I could use your help.

I’m working on a little guide to the Tri-Cities food and beverage scene. But while I’ve compiled plenty of great information, it's the community itself that truly defines our vibrant culinary scene.

You’re the patrons who enjoy meals, the staff who create the experiences, the regulars who've forged relationships with local restaurateurs.

It’d be silly not to tap into your collective perspective. Please share your thoughts!

It need not be a traditional restaurant, either…bars, breweries, cafes and food trucks are all fair game. I appreciate your input.

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

The professional contractors at 212° Construction Group don't just get the job done — they take immense pride in their craft, delivering top-notch results that are as stylish as they are functional.

See for yourself: These photos illustrate the kitchen transformation unfolding in one of their recent remodeling projects — and these photos showcase the finished product.

From roofs and decks to siding and kitchens, they’re the Tri-Cities’ go-to contractors for a reason.

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☑️ Shots fired: St. Charles police arrested a 36-year-old Aurora man for reckless discharge of a firearm. No one was injured and he was charged with eight offenses.

☑️ Leadership shuffle: The Geneva Park District Board President has resigned, prompting a new acting president to step in and opening up a new commissioner seat.

🔒 No challengers yet: St. Charles Mayor Lora Vitek recently announced that she’ll run for reelection, saying she’s eager to finish major projects started during her first term.

☑️ Serious infraction: A Batavia man has been found guilty of aggravated DUI following an accident with a Batavia Police squad car in December 2022.

☑️ Road work ahead:

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☑️ Charting a path: Geneva is encouraging community members to provide input on its new strategic plan during a special forum at the Geneva Public Library Tuesday evening (8/27).

☑️ Area Code Batavia: Embark on an audio walking tour of downtown Batavia with local sculptor and art booster Bill McGrath as he shares fascinating anecdotes about the city’s public art scene.

🔒 Inspiring trailblazer: As the first Latina crowned Mrs. Illinois American, Alicia Manzanares of St. Charles — who will compete in the Mrs. American pageant tomorrow (8/27) — plans to use her platform to advocate for youth education.

☑️ Digital dilemma: St. Charles School District 303 is looking for folks to join its new Community Advisory Group to investigate and assess cell phone use in schools. Here’s more info and an application form.

☑️ Cycling infrastructure: Geneva officials approved the pursuit of state grants for bike & pedestrian improvements in two key areas of the city over the next few years.

☑️ Interactive resource: Kane County just released Kane Health Atlas, a new data-sharing website to help the community easily access, visualize and analyze local health data.

Man, I’m gonna miss outdoor live music. This is the final week for St. Charles’ Tuesday evening Acoustic Jams in the Park — so get out there and see Noah Gabriel if you’re free.

Here’s the mid-week lineup of live music performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles.

☑️ Prized pies: Yelp’s new list of the top 100 pizza spots in the Midwest features one St. Charles restaurant and a Chicago pizzeria with a location in Geneva.

☑️️ Illinois’ best: A new ranking from Forbes lists Batavia-based Aldi as the top employer in the state.

☑️️ Spooky season: Good news for Halloween enthusiasts — a Spirit Halloween store plans to open in the former Sears space on Randall Road in Batavia this fall.

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✳️ Trivia Under the Stars | Tues 8/27, 6:30-8:30PM | Preservation, Geneva | Gather friends, play solo or bring the kids and let them run around in the fenced-in patio. Mix in some Atlas Chicken, too!

🎟️ Girls Night: The Musical – “Desperate Housewives Meets Mamma Mia” | Tues 8/27, 7:30PM | Arcada Theatre, STC | Follow five friends and their hilarious, music-filled night out.

☑️️ Minigolf Mingle & Masters | Thurs 8/29, 6-8PM | River View Miniature Golf Course, STC | Compete at putt-putt while enjoying live music and refreshments.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles — including this $800K home in Geneva’s Mill Creek.

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

☑️ Real estate records: A St. Charles couple has listed their 13K-square-foot mansion for $6.9M, which means it’s currently the second most-expensive home on the market in the city.

☑️ Fall tree season: Batavia announced the fall species list for its parkway tree program.

🌤️ Today: High 95F | Low 72F | Dangerous heat

🌤️ Tuesday: High 96F | Low 72F | Record-breaking

🌤️ Wednesday: High 88F | Low 66F | Rain possible

🌤️ Thursday: High 86F | Low 66F | Hot + sticky

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