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LEAD STORY
Revised Pheasant Run plan advances
Shops at Pheasant Run location 📸 Credit: St. Charles Committee of the Whole agenda
St. Charles officials advanced a revised Shops at Pheasant Run plan this week, now with additional limits on drive-thrus, car washes, and truck fueling.
Some supporters said the plan will build on the momentum of projects like Fox Haven Square, spurring commerce and development. However, many residents and some council members said they don't think it's the best fit for the city's eastern gateway.
Keep reading for more details on the proposed project.
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Monsters, horror, and oddities — all in one local shop
We’ve all been to Halloween stores, but this sinister St. Charles shop is on another level.
Local real estate expert Chris Wallace recently worked up the courage to visit Ghoulish Mortals, immersing himself in its unique horror experience. Housing everything from spooky artwork and jewelry to collectibles, books, props, and much more, it’s a downtown destination for horror lovers and anyone who wants Halloween décor nobody else in the neighborhood will have.
Chris admits a few corners creeped him out a little — but that's probably a good sign.
☑️ Blacksmith shop blueprint: Shodeen Group has proposed a development plan for three five-story buildings with 84 residential units on Geneva's historic blacksmith shop property on the riverfront.
☑️ Giddy up, Batavia: Batavia officials approved a sales tax rebate deal that clears the way for a new Texas Roadhouse location to be constructed on Randall Road near the Kohl's shopping center.
☑️ County outlook: At this week’s State of Kane County address in Geneva, county leaders discussed the budget and presented priorities for the year ahead, including $596M in transportation work, affordable housing efforts, flood resilience, and emergency preparedness.
☑️ Elburn investigation: Elburn police announced that an investigation found no wrongdoing by an officer accused on Facebook of misusing license plate readers and favoring one towing company over others.
☑️ Early voting: Kane County early voting begins Thursday (9/24) at locations in Geneva and Aurora, though more sites, evening hours, and weekend options will become available in October as the Nov. 3 election approaches.
☑️ News notes:
The Fox River Trail closure on the east side of the river in Geneva is scheduled to reopen on Friday (9/25).
Overnight resurfacing work on Randall Road starts Thursday (9/24), requiring nightly lane closures from Kaneville Road to Route 38 through mid-October.
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☑️ Local artist profile: Retired art teacher Nicole Yingst turned a worrying moment in her baby’s hospital room into a 15-year tradition of tie dyeing onesies for new local moms, and the Geneva resident is still serving as a fine role model for young artists.
☑️ Telehealth trial: While the city decides whether to add a new telehealth program to city utility bills for $9 a month, Batavia residents can try the text-a-doctor service for free in the meantime.
☑️ Gym class squeeze: Amid scheduling constraints, Batavia's Board of Education voted to submit a waiver request to the state seeking a five-year exemption from the rule that students have PE class at least three out of every five days.
☑️ Bird pics: Geneva's Natural Resources Committee is spearheading its first bird photo contest, allowing anyone to submit a shot taken within city limits for a chance to have it featured online and at the group’s major annual event.
☑️ Packing hope: St. Patrick Church in St. Charles is looking for 800 volunteers to help pack 187K meals for hungry kids on Oct. 2 and 3. Learn how you can contribute and make a difference.
☑️ Gold Star 500: A five-day, 500-mile bike ride honoring Illinois' fallen service members will travel through St. Charles on Saturday (9/26) during its final leg from Plainfield to Streamwood. Get the details.
PRESENTED BY POLLYANNA BREWING COMPANY
SAVE THE DATE: Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles is celebrating its 7th Anniversary next month! Head to the taproom October 15-18 for a week of anniversary beer releases, spirits, live music, and all-around good times. Get more details.
You never know when it’s going to be your last chance to enjoy outdoor live music on your favorite patio — embrace it while you can.
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Want a strong, stunning roof before winter hits?
After a spring and summer full of wild storms, your roof can start telling a story — and it’s not always a good one.
If you’ve noticed missing shingles, faded color, or signs of storm damage, 212° Construction Group is your trusted, local go-to for roof replacements and proactive maintenance.
Want visual evidence? Check out these before/after photos from a recent roofing project.
Call Brian at (630) 777-0688 for a free estimate or visit their website to learn more.
☑️ Downtown departure: Everdine's Grilled Cheese in Batavia announced that it will close for good on Sept. 27 as the owner's family prepares for an international move. See the full message to the community.
☑️ Another downtown departure: COROCO Coffee's St. Charles location will close for good on Sept. 26 after five years, though the owners' Sycamore café and roastery will remain open. See the full message to the community.
The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.
☑️ Big Oktoberfest weekend: Brother Chimp, Penrose, Obscurity, and Sidecar Supper Club are all throwing Oktoberfest parties this weekend, with beer special releases, German food, live music, festive attire, and contests. Get all the details.
☑️ Village of Elburn America 250 Celebration | Sat 9/26, 11AM-3PM | Veterans Memorial Park, Elburn | Celebrate America's 250th with food, music, and building tours.
☑️ Art by Rozanne Showcase | Sat 9/26, 11:30AM-3:30PM | The Little Traveler, Geneva | Meet artist Rozanne Priebe and shop for autumn-themed paintings.
☑️ Turtle Races: Autumn Edition | Sat 9/26, 2PM-3PM | Riverlands Brewing Company, STC | Cheer on racing turtles and win raffle prizes for charity.
☑️ Campton Township All Wheel Show | Sun 9/27, 10AM-3PM | Poynor Park, STC | Family-friendly wheel show with a kids zone and food trucks.
☑️ Fall FUNdraiser | Sun 9/27, 11:30AM-2:30PM | Batavia Covenant Preschool | Family fun with music, petting zoo, face painting, and auctions.
🎟️ Mahjong 101 | Sun 9/27, 11:30AM-3PM | Gather Bakery, Geneva | Learn mahjong basics for beginners (includes a pastry and drink).
🎟️ I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce | Sun 9/27, 2PM | Arcada Theatre, STC | A theatrical production celebrating Lenny Bruce, starring Ronnie Marmo.
🎟️ Fox Valley Business Network Happy Hour | Tue 9/29, 5:30PM-8PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Happy hour with pizza, beer, and networking, use code 'TriCities' for 10% off.
✳️ Yoga with Puppies | Sat 10/3, Various Times | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Absolutely adorable beginner yoga with adoptable puppies in support of a great cause.
Pets of the week
Introducing this week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane:
Billie Jo is a fun-loving, 10-month-old girl who is always ready for her next playful adventure! Her favorite things include tennis balls, fetch, zoomies, and spending time with her people.
Lola is a sweet, gentle 1½-year-old girl who is looking for a patient family to help her continue coming out of her shell after she was found as a stray. She can be a little shy but loves pets once she’s comfortable.
Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit andersonhumane.org or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.
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