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D220 lacks transparency and accountability with respect to Chan Ding violations

December 19, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

The D220 Board of Education has determined that a properly issued Freedom of Information Act request surrounding the grievance procedure and finding that Erin Chan Ding flagrantly violated Board policies is unduly burdensome. They cite the cost to the taxpayer for attorney review as a reason. Yet, in the same response, they admit that the punishment assessed against Chan Ding for the repeated violations, remedial training, was paid by the District (that’s us, the taxpayer) and the training was provided by the Board’s law firm.

What do we conclude from this? That the Board is just fine with lining the Board attorneys’ pockets with the taxpayers’ money to defend Chan Ding in her violations of Board policies, but it is unwilling to pay attorneys to provide the taxpayers with documents that are rightfully within the public purview.

The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act is to ensure transparency and accountability by giving the public the right to access school district records, fostering open government, allowing citizens to see how public funds are spent, and monitoring operations. FOIA makes school districts transparent bodies, empowering the public to scrutinize their operations while balancing this with crucial privacy protections for students. There is no privacy protection for the self interests of partisan school board members flagrantly violating Board policies!

Do Better Sandra and D220!

Better Barrington
Sign the Petition to Remove Chan Ding

Related: “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “Erin Chan Ding: The violations just keep piling up…,” “Erin Chan Ding starring in another episode of, ‘Rules For Thee But NOT For Me…’,”  “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”  

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | 2 Comments »

Man accused of YouTube threats to Barrington Hills police, Allstate employees found fit for trial

December 20, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Joel A. Koskinen

By Amanda Marrazzo | Shaw Local

A man who is accused of threatening on YouTube videos to shoot Barrington Hills police officers — and who had been deemed unfit to stand trial — has been restored to fitness, a judge ruled Thursday.

Joel A. Koskinen, 35, of Barrington Hills, was charged earlier this year with threatening a public official and electronic harassment involving an obscene message or threat to kill. But in September he was found unfit to stand trial, documents filed in McHenry County court show.

He received mental health treatment while in custody of the Illinois Department of Human Service Lake Behavioral Hospital, then returned to the county jail, records show.

In court Thursday, Judge Mark Gerhardt found Koskinen is now fit for trial, and Koskinen requested his attorney participate in negotiation conferences, records show.

“Now that Joel has been found fit to stand trial, we are beginning discussions with the State regarding a resolution to his case that would allow him to be reunited with his family and continue his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University,” his attorney Brian Stevens said.

Read more here.

Related: “Man arrested for posting YouTube videos saying he would kill police officers in Barrington Hills”

Posted in Shaw Local, VBHPD | Leave a Comment »

Deferred, not defeated: Wreaths Across America hosted Dec. 15 in Barrington

December 20, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Photo courtesy Bob Lee

Submitted by Jacqueline Marcus

Snow cover and single-digit temperatures conspired to postpone this year’s Wreaths Across America Day at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, but members of the Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR in Barrington were undaunted in their mission to honor all veterans there.

A much smaller, but equally enthusiastic group of volunteers arrived at noon on Monday, Dec. 15, to remember, honor and teach about the veterans interred at Evergreen. As DAR Daughters read 857 veterans’ names aloud, wreaths were secured along the cemetery’s main roadways in a modified wreath laying.

Signal Hill Chapter acknowledges the community members, Barrington firefighters, and especially those veterans who volunteered to ensure that U.S. military service was commemorated.

The chapter thanks to those corporate and group sponsors who contributed to the many wreaths needed: Palatine American Legion Post 690, UBS Financial, Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores, MotorWerks of Barrington, Leopardo Foundation, and Allstate Foundation. The chapter gives acknowledgments to recycling partners Jewel-Osco of Barrington and Groot Waste Management, and thanks the citizens of Barrington and families of Veterans at Evergreen for their personal wreath sponsorships.

Signal Hill Daughters also salute the management and grounds crew of Evergreen Cemetery for their endless patience, flexibility and innovation in staging Wreaths Across America Day for the past seven years.

Wreaths Across America Day will be held at Evergreen Cemetery next year on Dec. 19, 2026.

The Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was chartered in Barrington in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women’s service organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman aged 18 and over who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information, visit Signalhilldar.com.

Posted in Resident Spotlights, Signal Hill NSDAR, The Greatest Generation | Leave a Comment »

Things to do Dec. 19-25: Light shows, ‘The Nutcracker,’ Christmas concerts, holiday events and more

December 18, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Long Grove’s Vintage Holidays continues through Wednesday, Dec. 24, in downtown Long Grove. | Courtesy of Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Starts before Friday

Long Grove Vintage Holidays: Through Wednesday, Dec. 24, in downtown Long Grove. Horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends, Santa in the village, caroling around town and more. Most events are free; reservations for carriage rides are $15 per seat. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season

The Hawthorn Christmas Experience: Through Wednesday, Dec. 24, on the Lower Level, Macy’s Court, at Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Visit Santa in a festive holiday setting. Reservations are encouraged; guests who book in advance receive a free personalized phone call from Santa before their visit. Santa photo packages start at $39.99. visithawthorn.com.

Goebbert’s Drive-Thru Light Show: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5-9:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4 at Goebbert’s Farm, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Open 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 22-25. The apple orchard is transformed into a glowing winter wonderland filled with synchronized lights, holiday scenes and festive music. Guests remain in their vehicles for the entire drive-thru, typically lasting 12-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets: goebberts.com.

Larsen’s Light Show: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5-9:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4 at Goebbert’s Farm, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Open 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 22-25. A fully programmed, 30-minute show with synchronized lights, strobes, spark machines, fog effects and real fire pyro elements. Every song is choreographed to bring the entire house to life. Guests remain in their vehicles for the entire show. New this year, an outdoor viewing experience where you can watch multiple shows from the new viewing pavilions. This ticket includes character appearances at Candy Cane Lane. Combo tickets for Goebbert’s Drive-Thru Light Show available on select nights. $25-$100 per vehicle. Limited access per time slot. Tickets: goebberts.com/light-show.

Joffrey Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17-18; 2 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20 and 26-27; 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21; 2 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tony Award-winning Christopher Wheeldon’s kaleidoscopic reimagining of “The Nutcracker” set amid the spectacle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Ticket prices vary by day and start at $60. joffrey.org

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 18-21, and Friday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 4, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Lights festival featuring 3.5 million twinkling LED lights, a giant light-up maze, interactive light displays, light tunnels, a twinkling star walk-through experience, a Holiday Dolphin Show, Santa visits on select nights and a holiday market. $20.95-$34.95. brookfieldzoo.org/HolidayMagic.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18-19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21; and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 23-24, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Charles Dickens’ tale of redemption, generosity and hope. $20-$49. metropolisarts.com.

Friday, Dec. 19

“A Holly Jolly Christmas”: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Zach Stevenson channels the rockabilly spirit of Buddy Holly in a concert featuring classic holiday tunes, golden oldies and The Lovettes. $55-$60. prairiecenter.org.

Santa’s Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru: 5-9 p.m. Fridays through Tuesdays, Dec. 19-30, at 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee. See the light displays synchronized to holiday music from your car. Visit with Santa at the end. $29.99 per vehicle, $5 discount for season-pass holders. (847) 426-6751 or santasvillagedundee.com.

Engage Dance Theatre’s “Nutcracker”: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 (sensory-friendly) and noon and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $20-$32. rauecenter.org

Family Gingerbread House Decorating: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Build and decorate a gingerbread house. Materials provided. $36 per family; $26 for historical society members. ahpd.org/event/family-gingerbread-house-decorating

“Let It Snow” Showcase: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the McHenry County College Planetarium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Animated show featuring seasonal music by Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Burl Ives, Brenda Lee and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. $17.85, $12.51 for MCC students. Register: mchenry.edu/events

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Millennium Park, Wrigley Square, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Free. chicago.gov.

Ballet Chicago’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 1 and 5 p.m. (sensory-friendly) Sunday, Dec. 21, at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. harristheaterchicago.org.

The Chicago Sinfonietta will perform “Holidays of Hope” Friday, Dec. 19, at North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville. | Courtesy of Chicago Sinfonietta

Chicago Sinfonietta’s “Holidays of Hope”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St., Hyde Park, Chicago. Conducted by Kedrick Armstrong, Chicago Sinfonietta performs Duke Ellington’s swinging take on “The Nutcracker,” transforming Tchaikovsky’s classic into a big-band celebration, along with a global program featuring a Hanukkah symphony, a piece with Latin American flair, favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and a sing-along. Before the concert, sip hot cocoa and craft a luminaria. $20-$70. chicagosinfonietta.org/holidays-of-hope.

Judith Svalander Ballet School’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $25-$51. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Lifeline Theater, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Tom Mula’s production is staged as a one-man show through the eyes of the shackled Jacob Marley, as performed by Phil Timberlake. $30-$55. lifelinetheatre.com.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Breakfast With Santa: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Dine on breakfast in Rock ‘N Ravioli in the lobby before entering the theater to visit Santa. Plus, festive music and meet holiday characters. Each child will receive a gift. $40 for 12 and older and $30 for kids 2-11. Register: oshows.com.

Happy Holiday Railway: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Take a 40-minute train ride through the countryside with Santa featuring an animated light show and holiday songs. Treats and hot chocolate will be served. Quiet car #7658 will feature traditional lights and decorations. Also, see the holiday lights throughout the campus, including the animated snowplow display and holiday light tour in Barn 6, available for viewing day or night. Rides on historic Chicago streetcars included. Trips at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes before. $25. Tickets: irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway.

“The Christmas Star” Showcase: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the McHenry County College Planetarium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Discussion of potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions. $17.85, $12.51 MCC students. Register: mchenry.edu/events

Randall Oaks Zoo Winterfest: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Holiday lights, community-decorated trees, Santa visits, bonfire and visit the animals in the new World of Wonders heated animal building. $6, free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/winterfest.

Suzuki Ensembles — Chamber Concert: 12:45-1:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Armerding Center Recital Hall, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton. Performances by string students in the Community School of the Arts. Free. wheaton.edu.

Elise Flagg Academy of Dance’s “The Nutcracker”: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, in the Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $47. eccartscenter.org

Presto! Holiday Concert: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Schaumburg’s youth orchestra is joined by the ensembles of the Schaumburg Choral Program in a concert of seasonal music. $25-$35. prairiecenter.org

Skate with Santa: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. $7, $4 skate rental. nbparks.org

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Nederlander Theatre Chicago, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series. Tickets start at $55.35. theatreinchicago.com.

Illinois Brass Band’s “Holiday Classics”: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Traditional carols, holiday fanfares, classics and jazzy updates of Christmas favorites. $15; $5 for kids 18 and younger; $35 per family of two adults and up to four kids. illinoisbrassband.org.

A Motown Christmas: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Salutes to Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Four Tops and The Supremes. $46.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Home for the Holidays | Courtesy Barrington Shite House

Home for the Holidays: Nancie Tobison, BHS Alumni & Friends: 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Hosted by former Barrington High School Choir Director Nancie Tobison, this event brings together BHS alumni and friends to share their journeys and perform seasonal classics. $33.85; free for youths 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Illinois Brass Band’s “Holiday Classics”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. A family holiday performance. $15; $5 kids; $35 per family. illinoisbrassband.org.

“Messiah” Sing Along: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Join Northwest Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Tim Semanik, and soloists for Handel’s “Messiah.” Free. firstpresah.org

Bagpipes & Bonfire on the Winter Solstice: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Peck Farm Park’s picnic shelter, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Part of the monthlong Winter Wonder Lights. Bagpipes play traditional music by a winter bonfire. Kids must be accompanied by a registered adult. Kids $5-$7, adults $10-$15. Register: genevaparks.org

Monday, Dec. 22

Greatworks Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Ebb Scrooge is a modern American businessman, a cold fish with a cold heart and no great love for Christmas, until one fateful Christmas Eve when his past, present and future come calling. Doors open at 6 p.m. $10 general admission. arcadalive.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Acoustic duo Ryanhood will perform a tribute to the late Ed Hall’s legacy of bringing together guitarists to share joyful arrangements and festive favorites on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at the Woodstock Opera House. | Courtesy of Ryanhood Press

“A Winter’s Eve with Ryanhood”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. A holiday tradition returns in honor of Ed Hall with acoustic duo Ryanhood. $30-$40. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Skate with Santa: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Centennial Ice Rink, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette. Skate with Santa, plus cocoa and candy canes. $9 for adults, $8 for students, $5 with a nonperishable food donation to Wilmette Food Pantry, $4 for kids 5 and younger or free with donation; $5 skate rental. wilmettepark.org

Mrs. Claus Storytime: Virtually at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. Mrs. Claus reads one hour of happy stories filled with fun, adventure and light conversation via Zoom. $53 for up to 10 people in one household. sites.google.com/view/mrsclausstorytime/home.

Thursday, Dec. 25

Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25, City Cruises at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Features a plated meal, seasonal cocktails, views of Chicago’s iconic landmarks, a DJ playing holiday music and more. Tickets start at $119. navypier.org

Ongoing

McHenry Festival of Trees: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 28 at McHenry City Hall, 333 S. Green St., McHenry, and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 28 at McHenry Rec Center, 3716 Municipal Drive, McHenry. See decorated trees sponsored by local businesses and civic organizations. Vote for a favorite tree with a donation of canned nonperishable food or toiletries for Veteran’s Path to Hope. facebook.com/mchenryareachamber

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 30, except 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 24, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Closed on Dec. 25. Thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery and hot chocolate for sale. Proceeds benefit Cosley Zoo. Free. Lights turn on at 3 p.m. cosleyzoo.org/festival-of-lights-tree-sale.

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 5 at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The museum’s annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. Museum admission: adults $25.95; kids 3-11 $14.95; and free for members. griffinmsi.org

“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. and noon Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. Tuesdays, through Dec. 27; plus 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Set in Victorian-era London, see Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirited ghosts that visit him one fateful Christmas Eve. Presented by Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences. $42-$62. drurylanetheatre.com.

The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights runs through Jan. 3 in Lisle. | Courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights: Time slots between 4:30 and 8 p.m. through Jan. 3 at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy a hot seasonal beverage from the concession tents along the trail. Electric Illumination for 21 and older from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. The exhibition is closed select Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24-25. Tickets start at $20. mortonarb.org.

Lightscape: 4:30-9:15 p.m. select dates through Jan. 4 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take a nighttime stroll through illuminated displays. Adults: $26 for members, $29 for nonmembers; kids 3-12: $14 members, $16 nonmembers; free for kids 2 and younger. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.

ZooLights: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. select dates through Jan. 4 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Features more than 3 million lights, including hundreds of luminous LED displays and festive experiences. $7-$12; free on select Mondays. lpzoo.org/event/zoolights

Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 21-23; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24; 4-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 28-30; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1; plus 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, Monday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 25. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/calendar/.

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and days through Dec. 31 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story. Tickets start at $34. goodmantheatre.org.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”: Various times most Wednesdays through Sundays and some Tuesdays through Jan. 4 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Christmas musical in which Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together to celebrate the holidays at Sun Records studio. Tickets start at $70. marriotttheatre.com

Find more here.

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

Cook County property taxes funding pensions more than service

December 18, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Cook County homeowners face rising property taxes. Three-fourths of that money is going to police and fire pensions instead of services.

By LyLena Estabine | Illinois Policy Institute 

Property tax bills (were) due Dec. 15th, and Cook County homeowners are facing tax bills that have grown 16%.

With more money being collected, it makes sense residents would expect better services from the public safety institutions funded by their tax dollars, such as police and fire departments. But Illinois Department of Revenue data from 2023 shows 74% of the money for these entities is going to fund pensions, with little left for public safety.

Cook County weighed down by police, fire pensions

Municipal police and fire department property tax levies for Cook County, 1996-2023, adjusted for inflation and excluding Chicago

Since 1996, the amount of money municipalities in Cook County outside of Chicago have levied to keep up with police and fire pensions has grown nearly five times. The amount levied to keep up services has not even doubled.

Police and firemen receive generous pensions, and rightly so given the dangerous nature of their work. When those benefits become overpromised – as they have become in Illinois – they undermine retirement security and reduce the amount of money available for service.

More here.

Posted in BCFPD, Cook, County, Illinois Policy Institute, Jewel-Osco, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Springfield, Taxes, Unions | 1 Comment »

Illinois TOPS NATION for public sector union political spending

December 17, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Scott Stantis / For the Chicago Tribune

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor

Commonwealth Foundation Labor and Policy Senior Director David Osborne says Chicago’s growing reputation as the place where public sector unions flex plenty of political muscle is more than well deserved.

Osborne points to a new Commonwealth Foundation report highlighting how public sector unions across Illinois spent nearly $30 million on state races over the 2023-24 election cycle, or far more than what union officials in any other state dedicated to such causes.

At $5.5 million, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson tops the State Government Union Pac Money List of those most benefiting from government employment unions support. In addition to Johnson, at least six other state lawmakers land on the list’s Top 20, lead by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, at No. 2 and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, at No. 4.

“In the state of Illinois, political spending is bigger than in any other state,” Osborne told The Center Square. “Unions seem very focused on who gets elected to be the mayor of Chicago and governor of the state. What you’ve got really is a downward spiral in Illinois where the kinds of unions that have gotten so powerful have really done it at the expense of taxpayers and then they’re pouring more money into getting the right kind of people elected for them.”

With researchers adding that almost 96% of all donations for Illinois-level candidates went to Democrats, Osborne said it’s past time someone address the imbalance.

“Public sector unions, they’re not often talked about as the cause of problems,” he said. “We often look to high taxes, bigger government, economic policies, but really what’s driving states and cities to enact policies that are harmful to individuals, that raise taxes, that grow the size of government beyond its purpose are public sector unions.

Read more here.

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, BOHICA, Cook, County, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Fools and their money, Illinois Federation of Teachers, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Pension Funding, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Road construction, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Atlas Van Lines: Illinois exodus continues, but slows in 2025

December 17, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

More people still moved out of Illinois than moved in during 2025, but the gap was smaller than it’s been for the past 16 years, according to Atlas Van Lines.

By Patrick Andriesen | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois’ outbound migration crisis slowed after 16 years of losses, with new data from Atlas Van Lines showing a smaller gap between moves in and moves out of the state in 2025 than in any year since 2008.

While the Atlas report was an improvement, other moving companies reported bleaker results.

The new Atlas report found 54% of the company’s clients moved out of Illinois during 2025 while 46% moved into Illinois. The company considered that gap to be statistically even, but said a big factor behind the ratio could be “overall mobility remains low today, primarily due to affordability constraints such as the high cost of home ownership and limited inventory.”

Previous Atlas studies found Illinois lost residents every year between 2009 and 2024, with the trend peaking at 63% of movers leaving in 2023. The company has tracked client relocations every year dating back to at least 1993.

Other moving companies also produce similar surveys that show Illinois as a place to leave. Allied Van Lines shows a 58% outbound rate for 2025, ranking Illinois No. 1 for losing people. United Van Lines data is reported in January, and it last reported 60% of its moves in 2024 were out of Illinois, ranking No. 2 in the nation.

Atlas reported the U.S. states with the highest rates of individuals moving in were Arkansas followed by Idaho. Louisiana saw the highest rate of people leaving, followed by West Virginia.

Read more here.

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Cost of Living, Ethics, Illinois Policy Institute, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Hills 5-bedroom French Country-inspired home: $2.5M

December 17, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

This five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home in Barrington Hills recently went on the market for almost $2.5 million. | Paulina Angelaccio Photography

By Lauryn Azu | Chicago Tribune

Address: 166 Buckley Road, Barrington Hills
Listed: Nov. 7, 2025
Price: $2,495,000
Listing agent: John Morrison, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, 847-409-0297

This five-bedroom French Country-inspired home has five full bathrooms, two half-baths, designer lighting and custom millwork throughout. Out front is a circular drive, and a two-story foyer inside leads to a great room with high ceilings, a gas fireplace and a balcony. The hexagon-shaped dining room has a wood plank ceiling and views of Flint Creek. In the kitchen are custom cabinets, marble counters, an island and a walk-in pantry. The adjacent breakfast room has heated floors and opens to an outdoor deck. On the main level is the primary suite with a spa bathroom, dual walk-in closets, an office space and a screened porch. Another bedroom on the main level is en suite with a private deck. A mudroom with a service entrance and two more bathrooms round out the main level. On the second floor is a balcony overlooking the great room, two bedrooms and another office space with a skylight, plus a rear staircase leading to an in-law suite with a full heated bathroom. The lower level features a recreation room with a fireplace, wet bar, and exercise and game room. This home is completed by direct access to equestrian trails and a three-car heated garage.

Barrington Hills 5-bedroom French Country-inspired home: Living room

This five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home in Barrington Hills recently went on the market for almost $2.5 million. | Paulina Angelaccio Photography

Barrington Hills 5-bedroom French Country-inspired home: Great room

This five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home in Barrington Hills recently went on the market for almost $2.5 million. | Paulina Angelaccio Photography

More here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Real Estate | Leave a Comment »

“The Architects of AI Are TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year” – Time Magazine

December 16, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Image credit: Scott Stantis / Copyright 2025 Tribune Content Agency

Read the Time article here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Education, Time Magazine, WTF | Leave a Comment »

District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

December 16, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • Consideration to open the PUBLIC HEARING concerning the intent of the Board of Education to sell not to exceed $5,400,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the District’s Working Cash Fund.
  • Public Comment – Working Cash Fund Bonds
  • FOIA Requests (13) Report
  • Finance Reports
  • Personnel Report
  • Action on Suspension Appeal for Student A
  • Consideration to Approve Tax Levy
  • Consideration to Approve Summer School Fees

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Related: “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “School district’s parking plan defies logic,” “Zoning change defies village policy,” “District 220 Public Hearing December 16th re: ‘proposal to sell bonds of the District in an amount not to exceed $5,400,000’,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “Erin Chan Ding: The violations just keep piling up…,” “Erin Chan Ding starring in another episode of, ‘Rules For Thee But NOT For Me…’,”  “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

Posted in 220, Agendas, BACOG, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Clown Car, Cost of Living, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, FOIA, Illinois Federation of Teachers, League of Women Voters, Open Meetings Act, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

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