Author: Fox Valley Magazine

The St. Charles Planning and Development Committee held a packed public meeting Monday evening to discuss redevelopment opportunities at the former police station site (211 N. Riverside Ave.) It was the latest in a series of discussions – public and otherwise – about redeveloping the site that began after the Police Department moved into their new facility in September 2019. The City Council heard presentations about two concepts – one from Frontier Development, who has invested in several downtown St. Charles projects recently, and one from Murphy Development. Both were chosen from four projects that were previously submitted. Frontier Development…

In a move that will have profound ramifications for downtown Aurora, PENN Entertainment, the Pennsylvania owner of Hollywood Casino in downtown Aurora, announced today that it intends to relocate its riverboat casino to new land-based facility. In a press release Monday, Jay Snowden, Chief Executive Officer and President of PENN Entertainment, announced the change. “Since the change in law to permit land-side casino relocation in Illinois, we have been exploring the viability of relocating our aging riverboats in Aurora and Joliet. Thanks to the support of our local community leaders, in particular the visionary leadership of Mayor Richard Irvin and his staff in Aurora, we are very excited to…

Former St. Charles mayor Ray Rogina and Geneva attorney Pat Crimmins broadcast live from St. Charles’ Scarecrow weekend this past Saturday. They spend the rest of the weekend wandering around the annual festival. Here are some of things they found.

Vargo’s Dance in Geneva will host its 4th year of Thriller on 38 on Thursday, October 13th. This is an all-ages, all-free Halloween event perfect for families. Watch dancers from the community perform Michael Jackson’s Thriller on Rt 38 & 2nd Street.   Enjoy food trucks, entertainers and Live DJ from 7-10pm. This year’s Thriller on 38 is sponsored by Fox Valley Magazine, Campbell Creations, Mixology Salon & Spa, Revelry 675, Yoga Cave, Lola Salon, RehDay Tutoring, American Capital Management and Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  Vendors: Fernando’s Street Kitchen Pierogi Rig Cafe & Barr Up North Wine Tasting Room…

Tammy Berke, the 55-year-old Batavia woman who died after being struck by a car in Geneva on the evening of September 29 near her place of work, is being deeply mourned by her co-workers. Berke died after being struck by a car in the 700 block of East State Street (Route 38) in Geneva. “We at Valley Animal Hospital are grieving,” Dr. Jennie Christakos of Valley Animal Hospital stated in an email.  Valley Animal Hospital is located directly across the street from where Berke was fatally struck. “The sudden loss of our beloved co-worker and friend, Tammy Berke, has been most…

It was Christmas in October as motorcycling advocacy group DuKane A.B.A.T.E. held its 36th Annual Toy and Food Run on a perfect Sunday afternoon in Sycamore. Roughly 700 bikers and other attendees listened to politicians and live music while eating, drinking and generally having a great time. The event is held annually to provide toys and food to needy children and families in the region. Two large flatbed trailers were completely filled with items donated by the group. A.B.A.T.E. is a group that advocates for the rights of motorcycle riders locally, at the state level and nationally. With the mid-term…

What’s lurking in the forest? Do you dare explore? Is the wind rustling the trees or is someone watching you? Face your fears at Batavia Park District’s A Nightmare at West Main Oct. 14 and 21 at West Main Community Park. “We are unique by doing a haunted trail; there are not many around these days. We make it scary but also family friendly,” said Bethanne Guidarelli, park district recreation supervisor. Due to the subject matter, however, Guidarelli noted that the event is best suited for children ages 11 and older. The spooky trail starts at the west end of…

Welcome to our latest edition of Fox Valley Magazine’s 4 FOR THE WEEKEND where our crows are the scariest. So let’s get to it, starting with….. Come For The Scarecrows, Stay For The Podcast What used to be called the Scarecrow Fest is now called Scarecrow Weekend. We’re not sure what the difference is, but who cares? This is the 37th annual edition of the Fest/Weekend in St. Charles, so they’re obviously doing something right. And this time they’ve got the Justa Coupla Guys…uh…guys doing their podcast live at 2:30 Saturday from Lincoln Park. What could go wrong??? Click here…

The Wall Street Journal recently posted a scathing indictment of K-12 education in Illinois, drawing on research by conservative Illinois thinktank Wirepoints. The article and research show a perverse form of “equity” in Illinois schools: across the racial spectrum, nobody can read. Below is part II of Wirepoint’s report, slightly abbreviated. For part I, click here. It’s all a facade In a system with this much failure it’s easy to fault everyone involved with thecity’s education system, including Decatur’s parents. But before we assign parents their share of the blame, let’s first look at what the education system is selling to the…

It’s that time of year again, where the darkness increases and the howling of the wind takes on a sinister feel. Here are some venues to indulge your desire to experience the thrill of fear in this ghostly season. (Click here for Part I.) Nightmare at West Main The ghosts are coming out to play in the forest at West Main Community Park. Join us for a haunted hike through our spooky trails. Ghoulish fun awaits. Enter if you dare! This event is not suitable for children younger than 10 years old. Advanced tickets may be purchased for $10 each…