News
Local government, community, education, and business coverage from across the Fox Valley.
St. Charles Launches $750K Microgrant Program for Small Businesses
St. Charles will offer grants of up to $25,000 to small businesses along Main Street and Randall Road corridors starting in August.
Batavia Fire Department Launches Community Paramedicine Pilot Program
Batavia's new community paramedicine program will send specially trained firefighter-paramedics on non-emergency home visits to reduce repeat 911 calls.
Elgin Community College Unveils $9.8M Advanced Manufacturing Center
Elgin Community College will open a new workforce training facility this fall, backed by $9.8 million in state and local funding.
Geneva approves pilot pedestrian plaza on Third Street for summer weekends
Geneva's city council voted 7-2 Monday to close a block of Third Street to vehicle traffic on weekends from June through September.
Batavia Memorial Day Parade Steps Off Monday at 10 a.m. — Route and Parking Guide
The annual Batavia Memorial Day parade will follow its traditional route down Wilson Street on Monday, with road closures beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Aurora Voters to Decide on $18M Library Expansion This November
The Aurora City Council voted 8-2 Tuesday to place an $18 million library expansion bond on the November ballot, citing severe space shortages at the downtown branch.
Geneva approves $4.2M pedestrian bridge linking Mill Creek to downtown
Geneva aldermen voted 7-2 to fund a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Fox River connecting Mill Creek subdivision to downtown.
Kane County Board Approves $20M Stormwater Infrastructure Overhaul
Kane County commits $20 million to stormwater upgrades targeting chronic flooding in Aurora and Elgin neighborhoods.
Geneva Approves $14.2M Downtown Streetscape Overhaul Starting This Fall
Geneva aldermen voted 8-2 to approve a major streetscape renovation along Third Street, with construction set to begin in September.
Batavia Farmer's Market Returns May 10 with Record 60 Vendors
This year's market will feature a record 60 vendors, a new prepared-food tent, and extended Saturday hours through October.
Fox Valley Regional Hospital Expansion Will Add 80 Beds, New ER Wing
The $112 million expansion project will nearly double the emergency department's capacity and add a new cardiac care unit by late 2028.
Aurora Breaks Ground on $4.1M East Side Community Center
City and state officials gathered Tuesday for a groundbreaking ceremony on a long-awaited community center that will serve an estimated 1,200 residents per week.
Water Main Break Closes Lanes on Route 31 Near Elgin
A 12-inch water main ruptured Tuesday morning, closing two northbound lanes and cutting service to approximately 800 customers.
School District Faces Growing Teacher Shortage Ahead of Fall
With 34 open teaching positions and hiring season underway, District 303 officials are weighing emergency certification programs and increased pay for hard-to-fill roles.
New Full-Service Grocery Store Planned for Downtown Geneva
A Chicago-based grocery chain announced plans to open a 28,000-square-foot store in the former Sears building on State Street.
County Board Approves $2.3M Road Repair Budget for 2026
The Kane County Board voted 18-3 Tuesday to approve a $2.3 million road repair budget for the 2026 fiscal year, prioritizing 14 miles of deteriorating county roads.