Mayor Lora Vitek, acting as Liquor Control Commissioner, enforced local tobacco ordinances for five local businesses cited for selling tobacco/alternative nicotine products to minors.
The citations were considered at the June 20, 2022, hearing of the St. Charles Liquor Control Commission. The Commission considers alcohol, tobacco and massage license issues. The following businesses were required to submit a $250 fine and $500 in court costs:
In addition to extra officers working to help direct traffic and assist pedestrians crossing the roadways during the annual 4th of July fireworks celebration, the St. Charles police department advised they also will have additional patrols out specifically seeking impaired motorists. The safety campaign will run from June 16 through the early-morning hours of July 5 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.
Between May 23 and Memorial Day, May 30, officers from the St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia police departments collaborated to increase enforcement of the main traffic violations that have led to an increase in serious crashes throughout the area. Officers specifically combined their efforts enforcing violations along Randall Road, IL Rt. 31, IL Rt. 25 and Kirk Road, the four main roadways that stretch between the three communities.
Police departments throughout the Tri-Cities are combining efforts this holiday week to reduce crashes and enhance roadway safety through enhanced enforcement. The Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles Police departments are joining forces to conduct additional selected location patrols during the week of Memorial Day. Beginning on Monday, May 23, through Monday, May 30, police are focusing their enforcement efforts on heavily traveled roadways (Randall Road, Route 31, Route 25, and Kirk Road).
Thursday, May 19, 2022 is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, as declared by Governor Pritzker. The St. Charles Police Department employs 13 crossing guards who manage nine elementary school locations around the city.
The St. Charles Police Department worked in conjunction with the state of Illinois to bring awareness and conduct enforcement regarding distracted driving and the crashes that often directly result from drivers not focusing on the road.
During the month-long campaign that took place at various times and dates across both the morning and evening, the St. Charles Police wrote:
The St. Charles Police Department announced that extra officers are working throughout the month specifically looking for drivers who are violating the state’s distracted driving laws. The law includes prohibited offenses such as texting while driving and using a hand-held mobile device. The goal of the St. Charles Police Department’s participation in the state of Illinois’ annual “Distracted Driving Awareness” month, is to help educate, enforce and make the roads safer for all drivers.
The St. Charles Police Department conducted additional traffic enforcement during the week preceding St. Patrick’s Day and on the day itself. These extra patrols were held in conjunction with the nationwide Click It or Ticket/Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort. The St. Charles Police joined other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois with their effort. This included working alongside the Kane County States Attorney’s Office which was holding a “no refusal” weekend.
During the mobilization, the detailed officers:
The St. Charles Police Department welcomes its newest member Charlie, a police comfort dog. Charlie was “sworn in” at the City Council Meeting Feb. 22, 2022. His star number is 202 and his handler is Officer Meghan Kramer.
Role of a Comfort K-9
Unlike the typical K-9 which helps police with searches, tracking, and apprehension, Charlie’s main role is to provide emotional support, especially after traumatic incidents.
On Wednesday February 23, 2022 at 6:55 a.m., St. Charles Police officers were dispatched to the report that a woman had been shot inside an apartment in the 1700 block of Covington Court. Upon arrival officers found a 24-year-old female with two apparent gunshot wounds. Officers also learned that a possible offender had left the apartment just prior to their arrival. St. Charles Police, with the assistance of Geneva Police Department and the Kane County Sheriff's Office, immediately set up a perimeter of the surrounding area.
