City's proposed electricity rate hike in the spotlight

Batavia city officials will conduct a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday Feb. 24 to discuss a proposed electric rate increase and a possible half-cent hike in the city’s sales tax to cover electricity costs and related obligations incurred through the city’s involvement in the Northern Illinois Municipal Power Agency (NIMPA) and Prairie State Energy Campus in downstate Illinois. 

The meeting should be a good opportunity for Batavia residents and business owners (more on this group below) to learn why the city’s has increased electric rates four times since 2006 and why rates need to be increased in 2014. I think Batavia officials can do much more to share information with the public (the city's website is overdue for an overhaul), but this public meeting is a step in the right direction. 

Proposed sales-tax hike concerns business owners

Friends in the Batavia business community tell me many business owners oppose a possible half-cent increase in the city’s sale tax, as discussed above. I spoke with several business owners during the past — each asked that I not identify them here  — and they shared some common concerns.

The business owners believe a hike in sales tax will make it tougher for them to compete with businesses in other communities. That’s a practical concern.  They fear a tax increase tied to electricity costs will never be rescinded and might be increased in the future. They also think a tax hike, combined with the city’s high electric rates, will make Batavia less attractive to new businesses or businesses looking to relocate to Batavia. They told me they have shared these concerns with city staff and aldermen.

City officials argue a hike in the sales tax would allow them to limit the increase in the electricity rate to 10 percent. Without the hike in the sales tax, the rate increase would be 16 percent, according to city officials. Business owners said combining a tax hike with a rate increase only confuses matters and keeps ratepayers from understanding the true cost of Batavia's electricity. They have a point.

What I found particularly interesting about the concerns the business owners shared with me is how their take on all of this contrasts with the version some Batavia aldermen shared with me in recent days. Aldermen I spoke with told me they have heard few objection about the proposed tax increase from the business community. Makes me wonder why their is such disparity between the two versions.

Research group issues report about Batavia’s energy costs

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis recently released Overpriced Energy: Why Batavia is Paying so Much for Electricity, an eight-page analysis of Batavia’s contract with the Prairie State Energy Campus. The report offers interesting information and some grim conclusions. I encourage Batavia ratepayers to read the report. 

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Restaurant Week returns to St. Charles

More than 30 restaurants are set to take part in the annual St. Charles Restaurant Week, starting Monday, Feb. 24 and continuing through Friday, Feb. 28. Diners can receive a 25 percent discount on dine-in meal purchases by presenting a special coupon for the event. For more information, including a list of participating restaurants go to 

www.stcharlesil.gov/restaurant-week

Kane County Chronicle launches Election Central

The Kane County Chronicle recently launched Election Central 2014, a web page containing information about the candidates in the March 18 primary elections and the questions that will appear on local ballots. The Chronicle does a fine job covering state and local races, so be sure to visit Election Central. Get yourself informed about the candidates and the issues they’re talking about during this election cycle. 

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http://www.ieefa.org/

Orchids, 'Peter Pan' and animal tracks

The Batavia Orchid Society will host its annual Chicago Suburban Orchid Show and Sale Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. The event will include thousands of orchids, demonstrations, displays and more. Shoppers will find plants, books, supplies and other merchandise for sale. Admission and parking are free. The show will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 

Theater group to stage 'Peter Pan'
Spotlight Youth Theater will present its production of “Peter Pan’ beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 and continuing on select dates through Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 W. Main St., Batavia. The production features performers ages 5 to 18. For ticket information and show times, call 847-516-2298, or go to www.spotlight.org.

Church to host Taize worship service
Our friends at the Congregational Church of Batavia will conduct a Taize worship service at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. All are welcome. The church is located at 21 S. Batavia Ave. in downtown Batavia. For more information, call 630-879-1999.

Corron Farm to offer Animal Tracks program
Campton Township will offer Animal Tracks, a family wildlife program Saturday, Feb. 15 at Corron Farm 7N761 Corron Road in Campton Hills. Guest naturalist Brock Moran will share information about local animals and lead participants on a hike through the farm. Admission is free. The program will be offered in two sessions. The first session will begin at 8 a.m. and is designed for children ages 10 and older. The second session will begin at 10 a.m. and is for children ages 9 and younger. Reservations are encouraged. For more information or to register for the program, call 630-387-1016.

Forest preserve district sets program at Pioneer Sholes School
Our friends at the Forest Preserve District of Kane County sent word of their Winter Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb 16 at the Pioneer Sholes School, an 1872 one-room school, in the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. The event will include educational displays, songs, and crafts. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The Durant House Museum, located near the schoolhouse, also will be open for tours. For more information, call 630-762-9746

Bethany Lutheran to host movie night
Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia will screen a movie at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. All are welcome. Snacks will be provided but visitors may bring some to share. For more information about the event, call 630-879-3444. The church is located at 8 S. Lincoln St., Batavia.

Rauner to speak at Batavia event
Bruce Rauner, a Republican candidate for governor in the March 18 primary elections, will speak at an open house Saturday, Feb. 15 at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St. in downtown Batavia. The open house is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

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Remembering Buddy, Ritchie and the Big Bopper

Buddy Holly

Feb. 3. 2014 marks the 55th anniversary of the day early rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. ‘The Big Bopper’ Richardson died in a plane crash in 1959, following a performance in Clear Lake, Iowa. The event is known in rock 'n' roll history as ‘the day the music died.’ 

Ritchie Valens

I was born a couple of years after the three were killed and grew up listening to the Beatles and other rock musicians of the late 1960s. I wasn't familiar with Holly, Valens, the Big Bopper and other performers of the late 1950s and early 1960s until 1975, when I was a freshman at Arlington High School. 

I learned about rock's early years through WVVX 103.1 FM, a Highland Park radio station that back then offered an odd program schedule that featured song's from rock's early years late at night, but switched to foreign-language programs during the day. The radio station's playlist included top hits as well as some obscure titles.

I was fascinated and entertained by most of the music. I developed a serious interest in what became known as rock's formative years and listened to that music almost exclusively throughout high school.

I pause each year to remember the lives lost in that 1959 plane crash. Over the years I have pondered the impact the event had on the history of rock and roll, but mostly I just make an effort to listen to the music these artists left us. I think their music is important (and remains popular) because the lyrics speak of experiences common to generations of American teens. With all of that stated, here are a few modest observations.

I think most rock fans know Holly for ‘Peggy Sue,’ and ‘That Will be the Day,’ but 1957’s ‘Not Fade Away,’ is one of my favorite Holly songs, though not as popular as his other hits. Holly's life and short career was dramatized in the 1978 movie 'The Buddy Holly Story,' which received an Oscar nomination for actor Gary Busey's work in the leading role.

Valens (Richard Steven Valenzuela) is probably best remembered for his 1958 recording of ‘La Bamba,’ which Rolling Stone magazine included in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Times. 

I always enjoy listening to ‘La Bamba,’ but I prefer the melancholy ‘Donna’ and the up-tempo ‘Come On Let’s Go.’ Actor Lou Diamond Phillips portrayed Valens in the 1987 film ‘La Bamba.’

'The Big Bopper' 

The Big Bopper is remembered for ‘Chantilly Lace,’ a rollicking recording of a rockin’ phone call. I also enjoy ‘The Big Bopper’s Wedding,’ a toe-tapper about a groom getting cold feet during the wedding ceremony.

Whether you're a longtime fan of these artists or unfamiliar with their work, I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen to the songs highlighted above. I think you'll enjoy the sounds. I also hope we will continue to remember three talented musicians who made history during rock 'n' roll's early years. 

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O' Solo Mio to host Wine and Canvas event

O’ Sole Mio Gelato Cafe, 27 N. River St. in downtown Batavia will host another Wine & Canvas session from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. A local artist will lead participants with step-by-step instructions for creating a painting. Registration is required and can be completed at www.wineandcanvas.com.

Military fest in St. Charles

Pheasant Run Resort and Conference Center, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, will host the annual Military Fest Friday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 2. The fest will feature workshops, demonstrations,   music and other attractions. The festival is open from noon to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults. Veterans and children ages 15 and younger are admitted free. A three-day pass is available for $30.

Church to host used book sale

Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles will conduct a used  book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The church is located at 307 Cedar Ave. in downtown St. Charles. Proceeds from the sale will benefit tornado relief efforts in Illinois. For more information, call 630-584-6680.

Park District to host Super Shuffle 5K

The Geneva Park District will host the annual Super Shuffle 5K at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2 at Geneva Middle School South, 1415 Viking Drive, Geneva. Check-in will begin at 8:45 a.m. Awards will be presented to top male and female finishers. For more information, call 630-232-4542 or go to www.genevaparks.org.

Gibby’s partners with Graham’s for wine and chocolate event 

Gibby’s Wine Den in Geneva will partner with Graham’s Fine Chocolate Saturday, Feb. 1 for an event featuring wines paired with hand-dipped chocolates. The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Gibby’s, 1772 S. Randall Road. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. Attendees must age 21 or older. For more information, call 630-208-6424.

In case you missed these items:

• The Batavia Chamber of Commerce recently named Holly Deitchman the group’s new executive director, replacing Roger Breisch. Deitchman is the station manager at Batavia Access Television and is scheduled to start at the chamber Feb. 10. For more about the appointment, click here.

• Congratulations to John Carr of Batavia on being honored as Illinois Veteran of the Month on Jan. 22. The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs presented Carr with a plaque honoring his work on behalf of veterans through his role as superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kane County. Carr served with the Army in Vietnam. About 75 veterans attended presentation ceremony, according to a report in the Aurora Beacon-News.

• Batavia aldermen recently approved a measure that would provide $100,000 in financial assistance to Gaetano and Wendy DiBenedetto for an Italian restaurant at 15 E. Wilson St. in downtown Batavia. The site is the former home of the The Rhino Room. The package includes a $25,000 tax increment financing district grant and a $75,000 loan. The DiBenedettos plan to open Gaetano’s Batavia later this year. The couple owns Gaetano’s in Forest Park.

• Nabisco recently announced plans to launch two new flavors of its Oreo cookie. The company will launch a marshmallow crisply cookie and a cookie dough version Feb. 3. The new flavors will be available for a limited time, according to Nabisco. I am willing to sample the new cookies when they are available. I will be happy to share my opinion of the cookies, but I probably will not share the cookies. 

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Batavia Masons plan pancake breakfast

The Batavia Masonic Temple, 28 N. Van Nortwick Ave., Batavia, will host a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26. The meal will include eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for ages 10 and younger, and $18 for a family of four. For more information, call 630-879-9681.

Cougars plan job fair

The Kane County Cougars will conduct a job fair for part-time seasonal employees from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. The Cougars are seeking concession stand staff, picnic servers, beer servers, suite attendants and a bartender. For more information, call 630-232-8811. Applications are available online.

Bunco event to benefit Casey’s Safe Haven

Casey’s Safe Haven will conduct a Bunco event Friday, Jan. 24 at the Old Town Pub, 40W290 LaFox Road, St. Charles. Check-in will begin at 6:45 p.m. Bunco will begin at 7 p.m. The event will include food, raffles, and prizes. A $20 donation is suggested. All proceeds from the event will benefit the dogs at Casey’s Safe Haven. For more information about the event, email Kathy at caseysdogs@yahoo.com.

More Cougars news

• The Kane County Cougars recently announced details of the 2014 ballpark concert series that will begin June 21 with a performance by the Mr. Myers Band. The series will include concerts by 7th Heaven, American English, Suburban Cowboys and Hi Infidelity. For more information about the series, visit www.kccougars.com.

• The Cougars will host their home opener at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. The Cougars will play a six-game home stand featuring three games with Fort Wayne, April 8  through April 10, and three games with Lake County, April 11 though April 13. The Cougars open the 2014 season on road April 3, playing a four-game series in the Quad Cities. For details about the Cougars'  2014 schedule, click here.

Rasmussen College plans career fair

Rasmussen College, 2363 Sequoia Drive, Aurora, will conduct a career fair from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27. The fair will include workshops and opportunities to meet with representatives from area employers, including Microsoft, TCF Bank, DuPage Medical Group, and Verizon Wireless. Admission is free. For more information about the event, call 630-888-3500.

Save the date

The Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct its annual Home & Business Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Hampshire High School, 560 E. State St. For more information, call Bonnie at 847-683-1122, or go to www.hampshirechamber.org.

A curious lack of transparency

I am one of those voters who think it is important to have transparency when it comes to things involving government operations, elections, and the spending of tax dollars. I also think candor is crucial to building trust and credibility. This might explain my curiosity about two websites connected to the March elections.

One site, www.showyoucarekane.com, promotes a referendum question asking voters to create a new tax to fund services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The second site, www.iltruthteam.com, promises to “call ‘em as we see ‘em” and claims to “like candidates who want to change the Illinois Republican Party.”

The trouble I have with both websites is that neither site takes transparency and candor seriously. Visit these sites and you’ll have trouble learning who is responsible for the content.

Visitors to showyoucarekane.com need to sift through the website to learn, (indirectly) the site is operated by the Association for Individual Development, an Aurora-based agency serving those with development disabilities. Lynn O'Shea, AID's executive director, runs the Show You Care Kane effort, according to documents filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections. Oddly, I could find only one reference to the Show You Care Kane campaign at the AID website, and that was on Page 7 of a pdf version of the group's Fall 2013 newsletter. 

Visitors to iltruthteam.com are in for a real challenge in determining who is responsible for the nonsense posted to its pages. The site includes an “about us” page, but all you’ll find there is two paragraphs of poorly constructed sentences revealing nothing about those behind the site. I could not determine who runs the site or a related Facebook page. Judging by the (childish) content posted at the site, I’d say its operators are not friends of DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan, a Republican candidate for Illinois State Treasurer in the March primary elections. 

For the record, I am Kevin Botterman, and I am responsible for the content of this blog. 

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O' Sole Mio Gelato to host Artisan Collective market

O’ Sole Mio Gelato, 27 N. River St., Batavia, will host Batavia MainStreet’s Artisan Collective market from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. Artisan Collective is a flash market conducted once each month at different locations in Batavia, The market features some of the area’s finest designers and artists. For more information about the market, call Batavia MainStreet at 630-761-3528.

50th District GOP candidates to debate

Candidates for the GOP nomination in the 50th District will debate at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Orchard Valley Restaurant, 2411 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. The Kane County Young Republicans will host the debate, which will feature candidates Julie Cosimo, Beth Goncher, Bill Keck and Keith Wheeler. 

Lions Club offers Bingo

The Elburn Lions Club hosts Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Fridays at Lions Park, 500 S. Filmore St., Elburn. The doors open at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drinks are available for purchase. For more information, call 630-365-6315. 

Dinner to benefit teen mission trip

Teens at St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva will conduct their annual spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 at Riverview Banquets, 1117 N. Washington Ave., Batavia. Tickets are $10 for ages 10 and older and $5 for ages 3 to 9. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. Proceeds from the event will benefit the teens’ mission trip. For more information, call 630-232-0124.

Music at O’ Sole Mio

O’ Sole Mio Gelato in downtown Batavia will continue its program of live entertainment with Spanish guitar music Friday, Jan. 17 and a performance by guitarist Dana French Saturday, Jan. 18. O’ Sole Mio is located at 27 N. River St. For more information, call 630-454-4536.

Friday film program at Geneva church

The Social Justice Committee at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva will screen the documentary “Inequality for All” at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. The screening is part of the church’s Friday Film Program, which is presented the third Friday of each month. Admission is free, and all are welcome. The church is located at 102 S. Second St. in downtown Geneva. For more information, call 630-232-2350.

Celebrate Hot Tea Month

Shari Ralish of Peaceful Parlour in Geneva and the Geneva Public Library will partner for a program about hot tea at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the library, 127 James St. in downtown Geneva. The program will include a tea tasting. For more information or to register, call the library at 630-232-0780. 

Coin club to host show

The Geneva, Illinois Coin Club will host its Mid-Winter Classic Coin Show from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Elgin Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. The event will include more than 50 dealer tables. Visitors can buy, trade, and sell U.S. and foreign coins. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call Fred at 630-677-3866.

Mozart for the Masses

The St. Charles Singers will present “Mozart for the Masses” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 at Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave. in downtown St. Charles. The performance will include the Metropolis Chamber Orchestra and Anima, a youth choral organization. Tickets are $40 for adults, $30 for ages 65 and older, and $10 for students. For more information, call 630-513-5272.

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Steel Beam Theatre to stage "Postmordem'

The Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles will present the thriller “Postmordem” starting Friday, Jan. 10 and continuing on select dates through Feb. 9. “Postmordem” is a mystery crowded with suspects, clever twists and laughter. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 630-587-8521, or go to www.steelbeamtheatre.com. The theater is located at 111 W. Main St., St. Charles.

Mystery Diner urges a visit to Prime Bistro

The Kane County Chronicle’s Mystery Diner recently visited Prime Bistro, 105 Walnut Ave. in downtown St. Charles and urges readers to stop in and try the burgers, the house specialty. I find the Mystery Diner's recommendations reliable, so I am confident Lori and I will visit Prime Bistro soon.

Fairgrounds to host sportsmen show

The Kane County Fairgrounds will host a sportsmen show from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12. The show will feature firearms and related items. Admission is $5. The fairgrounds are located at 525 S.Randall Road, St. Charles.

Symphony to put spotlight on Scotland

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will present a musical tour of Scotland at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. The symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 847-888-4000.

Mystery Diner urges a visit to Prime Bistro

The Kane County Chronicle’s Mystery Diner recently visited Prime Bistro, 105 Walnut Ave. in downtown St. Charles and urges readers to stop in and try the burgers, the house specialty. I find the Mystery Diner's recommendations reliable, so I am confident Lori and I will visit Prime Bistro soon.

Mid-Winter Hamfest set for Jan.19

The Wheaton Community Radio Amateurs will host Mid-Winter Hamfest starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. The event will include demonstrations, information sessions, an electronic flea market and more. Tickets are $10. Children ages 12 and younger admitted free. Parking is free and food will be available for purchase.

In case you missed these items:

• Crain’s Chicago Business offered a county-by-county look at how the end of the Emergency Employment Compensation program impacted Illinois. The program expired Dec. 28, leaving more than 80,000 Illinoisans without unemployment benefits.

• The Kane County Chronicle recently offered this article detailing how homeowners can save money through efficient energy use. 

Looking forward

I like to prepare a list in January of the interesting activities and events planned for the coming months. One of the items on this year’s list is the primary elections set for March 18. Voters will have an opportunity to express their support (or disdain) for candidates for state and local offices. Ballots in some areas will include referendum questions. Kane County voters will see the Show You Care Kane question, which would authorize a new property tax of 0.1 percent of assessed value of all taxable property to fund care for the county’s developmentally disable residents. To read the official question, click here.  To learn more about Show You Care Kane, click here. To read a recent Elgin Courier-News report related to the question, click here.

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