Newsletter | Tri-Cities Central

Issues of our twice-weekly newsletter.

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Newsletter

Apr 16, 2026

April 16 Newsletter: Four community garage sales are coming up soon

Plus the Swedish Days parade is back on, what's next after Geneva's failed public safety referendum, and a potential school facilities referendum in St. Charles.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Apr 13, 2026

April 13 Newsletter: Restaurants to open soon at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles

Plus a Geneva author is launching a new book, a possible historic building redevelopment project, and a parade for the Arcada Theatre's 100th year.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Apr 9, 2026

April 9 Newsletter: Swedish Days Parade hits the pause button

Plus a steep water/sewer rate hike in St. Charles, a potential new residential development in Geneva, and a soon-to-open tea and pottery shop.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Apr 6, 2026

April 6 Newsletter: Tulip festivals near the Tri-Cities area

Plus Tri-Cities is in the midst of an e-bike boom, a very rare gown goes on display in Geneva, and two local institutions celebrating major milestones.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Apr 2, 2026

April 2 Newsletter: Introducing the Tri-Cities Dinner Club

Plus a housing debate in Batavia, a historic building to be revived in downtown St. Charles, and native plant sales coming up.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Mar 30, 2026

March 30 Newsletter: A spring planting and gardening guide for the Tri-Cities

Plus the Batavia community rallies behind a local family after tragedy, a major housing project proposed in St. Charles, and a day dedicated to all things Geneva.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Mar 23, 2026

March 23 Newsletter: Flea markets near the Tri-Cities

Plus St. Charles residents make their voices heard about the future of a downtown riverfront property and Batavia hosts its first-ever "Wine Walk."

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Mar 19, 2026

March 19 Newsletter: Local election and referendum results

Plus a potential water and sewer rate hike in St. Charles, new e-bike and e-moto regulations in Batavia, and a smorgasbord of Easter events coming up across the Tri-Cities.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Mar 16, 2026

March 16 Newsletter: Readers voice concerns about affordability in the Tri-Cities

Plus a LaFox of Campton Hills TIF update, a deep dive into Batavia's windmill history, and several wine-focused events for the week ahead.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Mar 12, 2026

March 12 Newsletter: Local arts community busy with new events, initiatives, and honors

Plus St. Patrick's Day events, a new solar site approved near St. Charles, and weighing in on affordability in the Tri-Cities area.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Mar 9, 2026

March 9 Newsletter: A week of St. Patrick's Day festivities

Plus a popular coffee chain may be coming to St. Charles, the debut of Batavia's first dispensary, and a Batman-like Grappler device in action in Kane County.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Mar 5, 2026

March 5 Newsletter: Proposed state zoning law changes causing a stir locally

Plus a new Batavia restaurant guide, local Underground Railroad sites, and a powerhouse in the Tri-Cities arts community.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Mar 2, 2026

March 2 Newsletter: Vintage Shop Hop weekend approaches

Plus plans are progressing for Batavia's new downtown plaza, election resources as the March 17 Primary approaches, and a mysterious headstone in Geneva.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 26, 2026

February 26 Newsletter: The newest addition to Geneva's cafe scene

Plus a big year for downtown business and tourism in St. Charles, a Geneva wine spot is going out of business, and an update on the Kane County Sheriff's race.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 19, 2026

February 19 Newsletter: Top fish fry spots near the Tri-Cities

Plus local candidates share their positions during recent voter forums, Batavia explores new e-bike and e-moto regulations, and Illinois' "biggest cat show."

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 16, 2026

February 16 Newsletter: Introducing the 2026 class of Batavia Boardwalk Shops

Plus a new childcare center planned for St. Charles, a water quality alert in Elburn, and a fun visit from regional radio personalities to a local high school.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 12, 2026

February 12 Newsletter: Local museums to visit this winter

Plus a weekend of local arts events, an update on historic buildings in St. Charles, and a new exhibit celebration the nation's 250th anniversary.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 9, 2026

February 9 Newsletter: A voter guide for local elections

Plus another new cafe opens in Geneva, proposed "road diet" changes in Batavia, and St. Charles reactivates its Senior Services Commission.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 5, 2026

February 5 Newsletter: Local rescue organization launches GoFundMe following van crash

Plus a "Complete Streets" policy for Geneva and a new home repair grant program for residents of St. Charles.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Feb 2, 2026

February 2 Newsletter: Things to do for Valentine's and Galentine's Day

Plus updates on proposed housing projects in Batavia, a funding shortfall for Geneva's annual festivals, and the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame's 2026 class.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 29, 2026

January 29 Newsletter: St. Charles Restaurant Week approaches

Plus a community solar development proposed in St. Charles Township, big changes for popular local businesses, and free help on your taxes.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 26, 2026

January 26 Newsletter: The Tri-Cities emerge from a very cold weekend

Plus a proclamation from St. Charles officials on federal immigration enforcement activity and national recognition for a local Underground Railroad site.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 22, 2026

January 22 Newsletter: How Riverbank Laboratories in Geneva played a key role in our nation's history

Plus a long-term plan for Batavia's South River Street Corridor, how bison were brought back to a Kane County preserve, and ice skating options in the Tri-Cities.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 19, 2026

January 19 Newsletter: New cigar lounge, raw bar, and jazz venue in the works for St. Charles

Plus an update on the new upscale restaurant planned for downtown Batavia and new regulations for short-term rental properties in Kane County.

Sam Kraft

Newsletter

Jan 15, 2026

January 15 Newsletter: Geneva Restaurant Week returns this weekend

Plus a narrow vote saves the historic Geneva blacksmith shop (for now), a preservation plan emerges for the Barry House in St. Charles, and a new pedestrian bridge across the Fox River.

Sam Kraft