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Archive for September, 2023

South Barrington park board votes to halt land sale to Plymouth Brethren Christian Church after clash with residents and being sued. A park commissioner quit amid the vitriol, citing ‘nonsense.’

Posted in Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Politics, Property Taxes, South Barrington, Topics Of Interest, Uncategorized on September 30, 2023| Leave a Comment »

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The South Barrington Park District Board of Commissioners voted at its meeting Sept. 27, 2023 to cancel the land sale it was in the middle of with Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. The meeting was held at the Park District Community Center in South Barrington. (James C. Svehla/Pioneer Press)

By Pioneer Press staff | Pioneer Press

The pending sale of land by the South Barrington Park District to a small, relatively unknown church group grew into a resident upheaval that included a lawsuit, but ended Wednesday with cancellation of the purchase, uncertainty about what’s next and the resignation of a park board commissioner.

At issue had been the sale of Park District-owned land to Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, a faith organization that, according to its website, started in England in the 19th century and currently has 50,000 members worldwide.

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Pete Perisin, president of the South Barrington Park District Board of Commissioners, speaks during the park board meeting Sept. 27, 2023, at the Community Center in South Barrington. (James C. Svehla/Pioneer Press)

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Shelby Elias, who had been vice president of the South Barrington Park District Board of Commissioners, resigned from the board Sept. 27, 2023, just hours before the board meeting at the Community Center in South Barrington where commissioners voted to stop a land sale to Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. (James C. Svehla/Pioneer Press)

The official purchaser, Fourth Avenue Gospel Building Inc., with an address in Schaumburg, was set to buy the approximately 34 acres of land located at Bartlett Road and Route 59/Sutton Road — also known as “Area N” — for $1.7 million. The sale had been expected to finalize last month.

But Wednesday, the park board voted 4-0 to cancel the sale.

The decision came during the board’s regular meeting. But a special meeting had been held immediately before the regular one, and it was mostly closed session. While it is unknown exactly what was discussed in that executive session — which the board is not immediately required to disclose if it is to talk about such things as pending litigation, acquisitions or personnel matters — it is believed commissioners reviewed the land sale.

“The park district will refrain from additional comments due to ongoing litigation,” read a Park District statement issued Thursday morning.

Read more here.

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See inside an interior designer’s Barrington Hills home now for sale for $5M – NBC Chicago

Posted in Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, Topics Of Interest on September 29, 2023| Leave a Comment »

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A popular interior designer’s Barrington Hills home has hit the market for $5 million.

The 9,200-square-foot home with six bedrooms and over five bathrooms was listed for $4.99 million earlier this month, according to the listing from Coldwell Banker.

“The home was meticulously renovated and refined by the owner & nationally known designer, Kate Marker, and features 6 bedrooms, 5.2 bathrooms, garage space for 7 cars, a 1,000-square-foot coach house, commanding curb appeal, stunning pool plus vistas overlooking Flint Creek, nature and breathtaking sunsets throughout the seasons,” the listing states.

Marker is the principal designer and owner of Barrington-based Kate Marker Interiors.

The home includes a number of unique features, with many European-inspired to tuches, in what the listing describes as a “once in a lifetime offering” that is “finished to perfection.”

See the dozens of photos NBC Chicago posted here.

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SEC charges Exelon, ComEd and former utility CEO Anne Pramaggiore in Michael Madigan scandal

Posted in ComEd Four, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club of Barrington Hills on September 29, 2023| Leave a Comment »

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Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore exits the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on May 2, 2023 in Chicago after being found guilty on all counts in the “ComEd Four” bribery trial. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

By Ray Long and Jason Meisner – Chicago Tribune

The Commonwealth Edison scandal engulfing indicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is now costing its parent company, Exelon Corp., $46.2 million in penalties under a new settlement with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

The SEC charged Exelon and ComEd with fraud in the alleged scheme to influence and reward Madigan as several lucrative pieces of utility legislation passed the Democratic-dominated General Assembly from 2011 to 2019. Exelon agreed to pay the penalty, the SEC said.

Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore also faces new SEC bribery-related charges, but her case will be litigated, according to the commission. Pramaggiore already was convicted in the high-profile ComEd Four corruption case in federal court this year and awaits sentencing in January.

The new SEC penalties follow ComEd’s July 2020 deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorney’s office to pay a $200 million fine and cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for dropping a bribery count against the electric utility. The bribery count was dropped earlier this year.

The Illinois Commerce Commission also previously approved a roughly $38 million refund for ComEd customers — or about, on average, a little less than $5 per residential customer — to address the question of whether customer costs were tied to the inappropriate conduct. The refund was derided by one utility watchdog as “chump change.”

Read more here.

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Barrington Area Library Harvest Festival is tomorrow

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Entertainment, Property Taxes on September 29, 2023| Leave a Comment »

BAL Fest

“You really autumn know about our fall fest! Enjoy storytelling and light refreshments, paint a pumpkin, play mini golf, snap some pix, and join in seasonal crafts and activities for all ages. Just drop in! All activities and refreshments available while supplies last. Free and open to all!“

10 AM – 3 PM | 505 N Northwest Hwy, Barrington

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Festivals Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Oktoberfests, Fall Fests and more

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers on September 29, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Taste of Arlington

By Luke Zurawski – Daily Herald

Starts before Friday

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 29, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3.50 and animal shows. $5 for residents, $5.50 for nonresidents; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/randall-oaks-zoo.

Friday, Sept. 29

Buffalo Creek Brewing Oktoberfest: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, at Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove. The all-ages event features indoor and outdoor activities in the Bavarian-themed taproom, backyard biergarten and Oktoberfest tent, including German beer, Oktoberfest food from Rep’s Place from 5-8 p.m., music and gaming. No Pants Polka Band will perform from 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free. BuffaloCreekBrewing.com.

Harmony Fest featuring the Taste of Arlington Heights: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, and 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Harmony Park, Vail and Campbell streets, Arlington Heights. Music from Ultrabeat at 5 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Hello Weekend at 5 p.m. and Wedding Banned at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Food and drinks from local restaurants, a kids’ zone and a business expo. Free. business.arlingtonhcc.com.

Oktoberfest: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. LaFox St., South Elgin. Music from The Polkaholics from 6-10 p.m. Friday and The Frank “K” Duo from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and The Ed Wagner Brass Band from 7-10 p.m. Saturday. Food from Ream’s Wurst Wagon and more. Free; fees for trolley rides. Rotary5000.org.

Itasca Bonfire & Brews: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Beer tasting around a bonfire includes four beer tastings and a s’mores kit. Yard games available. For 21 or older. $30. itascaparkdistrict.ticketleap.com/.

Under the Stars: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Take a Paddlewheel Riverboat cruise along the Fox River. Bring wine or beer. For ages 21 or older. $24. Register in advance at stcparks.org/events.

Jack O’Lantern World: Various times Friday through Sunday, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, and Thursday, Oct. 5, at 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Walk a ¾-mile long trail through thousands of jack-o’-lanterns hand carved by local artisans. $14.99-$24.99. thejackolanternworld.com/lakezurich.

Terror Roulette: Various times Friday through Sunday, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, and through Oct. 31, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, Suite J-40, South Barrington. Haunted house challenge designed for horror fans. Tickets start at $33.60. terrorroulette.com.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Oktoberfest 5K: 7-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. This race winds through the historic downtown streets and neighborhoods of Long Grove. $34.99-$99.99. allcommunityevents.com/oktoberfest5k.

Johnny Appleseed Festival: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, on Williams and Brink streets, Crystal Lake. Rides, games, petting zoo, food vendors, demonstrations, live music and more. Free. downtowncl.org/events/johnny-appleseed-festival.

Annual Lake County Family Fun Fest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Outdoor and classic games, live entertainment, shopping and more. Free. jointhefunwithus.com.

DuPage Comic Con: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 150 artist tables, vendor booths and special guests. $8; free for kids 12 and younger. Buy tickets at eventnoire.com.

Cider Fest and Fall Discount Day: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Sip hard ciders including CiderBoys Caramel Apple, Angry Orchard Crisp Apple, 2 Fools Rose Cider, and Right Bee Cider Semi-Dry. Free. rauecenter.org.

Kane County Flea Market: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Up to 1,000 dealers will display and sell antiques and collectibles, indoor and outside. $6; free for kids younger than 12 when accompanied by an adult. kanecountyfleamarket.com.

Hoptoberfest: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Tighthead Brewing Company, 161 Archer Ave., Mundelein. Da Local Boy and Arnold’s Tacos food trucks; live music by The Tap Room All-Stars and Uncle Pigeon; Patrick Mannelly will sign autographs from 3-5 p.m. and more. Free admission; guests are asked to bring a new or gently used children’s book for Bernie’s Book Bank. tightheadbrewing.com.

Zero Fest: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at The Other Side, 135 Beardsley St., Crystal Lake. Family event featuring live music from Mungion, Wrench and Paul’s Dead, food trucks (Coop’s Fresh Chicken and Dulce Tentaciones Mexicana), vendors and more. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit New Direction Addiction Recovery Services. Free. facebook.com/TheOtherSideClub/.

Sunday, Oct. 1

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Trains for sale from exhibitors across the U.S., model train displays, workshops and demonstrations. $7 online or $8 at the gate; cash only. Free for kids 11 and younger with a paying adult. GreatMidwestTrainShow.com.

Algonquin Kite Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, in Spella Park, 2610 Harnish Drive, Algonquin. Stunt kite flyers, giant kite displays, fly-your-own-kite area, music, food and more. Free. algonquin.org.

Autumn Harvest Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Demonstrations of 19th-century farm life, kids’ crafts and games, pumpkin decorating, live music, food and beverages and more. Parking is available at St. Matthew Parish, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road. A wagon shuttle will transport visitors. $5 per person or $20 per family. parkfun.com.

Deerfield Area Historical Society’s 43rd Annual Fall Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at Deerfield Historic Village, 517 Deerfield Road, Deerfield. Artisan demonstrations, food, music, tours of historic buildings and kids’ activities. Free. deerfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 4

Howl-O-Ween: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Spooky egg hunt, pet-friendly vendors, raffle, take photos with your dog inside the Howling House of Terrier and more. Each dog will receive a goody bag, a raffle ticket and a photo with their owner. $1-$10. palatineparks.org.

Thursday, Oct. 5

Vernon Hills Scarecrow Fest: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at Century Park Pavilion, 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Build and decorate a scarecrow to line the driveway at the Sullivan Community Center during the Halloween season. Complimentary apple cider and doughnuts. $18 per group. Register at vhparkdistrict.org/event/scarecrow-fest.

Many more entertainment opportunities can be found here.

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The Signature Room abruptly closes after 30 years due to ‘severe economic hardship’

Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on September 28, 2023| Leave a Comment »

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The restaurant and lounge on the 95th and 96th floors of the former John Hancock center is permanently closed. The high-end restaurant and bar offered sweeping views of the city and Lake Michigan.

After 30 years, The Signature Room has abruptly closed its doors citing “severe economic hardship.”

The high-end restaurant and lounge, offering sweeping views of the city and Lake Michigan from the 95th and 96th floors of the former John Hancock center on North Michigan Avenue, permanently closed as of Thursday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closing of our beloved Signature Room at the 95th effective Thursday, September 28, 2023,” a letter posted in the elevator lobby.

“For over 30 years, we have had the privilege and honor of serving Chicagoans and visitors from all over the world,” the letter continues. “Unfortunately, after the closure of our city and restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been faced with severe economic hardship and the challenges have been greater than anticipated. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for your support over the years.”

More here.

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South Barrington parks board cancels sale of land to religious group

Posted in Barrington United Methodist Church, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Organizations, South Barrington, Topics Of Interest on September 28, 2023| Leave a Comment »

South Barrington Park

The South Barrington Park District board on Wednesday canceled its planned sale of 34 acres at Bartlett Road and Route 59 to a religious group. (John Starks | Staff Photographer, August 2023)

By Russell Lissau – Daily Herald 

After weeks of public pressure, the South Barrington Park District board has decided not to sell 34 acres of undeveloped land to a religious group.

The board on Wednesday night voted 4-0 to cancel its pending contract with Maywood-based Fourth Avenue Gospel Building Inc., a nonprofit operation that’s owned and operated by a local congregation of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

Fourth Avenue representatives intended to build a house of worship and a school.

Park district voters in November approved holding an auction to unload the property, which sometimes is called “Area N.” Fourth Avenue Gospel Building was the lone bidder, offering about $1.7 million for the property near Bartlett Road and Route 59.

Last month, people opposed to the plan — including many residents of the nearby Woods of South Barrington development — demonstrated against the deal at park district headquarters. They’ve cited the proposed use of the land and some of the church’s practices among their concerns.

Read more here.

Related: “After public outcry, South Barrington Park District might scrap plan to sell land to religious group,” “Attorneys for South Barrington Park District, church tell judge they want to complete land sale,” “Opponents of the South Barrington Park District land sale to Plymouth Brother Christian Church protest outside meeting, confront commissioners,” “Proposed sale of South Barrington Park District land to church is headed to court,” “Why the South Barrington Park District has halted land sale to church, (Part 2),” “Why South Barrington Park District has halted land sale to church,” “South Barrington Park District proposed property sale updates include request for support,” “Hearing on controversial church plan canceled in South Barrington, but opponents still have their say,” “Why some South Barrington residents oppose plan for new church, school,”  “Nearby South Barrington Park District property sale concerns neighbors”

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This week’s harvest moon will be the last supermoon of the year

Posted in Lighting Ordinance, Topics Of Interest on September 28, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Harvest-Moon

There’s a full moon risin’.

Starting Thursday evening, a brilliant supermoon will be visible in the sky.

Supermoons occur when a full moon reaches perigee, or the nearest point to Earth on its elliptical orbit around our planet.

They can appear as much as 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year, according to NASA.

The moon will begin to appear full Thursday evening, and reach the peak of its full phase around 6 a.m. ET Friday.

Since it’s occurring close to this year’s autumnal equinox on Sept. 23, it’s also known as a harvest moon. That’s because historically farmers harvesting their summer-grown crops were helped by the bright moonlight shining shortly after sunset, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Harvest moons typically take place in September, though they can also happen in October depending on the lunar calendar.

This week will be your last chance to see a supermoon this year, Space.com reported.

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Woman dies after sideswiping semi-truck, crashing head-on into pickup truck in Barrington Hills

Posted in Accidents, Algonquin Rd, IDOT, Longmeadow Parkway, VBHPD on September 28, 2023| 3 Comments »

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The Barrington Hills Police Department and Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) investigates a fatal crash involving three vehicles at Algonquin Road and Bateman Road in Barrington Hills Wednesday afternoon. | Photo: Nick Rusin

A 74-year-old woman died after she struck a semi-truck and then crashed head-on into a pickup truck, causing a large fuel leak, in Barrington Hills Wednesday afternoon.

The Barrington Hills Police Department and Barrington-Countryside Fire Protection responded around 12:11 p.m. Wednesday to Algonquin Road and Bateman Road in Barrington Hills for a multiple-vehicle crash.

Barrington Hills Police Department Press Information Officer William Walsh said a preliminary investigation shows a 2016 Lexus, driven by a 74-year-old woman, was traveling southbound on Bateman Road.

The Lexus entered the intersection and struck the side of a semi-truck tractor-trailer, which was traveling eastbound on Algonquin Road, Walsh said.

The impact with the semi-truck caused the Lexus to go into the westbound lane of Algonquin Road.

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The Barrington Hills Police Department and Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) investigates a fatal crash involving three vehicles at Algonquin Road and Bateman Road in Barrington Hills Wednesday afternoon. | Photo: Nick Rusin

The Lexus collided head-on with a 2016 Ford F-350 pickup truck, driven by a 49-year-old Crystal Lake man, Walsh said.

The impact with the semi-truck caused the Lexus to go into the westbound lane of Algonquin Road.

The Lexus collided head-on with a 2016 Ford F-350 pickup truck, driven by a 49-year-old Crystal Lake man, Walsh said.

Read more here.

Editorial note: Since IDOT has refused to install a traffic signals at the intersection of Route 62 and Bateman Road, we believe the speed limit in the areas of Bateman and Helm Roads should at least be significantly lowered.

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Secretary of State recommends mandatory driving test age remain at 79 in Illinois

Posted in Politics on September 27, 2023| Leave a Comment »

The New Yorker

Trump is 77, McConnell is 81, Pelosi is 83 and Biden is 80 years old. No comment except that the latest issue of The New Yorker is out, and it seemed (somewhat) timely given the topic.

Some senior citizens in Illinois may be able to wait a little longer before taking the mandatory driving test.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is pushing to keep the age requirement at 79 on a permanent basis.

A temporary law that boosted the age from 75 is set to expire on Sunday, September 30. The modification was approved in Springfield during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Statistics show that seniors are among the safest drivers of any age category,” Giannoulias said in a statement Wednesday.  “This change would make Illinois driving standards for senior drivers more consistent compared to other states while keeping Illinois as one of the strictest states for license renewals.”

The statement from Secretary of State’s office stated there are more than 9.1 million licensed drivers in Illinois. Of those, approximately 280,000 individuals are between the ages of 75 and 78, or 3% of the driving population – who would be impacted by the permanent implementation of this legislation.

Current Illinois law would remain unchanged when it comes to renewing drivers for other age groups. Those details include:

  • All drivers below the age of 81 must renew their licenses every four years.
  • Drivers aged 79 and 80 must take a vision and driving test (if their four-year renewal is up during this time period).
  • Drivers aged 81 to 86 must take a vision and driving test every two years.
  • Drivers aged 87 and older must take a vision and driving test every year.

Read more here.

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