🐄 The great cow escape of 2025

More than 30 cows escaped from Rustic Road Farm in Elburn on July 3, leading to an all-out, days-long roundup effort involving drones, searchers on horseback, tracking dogs, and a whole lot of cornfields.

Most of the herd is now safely back home — just one cow remained on the loose as of last update.

I’ve pieced together a recap, including links to photos and videos.

📰 News to use

☑️ Grocery tax: During City Council meetings on 7/7, officials in Geneva and St. Charles will discuss enacting a new 1% local grocery tax to replace state funding that will disappear when Illinois ends its grocery sales tax in 2026.

☑️ Power priorities: As Batavia plans its energy future, results from a recent citywide survey show that while residents are open to cleaner power, most aren’t willing to pay significantly more.

☑️ East-side restaurant: Geneva officials are considering an economic incentive agreement of over $135K to help the owners of Riganato open a new restaurant, Honeybird, on East State Street.

☑️ Crossing complete: St. Charles has finished safety improvements at the Illinois Avenue and Fox River Trail crossing, adding a pedestrian refuge island to help walkers and cyclists cross more easily.

☑️ Street closures: Several St. Charles roads will require closures in the coming weeks due to street rehab work, while gas main replacement work in Geneva may require road closures through August.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Bridge backstory: Built in 1904 for Cable Piano Factory workers, downtown St. Charles’s oldest footbridge is still frequently used by many a pedestrian and cyclist (myself included). Learn more about its rich history as the city weighs its future.

☑️ Community canvas: With roots in Aurora, ArtBar Batavia has been hosting regular folk-art shows at Sidecar Supper Club in Batavia for the past few years and now partners with Sturdy Shelter Brewing to showcase local artists and creators with similar events.

☑️ Ready to blossom: Batavia High School graduate Abigail Ingersoll has been awarded a $2K scholarship from the Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners to support her studies in environmentally focused horticulture at Iowa State University.

🔒 Geneva strong: After beating stage 4 cancer through intensive treatment and relentless training, Geneva’s Keith Giffney completed a Half Ironman just two months later — and is now preparing for his next triathlon.

☑️ Cups & cones: I’m usually not a huge ice cream guy, but a cold scoop on a hot summer day really hits the spot. Here’s a list of ice cream spots worth visiting across Kane County.

☑️ Playtime tour: The St. Charles Park District’s Park Play Dates program returns this summer, offering free, family-friendly fun at local playgrounds with hands-on activities, popsicles, and a chance to explore different parks each week.

🎸 Live music

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Geneva’s first “Concert in the Park” is happening this Thursday at River Park, complete with a Bike Bus organized by the Geneva Bike & Pedestrian Committee featuring group rides from strategic locations around town.

🌳 Fall is the best time to plant — but get your order in soon.

Dreaming of a majestic new tree or two for your yard? You should start planning now, because September and October are the ideal months for planting.

To make it easier, Wasco Nursery’s expert crews are here to handle the job from start to finish — including selection, professional planting, and a three-year guarantee. For ideas, check out this video with owner Matt Zerby about the best shade trees for Northern Illinois.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ Brewpub debut: Award-winning Foreign Exchange Brewing Company has opened its first physical location in downtown Aurora, where it’ll offer house-brewed beer and a menu blending Mexican and Indian flavors.

✳️ Da Pope: Urban Artisan in Geneva has blessed us with the ultimate conversation starter — Pope Leo XIV T-shirts that have proven hugely popular. Check out this Chicago Bears-themed Pope shirt or swing by their 3rd Street shop to see the full selection.

🎯 Promote your events: Enjoy learning about local things to do from Tri-Cities Central? Get your upcoming events listed as a “Featured Event” in future newsletters — which reach nearly 10K local residents. Get in touch to explore options.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.3M mansion with 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 4.5 acres on Fox Glen Drive in St. Charles.

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

☑️ City meetings:

• Monday (7/7): Batavia City Council (agenda)

• Monday (7/7): Geneva City Council (agenda)

• Monday (7/7): St. Charles City Council (agenda)

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

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Community Hawaiian Party | Thurs 7/10, 4-9PM | Revelry 675, Batavia | Fun for all ages with slides, obstacle courses, hula dancers, a live DJ, bar, and food trucks.

☑️ Classic Car Show | Thurs 7/10, 5-8PM | Kane Co. Courthouse, Geneva | Step back in time and check out vintage rides every Thursday during July and August.

🎟️ Bonobo Wine Dinner | Fri 7/11, 6PM | Up North Wine Tasting, Geneva | A food and wine pairing event with Bonobo Winery.

☑️ Windmill City Fest (Boo Boo Days) | Fri 7/11 - Sun 6/13 | Downtown Batavia | A carnival, live bands, food vendors, pet competition, sidewalk sales and much more.

🎟️ Putt Pour Night | Fri 7/11, 6-8PM | Stone Creek Mini Golf, Geneva | Mini golf, Penrose beer, hot dogs, and brats will make for a great summer evening.

🎟️ Windmill City Fest Pickleball Tournament | Sat 7/12, 9AM-12PM | West Main Community Park, Batavia | A festive outdoor tourney for all skill levels.

📖 Thanks for reading

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