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Forest Preserve District of Cook County invites 2026 photo contest submissions

August 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Orland Grassland by Jason Sokol

The 2026 Photo Contest is underway where winning photographers will have their images featured in the 2027 Forest Preserves calendar.

Winners will receive 10 copies of the calendar plus a prize package filled with Forest Preserves experiences, including tickets to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden and GoApe Zipline & Adventure Park, a free cabin stay, canoe and kayak rentals, a round of golf and more!

Up to 24 runners-up may also be featured on our website, social media and in the Forest Way newsletter throughout the year.

Already have a favorite photo from the Forest Preserves? Submit it before August 16!

Contest rules & submission info: fpdcc.com/photocontest

Posted in Contests, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm | Leave a Comment »

PJM’s big new data center plan: Make the states figure it out

August 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A data center owned by Amazon Web Services, front right, is under construction next to the Susquahanna nuclear power plan in Berwick, PA on Jan. 14, 2025. | AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey

By Jeff St. John and Canary Media | Capitol News Illinois

PJM Interconnection, the biggest grid operator in the U.S., has finally settled on a plan to prevent data centers from causing other customers’ utility bills to soar further in its 13-state territory.

That plan relies heavily on states themselves, and the utilities they regulate, to force data centers to secure their own power supplies — or face the possibility of getting their power cut off during grid emergencies.

Last week, PJM’s board of managers sent proposals along these lines to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which must grant the grid operator permission before it can implement the new plan for its system, which serves about 67 million people from Virginia to Illinois. The multipart plan is PJM’s attempt to quiet down months of mounting pressure from state governors and the Trump administration to contain skyrocketing costs while staying within its regulatory limits.

“Historically, PJM has been very nervous to step into what it considered — or what are legally — the states’ rights,” said Julia Hoos, who leads coverage of Eastern U.S. power markets for Aurora Energy Research. But with its new proposals, PJM is “making a definitive request to the states to accomplish what it needs.”

PJM forecasts that data centers and other “large loads” will add 30 gigawatts to 34 gigawatts of new demand by the early 2030s and as much as 70 GW by 2038. Building enough new energy resources to meet that demand would push enormous costs onto utility customers.

State lawmakers and environmental and consumer advocates have been demanding that PJM instead require that new data centers get cut off from the grid when electricity demand is especially high, unless those facilities can pay for and build the resources required to keep them online.

But states, not PJM, are in charge of deciding which customers can connect to the grids operated by state-regulated utilities. That constraint played a role in PJM backing off last year’s proposal to create a “non-capacity-backed load” program to force new large loads to submit to being cut off during grid emergencies. Data center industry groups and other stakeholders warned that the plan could face legal challenges.

PJM’s new proposal, dubbed the Interim Resource Adequacy Service, or IRAS, largely re-creates that structure, only with states and utilities as the primary responsible parties, said Tom Rutigliano, senior advocate for climate and energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council. In that sense, “it’s almost like they got to not too far off from where they started,” he said.

Article continues here.

Posted in AI, Capitol News Illinois, Data Center, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Politics, Property Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Route 59 to close in North Barrington next week for a month (ish)

August 8, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURE
GHO STORMWATER DRAINAGE PROJECT 

ROADWAY CLOSURE:    IL Rte. 59 from Cuba Road to IL Rte. 22 (northbound & southbound).

CLOSURE DATES: August 13, 2026 through September 15, 2026

The Village of North Barrington wants to advise motorists that IL Rte. 59 will be closed for thirty-four (34) days from Cuba Road to IL Rte. 22 from Thursday, August 13th through Tuesday, September 15th.

The closure is necessary to replace the large box culvert under the highway and is part of the GHO stormwater drainage project currently underway by the Village of North Barrington.

DETOUR ROUTE:  Rte. 59 to Cuba Rd. to Ela Rd. to IL Rte. 12 to IL Rte. 22.

Motorists should allow extra travel time, use caution near the work zone, and follow the posted detour signage.

The Village of North Barrington appreciates everyone’s patience while we work to improve the safety for the motorists.

See press release here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Press Release, Road construction, School Districts, Taxes, Traffic, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Record Number for a Historic Year, and We Couldn’t Have Done It Without You!

August 8, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Cuba Township Supervisor Chris Karam, Land We Love Run organizer Colleen Konicek and Brian Cecola present a record-breaking $22,006.99 donation to Bill Schey (second from left), who accepted the check on behalf of Folds of Honor Chicago.

“America celebrated its 250th birthday this year, and in honor of that celebration, the Land We Love Run was fondly renamed Land We Love Run America250, hosted by the Village of Barrington Hills and Cuba Township.  This year’s 5K/10K or 2-Mile Walk charity event continued its annual tradition of raising funds benefiting Folds of Honor-Chicago and collecting much-needed wish-list items for the Cuba Township Food Pantry.

The celebratory morning kicked off with Barrington Hills’ own Ron Hawking, a Grammy-nominated, award-winning entertainer, delivering a patriotic performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem. Anyone who heard it couldn’t help but feel inspired and proud.

Thanks to the generosity of our runners, sponsors, donors, and volunteers, this milestone event raised a record-breaking $22,006.99 for Folds of Honor—the greatest amount raised in this event’s history!

With these funds, Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization, will be awarding life-changing educational scholarships to the families of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

Additionally, the Cuba Township Food Pantry received an amazing 100+ pounds of much-needed wish-list pantry items to stock their shelves for our area food-insecure residents.

This year’s charity event welcomed 138 registrants from near and far. Among them was experienced marathon runner and first-time Land We Love Run participant, Uncha Kim, who placed 3rd in her 10K category.

‘It has a lot of hills; I wasn’t expecting that,’ Uncha said with a laugh. ‘I know now for next year.’

The air was filled with excitement as runners competed for first, second, and third place medals across eight age categories in both the 5K and 10K races. Additional awards recognized Best Costume and Most Food Pantry Donations, with the latter presented to 52nd District State Representative Martin McLaughlin for his outstanding support of the food drive. To view the race results, follow the link: Land We Love America250 Race Results.

While many participants challenged themselves in the 5K or 10K races, others enjoyed the 2-Mile Walk at a more leisurely pace.  The Land We Love Run isn’t just about the ‘race’ but about a community coming together.  Walkers of all ages participated: friends walked side by side, families pushed strollers, and even some four-legged companions joined the walk!

Together with Cuba Township, we thank every runner, sponsor, donor, volunteer, and supporter for making this year’s event our most successful yet!

We especially want to extend our sincerest appreciation to the Konicek Family for their invaluable partnership in organizing the Land We Love Run since its inception. Their extraordinary spirit of service, generosity, and dedication to giving back to the community serves as an inspiration to us all, and we are truly grateful for all they do!

We look forward to setting new records, creating new memories, and welcoming you back to next year’s Land We Love Run on July 3, 2027!”

Source: Village of Barrington Hills website posting

Posted in Contests, Cuba Township, Fundraisers, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Resident Spotlights, The Land We Love Run, VBHPD | Leave a Comment »

Proposed East Dundee annexation deal would allow future data center

August 7, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Gloria Casas | The Courier-News/Chicago Tribune/Daily Herald

A proposed agreement under which 74 acres of property would be annexed into East Dundee includes a provision that would allow a data center to be among its future development options.

Plote Properties has no immediate plans to build on the site, located west of Beverly Road and south of Route 72, officials said. The annexation agreement is “still in negotiations,” Village President Dan Pearson said.

The land is part of a larger 253-acre parcel owned by East Dundee-based Plote, a portion of which was annexed into the village in January 2025 and zoned for manufacturing so that Plote could continue its mining operations and have space for truck parking.

Under the proposed annexation agreement, the village would agree to create a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the area.

The agreement for the eastern portion of the land is similar to the one for the western portion approved in 2025 — with a few additional provisions, Assistant Village Attorney Stew Weiss said at a public hearing for the deal held as part of a recent village board meeting.

One provision would require the village to provide financial incentives for the development of the full 253 acres, Weiss said. A “qualifying development,” or any development of 100,000 square feet or larger, could receive a 25% reimbursement for TIF-eligible expenses, an electricity tax rebate of 25% and an electricity tax freeze for a 20-year term, according to the agreement under discussion.

The agreement will detail the scope and nature of the proposed development incentives, lay out how a “qualifying development” is defined, and establish development performance standards for future uses, including data centers.

The proposed M-1 zoning designation would allow for several permitted “future uses” and “would require no additional zoning relief” if Plote wants to use it for a data center, electrical substation, accessory use facility or high-voltage transmission line at a height of 300 feet. Data centers are allowed in M-1 districts.

Read more here.

Posted in AI, Data Center, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, News Media, Real Estate | Leave a Comment »

PUBLIC NOTICE: Election for Park District (Riding Club) Commissioner-Candidate Filing Information

August 7, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

PUBLIC NOTICE

Consolidated Election to be held April 6, 2027

To The Residents of The Barrington Hills Park District Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties, Illinois

Elections will be held to fill the following office:  Park District Commissioner

Number of positions: Three (3)  

All positions are for a four-year term

The candidate services provided here will assist prospective candidates locate the information and forms required to run for office.

Information contained within this section is for informational purposes only. Candidates are advised to seek appropriate legal counsel for any campaign issues. 

Candidates must file their certificates of nomination with the Barrington Hills Park District designated representative.

Petition Circulation Period: August 25, 2026 – November 23, 2026. Petitions may NOT be circulated prior to August 25, 2026

The filing of nomination petitions will be accepted at 361 Bateman Road, Barrington Hills IL 60010, in the Riding Center’s Meeting Room, November 16, 2026 through Monday November 23, 2026.  Office Hours will be posted here and on the online calendar.

Petitions may be filed in person by the candidate, a representative, or by mail to: Barrington Hills Park District, 364 Bateman Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010. Nomination papers received in the mail before the first day of filing period will be returned to the sender as not filed.

Candidate’s Guide

Petition Documents:

Nonpartisan Petition Form (Petitions may NOT be circulated prior to August 25, 2026)
Statement of Candidacy: Nonpartisan
Loyalty Oath (optional):
Statement of Economic Interests: Filed with the Cook County Clerk. See page 22 in the Candidate’s Guide regarding filing the receipt.
Fair Campaign Practices Act (voluntary): Filed with the State Board of Elections.,

Source

 

Posted in Animal Welfare, Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Big Red, Clown Car, Commercial Horse Boarding, Cook, Countryside Elementary School, County, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Don't Change Barrington Hills, Elections, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Goat Rodeo, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Illinois State Board of Elections, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lake, Land Use, Look For The Union Label, Massbach Hounds, McHenry, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Save 5 Acres, SOS Party, Taxes, The Other Half, Unions, Your Barrington Hills | Leave a Comment »

Things to do Aug. 7-13: McHenry County Fair, Smoke & Irons Music Fest, Warrenville Summer Daze and more

August 7, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Aug. 7

McHenry County Fair: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock. Nearly 100 acres of animals, food, music and entertainment. Single day $10/$5; $30 season pass. mchenrycountyfair.com/tickets.

Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, spices, honey, cheese, eggs, meats and more. With live music, pop-up events, kids’ activities and more. Free. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.

Jamboree Days: 4:30-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Live music, local food trucks, vendors and family-friendly activities. Music lineup: Friday: Scuba-Kin at 4:30 p.m., Mike Wheeler Band at 5:30 p.m., The Outfit at 7:30 p.m., and Buckcherry at 9 p.m.; and Saturday: Sparks Fly: The Taylor Swift Experience at 2 p.m., Lewzinit (rock and pop with a twist of blues) at 4:30 p.m., The Buckinghams at 6:30 p.m., and The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik at 8 p.m.

Smoke & Irons Music Fest: 4-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Apple Orchard Community Park, 620 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett. Live music, food trucks, beer tasting, craft show, bags tournament and more. Music lineup: Friday: Eli Howard & The Greater Good at 4 p.m., The Filthy Heathens at 5:30 p.m., Sam Morrow at 7 p.m. and Rob Leines at 9 p.m.; and Saturday: Evan Stock Band at 1 p.m., Matt Keen at 2:30 p.m., Andy Thomas at 4 p.m., Jive Mother Mary at 5:30 p.m., Ben Chapman at 7 p.m. and The Band Feel at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit Ignite the Courage, a nonprofit charity created and run by Bartlett firefighters. Admission for 21 and older is $10; free for 20 and younger. ignitethecourage.org/musicfest

Robbie Fulks will appear with Griffin William Sherry Friday, Aug. 7, at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. | Raue Center for the Arts

Robbie Fulks & Griffin William Sherry Showcase: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. American roots music. $22.40-$36. rauecenter.org

Windy City Comedy Fest: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7-9, at various locations in Chicago. Shows, clinics with industry professionals, and networking events for comedians and fans. Scheduled performers include Shane Torres, Em Brown, Bob Keen, Joey Reilly and more. Tickets vary. windycitycomedyfest.com.

Saturday, Aug. 8

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. Free. eastdundee.net

Fox Lake Cardboard Boat Race: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 8, at Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake. Build a cardboard boat to race against others. Prizes for fastest, fastest sinking and best design. $15 boat registration only, $30 registration and kit. foxlake.org.

Uncaged in the Zoo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Lords Park Zoo, off Grand Boulevard, Elgin. See live animals up close with Incredible Bats! Animals Around The World. Free. elginil.gov.

AREA 22 Arts, Crafts & Oddities Fair: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, on Riverside Drive in downtown Elgin. Presented by Side Street Studio Arts, this outdoor art fair showcases fine art, handmade goods and eclectic “oddities” from regional artists, live art and sculpture demonstrations, music and entertainment, and food and drink vendors. Family-friendly and pet-friendly. Free admission and parking. Rain or shine. sidestreetstudioarts.org/area22.

Irish Fest: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Dance performances by the Hogan Irish Dancers, bagpiping, live music with Galway Gals and The Messengers, food and beverages for purchase, a Wee Ones Fun Zone and more. Free. ahpd.org/event/irish-fest.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks set to music. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Aug. 9

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Hoffman Estates Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, in the parking lot of Vistex, off Barrington Road and Route 72, Hoffman Estates. Local vendors selling home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more. Rain or shine. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

See cultural performances during the International Festival in Wheeling’s Heritage Park Performance Pavilion Sunday, Aug. 9. | Rick West/Daily Herald

International Festival: 1-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Live performances, activities and ethnic foods. Meet local organizations that support diverse populations. Free. wheelinginternationalfestival.com.

Monday, Aug. 10

Motor Monday Cruise Night: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, Aug. 10, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Cars and trucks of various makes and models. In partnership with the Midwest Racing Preservation Association. Free. eastdundee.net.

Tuesday, Aug. 11

Adventures in the Zoo: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Lords Park Zoo, 207 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Program theme is Extirpated Illinois. Free. elginil.gov.

Wednesday, Aug. 12

Celebrate Highwood’s Garlic Fest offers an array of garlic delicacies Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Everts Park in Highwood. | Celebrate Highwood

Garlic Fest: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. Live music, family-friendly activities, and sweet and savory garlic creations, including garlic-infused chocolate, cookies, ice cream, cupcakes, cocktails, pastas, sandwiches, sauces, spreads and more. Free. celebratehighwood.org/garlic-fest.

Highwood Evening Gourmet Market: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. Over 60 vendors and A Tribute to Old Blue Eyes performs from 6-9 p.m. Free. celebratehighwood.org.

Wine Down Wednesdays: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Live music by Billy Elton, drinks and food. Free. eastdundee.net.

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Mike & Joe will perform. Free. shopthearb.com.

Thursday, Aug. 13

69th annual Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 13-16, at the Taylor Marshall Farm, 27707 Lukens Road, off Plank Road, Sycamore. Hosted by the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club. All of the engines whistle at noon. Parade at 1:30 p.m. daily. See steam engines, gas engines, antique car display, World War II display, lawn and garden tractor display, windmills, and demos on threshing/baling, corn shelling and flour mills. Also, fresh produce, flea market, FFA zoo, live music and Fay’s BBQ. $10, $5 for seniors on Thursday, and free for kids younger than 12. sycamoresteamshow.com.

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the BMO Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington. Local vendors, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

Taylor Street Little Italy Festa: 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 13-14, on Taylor Street between Ashland Avenue and Throop Street, Chicago. Celebration of local Italian culture with food, stages of continuous family entertainment, merchandise from Italy and colorful cultural attractions. Free. arcadalive.com.

Long Grove Music in the Park: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, in Covered Bridge Park, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Rachel Faul will perform. Free. longgrove.org.

Summer Concerts at Phil’s Beach: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Phil’s Beach, 328 N. Main St., Wauconda. Better With Bacon will perform. Free. waucondaparks.com.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Motown Nation will perform. Free. vah.com/explore/sounds_of_summer_concerts.php.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Second Hand News will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

Ongoing

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.

Morton Arboretum walking play: 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Aug. 16, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Suitable for all ages, with some crass humor and romantic situations. $27 for 18 and older, $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/walking-plays.

Find much more here.

Posted in Economy, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

This ‘Wicked Cool’ Half-Female, Half-Male Bird Landed in Suburban Chicago — Offering a Rare Glimpse Into One of Nature’s Strangest Phenomena

August 6, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A composite image of the bobolink nicknamed Black and Tan, showing its male and female sides split down the middle. | Luke Dahlberg / Citizens for Conservation

By Patty Wetli  | WTTW News

Back in early spring, Luke Dahlberg, conservation seed program manager with the nonprofit Citizens for Conservation, was spending his Sunday at the office.

His “office,” to be fair, is the 200-plus acre Hill ‘N Dale nature preserve near Barrington Hills, and Dahlberg wanted to take advantage of the lighting to photograph birds, specifically male bobolinks arriving on their breeding grounds after wintering in the pampas of South America.

“That’s when they’re just singing like crazy, they’re showing themselves,” Dahlberg said. “And usually the female bobolinks will come back a couple weeks afterwards.”

After snapping pictures of every bobolink in sight, Dahlberg went home and began scrolling through his camera roll. One bird stood out.

Male bobolinks, as with many bird species, have far more striking breeding plumage than their female counterparts. Dahlberg described the fellas’ white back and black undersides as looking like a tuxedo worn backwards, with a blonde patch on their heads lending a Dennis Rodman-circa-mid-‘90s vibe.

The bird in question didn’t quite fit the profile.

“It turned its face and it was in non-breeding plumage,” Dahlberg said, which struck him as odd but he chalked it up to a strange molt pattern.

A couple weeks later, Dahlberg pointed out this same unusual bobolink to some visitors from Illinois Audubon Society and that’s when he learned he had stumbled onto something extraordinary.

The bobolink was what’s called a bilateral gynandromorph — half female, half male, split down the middle — as the result of a genetic anomaly.

On its right side, the bird presented as male; on its left, it sported the duller plumage of a bobolink female.

“I had a better chance of photographing a unicorn,” Dahlberg said. “It’s extremely rare in nature.”

So rare that Abigail Derby Lewis, executive director of Citizens for Conservation, reached out to former colleagues at the Field Museum to confirm the ID.

“I’ve never seen one of these gynandromorphs in real life and so I was thrilled. I would definitely say the vast majority of birders will never see a gynandromorph in their life,” said Cameron Rutt, ornithologist and conservation ecologist at the Field. “Your chances of running into one, by yourself, in the wild are vanishingly slim.”

A 100% female bobolink on the left and a 100% male bobolink on the right. | hstiver / iStock; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Of the approximately 11,000 species of birds on the planet, only 45 are mentioned in the scientific literature as exhibiting gynandromorphism, totaling fewer than 100 individuals, according to Rutt.

The bird at Hill ‘N Dale is the first-ever record of a bobolink gynandromorph.

Read on here.

Posted in Citizens for Conservation, Hill ‘n Dale Farm, WTTW News | Leave a Comment »

South Barrington police nab 36 drivers for speeding

August 6, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Daily Herald report

The South Barrington Police Department’s July traffic safety enforcement campaign resulted in 36 speeding tickets, police announced Wednesday.

Additionally, three people were ticketed for not properly wearing seat belts, one was ticketed for driving with a suspended or revoked license and one was ticketed for distracted driving. One person was arrested on a warrant, too.

Departments across Illinois staged similar safety campaigns last month.

Posted in Public Safety, South Barrington | Leave a Comment »

CUSD 220 Tentative Fiscal 2026/27 Budget Public Hearing September 1st

August 6, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of Barrington Community Unit School District 220, in the County of Lake, State of Illinois, that a Tentative Budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, will be on file and “conveniently available” for public inspection at the Administrative Offices located at 515 West Main Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010, beginning August 1, 2026.

NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on said Budget will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the 1st day of September, 2026, at the Administrative Offices, 515 West Main Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010.

Dated this 1st day of August, 2026.
Board of Education
Barrington Community Unit School District 220
County of Lake, State of Illinois
Diana Clopton
Secretary
Board of Education

Related: “District 220 board members violated campaign policies, investigation finds,” “Proposed Policy Change Would Strip Anonymous Formal Grievances in Barrington District 220,” “Reminder: CUSD 220 Board of Education meeting tonight,” “CUSD 220 Board delivers second (slappier) slap on the wrist to member Erin Chan Ding,” “CUSD 220 Board of Education public comments we applaud,” “Special District 220 Board of Education meeting Monday,” “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “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,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency” and “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’“

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

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