According to Dave Heun’s recent Daily Herald column, the east side of Geneva will be getting a new restaurant sooner rather than later.

The owners of Riganato Old World Grille plan to open HoneyBird — which will specialize in broasted chicken sandwiches and sides — on East State Street in early March. According to the article, the new spot will debut once final construction and permitting details are wrapped up.

Planning for the new restaurant has been in the works for a while now. If interested, you can learn more in this article about the planned restaurant and the city financial incentives (TIF reimbursements and ARPA grant funds) that aim to help offset redevelopment costs.

The business already has a Facebook page with its menu posted.

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Who says you can’t celebrate great vision and express your style at the same time?

That's the idea behind Fox Valley Ophthalmology and their upcoming February Frame Sale, which will offer a rare opportunity to refresh your look and enhance your sight with incredible value.

Not only can you get 20-70% off frames — including styles from Carrera, Caviar, Coach, Cole Haan, Dior, Gucci, and Ray Ban — but you’ll enjoy 50% off your second set of lenses with the purchase of new frames.

From stylish new frames to comprehensive family eye care, advanced cataract options, LASIK, and glaucoma treatments, Fox Valley Ophthalmology continues to offer the best vision care in the Tri-Cities.

☑️ Demolition decision: Geneva officials will decide on Monday evening (1/12) whether to allow demolition of the city’s 1845 blacksmith shop after preservationists recently presented a detailed plan to restore it as a Tri-Cities visitor center.

☑️ Housing development proposed: St. Charles officials reviewed an early concept for a 151-unit senior housing community on Dean Street that would require annexation and future zoning approvals.

☑️ Dam progress: Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley shared an update on the next phase of the Fox River dam removal effort after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asked Tri-Cities communities to submit non-binding letters by January 30 to allow for further study.

☑️ Sheriff race: Democratic candidate Andrew Schwab announced on Facebook that he is withdrawing his candidacy for Kane County Sheriff, endorsing Undersheriff Amy Johnson instead. Former coroner Rob Russell and Elburn Village Trustee Luis “Lou” Santoyo remain in the race for the Republican nomination.

☑️ Twister trends: Illinois finished 2025 with one of its most active tornado years on record, logging 146 tornadoes — second-most in the country — after an especially busy spring.

☑️ Scammer alert: Geneva police are warning residents about scam calls that spoof the department’s phone number, falsely claim criminal activity, and then pressure people to share financial information.

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☑️ Athletic honors: Geneva High School will induct a talented gymnast, an outstanding football standout, and a longtime coach into its Athletic Hall of Fame during a February 7 ceremony.

☑️ Educational opportunity: Local students have until January 20 to apply for Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley scholarships, which awarded a record $3.4 million to students last year across the area.

☑️ Election prep: The League of Women Voters will host a walk-in voter registration event at the St. Charles Public Library on January 25, helping eligible residents register or update their registration ahead of the March 17 primary.

☑️ Rainwater reuse: The City of Batavia, in partnership with The Conservation Foundation, has opened spring rain barrel sales to help residents collect rainwater, with online orders due in April.

🔒 Impactful support: The Geneva 708 Mental Health Board awarded $200K in grants to 16 local service agencies to support mental health care, substance use treatment, housing assistance, and services for residents with developmental disabilities.

✳️ Stellar preschool experience: Batavia Covenant Preschool offers joyful, play-based early learning in a caring Christian environment — with small class sizes, experienced and nurturing teachers, and hands-on activities that support children's academic, spiritual, and emotional development. Learn about their programs.

If you’re into acoustic music, there are a couple of performances you might be interested in this week — plus shows at the usual spots.

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What better way to break up the dreary monotony of a Midwest winter than with a tropical party?

Join the Geneva Community Chest on February 6 for Havana Nights — an evening of tropical drinks, steel drums, hand-rolled cigars, and fun games with exciting prizes.

And beyond the midwinter tropical escape, the night supports a wonderful cause — the Geneva Community Chest donates 97% of the funds they raise directly to 25+ vetted local charities.

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☑️ Show local love: Batavia MainStreet is inviting the community to vote by January 20 for their favorite downtown businesses to celebrate the people and institutions that make Batavia such a great place to live, work, and play.

☑️ Food + entertainment: North Aurora officials have given the green light for Mariscos El Catrin Del Mar (which opened in the fall on Randall Road) to host live entertainment, clearing the way for music and performances in the space.

✳️ Upgrade your Bears gear: The Chicago Bears are making a playoff run — make sure you prepare accordingly! Urban Artisan in Geneva has the hoodies, shirts, coasters, decor, and other items you need to support your hometown team in style. View their sports selection.

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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.3M historic limestone office building in downtown Batavia.

✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

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

☑️ City meetings: The St. Charles City Council will shift to a Committee of the Whole structure on February 2, consolidating its standing committees into one meeting format to streamline discussions, expand public comment, and improve transparency.

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

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☑️ Great Decisions: American Policy in the Middle East | Wed 1/14, 7PM–8:30PM | St. Charles Public Library | Group discussion on U.S. policy in the Middle East.

🎟️ 3 Floyds Beer Pairing Dinner | Wed 1/14, 7-9PM | Sidecar Supper Club, Batavia | Delicious three-course beer pairing dinner with brewery swag.

☑️ Psychedelics, Culture & Consciousness | Thu 1/15, 7PM | Urban Apothecary, Batavia | Lecture-discussion exploring psychedelics, the mind, and consciousness.

🎟️ Night Out: Blankets & Cocoa | Fri 1/16, 5:30PM–8:30PM | Pottawatomie Community Center, STC | Make a cozy blanket and sip cocoa at a winter craft night.

☑️ Polar-Palooza | Sat 1/17, 12PM–3PM | Creek Bend Nature Center, STC | Nature games, crafts, prizes, hot chocolate, and family-friendly winter fun.

🎟️ I Have a Dream: A King’s Journey | Sun 1/18, 5:30PM–7PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Powerful dramatization exploring Dr. King’s life, legacy, and lasting impact.

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