Perhaps you already assumed based on hints dropped here and there in previous newsletters, but I’m a huge weather nerd. So this weekend was fun.

Granted, snow and ice suck for getting around — no denying that. But I recently discovered a handy little tool to help alleviate that pain, which, until a few days ago, I didn’t realize existed.

The Gateway Traveler Information System (GTIS), which is featured on the Travel Midwest website, organizes and showcases useful traveler info like traffic, congestion, travel times, speed, construction, incidents and other events impacting travel across Illinois.

During periods of inclement weather, its camera snapshots are particularly helpful as they display real-time conditions at high-traffic (and, technically, not-so-high-traffic) intersections and stretches of road.

For example, this page is already filtered for Kane County, allowing you to quickly check your preferred route to confirm things are clear before you hit the road.

Play around with it a little! Worst case, it could make your winter commutes and errand outings a little easier to navigate.

Back to weather: This weekend’s arctic storm system dropped about eight inches of snow in the Tri-Cities and 13 inches out near Rockford along the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, while O’Hare only recorded 6.7 inches.

Temperature-wise, the wind chill hit minus 31 at O’Hare yesterday morning, with parts of the state seeing wind chills of more than 40 below zero. The temp was -12 straight up when I awoke in Geneva.

Naturally, the extreme conditions over the past few days lured me down a little rabbit hole, where I found some interesting numbers you might find intriguing.

Since we’re located roughly in between Chicago and Rockford, I figured why not look at data from both weather stations?

I was surprised by the discrepancy in snow records between the two locations. I’m no meteorologist (a statement that saddens me to an unreasonable degree), but I suspect that might have something to do with the lake effect?

Suffice to say, stay warm out there. Looks like we’re not going to climb back above zero until Wednesday.

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall. The *️⃣ icon indicates that an account/login may be needed.

☑️ Route 25 reopening: The last bit of concrete for the road project in Geneva has been poured, meaning Route 25 should reopen sometime this week (weather permitting — not an insignificant detail).

🔒 Wake-up call: St. Charles School District 303 is changing up the start and end times for all grade levels in the 2024-25 school year, and some folks aren’t thrilled. Here’s an email from the district for those who can’t access the article.

🔒 Migrant update: Caught in a frustrating dilemma, Kane County officials plan to call on the federal government to pass immigration reform to address the influx of asylum seekers.

☑️ Hall of Famers: During a 2/10 ceremony, GHS will induct three new members to its Athletic Hall of Fame, including a former pro baseball player who graduated in 2007.

🔒 Quick transition: School board members approved funding for construction projects that will allow for the repurposing of multiple facilities to help alleviate school overcrowding in St. Charles.

☑️ Suspicious situation: Stemming from community reports of illicit activity at a massage parlor, two women were arrested on prostitution charges in Geneva.

*️⃣ Busy in Batavia: Batavia Alderman Dustin Pieper shared updates on the Active Transportation Advisory Commission, local development projects and other city initiatives.

☑️ Dangerous cold: With extreme, biting wind chills expected this week, Batavia officials will turn City Hall into a warming center. Here’s a list of other warming centers in Kane County.

☑️ Pickleball + beer! Beginning tomorrow, D and G Brewing in St. Charles will be hosting Pickleball & Pitchers weekly on Tuesday evenings. Let’s be honest, you’ll probably see me there.

☑️ A professional in preparedness: Meet Scott Buziecki, Kane County's new Director of Emergency Management, whose deep local experience suggests we’re in good hands.

☑️ Snow Angels: If you’re able and willing, Batavia United Way is looking for volunteers to shovel snow for neighbors with mobility issues.

☑️ Elder edition: Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog discusses issues affecting our local population of senior citizens and ways for people to get involved in this 30-minute video.

🔒 The next level: Three local football stars — including St. Charles North’s Jake Furtney and Batavia’s Ryan Boe — are preparing for life in the Big Ten.

☑️ Music & meatballs: Rock 'N Ravioli, a classic Italian restaurant, will be opening soon in the Arcada Theatre Complex in downtown St. Charles.

🔒 Guilt-free coffee: Smarty Pants Cafe in Batavia has rolled out a clever reusable travel mug program to promote sustainability — and customers seem to approve.

☑️ Celebrating local: Batavia MainStreet is encouraging residents to nominate their favorite downtown businesses for several unique awards, like “Rookie of the Year” or “Best Dressed Window.”

☑️ Preparing for harvest: Vendors can now apply for a slot in the Batavia 2024 Farmers Market for the outdoors season.

Reminder: This live music roundup contains performances for the full week — through Sunday, Jan. 21.

We won’t be publishing a newsletter on Thursday, but I will update the web version of the schedule with any schedule changes or additions as the week progresses.

Friday’s lineup includes some new faces, such as Drew Doepke (playing at Pollyanna) and TyJon Charlie (playing at Sidecar Supper Club).

All three City Councils will be holding meetings tomorrow:

☑️ Batavia: Agenda includes a resolution about a traffic speed study to focus specifically on key residential roadways in response to community concerns about bike and pedestrian safety.

☑️ Geneva: Agenda includes a resolution about a reconstruction project for widening Kautz Road from north of State Street (Route 38) to Swenson Avenue in St. Charles.

☑️ St. Charles: Agenda includes a presentation from the St. Charles Business Alliance of the 2023 “Made in St. Charles” awards.

☑️ Community Forum| 6:30PM | Geneva School District is bringing parents, teachers, administrators, staff, students and community residents together at the Geneva High School Auditorium to discuss a shared vision for the future the district.

☑️ Dam Alternatives | 7-8:30PM | Arcada Theatre | The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles is leading a nuanced discussion about its plan for potentially removing the city’s dam. Register in advance.

☑️ Understanding Social Security | 7PM | Batavia Public Library | A business leader, author and financial expert will share practical advice — above and beyond traditional guidance — about how to maximize your social security benefits now and in the future.

☑️ Blue Owl Market | 10AM-5PM | Celebrate the grand opening of the Blue Owl Market furniture and home decor shop inside Wilson Street Mercantile in downtown Batavia with treats, prizes and more.

🎟️ Charity Game Day | 3-10PM | The Fox Valley Presbyterian Church in Geneva is hosting a gaming bonanza — all ages and just about any type of game are welcome. Register in advance.

🎟️ Ties & Tiaras | 4:30-8:30PM | A full-family affair now accepting registrations, the evening includes a dinner at Pal Joey’s in Batavia plus entertainment, dancing and other activities at Rotolo Middle School. Register in advance.

🧊 Today: High -3F | Low -14F | FRIGID

🧊 Tuesday: High 0F | Low -4F | Getting “warmer”

☁️ Wednesday: High 15F | Low 11F | Return to sane temps

☁️ Thursday: High 17F | Low 4F | Standard January fare

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