👧 Geneva Girls School: “People should know”

It’s one of the most unsettling and little-known pieces of the Tri-Cities’ past.

The Illinois State Training School for Girls operated in Geneva from 1894 to 1977. Perhaps you’ve heard stories about it or chatted with someone who stumbled across the little cemetery while hiking through Fabyan Forest Preserve east of Route 25.

While it was open, the state-run institution locked up hundreds of girls, many sent for reasons that wouldn’t be crimes today. It was all under the guise of “reform” and “rehabilitation.”

Inmates’ accounts — and stories from others who witnessed it — reveal a chilling pattern of abuse and secrecy.

I’ve been keen to cover this topic since launching Tri-Cities Central nearly two years ago. But the deeper I dug, the more I realized I didn’t have the time or resources to even attempt to tell the story with the depth of research it deserves.

Fortunately, a journalist from the Chicago Reader did. It took her nearly four years to research and write the feature.

Warning: It’s long. But it’s definitely worth reading through to the end.

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☀️ This is how you do summer right

You don’t get this kind of ride on a golf cart.

Valor Carts' 72V lithium-powered low-speed vehicles (LSVs) deliver instant torque, smoother rides and longer range — all with zero gas and virtually no maintenance. That means more time enjoying the fresh air with your favorite people.

And these aren’t flimsy frames with wheels. They’re built more like real vehicles, with better suspension, proper safety features and everything you need to drive legally on roads up to 25 mph.

Our advice? Don’t let summer slip away without at least a test drive.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Revised rules: Batavia officials backed a revised ordinance that would limit the sale of kratom and hemp-derived THC products to adults 21 and over, with new rules on packaging and enforcement. City Council will take it up on Monday (6/2).

☑️ Warehouse watch: Geneva officials are considering a $250K incentive agreement to support a major new headquarters and manufacturing facility east of Kirk Road that would support 150 employees.

☑️ Batavia landmark: The historic and nearly fully-leased Newton House at the corner of Wilson and Batavia Avenue is up for sale at about $750K. Get more details and photos from the listing.

☑️ Getting worse: With tick activity surging across northern Illinois, local health experts are urging residents to be careful outdoors this summer to prevent bites and reduce the risk of Lyme disease for both people and pets.

☑️ Entrance shift: Starting June 2, Fermilab’s Pine Street entrance in Batavia will temporarily close to all traffic as construction begins on a new Welcome and Access Center. Visitors are directed to use the Batavia Road gate instead.

🔒 Local musings: Dave Heun’s latest Daily Herald column tells the story behind the local neighbors who created the new-ish Batavia Hardwoods shop and reports on a possible cougar sighting in Campton Township.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Mural mission: Batavia is seeking artist submissions through June 20 for a bold new community mural called “The City of Good Energy” — to be painted downtown with help from local volunteers. Learn about the project.

☑️ Golden years: Longtime St. Charles resident Arvena “Vee” Guynn celebrated her 100th birthday with a mayoral proclamation and cake in a room full of family, friends and memories from nearly seven decades in the community.

☑️ Pride month: Check out this list of dozens of west suburban Pride events happening in June, including flag raising events in Batavia (6/2) and Geneva (6/3), plus St. Charles Pride Fest (6/2).

☑️ Garlic & giving: Elburn’s Garlic Breath Farm is more than a farmers market favorite — it’s a veteran-run, community-driven farm that donates to local food pantries, teaches home growers and sells items at markets across the Fox Valley.

☑️ STC happenings: From swim lessons and theatre events to golf scrambles and pickle-themed parties, the St. Charles Park District has put together an assortment of fun activities for every age this June.

☑️ A special day: See photos from St. Charles’ Memorial Day happenings, including a 21-gun salute, three cemetery visits, a pancake breakfast, a parade and a memorial service.

🎸 Live music

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Exciting news: STC Live — the annual summer live music program that features Wednesday and Friday performances each week — kicks off this Wednesday. Get the details in the full schedule.

🌲 Create instant privacy with Green Giant Arborvitae

If you’re looking to block out the neighbors or cut down on wind and noise, the Green Giant Arborvitae is Wasco Nursery’s top pick for fast-growing, low-maintenance privacy — with bonus points for resisting deer and rabbit damage.

Need more ideas or expert help? Check out Wasco’s guide to the best evergreen trees for privacy, or talk to their landscape designers about creating a custom natural barrier that adds curb appeal and privacy to your yard.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ Rescue request: American Science & Surplus, the quirky 88-year-old retailer with a store in Geneva, is seeking community support through a GoFundMe campaign to help stay afloat amid rising costs, software issues and other challenges.

☑️ Best of the Fox: The 2025 Kane County Best of the Fox Readers' Choice Award winners have been announced. See which local restaurants, shops and businesses were voted in as community favorites.

✳️ Swag for dad: For the dad who quotes Ditka, lives for golf and gets a kick out of “Chicago Pope” apparel…Urban Artisan has the Father’s Day gift he doesn’t know he needs — yet. Check out their top Father’s Day items.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.8M mansion on a three-acre Fairway Court property in St. Charles.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

• Monday (6/2): Batavia City Council Meeting (agenda)

• Monday (6/2): Geneva City Council (agenda) and Geneva Committee of the Whole (agenda)

• Monday (6/2): St. Charles City Council Meeting (agenda)

☑️ Police reports: Batavia police report summaries | Geneva police reports | St. Charles daily arrest log

☑️ Get connected: Recently relocated to Batavia or North Aurora? Check out Welcome Home Batavia, a free service that will provide you the info, resources, gifts and gift certificates you need to feel connected to your community.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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🎟️ Scents & Sauces: A Fiery Affair! | Wed 6/4, 6PM | Inluro, Geneva | Gindo’s Hot Sauce and Inluro team up for a fun night of tastings and fragrances.

🎟️ Barefoot in the Park | Thurs 6/5, 8PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Neil Simon’s classic comedy performances running through June 15.

🎟️ Batavia Uncorked | Sat 6/7, 6PM | Peg Bond Center, Batavia | Enjoy wine, food and live music along the Fox River.

🎟️ AID Summer Stroll & Roll | Sun 6/8, 9AM-12PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | A fundraiser and scenic hike with breakfast and activities.

🎟️ AmazinGrace | Sun 6/8, 11AM-4PM | Mt. St. Mary Park, STC | A celebration for a cause with live music, food, drinks, games and more.

📖 Thanks for reading

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