Thanks to everyone who submitted nominations for the “Tri-Cities Breakfast Bracket” competition, which kicked off in Thursday’s issue.

The seedings are set: 16 formidable local eateries, awaiting your votes. May the best local breakfast emerge victorious.

Each year, as summer approaches, it’s the same old song and dance.

I tell myself I’ll finally visit the Indiana Dunes National Park this year, perhaps take a spontaneous trip or two to a southwest Michigan beach town in between our annual summer outdoorsy trips.

At the same time, I (contradictorily) strive to leave as many weekends as possible wide open and free from plans. You know, to avoid overbooking.

It’s a silly exercise, because the overbooked calendar is a foregone conclusion and the summer will inevitably speed past like a hummingbird the moment you take your eyes off the feeder.

But hey, it’s still worth a shot — and this guide can help out.

A recent deep dive from WBEZ Chicago delves into what's newly opened along U.S. Route 12 and Red Arrow Highway in the resort areas along the Lake Michigan coast in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

Outing ideas include new restaurants, new breweries, a Lebanese tasting menu in a 100-year-old Masonic Temple, and a sourdough bakery run by someone who used to tend Rick Bayless' garden.

Start planning now before that calendar’s fully booked.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

There aren’t many truly local garbage companies left. This is one of them.

When Tri-Cities homeowners need a dumpster, they call Midwest Waste — not a national chain, not a call center, and not a company that buries fees in the fine print.

Midwest Waste is locally owned, locally staffed, and known for helping local residents and businesses choose exactly what they need — whether that’s a quick garage clean-out or a full-scale remodel.

Clear pricing. Real answers. Reliable service. If you’re planning a project this spring or summer, you already know who to call.

☑️ Concept in waiting: After a previously announced restaurant never opened, the former Little Owl space in downtown Geneva is now for lease and seeking a full-service restaurant, bar, or hospitality concept. Check out the listing with photos.

☑️ Brazen break-in: Police are investigating after two suspects broke into Windmill Market & Spirits on East Wilson Street last week, smashing a window and stealing an undetermined amount of cash and liquor before fleeing in a van.

☑️ ICE incident: Kane County officials issued a statement clarifying what local law enforcement can and can't do after federal immigration agents arrested two men outside the county jail on May 31, which was captured on video and shared online.

☑️ Police gear: Geneva approved a 10-year, $1.2M contract renewal with Axon for police body cameras, in-car cameras, and Tasers, though a couple of officials expressed concern about the company’s market dominance and data security.

☑️ The road ahead: The Kane County Board approved a $596.4M transportation plan covering more than 150 projects countywide, with most funding aimed at maintaining existing roads and bridges versus new construction. See what’s coming.

☑️ Traffic notes: On Tuesday (6/9), Batavia is starting up to three weeks of bridge maintenance on the Wilson Street Bridge over the river and the Deerpath Road Bridge starting Tuesday, with lane closures and delays expected at both locations.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Local artist profile: Geneva writer and artist Alexia Monaco turned an ovarian cancer diagnosis into two courageous books — and a resource for anyone who knows someone living with the disease.

☑️ Market on the move: The Wednesday Evening Batavia Farmers' Market opens its third season on June 10 at a new Riverwalk location, featuring about 20 vendors, opening-day specials, and a raffle for Downtown Dollars.

☑️ Landmark restored: The Preservation Partners are documenting the ongoing rehab work on the historic 1844 Judge Barry House in St. Charles, including the removal of stucco from the building's original exterior. See photos of the progress.

☑️ Saint on screen: A 2025 documentary about Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager on track to become the Catholic Church's first millennial saint, screens at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles on Tuesday (6/9) as part of a presentation from two local parishes.

☑️ Growth through nature: MDW Cares is seeking local folks interested in The Wildflower Project, a new year-round program launching this fall that will use gardening and mentorship to help teenage girls build confidence and community connection.

✳️ A rejuvenating retreat: The two-acre, wooded Healing Gardens off Dean Street in St. Charles will be open to the public June 14, with yoga in the gardens and a book signing later in the month (6/20) at Townhouse Books. Learn more and plan a visit.

_{PRESENTED BY PRESERVATION}

Unwind Wednesday returns to 1st Street Plaza in St. Charles this week, giving you a chance to enjoy live music over drinks at local downtown establishments from 6-8:30PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of June, July, and August.

And don’t miss the rest of this week’s lineup.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

These long June days are fleeting in the best way possible — and Maple Leaf Coffee House in downtown St. Charles is here to make sure you don’t waste them.

They've extended weekend hours from 3PM to 5PM on Fridays and Saturdays, which means you’ve got a quiet, riverfront table and a scratch-made lunch menu waiting for you…not to mention some of the best coffee around.

So call a friend. Pull up a chair. Watch the river. Order something good. These summer days don't last forever.

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Heads up hobbyists: Top Shelf Sports Cards, an Elgin-based sports card shop known for live card breaks and in-store events like signings and watch parties, is planning to open a new St. Charles location in July.

☑️ Fresh start: Brush & Restore Dentistry at 112 N. Fourth St. in Geneva announced it is “entering a new chapter” under new ownership with a new doctor and hygienist joining the practice.

✳️ Dad-worthy finds: Urban Artisan in downtown Geneva has a whole Father’s Day collection ready to go — clever cards, beer-scented candles, funny sports shirts, golf gear, and all kinds of stuff that will absolutely make his day. Browse the selection.

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities area — including this historic 1895 home in downtown St. Charles that sold for $1.45M.

✳️ 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.

☑️ City meetings: Batavia's Plan Commission will hold a continued public hearing on June 17 to consider a conditional use permit for a recreational cannabis dispensary at 899 N. Randall Road.

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️ Cookouts in the Park | Tue 6/9, 5:30PM | Braeburn Park, Geneva | Free monthly neighborhood picnic with hot dogs, veggie dogs, chips, beverages, and raffles.

🎟️ Garden Bros Nuclear Circus | Thu 6/11 - Sun 6/14, Various Times | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | World-class circus with 60+ performers and daredevil stunts.

🎟️ Drew Angus: An Evening of Songs & Stories | Thu 6/11, 7:30PM–9:30PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | The singer-songwriter brings Americana, rock, and soul. 

☑️ Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2  | Thu 6/11, 8:30PM | Moore Park, Geneva | Free outdoor screening of Zootopia 2 with concessions available. 

☑️ Super Savvy Senior Expo | Fri 6/12, 9AM–12PM | Eastside Community Center, Batavia | Free expo with local resources, refreshments, and prizes for seniors. 

🎟️ Sip & Swing Scramble | Fri 6/12, 3PM | Pottawatomie Golf Course, STC | Foursome scramble with locally brewed beverages and prizes. 

🎟️ Tri-Cities Dinner Club | Thu 6/18, 6:15PM | Batavia & STC | Meet new people in a fun, no-pressure atmosphere over dinner at a local restaurant (plus optional afterparty).

Enjoy Tri-Cities Central? Support local journalism and spread the word!*

*Scroll back to the top of this newsletter for a special referral link — you can get gift cards to local restaurants for referring friends.