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In tribute: Veterans Day ceremonies, concerts across the suburbs

Posted in Daily Herald, The Greatest Generation on November 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Chris Gerke | Daily Herald

Communities across the suburbs will observe Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with ceremonies and concerts. Here are some of the events planned in the suburbs in honor of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Thursday, Nov. 5

Elgin During World War II: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Gail Borden Public Library’s Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Using period photos and newspaper clippings, historian Jerry Turnquist looks at how Elgin citizens and businesses were actively involved in the war effort. Register: gailborden.info.

Saturday, Nov. 7

Veterans Day Breakfast and Memorial Unveiling: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at York Community High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. After years of planning and fundraising, the school’s Military History Club is unveiling The Memorial to the Fallen, a tribute honoring York graduates who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation. The memorial will be accompanied by a dedicated website highlighting the lives and legacies of these individuals, including their time at York and their military service. The morning will begin with a brief memorial unveiling ceremony at 8:30 a.m. outside Baker Auditorium, followed by the breakfast in the school cafeteria. It is free for veterans, their families and friends. Use the main entrance. Parking may be limited. Reserved spaces near the main entrance will be available for veterans and their guests. The club thanks American Legion Post T.H.B. 187 and Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce for their support in making this project possible. elmhurst205.org

Sunday, Nov. 8

Veterans Day tribute: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Grafelman Park, 112 N. Fifth St., West Dundee. Hosted by Dundee Township Lions Club, the patriotic programs honor military service members. It will include displays of American flags by True Patriots Care, World War I and II re-enactments, emergency vehicle exhibitions, and performances by the Dundee Scottish Pipe Band and Echo Taps. Local historian Philip A. Aleo will speak at 12:30 p.m. about the day’s significance and the importance of honoring veterans and the American flag. The Lions will be offering free vision and hearing screenings for all ages from 1-4 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St. dundeelions.org.

Dinner for Veterans: 2-4 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Veterans and their family and friends are invited to a free dinner with Italian beef sandwiches, chicken fingers, mostaccioli, salad and green bean casserole catered by Karas Restaurant Group, with homemade desserts. To-go meals can be picked up at 3 or 3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot at 847-428-4477 or eventbrite.com.

“The Dragon From Chicago: An American Reporter in Nazi Germany”: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Historian Pamela Toler uncovers the life of trailblazing Chicago Tribune Berlin bureau chief Sigrid Schultz, who reported and warned about the rise of Hitler and the Nazi regime. Presented in partnership with the Barrington Cultural Commission and the Barrington Writers Workshop. $28.52 or free for 18 and younger with a paid adult. Register: barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Monday, Nov. 9

Field of Honor: Nov. 9-13 at Jewett Park, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield. A panorama of 500 U.S. flags will be displayed with the theme “Honoring Our Veterans.” Hosted by the village of Deerfield. Proceeds benefit Midwest Veterans Closet and Lake County Honor Flight. healingfield.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 11

Mount Prospect Veterans Day ceremony: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the RecPlex, 420 Dempster St., Mount Prospect. Join VFW Post 1337 and American Legion Post 525 to commemorate veterans. Keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Soto, Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County. In addition to the annual ceremony, the veterans will be making school visits to educate children on patriotism. vfw1337.com.

South Elgin Veterans Day ceremony: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Public Safety Center, 50 N. Water St., South Elgin. southelgin.com.

Hoffman Estates Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial site at the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Light refreshments will be served at the police department after the ceremony. Free. hoffmanestates.org

Schaumburg Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Gateway Park, Roselle and Schaumburg roads, Schaumburg. Schaumburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2202 hosts the annual ceremony to honor military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Schaumburg police and fire departments will perform the honor guard while flanked by the Schaumburg VFW Post 2202 Rifle Squad. villageofschaumburg.com.

Dan Honea of the Barrington Fire Department Honor Guard carries the American flag during the posting of the colors at the 2025 Barrington Veterans Day ceremony. | Joe Lewnard/Daily Herald

Barrington Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial, Park Avenue and Cook Street, Barrington. Join local veterans and dignitaries to honor Veterans Day. Refreshments will be served. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Carpentersville’s Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. cville.org

Des Plaines Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Hosted by the Des Plaines American Legion Post 36 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 311. Light refreshments will be served after. facebook.com/DesPlainesAmericanLegionPost36.

Richard Hamilton salutes as the national anthem is sung during the 2025 Veterans Day ceremony in Elgin. | Rick West/Daily Herald

Elgin Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin. The city and American Legion Post 57 honor our nation’s veterans. Seating will be provided. Parking is available in the parking deck on the southwest corner of Symphony Way and Grove Avenue. elginil.gov.

Palatine American Legion Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. After the ceremony, a light lunch will be served. alpost690.us.

Streamwood Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Honor the men and women who have served in times of peace and war. The event will feature a performance by the Celebration Brass Quintet. streamwood.org.

Children from an after-school program made cards for veterans that were displayed during the 2023 Buffalo Grove Veterans Day ceremony. | Joe Lewnard/Daily Herald

Buffalo Grove Veterans Day Celebration: 12:15-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Free Culver’s lunch from 12:15-1 p.m. then the Saddle Shoe Sisters will pay tribute to veterans with classics such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” “America the Beautiful” and other patriotic favorites. Presented in partnership with the Indian Trails Public Library and Vernon Area Public Library. Free; registration required. bgparks.org/veterans-day-celebration. For questions, contact Elizabeth Quinzio at 847-850-2196 or elizabeth@bgparks.org.

Thanks for the Memories A USO Tribute: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. A USO-style celebration by six vocalists and a five-piece band honoring the entertainers who performed for the troops during wartime. $35. tickets.eccartscenter.org

Hanover Park Veterans Day observance: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Village Board Room 214, 2121 W. Lake St., Hanover Park. The Hanover Park Veterans Committee hosts an event to salute and honor veterans. Free. hanoverparkillinois.org.

Sunday, Nov. 15

“World War II Radio Hour”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, in the St. Charles Public Library’s Carnegie Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. Featuring Matt and Cynthia Gruel and a special guest performer bringing the spirit of the 1940s to life. Free. scpld.org.

Rockin’ for Heroes: A Veterans Day Tribute Featuring 7th heaven & Friends: 3:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. A Veterans Day tribute featuring performances by 7th heaven, Tony Ocean and The Main Event Band. Special tribute performance by The Bombshell Beauties and Military Brass. Proceeds benefit Friends of Fisher House of Illinois. $34.72-$89.72. joesliverosemont.com

Find many more ceremonies here.

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Polls are now open

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Commodius Maximus, Daily Herald, Data Center, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois State Board of Elections, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Outmigration, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Rights, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Road construction, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Transparency, Unions on November 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

It’s Election Day, 2026. We’re asking everyone to vote for the following with good reasons:

Our reasons to vote for Darby and Marty include:

Information on where you are registered to vote today can be found here.

PLEASE VOTE!

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Last day for early voting – Avoid the lines Tuesday

Posted in BACOG, Breakthrough Ideas, Chicago Reader, Cook, County, Daily Herald, Economy, Elections, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest on November 2, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Early voting ends today for the November 3, 2026 General Election. Again, polling locations by county are:

For general voting information, visit the Cook, Kane, Lake or McHenry County Clerk’s website(s).

Related: “A sound reason for Barrington Hills residents to vote for McLaughlin and Hills,” “Another sound reason for residents to vote for Hills and McLaughlin,” “Wealth and Party Machine Are Buying the Northwest Suburbs Votes,” “Editorial: Martin McLaughlin for Illinois 52nd House District,” “Editorial: Darby Hills for Illinois 26th Senate District” and “Who really funds Nabeela Syed?”

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Illinois Senate 26th candidates divided on immigration enforcement, data centers

Posted in AI, Daily Herald, Data Center, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, Village Government on October 28, 2026| 8 Comments »

Republican Senator Darby Hills and Democrat Rep. Nabeela | Photos by Jerry Nowicki

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

The race for the Illinois Senate’s 26th District seat matches incumbent Republican Sen. Darby Hills against Democratic challenger Nabeela Syed, the representative for the state House’s 51st District.

The candidates have different approaches on two hot-button issues: immigration enforcement and data centers.

Immigration enforcement

Hills, a former Barrington Hills village trustee who was appointed to the state Senate in February 2025, says local police should not be turned into immigration agents.

But she said she also believes Illinois’ TRUST Act goes too far in preventing local authorities from honoring federal immigration detainers, even for someone charged with or convicted of a violent felony.

Under the TRUST Act, local police can only hold someone on an immigration detainer if there is a federal criminal warrant signed by a judge.

Data centers

In June, Gov. JB Pritzker announced a pause on processing new data center tax incentives and proposed a seven-point framework that included a call for centers to pay their fair share of electrical grid and water costs.

Hills called the governor’s pause a reasonable timeout but said it is not a policy.

“The state handed out hundreds of millions in tax breaks without asking what data centers would cost ratepayers,” she wrote in her response to a Daily Herald questionnaire.

Hills has called for a moratorium of at least one year on new data centers and supports legislation that would put limitations on such projects. She has sponsored or co-sponsored a number of related bills, including Senate Bill 1050.

Full article appears here.

 

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A sound reason for Barrington Hills residents to vote for McLaughlin and Hills

Posted in BACOG, Capitol News Illinois, Commodius Maximus, Daily Herald, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Land Disconnection, Land Use, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Plan Commission, Politics, Press Release, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Privacy, Property Rights, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, Unions, Village Code, Village of Barrington, Zoning Board on October 23, 2026| 1 Comment »

Rep. McLaughlin Hosts Press Conference with Northwest Suburban Mayors – February 26, 2026 | Screenshot via Facebook

On February 18th of this year, one headline read, “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control.” The report stated his BUILD Act would (and still does):

“…drastically limit local governments’ authority to restrict the types of structures that can be built on property zoned residential.”

“Accessory dwelling units — attached or detached secondary residences such as granny flats, backyard cottages and above-garage apartments — would be legalized on all properties zoned for residential use.”

“…would establish statewide timelines for inspections and reviews and allow third-party inspectors ($$$) if municipalities miss deadlines.”

Objections to Pritzker’s plan was very quickly spearheaded by Rep. Marty McLaughlin who gathered many community leaders in a room for a press conference February 26th. The headline following that press conference read:

“‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential zoning.”

In recent months, Pritzker rarely speaks of the BUILD Act since he doesn’t want it to be a fatal plank in local campaigns, but it by no means has gone away! It’s just been muted until after the November 3rd elections…

Last Friday, The Center Square reported:

“Leaders in Illinois are suggesting a package of legislation aimed at increasing housing affordability and supply in the state may be kicked further down the road, after proposals stalled in May after disagreements between stakeholders.

The Building Up Illinois Developments housing plan, or BUILD, was recommended to the legislature by Gov. J.B. Pritzker early this year, but largely sat on the back burner during the last session of the assembly.

The plan is an extensive proposal that would make sweeping changes to zoning and regulations statewide, aimed at increasing supply, reducing overhead costs, and speeding up development timelines.

At an unrelated news conference Thursday, Pritzker said he thinks the housing legislation may be put aside again during the six-day fall veto session in November and December, in favor of waiting until the 105th General Assembly begins to reintroduce the initiative.

‘It’s a short session, as you know, the veto session. So, I do believe that you’re going to see that in the coming full session starting in January,’ Pritzker said.”

The same article continues:

“Multiple bills in the BUILD proposal would have to be re-introduced and go through the legislative process again in January if not passed sooner.

Pritzker said he remains committed to his end goal with the legislation.”

Pritzker views McLaughlin as a vocal stumbling block. The same is true of Hills, so the Democrats are spending literally millions in the current campaign to silence them.

If you value your property rights as a homeowner in Barrington Hills as we do, then we urge you to vote for Martin McLaughlin and Darby Hills.

For information on where, when and how to vote, click here.

Related: “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential zoning,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie provides an update of Pritzker’s proposed BUILD Act,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers”

 

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52nd Illinois House candidates differ on cash bail, school choice and Bears

Posted in BACOG, Daily Herald, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Unions, Village President on October 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

The race for the 52nd District Illinois House seat is a rematch between incumbent Republican state Rep. Marty McLaughlin and Democratic challenger Maria Peterson.

McLaughlin, of Barrington Hills, beat Peterson, of North Barrington, by less than 50 votes in 2024 to hold onto his seat in the General Assembly.

The two differ on a number of issues, including school choice, the elimination of cash bail and Chicago Bears stadium proposals.

At a recent League of Women Voters forum, the candidates were asked about a new federal tax credit program for donations to organizations that award private school scholarships, created by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in 2025. Illinois has to decide whether to participate.

McLaughlin, a former village president of Barrington Hills, said “choice in all things is good, particularly education.”

He said proficiency in math and reading has dropped, while education costs have escalated and criticized state Democrats for not renewing the Invest in Kids program, which awarded tax credits for donations that funded private school scholarships.

The two also disagree over the state’s elimination of cash bail.

McLaughlin said it has created significant problems with repeat offending and public confidence in the criminal justice system.

“In the 52nd District, we have experienced concerns involving robberies, residential and commercial burglaries, vehicle thefts, car break-ins and smash-and-grab incidents,” he wrote in reply to a Daily Herald questionnaire.

The full report can be found here.

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District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

Posted in 220, Agendas, Appointments, BACOG, Barrington Education Association, Barrington High School, Board of Education, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Daily Herald, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Dumb and Dumber, Education, Elections, Ethics, Facebook, Goat Rodeo, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Look For The Union Label, Pension Funding, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, SNAFU, Snowflake Effect, South Barrington, Taxes, The New Normal?, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on October 20, 2026| 1 Comment »

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

A copy of the agenda packet can be viewed here. The meeting will be live streamed on the district YouTube channel.

*Related: “Barrington High School’s Polling Place Appears to Be Missing from the Notices the Law Requires,” “A Polling Place for Some: Barrington High School’s Invitation-Only Early Voting,” “District 220 board members approve policy update on political activities,” “District 220 board members violated campaign policies, investigation finds,” “Proposed Policy Change Would Strip Anonymous Formal Grievances in Barrington District 220,” “CUSD 220 Board delivers second (slappier) slap on the wrist to member Erin Chan Ding,” “CUSD 220 Board of Education public comments we applaud,” “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency” and “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’”

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‘Not the time to approve a sales tax,’ say opponents of Lake County school facilities referendum question

Posted in BACOG, County, Daily Herald, Elections, Lake, Organizations, Politics, Springfield, Taxes, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on October 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Mick Zawislak | Daily Herald

Another unified voice has surfaced in opposition to a question on the Nov. 3 ballot asking voters whether Lake County should be allowed to impose up to a 1% sales tax for school facilities.

Last week, the Barrington Area Council of Governments announced its eight-member entities, comprising seven villages and Barrington Township, unanimously opposed the proposal due to widespread rising costs already faced by residents.

“This one caught the attention of our mayors because they were hearing from their constituents,” said Kimberly Saunders, executive director of the organization focused in southwestern Lake County.

“Everything is more expensive and it’s a difficult time for folks,” she added.

About two weeks ago, the Lake County Republican Central Committee launched a campaign against the measure citing similar concerns. Volunteers have been knocking on doors and distributing information in all 18 townships and will be receiving yard signs soon.

At issue is the County School Facilities Sales Tax created by state law in 2007 as an alternative revenue source to local property taxes. If approved by voters, the county can impose a sales tax of up to 1% to be used exclusively for specific school-related uses.

Those include facilities and site work, such as additions or renovations; infrastructure or safety/security upgrades; school resource officers or mental health professionals; and, managing debt by paying off existing bonds or abating property taxes.

Article continues here.

Related: “BACOG issues position statement on the November Lake County School Facilities Tax referendum”

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Things to do Oct. 16-22: Nightmare on Chicago Street, Long Grove Pet Costume Parade, Barrington Area TasteFest and more

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights on October 15, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Last year’s Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin drew a large crowd. This year’s event takes place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17. | John Starks/Daily Herald

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 16

Nightmare on Chicago Street: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at East Chicago and North Spring streets, Elgin. On Friday, music from The Ataris at 6 p.m., Plain White T’s at 7:30 p.m., and Gym Class Heroes at 9 p.m. on Chicago Street. Plus, food and beverage vendors, a haunted attraction, roaming performers and access to Cirque D’ Freak, Nightmare’s twisted circus-themed zone filled with sinister clowns and sideshow performers. On Saturday, across eight city blocks, a postapocalyptic world, with themed zones, costumed performers, Nightmare Alley, three stages of music, a costume contest, celebrity appearances, food and beverages. $40.86-$96.48. Tickets: nightmareonchicagostreet.com

Military Miniature Society of Illinois Show: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, 50 Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Features the work of modelers from around the world displaying painted miniature figures and original sculptures. Vendor area offers model kits, paints, tools, books and more. $10, free for kids 12 and younger and active military with I.D. military-miniature-society-of-illinois.com.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18, and Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 21-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway featuring characters and live pumpkin carving. $20-$24 for adults, $13-$17 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Zombie Fun Run: 6-8 p.m. Friday Oct. 16, at Volkening Lake, 900 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Run or walk in your Halloween costume for nearly two miles while being chased by zombies. Fee includes a hot dog or brat, chips and a drink. $10-$15. parkfun.com/event/zombie-fun-run

Oddities Night: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. A Victorian Halloween gathering with a tarot card reader, a magician, spooky treats and more. 21 and older. Registration fee. ahpd.org.

Buddy Guy will celebrate his 90th birthday Friday, Oct. 16, at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. | Charles Sykes/AP

Buddy Guy 90: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee will celebrate a historic milestone. Tickets start at $49. rialtosquare.com

Lake Forest Preservation Symposium: Various times, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18, at Ragdale, Lake Forest College, and select historic sites in Lake Forest. The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation and Ragdale, in celebration of their shared 50th anniversaries, brings together national and regional voices in architecture, preservation, planning, design and civic life for a three-day conversation about historic places and the future of communities. To register and for a list of events, visit lfpf.org/events.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Fabbrini Park, 1704 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates. Trick-or-treat with characters. Registration required. $9 in advance; if space is available, on-site registration is $12. heparks.org

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Daffodil enthusiasts will offer expert growing tips. Hundreds of varieties of daffodil bulbs for purchase. Included with admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See a display of freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by members of the Midwest Fruit Explorers. Included with general admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Reenactors fire a cannon during the Civil War Encampment and Battle in Hainesville. This year’s event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18. | Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald

Civil War Encampment & Battle: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, off South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Relive history as period-garbed reenactors re-create battle, bivouacs, battlefield surgeries and historical presentations of the American Civil War. Free. hainesville.org/civil-war-event

Open House Chicago: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, in several locations in Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Center hosts a free public festival that offers rare, behind-the-scenes access to sites of architectural, historical and cultural significance and spotlights businesses, organizations and creative leaders contributing to the vitality of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Free. architecture.org

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society. Included with admission. chicagobotanic.org.

“Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure”: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. In this bilingual/bicultural musical, Vita thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. But when a spirited candy skeleton springs to life, Vita finds herself on a musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos. $35; free for kids 17 and younger with the purchase of a regular ticket. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

Clay Jenkinson: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Renowned humanities scholar, author and historical interpreter Clay Jenkinson brings Thomas Jefferson to life. $49-$59. rauecenter.org.

Train Saturdays: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. See an HO-scale model train operated by the DuPage Society of Model Engineers. Detailed layout covers more than 2,000 feet of track and highlights some of DuPage County’s railroads and landmarks. Suggested donation: $5, $2 for kids and seniors. dupagemuseum.org.

Morton Arboretum walking play: 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A retelling of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Low-impact offering Saturday covers a shorter distance at a slower pace and stays near paved paths where possible. Suitable for 12 and older, with some dark themes and mild violence. $27 for 18 and older and $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/walking-plays.

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

Sunday, Oct. 18

Chicago Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $6 or free for kids younger than 12. rrshows.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

The Long Grove Pet Costume Parade steps off Sunday, Oct. 18, at Brother’s Field. | Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association

Pet Costume Parade: Noon Sunday, Oct. 18, at Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Prizes for Best Dressed, Most Unique Costume and Judge’s Favorite. Registration recommended. Free. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

McGarry, Ganz & Versace: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Jazz with Grammy-nominated artists Kate McGarry, Keith Ganz and Gary Versace. $39.19 and free for students 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Taste samples from local food and drink suppliers at the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s Barrington Area TasteFest Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Wild Onion Brewery in Lake Barrington. | Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce

Barrington Area TasteFest: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets, 22221 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Sample food and drinks from local restaurants, microbrewers, wineries and distillers, with live music and a chance to grab fast-moving cash in the Barrington Bank & Trust Co. money machine. The first 200 attendees will receive a collectible TasteFest glass at the door. $50 in advance, $55 at the door. barringtonchamber.com.

Pumpkin Festival: Various times Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 21-25, with many activities at Main and State streets and on the courthouse lawn, Sycamore. Decorated pumpkins, carnival, nonprofit vendors, craft shows, activities and entertainment on Saturday. Autumn Craft and Treasures Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Sycamore High School Fieldhouse; $1-$3 entry fee. The 48th annual Sycamore Chamber 10K Pumpkin Run is at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free; some activities have fees. sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Spooky Trail: 7:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and 7:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St., West Chicago. Encounter clowns, creepy crawlies and other frightful surprises along the quarter-mile Spooky Trail. Only 150 presale tickets available each night. $15 or $18 at the door. Register: we–goparks.org/special-events

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. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkin enrichments for the animals, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3. $7; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events

Boo! at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends through Oct. 25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. Included with admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo

Richardson Adventure Farm: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, 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. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots available starting around 6:10 p.m. and running through 10:15 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Walk through an immersive, interactive trail featuring over 20 themed worlds with thousands of jack-o’-lanterns hand-carved by over 50 artisans. Daytime experience available from 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 17 and 24. $17.99-$29.99; daytime experience $14.99. thejackolanternworld.com/lakezurich.

“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. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

Duchess Manor: Select times and dates through Nov. 1, at The Arboretum, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. The story centers on a rarely seen duchess living in the sprawling estate she constructed within The Arboretum. Also offers a lights-on experience without actors or jump scares. Tickets start at $27 or $7 for the lights-on experience. shopthearb.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Fridays through Sundays through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, 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.

Find much more here.

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Endorsement: McLaughlin for Illinois House Dist. 52

Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Commodius Maximus, Cost of Living, Daily Herald, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, League of Women Voters, OP/Ed, Outmigration, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Rights, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions, Village Code on October 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills spoke out in February against Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control of residential zoning rules in a news conference in South Barrington. Flanking him were Algonquin Village President Debby Sosine, left, and South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Daily Herald Editorial Board

In District 52, incumbent Republican Martin McLaughlin brings a lengthy Springfield record focused on fiscal responsibility. We endorsed him in 2020 for his energy and resourcefulness, in 2022 for his measured approach to state government and in 2024 as a steadfast voice for controlled spending. Democratic challenger Maria Peterson emphasizes lower costs for working families, affordable housing, gun-violence prevention, health care and tax changes. While Peterson is a strong candidate, McLaughlin’s experience and focus on fiscal restraint and oversight continue to make him the stronger choice. McLaughlin is endorsed.

Endorsement can be seen here.

Related: “Editorial: Martin McLaughlin for Illinois 52nd House District” – Chicago Tribune

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