🍽️ Shakeup on 3rd Street

According to a Friday Facebook post, Le Cochon Wine Bar and Bistro is now open in the former Mandrake space on 3rd Street in Geneva.

As of now, it looks like their hours are 4-10PM, Wednesday through Sunday, with plans to expand on that in time. No phone or website yet, so just head on over if you’re keen to check it out.

Want to buy Graham’s 318?

The beloved former downtown Geneva coffeehouse is now for sale for $2.3M after challenges from COVID-19 and family priorities led to its closure in April 2024.

View the official listing to see photos and property details.

I was super bummed when Graham’s 318 closed, and I get the sense that a lot of Geneva residents and visitors felt the same way.

It wasn’t simply the exceptional coffee, food and donuts (oh man, those donuts) — it was the welcoming atmosphere filled with chatter and laughter alongside quiet corners for studying or relaxing. A true community gathering spot.

Geneva’s got other local gems like Cocoa Bean on 7th Street (highly recommended) for coffee, breakfast and pastries, but nowhere quite matches the blend of ample seating and vibrant community feel that was a staple of Graham’s 318.

Here’s hoping the future buyer chooses to bring back the coffeehouse model — they’d certainly be filling a gaping hole.

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🦅 Explore the Fox Valley from a whole new perspective

Imagine soaring above the snow-covered fields, watching the Fox Valley unfold beneath you. At Freedom Flying Company in Sugar Grove, exhilarating 30- and 60-minute minute discovery flights await, promising an experience that will leave you breathless — all guided by experienced instructors.

And that unforgettable voyage is just the tip of the iceberg.

Freedom Flying Company offers comprehensive flight training programs to help you turn this thrilling experience into a lifelong passion. Under their expert guidance, you can earn your FAA Sport or Private Pilot License.

Ready to take the first step into your aviation adventure?

📰 News to use

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☑️ Avian alert: As bird flu continues to spread, Kane County Animal Control has gathered a collection of reliable resources to answer questions about the virus, safety precautions for you and your pets, and how to report sick or dead wild birds.

🔒 Dam deliberations: St. Charles residents filled City Hall for the latest Dam Task Force meeting last week, with several speaking to the environmental and community impacts of dam removal (which could still be years away). Watch the meeting on YouTube.

☑️ Alarming incidents: The St. Charles Police Department reported that it’s investigating several burglaries that occurred in the Charlemagne and Majestic Oaks neighborhoods late last week.

☑️ Geneva election: According to Shaw Local (🔒), Eagle Book Country Club will host a meet n’ greet event for mayoral candidate Karsten Pawlik on 2/18 at 5:30PM, followed by a forum for candidates in Wards 3 and 5. The Geneva Township Republicans are also holding a “Candidates & Conversations” event at Aurelio’s on 2/24.

☑️ Village dispute: A Campton Hills police officer has been on paid leave for nearly a year while his attorney says it’s retaliation for his attempt to form a union.

☑️ Rep speaks out: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents IL’s 8th District including parts of the Tri-Cities, raised concerns about rising local grocery costs and Elon Musk’s access to the Treasury’s payment system. See video of his testimony and his appearance on NBC Chicago.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Vital shifts: Kane County revealed life event records data from 2010 onward that shows a steady decline in births, a pandemic-era spike in deaths and a big rebound in marriages — reflecting changing trends over the past 15 years.

☑️ Icy impact: The Geneva and St. Charles police departments are gearing up for their annual Polar Plunge events in March, where participants will brave icy waters to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois. Donate or participate if interested!

☑️ Rising leader: Taylor Krawczyk of the St. Charles Park District was honored with the IL Park & Recreation Association’s Young Professional of the Year award for her leadership and commitment to inclusive recreation.

☑️ Educator legacy: The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence published an alumni spotlight on Ruth Tousana, a 1957 grad who became a beloved teacher at Alice Gustafson Elementary School. (She taught while I was at AGS).

☑️ Help hub: Kane County has launched Behavioral Health 360, a free online hub offering 24/7 mental health and substance use support, including education, coping strategies and connections to local resources.

☑️ Sustainable savings: Although Illinois residents who purchase an EV from a licensed dealer can apply for a rebate of up to $4K, funds are limited — so start thinking about applying if you’re interested.

🎸 Live music

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The early-to-mid-week lineup includes a Tuesday morning performance at the St. Charles Public Library plus shows at all the usual spots.

🛍️ Local biz

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☑️ V-Day deals: Who doesn’t love a good special? Check out this list of Valentine’s Day sales and deals at St. Charles businesses this week.

☑️ Closing, not gone: Batavia-based pet boutique CāDō & Company announced that it is closing its downtown storefront on 2/23 after 11 months due to low sales — though online shopping will be available soon.

🔒 Care unlocked: Second Act/Scene 2, a nonprofit started by a Geneva therapist, is providing affordable mental health care to uninsured clients — ensuring no one is turned away from getting the support they need.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1M home on Lusted Lane in Batavia.

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

☑️ City meetings:

• Monday (2/10): St. Charles Planning & Development Committee (agenda)

• Tuesday (2/11): Batavia Committee of the Whole (agenda)

• Tuesday (2/11): St. Charles Ward 3 residents are invited to join Ald. Paul Lencioni and Ald. Bob Gehm from 6-7:30PM for a “Connect with Council” session in the Police Department Community Room (1st floor).

☑️ Police reports: Batavia police report summaries | Geneva police reports

☑️ Local tip: Learn how to recycle your old I-PASS transponder.

🗓️ Galentine’s & Valentine’s

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

🎟️ Valentine’s Skate Party | Tues 2/11, 5:15-8:30PM | Funway, Batavia | A family-friendly night at the rink with dinner and dessert.

🎟️ Galentine’s Paint n Sip | Tues 2/11, 6-8PM | Light Held Love Studio, Geneva | A Mean Girls-themed painting session and celebration.

☑️ Galentine’s Cocktails & Cookie Decorating | Wed 2/12, 6PM | The Office, STC | Get ready to sip and savor.

🎟️ Galentine’s Mahj Night | Wed 2/12, 6-9PM | Oak & Rose Team Room, Geneva | A fun evening of mahjong, wine and nibbles.

🎟️ Galentine’s Day | Thurs 2/13, All Day | Alter Brewing, STC | Special treats, a limited menu and lovely live music.

☑️ Hoppy Hearts Brew & Browse | Thurs 2/13, 5-9PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | A Valentine’s market with drinks, handcrafted goods and fresh eats.

🎟️ Frank Family Luxury Dinner | Thurs 2/13, 6-9PM | The Wine Exchange, STC | An expertly prepared four-course meal paired with wine.

🎟️ Galentine’s Day Taper Candle Making | Thurs 2/13, 6:30PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | Create works of art with help from Meli of Pretty Pages in Batavia.

🎟️ Valentine’s Murder Mystery: Dinner & Show | Thurs 2/13, 7PM | Arcada Theatre, STC | A delicious Italian feast followed by a thrilling performance.

📖 Thanks for reading

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