Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame announces 2026 inductees
The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame will induct its 2026 class on March 27 in Geneva, honoring a diverse group of local artists and expanding its definition of what the arts look like today.
Thompson Farm annexation could pave way for new neighborhood on Batavia's west side
Batavia officials advanced annexation plans that would allow Thompson Farm on the city’s west side to eventually become a 160-home neighborhood with open space and trail connections.
Water Street factory site set to get new life as tech headquarters
Batavia officials advanced a project to convert the long-vacant former Pamarco factory on Water Street into the new headquarters for QT9, a software company currently located in Aurora.
Officials advance solar project near Route 25 in St. Charles Township
Kane County is moving a community solar project on the capped Tri-County Landfill site near Route 25 forward, but construction will depend on finalizing an agreement that spells out responsibility for protecting the landfill cap before permits are issued.
Kane County candidate forums to be held in Batavia
The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County will host two candidate forums in Batavia in early February, giving voters a chance to hear directly from candidates in several contested races ahead of the March 17 primary.
Random Acts of Kindness Week returns to St. Charles in February
Local nonprofit Random Acts Matter will host its ninth Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 16–22, inviting Tri-Cities residents to take part in simple, community-wide acts of giving.
Geneva officials approve new daycare near busy intersection
Geneva officials unanimously approved a new daycare to be constructed near Delnor Hospital, prompting two nearby residents to raise concerns about traffic safety at the busy Randall–Keslinger intersection.
Forest Preserve District expands Meissner-Corron Forest Preserve by 45 acres
Kane County Forest Preserve officials expanded Meissner-Corron Forest Preserve by 45 acres, adding a key parcel in St. Charles that strengthens habitat protection and sets the stage for future prairie restoration.
Batavia adopts long-term plan for South River Street corridor
Batavia officials approved the South River Street Corridor Plan, establishing a long-term framework for redevelopment of the area while maintaining protections for existing businesses and future public input.
Here's where to skate this winter in the Tri-Cities
Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles offer free outdoor ice skating when cold-weather conditions allow, with residents encouraged to check daily rink status updates before heading out.
More Kane County homeowners are going solar — and saving money doing it
According to officials, Kane County's "Switch Together" group-buy solar program has helped local homeowners save about $450,000 so far, with 84 installations completed and more underway.
St. Charles North senior earns statewide volleyball honor
St. Charles North senior Haley Burgdorf was named the 2025–26 Gatorade Illinois Volleyball Player of the Year after a standout season on the court, strong academics, and local community service.
The Graceful Ordinary team bringing two new concepts to downtown St. Charles
O&D Hospitality plans to open a members-only cigar lounge and a raw bar with live jazz in downtown St. Charles, while construction is now underway on their Vicolo café concept in Aurora.
Geneva may join regional group to monitor a proposed railroad merger
Geneva is considering joining a regional alliance to monitor a proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern railroad merger that could affect communities along the UP-West rail line.
New Mexican restaurant eyes spring opening in downtown St. Charles
A new Mexican restaurant called Gallo Santo is hoping to open this spring in downtown St. Charles after officials review a liquor license request for the Main Street location.
Batavia officials back new upscale restaurant with $150K downtown grant
Batavia's Committee of the Whole advanced a $150,000 redevelopment grant to help transform the former Thorabella’s space on East Wilson Street downtown into a new upscale restaurant.
Anderson Humane invites the community to share stories as it marks 60 years of compassion
Anderson Humane is marking its 60th anniversary by launching a “60 Stories in 60 Days” campaign that invites community members to share personal stories about the people and animals whose lives the organization has touched.
St. Charles parents renew calls for action amid safety concerns at local school
Parents of students at Fox Ridge Elementary pressed the St. Charles School Board over ongoing safety and communication concerns, describing serious incidents and urging faster, clearer action from district leadership.
Barry House preservation plan advances in St. Charles
St. Charles officials signaled support for a city-backed agreement to restore the historic Barry House on Cedar Avenue, add new downtown parking, and bring the long-vacant property back into productive use.
Geneva council vote leaves historic blacksmith shop standing
Geneva officials fell one vote short of overturning the Historic Preservation Commission's denial of a demolition request, leaving the 1840s blacksmith shop protected and blocking a teardown for at least another year.
"Life-changing" scholarship deadline approaches for Fox Valley students
Local students have until January 20 to apply for Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley scholarships, which awarded a record $3.4 million to students last year across Kane, Kendall, and Aurora.
A different future proposed for Geneva’s historic blacksmith shop
Geneva officials will decide January 12 whether to allow demolition of the city’s 1845 blacksmith shop after preservationists recently presented a detailed plan to restore it as a Tri-Cities visitor center.
St. Charles senior housing concept pitched for Dean Street site
St. Charles officials reviewed an early concept for a 151-unit senior housing community on Dean Street that would require annexation and future zoning approvals.
League of Women Voters to host a voter registration event in St. Charles on January 25
The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County will host a walk-in voter registration event with certified registrars at the St. Charles Public Library on Sunday, January 25, helping eligible residents register or update their registration ahead of the March 17 primary.
Campton Hills adds several Harley Road properties through annexation
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.
