Good morning!

Thankfully, it appears that we’re trending away from the daily storms and incessant rain that plagued the prior week.

As a weather nerd, I had to take a deeper look into the recent streak. A little amateur sleuthing uncovered that the last time the Chicago area experienced eight consecutive days of at least trace precipitation during August (which just happened August 9-16) was 19 years ago in 2007. Before that, the most recent instance was 1989.

So, quite rare! If the trend continues, we can expect the next such rainy streak in 2045 or so.

Note: A few weeks ago we reported that Nuova Italia in St. Charles is planning to remodel and transition into a new restaurant concept. In the meantime, Nuova Italia remains open every day.

There was evidently some confusion around that point. That being said, it’s a nice Italian spot and you should give it a try if you haven’t already.

📮 Need to contact me with questions, tips or suggestions? Get in touch here.

As of today, the easels are back.

Plein Air week has returned to St. Charles. The St. Charles Arts Council's third annual festival, which runs August 17-23, brings 65 artists in from across the country to paint local scenes in outdoor public spaces throughout the week.

The event has grown significantly since its first year, and it's not slowing down: this year features a welcome party, live art demos, a nocturne competition, special creative sessions, a yoga event, and a grand reveal party where the artists’ work goes up for public sale.

So keep an eye out for those easels — you've got until Sunday to see the town become a canvas.

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After a long, hectic day of screen time, I really feel it in my eyes — sometimes even accompanied by a headache.

If you find yourself in the same boat, that could be your eyes asking for a better pair of glasses. Fox Valley Ophthalmology's Computer Glasses Sale gets you a high-quality pair, including a frame and special occupational lenses, for just $219.

The deal expires at the end of the month, so act fast. Trust me, your eyes will thank you by the third Zoom call of the day.

Below are the most clicked stories from our last newsletter issue.

☑️ Dam dilemmas: With dam removal activity stalled for the time being, here’s a full breakdown of where each of the Tri-Cities stands, including a history of our local dams and what local paddlers and river advocates think should happen next.

☑️ Property taxes: Kane County's board approved a roughly $2.3M property tax levy hike for 2027 to help balance its new $402.9M budget, though five members voted no.

☑️ Silence on sheriff: Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain hasn't returned to work since a reported April hospitalization, and county officials are citing personnel privacy laws as they decline to explain the extended absence.

☑️ Purr-fect addition: A new “cat café” recommended for approval in downtown Batavia would combine a coffee shop with a cat lounge, giving adoptable cats visibility while partnering with local rescue groups for intake and adoptions.

☑️ Uncertain future: After decades of neglect, the historic 1846 Amasa White House in Geneva has deteriorated to the point where Kane County is now considering a full roof rebuild, a phased restoration, or mothballing the structure for future reactivation.

☑️ Suspicious incident: Batavia police arrested a registered sex offender from Yorkville last week after authorities said he stalked a victim he found on social media and bought burglary tools before showing up at the home.

☑️ Fishy business: Don't be alarmed if you see fish floating in the Fox River over the next several weeks; Geneva is temporarily stunning and relocating fish and mussels ahead of sewer system construction work.

☑️ Parks & politics: Three St. Charles Park District board seats are up for election in 2027, and the candidate paperwork process kicks off this month. Get more details.

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☑️ Local artist profile: Geneva sculptor Larry Johnson has spent decades turning clay and molten bronze into public art around the Tri-Cities, from the St. Charles library's fireplace piece to Peck Farm's "Prairie Girl." Get the full story.

☑️ Legendary reunion: Batavia's 26th annual basketball alumni golf outing drew 224 golfers from across the country and honored the legendary Class of 1966, which produced an NBA star, an NFL Super Bowl quarterback, and a pro baseball player.

☑️ The scenic route: Did you know that Kane County has a designated “Rustic Roads” program? These roadways offer quiet, scenic drives through farmland, woodlands, creeks, and landscapes featuring century-old barns.

☑️ Bach on the Fox: A new Batavia nonprofit founded by two Northwestern alumni is bringing Renaissance and Baroque musical experiences to the Fox Valley, with its next performance set for August 22 at Water Street Studios.

☑️ Quarter century strong: Tri City Health Partnership is celebrating 25 years of providing medical and dental care for uninsured Kane County adults with a community celebration and open house during the final weekend of August.

☑️ Hometown gold: Geneva City Council recognized GHS incoming senior Bennett Konkey for his historic Gold Medal performances in the 2026 IHSA 100-meter and 200-meter races.

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Friendly reminder that only two weeks remain in St. Charles’ “STC Live” weekly music series. We caught a performance at Flagship on the Fox on Friday — great way to kick off the weekend.

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That beautiful new addition to the downtown Batavia riverfront at Sturdy Shelter Brewing? That's 212° Construction’s work, and it's the kind of project that’s right in their wheelhouse: something that gets the community outside, together, right on the Fox River. See photos from the ribbon cutting last week.

212° Construction has been operating in the Tri-Cities for decades — not just doing great work, but spending time at the places they help create. From decks and outdoor kitchens to gazebos and pergolas, there’s no outdoor project they can’t handle.

Next time you're grabbing a brewski on Sturdy’s new deck, remember: you're sitting on some quality local craftsmanship.

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✳️ Rejuvenation, just for mom: On August 25, Power Moves Yoga's “Mom Reboot Retreat” packs five hours of rest, movement, and recovery into a single day at their restorative St. Charles studio. See which activities and treatments are included.

☑️ Funny farm: If you’ve never heard of The Funny Farm in St. Charles (I hadn’t either), it’s located near the entrance to L&M Greenhouse on Randall Road and features tables full of fresh produce, flowers, pumpkins, and more. Check out this video.

✳️ Play ball! Both Chicago baseball teams are on hot streaks heading into the home stretch of the season, and Urban Artisan in Geneva has a whole selection of unique Cubs and Sox-themed gear to show off your pride or gift to a fan in your life.

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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities area — including this $1.3M custom home in St. Charles with a pool, pond, and full outdoor kitchen.

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

☑️ Government 101: Geneva is launching a free seven-week citizens academy this fall where residents can learn about city operations by touring buildings and meeting with department leaders. Applications close August 30.

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

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☑️ Pop-Up Open Day | Thu 8/20, 12PM-3PM | Fabyan Japanese Garden, Geneva | The garden opens to the public, part of Plein Air week.  

🎟️ Needle Felted Succulent Workshop | Thu 8/20, 6PM-8PM | Urban Apothecary, Batavia | Craft your own felted succulent planter, all supplies included. 

☑️ Elburn Days | Fri 8/21-Sun 8/23 | Elburn Lions Park, Elburn | Annual carnival, rides, food, and entertainment benefiting Lions charities. 

🎟️ Stretch, Sip + Shop Charity Yoga Morning | Sat 8/22, 10-11AM | House of 423, Geneva | Yoga, coffee, and shopping benefiting women-founded nonprofits.

🎟️ Long Table Dinner | Sun 8/23, 4PM-8PM | Downtown STC | Waterfront multi-course dinner with cocktails, live music, and adaptive bike giveaway for Project Mobility.

🔥 Loved it, keep up the good work

😐 Mediocre, could take it or leave it

🛑 3 minutes I’ll never get back

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