An eventful 2024 has come to an end. Kane County saw plenty of news, from fights over property development to election fallout, from new businesses opening and old schools closing. Here are some of the stories that most captured readers' attention last year.

Charles Farm development denied

Atlanta-based developer Pulte Homes submitted a concept plan application and annexation request to the city of St. Charles for Charles Farm, a 970-acre housing development consisting of a senior living community, single-family homes, townhomes and commercial development. Nearby residents opposed the development, however, fearing the impact it would have on their rural way of life. The city of St. Charles ultimately passed on annexing the land.

Campton Hills trustee resigns

After barely serving a year, Campton Hills Trustee Timothy Morgan resigned at the end of the Village Board meeting May 7. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser pursued legal action that Morgan, who had been elected in 2023, was not legally qualified to serve because of a felony drunken driving charge in Michigan in 2002. Rather than continue an already long legal fight to keep his seat, Morgan resigned.

Elburn neighbors fenced in

The Elburn Village Board approved a new ordinance that placed restrictions on where certain fences would be allowed and a number of residents in the Fox Pointe subdivision were unhappy about the changes – and the timing. A change in setback distances had residents who bought their homes intending to install a fence concerned they would be losing yard space.

Batavia schools adopt bullying procedures

Batavia Public School District 101 updated bullying policies to better align the district with new state standards. However, at least one board member argued the changes weren’t enough. The board began collecting and monitoring bullying incident data to assess trends and see where policies best could be amended. Board member Danielle Sligar expressed concern that while the data will highlight areas needing focus, the process is incredibly lengthy and does not provide the policy changes that students need.

Sugar Grove tiff

Residents in Sugar Grove expressed intense opposition to a proposed development called The Grove. Residents first heard the proposal in July and have since fought against it, including circulating a petition the village had to clarify was not following procedure.

St. Charles dam’s future

After the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommended removing all dams along the Fox River in Kane County, St. Charles formed a task force to determine the future of the dam along its stretch of the river. The task force is seeking out information from experts and residents before making a decision along a timeline that could extend into 2026.

Facebook backlash in Geneva

A Geneva City Council meeting in November broke into two camps: those who supported 4th Ward Alderwoman Martha Paschke and those who didn’t. Critics targeted Paschke after a post in a private Facebook group of 31 local businesses that supported President-elect Donald Trump was leaked to Awake Illinois. The Southern Poverty Law Center flagged the group in its Year in Hate & Extremism report in 2023. Although Paschke was an administrator of Fox Valley Activists, a group described as “impassioned progressives,” she said she did not create the list and did not post it, yet she was receiving obscene and threatening messages and phone calls.

Lincoln School repurposed

May 30 marked the last day of Lincoln’s 95-year run as an elementary school. Abraham Lincoln School opened at 211 S. Sixth Ave. in March 1929 where East Side School previously stood. Lincoln underwent major renovations over the summer to house the Transition Program and collaborative space for educators.

Skull mystery solved

A mysterious skull found in the wall of a Batavia home in 1978 finally was explained. It belonged to Esther Ann Granger Peck, who died in 1866. Kane County Coroner Rob Russell said her grave likely was robbed to provide medical students with a cadaver to study, explaining how she found her way to Batavia. She was laid to rest in West Batavia Cemetery in August.

Geneva Commons sold

Lamar Companies purchased Geneva Commons in April for $63.7 million. The center first opened in 2002. LaSalle Investment Management, the previous owner of Geneva Commons, reportedly sold it to Lamar, which is based in New Jersey and Colorado.