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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - February 2026 |
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City welcomes community feedback on former police station site
The City has launched an online survey and is hosting an open house event to invite community members to share feedback and ideas on the future redevelopment of the former police station site. The site sits along the downtown riverfront, north of the Municipal building.
Open House set for Feb. 19
The community open house event is 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at City Hall, 2 E. Main St. in St. Charles. The public is invited to attend the drop-in event to learn more about potential redevelopment concepts for the site, explore pros and cons of each scenario, participate in hands-on activities to rank each option, and connect directly with City staff and the planning consultants involved in the project.
Survey open through Feb. 22
In addition to the in-person event, the City’s online survey invites community members to review proposed development scenarios for the former police station site and share feedback. The survey is open through Feb. 22. All residents are welcome to participate.
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City reaffirms support for Constitutional rights for all
with proclamation
During the St. Charles City Council Meeting on Jan. 20, 2026, Mayor Clint Hull read an official proclamation, signed by the full City Council, reaffirming the City’s support for the constitutional rights afforded to all persons.
The proclamation recognizes St. Charles as a community shaped by generations of immigrants and strengthened by residents of diverse backgrounds and affirms the City’s commitment to ensuring that all people in the community feel safe, supported and valued.
The City will continue to encourage open dialogue and meet with residents and community groups as we work together to strengthen trust and understanding.
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City launches new online FOIA request portal Feb. 2
GovQA system streamlines public records requests
The City has launched Granicus GovQA, a new online FOIA request portal designed to simplify public records requests and enhance transparency. The platform allows residents, media, and other members of the public to submit requests, receive updates and access records in one centralized location.
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City Council adopts Committee of the Whole model
Change takes effect Feb. 2
 >>Beginning today, St. Charles City Council will transition to a Committee of the Whole structure. The City’s three standing committees — Government Operations, Planning and Development, and Government Services — will be consolidated into one committee that meets immediately after the 7 p.m. City Council meetings on the first and third Mondays each month. To learn more about why City Council is adopting a committee of the whole model, click the button below.
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February 2026 Meetings
Meeting information and agendas are available at stcharlesil.gov/meetings. Agendas are posted 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Reminders:
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City offices are open on Presidents' Day, Monday, Feb. 16. Please note that the public meetings normally scheduled for Monday will be moved to Tuesday, Feb. 17, due to the holiday.
- The *Special* City Council meeting scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, will take place at 9 a.m. in the Police Station Community Room, 1515 E. Main St.
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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 Mayor Hull presents Spirit Awards during Jan. 20 Council meeting
During the Jan. 20 City Council meeting, Mayor Clint Hull proudly presented Spirit of St. Charles awards to three standout members of the St. Charles community, each making a difference in their own meaningful way.
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Marberry Cleaners & Launderers, a third-generation, family-run St. Charles business, was recognized for its longevity and for being more than just a cleaners — offering great customer service and friendly conversation that keeps neighbors coming back.
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Beth Swiderski, a dedicated volunteer with Lazarus House, was honored for consistently going above and beyond. Her compassion, reliability, and willingness to help wherever needed truly embody the spirit of service.
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Hugo, a Thompson Middle School student, caught Mayor Hull’s attention after giving a powerful Veterans Day event speech, and "he knocked it out of the park,” Hull said. Hugo was recognized for being a straight-A student with an impressive commitment to music, academics and service.
The Spirit of St. Charles awards celebrate students, individuals, and businesses or organizations that help make St. Charles a vibrant place to live. Awards are presented monthly at City Council meetings through June 2026.
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Business
St. Charles Restaurant Week is here!
The 16th annual St. Charles Restaurant Week kicks off today, and runs through Friday, Feb. 6. Enjoy 20% off your entire bill of $35 or more (some exclusions apply) 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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Community Development
Grant program offers up to $20,000 for critical home repairs
The City is pleased to offer the Urgent Need Home Repair Grant Program, a new program now available to income-qualified homeowners. The program provides grants of up to $20,000 for critical home repairs including roofs, windows and mechanical systems. The program is funded by the St. Charles Housing Trust Fund in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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 New bike lanes, crosswalks, paths enhance city mobility
Major progress was made implementing the City’s Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan in 2025! From new bike lanes, multi-use paths, crosswalks and refuge islands to safer trail crossings and ADA improvements, completion of these projects make it easier and safer to get around St. Charles. That's not all! More improvements are planned for 2026 and beyond. Click the button to learn more. Information will be under "Projects" on the City's website, stcharlesil.gov.
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Community shines: 1,290 pounds of holiday lights recycled
The St. Charles Natural Resources Commission, in partnership with the City’s Public Works Department, hosted another successful holiday lights collection this season. Thanks to the community’s support, 1,290 pounds of holiday lights were collected, diverted from landfills and carefully disassembled for recycling.
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2026 IMUA Scholarship Program applications now available
Four $1,000 Scholarships to be awarded; deadline is March 13
St. Charles scholarship opportunity for St. Charles students! The City of St. Charles, in partnership with the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association (IMUA), is offering four $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school students.
Download the application, list of essay questions, and eligibility requirements at imea.org/services.
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Quick Code Check: Downtown snow, ice removal requirements
As a reminder to help keep sidewalks safe and accessible during winter weather, please be aware section 12.04.071 of the City code requires property owners/tenants, within the Downtown to clear all snow and ice on sidewalks in front of buildings or businesses within 24 hours of snowfall.
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Winter electric safety tips during extreme cold
 >>With frigid temperatures continuing, service interruptions are possible. The City is ready. Our utility team is on 24/7 standby. Stay safe, stay warm, and let the experts handle the cold-weather challenges!
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City earns Public Works Project of the Year honors
 >>Two City projects have been named Public Works Project of the Year in their categories by the American Public Works Association Fox Valley Branch. The honored projects include 1st Street Plaza and the Kautz Road Reconstruction (led by the City of Geneva). These award-winning efforts enhance quality of life and strengthen our local infrastructure. Congratulations to the public works teams whose dedication made these projects a success!
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Room and contents fire at 0-100 block of North Avenue
At 10:46 p.m. Jan. 27, St. Charles Fire Deptartment responded to a room-and-contents fire in the 0–100 block of North Avenue. One resident was transported to Delnor Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
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Police, Fire to take the plunge for Special Olympics Illinois
Event set for March 8 at Ferson Creek Park
Members of the St. Charles Police and Fire departments will take part in the Polar Plunge at 10 a.m. March 8 at Ferson Creek Park (off IL Rt. 31, east of Wildrose Springs Drive). The Polar Plunge is an annual event where participants jump into cold water in cold weather to raise awareness and donations for Special Olympics Illinois programming and support services.
Last year, this the St. Charles Polar Plunge raised more than $26,000 to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
All are invited to come out to support the team, have some fun, and purchase some swag, with proceeds benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. For details, including how to donate, visit the St. Charles Police Fire and Friends' team Special Olympics Illinois fundraising page.
PARKING NOTE: Participants, volunteers and supporters should park at St. Charles North High School, 255 Red Gate Road. A shuttle bus will take guests to Ferson Creek Park at 9:15 a.m. Ferson Creek Park will be handicap only parking.
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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.
Fire Department urges ice safety during rescue training
Freezing conditions in January 2026 provided ideal conditions for the St. Charles Fire Department to conduct ice rescue training on the Fox River in downtown St. Charles. While firefighters are fully trained and equipped for these situations, the department reminds the public that ice on rivers and other large bodies of water is never safe. If a person or pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 immediately.
>>Watch Video Short on YouTube.
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A message from the St. Charles Fire Department:
 >>Teaching kids fire safety at home gives them the confidence to act quickly and safely during an emergency. Taking a few minutes now could save a life later.
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From the City of St. Charles Equity & 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.
 February is Black History Month
For 50 years, February has been officially designated as Black History Month in the U.S. However, its roots go back further in Illinois to 1915, when historian Carter G. Woodson, considered the founder of Black history, came to Chicago to commemorate 50 years of emancipation with an exhibition that drew tens of thousands of visitors. His work would later inspire the annual recognition and celebration of the great contributions made by Black Americans.
Learn more about local Black history on the St. Charles History Museum’s website. Recently, the museum added the first home in Kane County to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Upcoming events hosted by the St. Charles Public Library
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Alice’s Ordinary People: Screening
The film Alice's Ordinary People will screen at the library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in the Carnegie Community Room. The documentary is a powerful profile of Alice Tregay, who became a fearless force for civil rights in Chicago.
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North Aurora police offer free disaster preparedness class
 >> Residents of Kane County are invited to participate in a free, two-and-a-half-hour community seminar (ages 12 and older) on disaster preparedness at the North Aurora Police Department (community room), 200 S. Lincolnway. Learn the best ways to stay informed during severe weather conditions, discover essentials for a well-stocked emergency kit, and create a family emergency plan to help keep loved ones safe. There are several classes being offered from Feb. 10 through April 26. Registration is required.
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Library offering AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns on Wednesdays through March at the St. Charles Public Library, One S. 6th Ave.
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Kane County 2026 Recycling Events
Kane County is hosting a series of recycling and document-shredding events in 2026 throughout Kane County. For a listing of dates and events this year, click the button below.
NOTE: Kane County is still working to finalize details on some of these events. Please check the website before each event to confirm details.
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From the St. Charles Arts Council:
Student Art Show to spotlight 100 Kane County artists at the ARC
The St. Charles Arts Council 2026 Student Art Show will celebrate the creativity of 100 Kane County artists, grades Kindergarten through 12th, from Feb. 5 through March 8 at the ARC, 121 N. 2nd Street, in St. Charles. All are invited to attend the exhibit's Opening Reception from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 7.
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Artist applications due April 24 for 2026 Plein Air event
Artist applications for the St. Charles Arts Council’s third annual Plein Air Event are due April 24, 2026. The weeklong outdoor painting event will take place Aug. 17–23 throughout the Tri Cities and is open to the public to view and attend. Up to 70 artists, both local and national, will be selected to participate.
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River Corridor Foundation to present 'Roaring 20s' lecture Feb. 18
The River Corridor Foundation will continue its 2026 A River Flows Through It… Life in the Fox River Valley lecture series with the presentation “The Roaring 20s: Organized Crime and Prohibition in the Fox River Valley” at 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles. The lecture is offered free to the public through a partnership between the River Corridor Foundation, The Conservation Foundation, and the St. Charles Park District.
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St. Charles' Random Acts of Kindness Week | Feb. 16-22
St. Charles nonprofit Random Acts Matter will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week Feb. 16-22 to encourage the entire community to act with kindness throughout the city.
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Get Red-y to show your heart some love Feb. 6
National Wear Red Day, observed on the first Friday in February, raises awareness about heart disease — the No. 1 killer of women. Show your support on Feb. 6 by wearing red to highlight the importance of heart health and encourage preventive action.
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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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