Heading into the weekend, the arctic conditions were the talk of the town.

Several local businesses temporarily closed, schools closed (or went to e-learning), the Kane County courts went remote, a couple of city facilities shut down due to burst pipes or broken heating systems, and local warming centers opened to those who needed them.

I’m admittedly a sucker for weather phenomenons of all types, but it seems like nothing captures people’s imaginations quite like an old-fashioned deep freeze.

For example, during this weekend’s cold front, several odd and/or unfamiliar weather topics made their way into the public discourse:

To put it all in perspective, it was very cold this weekend — but not record-breaking.

For reference: the coldest day on record for the Chicago area was -27 degrees January 20, 1985 (with a wind chill of -60 degrees).

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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 upcoming February Frame Sale, which will offer 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.

☑️ Immigration statement: In response to resident comments and fears about federal immigration activity, St. Charles officials issued a proclamation affirming that local police do not take part in civil immigration enforcement — but did not pass an ordinance or ban.

☑️ Goodbye building: Batavia demolished the historic 1890 Tin Shop building downtown last week, clearing the way for a new public plaza with restrooms and seating.

☑️ Network to Freedom: The St. Charles History Museum helped secure national recognition for the Joseph P. Bartlett Farm in Campton Township as Kane County’s first verified Underground Railroad safehouse. Get the story behind the historic property.

☑️ New daycare: Geneva officials unanimously approved a new daycare facility to be constructed near Delnor Hospital, prompting two nearby residents to raise concerns about traffic safety at the busy Randall–Keslinger intersection.

☑️ Midnight fire: Investigators blamed “careless use of smoking materials” for a late-night house fire near Kirk and Hill roads that left one resident with minor injuries and the Geneva Township home uninhabitable.

☑️ STC alerts: St. Charles has launched a new opt-in alert system that sends emergency, service, and community updates by phone, text, or email to keep residents informed in real time. Learn more and sign up.

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☑️ Bulldog origins: Ever wonder where the Batavia Bulldogs mascot came from? Batavia historian George Scheetz traces how the high school moved from the Vikings (it’s true!), to Crimson, to the Bulldogs — starting nearly 100 years ago.

☑️ New podcast ep: A new episode of “Area Code: Batavia” features Batavia United Way director Kathy Evangelista discussing how the organization keeps pushing forward (and building local impact) despite growing challenges.

☑️ Excellent educators: If you know any stellar local school professionals, you can now nominate them for the Kane County Educator of the Year Awards, an annual tradition recognizing educators who make a positive impact in the community.

☑️ Green gains: Kane County Forest Preserve officials recently expanded the Meissner-Corron Forest Preserve in St. Charles by 45 acres, part of an effort to strengthen habitat protection and set the stage for future prairie restoration.

🔒 Community pillars: The Daily Herald’s Dave Heun explores how service clubs across the Tri-Cities (like the like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and Exchange groups) are helping the community and growing by recruiting both retirees and younger members.

✳️ Looking for a preschool that feels both fun and thoughtful? Batavia Covenant Preschool blends play-based learning with a caring Christian environment, small class sizes, and experienced teachers who help kids grow in all the right ways. See what they offer.

Anyone into dubstep?

Not really my thing, but the Arcada Theatre is hosting a “night of sonic exploration” on Thursday if that music style piques your interest.

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For everything from kitchen and bathroom remodels to finished basements and custom man caves, 212° Construction is the go-to contractor for Fox Valley homeowners.

With more than 30 years of local experience and a reputation built on honesty and craftsmanship, they’re the experts in turning underused or outdated spaces into rooms you’ll actually love living in.

Their team handles everything from design through final install — making the entire process smooth, clear, and stress-free. Ready to explore what’s possible inside your home? Call (630) 517-2026 for a free estimate.

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☑️ Qué delicioso: WGN’s “Around Town” show visited Geneva to spotlight the founders of the newly opened Que Buen Churro, highlighting the family-run shop’s traditional approach to churro-making and showcasing some of their treats.

☑️ Growing & helping: Get to know Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn, which is expanding year-round organic production to help strengthen local food access through markets, online sales, and in-person farm events.

✳️ Get ahead of Valentine’s Day: From cute plushes to clever cards, comfy shirts, and other heartfelt gifts, Urban Artisan in Geneva has a unique collection of Valentine’s Day items you won’t find anywhere else. View their V-Day selection.

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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this nearly 10K-square-foot, $2.5M mansion and wooded estate on Dover Hill Road in St. Charles.

✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

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

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

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☑️ Tiki Takeover | Wed 1/28, 4–9PM | Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails, Geneva | Enjoy island cocktails, rum pours, and tropical vibes for one “sunny” night.

🎟️ Beginner Bonsai | Wed 1/28, 6:30PM | Art History Brewing, Geneva | Hands-on bonsai workshop with drinks and expert guidance.

🎟️ All-Canada Show | Thu 1/29 – Sun 2/1 | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | Meet Canadian fishing and hunting outfitters, plus seminars and giveaways (I’ll be there on Thursday night!)

🎟️ Sturdy Speaker Series | Thu 1/29, 7PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | A fascinating science talk on microbes, water quality, and ecosystem health.

🎟️ Galentine’s Party | Fri 1/30, 6–8PM | Pynk Byrd, Geneva | Sweets, mocktails, giveaways, and a festive girls’ night celebration.

☑️ Page to Stage | Sun 2/1, 1:30PM | St. Charles Public Library | Live staged readings by local writers and performers.

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