Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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🪲 Tick season is on steroids this year
I can’t be the only one who’s noticed that the ticks are active this year.
And it’s not just forest preserves or prairie-style parks — it isn’t uncommon to encounter them in your residential yard. You might see:
Deer ticks: Also known as the black-legged tick, this is the species to be worried about in our region. It can spread Lyme Disease among other ailments. You can identify it by its smaller size and red-orange body with a black dot.
Lone Star tick: We’re on the northern edge of their territory. Larger and do not carry Lyme Disease.
American dog tick: Probably the most common around here. You can recognize them by their brown and red dotted bodies and elaborate shields. Also a “no” on Lyme Disease.
About a month ago, IDPH discovered an Asian longhorned tick in Illinois for the first time ever. This has raised concerns because they can reproduce rapidly (great!).
It’s all part of a larger trend of expansion. Experts have warned that tick season is getting longer in our area — largely due to warming winters.
What to do about tick bites: Here’s a simple guide for safe tick removal, when to call your healthcare provider and what symptoms to look for if you’re worried about diseases.
The Kane County Health Department has tick removal kits available for the public in limited supply at no charge in its lobby at 1240 N. Highland Avenue in Aurora.
LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
🍲 Meet the Tri-Cities’ personal chef
You could keep spending precious hours each week on meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking…but wouldn’t you rather be out enjoying the summer?
Same here. That’s why we’re introducing Entrée Kitchen, a premier (and local!) meal prep and delivery service that takes care of everything for you — no shopping, chopping or slicing required.
This is not your typical mass-produced, precooked meal kit. Instead, they’re fresh, ready-to-cook meals (many can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less) and ready-to-go, travel-friendly meals for a long weekend at the lake house.
From grillable favorites to stove-top classics and slow-cooker delights, these meals deliver home-cooked flavor without the endless hassle. Questions? They’ve got answers.
Try Entrée Kitchen for yourself using the special code FreeDeliveryTCC and get FREE delivery on orders of four entrees or more through June 27.
📰 News to use
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☑️ Big shoes to fill: The Whole Foods store planned for the old Blue Goose space in St. Charles is expected to open in spring 2025. Construction is underway on the building and nearby parking lots.
☑️ Looking ahead: Batavia City Council approved the new Downtown Plan, which is meant to guide the town’s growth and development while preserving its history and charm.
🔒 Safe cycling: Following tragic cycling accidents in Batavia last year, local officials are pushing for enhanced safety measures to protect bikers.
🔒 Laid to rest: Last week, the Kane County Coroner placed the ashes of 47 unclaimed individuals in a crypt during a ceremony at the St. Charles Township North Cemetery.
☑️ State of the City: Back on May 16, the mayor of St. Charles and city officials led an interactive presentation about the town’s progress, challenges and current initiatives. Watch the full recording here.
☑️ Banded beauties: If you see an American Kestrel donning a colorful leg band, don’t be alarmed — it’s part of a Kane County program to study the behaviors and lifecycles of these local birds.
🏘️ In the community
🔒 WWII stories: Batavia resident Robert Larson — who celebrated his 100th birthday last week — reflected on his experience during the 1944 D-Day invasion of France while aboard the USS Texas.
☑️ Building a nest egg: Parents of young children interested in starting a college savings account should consider Illinois First Steps, a state program that contributes $50 to new account owners.
🔒 On the diamond: Thanks to a no-hitter from its star pitcher, the St. Charles North softball team has advanced to its second state tournament in three years.
☑️ Musical podcast: In honor of its new “Music in St. Charles” exhibit, the STC History Museum chatted with all-around music man Dean Milano about — you guessed it — the history of music in St. Charles.
☑️ Volunteers in action: The Geneva Garden Club and local plant enthusiasts helped beautify the Marklund Center’s outdoor space with vibrant flowers and arrangements. Check out some photos.
☑️ Local sweepstakes: WGN is running a “Gift of Geneva” giveaway featuring $700 worth of gift cards to The Gift Box, Blinka Optical and other local shops. You can enter here.
🎸 Live music
With the Fox River Arts Ramble happening on Saturday, there may be live performances associated with individual events at various local arts centers — so be on the lookout for those.
Otherwise it’s a great summer live music weekend lineup, with shows every day on the new Rookie’s Geneva patio plus a full schedule of 60+ performances at all the usual places.
LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
🤔 How to delight Dad? Hmm…
If you’re unprepared for Father’s Day, take our advice: The Little Traveler in downtown Geneva makes Father’s Day gifting so much easier.
Where else can you find unique grooming gear, classic dad swag and trendy accessories all in one place? And while you’re there, you can peruse new seasonal decor and stock up on all the flavors and tools you need for outdoor entertaining this summer.
🏬 Local biz
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☑️️ Cocktail hour: Those rumors swirling about an outdoor patio coming to Grainology in Batavia? They’re true.
☑️️ STC Six: St. Charles’ six breweries are set to debut their latest collaboration brew (which benefits charity) next week. Celebrate with a launch party at Alter Brewing on Wednesday, 6/12.
🔒 A worthy endeavor: Through a partnership with Kendall’s Kindness, Magnolia Soap and Bath in St. Charles is raising money for mental health and suicide awareness.
🔒 Geneva gem: The Daily Herald offers an inside look at Preservation’s newly redesigned Front Lounge — an intimate, creative and cozy space with seating for about 20.
🗓️ Events + things to do
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☑️ WellBatavia Festival | Sat 6/8, 8-11:30AM | Batavia City Hall | Free health assessments for adults, speech screenings for kids and a variety of other wellness resources.
☑️ Kids Fair | Sat 6/8, 9:30AM-12:30PM | Chapelstreet Church, Geneva | From touch-a-truck to face painting, raffles and a reptile show, there’ll be plenty of fun for the youngsters.
☑️ Fox River Arts Ramble | Sat 6/8, 10AM-4PM | Several Tri-Cities Locations | Discover unique pieces, enjoy live entertainment and engage with artists from up and down the Fox River valley.
☑️ Music Festival | Sat 6/8, 10AM-4PM | Fine Line Creative Arts Center, STC | Several artists perform live with food and beer vendors on site (part of Arts Ramble).
☑️ Strawberry Festival | Sat 6/8, 10AM-5PM | Windy Acres Farm, Geneva | Enjoy fresh strawberries (and strawberry treats) plus an outdoor grill sesh and live music.
☑️ Fairy Walk Kickoff | Sat 6/8, 12-4PM | Various Locations, STC | Experience magic, whimsy and special perks as you explore St. Charles businesses.
🎟️ Dennis Regan Live | Sat 6/8, 7-10:30PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | One of America’s funniest comics delivers his unique, hard-hitting material.
🎟️ Audition: A Memoir by Barbara Walters | Thurs 6/13, 9-11AM | Copper Fox, Geneva | A breakfast and dramatic presentation of the prolific journalist’s memoir.
🌖 Weather snapshot
🌦️ Today: High 75F | Low 54F | A stray shower
🌤️ Friday: High 73F | Low 53F | Delightful
🌤️ Saturday: High 70F | Low 54F | Gusty beauty
🌥️ Sunday: High 70F | Low 55F | Cloudy + breezy
📖 Thanks for reading!
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