As a heavy user of the Fox River trail, I pass through the downtown area of St. Charles frequently — usually making a point to detour through the riverfront parks as time allows.

Thanks to the Plein Air event, last week felt different. In a good way.

Even though I knew they’d be out there, each encounter with a solo painter provided a little thrill. Easels and makeshift work stations dotted the parks and streets while artists quietly did their thing, capturing river scenes, sunsets, downtown storefronts, and everyday bustle.

I even noticed someone posted up on the Main Street bridge, immersed in their work (safe from traffic, of course).

Organized by the St. Charles Arts Council, the second annual Plein Air festival brought 60 artists from across the country to paint scenes outdoors around town. Following the weeklong event, artists unveiled their work at a judged show and reveal party.

Organizers say the festival has nearly doubled in size since last year and is on its way to becoming a national draw.

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Joe at Strongoo likes to compare recovery to “checking your engine light.” People often avoid thinking about everyday aches and old injuries, but Strongoo creates a space to actually work through these issues with guided movement and recovery stations.

From massage and infrared saunas to personalized coaching and adopting a preventative mindset, Strongoo’s experts help you slow down, release tension, and restore balance. Because recovery isn’t an afterthought — it’s the foundation of happy, healthy lifestyle.

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☑️ Energy future: The Batavia City Council is weighing a new energy policy to guide the future of its electric utility, balancing cost, reliability, and sustainability while also planning for a proposed $500M data center. Officials will discuss the matter at a Tuesday committee meeting.

☑️ Tanglewood thievery: In what police say are likely connected incidents, a car was stolen and several others were burglarized late last week in Batavia’s Tanglewood subdivision.

🔒 Riverfront riches: A developer’s plan for townhomes that could cost $1.9 million each in downtown St. Charles has cleared the Plan Commission and now heads to the City Council for review. Watch the meeting discussion recording.

☑️ Credit cuts: Kane County officials outlined the upcoming phase-out of federal clean energy tax credits, which will affect incentives for electric vehicles, home energy upgrades, and solar installations — and could raise household energy costs.

☑️ Landmarks lost: Recent storms damaged a historic eagle sculpture at Riverbank Labs in Geneva and felled two centuries-old burr oaks in Aurora and Sugar Grove, leaving many locals bummed about the loss. Read more and see photos.

☑️ Photo finish: Prairie Street in St. Charles has officially reopened with a fresh resurfacing just in time for the new school year. Mayor Clint Hull thanked the city for its patience in a social media video.

☑️ Discounted trees: Deadlines are looming for Geneva and Batavia’s parkway tree planting programs for the fall (Geneva orders must be placed by Friday 8/29). Here are the details for Geneva and Batavia. I couldn’t find a fall program for St. Charles.

☑️ Joy creators: Batavia residents Ken and Terri Mate will receive the Batavia Public Library’s 2025 Library Leader award at a September 2 ceremony for their contributions to people with disabilities, including the creation of Inclusion Game Night.

☑️ Friendly faces: New to the area or looking to meet new people? Check out Fox Valley Newcomers and Neighbors, a local social group where everyone has one goal — to make friends. They have an Open House in St. Charles on September 2.

☑️ Author appearances: Three special local author events are coming to the Tri-Cities in early September, featuring hometown book signings in Geneva and a history discussion at the St. Charles Public Library.

☑️ Share your ideas: The Batavia Park District is inviting residents to take a community survey by September 15 to help shape its new five-year Strategic Master Plan, which will guide future parks, programs, and facilities.

☑️ Career exploration: The Batavia Public Library will host an ROTC and Service Academy information forum on Saturday (8/30) with representatives and a guest speaker from the U.S. Air Force Academy on hand to answer questions.

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Have to give a shout out to Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles for pulling off a glorious event on Saturday — the Blues & Brews on the Fox fest was excellent (the incredible weather certainly helped). Let’s hope that becomes an annual thing.

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☑️ Investing locally: Richardson Electronics — a global manufacturer of power and energy products in La Fox — will invest $8.5M to expand operations, creating 54 new jobs while developing clean energy technology in Kane County.

☑️ Childcare project: A new daycare center (which needs zoning variations and a special use permit) is being proposed for 501 Lark St. near Delnor in Geneva and is currently under city review.

🔒 Cementing its place: The owners of Bad Alice in Geneva are glad that their space has become the friendly, neighborhood bar they envisioned — even if some locals refer to it as "an upscale dive bar.” Here’s the story behind the establishment.

✳️ Home goods hub: How would a framed 1860 map of Batavia look on your wall? Or a “Geneva” throw pillow on your living room couch? What about a Chicago flag for the garden? Urban Artisan’s got plenty of stylish items that’ll add local flair to your home. View their Home Goods catalog here.

☑️ Local home sales: Last week’s property sales weren’t published yet as of Sunday night — but here’s a $1.2M home near the edge of St. Charles and Campton Hills worth checking out.

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

☑️ City meetings:

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

☑️ Get connected: Do you know someone who has recently moved to Batavia or North Aurora? Send them to Welcome Home Batavia, a free service offering info, resources, gifts and gift certificates to connect people to their new community.

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☑️ Care & Custody Exhibit | Mon 8/25 - 10/3 | Batavia Depot Museum | Experience a traveling national exhibit focused on past responses to mental health.

🎟️ Cougars Final Homestand | Tues 8/26 - Mon 9/1 | Northwestern Medicine Field, Geneva | Last chance to catch a local baseball game before the season ends.

☑️ AI and American National Security | Wed 8/27, 4-5:30PM | Geneva Library | A guided discussion on the implications of a world-changing technology.

☑️ Fall Into Fridays | Fridays (8/29, 9/5, 9/12), 5-7:30PM | Kuiper’s Farm, Maple Park | Enjoy the orchard shop, live music, bar sips, food, apple picking, and more.

☑️ Block Party & Taste of Batavia | Sun 8/31, 3-8PM | Downtown Batavia | Live music, a car show, a pie bake-off, and plenty of food and fun.

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