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Oct 31, 2026
Batavia’s proposed $173.36 million budget for 2027 — which focuses on funding upgrades for aging streets, pipes, and electric systems — would raise the city’s property tax and increase water, sewer, and electric rates.
Oct 30, 2026
A new citizens’ group wants to restore Geneva’s historic blacksmith shop as a riverfront park and Fox River Trail stop — though the building’s owner is still pursuing plans for housing on the site.
Oct 28, 2026
Two Batavia filmmakers premiered “MR CON,” a true crime documentary about a notorious Chicago-area lawyer that used local homes, businesses, and a Geneva resident’s vintage car to recreate scenes from the 1970s.
Oct 27, 2026
To fund safety repairs at district facilities, the Batavia school board advanced plans for a $12.6M bond sale that wouldn't require a referendum but would raise property taxes.
A St. Charles native turned the Munger Road ghost story into a hit horror movie 15 years ago. Here’s the story behind the film, the legend, and what happened to the promised sequel.
Local events
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Geneva and St. Charles are both hosting free pumpkin composting events on Nov. 7, giving residents a convenient way to smash or drop off old jack-o’-lanterns so they don't end up in a landfill.
Oct 26, 2026
Self-published Batavia author Suzie Young turned a vivid dream into “Hannah McNoodle,” a watercolor picture book she created with local illustrator Karen Heyse and her two granddaughters.
Volunteer attorneys offer free legal consultations each week in St. Charles and Geneva, answering questions about divorce, evictions, small claims, or getting your license reinstated.
Oct 24, 2026
Geneva’s Planning and Zoning Commission got its first look a developer’s plan to build a three-story building with 44 affordable apartments for seniors on a vacant lot near Rt. 38 and Bricher Rd. in Geneva.
Oct 23, 2026
Batavia’s indoor farmers market kicks off its winter season Oct. 31 at Sturdy Shelter Brewing, with more than 20 local vendors, a few new faces, and breakfast and mimosas every Saturday morning through mid-May.
A string of recent business closures in downtown Batavia has residents, city officials, and local media figures discussing what’s driving the vacancies and what comes next.
Oct 22, 2026
Geneva will close a downtown block of Third Street for about a week to fix pavement that buckled in this summer’s heat. The goal is to reopen before Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.
Local nonprofit Big Hearts of Fox Valley is looking for new toys, board games, and teen gifts by Nov. 11 to fill Christmas bags for 625 St. Charles kids whose families are facing financial hardship.
A Rotolo Middle School coach who started Batavia’s girls flag football program from the ground up earned a district Bulldog Award during Tuesday's Board of Education meeting.
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is planning controlled burns this fall at dozens of preserves, including LeRoy Oakes, Dick Young, and Les Arends, to clear invasive brush and help native plants thrive.
Oct 21, 2026
St. Charles officials advanced a $3.5 million TIF agreement for the Shops at Pheasant Run that would reimburse the developer for eligible costs through property tax revenue generated by the project.
Geneva public works staff said that eastbound East State Street lanes are on track to reopen around Thanksgiving — and construction will take a break during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods.
Here’s a quick guide to the key races and questions on Tri-Cities area ballots before Election Day on Nov. 3.
Oct 20, 2026
The Kane County Board approved a special use permit for a solar farm on a Tanner Road property next to North Aurora homes — despite the village's objection to the project.
Oct 19, 2026
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County just added 33 acres to Bliss Woods, protecting the original part of the woodland that gave Sugar Grove its name.
Oct 17, 2026
The state recommended removing the Fox River dam in North Aurora with a roughly $3M plan that keeps water flowing through the village’s mill race. Residents can weigh in through Oct. 29.
Batavia officials are working on a 10-year, $1.25 million incentive package for Suncast, the city’s largest industrial employer, that would keep the company in town, support its growth, and help keep electric rates stable for residents.
The 105-home Seventh Street Commons development plan heads to St. Charles aldermen on Monday (10/19) as neighbors circulate a petition to stop it over tree loss, traffic, and housing costs.
Oct 16, 2026
Lou Malnati’s will open its 70th restaurant on Oct. 27 at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles, complete with a full bar, private dining room, and local décor sourced from the St. Charles History Museum.
Oct 15, 2026
Longtime St. Charles Alderman Ed Bessner won’t run for reelection after 20 years representing the Fifth Ward, a tenure highlighted by the recent First Street Plaza project and several community initiatives.
