The solar eclipse chatter intensified this week.

With good reason — the rare astronomical event that will plunge much of the country into daytime darkness is coming up quickly on April 8.

Some fast facts about what we’ll see in the Tri-Cities:

Only people on a narrow path running from Texas through southern Illinois and up to the northeast will see the total solar eclipse.

Eclipse tourism: If you’re considering venturing down to southern Illinois for the real thing, check out Enjoy Illinois’ eclipse planning guide for the best viewing spots, local events and important travel info. Though I suspect lodging options will be slim pickings at this point.

Future eclipses: Following the April 8 event, the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States won’t occur until August 23, 2044. Though it won’t be visible from the US, Earth’s next solar eclipse will take place on August 12, 2026 over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.

Local events: There will be an Eclipse Hike at Gray Willow Farms in St. Charles, a viewing party at the St. Charles Library, another viewing party at American Science & Surplus in Geneva, and yet another viewing party at Red Oak Nature Center in North Aurora.

We’ll share additional local events and initiatives in future editions.

More info: NASA has a great resource for those interested in all things eclipse, including recommended safety precautions for the experience itself.

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Fatal crash: According to police, a 35-year-old Batavia man was killed Tuesday night after he struck a tree near Fabyan Parkway and Route 31 in his car.

☑️ So it begins: St. Charles’ new dam removal task force will meet for the first time tonight to begin tackling one of the Tri-Cities’ hottest topics.

🔒 Fresh face: A former Batavia alderman announced that he’ll be running for mayor of the city in 2025. Mayor Schielke hasn’t decided if he’ll run again.

☑️ Forward-looking concept: CBS2 Chicago ran a segment about St. Charles’ new PEACE Center, which helps incarcerated young adults (aged 17-20) develop skills for a successful future.

☑️ FBI investigation: An Elburn veterinarian facing child porn charges also allegedly made troubling comments about his own child online.

🔒 Disturbing allegations: A federal judge ruled that several parts of a bullying lawsuit involving Geneva D-304 officials can go to trial if no settlement is reached.

☑️ Tax credits for parents: Local state senator Don DeWitte co-sponsored Senate Bill 2717 and Senate Bill 3104 to help families with kids in daycare and pre-K programs.

☑️ The big flush: St. Charles is conducting spring hydrant flushing from April 1 to May 3, which can cause water discoloration. Check out where your neighborhood falls on the schedule.

☑️ Criminal justice boost: Thanks to $900K in new federal funds, Kane County plans to expand its forensics lab and speed up investigations with a more high-tech approach to evidence processing.

☑️ Electric matters: Following Monday’s upcoming St. Charles City Council and Government Operations meetings, the public is invited to an informational discussion about the city's power contract with IMEA.

☑️ Talented youth: Congressman Bill Foster is inviting students to enter the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for a chance to see their creative works featured in the U.S. Capitol.

☑️ Alumni appreciation: Iowa men’s wrestler Michael Caliendo — a Geneva native and former BHS wrestler — earned All-American honors and took fourth at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

☑️ Tax savings: If they meet certain requirements, Kane County senior citizens can take advantage of two property tax exemptions that reduce and/or freeze taxable home values.

Check out our list of 40+ live music performances through Sunday afternoon.

Sadly, Friday and Saturday nights will give you one final chance to catch a live show at Bar Evolution in Batavia, which plans to close at the end of the month. Let’s send it off right, shall we?

☑️ On statewide display: The Illinois Office of Tourism filmed a special video about Batavia’s Hearth & Hammer as part of its Illinois Made program that spotlights local businesses.

☑️ Beer Town USA: USA Today featured one of the Tri-Cities among the 10 best small-town beer scenes in the country.

🔒 Moving on: After more than a decade on the Third Street strip, Geneva’s Peaceful Parlour will sell off all its items and close its doors by April 30.

☑️ Podcast ep: In the most recent episode of Area Code: Batavia, host Richard Clark leads an insightful conversation with the owners of Beardsgaard Barbers.

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

🎟️ Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt & Hike | Friday, 6PM+ | Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles | Go on an adventurous, Easter-themed hike through nature.

🎟️ Easter Festvities | Saturday AM| Arcada Theatre, St. Charles | Kick things off with an easter egg hunt from 10AM-12PM, then dig into breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 10:30AM-1PM.

☑️ Cheers, Queers | Monday, 6:30PM | Geneva Winery & Bistro | Belong Fox Valley’s fun night of mixing and mingling with LGBTQIA+ adults and allies.

🎟️ Public Safety in Kane County | Tuesday, 7-9PM | Riverside Receptions, Geneva | Local elected officials and law enforcement leaders will drive a discussion about the state of public safety in our communities.

🌤️ Today: High 52F | Low 28F | Some welcome sun

🌨️ Friday: High 56F | Low 45F | A shower later

🌨️ Saturday: High 62F | Low 34F | A lil’ rain early

🌥️ Sunday: High 51F | Low42F | Still cloudy

Do you — or any of your friends and colleagues — do business in the Tri-Cities area? If so, I suspect there’d be serious value in sharing a message directly with 1,400+ local residents.

Incidentally, I can help with that. Reply directly to this email or forward this newsletter on to your friend or colleague. Whoever handles the marketing stuff can fill out this quick form to get info about sponsorship/advertising opportunities.

Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.

I write Tri-Cities Central for YOU. So I’m curious: What are your thoughts on the newsletter? Are there any aspects you’d change — or like to see more or less of?

Please reach out to [email protected] with feedback, questions, tips, suggestions, press releases, event submissions or sponsor/ad inquiries.

I respond to all replies — let’s work together.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please SPREAD THE WORD and/or leave a review! We grow primarily through word of mouth.

About: You can learn more about TCC here.