🇸🇪 Stockholm’s is closed indefinitely after fire

When I saw the news, I couldn’t believe it — another serious fire at a downtown Geneva business.

The announcement from Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery indicated that while no one was hurt, the damage was “rather extensive,” requiring them to close until further notice.

The Geneva Fire Department confirmed many of the details, including fire, heat, smoke and water damage to the kitchen and surrounding areas. You can find more information here.

This devastating incident comes less than 10 days after Pärla — another Geneva business just two blocks away from Stockholm’s — suffered significant fire damage.

What’s next?

According to another statement issued by Stockholm’s on Saturday, the restaurant rebuild will likely take months. From that statement:

You can donate to the GoFundMe here.

Stockholm’s enjoys a passionate loyal following here in the Tri-Cities — thanks in part to the warm, inviting atmosphere owner Michael Oleson has fostered since opening the brewpub in 2002.

After seeing the way local businesses and residents quickly rallied to support Pärla last week, I have no doubt that folks will step up in a similar fashion for Stockholm’s.

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

🛡️ Where rugged construction meets stylish aesthetics

Your home's exterior is its first line of defense against the elements. But even the toughest roofs can't withstand Mother Nature forever.

When the time comes, you need trustworthy experts to protect your house — and make it look sharp. That’s where 212° Construction Group shines.

They’re known for impeccable workmanship and uncompromising integrity, whether that’s re-siding your house with durable Hardie® Fiber Cement or reinforcing your roof with premium materials. Go with the best local contractors in the Tri-Cities!

📰 News to use

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Foamy consequences: The Illinois EPA has cited Flint Group for violations of state law following the March chemical spill that resulted in an alarming amount of foam found in Batavia’s Mahoney Creek.

☑️ Phones in schools: The St. Charles school district is creating an advisory committee to consider a policy on cellphones as some suburban districts enact “no phone” rules.

☑️ Yet another fire: A bus transporting an Iowa baseball team to play the Kane County Cougars was engulfed in flames early Friday morning. Team members evacuated and no one was hurt.

☑️ Crime stats: St. Charles police reported an increase in criminal damage to property throughout the city in recent months, advising residents to report suspicious activity.

🔒 Not suitable for school: A community group of parents and students petitioned the St. Charles school board with concerns about alleged drug use in the high schools' bathrooms.

☑️ Mansion for sale: Elizabeth Place in Geneva (also known as the Henry Bond Fargo House) — which is on the National Register of Historic Places — is on the market for $2.3M.

🏘️ In the community

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ A win-win: Kane County’s recent recycling extravaganza event produced a bonus benefit — a collection of refurbished bikes donated to the Hesed House shelter in Aurora.

☑️ Landmark debate: If you’ve wondered about the deliberation over whether to preserve the historic blacksmith shop in Geneva, this detailed history of the building’s evolution should prove illuminating.

🔒 “Staggering” contribution: The National VFW awarded St. Charles Post 5036 with a 2024 National Community Service Award for going way above and beyond in serving local veterans.

☑️ Community building: Law enforcement groups in several local communities — including Batavia and St. Charles — are celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday (8/6) with food/drink vendors and fun activities.

☑️ Cocktails in the Park: Get a recap and see photos from Batavia’s 600-person cocktail party last weekend that united residents and businesses downtown.

☑️ Military support: The Cell Phones for Soldiers initiative in St. Charles uses proceeds from donated mobile phones to provide emergency funding and international calling cards to troops and veterans.

🎸 Live music

Sadly, Geneva’s “Concerts in the Park” and Batavia’s “River Rhapsody” free concert series are done for the summer.

But that’s okay — there are still plenty of live performances across the Tri-Cities this week. Get out and soak up those summer nights.

🏬 Local biz

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️️ Grand reopening: Remember Chianti's Italian restaurant, which previously occupied the Mandrake building on Third Street in Geneva? It’s reopening this week in a new location — with a twist.

🔒 Dating alternative: A new Geneva matchmaking service called “Swipe Right” aims to help folks between 40 and 60 years old find love through face-to-face social events.

🗓️ Events + things to do

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

✳️ Trivia Under the Stars | Tues 8/6, 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!

🎟️ Whiskey Dinner | Wed 8/7, 6-8:30PM | Walrus Room, Geneva | A unique dining experience in collaboration with Whiskey Acres.

☑️ Friends Book Sale | Wed 8/7 & Sat 8/10 | Batavia Public Library | Get great deals on books and movies on Wednesday evening or Saturday morning.

☑️ ‘Be You’ Rock Hunt | Fri 8/9, 9AM | Downtown STC | Search for hidden rocks for a chance to win prizes from local businesses.

☑️ Benefit for CHIP IN Batavia | Sat 8/10, 3:30-11PM | Grainology, Batavia | A night of live music, excellent beverages and tasty food — to raise funds for a great cause.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales featuring six in Batavia, nine in Geneva and six in St. Charles — including this $800K townhome on Campbell Court in Geneva.

☑️ Local obits: During the past week, Tri-Cities funeral homes posted obituary information for several individuals in the area.

☑️ Council meetings: All three towns have City Council meetings tonight. See the agendas: Batavia | St. Charles (The City of Geneva website was having security issues, so I omitted that link).

• FYI: Compensation for elected officials will be discussed during Geneva’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌩️ Today: High 87F | Low 68F | Storm possible

🌦️ Tuesday: High 74F | Low 61F | Cooler, AM rain

🌤️ Wednesday: High 78F | Low 60F | Beauty

🌤️ Thursday: High 79F | Low 60F | Another beauty

📖 Thanks for reading

✅ Not signed up yet? Subscribe here. 

🚀 Interested in advertising? Get more info here.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please spread the word and/or leave a review!