Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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Things are getting real at Fox Haven Square
📸 Credit: Fox Haven Square on Facebook
After nearly three years of planning, permits, and construction, a much-anticipated St. Charles commercial development is mere weeks away from opening to the public.
During last week's Tri-Cities Live panel, developer Pat Greco shared a detailed opening timeline for Fox Haven Square — including which restaurants are coming first, which big names are still on the way, and what's planned for the public space beyond just dining and shopping.
Read on for more details on what we learned.
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Terri McCormick and her new book “Being Misdiagnosed”
☑️ Local mom’s mission: After 10 years and more than 20 specialists, Geneva mom and author Terri McCormick finally learned her kids had Lyme disease — and now she's written a book about the hidden epidemic, with a May 11 launch event at Eagle Brook.
☑️ Hit and run: Batavia police have charged a 28-year-old North Aurora man with a felony and other offenses after identifying him as the driver in a recent hit-and-run that injured a 69-year-old pedestrian at a downtown crosswalk.
☑️ Possible TIF project: Geneva officials voted to advance potential TIF assistance for the redevelopment of the historic Bennett House on State Street, though no funding has been committed.
☑️ Main Street milestone: The Arcada Theatre will mark its 100th anniversary with a downtown St. Charles parade on Sunday, September 6 — exactly 100 years to the day after the historic venue first opened its doors in 1926.
🔒 Farmland future: Batavia park and city officials will meet Monday to start planning a future park on roughly 20 acres of Mooseheart land the park district is set to receive in 2031.
☑️ Kane County notes:
Kane County will inspect three bridges over the UP-West rail line in Geneva next week, with lane closures expected on Randall, Keslinger, Peck, and Kirk roads from April 14–16.
County officials say to expect heavy traffic, limited parking, and longer walks at Fabyan West Forest Preserve in Geneva on spring Saturdays as hundreds of students arrive for prom photos (especially April 25).
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☑️ “Kids These Days”: A new podcast from Batavia Public Schools 101 pairs current students with longtime residents for unscripted conversations about school, work, and life in Batavia — and the first episode is now out. Learn more and listen.
☑️ Not forgotten: A WWII-era scrapbook compiled by a St. Charles American Legion auxiliary is helping Kane County fill gaps in official records and update federal files for five local service members still listed as missing in action.
☑️ Energy savings: Batavia is accepting applications through May 4 for its GREEN program, which provides free home energy audits and grant funding to help residents cut utility bills and improve efficiency.
☑️ Watchdog wanted: The Kane County Board is accepting applications through April 30 for the county's next ethics advisor, a three-year appointment left vacant by the retirement of former Judge Grant Wegner after 14 years in the role.
☑️ Century mark: Thompson Middle School in St. Charles will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a free community event behind the school on May 13, featuring music, food, and a look back at the building's history as the original St. Charles Community High School.
☑️ Tri-Cities Dinner Club: Dozens of locals will gather for dinner in downtown St. Charles on April 23 — followed by an optional afterparty at a surprise location. It’s a fun, no-pressure way to meet new people. Here’s how it works. Hope you can join us!
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Tuesday will be Hootenanny Acoustic Jam Night at Sidecar Supper Club in Batavia — plus performances at the usual spots on Wednesday and Thursday.
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☕ Where quick catch-ups turn into a two-hour hangs
If you've been meaning to get together with a friend or reconnect a colleague, Maple Leaf Coffee House along the Fox River in downtown St. Charles is built for this exact type of thing.
Sink into a comfy chair by the windows, pull up a table in the main café, or head out to the riverfront patio once the weather warms. Order a couple of lattes, split something off the scratch-made breakfast or lunch menu, and work your way through a few of the house-baked pastries while you're at it.
Trust me — I’ve been camping out in the cafe on a weekly basis, and it’s tough to beat the vibe.
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☑️ Chimp transition: Brother Chimp Brewing will close its North Aurora location in July when its lease ends, but the St. Charles taproom will remain open. See owner Steve Newman’s heartfelt message to the community.
☑️ New chicken spot: HONEYBIRD Fried Chicken — a new restaurant on East State Street in Geneva specializing in Southern-inspired fried chicken and comfort sides — opened last Thursday. (A few days late on this one, sorry!)
✳️ Play ball, shop local: The season is underway, and Urban Artisan in downtown Geneva has you covered — from Cubs/Sox gear and bat barrel mugs to uniform art prints and even a bow tie made from a real baseball. Check out their selection.
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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities area — including this $1.M, 7K-square-foot home on Hathaway Lane in Geneva.
✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.
☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.
☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.
This section is brought to you by Brother Chimp Brewing — your welcoming, neighborhood taproom with convenient locations in St. Charles and North Aurora. See all of their upcoming events.
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🎟️ Printmaking Workshop | Tue 4/14, 6PM–8:30PM | St. Charles Arts Council | Learn block carving and create original prints with a longtime art instructor.
🎟️ Pour Your Own Epoxy Workshop | Thu 4/16, 6PM–8PM | Penrose Brewing Company, Geneva | Craft your own epoxy charcuterie board, lazy susan, clock, or coasters.
🎟️ Improv in the Moonlight | Thu 4/16, 7:30PM–9PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Skits'n'Giggles performs fast-paced short-form improv comedy.
🎟️ Search Party: A Scavenger Hunt through Geneva | Fri 4/17, 6PM–9:30PM | Riverside Receptions | Team scavenger hunt in downtown Geneva benefiting TriCity Family Services. (TCC subscribers can get 10% off using code TCC at checkout through Friday at noon!)
🎟️ Paint a Cake Class | Fri 4/17, 6PM–7:30PM | Smallcakes Cupcakery, STC | Instructor-led cake painting, includes cake, supplies, and discounted drinks.
🎟️ Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical | Fri 4/17, Sat 4/18 & Sun 4/19 | STC East High School | Students bring Disney's beloved Broadway musical “Newsies” to life.
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