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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Illinois 59 at Dundee Road culvert repairs (SCHEDULED TO) begin Sept. 30

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Cook, County, IDOT, Look For The Union Label, Press Release, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, School Districts, Taxes, Traffic on September 29, 2026| Leave a Comment »

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that culvert repairs at the intersection of Illinois 59 and Dundee Road (Illinois 68), in Barrington Hills, will begin, weather permitting, Wednesday, Sept. 30. ​

To complete the work, daytime lane closures will be required approaching the intersection. At least one lane will remain open in both directions during the construction. ​

The project is anticipated to be completed in November.

The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternate routes are encouraged. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Seven of Rebuild Illinois include $25.6 billion of improvements statewide to 24,498 lane miles of highway, 959 bridges and 1,475 additional safety improvements.

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

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Forest Preserves of Cook County Reaches Agreement with Teamsters Local 700

Posted in Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Press Release, Unions on September 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Posted: September 2, 2026

With a vote today by members of Teamsters Local 700 to accept the last proposal by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Teamsters strike at the Forest Preserves has ended. Local 700 employees in the landscape maintenance, resource management, conservation and experiential programming, and fleet and facilities departments are expected to return to work tomorrow.

“The Forest Preserves of Cook County is an organization built on a mission to protect wild spaces and help the public connect to the natural world close to home. I know Forest Preserves staff in every department are driven by a pride in being a part of that,” said General Superintendent Adam Bianchi. “This agreement addresses issues raised by Local 700 while allowing the Forest Preserves to remain on a sustainable fiscal path. We are eager to have all our dedicated employees together again to meet our shared mission.”

The agreement between the Forest Preserves and Local 700 to extend the existing contract includes a 2% raise in January 2026, another 2% in July 2026 and a 4% raise in July 2027, a one-time payment of $2,500 for full-time employees and $1,250 for seasonal employees, paid lunch and breaks, and changes for overtime pay rules, scheduling notification, shift assignment choices and reduction of weekend work.

The Forest Preserves remained fully open and operational throughout the strike and will continue to offer the people of Cook County opportunities to enjoy its trails, campgrounds, nature centers, picnic groves, golf courses, boating centers, events and programs, and more.

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Geneva’s annual Concours d’Elegance returns Aug. 23 with 200 vintage cars

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, Press Release on August 20, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By City of Geneva

Travel down historic Geneva’s Third Street lined with vintage, specialty, and exotic automobiles during the annual Concours d’Elegance from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, in downtown Geneva. Participants from all over the country will gather, with some being awarded the coveted Benz Trophy.

The event will offer the chance to see more than 200 award-winning and rare cars. This year’s feature vehicles include the Phaeton body style, Whizzer motorbikes, and Audi marques.

Several dining establishments will be offering al fresco options along the shaded streets.

The beneficiary of this year’s event is Northwestern Medicine LivingWell Cancer Resources. Learn more at the Geneva Concours d’Elegance website, genevaconcours.net.

Article continues here.

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Forest Preserves of Cook County Will Remain Open During Union Strike, Continue Negotiations

Posted in Barrington Hills Park District, Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Pension Funding, Politics, Press Release, Taxes, Unions on August 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Forest Preserves of Cook County will remain open and operational during a strike of members of Teamsters Local 700, allowing the public opportunities to continue to enjoy the many amenities the Preserves offers, including trails, picnic groves, nature centers, campgrounds, golf courses, fishing lakes and more. The Forest Preserves has worked to avoid a strike with offers that include a total of 8% in raises over two years and a one-time payment—part of a pattern that would increase the starting salaries of Local 700 members by 33% in just six years.

“All the employees of the Forest Preserves are critical to our success, and that certainly is the case for the members of Local 700. We recognize and appreciate the work they do every day all year long to keep the Preserves a place that is a gem in Cook County. Working within our current and long-term fiscal restrictions, the Forest Preserves has made offers to the union that continue to provide a compensation package that is at and above what is competitive in the labor market. We are confident that we can negotiate with the union to find a solution within our confines,” said General Superintendent Adam Bianchi.

In 2025, the Forest Preserves of Cook County made a fair and reasonable proposal to extend the existing contract between Local 700 and the Forest Preserves for two years: a 2% raise in January 2026, another 2% in July 2026 and a 4% raise in July 2027, plus a $2,500 one-time payment for full-time employees. More recently, after ongoing discussions with union leadership, the Forest Preserves added to its offer, including a paid lunch, which effectively shortens the workday for Local 700 members by half an hour, broader overtime pay rules and a $1,250 one-time payment for seasonal staff.

Six unions at the Forest Preserves have accepted the exact or similar terms as the original offer as a contract extension last year. Other unions, including nearly 50 locals that are in Cook County, also accepted exact or similar pay scales and one-time payment structure.

The Preserves’ offer is the latest step in a steady pattern of increased compensation for the union. In the last five years, Local 700 members at the Forest Preserves have received six raises and three one-time payments. With the offer of three more raises this year and next, the starting salary for a member of Local 700 will have increased fully by a third since June 2021. A person who joined the Preserves in the position of laborer in June 2021 will have their salary jump from $47,278 to $65,045—a 38% increase—and also received payments totaling an additional $6,500.

At the same time, the Forest Preserves can’t increase revenue except by raising fees to the public, cutting services and restoration work, or raising property taxes with a referendum. That means the Preserves must consider the immediate and extended impact of major changes to key expenses such as employee compensation.

During a strike, the Forest Preserves will remain open and any changes in operations will prioritize the health and safety of the public, the ecological health of the lands in our care and minimizing impact to the public. The Forest Preserves will not lock out any employees and members of Local 700 are not prohibited from working throughout a strike. As always, visitors to the Forest Preserves can visit fpdcc.com for updates on our news page, for the status of planned events, and for alerts about trail access and other information by location.

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About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there’s no better place to feel free.

 

 

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Route 59 to close in North Barrington next week for a month (ish)

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Press Release, Road construction, School Districts, Taxes, Traffic, Unions on August 8, 2026| Leave a Comment »

NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURE
GHO STORMWATER DRAINAGE PROJECT 

ROADWAY CLOSURE:    IL Rte. 59 from Cuba Road to IL Rte. 22 (northbound & southbound).

CLOSURE DATES: August 13, 2026 through September 15, 2026

The Village of North Barrington wants to advise motorists that IL Rte. 59 will be closed for thirty-four (34) days from Cuba Road to IL Rte. 22 from Thursday, August 13th through Tuesday, September 15th.

The closure is necessary to replace the large box culvert under the highway and is part of the GHO stormwater drainage project currently underway by the Village of North Barrington.

DETOUR ROUTE:  Rte. 59 to Cuba Rd. to Ela Rd. to IL Rte. 12 to IL Rte. 22.

Motorists should allow extra travel time, use caution near the work zone, and follow the posted detour signage.

The Village of North Barrington appreciates everyone’s patience while we work to improve the safety for the motorists.

See press release here.

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PAWS CHICAGO BREAKS GROUND ON “RESCUE RANCH,” A TRANSFORMATIVE NEW HAVEN FOR HOMELESS PETS IN CHICAGO’S NORTHWEST SUBURBS

Posted in Animal Welfare, PAWS Chicago, Press Release on July 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

20-Acre Hawthorn Woods Facility Will Expand Lifesaving Efforts for Large Dogs, Cats, and Spay/Neuter Services Across Chicagoland

July 20, 2026 (HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill.) – PAWS Chicago, the Midwest’s largest No Kill animal welfare organization, celebrated a major milestone on Sunday, July 19, breaking ground on the PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch, a transformative 20-acre state-of-the-art facility that will expand its lifesaving work for homeless and at-risk pets throughout Chicagoland.

Set to open in 2027, the PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch will become a first-of-its-kind destination focused on the rescue, rehabilitation, enrichment, and adoption of large dogs and cats, the animals most at risk of euthanasia throughout the region. The facility will also include the Forsythe Veterinary Medical Center, a high-volume spay/neuter clinic, that will expand access to affordable and free spay/neuter services based on financial need while helping prevent pet overpopulation.

Community leaders, supporters, donors, volunteers, and animal advocates gathered to commemorate the groundbreaking and celebrate the next chapter in PAWS Chicago’s nearly three-decade mission to build a No Kill Chicagoland.

“The PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch represents the future of animal welfare,” said Paula Fasseas, Founder and Executive Chair of PAWS Chicago. “Every aspect of this campus has been thoughtfully designed around what animals need to heal, thrive, and ultimately find loving homes. By creating more space, expanding access to adopters, and investing in prevention through spay/neuter services and education, we will save more lives for generations to come.”

Once an equestrian center, the property is being transformed into a best-in-class animal welfare facility that blends nearly three decades of PAWS Chicago’s lifesaving experience with the latest advances in animal behavior science and shelter medicine. Surrounded by rolling hills, walking trails, and a scenic pond, the PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch will provide a peaceful environment where animals can decompress and thrive while awaiting adoption.

“When PAWS Chicago began in 1997 more than 42,000 animals in Chicago were being euthanized. Today, that number has been reduced by nearly 90%,” added Fasseas. “While adoption is critical for lifesaving, it is spay/neuter that prevents pet overpopulation at its source, and the Rescue Ranch will have a robust surgery center equipped to perform hundreds of spay/neuter surgeries during large Spay Days — and help train the next generation of spay/neuter surgeons.”

The PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch will:

  • Provide individualized care for up to 80 dogs plus litters of puppies in spacious accommodations featuring private outdoor patios for fresh air and relaxation while they await adoption.
  • Provide individualized care for up to 80 cats plus litters kittens through daily enrichment, socialization, and a dedicated Kitten Room, Senior Room, Feline Sun Room and cat café.
  • Connect large dogs with more suburban adopters, where yards and fewer housing restrictions can help larger breeds thrive.
  • Open a high-volume Spay/Neuter Clinic that will expand access to affordable spay/neuter services, reduce pet overpopulation, and support veterinary training.

Beyond serving homeless pets, the PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch will be a destination for adoption, volunteerism, education, and community engagement. Visitors will also be welcomed by rescued farm animals, including a horned cow, llamas, miniature donkeys, goats, and pigs.

Construction is now underway. Learn more at pawschicago.org/RescueRanch.

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Reminder: Celebrate America 250 with The Land We Love Run to Support Folds of Honor

Posted in Entertainment, Folds of Honor, Fundraisers, Press Release, Resident Spotlights, The Land We Love Run, VBHPD on June 7, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Neighbors & Friends –

Join us as we kick off the America 250 celebration 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with the annual “The Land We Love Run” through Barrington Hills! Brought to you by the Village of Barrington Hills and Cuba Township The Land We Love Run starts at 7:30 am from Cuba Township, and offers 5k & 10k runs and a 2 mile walk.  Come out to enjoy our beautiful Village and to support our Heroes!

Our 5k and 10k 🏃‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️ courses are certified and professionally chip timed.

Compete in the Team Competition 🙌 Put together your team of 3 or more for camaraderie, bragging rights, and to compete for fun prizes!

Police 👮🏻 monitored routes with age-based awards 🥇, and water/aid stations. Stay for the award ceremony, refreshments and fun following the run.

All proceeds to benefit Folds of Honor – Chicago, a National organization with a local presence that provides scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled Service Members and First Responders. Donations are also being accepted to the Cuba Township Food Pantry, addressing Barrington-area residents’ food insecurity needs.

It’s a HILL of a RUN!
Hope to see you and your friends and colleagues on June 28th! 

You don’t run? Consider volunteering or sponsorship!

Sponsorship levels are:

  • America 250 Sponsor $2,500 Recognition on Website, Logo on T-shirts, Race Banner, American 250 Banner, 10 Race Entries, Space for Table/Tent
  • 1776 Sponsor $1,776 Logo on T-shirts, Race Banner, 5 Race Entries
  • Liberty Sponsor $1,000 Logo on Race Banner
  • Freedom Sponsor $500 Logo on Water Station Signs

***SPONSORSHIP MUST BE CONFIRMED BY MAY 27th TO GUARANTEE LOGO ON T-SHIRTS***

Click for SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION & FORM

We appreciate you forwarding this invitation to any who might be interested in participating and/or sponsorship.

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Join the BACT for an Earth Day Celebration at Pederson and Rieke Family Preserves

Posted in BACT, Going green, Press Release, Topics Of Interest on April 18, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Barrington Hills, IL – Located adjacent to Flint Creek at the southwest corner of Lake Cook and Hart Roads, these preserves serve as a vital link between prairies, wetlands, and other conserved lands. They are also valued outdoor classrooms for Barrington High School students and reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

Event Highlights:

  • 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Drop-in volunteer restoration activities
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Short presentation during a student class period (exact time TBD)

Participants are welcome to join at any time throughout the day to assist with planting native species grown by District 220 students. Community volunteers, local officials, D220 faculty and the Barrington Area Conservation Trust will be on site to support the effort.

Melissa Kinast, Executive Director of BACT, shares, “Over the past decade, we’ve watched these preserves come back to life through thoughtful restoration. Today, that work is visible in the return of wildlife, improving water quality in the vernal pools, and the remarkable presence of lightning bugs that light up the landscape on summer evenings. Earth Day is an opportunity to share that progress with the community and continue building on it together.”

All are welcome to participate and experience the impact of conservation at the local level.

For more information, please email bactrust1@gmail.com. (Website under construction; visit our social media for up-to-date information.)

About Barrington Area Conservation Trust:

The Barrington Area Conservation Trust is committed to preserving open land, natural beauty, and biodiversity in the Barrington area, fostering a connection between people and the environment through conservation, education, and stewardship.

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Illinois Senate Unanimously Passes Giannoulias E-Bike Bill

Posted in E-bikes, Entertainment, Politics, Press Release, School Districts, Springfield, Topics Of Interest on April 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Photo by: Martin Schutt/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

Illinois Senators (Wednesday) approved a sweeping statewide safety initiative spearheaded by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to address the growing dangers posed by unregulated high-speed e-bikes, e-motos and other powerful electric transportation devices operating on streets, bike lanes and sidewalks across the state.

The initiative focuses on higher-powered, higher-speed devices that fall outside current state definitions or remain largely unregulated, including certain e-bikes, e-motos and electric scooters, skateboards and unicycles. Illinois currently has no laws governing e-bikes and other micromobility devices that exceed 28 mph. Many of these devices have motors that exceed 750 watts and can travel well beyond 28 mph – in some cases over 50 mph – yet are not clearly addressed under existing law.

Illinois will maintain its current three-class e-bike structure, which covers pedal bicycles with electric motor assistance up to 28 mph – a framework already used in 46 other states. Under the proposal, those classifications would remain unchanged except for new age requirements that a rider on a Class 1 or Class 2 must be at least 15 years old.

Under the legislative framework:

  • Riders of e-bikes and e-motos capable of traveling over 28 mph would be required to have a driver’s license, title, registration and insurance.
  • High-speed micromobility devices such as e-scooters, electric skateboards and electric unicycles would be prohibited from operating over 28 mph on roads, bike lanes, bike paths and sidewalks. In addition, riders of any electric micromobility device must be at least 16 years old.
  • The legislation establishes statewide consistency, replacing the current patchwork of local ordinances that vary widely from one municipality to another.

If signed into law, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2027. E-bikes and e-motos purchased prior to that date would be exempt from the title requirement but must still be registered.

Along with the legislation, the Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready campaign will deliver:

  • Statewide public awareness outreach for parents, riders and retailers,
  • Updated driver education materials focused on sharing the road safely,
  • Law enforcement guidance and community safety partnerships, and
  • Outreach to schools and municipalities on responsible micromobility use.

The initiative is part of the Secretary of State’s broader effort to modernize transportation safety laws and respond proactively to emerging technologies before preventable injuries and fatalities continue to rise.

The full release can be read here.

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Allstate Property Could Be Annexed Back into South Barrington as part of a Major Redevelopment Effort

Posted in Press Release, Real Estate, South Barrington on April 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2026
Contact: Travis Akin
618-303-1108 

South Barrington, IL – In an unprecedented move, Allstate Corp. has formally requested the Village of South Barrington to annex the site of its former headquarters, just over a year after the land was legally disconnected from the suburb. 

“This is truly a rare occurrence,” said South Barrington Attorney James Vasselli. “We’ve never seen a property owner go from excising land from a municipality to seeking annexation again. It’s a unicorn event.”

The proposed annexation comes as plans for the redevelopment of the approximately 67-acre site, located at the southeast corner of Higgins and Bartlett roads, are taking shape. Opus, a company based in Rosemont, has expressed interest in purchasing the property to construct a light-industrial complex.

This new proposal follows a previous plan put forth by Texas-based Hillwood Development Co. in 2022. The Cook County court granted Allstate’s petition for disconnection in February 2025, but with Hillwood now out of the picture, Opus has a contract to acquire the land.

“One door closes, another door opens,” Vasselli said. “This property was always going to be developed. The question was would the development take place with or without the Village’s input. Thanks to the leadership of the Mayor and others in the South Barrington community – the Village will be involved and that is very good news for residents.”

The Allstate property is strategically situated just north of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and adjacent to the popular Arboretum of South Barrington shopping center. The site has remained vacant since Allstate consolidated its operations in Northbrook in 2012, but with Opus’s interest, there is renewed optimism for the area’s development.

Opus plans to construct three buildings, which is two fewer than the previous proposal by Hillwood. Village representatives and Opus met in January to discuss the development, with Mayor Paula McCombie emphasizing the benefits of annexation during their discussions.

Allstate officially filed for annexation on April 7, and the plan was presented publicly at last week’s village board meeting. In her weekly communication to residents, South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie says the move follows a pattern of businesses showing an interest in South Barrington.

“There is definitely renewed interest in South Barrington because of what we have been able to accomplish in recent months,” McCombie said. “There is a desire to be a part of the exciting growth and development of our community. The future is bright for our community.”

The annexation and subsequent development would not only generate property tax revenue for the village but also alleviate some financial burdens on residents. It would also provide South Barrington officials with a say in the development’s progression.

“We have a seat at the table,” McCombie said. “We look forward to working with our corporate partners in the development of this property. Negotiations are currently underway, with the next step being a presentation to the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.”

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