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Archive for the ‘Daily Herald’ Category

1 killed, 2 others hospitalized after pre-dawn crash in Barrington Hills

Posted in Accidents, BCFPD, Daily Herald, VBHPD on July 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Marni Pyke |Daily Herald

Police said speed appeared to be a “contributing factor” in an early morning crash that killed a 17-year-old and injured two other people Saturday in Barrington Hills.

Police responded around 2:20 a.m. and found a teenage male had been ejected from a vehicle near Brinker and Hills and Dales roads.

Officers “began lifesaving measures however the victim was pronounced deceased,” authorities said.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the 17-year-old as Colin M. Newman of Barrington.

Two other occupants of the vehicle were taken to area hospitals. Additional details are being withheld until family members have been notified, police said.

Report continues here.

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Fix for chronic flooding on Route 59 in North Barrington set to begin

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Daily Herald, Taxes, Traffic on July 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

A $2.17million drainage project about to get underway will reduce chronic flooding on Route 59 south of Route 22 in North Barrington. | Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

By Mick Zawislak | Daily Herald

A project years in the making to address chronic flooding along Route 59 and neighboring streets in North Barrington is set to get underway.

Village officials announced the start of the $2.17 million GHO Stormwater Drainage Project, designed to address 20 years of flooding on Route 59 south of Route 22.

The road in that area has been closed six times due to stormwater impacts, most recently on April 18, as hazardous driving conditions resulted from water overtopping the road, according to the village.

Village streets also have seen severe flooding for many years. The failed system to be replaced has negatively affected more than 40 properties and 250 acres within the watershed area.

When completed, a drainage construction project will reduce the flooding problem on Route 59 south of Route 22 in North Barrington. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

GHO stands for the Grassmere Farms, Haverton and Oaksbury neighborhoods in the area. The genesis of the regional project began in 2023 when the village approved an engineering agreement to develop plans for flooding relief.

On April 22, the village approved a contract with Copenhaver Construction Inc., for the project. The village was notified last week that all necessary permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission had been approved.

Article continues here.

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‘We’re all pretty proud’: Equine Guardians taking care of displaced Palatine Stables horses

Posted in Animal Welfare, Daily Herald, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Topics Of Interest on July 12, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Relocated Palatine Stables horses are settled in at a Wauconda farm. | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Behind a weathered, split-rail fence skirting a solitary gravel driveway, Cadence Gehrke reaches into a clear bag and feeds carrots to a gray Appaloosa mare.

It’s feeding time for Tinker Bell and her cream-colored leopard-spotted Appaloosa gelding companion Fuzzy at Birch Hill Farm in Wauconda.

The farm, with its peaceful pasture teeming with tall grass and wildflowers, is where the two horses are spending their twilight years.

They were among the roughly two dozen school horses and ponies displaced following the controversial closing of the Palatine Stables in late 2024. Now they are among 17 under the care of the nonprofit group Gehrke started, Equine Guardians.

Fuzzy, left, and Tinker Bell share a tender moment at Birch Hill Farm in Wauconda. Steve | Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

The organization, which is run by former instructors, boarders and longtime riders, has an online fundraising site. Several horses are listed on the website, equineguardians.org.

Equine Guardians is also holding a reunion and fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at SOUL Harbour Ranch in Barrington. Proceeds will go toward the horses’ care.

Article continues here.

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South Barrington police release data from road safety crackdown

Posted in Daily Herald, Public Safety, South Barrington on July 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Daily Herald report

South Barrington police arrested three people and ticketed dozens of others during an Independence Day safety campaign that ran June 19 through July 6, authorities announced Thursday.

One arrestee was driving while impaired, police said, and another had a suspended license. The third was wanted on a warrant.

Officers issued 50 tickets for seat belt violations, 48 for distracted driving, seven for speeding and 30 for other issues, police said.

More than 200 law enforcement agencies throughout the state participated in similar campaigns.

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Things to do July 10-16: Windmill City Festival, Kane County Fair, Vernon Hills Days and more

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment on July 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Nikko and Katie Faciano of Crystal Lake share a brisket sandwich during the 2025 Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest. This year’s fest runs through Sunday. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, July 12, 2025

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, July 10

Taste of Chicago: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 10-12, in Grant Park, Chicago. Dozens of Chicago restaurants, chefs and food trucks, and live music, family-friendly activities and more. Music headliners: Friday: Common at 7 p.m.; Saturday: Babyface at 7 p.m.; and Sunday: Julieta Venegas at 7 p.m. Free. chicago.gov

Windy City Smokeout: Friday 1-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, outside the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Music, barbecue from over 20 vendors and more. Headliners: Friday: Lainey Wilson at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: Jordan Davis at 8:20 p.m.; and Sunday: Blake Shelton at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $84.99, free for kids 10 and younger with a paying adult. windycitysmokeout.com.

20th annual Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest: 4:30-11 p.m. Friday, July 10; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 11; and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Professional pitmasters and vendors, carnival and more. Music lineup: Friday: Y2K at 6:45 p.m. and Too Hype Crew at 9 p.m.; Saturday: Loudernow at 6:30 p.m. and Mr. Speed at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Hello Weekend at 4:30 p.m. Rib judging at 3:45 p.m. Sunday. Ribfest Market for crafters, creators, local entrepreneurs and more from 4-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. $10, $5 for seniors, and free for active military with ID and kids 12 and younger accompanied by an adult. rockinrotaryribfest.com.

Dog Days of Summer: Noon Friday, July 10, and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, at Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Dock Dogs Big Air competitive pool jumping, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, Iron Dog and more. Free entry; competition registration $39 in advance, $42 on-site for adults; $19/$22 for Big Air, $38-$40 for other events for kids. libertyville.com.

Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, spices, honey, cheese, eggs, meats and more. With live music, pop-up events, kids’ activities and more. Free. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 10, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. A mixed market offering fresh produce and other goods. Free. wdundee.org.

First Friday Summer Dances: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Schaumburg’s Towne Square, 200 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Dance lessons by Schaumburg Arthur Murray Dance Studio from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; swing with music from The Stingrays and dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. parkfun.com

Sounds of Summer Friday concerts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. The Fortunate Sons will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Saturday, July 11

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. Free. eastdundee.net

Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. Open to all years and makes of stock or modified cars, trucks and motorcycles. $20 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cars will be on the front lawn and on Park Street. Top 50 judged awards at 3 p.m., plus 25 selected vehicle awards. Food trucks and two live bands. Rain date: Sunday, July 12. elginhistory.org.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is open weekends starting Saturday, July 11, and running through Labor Day in Kenosha, Wisconsin. | Courtesy of the Bristol Renaissance Faire

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, July 11 through Sept. 7, at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. 16th-century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, characters and more. $48, $45 for 62 and older and military with ID, $23 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Algonquin Unplug Illinois: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Family event with bubbles, a balloon artist, and games and activities hosted by local sponsors. algonquin.org/recreation.

Blind Flight Outdoor Beer Tasting: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 11, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Carpentersville Morning Rotary Club hosts a picnic-style craft beer tasting fundraiser with live music and raffles. Participating breweries: Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, Sew Hop’d Brewery, Moor’s Brewing Co., Emmett’s Brewing Co., Black & Gray Brewing Co., More Brewing Co., Lucky Monk and Crystal Lake Brewing. Food vendors No manches! and Duke’s Blues-n-BBQ. Beer tasting tickets: $40, includes a tasting glass. Tickets: carpentersvillerotary.org

Fox River Grove fireworks: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Picnic Grove Park, 598 Birch Lane, Fox River Grove. Fireworks at dusk. facebook.com/frgliving.

Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Hillbilly Rockstarz will perform. Free. parkfun.com.

Sunday, July 12

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 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.

Hoffman Estates Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, in the parking lot of Vistex, off Barrington Road and Route 72, Hoffman Estates. Local vendors selling home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more. Rain or shine. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

Monday, July 13

Motor Monday Cruise Night: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, July 13, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Cars and trucks of various makes and models. In partnership with the Midwest Racing Preservation Association. Free. eastdundee.net.

Tuesday, July 14

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Horizon will perform. Food trucks. Free. crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Dundee Township Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Grafelman Park, 112 N. 5th St., West Dundee. Throwbacks will perform. Food and drinks sold by Dundee Township Lions Club, with proceeds benefiting the community. Free. dtpd.org/concerts-in-the-park.

Wednesday, July 15

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. 7th heaven will perform. Free. shopthearb.com.

Kids ride the caterpillar roller coaster during the 2024 Kane County Fair in St. Charles. This year’s fair runs Wednesday through Sunday, July 15-19. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, July 18, 2024

Kane County Fair: 3-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 15-16; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 17-18; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 157th annual fair featuring a carnival, 4-H show, kids’ events, racing pigs, vendors, JP Classic Car Show on the weekend and livestock auction at 1 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday is a carnival only. On the Sound Stage (free): Eric Chesser at 7 p.m. Thursday; Tripping Billies at 8 p.m. Friday; and Mark Atkins at 5 p.m. and Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8 p.m. Saturday. Professional Championship Bullriders & Cowgirls at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; advance tickets are $22.24 or $11.75 for kids 10 and younger at rodeoticket.com or at the grandstand starting at 6 p.m.; and Demolition Derby at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday for $10. Fair admission (cash) at the gate: $5 for 3 and older on Wednesday and Thursday; $10 for adults and $5 for kids 3-12 Friday through Sunday; and free for kids younger than 3. Free for seniors over 62 and military with ID until 5 p.m. Thursday. Season pass $25. Free parking. kanecountyfair.com.

Palatine Concert Band: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Thursday, July 16

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at the BMO Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington. Local vendors, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

Geneva’s Classic Cars Under the Stars takes place Thursdays through Aug. 27 behind the historic Kane County Courthouse in Geneva. | Courtesy of Keeping Moments Photography

Geneva Classic Car Show: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, around the historic Kane County Courthouse, off Fourth and James streets, Geneva. Music by The Fishin’ Buddies, food, and vote for your favorite make and model. To display your vehicle, arrive after 4:30 p.m. and find a spot in the lot behind the courthouse. Free. genevachamber.com/events/classic-car-show.

Long Grove Music in the Park: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, in Covered Bridge Park, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Cherry Tree will perform. Free. longgrove.org.

Vernon Hills Days: 6-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 16-17; 1-10 p.m. Saturday, July 18; and 1-8 p.m. Sunday, July 19, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Carnival, bags tournament, kids’ events and fireworks on Thursday. Lineup: Thursday: Radio Gaga; Friday: ARRA and Blood, Sweat & Tears; Saturday: Hello Weekend and James Barker Band; and Sunday: The Boy Band Night. vhdays.com.

Algonquin Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Towne Park’s Jerry Kautz Pavilion, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Reckless will perform. Food trucks. Algonquin.org/summerconcerts.

Cary Summer Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Lions Park Rotary Bandshell, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Industrial Drive will perform. Free. carypark.com

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Burning Red will perform. Concessions. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

Ongoing

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 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

Find much more here.

 

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Rezoning request for potential data center in Hoffman Estates withdrawn

Posted in AI, BACOG, Cook, County, Daily Herald, Data Center, EJ&E/Canadian National, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Unions on July 1, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

The firm that owns the 186-acre Plum Farms property at Higgins Road and Route 59 in Hoffman Estates has withdrawn its request to rezone the site to manufacturing use that potentially would have enabled a data center there.

“We got word last night that it had been withdrawn,” Hoffman Estates Village Manager Eric Palm said Wednesday.

That immediately removed the decision from the agenda of Monday’s village board meeting, at which a large crowd of opponents from Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills and South Barrington was expected.

Report continues here.

Related: “Barrington CUSD 220 opposes rezoning of Plum Farms,” “Proposed data center in Hoffman Estates sparks resident outrage,” “HOFFMAN ESTATES NOTICE OF (PLUM FARMS) PUBLIC HEARING JULY 6,” “‘Wrong project, wrong place’: Critics push back on rezoning plan for potential Hoffman Estates data center,” “Change.org Petition: ‘Deny Rezoning of Plum Farms In Hoffman Estates’,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie shares an update on Hoffman Estates/Plum Farms Plan Commission meeting,” “Hoffman Estates plan commission rejects rezoning request for possible data center,” “Hoffman Estates Plan Commission rejects zoning change for new data center project,” “Hoffman Estates Plum Farm June 3rd Plan Commission Meeting Essentials,” “After being rejected in Naperville, company could build data center in Hoffman Estates,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posts information regarding June 3 Hoffman Estates (Plum Farms) Plan Commission meeting,” “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3,” “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property,” “Hoffman Estates approves sewer, water for development of 185 acres west of The Arboretum,” “Hoffman Estates approves tax incentive at routes 59, 72,” “District 220 lawsuit against Hoffman Estates, Plum Farms developers dismissed,” “South Barrington residents sue over Hoffman Estates development,” “Editorial: Listen to agencies that would feel consequences of Hoffman Estates development”

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Opponents cite documents as proof Hoffman Estates plans data center on Plum Farms site

Posted in AI, Daily Herald, Data Center, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Land Use, Plum Farm development, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Sears, South Barrington, Taxes, Transparency on June 30, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

A request to the Illinois Attorney General for a review of alleged Open Meetings Act violations is among the artillery being used by opponents of a potential rezoning of 186 acres in Hoffman Estates for a possible data center.

Barrington Hills resident Amanda Pollard filed the request Monday, asking that any finding of a violation be used to challenge the village board’s possible rezoning of the northwest corner of Higgins Road and Route 72 to manufacturing use at Monday’s board meeting.

She cited documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act as proof plans for a data center are more specific than the landowner or village officials have said aloud.

Pollard was particularly suspicious of requests for meetings with trustees or the mayor in correspondence between landowner Karis Critical and village staff.

Village Manager Eric Palm said the documents don’t chronicle potential Open Meetings Act violations and Mayor Bill McLeod said none have occurred.

Hoffman Estates officials are considering a proposal to rezone the 186-acre Plum Farms property at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72 to manufacturing use, potentially enabling development of a data center. This view looks north along Old Sutton Road, just north of Higgins Road. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2019

“No, we don’t do that,” McLeod added. “That doesn’t happen.”

At the June 3 plan commission meeting, attorney Matt Norton representing Karis characterized the rezoning request as simply a way to boost the Plum Farms site’s marketing potential for various industrial uses.

But a May 19 email from Hoffman Estates Director of Development Services Jennifer Horn to Karis officials speaks of a less generalized goal.

Article continues here.

Related: “Proposed data center in Hoffman Estates sparks resident outrage,” “HOFFMAN ESTATES NOTICE OF (PLUM FARMS) PUBLIC HEARING JULY 6,” “‘Wrong project, wrong place’: Critics push back on rezoning plan for potential Hoffman Estates data center,” “Change.org Petition: ‘Deny Rezoning of Plum Farms In Hoffman Estates’,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie shares an update on Hoffman Estates/Plum Farms Plan Commission meeting,” “Hoffman Estates plan commission rejects rezoning request for possible data center,” “Hoffman Estates Plan Commission rejects zoning change for new data center project,” “Hoffman Estates Plum Farm June 3rd Plan Commission Meeting Essentials,” “After being rejected in Naperville, company could build data center in Hoffman Estates,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posts information regarding June 3 Hoffman Estates (Plum Farms) Plan Commission meeting,” “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3,” “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property,” “Hoffman Estates approves sewer, water for development of 185 acres west of The Arboretum,” “Hoffman Estates approves tax incentive at routes 59, 72,” “District 220 lawsuit against Hoffman Estates, Plum Farms developers dismissed,” “South Barrington residents sue over Hoffman Estates development,” “Editorial: Listen to agencies that would feel consequences of Hoffman Estates development”

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Plan to redevelop Allstate property in South Barrington is progressing

Posted in Daily Herald, Real Estate, South Barrington on June 29, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald

Redevelopment plans for the former Allstate Corp. headquarters near South Barrington are gaining steam.

A real estate company called Opus wants to purchase the roughly 67-acre site at Higgins and Bartlett roads from Allstate and construct three light-industrial buildings.

To smooth the way for that plan, Allstate has asked the South Barrington village board to annex the land, which had been part of the village until it was disconnected by a court order last year. It’s now considered to be in unincorporated Cook County.

South Barrington’s plan commission, which advises the village board on development matters, recommended approval of the site plan last week.

The village board is expected to consider the proposal when it next meets at 7 p.m. July 9 at village hall, 30 Barrington Road.

Report continues here.

Related: “‘A unicorn event’: Allstate property could be annexed back into South Barrington ahead of redevelopment,” “Allstate Property Could Be Annexed Back into South Barrington as part of a Major Redevelopment Effort”

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‘One-woman show’: Barrington resident brings home-grown business to historic Ice House mall

Posted in Daily Herald, Education, Topics Of Interest on June 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Owner Montana Bellagamba holds “City of Iron and Ivy” by local author Thomas Kent Weat, at Bell House Books, which is holding its grand opening Saturday within the Ice House Mall & Vintage Shops in Barrington. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington resident Montana Bellagamba is bringing her passion for books to the town where she grew up — and filling a need in her hometown.

Bell House Books, 200 Applebee St., is holding its grand opening Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the historic Ice House Mall & Village Shops.

Bellagamba began the business out of her home — its name refers to both her name and the business’ domestic origins — and began hosting pop-ups at women-owned shops in the area, as well as the village’s farmers market, now known as Thursday Night Out.

Now, she has her own nearly 1,100-square-foot space.

Bell House Books in Barrington aims at filling a diverse appetite for books. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

Bellagamba’s background is in hospitality, food and beverage, which translates into a public-facing business. She and her husband Thomas Bellagamba, whom she met at Countryside Elementary School, moved back to Barrington from Chicago and have two young children. She has spent the past seven years working for consulting firms.

After they moved back, she found people she knew had also moved back. She also found a network of other female entrepreneurs who were willing to welcome her into their spaces, including the Pepper Pot, a needlepoint and mahjong store located within the mall.

“One thing that really took me by surprise is just the amount of female entrepreneurs in this town and how truly inspiring they are,” she said. “They are willing to connect and collaborate and help you grow.”

Article continues here.

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Local residents protest potential rezoning of Plum Farms site in Hoffman Estates for data center

Posted in AI, BACOG, Cook, County, Daily Herald, Data Center, Deception, EJ&E/Canadian National, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Mad Cows, Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Sears, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency, Unions on June 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Residents of Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills and South Barrington, including Christine Krzystofczyk of Hoffman Estates, protest the proposed rezoning of the 186-acre Plum Farms property at the corner of routes 59 and 72, immediately west of The Arboretum in South Barrington Wednesday. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

Residents of communities near the 186-acre Plum Farms property in Hoffman Estates Wednesday protested its proposed rezoning for industrial uses they consider a smoke screen for a data center.

Demonstrators from Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills and South Barrington cited documents obtained through public records requests as evidence that inquiries about a plan for a data center at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72 were shared with the village in early 2025

Hoffman Estates Deputy Village Manager Jon Pape confirmed landowner Karis Critical did submit such unsolicited concept plans last year. They were not reviewed by village staff as a formal development proposal would have been.

Doreen Gibrich, along with other residents of Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills and South Barrington, protests the proposed rezoning of the 186-acre Plum Farms property on the corner of routes 59 and 72 Wednesday. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

Mayor Bill McLeod emphasized the request before the village board at its meeting of Monday, July 6 is for a rezoning of the property without a detailed plan attached.

“A concept plan isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on,” McLeod said. “Formal plans are very involved. What’s on the table is rezoning.”

The village’s plan commission recommended against granting that request by a 4-2 vote on June 3. The village presidents of Barrington Hills and South Barrington have lent their voices to the opposition.

Article continues here.

Related: “HOFFMAN ESTATES NOTICE OF (PLUM FARMS) PUBLIC HEARING JULY 6,” “‘Wrong project, wrong place’: Critics push back on rezoning plan for potential Hoffman Estates data center,” “Change.org Petition: ‘Deny Rezoning of Plum Farms In Hoffman Estates’,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie shares an update on Hoffman Estates/Plum Farms Plan Commission meeting,” “Hoffman Estates plan commission rejects rezoning request for possible data center,” “Hoffman Estates Plan Commission rejects zoning change for new data center project,” “Hoffman Estates Plum Farm June 3rd Plan Commission Meeting Essentials,” “After being rejected in Naperville, company could build data center in Hoffman Estates,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posts information regarding June 3 Hoffman Estates (Plum Farms) Plan Commission meeting,” “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3,” “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property,” “Hoffman Estates approves sewer, water for development of 185 acres west of The Arboretum,” “Hoffman Estates approves tax incentive at routes 59, 72,” “District 220 lawsuit against Hoffman Estates, Plum Farms developers dismissed,” “South Barrington residents sue over Hoffman Estates development,” “Editorial: Listen to agencies that would feel consequences of Hoffman Estates development”

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