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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - January 2026 |
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 Vision for 2026: Progress, Service, Community
Happy New Year, St. Charles! After a successful 2025, the City is ready to keep the momentum going.
In 2026, our focus is simple: support our residents and staff, strengthen City services, and create a thriving environment for businesses. From advancing redevelopment projects and enhancing public safety to modernizing city technology and investing in infrastructure, here’s a look at what’s ahead.
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City's key 2025 accomplishments highlighted in infographic
Take a look at some of the City of St. Charles' key accomplishments and milestones from 2025 by viewing this one-page infographic, available as a PDF.
Note: For a deeper dive into the information below, visit the 2025 “The Year in Review” article available on the City's website.
 >>Click the image to view a larger version in Dropbox.
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STC Alerts: Important City news & information delivered to you!
Timely emergency notifications, service updates, and community info
Stay informed and stay connected with the City's new STC Alerts, a better way to get important updates is now available. STC Alerts will send timely information straight to you — by mobile phone, landline, text or email. Powered by the Everbridge Community Notification System, this mass-communication tool delivers three tiers of information: critical emergency alerts, key service updates and helpful community news.
City departments, including Police, Fire and Public Works, contribute to these notifications, ensuring you receive accurate, real-time updates that matter to you and your neighborhood. Sign up now at STCAlerts
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Federal immigration operations information on City website
Includes TRUST Act, role of local police, immigration-related resources
The City continues to receive inquiries from the community about federal immigration operations in St. Charles and the surrounding area. The City has a dedicated webpage with information related to Federal Immigration Operations. This online resource includes:
- An overview of the Illinois TRUST Act
- Details on the role of the St. Charles Police Department
- Links to immigration-related online resources
- Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Residents are encouraged to visit the webpage to access accurate, up-to-date information and learn more about how these matters are addressed locally.
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January 2026 Meetings
Meeting information and agendas are available at stcharlesil.gov/meetings. Agendas are posted 48 hours prior to the meeting.
City offices are OPEN on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 19, 2026. Please note that the public meetings normally scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, will be moved to Tuesday, Jan. 20, due to the holiday. As always, police, fire, and emergency services are available 24/7.
This month's schedule is as follows:
 »All are welcome to attend meetings in person, join via Zoom, or watch the recorded session on YouTube afterward.
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Let’s Talk Snow Plowing
Topic to be discussed during Jan. 20 Government Services meeting
Winter weather brings a lot of questions. From plowing priorities to parking, sidewalks and business access, we know snow operations matter to our residents and businesses. And we want to hear from you.
The City of St. Charles is collecting your comments and questions to bring to the City’s Government Services Meeting on Jan. 20, 2026, where we’ll work to address them with clear, helpful answers.
Please email comments and questions on this topic to info@stcharlesil.gov, with the subject line "Snow Plowing."
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Leaf Program temporarily postponed due to weather conditions
The City’s contractor, Kramer Tree Specialists, has indefinitely postponed the Leaf Program due to poor weather and ground conditions causing equipment issues and delays. The program will resume when conditions improve — likely after at least 2 weeks of above-freezing temps (32°F) and with the 10-day forecast meeting the same criteria.
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Local Flood Awareness
St. Charles generally has not experienced widespread damage due to flooding; however, there are local flood hazard areas throughout the city and Kane County. Flooding from the Fox River, Ferson Creek, State Street Creek, 7th Avenue Creek, and Norton Creek can usually be forecast in advance, but flash flooding along these rivers and their numerous tributaries may occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Ice jams, snowmelt, and even watermain breaks can all contribute to flash flooding conditions both upstream and downstream.
Visit the “Floodplain Information” page on the City’s website, stcharlesil.gov, for additional information and links to river gauges. You also can find out if your property is near a Special Flood Hazard Area, access flood maps, and find other current and historic flood-related information, such as Elevation Certificates dating back to the early 1990s.
For further assistance, call the Public Works Engineering Division at 630-377-4405 or visit the Public Works Department at 1405 South 7th Avenue, in St. Charles.
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Police Department gives back during busy holiday season
>>Last month, the St. Charles Police Department made a meaningful impact by participating in several events that supported local families and community organizations. Officers took part in Big Hearts of Fox Valley initiatives, including the Stuff the Squad event; Meijer’s Shop with a Cop program; the Salvation Army alongside community partners; and Target’s Heroes and Helpers event. These efforts reflect the department’s continued commitment to building positive relationships and supporting the St. Charles community.
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Firefighters serve River Glen residents at annual Senior Dinner
 >>Last month, the St. Charles Fire Department turned up the heat at River Glen of St. Charles! Residents enjoyed a hot meal served by Fire Chief Jeremy Mauthe and the City’s dedicated firefighters, along with the opportunity to visit with Mayor Clint Hull, Alderperson David Pietryla, and members of the Fire Department.
Fire Department supports Big Hearts' holiday giving efforts
 >>The St. Charles Fire Department was honored to help out with Big Hearts of Fox Valley's 2025 annual holiday giving efforts in support of St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 families.
From the St. Charles Fire Department:
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Free Holiday tree pickup: 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 are not accepted.
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Recycle your old holiday lights through Jan. 16
The St. Charles Natural Resources Commission is collecting holiday lights (working or not) through Jan. 16. Accepted items include traditional, LED, Italian mini, and rope lights, as well as extension cords (NO garland, wreaths, trees, or lawn décor). You can conveniently drop off lights at the St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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From the St. Charles Arts Council:
Student Art Show applications accepted through Jan. 16
The St. Charles Arts Council is calling all student artists to participate in its 2026 Student Art Show! Open to all Kane County Students grades K-12. (Homeschooled students are welcome, as well.) Apply by midnight, Jan. 16. The show dates are Feb. 7 through March 7 at the ARC, 121 N. 2nd Street, in St. Charles.
Artists beautify City Hall, share heartfelt stories behind work
 >>Last month, St. Charles Arts Council members and local artists Bill Bergeson, Jane Callahan, Sandy Dixon, Nancy Legner, and Rosalie White visited City Hall to share the stories behind the works of art on display in the City Administration offices with Mayor Clint Hull. Thank you to the St. Charles Arts Council for continually fostering a vibrant arts environment at City Hall and throughout the community.
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Civics comes to life at St. Patrick's school
Justice Rochford, Mayor Hull discuss the Constitution with 7th graders
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford and St. Charles Mayor Clint Hull — a retired judge and former prosecutor — visited Jim Reed’s 7th grade class at St. Patrick Catholic School last month. Students enjoyed a meaningful discussion on the Constitution, the court system, public service, and the importance of objectivity and hearing both sides of an argument.
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Navy veteran retires after 30 years of public service to the City
Last month, Don Marschke, a U.S. Navy veteran and dedicated 30-year member of the St. Charles Public Works Department, celebrated his well-earned retirement.
Marschke started his career as a Public Services Laborer and concluded it as a Sign Technician, playing a key role in supporting countless community events and day-to-day operations. Over the years, he helped improve snow removal on some of the City’s busiest roadways and was widely respected as a mentor, leader, and friend to his colleagues.
The City thanks Don, for his years of service, dedication and lasting impact on the community.
Pictured: Don Marschke (right) with Mayor Clint Hull.
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 St. Charles' City Insider podcast off to a strong start
The City’s new City Insider podcast is off to an impressive debut! According to Spotify for Creators, the show’s first season ranked higher than most new podcasts for popularity, shares, and listener engagement.
We thank our residents and guests for making this early success possible. Haven’t listened yet? Tune in and see what everyone’s talking about.
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 Articles from the Natural Resources Commission:
Tree Checklist for Cold Weather
Even though the leaves have fallen from deciduous trees, it pays to give them a quick cold weather check-up so they can have a healthy springtime. Here is a list for your winter tree care from the City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commission.
Salt Smart!
The City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commission shares how to use salt responsibly through “Salt Smart” practices in order to protect local waterways and ecosystems.
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 The 16th annual St. Charles Restaurant Week is back in February!
The 16th Annual St. Charles Restaurant Week, presented by St. Charles Closets is back! From Monday, Feb. 2, to Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, enjoy 20% off your entire bill of $35 or more (some exclusions apply; click button for details) at participating restaurants.
To receive the discount, simply mention that you’re dining for St. Charles Restaurant Week when placing your order, or show a Restaurant Week promotional material provided by the St. Charles Business Alliance.
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River Corridor Foundation announces 2026 'A River Flows Through It… Life in the Fox River Valley' lecture series
The River Corridor Foundation announced its lineup of topics and speakers for the 2026 A River Flows Through It… Life in the Fox River Valley lecture series, kicking off on Jan. 21. The series is presented to the public at no charge through a partnership between the River Corridor Foundation, The Conservation Foundation and the St. Charles Park District.
2026 Lecture Topics Include:
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Jan. 21 - The Majestic Migrators: Sandhill Cranes
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Feb. 18 - The Roaring 20s: Organized Crime and Prohibition in the Fox River Valley
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March 18 - Quiet Wings of the Watershed: Butterflies and Moths of the Fox River Valley
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April 15 - Coyotes Among Us: The Urban Coyote Research Project
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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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