Campton Hills approves LaFox TIF district for 900-home Shodeen development
Campton Hills officials voted to establish the LaFox TIF district for the 900-unit Shodeen development — but the redevelopment agreement that determines how the money actually flows still needs to be finalized.
Kane County adds residents while Tri-Cities remain relatively flat
Kane County's population grew 1.8% between 2020 and 2025 — but Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles barely budged while outer communities like Elburn and North Aurora posted notable gains in new census estimates.
Geneva may open up more tourism grants, but festivals would have to prove they qualify
Geneva is weighing an expansion of its Destination Geneva grant program that would make up to $75,000 in hotel tax money available for local events — but to qualify, applicants would have to show their event actually brings overnight visitors to town.
Chicago's version of the Savannah Bananas is coming to Geneva
A newly founded Chicago-based co-ed baseball entertainment team modeled on the Savannah Bananas phenomenon is bringing its show to Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva on June 6.
Kane County tax bills spark complaints about campaign messaging
A half-page insert tucked inside 200,000 Kane County property tax bills is drawing complaints that Treasurer Chris Lauzen used county resources to promote his reelection campaign.
Get an early look at Simple EJ's of Fox Haven Square
Simple EJ's restaurant and bar opens to the public at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles this Friday (5/15). We got an early look at the space and a chance to try the menu before the doors open — here's what stood out.
Four Batavia High School seniors are heading into college and trade school with a little extra support after the Batavia Chamber awarded $1,000 Inspire Scholarships to students pursuing specific career paths.
New neighborhood restaurant planned for the former site of The Elms in Batavia
The Main Street property on Batavia’s west side that was previously home to The Elms restaurant is getting closer to welcoming a new neighborhood eatery.
A local high schooler's vision became this year's "Paint the Street" mural in St. Charles
A St. Charles East student designed this year's "Paint the Street" mural in downtown St. Charles, with an Art Deco color palette honoring The Arcada's upcoming 100th anniversary.
Nine local students honored for overcoming adversity at annual ACE Awards breakfast
More than 135 people were on hand at the Tri Cities Exchange Club’s annual ACE Awards breakfast, where the group recognized nine local high school seniors for overcoming major personal hardships on their way to graduation.
Solar farm proposed for long-vacant Geneva lot near Fabyan and Kirk
A renewable energy firm wants to construct a community solar farm on a 13-acre lot near Fabyan and Kirk in Geneva that the developer says has been vacant for more than a century — with a public hearing set for May 28.
Two community members honored for disability inclusion work at Rising Lights Project gala
A Geneva library professional and a St. Charles fitness instructor were honored at last weekend's Rising Lights Project gala for their community work creating accessible programming for adults with disabilities.
State senator Don DeWitte files alternative to BUILD plan with a focus on local control
State Sen. Don DeWitte, whose district covers Geneva and St. Charles, has filed a housing bill as an alternative to Gov. Pritzker's BUILD plan that aims to produce more affordable housing options without removing local government controls.
St. Charles Plan Commission voted against recommending a Club Car Wash on East Main Street, citing noise and traffic concerns near the Hilton Garden Inn — but the application will head back to committee for another review soon.
Pickleball Smash raises $2,000 for local seniors in inaugural event
The inaugural Pickleball Smash in North Aurora drew 160+ players and raised $2,000 for local senior programs — and organizers are already planning the next one.
Ward 3 alderman resigns after 16 years of service to St. Charles
Bob Gehm stepped down as St. Charles Ward 3 alderman after 16 years of combined service — and now the city needs someone to fill his seat, with applications open through May 25.
St. Charles officials weigh whether to give city-owned downtown land to a developer for free
St. Charles officials are considering whether to hand a developer a $340,000 city-owned lot for free to complete the long-stalled First Street Redevelopment downtown — and the vote isn't close to unanimous.
St. Charles honors community leaders at 58th Charlemagne Awards
The St. Charles Chamber honored several people and projects for leadership and civic vision at its Charlemagne Awards dinner last week, include 84-year-old Harrison Schneider for his decades of community service.
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is opening a new public archery range in Elburn next month, with a free grand opening event on June 6 and a permit system kicking in July 1.
Dunkin' rooftop fundraiser coming to Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles
Local police officers will take to Dunkin' rooftops across Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles this Friday to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois, allowing residents to stop by, donate, and grab a coffee for a good cause.
Mayor says developers already scoping out Batavia as state housing bill advances
According to the mayor, speculators are already walking Batavia neighborhoods and requesting city infrastructure information in anticipation of the state's BUILD plan as the legislation works through Springfield.
It's going to be a busy summer of school-related projects in Geneva
Geneva CUSD 304 is kicking off a major summer of capital improvements in June, with projects planned at nearly every school in the district — from new tennis courts and parking lots at the high school to improvements at both middle schools.
Blacksmith shop wrapped in plastic as fines keep adding up
Geneva's historic 1843 blacksmith shop was wrapped in white plastic last week, raising questions about whether the move (made without notifying the city) will protect or accelerate the deterioration of a landmark at the center of a lengthy standoff.
Two Brothers plans to move its tap house — and bring 180 apartments with it
Two Brothers Brewing is partnering with a developer on a 20-acre mixed-use project in Warrenville that would relocate its tap house (which is adjacent to Fermilab) to a Butterfield Road site with 180 new apartment and a community green space.
St. Charles housing affordability hits 16-year low
St. Charles housing affordability has fallen to a 16-year low of 8%, prompting city officials to explore tools like teardown formula changes and pushing developers to include affordable units in new projects.
