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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - August 2025 |
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City of St. Charles to appoint new Police Chief, Daniel J. Likens
City Administrator Heather McGuire will formally recommend Daniel J. Likens as Chief of Police for the City of St. Charles at the Sept. 2, 2025, City Council Meeting. Following the official appointment by Mayor Clint Hull and full City Council approval, Likens will assume the role on Sept. 15, 2025.
With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, Likens comes to St. Charles from the Illinois State Police, where he rose through the ranks, ultimately holding the position of Lt. Colonel/Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Criminal Investigation. In this role, he was responsible for leading and managing statewide Investigative Command for 102 counties and 585 law enforcement personnel.
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UPDATE: Prairie Street resurfacing underway
 >>The resurfacing of Prairie Street is underway! Crews work to place asphalt on the roadway on Aug. 1 (pictured). The City Council approved project funding during the July 7 City Council meeting, and work is expected to be completed before school starts. Follow weekly project updates on the City of St. Charles website.
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 >>City Insider Episode 2 guests include Ward 1 Alderpersons Ron Silkaitis (from left) and Mark M. Foulkes, Mayor Clint Hull, City Administrator Heather McGuire and Economic Development Director Derek Conley.
Episode 2 of City Insider podcast dives into development
Leaders discuss major projects, long-vacant properties
In Episode 2 of City Insider (dropping later this month!), City leaders tackle the most talked-about topics in development, including the question on everyone’s mind — what’s going on with Charlestowne Mall?
If you’ve ever wondered how development decisions are made, what challenges come with long-vacant properties, or what the future holds for St. Charles, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Hosts Lisa Garhan (right) and Kara Silva sit down with three key leaders at the center of it all: Mayor Clint Hull, City Administrator Heather McGuire and Economic Development Director Derek Conley. Together, they break down the recent wins, such as the arrival of Whole Foods and the new Fox Haven Square, and dig into the complexities of large-scale projects, like the mall, former Pheasant Run Resort and old police station site.
Inside City Hall segment
Stick around for Inside City Hall, where we introduce listeners to the people elected to serve on City Council. In this segment, get to know Alderpersons Ron Silkaitis and Mark M. Foulkes as they key in on all things Ward 1.
Episode 2 drops later this month; watch for updates on social media and the City's website.
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Upcoming meetings, office closures
All City offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. As always, police, fire, and emergency services will remain available 24/7.
Meetings schedule:
 >> All are welcome to attend meetings in person, join via Zoom, or watch recorded sessions on YouTube afterward. To join a meeting on Zoom, visit the Meetings page on the City website and click on the meeting you want to attend. Follow the instructions for joining the meeting and submitting public comments.
NOTE: Government Services Committee Meeting on IMEA set for Aug. 11
Residents are advised that a special Government Services Committee meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to address any remaining questions, provide clarification, and hold a final discussion before potentially advancing the IMEA contract to the Aug. 18 City Council meeting.
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Jessica Bridges Sworn in as City Clerk
 >>Jessica Bridges was sworn in as City Clerk at the July 7, 2025, City Council Meeting. Bridges will serve a two-year term, with the position up for election in 2027. Bridges was appointed by Mayor Clint Hull with the advice and consent of the City Council. The City Clerk is responsible for attending all City Council meetings, taking meeting minutes, and signing official documents. The Clerk seat was vacated after Susan Hanson, who had won in the April 1, 2025, election, declined to take office after relocating outside of St. Charles.
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'Spirit of St. Charles' awards kick off with Ward 1 recipients
City Council debuted its "Spirit of St. Charles" award program July 7 during the City Council Meeting. Alderpersons Ronald Silkaitis and Mark M. Foulkes presented the Ward 1 awards to student Nate Moline for his athletic and academic achievements, resident Steve Martin for his decades of volunteerism and positive impact on the community, and to Dukane Corporation CEO and President Michael Johnston for the company's long-standing history and success in the city.
Alderpersons Jayme Muenz and Ryan Bongard will present awards to Ward 2 recipients during the Aug. 4 City Council meeting in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St., in St. Charles.
The ward-focused recognition honors students, individuals and businesses or organizations who contribute to making St. Charles a vibrant community. Awards are presented at the first City Council meeting of each month.
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Quick Code Check
Trim Those Sneaky Shrubs!
According to Section 302.11, all bushes and shrubs need to be trimmed so they don’t sneak into driveways, walkways, sidewalks, or doorways. Let’s keep those paths clear and easy to navigate!
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Body of missing kayaker recovered from Fox River on July 31
The body of a male kayaker who had been missing in the Fox River near Ferson Creek Fen in St. Charles since approximately 9:36 p.m. on July 29 was recovered the morning of July 31, following a 911 call from a civilian at 5:58 a.m. The individual was found in the river near the Great Western Trail Bridge and has been positively identified by the Kane County Coroner’s Office as Taylor Russell, 25, of Hanover Park.
The exhaustive search spanned nearly 20 hours over the course of two days and involved 29 agencies providing mutual aid.
The investigation into the incident is being handled by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, who have jurisdiction over the Fox River, in coordination with the Kane County Coroner’s Office.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement at 217-782-6431.
(Photo provided by Marzena Sheets)
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 2024 annual Fire and Police department reports are available
Important incident statistics, public safety measures detailed
The 2024 annual reports for the St. Charles Police and Fire departments highlight incident statistics and trends, extensive training programs, safety measures, and public education initiatives. Want to know the total number of service calls fielded by the Fire Department? Curious about which St. Charles roads saw the most vehicle accidents? You can find these details and more in the annual reports:
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St. Charles Fire Dept. leads Active Shooter Response Training
>>Last month, the St. Charles Fire Department, in partnership with the Illinois Fire Service Institute, hosted a three-day Active Shooter Incident Management (ASIM) course at Thompson Middle School. Sixty police and fire personnel from various agencies trained together in high-tech, real-life scenarios to strengthen communication and coordination during active shooter emergencies. Training sessions like these further strengthen the preparedness between first responders and help save lives when every second counts.
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Battle of the Badges charity softball tournament set for Aug. 16
 >>Come cheer on the St. Charles Police Department as they defend their title during the Battle of the Badges charity Softball Tournament for Special Olympics Illinois at 10 a.m. Aug. 16 at the East Side Sports Complex, 3565 Legacy Blvd. Enjoy raffles and a barbecue food truck while you're there!
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Neighborhood lemonade stand helps officers beat the heat
 >>Last month, St. Charles residents Autumn and Brynn helped St. Charles Police officers beat the heat with some refreshing lemonade from their neighborhood stand. They were thrilled when the officers stopped by to show their support!
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Back-to-school safety tips for students, drivers
St. Charles students start school Aug. 13
>>School starts in St. Charles on Aug. 13, when neighborhoods across the city will come alive with buses, young pedestrians, bicyclists, and busy morning commutes. This month is a crucial time for both drivers and families to refocus on bus and pedestrian safety, ensuring every student travels to and from school without incident.
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Save the Date: Fire Department Open House set for Sept. 6
 >>The St. Charles Fire Department is hosting an Open House from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Fire Station No. 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave. The event gives families an opportunity to interact with firefighters and paramedics to gain valuable information regarding fire safety. The event will feature special rescue demonstrations, community vendor booths, a smoke safety house, children's activities and refreshments.
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Safer crossing complete on Illinois Street!
 >>In case you missed it, the City of St. Charles completed key improvements at the Illinois Avenue and Fox River Trail crossing (west side of the river), a high-priority location identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The pedestrian refuge island makes it safer and easier for people walking or biking between the Fox River Trail, downtown businesses, and the First Street Plaza.
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City provides FAQ for mosquito control program
For more than 35 years, the City of St. Charles has partnered with Clarke for its mosquito control program. The program monitors mosquito activity and manages the spread of West Nile Virus and other diseases through targeted methods, and includes community-wide spraying when necessary.
To help residents better understand how and why mosquito spraying is conducted, we've compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the City of St. Charles’ mosquito control program.
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July Brush Collection
The Brush Pickup program runs through November.
East Side: Aug. 18
West Side: Aug. 25
2025 Street Rehabilitation Program runs through October
The City's Street Rehabilitation Program, aimed at maintaining the current roadway infrastructure, continues at various locations in the community. Our website provides a weekly roundup of project details and updates as crews progress through construction.
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From the Natural Resources Commission:
Three Ways to Check Your Trees for Dehydration
Article by Suzi Myers,
City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commission
This summer’s prolonged heat and dry conditions have put significant stress on trees, potentially leading to long-term damage or even death. Here are three warning signs that your tree may be in distress and in need of immediate attention:
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Wilting or Droopy Leaves: This may be the first sign that your tree needs water.
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Leaf Scorch: Brown, dry edges of the leaves are a sign your trees aren’t getting enough water to keep all the leaves healthy.
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Early Leaf Drop: Your tree starts dropping leaves earlier than usual, due to trying to conserve water. Your tree is stressed and needs water.
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How to help
To help your tree recover from dehydration, make sure the soil is moist about one foot below the surface. A slow, steady watering method works best — use a hose on a slow trickle or repurpose old gallon milk jugs with small holes in the bottom to gradually release water.
Mulch your tree correctly to retain moisture – do NOT put mulch above the flare of the tree. Also, pruning the dead branches will help the tree retain water.
Keep an eye on your trees. If you notice signs of dehydration, take action by giving them a deep, thorough watering. Your tree will thank you, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping it stay healthy.
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Escape the heat at Kane County cooling centers
Local cooling centers offer a safe place to escape the intense heat in summer. If you're facing harsh weather conditions, consider using one of these centers for your safety.
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REEL City Moments video
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.
Paws on the City Hall lawn!
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Last month, Rover Rescue Illinois brought some serious paws-itivity to St. Charles City Hall with an adorable dog adoption event. Take a look at the furry friends who showed up to steal hearts.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Library, Park District to screen 'Wild Robot' in the park Aug. 8
Enjoy a free movie under the stars from 8:20 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Pottawatomie Park. Presented by the St. Charles Public Library District in partnership with the St. Charles Park District, this family-friendly outdoor movie night will feature "Wild Robot" (PG) on a giant 24-foot inflatable screen. Snacks will be available for purchase from STC Underground. Please note: Visibility may be limited at the start of the movie due to the setting sun. (This event is the rescheduled rain date from July 11.)
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St. Charles Park District hosts free Rusty Rodeo on Aug. 9
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From the St. Charles Arts Council:
Second annual St. Charles Plein Air event returns Aug. 18-24
 >>The St. Charles Arts Council's Plein Air (French for “open air” or “outdoors”) returns Aug. 18 through 24. The weeklong event, welcomes more than 55 artists from across the U.S. who will set up outside, all around town, to paint picturesque scenes of St. Charles. All week, enjoy watching Plein Air painters and art demos, engage in creative activities, and enjoy the city’s thriving arts scene come to life.
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From the St. Charles Business Alliance:
2025 St. Charles Scarecrow Contest applications now available
The St. Charles Business Alliance is now accepting applications for the 40th annual Scarecrow Contest, part of St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend from Friday, Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct 13, in downtown St. Charles.
Be You Rock Hunt begins at 9 a.m. Aug. 8
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Final Unwind Wednesday of the summer set for Aug. 13
Unwind Wednesday returns to 1st Street Plaza from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 16 and Aug. 13. Enjoy local refreshments from five plaza businesses while listening to live music. Guests of all ages are welcome, and those 21 and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages until 8:30 p.m. Bring your chairs!
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Free live music around town on Wednesdays, Fridays through Aug. 29
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Important Links
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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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