance to explore 700K colorful tulips imported from the Netherlands — plus dozens of other attractions.

☑️ Food truck fests: Both downtown Aurora (on Friday) and downtown Naperville (on Saturday) will play host to food truck festivals this weekend, complete with live music, beer tents, kids activities and more.

🔒 Courthouse secrets: Volunteers at the Geneva History Museum recently discovered a 1912 document suggesting that Abraham Lincoln once spoke in Geneva, which they say is the first written evidence linking him to the city.

☑️ Authentic eats: The St. Charles Business Alliance has relaunched its Tortilla Tour with a lower check-in requirement, making it easier for locals to explore Mexican restaurants around town and earn a prize for dining local.

☑️ Transit talk: A local transportation agency is inviting residents to share their transit experiences and ideas to help shape the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan for northeastern Illinois. Take the survey.

🎸 Live music

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Weekly live music has resumed at Whiskey Bend and The Office in St. Charles — the latter as a prime happy hour spot with a 4PM performance set for Friday. Outdoor live music is back and I’m stupid excited.

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🧭 Planning ahead makes all the difference

One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved one — and yourself — is a hard conversation before a crisis hits.

If anyone would know, it’s Batavia’s LaVon Lenaway of Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services. She recently shared a personal story about preparing for her parents’ future, illustrating why it's so important to explore memory care options while clear heads and calm conversations are still possible.

If you’re unsure where to start, LaVon is here to help — with expert guidance from someone who's walked the path herself.

🤝 Local biz

☑️ Diversity on display: WGN TV’s “Around Town” show checked in on Red Hive Market in Batavia to interview the owner and local makers about the shop’s unique, funky products (including a line of alien and Bigfoot-related items). Watch the segments.

☑️ New coffee spot: A brand called Young Professional Coffee will be doing a “pop-up residency” at The Lewis in St. Charles on weekend mornings beginning in May.

☑️ Local specials: Dukes Northwoods is offering 10% off to anyone who brings in a St. Charles golf score card, The Office rolled out half-price pizza Tuesdays, and Bien Trucha has a take-home taco package for Cinco de Mayo this weekend.

💥 Local advertising: When you sponsor Tri-Cities Central, you can be certain that real, local people will get your message. Check out our easy advertising program.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Citywide Garage Sales | Fri 5/2 - Sat 5/3 | Batavia + STC | Get ready to find some gems — it’s garage sale weekend in both Batavia and St. Charles.

☑️ Veterans Benefits Fair | Fri 5/2, 10AM-2PM | Batavia VFW | 50+ vendors ready to help out local veterans and their families.

🎟️ Senior Bird Hike Event | Sat 5/3, 9AM | Corron Farm, STC | Enjoy a presentation and bird ID hike along beautiful trails.

🎟️ Mini Golf Opening Day | Sat 5/3, 11AM | Geneva & STC | Both Riverview in STC and Stone Creek in Geneva kick off the season.

🎟️ Summer Container Design Class | Sat 5/3, 9AM | Wasco Nursery, STC | A fun, informative build-your-own container session.

☑️ Houses with a Heart | Sat 5/3, 10AM - Sun 5/4, 5PM | Geneva | Shop one-of-a-kind bird houses with 90% of proceeds going to Lazarus House.

☑️ Mobile Driver Services | Sat 5/3, 10AM-2PM | Geneva Library | The IL Secretary of State brings the DMV to you (including REAL ID services).

🎟️ VSW Pancake Breakfast | Sun 5/4, 7:30AM-12PM | Valley Sheltered Workshop, Batavia | Enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting a great local organization.

☑️ Spring Fling Bike Show & Ride | Sun 5/4, 10AM-2PM | Sammy’s Bikes, STC | A family-friendly festival followed by a group ride.

☑️ Pilates & Pints | Sun 5/4, 11AM-12PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | After an invigorating session of stretching and strengthening, reward yourself with a refreshing local brew.

☑️ Sunday Funday Face Painting | Sun 5/4, 11:30AM-2PM | Preservation Geneva | Live music for the grown-ups, free face painting for the kids!

☑️ Bike Rodeo | Sun 5/4, 12-2PM | Wheeler Park, Geneva | Bring the kids for an afternoon of fun and bike safety tips.

☑️ Take It Or Leaf It Plant Swap | Sun 5/4, 12-5PM | Art History Brewing, Geneva | Exchange veggies, herbs and flowers while hanging with green thumbs.

📖 Thanks for reading

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