Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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Fish fry, anyone?
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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👓 See the world in a new light this February
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.
☑️ Convenience for voters: The Kane County Clerk just announced the launch of a new online “Voter Wait Time” app that lets voters check estimated line lengths at polling places ahead of the March 17 primary election.
☑️ Sustainable spring cleaning: Kane County recycling events are back for 2026, offering a convenient option for shredding and disposing of paint, household items, clothing, and more. The first one’s coming up on February 28 in St. Charles.
✳️ Connect with your community: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva has rolled out a variety of community-focused events and initiatives, from a new storytelling project to a special day of service with the Salvation Army on Feb. 28.
Lots of good stuff from the 80s and 90s in this week’s live music lineup — plus a couple of bluegrass sets and a Tom Petty cover band (which always catches me eye). Have fun out there.
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🔥 “One of the best coffees I’ve ever had”
Kurt B wasn’t kidding around when he left a review for Dragon Fire Coffee’s Black Dragon Blend:
My wife told me she is mad at me, because she can no longer drink the coffee she buys. This is some of the best beans we have ever brewed. Make the switch — oh, and they are local too, can’t get better than that.
That pretty much says it all. And remember, it’s roasted daily in Warrenville and they offer free local delivery in the Tri-Cities.
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☑️ Local cafe honor: Batavia MainStreet announced that Bocaditos Cafe received a $10K national “Backing Small Business” grant, which the popular downtown Batavia café used to buy new equipment and expand its offerings.
☑️ Meet the farmers: Get to know Mighty Greens Farm — a diverse, organic Elburn vegetable farm operated by the Palomares family that offers a unique subscription program and sells directly to local residents at various farmers markets.
✳️ Ready to create family memories? Make plans for “Mom Prom” on February 21 at Zen Loft Collective in Batavia, a family-friendly night for local kids and moms with dancing, snacks, games, crafts, and professional photos.
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This section is sponsored by Up North Wine Tasting Room — an inviting, mother-daughter-owned Northern Michigan wine and cocktail bar located at 9 N. 2nd St. in downtown Geneva. Grab tickets to the upcoming Blustone Wine & Food Pairing Dinner on March 13 (with food from Le Truff Noir!).
☑️ Beer, bourbon, + food events: Brother Chimp Brewing is hosting a multi-course beer dinner and releasing a limited collaboration bourbon at both its North Aurora (2/24) and St. Charles (3/2) locations within the next couple of weeks.
🎟️ Black Coffee | Feb 20, 21, 28 + Mar 1, 6, 7 | Albright Theatre, Batavia | Agatha Christie whodunit play featuring spies, dangerous weapons, and many subplots.
☑️ Cozy Fest | Sat 2/21, All Day | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | Pajamas, soup, great beer, plus an “Area Code: Batavia” live broadcast.
🎟️ Chicagoland Cat Show | Sat 2/21–Sun 2/22, 9AM-4PM | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | IL’s biggest cat show, adoptions, agility races, vendor booths, and more.
🎟️ Self-Love Workshop | Sat 2/21, 3:30-5:30PM | Gather Bakery, Geneva | Guided reflection, journaling, and connection with coffee, tea, and like-minded locals.
🎟️ Winter Tree ID | Sun 2/22, 9:30-11:30AM | Creek Bend Nature Center, STC | Learn to identify trees without leaves, then take a guided hike.
🎟️ Eagle Brook Wedding Expo | Sun 2/22, 11AM-2PM | Eagle Brook Country Club, Geneva | Open-house expo with vendors, décor displays, and complimentary apps.
🎟️ Pins with Purpose | Sun 2/22, 1-3PM | St. Charles Bowl, STC | Bowling fundraiser for Rising Lights Project with prizes, apps, drinks, and raffle entry.
🎟️ Cajun Dinner | Wed 2/25, 5:30-9:30PM | Niche, Geneva | One-night Cajun dinner with cocktails and a $95 prix fixe menu.
🎟️ Trivia Night | Wed 2/25, 6-8PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | Phone-free trivia with taco bar, prizes, and cash bar — supporting TriCity Family Services.
Looking ahead:
☑️ All Volunteer Trails Cleanup | Sat 4/25 | Great Western Trail + IL Prairie Path | Help keep the trails clean and beautiful with other local volunteers.
Thanks for reading
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