Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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LEAD STORY
Nominate your local favorites
A few issues ago, I asked which categories you’d like to see in the first Tri-Cities Central Awards. Hundreds of you weighed in with some fantastic ideas.
The result? A total of 25 categories across five different themes. Now you get to select the nominees.
Here’s how it’ll work:
Five categories at a time: Over the next several issues, we’ll open a new round of themed nominations. Answer as many or as few as you like.
Finalists get selected: The most popular nominations will make the cut, all based on reader input.
Voting begins: When official voting opens in a few weeks, Tri-Cities Central subscribers will cast their votes. One vote per reader.
The winners will be revealed around the end of the year.
But first: the Round 1 theme is Food and Drinks. Categories include best meal under $15, most memorable restaurant experience, best happy hour, best tasting coffee, and best bakery item.
Let’s have some fun — let the nominations begin.
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☑️ New healthcare service: Batavia residents will soon see a $9 monthly charge for a new telehealth program on their utility bills unless they opt out — after the mayor broke a council tie to approve the initiative.
☑️ Shake Shack confirmed: Geneva officials approved plans to replace the vacant Red Lobster on Randall Road with a building anchored by Shake Shack and CAVA, and the developer said he wants to build through the winter.
☑️ State of Batavia: During last week’s State of the Community event, Batavia leaders spoke about excellent school performance, the $12.5M library renovation, recent housing growth, and several prime downtown lots set for redevelopment.
☑️ Downstate crash: Illinois State Police are investigating the cause of an Oct. 30 crash on Route 47 in Champaign County that killed a 23-year-old Batavia man.
☑️ Chinchilla rescue: Anderson Humane is looking for folks to adopt 17 chinchillas that were rescued from an Ohio breeding facility where federal inspectors found “deeply troubling” conditions. Read more and see photos of the furry critters.
☑️ Recycling return: The Kane County Recycling Center at 517 E. Fabyan Parkway in Geneva will reopen ahead of schedule on Monday (11/9) after completing driveway paving and other site improvements.
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Lt. Chris Houben 📸 Credit: University of Wisconsin Naval ROTC Alumni Association
☑️ From GHS to Blue Angel: A 2013 Geneva High School grad has spent the past year flying the No. 3 jet for the Navy’s Blue Angels, one of only six demonstration pilots on the popular elite squadron.
☑️ Celebrating success: “The Bear” actor Chris Witaske, a Chicago Sky executive, a Barrington school leader, and a party-supply entrepreneur were honored as St. Charles D303’s newest Distinguished Alumni.
☑️ Award winners: Longtime GHS principal Tom Rogers took home the 2026 Wood Award during the Geneva Chamber's annual gala, which also honored Penrose Brewing, Elements Massage, and several standout volunteers and businesses.
☑️ Pardon the dust: The Batavia Public Library is about to start a 12-month renovation, completing work in phases so the building stays open throughout the project (without raising property taxes for residents). Read up on the project.
☑️ New nonprofit: The Geneva Chamber of Commerce launched a new charitable foundation that can take tax-deductible donations and allow the organization to explore different sources of funding for community projects.
✳️ Rebuilding after divorce: Join a special session on Nov. 19 with expert licensed therapists about how to protect your mental health through negotiations and communicate with a former spouse in ways that lower the temperature.
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This week’s lineup includes a celebration of Englbert Humperdinck, an acoustic hootenanny, and a special Veterans Day salute concert in St. Charles.
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☑️ Tri-Cities expansion: The franchise owners behind Batavia’s Chicken Salad Chick plan to open a St. Charles location in the former Noodles & Company space on East Main Street. They’re aiming for a spring opening.
☑️ The cats cometh: Downtown Batavia’s new Kitty Cocoa Café may still be under construction — but it’ll open its doors for giveaways and a meet-and-greet with a rescue partner during the Holiday Lantern Walk from 5-9PM on Friday (11/13).
☑️ Swim lessons: Big Blue Swim School, a national swim instruction franchise that specializes in teaching children age 6-12, has opened a new location at the Geneva Commons.
✳️ One-of-a-kind gifts: With the holidays approaching, now’s the time to have Urban Artisan in Geneva turn a vintage hometown photo, local landmark, or some other personal design into a custom gift to surprise that special someone. Discover the options.
☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities area — including this $1.4M luxury estate that backs up to the St. Charles Country Club golf course.
☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.
☑️ Civic notices: Batavia will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2027 budget on Tuesday (11/10) at City Hall. Get more info here, including informational videos explaining property taxes and utility rates.
☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.
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☑️ Pour & Paint: A Community Mural Night | Tue 11/10, 5PM-6:30PM | Callahan Community Center, Batavia | Complete the Peace Out Batavia mural with drinks.
☑️ Native Trees and Shrubs | Wed 11/11, 12PM-1:30PM | Wasco Nursery, STC | Learn to choose native trees and shrubs for low-maintenance landscaping.
☑️ Holiday Open House | Thu 11/12, 5PM-8PM | Town House Books, STC | Get bookseller gift recommendations, wine, light bites, and 20% off purchases.
🎟️ The Art of Paella | Thu 11/12, 6:30PM-8:30PM | Rosewood Farm & Market, Batavia | Learn to cook classic Spanish paella, pan con tomate, and flan.
🎟️ Peter and the Starcatcher | Thu 11/12-Sun 11/15, Various Times | Geneva High School | GHS students perform a play based on a best-selling novel.
☑️ Holiday Lantern Walk | Fri 11/13, 5PM-9PM | Downtown Batavia | Shop, sip, and socialize at local businesses with free rides on a holiday trolley.
Thanks for reading
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