We may not be on par with northern Wisconsin, but plenty of places across the Tri-Cities have mastered the art of the fish fry. I certainly have fond memories of meeting my grandparents at the Batavia VFW for Fish Fry Fridays as a kid.

If you’re looking for quality local options now that we’ve entered Lent season, here are some St. Charles recommendations plus some other spots in Kane County.

And if you have any other local recommendations, just hit reply to this email and let me know — I’ll feature some other spots in a future issue.

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Who says you can’t celebrate great vision and express your style at the same time?

That's the idea behind Fox Valley Ophthalmology and their February Frame Sale, which offers a rare opportunity to refresh your look and enhance your sight with incredible value.

Not only can you get 20-70% off frames — including styles from Carrera, Caviar, Coach, Cole Haan, Dior, Gucci, and Ray Ban — but you’ll enjoy 50% off your second set of lenses with the purchase of new frames.

From stylish new frames to comprehensive family eye care, advanced cataract options, LASIK, and glaucoma treatments, Fox Valley Ophthalmology continues to offer the best vision care in the Tri-Cities.

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☑️ E-bike regulation: Batavia officials discussed drafting a local ordinance to improve safety and enforcement around e-bikes, scooters, and high-powered electric dirt bikes ahead of spring and summer riding season.

☑️ Lead replacement project: St. Charles officials said during a recent budget meeting that replacing thousands of lead service lines could cost $84 million over the next decade, which may require the city to lean on utility rate increases to pay for it.

☑️ Candidates speak: During recent voter forums in Batavia, Republican candidates for Illinois Senate District 33 and U.S. Congress District 11 outlined differing approaches on immigration, election rules, Social Security, and how to rein in the cost of living.

☑️ Surveillance renewal: Kane County officials approved a $72K-per-year contract renewal with Flock Safety for a license plate reader camera program, even as other communities have dropped the technology over privacy concerns.

☑️ Make your vote count: The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County is urging local voters using mail-in ballots for the March 17 primary to mail them by March 10 or drop them off in person to ensure they’re counted.

☑️ Scam alert: Batavia police are warning residents about scam text messages impersonating Mayor Jeff Schielke and claiming to be a “public survey” — and say the messages are not legitimate or connected to the city.

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☑️ Native plant sale: A popular Kane County Forest Preserve native plant sale has returned for 2026, now accepting pre-orders through April 12. The in-person sale and order pickup is on April 25 at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles.

☑️ Frozen in love: A chainsaw-wielding Batavia ice sculptor turned heads outside of Bocaditos Cafe on Valentine’s Day by carving a heart-in-hands ice sculpture as families and folks passing by stopped to watch.

☑️ Plein Air returns: The St. Charles Arts Council announced that its third annual Plein Air Event will be held on August 17 throughout the Tri-Cities, giving locals a chance to experience a variety of outdoor artistic events. Artist applications are now open.