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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - December 2024 |
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2025 Consolidated Election: Candidate List
The complete list of candidates who have filed nomination packets with the Office of City Clerk Nancy Garrison as of 5 p.m. Nov. 18, 2024, for the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election is available on the City's website, here. The list includes the official order of candidates on the ballot, specifies each candidate's name and address, as well as the ward and the specific office they are running for.
The Kane County Clerk Elections Department, at 630.232.5990, may assist with questions about precincts or standard election inquiries. Contact the State Board of Elections at 217.782.4141 with more specific questions about elections, eligibility and running for office.
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Holiday hours and December meeting dates
Offices are closed Dec. 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday.
The December meetings schedule is as follows:
 >> All are welcome to attend meetings in person, join via Zoom, or watch recorded sessions on YouTube afterward.
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Stay informed with important press releases, news alerts
Press releases from the City, and Police and Fire departments are available online by visiting our website at stcharlesil.gov. You can also stay informed by subscribing for free email or text alerts.
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Find relief at local Warming Centers this winter
Warming centers offer vital support during the cold winter months. St. Charles locations include:
- St. Charles Park District - Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave.;
- St. Charles Police Department, 1515 W. Main St.; and
- St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.
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St. Charles Police Department's Community
Restitution Program a path to rehabilitation, service
The St. Charles Community Restitution Program, operated under the St. Charles Police Department, offers nonprofit work opportunities for individuals referred by local courts in Kane County and surrounding areas. It’s one of only two programs in Kane County, alongside Elgin, and is now in its eighth year, led by Navy Veteran Francisco Fregoso of the St. Charles Police Department. The program aims to mentor and guide participants toward making better life choices while completing specific hours of labor as restitution to the community.
In the 2023 fiscal year, 87 individuals participated, completing 2,008.5 hours of labor, saving the city nearly $48,000 in labor costs. Most defendants successfully graduate, and the program focuses on reducing repeat offenses.
Participant Overview: Participants in the program, ranging from juveniles (as young as 12 years old) to adults, are assigned work hours based on their offenses, which may include traffic-related offenses, property damage, underage drinking, battery, or Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
Community Impact: The Restitution Program works closely with City departments to identify the needs of the St. Charles community. Participants help with tasks such as pressure washing sidewalks and buildings, trash collection alongside roadways, snow removal, vehicle maintenance, or landscaping. They also assist with painting projects, graffiti removal, and property upkeep for seniors and residents with medical conditions.
Partnerships and Outreach: The Restitution Program collaborates with the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children to pack nutritious meals, and participates in the annual Kane County Recycles event, helping with the collection of recyclables from across the county. In 2024, 21 program participants contributed 84 hours and served 2K households across three events, helping unload and shred 23.6 tons of documents, 10.3 tons of electronics and 6.2 tons of paint. That's 40.2 tons, or the weight of a loaded semi-truck.
By offering work opportunities and support, the Community Restitution Program helps participants grow while making meaningful contributions to the St. Charles community.
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Help the fire department Fill the Boot to support a great cause
This month, help us "Fill the Boot" for a great cause! Since 1954, firefighters nationwide have collected vital funds, one dollar at a time, for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as part of the Fill the Boot program. The money raised supports MDA's mission to empower individuals living with neuromuscular disease, helping them lead longer, more independent lives.
Stop by corner of Randall Road at Main Street to donate!
The St. Charles Fire Department will be out at the corner of Randall Road and Main Street from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6, 13, and 22 (weather permitting). Can’t make it in person? Contribute online via St. Charles' Fill the Boot page.
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City staff who served gather at Veterans Day lunch at fire station
 >>On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, City staff members who have served or are currently serving in the military gathered for an informal lunch at the fire station. Nearly 10% of the City's workforce are veterans, including a sitting councilmember.
Video: Community turns out for annual Veterans Day Ceremony
The St. Charles community came together to recognize all veterans for their selfless service to our country during the Fire Department's annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11 at Fire Station No. 1 in downtown St. Charles. The ceremony included the National Anthem, followed by an invocation, remarks, gun salute, and a Taps performance. WWII Veteran Duane Stevenson also celebrated his 101st birthday!
>>Watch the video on YouTube.
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December Leaf Collection reminder
There is one more round of leaf collection scheduled for both sides of the City. Get your leaves out to the curb and contractor Kramer Tree Specialists will collect them. Click the button below to track the crews’ progress. If you still have leaves after this last collection, the City is offering free pick up of bagged leaves through Dec. 27. Place leaves in leaf bags for free pick up on your regular refuse collection day (Note there is a one-day delay for the Christmas holiday.) If you have questions, contact the Public Works Department at 630.337.4405.
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 Snow removal operations, parking reminders
Safe, clear streets is the goal of the City’s snow removal operations. Plowing usually begins when 1.5 inches of snow has fallen, and 2 inches or more has been forecast. Residents should remove vehicles parked on streets before plows begin clearing. During snowstorms, parking on the parkway is allowed only when off-street parking is unavailable. Once plowing is complete, vehicles must return to the street. Here are some friendly reminders from the Public Works Department to support snow-removal crews:
- Please avoid shoveling, plowing, or dumping snow from your driveway or private sidewalk onto city streets or sidewalks.
- Kindly keep all refuse and recycling containers off the street to aid in snow removal.
Navigating street parking during a snowfall
Snow Route parking ban
The Snow Route Parking Ban is activated by the Police Department when 2 inches of snow accumulates, and more is expected. Snow routes are marked with blue signs. The Police Department will begin enforcing parking regulations about one hour after the 2-inch accumulation has been reached.
Citywide parking ban
If 3 inches or more of snow accumulates and full plowing begins, a citywide parking ban may be implemented. Cars could be towed to cleared streets or designated lots. Enforcement starts approximately one hour after the 3-inch threshold is met.
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Christmas tree pickup: Free collection first two weeks of January
Lakeshore Recycling Systems will collect Christmas trees during the first two weeks of January on your regular refuse day. No refuse sticker is required during this period. Make sure trees are free of ornaments, tinsel, lights, and decorations, and are not bagged. After the two-week period, trees will require a refuse sticker.
>>Note: Wreaths and garland will not be accepted.
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REEL City Moments videos
This video series brings you the vibrant spirit of our community through short, engaging social media reels. Discover local events, hidden gems, and the incredible people that make our city special.
Out & About with Mayor Lora Vitek series features Lazarus House
City conducts 'on-the-street' interviews for World Kindness Day
To celebrate World Kindness Day, we asked some people around town to tell us about a time someone was kind to them. Their stories varied from receiving a helping hand in a time of need to simply sharing a kind word when it counts. There is no act too small when it comes to kindness.
>>Watch the World Kindness Day video on YouTube.
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The Giving Tree: Make a special wish come true
Gifts benefit children, adults with developmental disabilities
The beautiful holiday tree in the City Hall reception area is not only adorned with twinkling lights and festive ornaments — it also holds the hopes and wishes of individuals from AID (Association for Individual Development) and Marklund, a residential program for infants, children and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities in the northern Illinois region. Community members are welcome to stop by the St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 E. Main Street, pick a tag from The Giving Tree and help make someone’s wish come true by providing much-needed items. Wrapped gifts with the original tag must be delivered to the reception area by Wednesday, Dec. 11. Call 630-377-4446 for more information.
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Ring in the season of giving: Support the Salvation Army with us
City staff will be at Jewel-Osco on Randall Road and Prairie Street ringing the Salvation Army kettle bell Saturday morning, Dec. 7. Stop by to make a donation and support the vital work of our local Salvation Army, which serves our community in countless ways. A mini-kettle is also available through December at the reception desk at City Hall, 2 E. Main Street.
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A smashing success: NRC event recycles 5.7 Tons of pumpkins
>>Natural Resources Commissioner Lee Haggas (from left to right), Chair Loren Nagy, Commissioner Tom Galante, Commissioner Suzi Myers, Commissioner Meagan Provencher, and Commissioner Pam Otto.
On Nov. 9, the City's Natural Resources Commission hosted another successful Pumpkin Smash event, bringing the community together to recycle 5.7 tons of pumpkins in an environmentally friendly way. More than 950 pumpkins were collected and recycled, thanks to residents from 12 different towns. More than 165 families took part in the event, choosing to smash their pumpkins rather than sending them to the landfill.
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City career opportunities showcased during D303 job fair this fall
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Multiple City departments attended in the fall the D303 Compass Academy Pathways Night, a community-wide job fair that features career pathways that don't require a 4-year college degree. The Fire and Police departments, Building and Code Enforcement, Finance, Public Works, Records Management, Information Systems, and Human Resources were all in attendance to showcase important City career opportunities! |
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From the Equity and Inclusion Commission
The Equity & Inclusion Commission makes recommendations to City Council to ensure the community is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion, or abilities.
Celebrating the Season of Light and Unity
As December arrives, our city shines with the warmth of diverse holiday traditions. This season, we celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the values that unite us all.
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Hanukkah (Dec. 25–Jan. 2) is the Jewish Festival of Lights, a time for lighting the menorah, sharing meals, and reflecting on hope and resilience. Families will gather for this eight-day celebration, honoring the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.
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Kwanzaa (Dec. 26–Jan. 1) celebrates African heritage with seven principles of unity, creativity, and purpose. Local events will feature music, art, and community gatherings, inviting all to embrace the strength of culture and history.
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Christmas (Dec. 25) is a time for reflection, joy, and giving. Whether you celebrate through religious traditions, festive meals, or acts of kindness, we hope you have a special Christmas celebration.
As we come together to celebrate, let’s remember the spirit of the season – unity, peace, and love. We invite everyone to participate in local events, support our community, and share the joy of this special time. Happy Holidays!
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Santa's House visits through Dec. 22
»Santa’s House will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 22 on 1st Street Plaza. Families can meet Santa, share their wish lists, and snap holiday photos—free of charge! For more information, visit the St. Charles Business Alliance's website.
(Photo provided by St. Charles Business Alliance)
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December Kindness Challenge
 »It's not too late to take the December Kindness Challenge! St. Charles Kendall's Kindness charity is offering an opportunity this month to take time for self-care and to show kindness to others (and yourself) during the busy holiday season by offering a day-by-day kindness prompt through Dec. 31.
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2025 Winter Reading Challenge
 »The St. Charles Public Library is hosting its Winter Reading challenge, "Isn't Reading Sweet?" from Jan. 2 through Feb. 16. Participate by reading and doing activities inside or outside the library and filling in a Bingo board along the way for a chance to win prizes. Pick up a bingo card at the Library.
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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. We invite you to become a part of our team!
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