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Nov 1, 2025
St. Charles firefighters reflected on the 2022 Pheasant Run Resort fire — the city’s largest in history — sharing firsthand accounts of the three-day battle that destroyed a landmark and became a significant moment in local history.
Oct 31, 2025
St. Charles native and actor Chris Witaske will return home to serve as grand marshal of the 2025 St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade during the city’s Holiday Homecoming weekend.
With SNAP benefits disrupted during the federal government shutdown, Tri-Cities food pantries and nonprofits are stepping up to help local families access meals and groceries. Here's a list of resources.
Oct 30, 2025
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will conduct burns this fall across dozens of local sites, including preserves in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Elburn, and Sugar Grove, to help restore native habitats and control invasive plants.
Batavia officials are drafting an ordinance that would prevent federal immigration agents from using city property for civil enforcement actions, though some question how it could be enforced.
Oct 28, 2025
St. Charles officials voiced strong support for the River Corridor Foundation’s proposal to create a floating EcoPark on the Fox River downtown, though it's only the first step in what could be a long process.
Oct 27, 2025
El Taco Grande, 63rd St Apothecary, and MoJo Handbags Et Cetera are hosting community ofrendas this week to honor loved ones for Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition that welcomes the spirits of the departed with colorful displays.
Oct 26, 2025
Aurora has temporarily halted new data center projects to review zoning and environmental impacts, prompting nearby cities like Naperville and Geneva to weigh their own approaches to regulating the industry.
A Tri-Cities Central reader poll shows most Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles residents feel cautiously optimistic about local growth, with many embracing progress but urging officials to preserve each town’s small-town character and manage development responsibly.
Oct 24, 2025
Kane County voted to move forward plans that will raise the local gas tax and create a new grocery-retail tax in unincorporated areas, green-lighting two revenue measures aimed at balancing the 2026 budget.
The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence is now accepting nominations through February 1 for its 2026 Hall of Honor, recognizing graduates, staff, and community members who’ve made outstanding contributions.
Batavia’s Historic Preservation Commission is considering a proposal to demolish the long-vacant former Ethan Allen building at 14-18 N. Batavia Ave., with a public hearing set for Monday, October 27.
Oct 22, 2025
Batavia officials reviewed a draft of a long-term electric plan outlining how the city can balance reliability, costs, and sustainability, with public hearings planned for later this year.
Oct 20, 2025
Batavia and Geneva police, along with Northwestern Medicine in St. Charles, will host free, anonymous collection events this Saturday for residents to safely dispose of old or unused prescription medications as part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day.
Oct 19, 2025
Actor and comedian David Koechner (of "The Office" fame) spent the weekend performing in Batavia and exploring the community, from coffee stops at the Boardwalk Shops and local chats to a return visit to the Fox River.
Oct 17, 2025
Schools are reporting steep declines in phone misuse and more engaged classrooms following the district’s new cell-phone restriction policy.
Parents attending the latest District 303 School Board meeting demanded stronger safety measures after a string of reported behavioral incidents at Fox Ridge Elementary impacted students and staff.
Oct 16, 2025
Batavia is accepting redevelopment proposals through December 22 for the Larson Becker East site on North River Street, aiming for a mixed-use project that enhances downtown and builds on the city’s riverfront growth plans.
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Oct 15, 2025
City officials advanced a special-use amendment letting the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum and Art Gallery add a bar, restaurant, and limited food-truck and entertainment options while requiring certain upgrades.
Oct 14, 2025
Brother Chimp Brewing will officially open its new St. Charles taproom on Friday, October 17, with a weekend of live music, food trucks, and small-batch beer releases at the former D and G Brewing space on 4th Street.
Tri-Cities communities have launched their annual curbside leaf pickup programs, each offering three collection rounds through late November or early December.
Oct 11, 2025
Chapelstreet Church offers two programs designed to support mothers in different stages of parenting, featuring guest speakers, small-group discussions, and practical guidance on topics such as parenting, marriage, and emotional health.
Officials will review a feasibility study outlining several redevelopment options for the former police station site along the Fox River, kicking off a public process to decide how the key downtown riverfront property should evolve.
Oct 10, 2025
Batavia’s Historic Preservation Commission will consider a proposal to demolish the long-vacant former Ethan Allen building at 14-18 N. Batavia Ave., sparking conversations about preservation, redevelopment, and downtown character.
Oct 9, 2025
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations through Friday, November 7 for the 2026 Citizen of the Year, who will be honored at the Inspire Awards on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
