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Things to do Sept. 18-24: Pepper Road Fall Fest, West Dundee Heritage Fest, Mundelein Arts Festival and more

September 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 18

Riot Fest: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20, at Douglass Park, West Ogden Avenue and South Sacramento Drive, Chicago. Punk, rock and alternative. Friday: Twenty One Pilots, Iggy Pop, Rise Against and Pixies. Saturday: Tool, Morrisey, Social Distortion and NAS. Sunday: Pierce The Veil, Alanis Morissette, Elvis Costello & The Imposters and The Format. General admission starts at $115 for one day, $230 for two days, $340 for three days. riotfest.org.

Huck Finn Fishing Derby: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Reiner Park, 1101 N. Green Knolls Drive, Buffalo Grove. Fishing derby for kids 2-14. Awards and raffle prizes. Registration: $8-$10. bgparks.org

Old Town Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1360 N. Wells St., Chicago. Classic German beer, bratwursts, stein-holding contests, traditional German bands and more. $10. chicagoevents.com

Rotary Club of Palatine Oktoberfest: 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 18; noon to midnight Saturday, Sept. 19; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, on Smith and Slade streets, Palatine. German music, food, beverages, family activities and more. Free. palatinerotary.org/oktoberfest.

“Aged to Perfection” winetasting benefit: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Elgin Community College Spartan Terrace Restaurant, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. A curated selection of wines paired with bites crafted by students and faculty from the ECC Culinary Arts Program. Seating is limited. Sponsored by the ECC Foundation and the Homecoming Alumni Committee. $75. tickets.eccartscenter.org

See a variety of makes and models during the car show at Heritage Fest in West Dundee, running Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20. | Rick West/Daily Herald

Heritage Fest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, in downtown West Dundee. Live music, business expo, arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and a car show from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dundee Lions host a 5K and 1.75-mile walk at 8 a.m. Saturday. Community breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. Sunday. Entertainment lineup: Friday: Bad Motor Scooterr (Sammy Hagar tribute band) at 6 p.m. and All American Throwbacks at 9 p.m.; Saturday: School of Irish Dance at 11 a.m., Crossover at noon, Bishop Super Band (hits from Dundee Middle School staff, students and friends of the late Matt Bishop) at 1:30 p.m., Eric Case Band at 4:30 p.m., Sixes & Sevens (rock and country) at 6:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Starlites at 8 a.m. in the tent, Guy Meets Girl at 10:30 a.m., The Gaffes at noon, Controlled Burn (folk rock band from West Dundee) at 1:30 p.m. and The Lenny’s at 3 p.m. Free. wdundeeheritagefest.org.

Monster Jam: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. World champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks compete in competitions of speed and skill. Pit Party from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday; passes required. Tickets start at $29.65. monsterjam.com

An Evening With Kevin Smith: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Filmmaker, actor, author and podcaster Kevin Smith hosts a live question-and-answer show. $26-$57.50. (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org/tickets.

“The Lightning Thief”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s first book in the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and featuring an original rock score. Presented by Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company. $16-$18. eccartscenter.org

Teachers’ Lounge Comedy: 8-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Professional stand-up comics turned teachers share their unique experiences, anecdotes and frustrations about school life. $44-$54. rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Sept. 19

Pepper Road Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, on North Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Pop-up artisan market, live music, kids’ activities, food and drinks for purchase, vendors, activities, shopping, Barnfest at All-American Reclaim, and Barrington Countryside Fire District open house. Free. barringtonchamber.com

The Great Outdoor Beer Trail: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, Cary. Walk the one-mile paved trail while trying 3-ounce tastes from regional brewers. Includes a souvenir tasting glass, live music and food vendors. 21 and older. $70 or $15 for designated driver. Tickets: mccdistrict.org.

Lions Heritage Fest 10K/5K Run & 1.75 Mile Walk: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Races start and finish at Oregon Avenue and South First Street at the VFW Post 2298 in downtown West Dundee. Proceeds benefit the Dundee Township Lions Club and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce and their charities. $30-$50. Register: wdundeeheritagefest.org or runsignup.com/Race/IL/WestDundee/HeritageFest10k.

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Heritage Fest: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Freemont St., Arlington Heights. See a variety of exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. Free. ahpd.org

Run for Mental Health — Still Standing 5K: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, starting north of Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The faith-based mental health awareness 5K also features a 1-mile fun walk. Register: runsignup.com/Race/IL/Elgin/StillStanding

21st Annual Antique Car, Truck & Tractor Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at McHenry Stade’s Farm, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Vintage vehicles, oldies music, family attractions and games, pumpkin cannon demonstrations, exhibitors and food. Regular admission for the attraction area. stadesfarmandmarket.com

Central States Dahlia Society’s 59th annual Dahlia Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hundreds of blooms will be on display by dahlia growers from across the Midwest competing for top honors. Included in general admission. centralstatesdahliasociety.com/dahlia-show-2026.

Hoffman Estates Community Garage Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Seascape Family Aquatic Center parking lot, 1300 Moon Lake Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Free entry for shoppers; $30-$35 for vendors. heparks.org

The Mundelein Arts Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, in Mundelein’s Courtland Commons. (Mundelein Park & Recreation District)

Mundelein Arts Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, in Courtland Commons in downtown Mundelein. Juried art festival featuring local artists who work in a variety of media, plus music and food. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, train rides, magic show, live DJ, large vendor market, food and treats. cville.org.

“Chicago Live!”: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Performing arts festival featuring live music, dance, theater, and multidisciplinary performances from local and national artists. Performances include Anthony Rapp, Melody Angel, Kokandy Productions, Liquid Soul, Dancing Queen, Trinity Irish Dancers, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Utica and Denali, Q Brothers, Nico Segal, Fat Theatre Project and more. Free. navypier.org.

Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, on the grounds of Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Craft brews, meads, ciders, seltzers and food at the 11th annual fundraiser for the museum and Churchville one-room schoolhouse. Early entry at 1 p.m. $57.50, regular entry $47.25, and designated driver $21.50. Tickets: elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.

Northbrook Brewfest: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Village Green Park, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Live music, beer tasting, photo booth, games and more. 21 and older. Tickets start at $49, $30 for a non-tasting ticket. nbparks.org.

Party in the Park: 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Community Park, 5 Parkview Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Petting zoo, train rides, food vendors, ax throwing, two live bands and the rescheduled July 3 fireworks show. Free. vhw.org

“As You Like It”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Elgin Community College SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Shakespeare comedy, performed by the Goodly Creatures Theatre, led by ECC alum Katrina Syrris. Proceeds will support ECC Fine Arts. Sponsored by the ECC Foundation and the Homecoming Alumni Committee. $50. tickets.eccartscenter.org

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 19, and runs through Nov. 1 in Gurnee. | Daily Herald

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Saturday, Sept. 19, through Nov. 1 at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Sunday, Sept. 20

Green Fair: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Learn how to improve the environment and make the community a greener and healthier place to live. Free. bgparks.org/green-fair.

Kane County Doll Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Kane County Fairgrounds Prairie Events Center, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Doll show featuring antique, vintage and collectibles, Barbies, Steiff, doll appraisals and more. Special exhibit on Mod Francie & Friends with a presentation by Bradley Justice on “Francie Turns 60” at 1 p.m. Early bird entry at 8 a.m. for $15. Regular entry $8 or free for kids 12 and younger. kanecountydollshow.com.

Cantigny Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Cantigny Park south parking lot, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Vintage cars, entertainment and food and beverages. First 200 people through the gate receive a free limited-edition T-shirt. Register a vehicle for $21 until Aug. 30 or $26 after; parking included. Note: Cashless event. Parking: $21 per car. cantigny.org

Wheeling Park District’s Fallapalooza will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, at Heritage Park. | Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald

Fallapalooza: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Live music by the Eric Case Band, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, airbrush tattoos and more. Food and beverages for purchase. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Heirloom Apple Fest: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Durant-Peterson House in the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Learn about apples popular during the 19th century. Suggested donation: $3 or $1 for kids. ppfv.org

Palatine Historical Society Cemetery Walk: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Hillside Cemetery, 375 N. Smith St., Palatine. Guided tours of the cemetery as actors play the roles of Palatine residents from the village’s past. Tickets required; admission fee. palatinehistoricalsociety.com.

Comedian Ilana Glazer will perform at the Chicago Theatre Tuesday, Sept. 22. | Charles Sykes/AP

Tuesday, Sept. 22

Ilana Glazer Live: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Comedy. Tickets start at $52.25. msg.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

Zach Rushing: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. “The Redneck Logic Tour.” $46.19-$89.36. improv.com/chicago

THESPIAN: An Actor Prepares … to Read Your Mind: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Actor and mentalist Fred Zimmerman presents a show of performance art and psychological illusion. $40. metropolisarts.com

Thursday, Sept. 24

Elgin Fringe Festival: 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24-25; 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Fringe Central at Side Street Studio gallery, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin. Nearly 90 performances showcasing local and national talent in dance, theater, comedy, music, magic, circus, storytelling, experimental multimedia and more. Plus, a visual art exhibition, outdoor shows and themed parties. Tickets: Free to $12, with $4 entry buttons and an all-access pass for $95. For tickets and a schedule, see elginfringefestival.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 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.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 3-11 p.m. Fridays in September; plus 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in October, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $32/$26 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

“Jekyll & Hyde”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 8; plus 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 11; and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesdays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 4, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping Gothic musical. Tickets start at $60.75. broadwayinchicago.com

“An Iliad”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, 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.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.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, Education, Entertainment | Leave a Comment »

Citizens for Conservation Ignite the Night fest September 26

September 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Come celebrate autumn and connect with family, friends and neighbors at an outdoors moonlit festival. Enjoy a cookout dinner with beer and wine, accompanied by great live music and an amazing blazing giant bonfire at the Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Center and Spring Creek Forest Preserve from 5-10 PM Sept 26.

The evening features a large eco-raffle, stargazing with powerful telescopes, meeting native birds of prey, and narrated horse-drawn wagon rides around a tallgrass prairie. Ignite the Night strives to be a zero-waste event again. For more information and tickets, go to CitizensForConservation.org/itn.

Posted in Barrington Hills Park District, Citizens for Conservation, FPDCC, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights | Leave a Comment »

South Barrington TIF Public Hearing tonight

September 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“On September 17th, there will be a hearing on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the Allstate property corridor on Higgins Road.

The meeting will be at 7PM at the Village Hall. It is an opportunity for the public to weigh in and comment on a TIF project which will bring revenue into the Village for water infrastructure and safety without having to impose additional taxes on our residents. Please attend if you would like more information or if you would like to weigh in on the project.

This new development will help spur additional economic development for our region. In the long term, our schools and other taxing bodies will see an increase in revenue. The best way to lower property taxes is to grow our local economy and one way to accomplish this is through the utilization of TIF districts.

These issues are important and it is our goal to make sure residents have all of the facts. I encourage you to attend our meeting on Sept. 17th.”

Source: Mayor Paula McCombie’s weekly newsletter.

Posted in 220, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Legislative panel weighs in on children’s mental health, data centers and state vs. local control

September 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

A panel of Republican and Democratic state legislators came together Wednesday in Barrington to discuss a variety of topics, including the impact of social media and technology on children’s mental health and whether data centers should be under state or local control.

Two Republicans, state Rep. Martin McLaughlin and state Sen. Darby Hills, both of Barrington Hills, and two Democrats, state Reps. Nabeela Syed of Inverness and Anna Moeller of Elgin, fielded questions during the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast, held at the Barrington Park District headquarters.

Barrington Area Unit District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman, one of the moderators, asked what role the state should play in helping school districts support children’s mental health.

He cited figures provided by Lurie Children’s Hospital that 49% of Illinois youth are experiencing worsening mental health.

Syed, who represents the 51st District, said the state has taken action by passing a law mandating mental health screenings in schools, with parents able to opt out.

McLaughlin, who represents the 52nd District, echoed Syed on the impact of technology but focused less on what the state can do and more on channeling children into activities that encourage social interaction and team building.

“You cannot spell team with ‘I,’ but you can certainly spell ‘iPhone,’ with an ‘I,’” he said.

Panelists also weighed in on data centers.

McLaughlin criticized the governor and the Democratic majority for passing hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives to attract data centers. He said he supports local communities retaining zoning and planning controls.

Although he agreed data centers are needed, he said, “That doesn’t mean that we should stick data centers in Algonquin next to residents in Barrington Hills, which I oppose. That doesn’t mean we should put data centers across the street from South Barrington residential units, which I oppose.”

Read the full article here.

Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Daily Herald, Data Center, Democratic Socialists of America, Dinky, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, New Normal?, Politics, Property Taxes, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Woman arrested for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting child in Barrington while holding ‘position of trust’ over him

September 16, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Veronica M. Reyes, 41, of Barrington, (inset) is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy on multiple occasions while holding a position of supervision over him in February and March. | Background Photo: Nick Rusin; Inset: Provided

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A 41-year-old woman is in custody on charges alleging that she repeatedly sexually assaulted a teenage boy while holding a position of trust or authority over the child, police said.

The Barrington Police Department received a report from another agency on June 8 regarding a child sexual assault that occurred in Barrington.

Barrington Chief of Police David Daigle said the case was transferred to his department and an investigation began.

Daigle said the report involved allegations of sexual contact between a 16-year-old boy and Veronica M. Reyes, 41, of Barrington.

Detectives learned that the alleged sexual assaults occurred on multiple occasions on separate dates, Daigle said.

The victim and Reyes knew each other, Daigle added.

The Barrington Police Department said they worked closely with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Specialized Victims Unit.

Report continues here.

Posted in Lake & McHenry County Scanner | Leave a Comment »

BACOG issues position statement on the November Lake County School Facilities Tax referendum

September 16, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

What follows was read by Tower Lakes Village President Andy Hay on behalf of BACOG members at last night’s District 220 Board of Education meeting during public comment:

“Dear President and members of the Barrington 220 Board of Education,

Thank you for the opportunity to address the Barrington 220 Board of Education regarding the potential new Lake County School Facilities Tax that will be on the ballots this November.

The Barrington Area Council Of Governments, BACOG, represents local governments across four counties in Northeast Illinois, including nearly all of District 220.

We write today as a united region to advocate for the interest of all of our residents.

We recognize the pressures you face as a unit of local government to provide strong services and quality facilities while managing rising costs.

However, BACOG respectfully urges you to avoid promoting approval of this sales tax increase, even implicitly.

Now is not the time to ask our residents to approve a higher sales tax. Affordability concerns are very real.

The proposed sales tax would raise costs for all families buying goods in Lake County, including essential goods, regardless of their income level or ability to absorb the increased expenses.

This burden would come when families are already facing high inflation and the resulting rapid rise in the cost of living.

BACOG recommends that the District public statements focus on its track record of good stewardship and how it uses existing available resources to meet its student’s needs.

We urge you to clearly state that the District is not actually seeking approval of this referendum.

If you publicize the projects and services that would be funded by the new tax, give equal attention to the increased cost of goods.

You should only suggest the property tax reduction if you are willing to commit to providing one.

Better yet, express your appreciation for the support of the community already shown the District when it approved the two recent referendums.

If the countywide tax increase is approved, District 220 will face crucial decisions regarding the use of funds distributed to our region.

BACOG urges you to treat this as an alternative funding source for education that reduces reliance on property taxes rather than viewing it as an additional funding.

To do so is imperative, that the property tax assessed by the District be reduced in an amount that corresponds to the Sales Tax revenue received.

To clarify, the new revenue would come, at least in part, from our resident’s pocket, should not be treated as bonus money and simply added to your operating budget.

BACOG strongly recommends that you choose the option articulated in the referendum’s terms of debt reduction and tax abatement for our residents.

If this tax is approved, our residents will not be able to avoid paying more for their family’s essential goods, but you do have the ability to reduce the burden born by those same taxpayers.

Notably, the District did not identify a missing or inadequate service in 2026 that would cause it to affirmatively ask the community for increased funding.

When there was such a need in 2020 and 2024, the voters in District 220 answered the calls to financially support extensive infrastructure improvements and agreed to increase property tax bills.

This is your opportunity to recognize that support and acknowledge the additional funding is not needed to sustain the current high quality of District 220 operations.

As a result, the District should direct any funds received through this new tax to reduce the outstanding debt and provide a corresponding property tax abatement.

Thank you for your consideration and support of Barrington area students and their families.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue further and work together with the Board of Education and District staff on behalf of our residents.

We all have a responsibility to manage public funds that our entrusted to us with care.

Through our collective efforts and investments, we can insure the continued viability and livability of our region.

And it’s signed by all the members of the towns of BACOG.

Thank you for your consideration.”

The link to the reading of the letter can be found here.

The Lake County School Facilities Tax referendum wording reads:

“Proposition To Impose County School Sales Tax

Shall a retailers’ occupation tax and a service occupation tax (commonly referred to as a sales tax) be imposed in The County of Lake, Illinois, at a rate of 1% to be used exclusively for school facility purposes, school resource officers, and mental health professionals?”

Posted in 220, BACOG, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Cost of Living, County, Elections, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Lake, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | 1 Comment »

Barrington sees scaled-down multifamily proposal for Golden Triangle

September 16, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Barrington’s “Golden Triangle” near the downtown area would be the site of the proposed residential development. | Paul Valade/Daily Herald

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

The UrbanStreet Group is leaving its imprint on the suburban residential landscape with such projects as the Element at Veridian in Schaumburg and The 250 Residences in Buffalo Grove.

Now, the Schaumburg-based group plans to make its mark on the north section of Barrington’s Golden Triangle area near the northwest corner of Liberty and Hough streets.

UrbanStreet told Barrington trustees at Monday’s committee of the whole meeting they are taking the lead on a project brought to the village in February and March by the Barrington Development Group.

The development group’s Michael Fleck has brought UrbanStreet on board to reimagine the project, which originally called for 223 units, including a 207-unit multifamily residential building and 16 row homes.

The new concept consists of 106 units, including 91 multifamily units with two 4-story apartment buildings and 15 three-story row homes. There also would be two pocket parks along the rail line area.

UrbanStreet Group Director of Development Teresa Bateman said the project envisions serving a mix of young professionals, empty nesters and Barrington residents who wish to remain in the village while enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle.

Article continues here.

Posted in 220, Daily Herald, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts | Leave a Comment »

Forest Preserves spent extra $40 million yearly on expanded conservation, maintenance

September 16, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

 

Mark Kolasa, a teaching assistant for a restoration ecology class, uses his binoculars during a tour through Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine on Sept. 23, 2025, as part of a celebration of the completion of the habitat restoration project. The restoration project, funded by the O’Hare Modernization Mitigation Account, restored acres of native habitat and wetlands at this site. | Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune

By A.D. Quig | Chicago Tribune

Cook County Forest Preserves has used a $40 million yearly windfall from voters to buy up and conserve more land, pay for maintenance and add programming while bolstering its pension funds, the district reported Tuesday.

Voters overwhelmingly gave the preserves the OK to raise property taxes by 0.025% in a 2022 referendum. While at the time it cost the average homeowner about $20 a year, it was a “watershed moment” for the district, according to a new progress report on the district’s spending since then.

Because the new money was commingled with other preserve funds, it’s not possible to trace the improvements dollar for dollar, but the report puts some hard numbers on the “impressive and undeniable” benefits.

Among them: $11 million spent on ecological restoration projects, buying $4 million in new “greener” vehicles and equipment, and spending $2.4 million to expand the district’s “Conservation Corps.”

Revenues have grown only modestly after the referendum infusion. President Toni Preckwinkle is expected to roll out the 2027 budget for the preserves to the forest preserve board — which is the same as the County Board — on Oct. 7.

“The leap in capacity from increasing the budget in 2023 by nearly a third, and continuing that investment, has paid dividends for us all,” Preckwinkle said in a release.

District General Superintendent Adam Bianchi, hired in July 2025, inherited the district’s goals to ecologically restore 30,000 acres and expand the preserves from 70,000 to 90,000 acres by 2039. In the first three years after the referendum, the district added an “unprecedented” nearly 3,000 acres to its restoration work, Bianchi said at the district’s monthly board meeting Tuesday. Between 2023 and 2025, the district added 558 acres overall.

The district also spent $4 million to improve 64 miles of trails, $2.5 million to repair 43 picnic sites and $1.2 million to fix up more than a dozen bathroom buildings across the county. It planted 815 trees at preserves picnic groves, golf courses and campgrounds and created an accessible canoe and kayak launch at Beaubien Woods.

Report continues here.

Posted in Animal Welfare, BACOG, Bicyclists, Chicago Tribune, Citizens for Conservation, Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), E-bikes, Education, Elections, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watersheds Partnership, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Massbach Hounds, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Spring Creek Stewards, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Cancellation Notice: LWV 8th Congressional District Forum (Saturday)

September 15, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“(The League of Women Voters of the Palatine, Barrington, and Schaumburg Areas) want(s) to share an important update regarding Saturday’s 8th Congressional District Candidate Forum.

The Melissa Bean campaign has informed us that Ms. Bean will not be participating in the forum due to ‘a scheduling conflict.’

The League had previously received confirmation of her participation and had included her in our planning and publicity for the event. We learned yesterday that she will not attend.

In accordance with League of Women Voters policies, we must cancel the 8th Congressional District Candidate Forum.”

Posted in Elections, League of Women Voters, Politics | Leave a Comment »

Juliana Stratton is hiding from Illinois voters. That tells you everything.

September 15, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Juliana Stratton (left)

By Mark Glennon | Wirepoints

The balance in the United States Senate after November’s elections is likely to be razor thin, making each Senator’s competence critical in what is among the most dangerous periods America has faced, both internationally and nationally.

Juliana Stratton wants a promotion to the Senate from lieutenant governor — a mostly ceremonial post in Illinois. She’s asking for that promotion from behind a curtain, denying voters any opportunity to see whether she has even a meager understanding of the issues she will face.

Multiple debates and forums would be the best means to learn about Stratton — as well as about Don Tracy, her Republican opponent, whose Senate credentials are also little known to Illinois voters. Tracy accepted offers to no fewer than seven such events from CBS2 Chicago, FOX 32 Chicago, the League of Women Voters of Peoria, the Illinois Farm Bureau, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the Technology and Manufacturing Association and the Illinois Municipal League.

Stratton, however, refused all but one , and it will be very late, set for October 20. Early voting starts September 24 in Illinois, nearly a month before that. And with Chicago’s PBS affiliate, WTTW, being the moderator, we should expect no tough questions for Stratton.

How about a long interview by a fair reporter versed on national issues?

Forget it. You will find none. For that matter, you won’t find one on any matter for the entire duration of her political career in Illinois. When asked for an interview in July by one source that can be reasonably expected to ask hard questions, The Center Square, Stratton declined. Tracy, in contrast, has given multiple interviews to sources both left- and right-leaning.

In fairness, Stratton did participate in multiple debates and forums when running in the Democratic primary. However, that was against fellow progressive Democrats who largely agreed with her and she was never challenged on the major issues that divide the country and would be important to undecided and swing voters.

What do we know about Stratton, aside from her record of complete allegiance to Gov. JB Pritzker on Illinois issues?

On her web pages and elsewhere you can find the standard list of the far left’s policy positions. They include abolishing ICE, which she says is unfixable; a national $25 per hour minimum wage, even in rural areas; Medicare for all, with no cost analysis provided; and ending the 51-year old Senate filibuster rule.

Her top priority, however, is fighting back against President Trump, she has emphasized. We might therefore expect some substance in her views about Trump, right?

Her most notable words about Trump were in an ad that did get her national and international attention, but it was ridiculed for its vacuous crudeness, even by left-leaning sources like Britain’s The Guardian. It was a 30-second ad in her primary race with a string of “F— Trump.”

Article continues here.

Mark Glennon is founder of Wirepoints.

Posted in Cost of Living, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Fat Bastard, Flock Cameras, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Open Meetings Act, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Taxes, The Center Square, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Unions, WTTW News | Leave a Comment »

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