Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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Understanding Geneva’s police station referendum
A rendering of a potential new facility. 📸 Credit: City of Geneva conceptualization presentation
The $59.4 million police station bond referendum that will appear on the March 17 ballot has become a hot topic in Geneva.
Geneva officials say the current police station is failing on multiple fronts — from flooding, roof, and sewer backup issues to a partial ceiling collapse and cramped, inefficient working conditions.
Public comment at Monday’s City Council meeting suggested that some residents have experienced confusion about what’s included in the referendum and what happens if voters reject it. At the same time, city officials have begun ramping up public outreach efforts help educate voters about the upcoming public safety measure.
The city website now features a hub of referendum information, including a household tax impact calculator, a summary of how officials determined the price point, and even the ability to sign up for public tours of the current police station.
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💡 How Tri-Cities Central got its start
Every wonder how — or why — this newsletter came into existence?
Local real estate expert and Tri-Cities advocate Chris Wallace asked me about it when we recently sat down for a video interview at Downtown Glory in Geneva. The idea that sparked the whole thing may surprise you a bit.
P.S. If you don’t already, make sure to follow Chris on Instagram @chriswallacerealestate for a consistent feed of great local content.
☑️ Final ruling: Following an investigation, the Kane County State’s Attorney office ruled that an August 2025 Batavia incident that involved the death of a 39-year-old man was a suicide — and that local law enforcement actions were justified.
☑️ Intersection crossing project: Batavia officials approved an agreement with Kane County to help fund a feasibility study exploring a project that would create safer ways to walk or bike across Randall Road near Main Street.
☑️ STC vision: The City of St. Charles published its 2026 priorities, highlighting redevelopment plans, public safety upgrades, infrastructure investments, and technology projects aimed at improving city services for residents and businesses.
☑️ More murals: Batavia officials endorsed a grant application for a $15K public art project that would turn the police station’s boarded windows into murals celebrating the city’s past, present, and future.
☑️ Seasonal work: The local park districts in Geneva, Batavia, and St. Charles are opening seasonal summer job applications, with a wide range of roles available for teens and adults across camps, pools, museums, and recreation programs.
☑️ Seasonal sickness: As flu cases and related hospital visits rise across Illinois (which explains why you probably know a few people who’ve been laid up lately), state health officials report that the surge could continue for several weeks.
☑️ Borders expanded: Campton Hills officials approved annexation agreements adding four properties along Harley Road to the village, extending its boundaries and taking control of the roadway while keeping the land zoned for farming.
☑️ Year in review: For the latest episode of the “Area Code: Batavia” podcast, I joined host Richard Clark to talk about an an eventful 2025 in the Windmill City that included a mayoral race, local business transitions, and other stories that had a big impact on the community.
☑️ Rock to restock: A January 18 classic rock concert at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles will raise money for a variety of food pantries across the Fox River Valley as winter demand continues to rise.
☑️ On the big screen: Emagine Theatre in Batavia is rolling out two January film series — affordable kids movies and classic throwbacks — giving local families and movie fans an easy, affordable winter outing.
☑️ Smiles for seniors: Local State Senator Don DeWitte is inviting local students and community groups to create handmade Valentine’s cards for seniors as part of his fifth annual “Valentines for Seniors” drive.
☑️ Plows with personality: Kane County unveiled three winning snowplow names —including “Plowasaurus Rex” — chosen from more than 100 resident submissions in a playful countywide contest. See which other names won.
☑️ A life of public service: St. Charles Township is mourning the loss of Township Supervisor and US Navy veteran Ron Johnson, who passed away in December after 40+ years in township government and a lifetime of living in St. Charles. Read his obituary.
This weekend’s lineup has a bit of a retro vibe, with a couple of fun 90s tribute bands on the schedule.
Ah, the 1990s…Gushers, cargo shorts, and a Chicago Bulls team that was actually relevant. Simpler times.
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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.
The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.
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 their “Uncork the Stories” curated wine tasting event on January 25.
☑️ Dinner Recipe Swap Night | Thu 1/8, 5-7:30PM | The Cottage, Geneva | Swap tasty soup recipes and enjoy an evening of wine and socializing.
☑️ Winter Open House | Fri 1/9, 6–9PM | Soul Studio Batavia, Batavia | Mocktails, mini reiki, card readings, and exploring the cozy new space.
☑️ Unrealism: Opening Reception | Fri 1/9, 6–9PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | See fashion turn into art live as an artist paints directly onto your jackets and dresses.
☑️ Indoor Sidewalk Sale | Sat 1/10 & Sun 1/11 | Downtown Geneva | Treat yourself to some downtown shopping and score great deals.
🎟️ Pizza Workshop | Sat 1/10, 6:30PM | Rosewood Farm & Market, Batavia | Hands-on pizza-making class with chef demo and farm-fresh toppings.
✳️ The Cosmic Reset – New Year Sound Bath | Sat 1/10, 6:45–8:30PM | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Float into an immersive cosmic sound bath for deep relaxation, intention setting, and renewal for the year ahead.
☑️ Arts Council Legacy Invitational | Sun 1/11, 1–3PM | Arts Council ARC, STC | Opening reception celebrating six long-time local artists and their exceptional work.
☑️ Winter Concert Series & Family Swim | Sun 1/11, 2:30–4:30PM | Goldfish Swim School, STC | Live kids concert followed by family swim in the warm pool.
Looking ahead:
🎟️ Spa & PJ Bunco Night | Sat 2/7, 7PM | Batavia Moose Lodge | Roll dice, relax in PJs, and support a great cause in the Batavia Mothers’ Club.
Thanks for reading
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