Posted in Barrington Area Library, Community Alerts, EJ&E/Canadian National, Goat Rodeo, Traffic, U.S. Route 14 Underpass on September 24, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Latest from the Barrington Area Library:
“In our previous e-mail newsletter, we told you about a proposed closure of the CN railroad crossings at Route 14 and Lake Zurich Road,
scheduled for the coming weekend.
We have received word from the Village of Barrington that those closures have been postponed. We apologize for any confusion. Watch for updates from the Village with the new dates for the work on the crossings.”
Related: “Weekend CN Railroad Crossing Closure Alert in Barrington”
Posted in Barrington Area Library, Community Alerts, Traffic, Transparency on September 23, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Per a Barrington Area Library posting:
“Canadian National has advised the Village that they will be delivering stone to the underpass project this Saturday and Sunday (9/26 & 9/27). During the delivery, the short train will move slowly as it deposits stone throughout the construction zone. On one day, the train will block the US 14 crossing for approximately 3 hours and on the other day, the train will block the Lake Zurich Road crossing for approximately the same duration. The Village is working with CN to determine which crossing will close on Saturday, and which will close on Sunday.
Railroad flaggers will be present during this time. During the closure of Route 14, barricades will be placed, noting “Road Closed – Local Traffic Only” at US 14 / IL 59 (facing west) and at US 14 / Main St (facing south) and a police officer will be present at both locations to direct traffic to Main Street and Route 59 (Hough Street). Detour signage will be placed at the intersection of Main Street and Hough Street.
An officer will be stationed at the intersection of Lake Zurich Road and Route 14 to assist in routing any local traffic around the closure. As soon as the delivery is complete, the signage will be removed, and officers will reopen the roadway.
During the few hour closure of Lake Zurich Road, barricades will be placed noting ‘Road Closed – Local Traffic Only’ at Providence and Lake Zurich Road and officers will monitor the area.
Allow extra time and use an abundance of caution when traveling through town this weekend.”
Posted in 220, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, DARCHED, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Fools and their money, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Immigration, League of Women Voters, News Media, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, School Districts, Taxes, The New Normal?, The New York Times, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 28, 2026| Leave a Comment »
The Daily | The New York Times
This summer, the Democratic Socialists of America have mounted their biggest and most successful attempt yet to redefine the Democratic Party. They have defeated its candidates in primary after primary from coast to coast.
As its electoral success grows, the organization is confronting big, unresolved questions about what it stands for and what level of compromise is required to become a lasting political force.
Charles Homans, who talked to more than 30 D.S.A. candidates, organizers, members and volunteers across the countries, discusses the rise and limitations of the D.S.A.
Guest: Charles Homans writes about national politics for The New York Times and The Times Magazine.
The link to the podcast can be found here.
Posted in Appointments, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Hills Park District, Board of Elections, Don't Change Barrington Hills, Elections, Ethics, Fundraisers, Illinois State Board of Elections, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, One Barrington Hills, Politics, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, School Districts, SOS Party, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unite Barrington Hills, Village Board, Your Barrington Hills on August 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Believe it or not, candidates running in the Consolidated April 2027 Election may begin their petition circulation next week. According to records we found in a search of the Cook County Clerk’s Office (not always up to date), the terms of these elected officials will be ending:
Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Club
To our knowledge, no one has declared their candidacy for any of these seats. However, it would be decent of those listed above to communicate their intentions sooner than later.
Those considering running for office are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Board of Elections for guidance on getting started if they’ve not already.
Source: Cook County Clerk’s Office
Posted in Barrington Area Library, Barrington Courier-Review, Barrington High School, Nostalgia, The Greatest Generation, Topics Of Interest on July 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »
“As the temperature began to soar up to a high of 100 degrees and the sun beat down upon the pavement residents of barrington began to line the streets in anticipation of the biggest 4th of July parade the village had ever seen.
Seats in the shade were a premium and most of the spectators had to brave the searing sun to watch the marchers in their trek through the streets.
The parade led off with a color guard from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Red, white and blue predominated as the many floats wound their way down Main St. and up Hough Ave.
Photo by Barry Jarvinen
Photo by Barry Jarvinen
Local precision marching units and drum and bugle corps provided the music along with the Barrington High School Band for the hundreds of boy and girl scouts in colonial costumes.
Floats depicted scenes of the Revolutionary War and our frontier past brought smiles to the faces of the younger spectators in between the times they were scrambling for candy and prizes tossed to them.
The thermometer reached 100 degrees Saturday during the Barrington Bicentennial parade, one of several events which signaled the conclusion to the 8-day celebration. And while the marchers trudged along with cool thoughts in their minds, these dogs stationed themselves next to a bucket full of water, refreshing themselves at their leisure. | Photo by Barry Jarvinen
Area fire departments sent their engines to fill the air with the sounds of wailing sirens and the antique automobiles tried mightily to answer back with their bulb horns.”
Editorial note: The Barrington Area Library maintains archives of the Barrington Courier-Review.
Posted in Barrington Area Library, Education, Entertainment on May 16, 2026| 1 Comment »
Touch A Truck 2026!
Tuesday, May 19, 9:30 AM – Noon | Drop In
Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway
With the Village of Barrington’s Public Works Department
All ages w/caregiver (Anna)
“Get your hard hat, put on a mustache, and get to work exploring the Barrington Public Works department’s fleet of awesome vehicles! Blow the horn, turn the steering wheel, and see what it’s like to drive a BIG rig! Join in a construction-themed story time, and join us in filling a truck with non-perishable food for the Public Works food drive for our two local township food pantries. Hats and mustaches while supplies last!
This event is VERY popular, so consider walking, carpooling, or exploring nearby public parking options. Thanks for your patience – we look forward to seeing you!”
Posted in Barrington Area Library, Education on December 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Snow Ball 2026!
WINTER READING
NOW – FEB 28, 2026
For kids, teens, and adults
What is Winter Reading? It’s a fun program for all ages that rewards you for doing what you already love: reading! Read and complete other fun winter activities to earn badges, prizes, and a coupon for a free bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes!
Family Winter Read: Willow’s Woods: Sam Squirrel by Suzanne Selfors
Cozy up with this year’s Family Winter Read, an illustrated chapter book with a winter adventure! Learn more and place a hold. Read it and earn the Family Winter Read badge.
More here.
Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, BOHICA, Cook, County, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Fools and their money, Illinois Federation of Teachers, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Pension Funding, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Road construction, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on December 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Scott Stantis / For the Chicago Tribune
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor
Commonwealth Foundation Labor and Policy Senior Director David Osborne says Chicago’s growing reputation as the place where public sector unions flex plenty of political muscle is more than well deserved.
Osborne points to a new Commonwealth Foundation report highlighting how public sector unions across Illinois spent nearly $30 million on state races over the 2023-24 election cycle, or far more than what union officials in any other state dedicated to such causes.
At $5.5 million, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson tops the State Government Union Pac Money List of those most benefiting from government employment unions support. In addition to Johnson, at least six other state lawmakers land on the list’s Top 20, lead by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, at No. 2 and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, at No. 4.
“In the state of Illinois, political spending is bigger than in any other state,” Osborne told The Center Square. “Unions seem very focused on who gets elected to be the mayor of Chicago and governor of the state. What you’ve got really is a downward spiral in Illinois where the kinds of unions that have gotten so powerful have really done it at the expense of taxpayers and then they’re pouring more money into getting the right kind of people elected for them.”
With researchers adding that almost 96% of all donations for Illinois-level candidates went to Democrats, Osborne said it’s past time someone address the imbalance.
“Public sector unions, they’re not often talked about as the cause of problems,” he said. “We often look to high taxes, bigger government, economic policies, but really what’s driving states and cities to enact policies that are harmful to individuals, that raise taxes, that grow the size of government beyond its purpose are public sector unions.
Read more here.
Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Road construction, Traffic on October 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »
“The Village of Barrington is excited to announce that Route 14 has officially reopened on its new temporary four-lane roadway, along with the temporary two-lane Lake Zurich Road. Both roadways opened today, Oct. 31, at 3:30 p.m.
During the full temporary closure, which began in September, crews completed several key components to prepare for this major milestone, including:
The Village currently anticipates substantial completion of the Route 14 underpass project in 2027 and will continue to share updates as major milestones are reached.
In the meantime, the public is encouraged to support Barrington’s local businesses and restaurants throughout the ongoing construction period.
To stay informed and receive project updates, please visit the dedicated project website us14underpass.com or watch for email notifications.”
Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, IDOT, Politics, Taxes, TRAC on October 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »
“Temporary Route 14 Closure Update: Progress Continues
Construction has been in full force to complete the temporary four-lane Route 14 roadway and the temporary two-lane Lake Zurich Road. Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes over the past two weeks:
What’s still to come?
The expected opening is still currently anticipated by the end of October.
Thank you for your continued patience and support of all Barrington businesses during this time.
Below are some aerial shots of the transformation. Things continue to look great from above!”
 | Where's Maria? on Legislative panel weighs in on… |
| M Crowe on Man hospitalized after train a… |
 | BACOG letter on BACOG issues position statemen… |
 | Paige Smith on Clean slate: West Dundee to pr… |
 | joefargo3767 on Stop Stacking Costs on Illinoi… |
 | Thomas Paine on ‘Not 1984’: Flock… |
| Say it ain't so on Correction: Board of Trustees… |