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From the Chicago suburbs to short line railroad companies, proposed merger heightens concerns

September 8, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A Canadian National freight train stops traffic along U.S. Route 14 on Aug. 6, 2026, in Barrington. An underpass is being constructed at this location to allow traffic to flow better. The underpass is expected to be completed in late 2027. | Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune

By John Lippert | For the Chicago Tribune

When Karen Darch started agitating in 2007 for an underpass so U.S. Route 14 can pass beneath the Canadian National railroad tracks in Barrington, she had six children and no grandkids.

Nineteen years later, as workers are shattering the affluent quiet of her suburban street by pounding retaining walls for the underpass into place, she has seven grandchildren.

Darch says she can’t say how many grandchildren she’ll have when the half-mile, $94 million underpass is finally complete, hopefully by the end of next year.

But now, Darch is confronting a problem that could aggravate her grandchildren for decades to come.

That problem is a new round of mergers that’s putting the ownership structure of North American railroads through a blender and triggering a prolonged period of tension and uncertainty.

Union Pacific, in tandem with its $85 billion takeover bid for Norfolk Southern, has agreed to start running more trains over Canadian National’s suburban Chicago network. At the outset, this will include rerouting some trains now running through inner-city Chicago.

Former Barrington Village President Karen Darch stands near construction for the new U.S. Route 14 underpass on Aug. 6, 2026, in Barrington. Darch spent years seeking solutions like this underpass to rail-induced traffic problems. The underpass will be routed under freight train rails where currently traffic gets blocked several times a day. | Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune

Darch, an attorney who served as Barrington’s village president for 20 years until last year, says she believes that sooner or later, the railroads will build a second freight track through Barrington, a suburb 35 miles northwest of Chicago. That’s because Canadian National has already spent years double-tracking the line to within 10 miles south of Barrington, she said.

In theory, rail experts say, this second track could mean dozens of additional Canadian National and Union Pacific freight trains rolling each day through downtown Barrington at 40 miles an hour, up from 20 currently.

That’s in addition to the  50,000 cars and trucks that converge on Barrington each day, and 800 daily school bus trips. Barrington also attracts 70 Metra commuter trains per day. Each of these blocks the main north-south and east-west streets through downtown for a few minutes as passengers come and go.

“If they build another track, there’s going to be a much greater impact than we’re feeling now, so more has to happen in response. We may need another underpass, or maybe two other underpasses,” said Darch in an interview last month. “And a greater portion of the funding should come from businesses that are benefiting from traveling the rail.”

Report continues here.

Posted in BACOG, Chicago Tribune, EJ&E/Canadian National, Politics, Road construction, TRAC, Traffic, U.S. Route 14 Underpass | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Club meets tonight

September 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Barrington Hills Park District Board/Riding Club of Barrington Hills will hold their monthly meeting this evening in person and via Zoom at 6:00 PM. Some topics on their agenda include:

  • Adam Bianchi, Superintendent for the Cook County Forest Preserve District to present the Forest Preserve’s vision for Spring Creek
  • Treasurer’s Report Review: Approval of the August 2026 Financial Report & Annual Financial Report
  • Insurance Risk Assessment Review

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here. Instructions for accessing the meeting remotely can be found here.

 

Posted in Agendas, Algonquin Rd, Animal Welfare, Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Big Red, BraveHearts, Commercial Horse Boarding, Countryside Elementary School, Deception, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Transparency, Unions, Well Water Quality | Leave a Comment »

We remember: How the suburbs will honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11

September 8, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

West Dundee’s Grafelman Park is once again hosting True Patriot Care Memorial Healing Fields. Shown here, 403 American flags fly in the park in 2025 to honor first responders who died on Sept. 11, 2001. | Rick West/Daily Herald

By Chris Gerke | Daily Herald

It’s been 25 years since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but that doesn’t mean we forget. Here’s how communities across the suburbs will observe this solemn anniversary.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Healing Fields: Wednesday to Sunday, Sept. 9-13. Tribute of patriotism and remembrance, commemorating both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Sponsored by American Legion Post 57, the Healing Fields will be presented at four locations, each offering a display of American flags honoring the lives lost, the heroes who rose in courage, and the enduring strength of our nation. This is the third year Oak Brook will host the Healing Field, having done so for both the 15th and 20th anniversaries of the Sept. 11 attacks. The Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road, is featuring 2,977 flags honoring those who perished on 9/11, with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and closing ceremony at 2 p.m. Sept. 13. A special 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony features a wreath placement at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 with Bugles Across America and guest speakers with personal connections to 9/11. The Sept. 13 Main Event will feature the reading of names at 11 a.m., the arrival of the “Ride to Remember” motorcycle tribute and a large American flag displayed from an Oak Brook Fire Department ladder truck at 1:30 p.m., and remarks from 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Worker and Tunnel to Towers Ambassador Tim Mottl at 2 p.m. In addition, there will be Healing Fields of 403 flags honoring first responders of 9/11 at Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St. in South Elgin; Carpentersville Fire Station, 213 Spring St.; and Grafelman Park, Fourth and Main streets in West Dundee. Free. truepatriotscare.com/2026-healing-fields/.

Thursday, Sept. 10

9/11 Remembrance Worship Service: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, Immanuel Lutheran Church sanctuary, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Remember those whose lives were lost, honor the courage and sacrifice shown that day. All are welcome. facebook.com/immanuelschooleastdundee/.

Friday, Sept. 11

A “last alarm” bell is rung during the 2025 Schaumburg Patriot Day ceremony at the Public Safety Memorial. | Rick West/Daily Herald

Schaumburg Patriot Day Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the public safety memorial near Fire Station 51, 950 W. Schaumburg Road. Retired Schaumburg Fire Capt. Rick Kolomay will serve as guest speaker, and retired Schaumburg firefighters who assisted at Ground Zero following the attacks will be in attendance. Fire and police personnel, village staff and elected officials will honor the memories of the fallen with a “last alarm” bell ceremony, three-volley salute, taps and the national anthem. For questions, visit villageofschaumburg.com.

9/11 Memorial Mass: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. During the Mass marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, first responders from the Inverness, Barrington, Palatine, and Hoffman Estates police and fire departments will receive blessings. Visit facebook.com/holyfamilyinverness.

Elgin Patriot Day observance: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the west steps of Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court. Marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the program will feature remarks from Mayor Dave Kaptain, Fire Chief Robb Cagann, Police Chief Ana Lalley, and American Legion Post 57 Commander Jason Shanahan. Honor guards from the Elgin fire and police departments will post and retire the colors during the ceremony, and vocalists from Larkin High School will perform the national anthem. A recording of the ceremony will posted on the City of Elgin YouTube channel. In the event of inclement weather, it move to the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way. For questions, dial 311 in Elgin.

Palatine Patriot Day Ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial, North Brockway and West Slade. Members of the Palatine fire and police departments will lower the flag, place a wreath at the memorial, and perform a ceremonial ringing of the bell to signify a firefighter’s last call of duty. Visit palatine.il.us.

Wauconda 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the 9/11 Memorial, East Liberty and South Main streets, Wauconda. The village and the Wauconda Fire Protection District mark the 25th anniversary with a presentation of colors, an invocation, presentation of wreaths, comments by Wauconda Fire Protection District Chief Curt Hanselman, and a moment of silence. Note: Main Street will be closed between Route 176 and the south entrance to the police department beginning at 7:30 a.m. Limited parking will be available in the police department lot. Those who are able to walk are encouraged to park on Main Street, Maple Avenue or in the municipal parking lot at the corner of West Mill Street and Maple Avenue. Visit wauconda-il.gov.

Harper College 9/11 ceremony: 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Wojcik Conference Center Amphitheater (Building W), 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Speakers will include Itasca Fire Protection Chief John “Jack” Schneidwind, a fourth-generation firefighter who volunteered at Ground Zero in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City; and Tony Butler, Harper’s director of risk management, who will share the story of Rick Rescorla, a Sept. 11 hero who served as vice president of security for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center and became known for helping evacuate thousands of people. Rescorla was a close friend of Butler’s uncle. Parking available in lot 14. Visit events.harpercollege.edu.

Hoffman Estates Patriot Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road. The village’s Veterans Memorial Commission is hosting a memorial ceremony with the theme “What Does it Mean to Never Forget?” with reflections from Hoffman Estates Fire Lt. Justin Schuenke, Hoffman Estates Police Sgt. Bryant Savage and U.S. Army veteran Jackson Lanners. The Salvation Army Band Ensemble, North & Central Illinois Division will perform. Visit hoffmanestates.org.

Crystal Lake Day of Remembrance: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Union Cemetery, 150 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. Hosted by the city and American Legion Post 171, the ceremony will feature bagpipe music, three-volley salute, Marine Corps Color Guard, and bells rung in honor of those individuals and groups impacted by Sept. 11, 2001. Special floodlights will be set up in the city parking lot at Woodstock Street and Dole Avenue with two beams of light shining into the sky after 7:30 p.m. until midnight. Football programs at Prairie Ridge and Central high schools will pause for a minute of reflection during the Friday night games. Attendees will be asked to face the floodlights for a moment of silence. Visit facebook.com/AmericanLegionCrystalLake or downtowncl.org.

Elgin Police Department Sgt. Jim Lalley plays “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes at the closing of the 2025 Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony outside of Elgin City Hall. | City of Elgin

Carpentersville 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the new Riverfront Park, 155 S. Washington St., Carpentersville. As night falls, two beams of light will rise into the sky as a tribute. Throughout the evening, a9/11 memorial attendees can walk the paths of Riverfront Park, lined with full-size American flags and images from Sept. 11. The ceremony includes guest speakers, moments of reflection and candles for attendees. Visit facebook.com/villageofcarpentersvillepublicsafety.

Saturday, Sept. 12

9/11 Heroes Run 5K: 9:11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Community Park, 8 Bridges Drive, South Barrington. Join runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of that day and those who stepped up to serve in the wars that followed. $26-$51. Register: runsignup.com.

Sunday, Sept. 13

First Responder Sunday: 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 13, at Quentin Road Baptist Church, 60 Quentin Road, Lake Zurich. A free barbecue lunch honoring local first responders. It will open with a police K-9 demonstration, followed by a complimentary lunch featuring Carolina-style barbecue, including overnight oak-smoked ribs, pulled pork, turkey and beef, along with homemade sides and desserts. Children can enjoy giant inflatables. Visit quentinroad.org/event/first-responders-sunday/.

Click here for more events.

Posted in Daily Herald | Leave a Comment »

Village Adjudication Hearing(s) today

September 8, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The monthly Village Adjudication Hearing(s) is scheduled for today at 11 AM in the MacArthur Board Room.

Posted in Adjudication Hearing, Village Attorney, Village Code, Village Government | Leave a Comment »

Treasures from an Old Barrington Hills Home – Online Estate Sale

September 7, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“Welcome to Horses, Hounds & Heirlooms – A Barrington Hills Online Estate Sale!

Nestled in the heart of Barrington Hills horse country, this beautiful older home holds a wonderful collection of treasures gathered over many years.

Browse the sale online and discover antique furniture, antique and vintage books, equestrian and fox-themed pieces, artwork, Mid-Century finds, Christmas décor, collectibles, housewares, and unique treasures with plenty of character and history.

Whether you’re an antique lover, book collector, equestrian enthusiast, vintage hunter, or simply love finding something unexpected, this is a sale you’ll want to explore from beginning to end.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy the hunt — you never know what treasure you’ll find!

Items are being added daily. If the item is small then we do ship. Just message us for more details.”

Find the listing here.

Posted in Estate Sale | Leave a Comment »

Richardson Farm’s 28-acre corn maze opens Sept. 12 with ‘America 250’ theme

September 7, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Cynthia Wolf

With new amenities, expanded play areas and all of the twists and turns to explore in 9.7 miles of tremendous trail, the Richardson “World’s Largest” Corn Maze and Adventure Farm begins greeting visitors Saturday, Sept. 12.

Several points of entry and exit exist for those excited about tackling the maze, which this year features signers of the Declaration of Independence, a Betsy Ross flag, an American Eagle and more.

“I’m excited for our farm to display a fantastic maze celebrating America250,” said Ryan Richardson, who operates the farm along with his wife, Kristen, his father, George, George’s wife, Wendy, George’s brother, Robert, and Robert’s wife, Carol. “It’s a great time to appreciate the country and the freedoms we all share.”

While the 28-acre corn maze in Spring Grove is a giant draw for the roughly 100,000 visitors who arrive annually at 909 English Prairie Road, other points of interest also beckon.

Here you’ll find adorable pig races, giant slides, pedal karts, huge jumping pillows, concession barns, a 50-foot-tall observation tower, zip line, an antique carousel, train rides, wagon rides, a small petting zoo, pumpkins and mums for sale, a plentifully stocked gift barn with modern restrooms, a wine bar, homemade fudge and freshly baked doughnuts, craft beer at the Barrel House, rentable campfire sites, and, when in bloom, a vast field of sunflowers where more trails can be trekked.

Reconstruction of an 1876-era octagon barn is well under way. And, new last year, a low ropes course activity area for children is now expanded to include more climbing fun.

“We have made a number of improvements across the grounds for the season, including adding a fourth jumpy pillow for all to enjoy, improved kids’ play areas and a refreshed menu in the concession barn,” Ryan Richardson said. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our farm, and helping them create meaningful memories.”

Wendy Richardson noted that the Barrel House — featuring four craft varieties from 9th Hour Brewing — has all-new windows and garage-style, rising glass doors to allow the space to be open-air in the fall weather. More fall-weather fun is available to anyone interested in renting one of the farm’s numerous campfire sites, which range from $130 for a one-table site to $290 for a large site with five picnic tables.

“We have 100 picnic area/campfire sites that we rent for four-hour periods any day that we’re open, and they are selling like crazy this year,” she said, noting that many renters bring folding chairs and even twinkle lights for some added nighttime ambiance. “It’s a nice meeting place for family reunions, neighborhood gatherings, church groups … sort of a home base for breaks between roaming the farm.”

“They can bring their own little grill or cook s’mores and hot dogs right over the campfire,” George Richardson added. “We provide the firewood.”

To reserve a campfire site, visit richardsonfarm.com and click on “Groups & Rentals.”

Richardson Farm is a dog-friendly venue; well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. September hours are 3 to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. October hours will be 3 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. The farm will be open through Nov. 1.

Parking is free. Admission ranges from $22 for children ages 4 to 12 in September to $32 for adults visiting on October weekends. Find details and buy tickets in advance at richardsonfarm.com. Tickets also are available at the gate.

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

The Next Chapter Comes with a Little More Nature

September 6, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Forest Preserves of Cook County

There comes a point when your calendar begins to look different.

Children grow up, careers wind down or end, and time that once belonged to work and family responsibilities opens up. With that freedom can come a surprisingly complicated question: What do I want this part of my life to look like?

For a group of older adults at Crabtree Nature Center, some answers are taking shape amongst birds, plants, trails and people who are asking similar questions.

“It’s like finding yourself again when you’re older,” says Penny Willoughby, a member of Crabtree’s Senior Nature Club. “I think most people at our age are looking for something. Something to make your life a little happier, a little bit more fulfilled.”

The monthly program brings seniors together to learn about nature from Forest Preserves naturalists. But listen to the conversations before and after a program and another part of the experience emerges. People recognize familiar faces. They catch up. They discover shared interests. A nature program becomes a place to belong.

“It’s just really nice to meet up with people who are in the same place as you are in your life,” Willoughby says.

Willoughby has always been curious. Growing up, she read the World Book Encyclopedia, searching for answers about nature that were not always easy to find firsthand for a child living in Chicago. At Crabtree, that curiosity has found new outlets. She has participated in night walks, learned about stars and constellations, and watched the International Space Station cross the sky.

Joy Soderman found Senior Nature Club after retirement gave her something she had not had before: the ability to attend programs during the day.

A self-described “nature nerd,” Soderman loves wildlife, native plants, weather and insects. She has attended Senior Nature Club for about two years and says she has hardly missed a meeting: “I make it a priority to come here.”

Part of the draw is being around people who share her enthusiasm. Soderman has gotten to know other regulars and looks forward to seeing them each month. She also relishes learning from Forest Preserves naturalists, joking that during programs she positions herself directly next to the naturalist because “I want to be the one to see the salamander or whatever is going on.”

For Karen Serantoni, a friend of Soderman’s through years of doing yoga together, nature club was a new extension of nearly eight years volunteering in the Forest Preserves, removing invasive plants, collecting and processing seeds and serving as a burn boss. Senior Nature Club seemed like a way to spend time more time with a friend and more time in the Preserves.

“When I go out and I do my volunteering or even come to an educational program, I’m putting my time in and supporting nature,” Serantoni says. While the three women arrived with different experiences, their stories all show that our senor years don’t have to be fully mapped out. Sometimes it starts by showing up, getting curious and sitting beside someone who happens to be looking for something, too.

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

Two deer deaths in East Dundee among 40 Illinois cases tied to midges

September 6, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A deer grazes near a retention pond in Carpentersville in 2021. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is keeping track of the rising number of viral disease cases transmitted to deer by midges, with two confirmed cases so far in East Dundee. | Mike Danahey/The Courier-News

By Mike Danahey | For the Elgin Courier-News

Forty deer deaths in Illinois this year — including two confirmed cases in East Dundee — are being attributed to a virus transmitted by a tiny insect, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The two infected deer were found in the area of the Lakewood subdivisions, north of Barrington Avenue, according to a post on the village’s website this week.

Both died from Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, known as EHD, the result of midges biting white tail deer and other hooved animals, according to government resource websites. Such cases tend to occur in late summer or early autumn and during drought conditions, officials said.

Public Works Director Phil Cotter said this was the first time the disease has been detected in East Dundee in the more than nine years he has worked for the village.

“Village officials are in direct communication with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding this issue,” the village website post said. “EHD cannot infect humans. It poses no public health risk. Dogs and cats cannot contract the virus.”

According to the IDNR website, “drought conditions tend to exaggerate the impacts of EHD as deer tend to congregate around the limited water sources. Receding water levels around ponds, lakes, streams and rivers result in exposed muddy areas from which the midges hatch.”

Report continues here.

Posted in Animal Welfare, Chicago Tribune, FPDCC | Leave a Comment »

The Beginning of Barrington Township

September 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

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

By Barbara L. Benson | Quintessential Barrington

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

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

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

He followed with words to inspire future generations.

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

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

Article continues here.

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

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

September 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Adam Michel | New York Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading here.

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

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