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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - October 2025 |
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City's new Utility Billing App now available!
The City is excited to introduce a new mobile app that gives residents easy, on-the-go access to their utility billing information — right from your smartphone or tablet.
With the new app, you can:
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View and download PDF versions of your bill
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Pay your bill using a debit or credit card, Venmo, PayPal, and more (standard $3.95 transaction fee applies)
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Set up automatic recurring payments
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Review your payment history
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Compare your electricity and water usage with previous billing periods
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Access many of the same features as the Silverblaze portal
Plus, the app includes a direct link to the latest City News resident newsletter, so you’ll never miss an update. Stay connected, stay informed—and manage your utility account with ease.
Available NOW to download for iOS and Android devices. Search for the app in the App Store under "City of St. Charles." Download and start using it today!
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Halloween trick-or-treat hours
St. Charles' trick-or-treating hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.
Parents and guardians — please accompany young children while they’re out trick-or-treating. Residents are encouraged to turn on porch lights to help keep our neighborhoods well-lit and safe. Drivers, please slow down and stay alert — excited little ghosts and goblins may be crossing the street unexpectedly. Thanks for doing your part to make this Halloween a safe, fun-filled night for all.
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Carve out some fun this Halloween!
Pick your favorite stencil — a playful Fox or the iconic Municipal Building — and create a Jack-o’-lantern that shows off your St. Charles spirit!
When you're done, send a photo of your masterpiece to info@stcharlesil.gov for a chance to be featured on the City’s social media channels!
Click buttons below for Downloadable PDFs.
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Celebrate 40 years of fall fun at Scarecrow Weekend!
 From October 10 through 12, 2025, downtown St. Charles will come alive with more than 100 handcrafted scarecrows, live entertainment and seasonal activities. Cast your vote for your favorite scarecrows, explore family fun booths, paint pumpkins, scale the rock wall or make your way through the inflatable corn maze. All weekend long, the streets will be filled with surprises like the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, Glowby the Bubbler, roaming magicians, stilt walkers, a professional pumpkin carver, Scarecrow-to-Go, live music performances, and so much more. Visit scarecrowfest.com for full event details.
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 >>From Left: St. Charles Fire Department Lieutenant Joe Davila, and Battalion Chiefs Tony Centimano and Dave Chmelar, and Ward 2 Alderpersons Jayme Muenz and Ryan Bongard.
City Insider to drop next episode this month on Spotify, YouTube
Episode 3: Remembering the Pheasant Run fire —
the historic blaze through the eyes of St. Charles' first responders
In this powerful new episode of the City of St. Charles' podcast series, we revisit one of the most significant events in St. Charles history: the devastating fire at the former Pheasant Run Resort in May 2022. More than 100 firefighters from 20 departments worked tirelessly to battle the massive blaze, which took 15 hours, 7 million gallons of water, and three full days to fully extinguish.
But this story is more than just numbers — it’s about the bravery of those on the front lines, the critical decisions made in the heat of the moment, and the investigation that followed.
Hear firsthand accounts from St. Charles Fire Department Battalion Chiefs Tony Centimano and Dave Chmelar, and Lieutenant Joe Davila, as they reflect on the response to the largest fire in our city’s history.
PLUS! Meet Alderpersons Jayme Muenz and Ryan Bongard during the Inside City Hall segment as they talk all things Ward 2.
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Upcoming October meetings
Offices OPEN Oct. 13 for Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day
City offices will be open on Monday, Oct. 13, for Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day. All public meetings scheduled for that day will proceed as planned.
 >> 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.
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 Ward 3 Alderpersons present Spirit of St. Charles Awards
Alderpersons Vicki Spellman and Bob Gehm presented "Spirit of St. Charles" awards to Ward 3 recipients during the Sept. 2 City Council meeting. The recipients included Cheryl and Doug Denz, St. Charles North High School student James Bryner, and Big Hearts Fox Valley founders Minor and Jennifer Mobley for their volunteerism, leadership and service.
The ward-focused recognition recognizes 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 through April 2026.
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City Hall's Trick-or-Treat, Snack or Sweet Bake Sale on Oct. 29
The City of St .Charles will host its Trick-or-Treat, Snack or Sweet Bake Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Municipal Building (2 E. Main St.) reception area for a special Halloween-themed bake sale! All treats will be homemade and are donated by City employees, with proceeds benefiting the Kane County Special Courts Association.
Stop by to purchase delicious treats and support a great cause!
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Apply to fill open seats on City's board, commissions
 The City of St. Charles is currently accepting applications to fill open seats on our Boards and Commissions. These groups of resident volunteers play a key role in shaping local policy, advising City Council, and serving as ambassadors to the public. Whether you're passionate about historic preservation, inclusivity, city planning and more — there’s probably a commission that aligns with your interests and experience. All positions are appointed by the Mayor.
- Must be a St. Charles resident (exceptions may apply based on need/expertise)
- 5 commissions, 1 board are seeking to fill seats
- Volunteer-based with real impact
Apply for a vacant position by emailing or mailing a letter of interest and resume to cao@stcharlesil.gov or the Mayor's Office, 2 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174.
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Business
Welcome new businesses!
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October & November Brush Collection
The Brush Pickup program runs through November.
East Side: Oct. 20 & Nov. 17
West Side: Oct. 27 & Nov. 24
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Leaf Collection begins on east side Oct. 27
Leaf collection starts on the east side of the river on Oct. 27, followed by the west side. The City’s contractor, Kramer Tree Specialists, aims to complete three collection cycles by Dec. 5. A progress map will be updated daily, showing which neighborhoods have been serviced and what remains for the month. Additionally, Lakeshore Recycling Systems will offer free bagged leaf collection from Dec.1-30 for any remaining leaves on your regular refuse collection day.
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Keep leaves, lawn debris away from streams for better drainage
With cooler weather expected, remember to keep smaller ditches and streams free of debris — fallen trees, leaves and beaver dams. This can significantly improve water flow from low-lying areas. Dumping materials into waterways is illegal and can result in fines. If you’re facing drainage or flooding issues and would like to schedule a site visit, please contact the Public Works Engineering Office at 630.377.4405. (Note: The City has photos and flood data that may assist in assessing your drainage concerns.)
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Important notice: Fall hydrant flushing begins this month
The City’s Public Works Water Division will conduct its regular fall hydrant flushing from Oct. 6 through Oct. 31. This maintenance helps improve water quality and minimize mineral build-up in the distribution system, while also ensuring hydrants are ready for emergencies. Signs announcing hydrant flushing will be posted in affected neighborhoods. Flushing may begin as early as 5 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m.
St. Charles is divided into zones for hydrant flushing: Outer zones Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, and River Valley Inner zone East and West. Main Street (IL Rt 64) divides the north/south areas, and the Fox River divides the east/west.
Hydrant Flushing Schedule
- River Valley East & West – Monday, Oct. 6 - Friday, Oct. 10
- Northwest – Monday, Oct. 6 - Friday, Oct. 10
- Southwest – Monday, Oct. 13 - Friday, Oct. 17
- Northeast – Monday, Oct. 20 - Friday, Oct. 24
- Southeast – Monday, Oct. 27 - Friday, Oct. 31
During this time, you may notice temporary rusty-colored water; however, it is safe to use.
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Public Safety
Fall Fire Safety Tips: Don’t let embers spark a fire this fall
As cooler weather sets in, many families in St. Charles enjoy outdoor fire pits, fireplaces, and seasonal yard cleanup. But did you know that small embers are one of the leading causes of unintended fires? An ember may look harmless, but it can smolder for hours and ignite dry leaves, decks, mulch, or even your home.
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St. Charles celebrates high school homecomings with parades
St. Charles proudly celebrated two homecoming parades last month, St. Charles North and East high schools. Mayor Clint Hull, and the City’s Public Works, Police and Fire departments always enjoy being invited to be a part of these homecoming festivities.
Missed the parades? Watch the live streams on the St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 Facebook Page.
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 >>Mayor Clint Hull shows up in style during the St. Charles East High School homecoming parade on Sept. 26.
 >>Firefighters wave to crowds gathered during the St. Charles North High School homecoming parade Sept. 12.
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 >>City Council Alderperson Mark M. Foulkes (center), a St. Charles East High School teacher and coach, marches in the high school's Homecoming parade.
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 >>The City's Public Works and Police departments participate in the St. Charles North High School 2025 Homecoming parade festivities.
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 >>St. Charles North High School homecoming parade travels by the City's Municipal Building on Sept. 12.
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Community building with Habitat for Humanity
 >>Last month, City staff, members of the St. Charles Housing Commission and City Council volunteered during a Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley build day at 1417 Dean Street — the site of a new home made possible through local support and partnership. The City of St. Charles donated the lot, with funding support from the St. Charles Housing Trust Fund to support the project. Volunteers who helped construct the roof of the detached garage included City Planner Ellen Johnson, Housing Commission member Jeff Funke, Commission Chair Sean Baker, and Ward 2 Alderperson Jayme Muenz.
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From the Natural Resources Commission
Planting trees, shrubs for fall color
One of the joys of living in the Midwest is experiencing the beauty of changing seasons —especially the vibrant colors of fall. A variety of shrubs and trees can enhance your landscape with rich autumn hues and extended seasonal interest. Find out what to plant in your yard that truly dazzles in the fall, while also providing beauty throughout the year.
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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.
Hidden Gems: Nature meets engineering at 7th Ave. Creek
The 7th Ave. Creek is a hidden gem — and thanks to a major engineering project (from 10th Ave. to South Ave.), it’s beautiful and functional! This area used to flood frequently and experience heavy erosion. Now, the deep-rooted prairie plants help control flooding, reduce erosion, and support water quality by stabilizing the soil and capturing pollutants. Plus, the cross vane weirs (18 total!) act like mini waterfalls that add oxygen necessary for plant and animal life. Take a stroll: A new 0.3-mile walking path connects 10th Ave. to South Ave., perfect for a short and scenic walk through the neighborhood.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Fire Department Open House sparks enjoyment among families
Thanks for joining us at the 2025 Fire Department Open House last month! We welcomed the community to Fire Station No. 1 for an afternoon of live demos, fire safety education and kid-friendly activities. From auto extrication to the kids’ obstacle course, it was a great day of learning and connecting with St. Charles firefighters. Big thanks to everyone who came out — we loved seeing you!
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Back-to-school season may be behind us, but the rules of the road are in effect all year long. Whether you’re driving through school zones, neighborhoods or near bus stops, remember to stay alert, follow speed limits and watch for students. Be the reason they get to school safely.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Full-length video: 9/11 Ceremony in St. Charles
The St. Charles Fire Department hosted its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Fire Department Memorial Monument. It was a beautiful tribute to the brave first responders and innocent lives lost on that fateful day, Sept. 11, 2001.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour a frightfully good time
Get into the Halloween spirit with the St. Charles Park District’s annual Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour house-decorating contest, running Oct. 17 through Oct. 31. Take a self-guided driving tour through local neighborhoods to view hauntingly creative displays come to life after dark, and vote for your favorites!
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The nonprofit River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles will host its fifth annual Project Daffodil planting at 9 a.m. (tentatively) Oct. 18 in Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles. Volunteers are needed to help plant 5,000 daffodil bulbs to bring some extra beauty to the community.
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Electric Christmas Parade entry forms now available!
Get ready for the magic! The Electric Christmas Parade returns to downtown St. Charles on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 5:30 p.m. The parade will travel along Main Street, starting at 6th Street and ending at 4th Avenue.
The St. Charles Business Alliance is now accepting entry forms through Nov. 7. Local businesses, community groups, and nonprofits are invited to apply to be part of this juried event to help light up the city.
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Coat donations accepted through Oct. 13
 >>New and gently used coats for people of all ages will be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Oct. 13.
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Save the Date!
St. Charles Community Resources Event set for Nov. 6 at the library
 >>The public is invited to the Community Resources Event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. 6th Ave., in St. Charles. St. Charles residents will learn, connect and discover the services and programs that are available from representatives of the City of St. Charles, St. Charles Township, St. Charles Community Unit School District 303, the St. Charles Park District and library. No RSVP necessary.
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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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