Feeds:
Posts
Comments

The Beginning of Barrington Township

September 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Early settlers sought out groves along the prairie much like this Original Grove in Flint Creek Savanna Preserve. “The groves were God’s first temples,” wrote William Cullen Bryant in 1824 in “A Forest Hymn”. He lived and worked as a lawyer in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, for a time. He journeyed through parts of Illinois, including Sangamon County, which inspired his poem, “The Prairie.” For the families entering northern Illinois a decade later, groves were also landmarks, shelter, and the beginnings of community—a sort of natural architecture. Where prairie opened beneath the enormous sky, islands of oak offered timber, shade and protection from the wind. One such place became known as Miller’s Grove—and around it, the early life of Barrington Township began.

By Barbara L. Benson | Quintessential Barrington

When, in 1962, Arnett C. Lines’ “History of Barrington” was published in the Barrington Courier Review, then a broadsheet-sized locally owned and published newspaper, it opened with the following dedication:

“Lest we forget the fortitude, the fearless courage, the determination, the frugal living, the hard work with none of the facilities that are so abundant today, this history has been written as a record of the success of those who left the comforts of civilization in the East and came west to a wild country, and of those who came to America talking a strange language, having very little equipment but bare hands and willing hearts, to wrest from a wilderness or an uncultivated country a living for a large family in a land where they could enjoy freedom from oppression and from pursuit.”

Lines continued: “They came with sons in their teens who grasped the plow of good government, and, having done a masterful work in the Township, came to the new station when the railroad arrived, and repeated their success in the town (village) government and experiences in getting up the country school, by organizing and establishing a new village and its government.”

He followed with words to inspire future generations.

“They builded better than they knew. Today we are enjoying this American heritage. This record may keep the picture before us that we may not take for granted the blessings we enjoy today.”

Arnett C. Lines died in 1970, and his monumental history can be found online at the Barrington Area Library in their local history databases. His work was comprehensive and traced the geographical and governmental history of what would, eventually in 1850, be designated Barrington Township.

Article continues here.

Posted in Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Quintessential Barrington | Leave a Comment »

The DSA’s socialist plans carry a $212T price tag — and every one of us will pay

September 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Adam Michel | New York Post

It started in New York, but now democratic socialism is on a winning streak around the country.

Months after Zohran Mamdani became mayor, candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America nearly swept the city’s June Democratic primaries.

In Florida, DSA member Angie Nixon won the Democratic Senate nomination over the establishment favorite.

And it’s not just the DSA’s own candidates: Socialist ideas are being laundered into the mainstream Democratic Party.

In the upper Midwest, Abdul El-Sayed and Peggy Flanagan rode Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement to win Democratic Senate primaries, campaigning on Medicare for All and expansive Green New Deal-like policies.

So I took the DSA platform — dubbed “A Day Without Capitalism,” it’s long on rhetoric and thin on details — and tallied up the costs.

The bottom line: The DSA wants somewhere between $71 trillion and $212 trillion in new spending over the next decade.

Continue reading here.

Posted in Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, New York Post, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Springfield, Taxes, The Other Half, Unions, Village Code | Leave a Comment »

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani bringing two new restaurants to Barrington

September 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani will open BOCADO in Barrington this fall. | Courtesy BOCADO

By Rick West | Daily Herald

Celebrity chef and suburban resident Fabio Viviani is bringing two new restaurants to downtown Barrington.

The first, BOCADO Tapas, will open this fall upstairs at 133 Park Ave. in the village’s downtown.

The eatery will focus on “shareable plates, bold yet approachable flavors and a thoughtfully crafted beverage program, all within a warm, energetic atmosphere designed for everything from weeknight dinners to cocktails and late-night gatherings,” according to a news release.

After BOCADO, Viviani plans to open Retoro downstairs in the same building in early 2027.

Read the full report here.

Posted in Daily Herald, Economy, Entertainment, Property Taxes, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Things to do Sept. 4-10: Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival, Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling, Buffalo Grove Days and more

September 4, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 4

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Carnival, food and beer tents, live music, craft fair, car show and kids’ activities. Classic/custom car show from 5-9 p.m. Friday in Sunset Park. Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Skate Park, heading along Haligus to Miller Road, right on Miller to Sunset Park; followed by community picnic from noon to 3:30 p.m. On Sunday, Sunset Market featuring artisans, crafters and businesses from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Music lineup — Friday: Aberdeen Drive at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: SINGO at 1 p.m., Brass From The Past at 4 p.m., Heartache Tonight at 6:30 p.m. and Dirty Pop at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Cadillac Groove at 3 p.m., 28 Days at 5:30 p.m., and Tennessee Whiskey at 8 and 9:15 p.m. Free. summersunsetfest.com.

The Buffalo Grove High School Marching Band Flag team performs in the Buffalo Grove Days parade Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 in Buffalo Grove. This year’s parade steps off at at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Buffalo Grove Days: Carnival hours 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4; 1-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6; and 1-6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at Mike Rylko Community Park, Buffalo Grove. Carnival, live entertainment, bingo, blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; craft fair and business expo from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday; kids’ entertainment; Rotary Duck Race at 5:15 p.m. Sunday and more. Music lineup — Friday Hi Infidelity at 6 p.m. and The Brothers Gibb at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 7th heaven at 3:30 p.m., Sounds of Seattle at 6 p.m. and 16 Candles at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday Nashville Electric at 3:30 p.m., LP Vinyl at 6 p.m., and Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press at 8:30 p.m.; and Monday Turning Down Today at noon. Free. bgdays.com.

Lucy’s Comedy: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Curated by comic and radio personality John DaCosse with headliner Chastity Washington, featuring Jack Baker and hosted by Ted Willson. Tickets start at $29. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Sept. 5

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sept. 5 through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Long Grove Irish Days: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, and 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, in downtown Long Grove. Irish music, food and drinks. Free. longgrove.org/festival/irish-days.

Schaumburg Septemberfest runs Saturday through Monday, Sept. 5-7, at the Al Larson Prairie Center in Schaumburg, and includes a Labor Day Parade. | Karie Angell Luc/for the Daily Herald

Septemberfest: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Live entertainment on two stages, carnival, arts and crafts show, craft beer and wine area, Taste of Schaumburg, bingo, drone show on Sunday night, and a Labor Day parade at 10 a.m. Monday. Music — Saturday: Cheap Foreign Cars at 6:30 p.m. and Night Ranger at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday: White Lion at 6:30 p.m. and Warrant at 8:30 p.m.; and Monday: Krysten Knievel at 5:30 p.m. and Max Weinberg’s Jukebox at 7:30 p.m. Free. villageofschaumburg.com.

TheosoFest Mind, Body, Spirit Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Theosophical Society, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton. Mind-body-spirit festival featuring meditative practices from several traditions, Labyrinth Walk, Qigong and Tai Ji, Kids Korner, a drumming circle, exhibits and vendor booths, hands-on demonstrations, vegetarian food and more. Free; lawn parking is $5 (cash or credit card). theosophical.org/theosofest.

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. Starts at Sunset Skate Park, heading along Haligus to Miller Road, right on Miller to Sunset Park. summersunsetfest.com.

Taste of Schaumburg: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, on the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Campus grounds, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Not-for-profit organizations partner with restaurants and food vendors to sell food and beverages. Part of Schaumburg’s Septemberfest celebration. Free. villageofschaumburg.com.

The Great American Lobster Fest comes to Chicago’s Navy Pier Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6. | Daily Herald

The Great American Lobster Fest: 1-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and 1-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Navy Pier, 900 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Live lobster flown in from the East Coast, live music, vendors, nonseafood and dessert items and more. Tickets start at $74. greatamericanlobsterfest.greencurtainevents.com

Hanover Park Fall Fun Fest: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Taste of Hanover, featuring a variety of food trucks and vendors, live music and more. Free. hpparks.org/specialevents.

Love On the Lawn Festival: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Music, food and community. R&B superstar MÝA will perform. “American Idol” season 24 Top 10 finalist Philmon Lee is a featured performer. All-day celebration of “50 Years of Chicago House” with DJ Slugo, DJ Sundance, DJ Roszay, DJ Rodney B, DJ Way and DJ CZR. Food trucks, a Kidz Zone, local talent and a vendor village. Gates open at 2 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. $30 for 10 or older. Tickets: lotlfest.com

Wauconda Street Dance: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, on Main Street in Wauconda. Annual dance with music, food and more. Free; over-21 wristbands $5. waucondachamber.org.

Green Room Improv: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Clean, high-energy, multifaceted improv comedy. $13-$20. greenroomimprov.com

Trains & Tunes: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Blues by The Stephen Hull Experience. Bring blankets, chairs and a picnic dinner; on-site vendors. Fireworks at around 8:30 p.m. Museum admission: $16-$20. irm.org/trains-tunes.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to popular and special occasion soundtracks. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Sept. 6

Illinois Mycological Association Display & Sale (Shrooms): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Exhibits 50 to 100 varieties of mushrooms foraged from area forests in the days prior to the show. Members will answer questions about mushrooms and fungi. Mushroom-related books, T-shirts and other items are for sale. Included with general admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Battle of the Bags: 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Cornhole tournament. Registration begins at 11 a.m. The competitive division will offer up to $5,000 in cash prizes. The social division features a variety of prizes including cash and gift certificates. $80 per team for the competitive division, $40 per team for social. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Summer Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Semple will perform. Free. bgparks.org/summer-concert-series

Wauconda “Big Bang” fireworks show: Dusk Sunday, Sept. 6, at Homer T. Cook Memorial Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Originally scheduled for July 3. wauconda-il.gov.

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival fireworks: 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. summersunsetfest.com.

Monday, Sept. 7

Schaumburg Septemberfest Labor Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, lining up on Wise Road between Roselle and Plum Grove roads, Schaumburg. Parade travels northbound on Summit Drive toward the festival grounds. Free. villageofschaumburg.com

Labor Day trolley rides: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. Last train leaves between 4 and 4:15 p.m. $10, $8 for 62 and older, veterans and first responders; $5 for kids 3-11; free for kids 2 and younger. foxtrolley.org.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Sandwich Fair: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 9-11; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12; and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich. Food, rides, livestock events, live entertainment and more. The VFW 9/11 and POW Memorial Service is from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday. Harness racing at 11 a.m. and Illinois State RC Car and Truck Racing Championships at 7 p.m. Wednesday, truck pulls at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and an antique auto show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and demolition derby at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Friday Night Concert with country rock singer/songwriter Brantley Gilbert at 8 p.m. with opening act Riplock ($45). On the Ag Land stage — Wednesday: Darrell Data and Bob from 1-4 p.m. and 13 Days from 7-10 p.m.; Thursday: Two Girls-One Guitar from 1-4 p.m. and Back Paiges from 7-10 p.m.; Friday: WSPY Noon Show from noon to 1 p.m. and The Vodka Boys from 7-11 p.m.; Saturday: The Beaux from 1-4 p.m. and The Sociables from 7-11 p.m.; and Sunday: worship at 8:30 a.m. and Sami Krueger from 1-4 p.m. $10; $7 for kids 6-12; and free for kids 5 and younger. Five-day pass: $10-$25. sandwichfair.com.

Teatro Popular-Identidad: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Gail Borden Public Library’s Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Comedy about family, culture and identity. Presented in Spanglish. A conversation with multimedia artist Karina Chavez follows. gailborden.info.

Wine Down Wednesdays: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Live music, drinks and food. Jagged Little Pill will perform. Free. eastdundee.net.

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Semple Band will perform. Food Truck Wednesdays: 6-8 p.m. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Jane Don’t Does America: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race. $46.19-$77.23. improv.com/chicago

Thursday, Sept. 10

Brown Bag Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. Linda Rock shares the history of neighborhood grocery stores in Elgin and tells the story of grocer Libbie Samuelson. Free. RSVP: elginhistory.org.

Wrigleyville Night Market: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. Vendors offer specialty foods, vintage clothes, crafts, artisanal goods and more, with live music and special offers. Free. gallagherway.com

“Betsy Ross and the Making of America”: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, on Zoom and in Gail Borden Public Library’s Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Presenting via Zoom, historian Marla Miller describes the life and times of Betsy Ross. Register: gailborden.info.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Free concerts in the plaza with food and beverage options from local restaurants. Big Brother’s Vinyl will perform. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Ongoing

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day through Sept. 7 at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. 16th-century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, characters and more. $48, $45 for 62 and older and military with ID, $23 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Minecraft Experience, Villager Rescue: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 7 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays; and noon to 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Sept. 7, at EXP Rosemont, 9900 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont. The world of Minecraft comes to life in an immersive experience. Tickets start at $28. minecraftexperience.com.

“An Iliad’: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, except Sept. 5-6, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. Janus Theatre Company’s production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s modern retelling of Homer’s epic poem. $28. janusplays.com

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

Find much more here.

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Fundraisers | Leave a Comment »

Illinois Attorney General sues ABC Plumbing, alleges deceptive practices

September 3, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Adam Harrington | CBS News

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit Thursday against ABC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric Inc., alleging deceptive business practices.

Raoul’s office said the company misled consumers, most often senior citizens, so that they signed contracts for home repairs at inflated prices by unlicensed technicians, while the consumers unknowingly waived their rights to cancel the contracts.

“ABC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric’s deceptive business practices are not only illegal but also disheartening because those practices target senior citizens,” Raoul said in a news release. “When consumers reach out to home repair companies like ABC, they trust the company will present honest prices for complete work. Instead, ABC took advantage of its customers. I will continue to defend the rights and peace of mind of Illinois consumers by ensuring home repair companies uphold Illinois law that protects our consumers.”

The lawsuit alleged that ABC Plumbing technicians walk into consumers’ homes to review the home repair issue for which they were hired, but then inspect other areas of the house without permission and find additional issues. The technicians call these issues emergencies or claim they are life-threatening hazards, and say they must be fixed right away, Raoul’s office said.

Consumers are asked to sign a digital tablet to initiate the work, but are not allowed even to read what they’re signing, Raoul’s office said. Consumers sometimes did not realize that they were signing a contract, or that the contract had language waiving their three-day right to cancel, Raoul’s office said.

Raoul said these practices are often aimed at senior citizens who call ABC Plumbing for urgent work they can’t complete themselves.

Once ABC Plumbing finishes the overpriced and often unnecessary work, it is often sloppy or incomplete, and the technicians who perform it are sometimes unlicensed, Raoul’s office said.

Report continues here.

Posted in CBS News, Springfield | Leave a Comment »

Barrington parents ask District 220 to reduce students’ screen time

September 3, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A group of parents in “Barrington Area Unit School District 220” are asking district officials to reduce the reliance on technology in classrooms and more closely monitor students’ screan time.

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

More than 1,200 parents, educators and community members have signed a petition calling on Barrington Area Unit School District 220 to reduce students’ screen time and access to technological devices.

“Technology can absolutely be a valuable educational tool,” Jenna Bennett, one of the parents involved in the effort, said in a statement. “But a tool should be used purposefully — not become the default.”

The parents are asking the district to demonstrate how and why technology is being used, establish appropriate guardrails, and ensure educators’ decisions are supported by research and data.

District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman said educators already are addressing some of the concerns, including with a policy change this year that keeps kindergarten and first-grade students from taking school-issued iPads home, unless teachers require it for an assignment.

“We used to have a stance that all of our devices went home as the standard, and we have changed that,” Winkelman said.

Petition signers say they want to district to go further, by keeping all elementary students’ devices at school whenever possible and creating screen-free lunch environments in middle schools.

Report continues here.

Editorial note: The petition the report refers to can be found here.

Posted in 220, AI, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, School Districts, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Rabid bat found in Hoffman Estates

September 3, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Submitted by Hoffman Estates

A bat found in the 1000 block of Worthington Drive in Hoffman Estates Wednesday has tested positive for rabies, according to Cook County Animal and Rabies Control officials.

The public is advised not to handle bats or any other wild animals. Report dead bats or skunks on private properties or on roadways by calling Cook County Animal and Rabies Control at (708) 974-6140.

Animal control officials ask anyone who has been bitten by a bat or has had potential exposure to a bat to contact a medical provider. Residents are reminded to ensure pets are current on their rabies vaccinations and to keep dogs, cats, and ferrets on a leash or under supervision outdoors.

Visit the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control website at cookcountyil.gov/service/rabies-prevention for more information.

Posted in Community Alerts, Hoffman Estates | Leave a Comment »

Forest Preserves of Cook County Reaches Agreement with Teamsters Local 700

September 3, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Posted: September 2, 2026

With a vote today by members of Teamsters Local 700 to accept the last proposal by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Teamsters strike at the Forest Preserves has ended. Local 700 employees in the landscape maintenance, resource management, conservation and experiential programming, and fleet and facilities departments are expected to return to work tomorrow.

“The Forest Preserves of Cook County is an organization built on a mission to protect wild spaces and help the public connect to the natural world close to home. I know Forest Preserves staff in every department are driven by a pride in being a part of that,” said General Superintendent Adam Bianchi. “This agreement addresses issues raised by Local 700 while allowing the Forest Preserves to remain on a sustainable fiscal path. We are eager to have all our dedicated employees together again to meet our shared mission.”

The agreement between the Forest Preserves and Local 700 to extend the existing contract includes a 2% raise in January 2026, another 2% in July 2026 and a 4% raise in July 2027, a one-time payment of $2,500 for full-time employees and $1,250 for seasonal employees, paid lunch and breaks, and changes for overtime pay rules, scheduling notification, shift assignment choices and reduction of weekend work.

The Forest Preserves remained fully open and operational throughout the strike and will continue to offer the people of Cook County opportunities to enjoy its trails, campgrounds, nature centers, picnic groves, golf courses, boating centers, events and programs, and more.

###

 

Posted in Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Press Release, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Pritzker record: Illinois 5th-worst for private-sector job growth

September 3, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Illinois is in the bottom five states for private-sector job growth under Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Since he took office, job growth in the private sector in the state is up less than 0.1%.

By Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

Under Gov. J.B. Pritzker, private-sector job growth in Illinois has remained virtually flat while the nation has seen growth.

Illinois’ private-sector job growth is in the bottom five states. Such jobs grew by less than 0.1% from 2018 to 2025 in Illinois, compared with a national rate of over 6%.

In the three years after the pandemic, the number of businesses leaving Illinois tripled, including  Caterpillar and Citadel moving their headquarters out of the state.

Some will absolve Pritzker of responsibility on this metric and point toward the overarching trend of lagging Midwestern job growth. That ignores the fact that the number of private-sector jobs in the rest of the Midwest grew 2.7 times faster than in Illinois.

Read more here.

Posted in Clown Car, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Elections, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order | Leave a Comment »

Illinois suburbs halt Flock use, suspend officers and review policy amid alleged improper use

September 2, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Homer Glen announced Monday that it was suspending the use of Flock cameras within its borders pending an investigation after a Will County sheriff’s deputy was placed on administrative leave amid allegations he misused the database of license plate-tracking data.

By Violet Miller | Chicago Sun*Times

Several suburban municipalities are reviewing the use of Flock cameras and placing police officers on leave amid a growing epidemic of alleged police abuse of the vast surveillance system.

Homer Glen announced Monday that it was suspending the use of Flock cameras within its borders “pending final determination of the investigation and review of the Sheriff’s ALPR protocol” after a Will County sheriff’s deputy was placed on administrative leave amid allegations he misused the technology.

“The Village understands that the investigation has to take its course and remains committed to public safety,” it wrote in a statement Monday. “However, given the limited information that has been reported to date, and the privacy concerns at issue, the Village has suspended the utilization of Flock ALPR cameras located within the Village of Homer Glen, pending final determination of the investigation and review of the Sheriff’s ALPR protocol.”

West Chicago is also reviewing its use of Flock cameras after officials announced Tuesday that city police officers may performed unauthorized searches between late 2024 and early 2025 using the technology. The Channahon Police Department is also making a similar review after an investigation found that its officers may have also made unauthorized searches. Officers accused of wrongdoing in each case were placed on administrative leave.

At West Chicago’s request, the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office is investigating alongside an internal inquiry into the officer’s conduct and a review of the safeguards around use of the system, according to a statement from the city.

“[West Chicago] recognizes the broader public concern surrounding the use of automated license plate readers,” the city said in a statement. “These tools have provided important public safety benefits, but their use must be balanced with appropriate safeguards, clear policies, meaningful oversight, and accountability.”

Report continues here.

Posted in Big Brother, Chicago Sun*Times, Deception, Ethics, Flock Cameras, Politics, Property Taxes, Taxes, TMI, Transparency, Unions, Village Government, WTF | Leave a Comment »

Older Posts »