Quickly becoming a favorite gathering place along the scenic Fox River, St. Charles' downtown First Street Plaza has received an award of excellence.

A week before the Geneva City Council was to consider an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission’s demolition denial of the circa-1843 blacksmith shop, two alderpersons met with a Shodeen representative about what could memorialize it – after demolition.

From emergency alerts to vital information, St. Charles is putting instant notifications at its residents’ fingertips.

Concerned with murals causing deterioration to St. Charles' downtown historic buildings, the city will require painting or staining on masonry surfaces in historic districts to receive city approval.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, has introduced legislation that, if passed, could make it easier for local farmers to sell their products to directly to consumers. The proposed bills already have bipartisan support.

In an unheard-of display of public admonishment, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce board treasurer warned the City Council this week that its festivals were at risk without a financial commitment from the city.

The city of St. Charles said 2025 represented a year of healthy occupancy rates among the storefronts and businesses in the downtown area. The city is focusing on 11 vacant storefronts going into the next year.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood has announced millions of federal dollars secured for three projects in the 14th District: A Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation building in Shabbona, a food pantry in La Salle and a health center in Mendota.

With residents calling piled-up leaves an “eyesore,” St. Charles says they'll have to wait even longer for leaf pickup - possibly until spring. A series of weather-related delays have left fall leaves until winter.