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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill.  -  March 2026

City Spotlight

Get Your Green On: St. Patrick’s Parade returns March 14

The annual St. Patrick’s Parade is back on Saturday, March 14, bringing a full day of fun to downtown St. Charles.

The St. Patrick’s Parade kicks off at 2 p.m. along Main Street, where you’ll get to experience more than 80 vibrant entries, lively bands, giveaways and plenty of green. Bring family and friends, wear green and celebrate Irish pride in downtown St. Charles.

City of St. Charles announces Community Clean Up dates

June 6 for east side and June 13 for west side

The City of St. Charles Community Clean Up program is back for 2026, giving residents a convenient way to clear out unwanted items. 

Collection will take place:

• June 6 – East side of the river

• June 13 – West side of the river

This service is available to residents within St. Charles city limits only.

LRS (Lakeshore Recycling) will collect items placed at the curb — not in the street — by 7 a.m. on your scheduled date. Please note that crews will not return once they’ve passed through an area, and items should not be set out more than 48 hours in advance.

For a list of items that will NOT be picked up, visit stcharlesil.gov.

For more information about Community Clean Up, contact the Public Works Department at
630.377.4405 or pw@stcharlesil.gov.

Share your Fourth of July memories with us!

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026, the City of St. Charles is creating a special Fourth of July social media feature — and the community is invited to be part of it.

Submit your favorite Fourth of July photos taken in St. Charles over the years. Older photos are especially encouraged, but recent memories and “now and then” comparisons are welcome, too. You do not need to be a St. Charles resident to participate — anyone who has celebrated the Fourth of July in St. Charles may submit.

Please email photos to info@stcharlesil.gov and include your name. Selected images may be featured as part of the City’s communitywide celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

City Notes

March 2026 Meetings

Meeting information and agendas are available at stcharlesil.gov/meetings. Agendas are posted 48 hours prior to the meeting.

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.

Special Note:

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Don't forget clocks will spring forward one hour at 2 a.m. It’s also a great time to do a safety check on your smoke detectors! 

Stay up to date with the City’s 'Meeting Minutes Archive'

>>Stay informed by viewing minutes from past City Council, Commission, and other official meetings. Visit stcharlesil.gov, go to the Government tab, select Meetings, and click “Search Approved Meeting Minutes.” You can search by meeting type, date, or keyword to review discussions, decisions and updates at your convenience.

Spirit Awards given to Ward 1 honorees at Council meeting

During the Feb. 2 St. Charles City Council meeting, Alderpersons Mark Foulkes and Ron Silkaitis proudly presented Spirit of St. Charles awards to three Ward 1 recipients who have made a meaningful impact in the community.

• Grace Funke was recognized for exemplifying true leadership and remarkable life balance. A dedicated dancer and church mentor, she excels academically, participates in mentorship programs, and is a member of the St. Charles East High School dance team, which recently earned third place at the state competition.
• Drew Pertl, an award-winning photographer and commercial drone pilot, was honored for capturing the beauty of St. Charles and the Fox Valley through his photography. A lifelong St. Charles resident, his family has lived in the Valley View area for three generations — where Pertl Hill is named after them. A survivor of four open-heart surgeries, Drew approaches each day with gratitude and a deep appreciation for the Fox Valley, which he showcases regularly in his work.
• Anthony Harrison, owner of The Hairy Ant Inc. Screen Printing and Embroidery, is a St. Charles High School graduate and distinguished alumnus. He started the business in 2008 from his garage before leaving his day job to focus full-time on The Hairy Ant, located at 602 Sidwell Ct., St. Charles. Known for high-quality work, the business is a valued part of the St. Charles professional landscape.

The Spirit of St. Charles awards celebrate students, individuals, businesses and organizations that help make St. Charles a vibrant place to live. Awards are presented monthly at City Council meetings through June 2026.

City Insider Episode 4 explores City's lab, wastewater plant

Ever wonder what happens to water after it goes down the drain? Episode 4 of the City Insider podcast takes listeners inside St. Charles’ Public Works laboratory and treatment facility. Co-hosts Lisa Garhan and Kara Silva sit down with the Public Works Water Division’s Christina Smith, Laboratory Supervisor, and Garett Guthrie, Environmental Services Division Manager – Wastewater, to share how science, regulation and dedicated staff work together to protect public health and our environment. Stick around to meet Ward 3 Alderpersons Bob Gehm and Vicki Spellman during the Inside City Hall segment and get to know your local leaders.

Ask questions, chat about local issues and connect with neighbors

>>Ward 3 residents are invited to join Alderpersons Bob Gehm and Vicki Spellman for a Conversations with Council meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the Community Room (first floor) of the St. Charles Police Department, 1515 W. Main St. No RSVP needed.

>>Residents of Ward 2 are invited to join Alderpersons Jayme Muenz and Ryan Bongard for their next Connect with Council session at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at City Hall, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles. Ask questions, chat about local issues and connect with your neighbors.

Community Development

Next Steps: Redevelopment of former Police Station Site

>>The public is invited to participate in the second phase of community engagement for the former Police Station site from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at City Hall (Council Chambers), 2 E. Main St., in St. Charles. Building on feedback gathered during a February open house and survey, the city has identified preferred development scenarios for the prominent downtown riverfront property and is seeking public input to refine them. The hands-on design charrette will allow participants to review the scenarios in detail, take part in interactive activities to help shape layouts and features, and share feedback directly with city staff and planning consultants. 

Reminder: Urgent Need Home Repair grants still available

Income-qualified homeowners are reminded that the City’s Urgent Need Home Repair Grant Program is currently accepting applications. Eligible residents may receive up to $20,000 for critical repairs, including roof, 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. Homeowners are encouraged to apply.

Quick Code Check: RV there yet? Let’s talk parking rules

As the seasons change and more residents use recreational vehicles, the City would like to share a few helpful reminders about RV parking.  RV Parking at a Glance One RV allowed outdoors per residential property. Do not block sightlines near driveways, sidewalks or neighboring properties. Park on a hard surface (concrete or pavers) No front- or side-yard parking (Oct. 15 - April 15), except short-term loading Questions: For questions about setbacks or parking area installation/expansion, contact the City’s Planning and Zoning Division at 630.377.4406. For ordinance enforcement concerns, contact the City’s Code Enforcement Division at 630.377.4406. *Photo: AI-generated image

Public Safety

Fire Safety from the St. Charles Fire Department

Spring Forward Fire Safety Checklist

As you adjust clocks for Daylight Saving Time on March 8, take a few minutes to refresh your home’s fire safety:

✅ Smoke Alarms

• Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries

• Replace units older than 10 years

• Ensure alarms are in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level

✅ Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Test and replace batteries

• Replace units older than 7 years

• Install near sleeping areas and on every level

✅ Fire Extinguishers

• Check that they’re accessible and the proper pressure

• Replace if damaged

✅ Fire Prevention at Home

• Clear clutter and flammable materials

• Replace damaged electrical cords

• Clean dryer vents and keep exits clear

✅ Outdoor Fire Safety

• Keep grills at least 10 feet from structures

• Never use grills indoors; check for gas leaks

• Keep water or an extinguisher near fire pits and never leave fires unattended

A quick seasonal check can help prevent fires and keep your household safe.

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Prevent Fast-Spreading Fires at Home

Public Works Briefs

City Public Works dept. to host first Open House on May 2

The City of St. Charles is excited to announce the inaugural Public Works Open House from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 2, at the Public Works facility, 1405 S. 7th Ave., St. Charles. The event will highlight the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the community running smoothly. Attendees can meet the staff, explore facilities and learn how the City maintains roads, water and other vital services. More details to come!

Free bagged yard waste collection set for part of March, April

Residents will enjoy free bagged yard waste collection the weeks of March 23 and 30, and April 6 and 13, on your regular refuse pickup day. Stickers will be required once the free pickup program ends.

2026 IMUA Scholarship Program applications due March 13 

Save 25% on flood insurance — protect your home & wallet

Most homeowner insurance does not cover flooding, leaving residents vulnerable to costly repairs. Anyone can purchase flood insurance, even if they are not in a high-risk flood zone. About 1 in 5 flood claims come from properties outside the high-risk flood zone.

If you are a resident within incorporated St. Charles, the City has worked to exceed the minimum flood protection standards, reducing flood insurance premiums for you by 25%. Don’t wait till Spring is here – there is a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance coverage to begin. Talk to your insurance agent about flood insurance or visit floodsmart.gov.

Special Mentions

Manage your utilities with ease with City’s Utility Billing App

The City of St. Charles Utility Billing App is available for download! Manage your utility account anytime, anywhere, right from your smartphone or tablet. Available for iOS and Android — search “City of St. Charles” in the App Store or Google Play and start managing your utilities with ease.

With the app, you can:

• View and download your bills as PDFs

• Pay with debit/credit, Venmo, PayPal, and more (standard $3.95 fee applies)

• Set up automatic recurring payments

• Review your payment history

• Compare water and electricity usage over time

• Access the latest City News newsletter

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.

Community shares feedback at Site Redevelopment Open House

The City of St. Charles hosted a Site Redevelopment Community Open House on Feb. 19 at St. Charles City Hall to gather community feedback on the redevelopment of the former Police Station site along the riverfront. Click the link below for a video recap, including the scenarios that were discussed.  The next phase in this process will be the Design Charrette Meeting on the Former Police Department Station Site from 4 to 6 p.m. April 8 at City Hall, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles. >>Watch Video Short on YouTube.

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. 

March is Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month. It began as Women’s History Week in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978, and overlapped with International Women’s Day on March 8. The monthlong acknowledgment has been nationally recognized since 1987. Here in St. Charles, women have been instrumental in shaping the beautiful city we know today. Undoubtedly, one of the most prominent of figures of St. Charles history is Dellora A. Norris, whose generosity and patronage helped establish many buildings and institutions including the Arcada Theatre, the first Delnor hospital on North 5th Ave., and the Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts building which is part of St. Charles East High School. Throughout her life, Norris was active in many organizations in St. Charles, as well as a patron of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Historical Society. You can visit the statue of her outside the Municipal Building.

City Staff, Ald. Muenz 'go red' for Women’s Heart Health

>>City staff members and Ald. Jayme Muenz (back row, third from right) donned red attire for women’s heart health on National Wear Red Day on Feb. 6 at City Hall. Wearing the color red the first Friday in February helps raise awareness of heart disease — the No. 1 killer of women — and encourages preventive action.

City celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Week with staff

>>The City of St. Charles joined St. Charles nonprofit Random Acts Matter to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week in February. Each day, the City's Wellness Team featured a “word of the day” and encouraged a simple act of kindness — from helping a coworker to holding the door for someone. 

Meet the St. Charles Meter Readers!

Meter Readers play an essential role in keeping City services running smoothly — and they really measure up. In all kinds of weather, they’re out in the field collecting water and electric utility data to help ensure accurate billing.

Did you know Meter Readers are always on the go?

• Each reader checks 7,000–9,000 meters every month
• They walk an average of 50 miles a week
• That’s 30,000 to 40,000 steps a day!

Mayor on the Move: Kiwanis, Rising Lights Project & STC North

Mayor Clint Hull had a busy month connecting with the community in February. He visited St. Charles North High School to share his experiences with a Leadership Studies class during a civic roundtable discussion. He also celebrated the fifth anniversary of St. Charles-based Rising Lights Project supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. Then he joined the St. Charles Kiwanis Club to speak about all the exciting things happening in St. Charles.

Community News & Events

St. Charles named one of Most Neighborly Towns in U.S.

WorldAtlas named St. Charles one of the Nine Most Neighborly Towns in the U.S.! Our historic downtown, riverfront and events are special, but it’s the people who truly make this city shine.

From the St. Charles Park District:

Celebrate Earth Day event, April 25

>>The St. Charles Park District will host Nature Play on Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles. The family-friendly event will include crafts, animal meet-and-greets and hands-on projects.

Community Garage Sale, May 1-2

>>The St. Charles Park District will host its Community Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 and 2. The Garage Sale is open to all park district residents and households with a St. Charles address. Participants keep all of the profits from the sale.

From the St. Charles Arts Council:

Artist applications due April 24 for 2026 Plein Air event in August

Artist applications for the St. Charles Arts Council’s third annual Plein Air Event are due April 24. 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.

River Corridor Foundation butterfly, moth lecture | March 18

The River Corridor Foundation will continue its 2026 A River Flows Through It… Life in the Fox River Valley lecture series on March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles with "Quiet Wings of the Watershed; Butterflies and Moths of the Fox River Valley."  The lecture is free to the public through a partnership between the River Corridor Foundation, The Conservation Foundation and the St. Charles Park District.

Resources

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