Tri-Cities briefs

Batavia Chili Cook-offs:It will be a chili cook-off weekend in Batavia. The Illinois State Championship Chili Cook-off will be 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and the Windmill City Chili Cook-off will be 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Both events are part of the 18th Illinois State Championship Chili Cook-off and will be held at the Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. Chili Appreciation Society International Cook-off rules apply. Tasting starts at 1 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday, with a donation of $5 to taste 35 to 40 chilis. Spectators purchasing tasting cups on Saturday vote for the Red Chili they like the best. Saturday's proceeds will benefit the Batavia Teen Center and Sunday's proceeds will benefit the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. For details, call Bill or Cheryl Pierson at (630) 879-7934 or e-mail WCCCO@comcast.net.Mural in North Aurora:The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition unveiled an interpretive mural in North Aurora Monday. It is at 1 N. Lincolnway (Route 31). The mural depicts Exposition Park, an amusement park that once attracted visitors to the village. The mural is paid for by the Federal Highway Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The coalition plans to install murals at 16 towns along the Lincoln Highway. For more information about the highway, visit drivelincolnhighway.com.Geneva bridge inspections:Routine inspections of bridges in Geneva will be conducted today and Thursday. The bridge that carries Kirk Road over the Union Pacific Railroad just south of Route 38 will be inspected today. Lane reductions will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bridge on Randall Road over the Union Pacific just south of Kaneville Road will be inspected during the same daytime hours Thursday. Any questions can be directed to Thomas Szabo with the Kane County Division of Transportation at (630) 208-3139.Bike path closed:Users of the Illinois Prairie Path and the River Bend Trail are advised to be aware of temporary trail closures through Friday. Trail resurfacing work is scheduled on the Path from Raymond Street to Kenyon Road in South Elgin, and on the River Bend Trail from Route 31 to Randall Road in St. Charles. For more information, contact the Kane County Forest Preserve District at (630) 232-5980.Farmers market open: The Aurora Farmers Market at West Aurora Plaza, 1951 W. Galena Blvd., is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 15. The market offers fresh, locally grown produce, prepared foods and handcrafted products. The city also offers a Farmers Market from 8 a.m. until noon Saturdays at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway. Call (630) 844-4731 or go to aurora-il.org.