Clean energy happenings in the Tri-Cities

Unlike most communities in northern Illinois, Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles get their electricity from city-run utilities.

To help manage that process, the utilities contract with two nonprofit agencies that act as a sort of intermediary. Most of the electricity those agencies purchase, however, is from coal-fired sources — not ideal for a state hoping to transition to a clean-energy future.

But a group of advocacy organizations is encouraging local residents to get creative about solutions during a free event in St. Charles on 11/15 aptly named "The Tri-Cities' Coal Problem and What We Can Do About It."

So if you’re interested in hearing about what Illinois is doing to progress from coal to renewables — and where the Tri-Cities fit into that strategy — you should check it out. The Daily Herald has more info here.

And unrelated (but on theme), Sidecar Supper Club in Batavia is hosting an event two days earlier (11/13) exploring the fusion energy breakthrough that created a media firestorm back in December.

Sounds like a nice chance to hear from a genuine expert about a technology that could end up being a huge part of the solution to our dirty little energy problem.

News to use

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 Voter education: Kane County will help residents prepare for the March 2024 election by holding public demonstrations of its new voting equipment at various events around the area.

 Bold prediction, Cotton: Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke believes the Windmill City’s population will exceed 30K (currently a hair above 26K) by the time the 2025 special census rolls around.

 Transit testimonials: If you’re a Pace Suburban Bus rider, you can use this survey to provide feedback that could be instrumental in helping the service meet locals’ transportation needs.

Local biz

 New restaurant alert: The agenda for tonight’s Batavia City Council meeting includes approval of a liquor license for Thora Bella — to be located at 15 E. Wilson in the former Gaetano’s space.

Growing their presence: The seasonal pop-up shop that Batavia’s Gather Bakery is opening in the Geneva Commons could be a stepping stone to a more permanent Tri-Cities location.

 Geneva Chamber awards: A business community as vibrant as Geneva’s requires contributions from unique, talented individuals — and several of them were recognized on Thursday night.

Laughing matters: Having just celebrated its second anniversary, The Comedy Vault in Batavia is happy with its “exponential growth” — and plans to build on its momentum.

 Constructing the coop: St. Charles’ new Chick-Fil-A will be built starting in early 2024, bringing somewhere between 80 and 120 new jobs to the area.

 Impending expansion: According to its Facebook page, Zazas Pizzeria is shooting for Dec. 1 as the grand opening date for its new Geneva location in the former Osteria Bigolaro space.

 Sweet, sweet suds: The new Penrose Graham's Chocolate Porter is a malty, chocolaty collaboration between two long-time pillars of Geneva’s food and beverage scene.

In the community

Rallying for a neighbor: You can now directly support the family of Brian Anderson, the Kane County Sheriff's Deputy who was seriously injured in a crash on 10/23, via this donation page.

Power of perseverance: A GHS student made history when she was elected the first-ever president of Illinois DECA, a prestigious program for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

Stewards of nature: If you’ve got a passion for the natural world, the Kane County Certified Naturalist program is a great way to get involved — and they’re having a free informational session Thursday night.

Civic updates

 Geneva City Council: The agenda for tonight’s meeting includes a resolution about studying utility-scale solar within the Geneva corporate limits as part of the 2023/24 budget.

 St. Charles City Council: The agenda for tonight’s meeting includes a Veterans Day proclamation presentation and committee reports.

Special events

 Magic & Mischief: David Casas is bringing his award-winning interactive show to Club Arcada on Wednesday night, blending speakeasy vibes with thrilling illusions and comedy.

 Holiday Sneak Peak: Downtown Batavia shops will officially shift into holiday mode on Thursday at 5PM with festive decor, live music, savory treats and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.

 Mean Girls: As we approach the 20th anniversary of the iconic comedy film, you can catch the BHS fall musical version at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

🎸 Live music

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

Monday (11/6) ⬇️

✔️ Doc Elliot: Preservation | Geneva | 6-9PM | Event info

Wednesday (11/8) ⬇️

✔️ Mike Hayes: Flagship on the Fox | St. Charles | 6-9PM | Musician info

✔️ Dave Ramont: Preservation | Geneva | 6-9PM | Event info 

Thursday (11/9) ⬇️

✔️ Matt Keen: Flagship on the Fox | St. Charles | 4-7PM | Band info

✔️ Barrelhouse Blend: Emerald Acres | Virgil | 5-11PM | Event info

✔️ Jack Byron: Preservation | Geneva | 6-9PM | Event info + video

✔️ Throw a Flow Hip Hop: Pollyanna Brewing | St. Charles | 7-10PM

✔️ PBJ: EvenFlow | Geneva | 7-11PM | Event info

✔️ Stan KarcOX at Hotel Baker | St. Charles | 7:30-11PM | Musician info

🎟️ Matt Keen: Moonlight Theater | St. Charles | 7:30-9:30PM | Event info

🌔 Weather snapshot

⛅ Today: High 66F | Low 39F | Windy + chance of rain

🌤️ Tuesday: High 47F | Low 43F | Back to regular fall

🌧️ Wednesday: High 51F | Low 41F | Wet + mild

🌤️ Thursday: High 53F | Low 36F | An autumn beauty

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