Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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Savia Cafe brings fresh flavors to downtown Geneva
Owner Angeles Contreras (right) and her son Alberto.
As Geneva’s coffee and cafe scene keeps growing, the newest addition recently opened near the Metra station and offers a cultural twist.
Savia Cafe brings Mexican-inspired drinks, fresh pastries, a cozy vibe, and convenient grab-and-go options to the downtown area, ideally located for both commuters and visitors.
I stopped in to chat with owner Angeles Contreras, who says the opening has been years in the making — and she’s easing in with help from her son as the family-run spot finds its footing. So far, so good…though if all goes to plan, this is just phase one.
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🏍️ Motorcycles, art — and a really good time
Step inside the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum & Art Gallery and be ready for an experience unlike any other in the area.
In his latest video, local real estate expert Chris Wallace shows us the huge variety of bikes on display, walls adorned with unique art, and a full bar that regularly hosts live music and special weekly events.
Bonus: For their one-year anniversary, the museum is raffling off a 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy…but you gotta grab tickets soon.
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☑️ Economic activity: The St. Charles Business Alliance highlighted steady hotel occupancy, a successful Unwind Wednesday event series that it plans to expand, and a boost in downtown programming as the group seeks city funding for its 2026 initiatives.
☑️ Formal indictment: A Kane County grand jury has formally indicted the Batavia chiropractor at the center of last year’s secret videotaping investigation on 76 felony counts, furthering the criminal case against him.
☑️ Sheriff’s race: Several candidates are vying to replace outgoing Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain. Here’s useful info on the race between Amy Johnson and Salvador Rodriguez for the Democratic nomination — and here’s a breakdown of the Republican Primary race pitting Rob Russell against Luis Santoyo.
☑️ Fermilab fall: An ironworker who suffered catastrophic injuries in a 2023 fall at Fermilab in Batavia has reached a $40 million settlement with contractors involved in the nearly $1 billion project.
🔒 Poised for growth: St. Charles School District 303 has begun work on a roughly $6M expansion and renovation at Richmond Elementary School, adding classrooms and upgrades aimed at easing enrollment pressures ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
☑️ New TIF hearings: Batavia officials are moving forward with a review of a proposed new Tax Increment Financing district (TIF #7) near downtown, with public meetings set for March 2 and April 6.
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☑️ Big spring sale: The Geneva Chamber of Commerce will host its City-Wide Garage Sale on April 24 and 25; registration is now open for residents who want their homes listed on the official sale map.
☑️ Market updates: Batavia’s Wednesday Evening Farmers’ Market will return for its third season in June at a new location in South Riverside Plaza alongside the Wednesday River Rhapsody concerts. Related — Batavia’s Indoor Market was recently featured on NBC 5 Chicago.
☑️ Referendum prep: Looking for additional info as you weigh Geneva’s public safety referendum? The city launched a new video and podcast series featuring various city officials who share their thoughts on the timely topic.
☑️ New principal: Geneva’s school district has hired Elisabeth Stoffers as the next principal of Williamsburg Elementary School, a veteran educator set to begin July 1 as longtime principal Julie Dye prepares to retire.
☑️ Leadership shifts: Batavia School District 101 has hired Jon Mickle as its new director of operations and facilities, paving the way for current director Mark Anderson to become athletic director. See what Mickle had to say about the transition.
✳️ Connect with your community: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva has rolled out a variety of community-focused events and initiatives, from a new storytelling project to a special day of service with the Salvation Army on Feb. 28.
Plenty of interesting shows coming up this weekend, including Chicagoland favorite 7th Heaven on Friday, a George Harrison tribute on Saturday, and a special Fermi Community Orchestra performance on Sunday.
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⚡ Built for outdoor fun — and ready for spring
These aren’t golf carts. Far more versatile, they’re fully electric, street-legal low-speed vehicles made for lake house weekends, cabin trails, and beach town cruising. No gas, no noise, no hassle.
Trust me, I took one for a test drive in Batavia recently — and it was awesome.
Now with Valor Carts’ brand-new 2026 models available, you have several sleek, whisper-quiet designs to choose from…plus an optional solar panel roof.
📍 Schedule a visit to the Batavia showroom to experience one in action.
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☑️ End of a “good run”: Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room announced that it will close its Third Street location after more than 12 years and is holding a final 20% off sale on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 27-28).
☑️ New Commons spots: Warby Parker just opened a new store at the Geneva Commons last weekend — and the national Club Champion brand recently opened a custom golf club fitting studio offering tailored fittings to help local golfers improve their game.
✳️ Spring refresh — local style: Have you seen Urban Artisan’s “Tri-Cities Love” collection? I doubt you’ll find a better spot to discover local-themed decor, gifts, and apparel. Check out their online shop or pop into their Third Street store in Geneva.
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This section is sponsored by Up North Wine Tasting Room — an inviting, mother-daughter-owned Northern Michigan wine and cocktail bar located at 9 N. 2nd St. in downtown Geneva. Grab tickets to the upcoming Blustone Wine & Food Pairing Dinner on March 13 (with food from Le Truff Noir!).
🎟️ Comedy in the Moonlight | Fri 2/27, 7PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Five comics perform led by headliner Jayson Acevedo; full bar available.
🎟️ Kane County Flea Market | Sat 2/28, 11AM-4PM & Sun 3/1, 7AM-3PM | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | Up to 400 dealers, antiques, collectibles, refurbished finds.
☑️ Books and Brews | Sat 2/28, 12-4PM | Brother Chimp Brewing, STC | Meet local authors, enjoy craft beer and tasty tacos, and do some book browsing.
☑️ Halfway to Summer Party | Sat 2/28, 8PM | Riverside Pizza & Pub, Batavia | Live music, drinks, food and summer vibes.
☑️ Down Low Comedy Show | Sat 2/28, 8PM | Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling Co, STC | Free comedy night with talented local comedians and craft drinks.
✳️ Yoga With Puppies | Sun 3/1, Various Times | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Absolutely adorable beginner yoga with adoptable puppies in support of a great cause.
🎟️ “To Secure These Rights…” Exhibit | Sun 3/1 | Batavia Depot Museum | A new exhibit marks the Declaration’s 250th anniversary; opening reception on 3/5, 6-8PM.
🎟️ Antique Apple Grafting Seminar | Sun 3/1, 1:30PM | Garfield Farm Museum, Campton Hills | Learn grafting techniques and take home heirloom apple grafts.
🎟️ Mushroom Workshop | Wed 3/4, 6-8PM | 535 S. Randall Rd, STC | Hands-on cultivation guidance, food tastings, expert tips, and take-home grow kits.
🐶 Pets of the week
Introducing this week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane:
Harvey is a 5-year-old Short Coat Chihuahua mix who absolutely loves meeting new people — a sweet lil’ guy who will trot right over, tail wagging, ready to soak up all the love and attention you have to give.
Lily is a 10-year-old beauty with a gorgeous coat and a beautiful personality who truly loves attention. Despite being a mature lady, Lily still has a playful side and super affectionate nature.
Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s Adoptables page or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.
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