Fox River water levels have been rising fast.

Heavy April rains have pushed the waterway to flood stage across northern Illinois, and while the most significant impact so far has hit communities north of the Tri-Cities, the effects are readily apparent right here at home.

For example, stretches of the Fox River Trail and the walking paths in downtown St. Charles near Mt. St. Mary Park are currently underwater. Same goes for certain spots on the trail in Geneva. I’m such a mindless creature of habit that these detours have stopped me in my tracks while jogging/biking on multiple occasions thus far (fool me once, okay…fool me three times, I’m an idiot).

Because of the water levels, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources designated a Restricted Boating Area that covers the entire Fox River from the Wisconsin border south to Millington (about 10 miles southwest of Yorkville). This means all recreational boating through Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles is suspended until water levels drop.

Upstream, river levels are expected to crest on Thursday around Algonquin, Carpentersville, and Elgin, prompting road closures, park closures and tens of thousands of sandbags already deployed in McHenry County.

Whether it rains again soon or not, upstream runoff may continue pushing water levels higher throughout the Fox Valley. Officials recommend proceeding with caution if you’re doing anything near the river.

Watch this WGN News segment to see coverage of flooding up in the Cary area, which has been so severe that some people living along the river are boating to and from their homes.

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☑️ Neighbors unite: Residents from several subdivisions packed a St. Charles committee meeting to oppose a proposed 76-home development on 38 acres of the historic Red Gate Farm property, citing traffic safety, density, water pressure, and other concerns.

☑️ Leaving a void: The owner of Pal Joey's announced the closure of its Batavia riverfront location, citing "dramatic changes" in a heartfelt social media post that drew dozens of supportive comments, well wishes, and shared memories.

☑️ Baby bison alert: Fermilab has welcomed its first bison calf of the year — a cinnamon-colored newborn already wobbling across the prairie at the famous Batavia lab. See photos of the little rascal.

☑️ Coming up short: Kane County's curbside recycling rate dropped to its lowest level since tracking began in 2011, sliding to 22.8% in 2025 from 25.1% the year before — and continues to trend downward.

☑️ To the moon: A St. Charles-made air purification system by Aerapy was among four finalists in the 2026 "Coolest Thing Made in Illinois" contest, which was won by a Downers Grove company’s pyrotechnic device that helped power NASA's Artemis II moon mission.

☑️ Safer streets: The Kane County Board approved lower speed limits on stretches of Kirk Road in St. Charles, including a 20-mph school zone near Wredling Middle School, following a county traffic study.

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☑️ Family paint day: The St. Charles Arts Council's annual Paint the Street event returns May 9 on Riverside Avenue, where volunteers of all ages can help paint a community mural designed by a St. Charles East High School student.

☑️ Safety stalwarts: Batavia swore in two new police officers, promoted its first-ever female fire lieutenant, and honored five public safety employees and community members at Monday's council meeting. Get details and see photos.

☑️ Wheel it forward: The Tri-City Corps of Salvation Army wants to collect at least 75 children's bikes during a two-day donation drive May 1-2 in St. Charles, with each bike paired with a free helmet from The Bike Rack.

☑️ Safe disposal: Several local police departments and collection sites will accept unused medications on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (Saturday 4/25), offering a safe and convenient way to clean out your medicine cabinet.

✳️ Summer camp: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in downtown Geneva (right behind Graham's Chocolates) will host a weeklong evening Creative Arts Camp June 8-12 — offering kids dinner, hands-on activities inspired by a biblical tale, and FIVE built-in summer nights out for parents. Get details & sign up!

☑️ Artistic accolades:

Can’t recall if I mentioned that Nobel House in Geneva does live music on Fridays now? Well if I didn’t, do with that info what you will. If I did, consider this a friendly reminder.

And have fun out there this weekend.

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You already know Bocaditos for the delicious food, empanadas, and that Belgian chocolate mocha — but there's more to this downtown Batavia spot than most people realize.

Every Thursday, they run a 2-for-1 deal on alcoholic beverages, valid all day. Make sure to note that on your calendar.

And while you're there, browse the shelves — Bocaditos carries one-of-a-kind merch and a curated selection of books right inside the cafe. So pop in for a meal, stay for some light reading, and leave with a local gift for someone special.

☑️ Shop local shelves: Tri-Cities bookstores are celebrating Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday (4/25) with author signings, raffles, golden tickets, and a Chicagoland store-hopping challenge. See what’s happening.

☑️ Sweet spot: ASEL Asian Treats and Tea is now open at 817 N. Randall Road in Batavia, serving Korean shaved ice desserts, boba tea, matcha drinks, and modern Asian desserts daily. See photos from the ribbon cutting.

☑️ Waste-free shopping: Chipko Market, a new St. Charles grocery store with a “bring-your-own-container” approach, lets shoppers buy dry goods, oils, and household products for a 5% discount if they provide their own packaging. Learn how it works.

☑️ Quick turnaround: After closing in February following a dozen years in business, Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room on Third Street announced that it will reopen on May 8 just in time for Mother’s Day Weekend.

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✳️ A musical garden adventure: Miss Jamie brings her newest book to life on Friday (4/24) through singing, storytelling, and interactive play — head to Zen Loft Collective in Batavia for a family-friendly evening of fun and song. Get the details and sign up.

☑️ The Rustic Fox Spring Sale | Thu 4/23 - Sat 4/25, 10AM–6PM | The Rustic Fox, N. Aurora & Carol Stream | Booths with 10% off and up on decor, furniture, and fashion.

☑️ UMC Geneva Rummage & Bake Sale | Fri 4/24 & Sat 4/25 | United Methodist Church, Geneva | Gently used household items, furniture, clothes, books, and homemade baked goods.

🎟️ Plot Twist Trivia Night Fundraiser (Adults) | Fri 4/24, 7PM–10PM | Geneva Public Library | Friendly trivia competition for the Library Foundation; drinks + refreshments included.

☑️ STC Spring Shop Crawl | Sat 4/25 & Sun 4/26, All Day | Downtown STC | Support local shops, enjoy deals, and enter to win a grand prize.

☑️ Evergreen Cars & Coffee | Sat 4/25, 9–11AM | Evergreen Pub & Grill, STC | Show off classics, sports cars, or modern marvels over breakfast and fresh coffee.

☑️ Earth Day Family Fest | Sat 4/25, 10:30AM–3PM | MA Center Chicago, Elburn | Free all-ages fest with yoga, seed exchange, live music, and nature walks.

☑️ Nature Play on Earth Day | Sat 4/25, 11AM–3PM | Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, STC | Free Earth Day fun with crafts, animal meet-and-greets, and outdoor nature play.

☑️ Books & Brews Author Fair | Sat 4/25, 12PM–4PM | Brother Chimp Brewing, North Aurora | Meet local authors, buy signed books, and sample craft beers and cocktails.

🎟️ 4th Annual Adult Cabaret Fundraiser | Sat 4/25, 7PM | Playhouse 38, Geneva | Silent auction, 50/50 raffle, performances, snacks and adult beverages.

☑️ Spring Fling Market & Mingle | Sun 4/26, 11AM–4PM | Warehouse on North, Elburn | Free family-friendly indoor and outdoor market with craft beer and local vendors.

🎟️ Blooming Together Spring Fashion Show | Sun 4/26, 2PM–4PM | Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails, Geneva | Pynk Byrd showcases a Spring collection celebrating female relationships.

🎟️ Trivioke | Mon 4/27, 6PM–8PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Trivia and karaoke mashup benefiting Rising Lights Project, with appetizers and drinks included.

🎟️ Rising Lights Project Enchanted Garden Gala | Sat 5/9, 6PM–10PM | Q Center, Fox River Ballroom, STC | Celebrating 5 years of the Rising Lights Project.

Introducing this week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane:

Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s website or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.

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.

Parting word: My wife and I are pretty pumped to explore the smorgasbord of garage sales around Geneva this weekend. You know what they say — you can never amass too many rooster lawn ornaments.