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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - August 2024 |
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City News has a brand new look!
New website coming soon as part of digital services upgrade
Welcome to the new and improved City News, the City of St. Charles' monthly newsletter! Same great information, announcements and updates, with a fresh new look. We'd love to hear what you think. Send an email to ksilva@stcharlesil.gov with your feedback.
And stay tuned for the debut of our new website — coming soon! It will feature a modern design and enhanced functionality. You'll find it easier to handle tasks online, from applying for licenses to performing online transactions. Plus, stay informed with City news alerts on service announcements, potential traffic impacts, project updates, and more.
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Back-to-school
safety tips for drivers
School resumes Aug. 14 in St. Charles. Please drive carefully, as you'll likely see more children walking, biking, or waiting at bus stops. For the safety of students, never pass a stopped school bus with its lights flashing and stop arm extended, and always follow the instructions of crossing guards. Also, remember it is illegal to text while driving or talk on a hand-held
cellphone.
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Fox Haven Square development greenlit for 2025
A brand new commercial development will begin construction on the east side of St. Charles next year – Fox Haven Square. Plans by Greco Investment Management, LLC, were approved during a City Council meeting held July 22. Four separate buildings connected by a plaza will comprise the city’s first privately-owned indoor pickleball complex, and a mix of restaurants and retail establishments.
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Police quarterly crime statistics
Uptick in criminal property damage reported
The Police Department reported an increase in criminal damage to property throughout the city and encourages everyone to remain vigilant. Please call 911 to report any suspicious activity. For police news, updates and statistics, visit the City's website at stcharlesil.gov.
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Home improvement fire safety: Need-to-know info about oil rags
When tackling home improvement projects with oil-based paints, stains, or varnishes, it's common to use rags for cleanup. However, these rags can pose a fire risk if not handled properly. Wet rags can spontaneously ignite due to the heat released as oils dry. As the rags dry, the heat gets trapped and builds up, leading to a potential fire. For guidance on safely handling oil rags, flammable liquids, and gasoline, read Be Careful with Oily Rags.
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Prepare for tornadoes: Essential safety tips
Given that Illinois ranks fourth in the U.S. for the highest number of tornadoes per square mile (according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency), it's no surprise St. Charles has already experienced a tornado and several powerful storms this year. Here are some tornado safety tips to help you prepare for
severe weather.
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 »The City's Brush Pickup program continues through November. Please place your branches out by 7 a.m. on the Monday of your designated pickup week. Keep in mind that it may take the entire week to complete the pickup.
2024 Street Rehabilitation Project is underway
The 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project, involving the resurfacing of nearly 13 miles of roadway across the city, is underway! The Public Works Department recently oversaw base reclamation with cement on the east side's Chandler Avenue and Via Veneto Drive. Base reclamation is a fast, cost-effective, and sustainable method of improving a roadway. It involves adding powdered cement to the existing road base to create a stronger support for new asphalt. For weekly updates on completed and ongoing roadway projects, visit stcharlesil.gov.
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 »Click image for more information.
City embraces power of pollinator gardens
This year, the City added pollinator-friendly plants — Milkweed, Stachys 'Hummelo,' Allium 'Summer Beauty' (pictured) and more — to the north entrance of the Municipal Building. These plants help promote healthy ecosystems and natural areas, reduce air pollution, and offer vital food and shelter for local wildlife. The garden has become a harmonious space with buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies and singing songbirds. Watch them here!
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Big need from Big Hearts for back-to-school supplies
Supporting D303 youth highlighted in Mayor's Out and About series
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Mayor Lora Vitek and Big Hearts Fox Valley celebrated the spirit of giving during Christmas in July last month to better understand the urgent needs of this local nonprofit. With school resuming this month, consider supporting local students in School District 303 with a backpack and school supplies donation to Big Hearts' Back-to-School program. |
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 »All are welcome to attend meetings in person or join via Zoom, or watch the recorded session on YouTube afterward. For more information, visit stcharlesil.gov/meetings.
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 NRC shares value of at-home habitat for reptiles, amphibians
Amphibians and reptiles (collectively known as herps) play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing food for bird and mammal species, and offering natural insect control. However, due to habitat loss, they are among some of the most endangered animals. One simple way to help these creatures is by creating a habitat for them in your own yard. Read on for more from the Natural Resources Commission.
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 City supports troops with new cell phone drop-off program
The City is now participating in the Cell Phones for Soldiers program! Drop off your old, used, or broken cell phones in collection boxes at the Municipal Building and Police Department reception areas during operating hours. Donated cell phones are recycled, and the money is used to provide cellular devices and phone service for military members. Cell phones, smartphones, mp3 players, and tablets (no laptops or monitors) are accepted.
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Protect your property from flood damage
Homeowners can reduce damage on property that is susceptible to flooding, by following these tips: Seal brick and block walls, elevate appliances on platforms or move them to higher floors, sandbag vulnerable areas, or consider elevating or relocating your home. For more information, contact Public Works at 630.377.4405.
Access utility bills, usage data, AutoPay with Silverblaze portal
In February, the City went live with its new utility billing system. The system features an online customer portal, Silverblaze, where you can pay your bills, and find useful information about your water and electric utility usage. You can view data from several years, compare your current usage to the previous month, and monitor usage year-over-year. You can also sign up for AutoPay, a $3.95 fee applies to each transaction made through the portal and by phone at 1.833.425.1113. To sign up: Use your account number (Ex: 00123456-00), email address, and account name as it appears on your utility bill.
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Post Office renaming ceremony honors Vietnam War Veterans
 »U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (left) invited Mayor Lora Vitek to join local veterans and Postal Service officials July 17 to celebrate the renaming of the east side St. Charles Post Office at 616 E. Main St. to Veterans of the Vietnam War Memorial Post Office. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and signed into law by the President in May. Watch the unveiling video here.
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Scarecrow contest applications now open!
Applications to participate in the 2024 Scarecrow Weekend contest this fall are available here! If you're an individual or part of a business, club, nonprofit, or school, we invite your creativity! The deadline to enter is Sept. 15.
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 »Click image for more information.
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Plein Air | Aug. 19-25
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Jazz Weekend | Sept. 12-15
 »Click image for more information.
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We're Hiring!
We’ve assembled a remarkable team of dependable service providers, skilled first responders, and innovative leaders who drive St. Charles to be its best. Be a part of
our team!
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