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Concerts in the Plaza summer concert series announced

Posted in Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District on May 5, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Summer concerts are returning to Independence Grove Forest Preserve this summer. | Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserves

By the Lake County Forest Preserves

Get ready for a summer filled with music, nature and good vibes. The popular Concerts in the Plaza series returns to Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, bringing live outdoor performances to Millennia Plaza, set against the backdrop of a 129-acre lake. Concerts run from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, June 10 through Aug. 5.

This year’s lineup blends local favorites and crowd-pleasing tribute acts, from Beatles and Steely Dan covers to ’90s hits, country, reggae, blues and more. Whether you’re dancing, picnicking or just soaking up the sunset, there’s a lineup for everyone. This year’s concerts are supported by North Shore Gas (platinum sponsor), Libertyville Bank and Trust (bronze sponsor) and Lake County Journal (media sponsor).

“There’s nothing quite like live music surrounded by nature,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “Concerts in the Plaza brings families and friends together in one of the most beautiful settings in Lake County.”

• June 10: The Wayouts (1960s Rock’n’Roll) Dedicated exclusively to garage rock hits from the 1960s, The Wayouts deliver an authentic revival of rock’n’roll’s first generation with hits from The Kinks, The Animals, The Troggs, The Monkees, The Rascals and more. Veterans of the Chicago music scene, they have diverse musical resumes.

• June 17: Brooklyn Charmers (Steely Dan Tribute, Jazz Rock) Brooklyn Charmers is a Steely Dan tribute band composed of some of Chicago’s top players. With masterful precision and obsessive dedication to the music, Brooklyn Charmers injects a new energy into the beloved catalog, bridging the gap between new and lifelong fans alike.

• June 24: How Rude! (’90s Tribute) How Rude! brings the best of the ’90s to life with their high-energy, nostalgia-filled performance, mixing everything from grunge to pop. Relive the era with iconic slap bracelets, parting your hair down the middle and rocking those classic overalls, flannel shirts and platform shoes.

• July 1: Mackenzie O’Brien and Band (Country) The hottest young country band in the area boasting a lineup of full-time musicians and led by the captivating talent known as Chicago’s new country queen. The band covers a wide array of music from contemporary country stars such as Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, as well as classics from legends including Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings.

• July 8: Gizzae (Raggae) Gizzae, an acclaimed reggae band, blends diverse musical experiences from its global members. Over 35 years, they’ve won Grammys and Chicago Music Awards, sharing stages with icons such as the The Rolling Stones and Ziggy Marley. Their shows feature energetic guitar solos and mesmerizing keyboards, ensuring good vibes and moving rhythms for all.

• July 15: American English (Beatles Tribute) American English has been named the best Beatles tribute band of our time. They were voted No. 1 in soundalike contests at The Fest for Beatles Fans for three consecutive years. Their demand here and abroad, coupled with their fan base, anchored them in larger venues and theaters worldwide.

• July 22: Peach Jam (Allman Brothers Band Tribute, Blues Rock) A tribute to the iconic music of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Let the tunes whisk you away to the Fillmore East, the historic music venue nestled in the heart of New York City, where the Allman Brothers Band frequently played. Expect a fusion of blues, rock, jazz and country to create a distinctive sound that’s both powerful and heartfelt.

• July 29: Soul Sacrifice (Santana Tribute, Rock) Soul Sacrifice Santana tribute band is known for delivering a top-notch experience, earning a strong following among fans. From Woodstock in 1969 to today, the band performs a mix of classic tunes, lively rhythms, electrifying guitar solos and authentic Latin percussion. With hits like “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va” and “Smooth,” the high-energy band keeps the crowd moving from beginning to end.

• Aug. 5: Mississippi Heat (Blues) Led by Chicago Hall of Fame harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat stands as a world-class Chicago Blues Band. They describe their style as “traditional blues with a unique sound” as they present a blend of fresh innovative musical concepts while remaining rooted in vintage blues traditions.

The entrance to Independence Grove is on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road in Libertyville.

The Concerts in the Plaza series runs June 10 through Aug. 5. | Courtesy of Tim Elliott

Entrance to Independence Grove is $10 per car after 4:30 p.m. on event nights. Pricing includes drop-offs. No rain dates. Cash or credit card accepted. All vehicle entrance fees support Every Acre Strong: The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves. Led by the Preservation Foundation, donations to the campaign are creating a dependable funding source to care for preserves such as Independence Grove. Forever. For safety, and as a courtesy to preserve neighbors, park in preserve lots only. Cars will be turned away when parking lots are full.

For concert reminders, weather updates or to learn if a concert has been canceled, call (847) 968-3499 or view the status map at lcfpd.org/check-status-of-independence-grove-activities. There is no rescheduling if a concert is canceled.

Concerts are open to all ages and are held at the preserve’s outdoor amphitheater overlooking a 129-acre lake. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Arrive early to secure a spot. Pack a picnic, or purchase a light dinner, snack or beverage from the preserve’s walk-up café or from the Beer Garden at Independence Grove. To make a concert outing even more memorable, call (847) 968-3499 to reserve a pontoon boat for groups of up to six.

With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

For the safety of all guests, all items brought into the forest preserve (including — without limitation — coolers, picnic baskets, bags, backpacks and purses) are subject to search upon entry or reentry into the park and may also be inspected again upon entering Millennia Plaza.

Anyone interested in learning about concert sponsorship opportunities can contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at (847) 968-3434.

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Don’t be fooled again…

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Cook, County, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Kane, Lake, McHenry, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on April 1, 2025| 1 Comment »

Local elections can be lost and won by a single vote. Ensure your candidate’s success by doing your part. Vote and encourage a friend to join you.

We’ve recently seen an issue facing a neighboring school playing out in the national news where, at Deerfield’s Shepherd Middle School, a mother claims her daughter and several of her classmates were forced by school officials to change in a locker room in front of a student who is biologically a boy.

These social issues are not unique to Deerfield and can easily be played out at D220. We need strong school and library boards ready to stand up for the students and families of D220.

Two years ago, a school board candidate (seen at top) stood on the street holding a sign with his highest priority message he wanted to convey for his reelection. The result? Libraries with pornography, tampons in boy’s bathrooms and lower reading and math scores.

We know from past board meetings and candidate forums that these priorities are shared by current school and library board members and candidates.

For reasons set forth in our earlier endorsements, the best choice for common sense values and for candidates best able to face these challenges are Steve Wang, Katie Karam and Deanna Stern (for D220), and Joseph Bosnick and Erin Matta (for BAL).

Make a plan and get yourself to your polling place.

Early Voting Locations:

Cook County
Barrington Hills Village Hall
March 30 – 10:00-4:00
March 31 – 9:00-5:00

Lake County
Cuba Township Highway Department
March 30 – 9:00-4:00
March 31 – 9:00-7:00

McHenry County
Algonquin Township Office or Crystal Lake Public Library
March 31 – 9:00-4:00

Kane County
Carpentersville Fire Station No. 93
March 30 – 10:00-4:00
March 31 – 9:00-4:00

Related: “Karam, Wang and Stern for CUSD 220 Board of Education,” “Bosnick and Matta for Barrington Area Library Board of Trustees,” “Illinois school district responds to federal probe into allegations of making girls change with transgender”

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Lake County Forest Preserves offer winter activities

Posted in Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Topics Of Interest on January 16, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Lake County Forest Preserves

From ice skating and sledding to peaceful cross-country skiing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter in the Lake County forest preserves. Before heading out, check the Lake County Forest Preserves’ winter sports webpage, lcfpd.org/things-to-do/recreation/winter-sports, for the latest updates.

Solar-lit Evening Hikes

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 9. Bicycle and equestrian traffic is not permitted on the lighted trails after sunset. The solar lights serve as a guide along the trails. It is recommended to bring a flashlight or headlamp along for additional illumination.

To access the lighted trails, park at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area, located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old School’s main entrance lot, located on the east side of St. Mary’s Road just south of Route 176. Rangers from the Lake County Forest Preserves regularly patrol the areas.

Sledding

Sled hills are located at Lakewood in Wauconda and Old School in Libertyville. The Lakewood hill is part of a dedicated Winter Sports Area at that site and is lighted, allowing for winter fun until 9 p.m., when conditions allow. The Old School hill is open until sunset when conditions allow sledding. Snowboards, metal runners or toboggans are not permitted.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiers can enjoy nearly 200 miles of trails at forest preserves throughout Lake County. At the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, a 4-inch snow base is required before opening trails for cross-country skiing. Groomed trails are available at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area to Ray Lake Forest Preserve in Wauconda and the Yellow Trail Loop at Old School. The Des Plaines River Trail is groomed from Rockland Road south to the Route 60 underpass in Vernon Hills. Grooming is typically done one day after a heavy snow using new equipment, partially funded by a Preservation Foundation grant, that grooms the trail for both traditional and skate-style skiing.

Grooming cross-country skiing trails is usually performed a day after significant snowfall, employing modern equipment designed to prepare the trails for both classic and skate-style skiing techniques. | Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

Snowmobiling

Snowmobilers can use 21 miles of designated trails within the preserves, all of which connect to other area snowmobile trails. Forest preserve snowmobile trails are open through March 31 and when conditions allow, which include frozen ground and a 4-inch snow base. Snowmobilers should use caution and watch for trail route signs along all forest preserve snowmobile trails.

The Des Plaines River Trail from Russell Road to just south of Wadsworth Road provides the longest stretch of trail for snowmobilers. Parking and trail access are provided at the Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch on Russell Road east of Route 41 and at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve located on Wadsworth Road just east of Route 41 in Wadsworth.

When conditions allow, snowmobile trails are open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 6:30 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The following snowmobile trailer parking lots are open extended hours for snowmobilers: the Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch parking area on Russell Road east of Route 41, the Sedge Meadow parking area on Wadsworth Road east of Route 41, and the Lakewood parking area on Brown Road near Route 12. All other parking lots close at sunset.

Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and head to the lake at Independence Grove in Libertyville or the rink at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area. The shallow rink at Lakewood, open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., typically freezes earlier in the season than the lake at Independence Grove, open 6:30 a.m. to sunset, where a 4.5-inch ice layer is required.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is permitted in five designated areas, including at the south bay at Independence Grove in Libertyville. | Courtesy of Justine Neslund

Five locations have been designated as ice fishing areas: Banana Lake at Lakewood, Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods, Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa, Lake Carina Forest Preserve in Gurnee, and the south bay at Independence Grove. Ice fishing is free and at your own risk. Ice conditions are not monitored, so anglers should check ice thickness before going out on any frozen body of water. A minimum of 4 inches of solid ice over the entire water body is recommended before individuals attempt ice fishing. Bring your own gear.

Temporary shanties and shelters are permitted but must be removed by the end of the day. Only two poles are allowed, or tip-ups with no more than two hooks on each line. Holes must be 6 inches or smaller in diameter. Van Patten Woods is open from 6:30 a.m. until one hour past sunset weekdays for ice fishing, and from 6:30 a.m. to sunset on Saturdays and Sundays. Other sites are open daily from 6:30 a.m. to sunset for ice fishing. All Illinois fishing regulations and licenses apply.

“The Forest Preserves provides countless ways for individuals and families to connect with nature, no matter the season,” said Jessica Vealitzek, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “These treasured spaces offer the perfect backdrop for winter adventures, helping visitors stay active, recharge and find joy in the beauty of the outdoors.”

For a full list of winter activities, visit LCFPD.org/wintersports.

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Top Stories of 2024: Lake County residents vote for the status quo despite national upheaval

Posted in County, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Lake, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order on December 27, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash and Lake County Republican Central Committee Chairman Keith Brin talk at a 2024 event. (Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun)

By STEVE SADIN | Lake County News-Sun

From the start of the year, when the primary election season was starting both in Lake County and across the country, the presidential race was contentious while the situation locally was much calmer.

By July, when Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket and a would-be assassin nicked President-elect Donald Trump’s ear with a bullet, Lake County Democratic and GOP volunteers were flocking to Wisconsin to a campaign on behalf of their candidates as the local campaigns hummed along relatively quietly.

And, when the results were in, voters nationally decided it was time for a change — back — in the party of the president, while Lake County residents largely cast their ballots for the status quo when it came to the local races. That juxtaposition made the election season one of the Lake County News-Sun’s top stories of 2024.

Lake County Republican Central Committee Chair Keith Brin said Thursday that — just like in 2016 and 2020 — some local Republicans outperformed Trump, but the GOP still has work to do to elect more candidates locally.

“Trump’s election was in a silo,” Brin said. “He did not seem to have much influence in down-ballot races. The candidacy of Donald Trump did not translate to down-ballot races.”

Though Trump received more votes statewide than he did four years ago, Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash said Wednesday that was not the case in Lake County, where Harris handily outpolled him.

“We worked very hard here in Lake County, and Trump did not make gains here,” Gash said. “For the second election in a row, Lake County rejected him by a significantly higher margin than the rest of the state.”

Part of the reason all Democratic incumbents, from the U.S. Congress, Illinois General Assembly and Lake County, won their races was hard work, she said. Gash said volunteers started their outreach early, and continued through the Nov. 5 election.

“It was neighbors talking to neighbors,” Gash said. “We engaged voters where they were. We did phone banking, text banking and talked to voters at their doors.”

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, said hard work was the reason he was reelected to a third term in the Illinois House of Representatives by 47 votes, though he said he was outspent 17-to-1 by Democratic opponent Maria Peterson and her backers.

McLaughlin received 29,520 while Peterson got 29,473 of 58.993 ballots cast, according to the official results.

Between money raised by Peterson’s campaign and outside interest groups locally, statewide and nationally, McLaughlin said $3 million was spent to defeat him. He raised $170,000. His campaign ordered 12,000 mailers, ran out and ordered 2,000. Thousands of doors were knocked on by a record number of volunteers, he said.

“People understand I’m not Donald Trump,” McLaughlin said. “I have a very reasonable approach. I base my position on numbers. If the numbers work, I advocate on behalf of my constituents.”

Read more here.

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Barrington Hills Riding Club/Park District Public Hearing January 8, 2025

Posted in Agendas, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Cook, Countryside Elementary School, County, Elections, Ethics, Financial Statements, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Goat Rodeo, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lake, Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Look For The Union Label, Mad Cows, Massbach Hounds, McHenry, Open Meetings Act, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Taxes, Unions on December 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO THE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE BARRINGTON HILLS PARK DISTRICT COOK, LAKE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES

The Board of Park Commissioners for the Barrington Hills Park District has adopted a Tentative Combined Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, a copy which is available for public inspection by contacting the administrative assistant at 847-783-6772.

Public Hearing will be held on:

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 6:45pm
Barrington Hills Riding Center Meeting Room,
361 Bateman Road
Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Any individual with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the Administrative Assistant within a reasonable time prior to the meeting at Barrington Hills Park District Riding Center, of?ce@bhillsparkd.org, 1-847-783-6772.

Published in Daily Herald Dec. 26, 2024 (273946), posted 12/26/2024″

Source

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3 sheriff’s deputies injured after man armed with rocks, metal rod fights deputies near Barrington

Posted in County, Crime, Lake, METRA on December 5, 2024| Leave a Comment »

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

Prosecutors say a man armed himself with rocks and a metal rod, which he used to strike a sheriff’s deputy in the head, when deputies tried to arrest him for walking on railroad tracks near Barrington.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6 a.m. on November 4 to Route 14 and Cuba Road near Barrington for a suspicious person call.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6 a.m. on November 4 to Carlos E. Medina-Silva, 45, who has no permanent address. near Barrington for a suspicious person call.

Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Vukovich said deputies found Carlos E. Medina-Silva, 45, who has no permanent address, walking on train tracks while barefoot.

Carlos E. Medina-Silva, 45, who has no permanent address.

A train had stopped and deputies told Medina-Silva to get off the tracks.

Medina-Silva said that he did not need help and refused their instructions, Vukovich said.

Deputies called for backup and approached Medina-Silva, who was holding a metal rod in one hand and rocks in another.

Deputies told Medina-Silva to drop the items but he continued ignoring them, Vukovich said.

Vukovich said Medina-Silva “squared up” as if he was going to strike the deputies.

One deputy used his baton to strike Medina-Silva multiple times but that was unsuccessful in getting him to comply.

Other deputies moved in from behind and Medina-Silva struck one of them in the head with the rod, Vukovich said.

Another deputy had his left finger jammed with possible tendon damage during the struggle.

Vukovich said another deputy slammed his knee into the ground during the struggle and was having trouble walking.

Deputies eventually got Medina-Silva into handcuffs. He refused to speak to them after he was in custody.

Read more here.

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Lake County Forest Preserves acquires property for Cuba Marsh expansion

Posted in County, Lake, Topics Of Interest on November 14, 2024| Leave a Comment »

(Click on image to enlarge)

On Wednesday, November 13, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a 9.4-acre property it has sought for 36 years.

The land, located on Cuba Road east of Ela Road, will be acquired for $725,000 to expand Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve in Deer Park.

“This property aligns perfectly with our mission to protect wildlife habitats, preserve wetlands, prairies and woodlands and expand our existing preserves,” said Executive Director Ty Kovach. “In 1988, we bought 110 acres that wraps around this parcel and have been waiting for the chance to secure this land.”

The landowner demolished buildings to plant native species on the land but ultimately chose not to rebuild, instead listing the property for sale. As part of the agreement, the seller has restricted the Forest Preserves from placing any structures or otherwise developing the property.

The contract states that the Forest Preserves will apply for the parcel to be designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve, buffer or Illinois Land and Water Reserve. Though it will be open to the public, a deed restriction prohibits the construction of trails, parking lots, ball fields, golf facilities or dog exercise areas.

The section of Cuba Marsh next to the property is protected by a land and water reserve conservation easement from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.

This acquisition will enhance hydrologic restoration efforts and make it easier to carry out prescribed burns and other land management activities at Cuba Marsh.

“We are excited to continue the restoration efforts on this new property, further enhancing the preservation of this important area,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

###

Media Contact: Kim Mikus, Media and Community Relations Specialist, kcroke@LCFPD.org, 224-244-0583

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Polls open tomorrow at 6AM

Posted in Cook, County, District 220 referendum, Economy, Ethics, Kane, Lake, McHenry, OP/Ed, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Resident Spotlights, Road construction, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Transparency, Unions on November 4, 2024| 1 Comment »

Please vote for Representative Martin McLaughlin!

Early voting has ended at this hour at most locations.  Tomorrow, many more locations will be open for Election Day from 6AM to 7PM.

Click on your county below to find your polling location:

Or, you can also go to, “Poling Place Lookup,” to find your polling place location.

By now it should come as no surprise that Martin McLaughlin has our wholehearted endorsement and vote because he has earned it. Best of luck tomorrow.

Related: “Chicago Tribune endorses Martin McLaughlin,” “Daily Herald Endorsement: McLaughlin for Illinois House Dist. 52”

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Early voting available through Monday

Posted in Cook, County, District 220 referendum, Elections, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Politics, Springfield, Taxes on October 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Early voting locations are through Monday for the November 5, 2024 General Elections. Click on your county to find the most convenient location to cast your vote:

For general ballot information, visit the Cook County, Lake County, McHenry County or Kane County clerk’s office sites.

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Lake County Forest Preserves Fall newsletter released

Posted in Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Property Taxes, Topics Of Interest on September 19, 2024| Leave a Comment »

The fall issue of 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯𝘴 magazine is now available!

In this edition:

  • Learn about the November 5 referendum
  • The Art for Everyone: Bob Ross® exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville
  • Hike Lake County and,
  • The new net-zero energy Ryerson Education Center in Riverwoods.

Read all about it here.

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