Local drive collecting household essentials for Heritage Woods seniors
A local collection initiative culminating in a special "shopping event" is gathering household and personal care essentials for fixed-income seniors at Heritage Woods of Batavia through April 3.
Local raffle offers a chance to win big — and help your neighbors
A growing Queen of Hearts raffle at Sturdy Shelter in Batavia is raising money for Tri City Health Partnership, the only clinic in Kane County offering completely free medical and dental care to uninsured adults — tickets are $5 and the pot is already past $1,100.
St. Charles D303 facilities committee entering the home stretch — and a referendum could follow
A St. Charles D303 community committee reviewing more than $400 million in school facilities needs is heading into its final two meetings before delivering a report to the school board — and a referendum could follow.
Geneva moves to add security cameras at city hall, police station, and public works
Geneva officials recommended installing security cameras at city hall, the police station, and the public works facility, closing coverage gaps that staff say have caused issues in the past.
Illinois governor's housing plan puts Batavia mayor — and other suburbs — on alert
Gov. Pritzker's proposal for the state to override local residential zoning laws has Batavia's mayor and the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus organizing opposition — and even a trip down to Springfield.
Elburn plans additional water tests after PFAS detection
Elburn officials are retesting the village's drinking water after notifying residents that the state detected a PFAS compound above recommended reporting levels in a village well.
The 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide is now available
Batavia MainStreet has released its 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide, spotlighting 35 local bars, cafés, and restaurants to help residents and visitors plan their next meal out.
Batavia's River Street Plaza project approved with summer opening in sight
Batavia officials are progressing plans for the new River Street Plaza downtown — complete with seating, landscaping, art, and a self-cleaning public restroom — with construction expected to kick off in March or April.
Kane County Clerk launches new voter wait time app
Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham 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.
Batavia eyes new rules for e-bikes, scooters, and electric dirt bikes
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.
League of Women Voters urges residents to mail ballots by March 10
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.
Local candidates share their views during GOP primary forums in Batavia
At recent League of Women Voters 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.
St. Charles officials weigh options for addressing $84 million unfunded lead pipe mandate
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 could require the city to lean on utility rate increases to pay for it.
Illinois EPA issues PFAS detection notice for Elburn water customers
An Illinois EPA news release says PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”) were detected above state standards in the Elburn Community Water System, triggering a legal requirement to notify residents.
A new childcare center is being planned for Prairie Centre in St. Charles
St. Charles officials are expected to approve plans for The Gardner School, a new 12K-square-foot childcare facility proposed along Route 38 in the Prairie Centre development.
St. Charles North turns a radio rivalry into a feel-good school visit
St. Charles North High School welcomed US 99.5 Chicago radio personalities for a spirited visit after a producer jokingly reignited a long-running rivalry tied to a 2008 soccer championship loss.
What we learned from recent Kane County candidate forums
During a recent League of Women Voters forum in Batavia, Kane County candidates for sheriff and county board shared how they would approach staffing, budgets, public trust, mental health services, and the county’s long-term priorities if elected.
The 2026 Batavia Boardwalk Shops lineup has been revealed
Batavia MainStreet announced that the Batavia Boardwalk Shops will return May 8 for the 2026 season with a diverse group of 10 vendors in downtown Batavia.
Penrose Brewing teams up with Illinois PGA Foundation in new partnership
Geneva's Penrose Brewing and the Illinois PGA Foundation launched a three-year partnership that will rebrand three Penrose drinks and donate a portion of sales to support the Foundation’s programs.
St. Charles’ Barry House gets a second chance — and a new owner
After months of discussion, St. Charles officials approved a deal that will transfer ownership of the historic Barry House downtown to a developer for restoration instead of demolition.
Historic bakery building on east side of St. Charles gets landmark status
St. Charles officials granted landmark status to the former John Gartner’s East Side Bakery at 115 Cedar Avenue, giving the largely intact 1910 building new protections while highlighting its deep community roots.
A long-vacant downtown Batavia building may be getting new life
Batavia officials are reviewing property improvements for 101 South Batavia Avenue, a downtown building that was recently purchased with plans to become a dry-cleaning business after sitting vacant for several years.
Batavia eyes updates to the Route 31 "road diet" downtown lane reduction to slow traffic, improve crossings
Batavia officials are seeking IDOT approval for a new set of downtown Route 31 lane, parking, and pedestrian crossing changes aimed at slowing traffic and improving safety.
Two new honorary street signs are likely coming to St. Charles
St. Charles officials support adding two honorary street signs — one for Colonel Edward J. Baker and one for St. Charles East state champion wrestler Dom Monado.
St. Charles is bringing back its Senior Services Commission
St. Charles officials have reactivated the city’s Senior Services Commission — inactive since 2007 — and are now accepting applications for nine volunteer members to help advise and strengthen local support for older residents.
