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The Winner!

By NBC Chicago Staff

After thousands of submissions, 10 finalists and nearly 385,000 votes, the state of Illinois may not have a new flag after all.

“The results are, let’s just say, overwhelming,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulious said in an Instagram video announcing the news. “The current state flag received more than 165,000 votes, or about 43% of the total vote.”

Earlier this year, the public had the chance to vote on 10 new designs — finalists from more than 5,000 entries — that could become the new Illinois State Flag. The contest came after the creation of SB1818, which created an Illinois Flag Commission to “gauge public desire for a new flag.”

Also included in public voting was the current state flag, along with three previous design versions.

The voting period concluded in February. As stated in the bill, members of the General Assembly, taking results of the vote into account, would have the final say on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous iteration or retain the current one.

“Some may call it an SOB – a seal on a bedsheet,” Giannoulias said in the announcement. “The vexillogical community may hate it, but people overwhelmingly prefer our current state flag. Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard on the future of this important symbol of state pride.”

The results aren’t yet official. By April 1, the commission must prepare and deliver to the General Assembly a report detailing its findings and recommendations. Lawmakers will then vote on whether to adopt a new flag, reinstate an old one or keep the previous one, the Secretary of State’s office said.

Vote totals

Read more here.

Related:Rally around the Illinois flag we’ve already got,” “Voting now open through Feb. 14 for new Illinois state flag

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The Village Roads & Bridges Committee meets this afternoon at 4 PM. Some of the topics on the agenda include:

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here.

*Note the Village Engineer’s memo recommending seasonal road closure is addressed to the Village President with copies to the Director of Administration and Village Clerk, but not the Roads & Bridges Chair. Additionally, the Road Program 2025 Recommendation memo is addressed to the Director of Administration only. Ouch.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28th, 2025

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL – Darby Hills has officially been sworn in as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District, bringing a lifelong commitment to public service and advocacy for children and families to the Illinois Senate. A dedicated community leader, Hills has served as a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board and is the founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, which provides meals to hundreds of children each week.

“I am honored to officially represent the 26th District in the Illinois Senate, and my mission is clear— fighting for the families who make this community strong. We must support parents, create opportunities for kids to succeed, and ensure government works for the people, not against them,” said Hills. “I will fight to cut taxes, hold government accountable and advance policies that grow our economy. I will bring the voices of families to Springfield and work every day to build a better future for the next generation.”

Hills’ commitment to public service is deeply personal. Raised in a working-class household by a single mother, she understands the challenges families face and has dedicated her career to making a difference. Through Barrington Children’s Charity, she has helped ensure that 525 children receive meals each week in Barrington-area schools. As a Barrington Hills trustee, she has fought to keep taxes low, rein in wasteful spending, and hold government accountable.

A former Cook County prosecutor and attorney, Hills brings both legal expertise and real-world experience to the Senate. She is also a wife and mother of three, giving her a firsthand perspective on the issues that matter most to families.

As she begins her service in the Illinois Senate, Hills is focused on providing relief for taxpayers, ensuring government is transparent and accountable, and promoting policies that strengthen the economy. She is committed to supporting families, expanding opportunities for children, and making sure the voices of her constituents are heard in Springfield.

###

Source

Related:Darby Hills chosen — again — to succeed Dan McConchie in state Senate,” “’The Fix’ is in?,” “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat,” “26th Legislative District Committee meeting cancelled,” “State Senator seat at any price?,” ”26th Legislative District Committee meeting tomorrow,” “Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie,” “Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

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By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald

For the second time in a month, Barrington Hills Trustee Darby Hills on Friday was named the new state senator for the 26th District.

Republican Party leaders representing various parts of the district chose Hills to succeed Republican Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods, who resigned Feb. 2.

The same GOP group first selected Hills for the job Feb. 14 from a field of four applicants, but the appointment was challenged in court by an Algonquin woman who claimed that meeting wasn’t properly advertised to the public.

More here.

Related:’The Fix’ is in?,” “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat,” “26th Legislative District Committee meeting cancelled,” “State Senator seat at any price?,” ”26th Legislative District Committee meeting tomorrow,” “Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie,” “Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

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The 26th Senate District Committee will meet at 1:00 PM today, February 28th, 2025, to appoint a replacement for Dan McConchie. The meeting location is 765 North Quentin Road in Palatine, and is open to the public and via Zoom:

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88391007467?pwd=EaBCQkvZljCqzlBd6A5lwZaFn0X32o.1

Meeting ID: 883 9100 7467 Passcode: 045947

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Resident will now be assessed the actual costs of Zoning Board services rendered to fulfill their requests.

Monday evening the Village Board of Trustees approved updated fee schedules for, “Zoning Matters,” and overweight vehicles.

We applaud this move, especially considering it was revealed that at some point the Village ceased charging fees beyond only the standard application fees for Zoning Board services such as (and especially) attorney’s fees. While we believe our Village should not be operating for profit, it definitely should not be operating at a loss providing legal, consulting and other services at nearly no charges until now.

A partial section of the newly updated fees reads:

“Zoning Fee Schedule*

  • Appeal $1,000
  • Text Amendment, $1,500
  • Variation $1,000
  • Map Amendment-Any District-Permitted Uses Only $1,500
  • Special Uses $1,500.

*Additional Expense: The fee includes the initial review by staff and the village attorney, public notice (if applicable, 1 time), and Zoning Board Meeting (1 meeting); additional fees may be charged at the discretion of staff in the event an application is extensive, requires additional reviews beyond those stated or the application submitted in incomplete and requires multiple reviews.

Additionally, the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or the Village Board may utilize the services of professional consultants for research, investigation, and professional opinion, for assistance in arriving at recommendations or decisions.

The applicant whose request to the Zoning Board of Appeals or Village Board requires the use of such professional services shall reimburse the Village the reasonable cost it incurred for the services rendered by its consultants, within fourteen (14) days of transmission of the invoice by the Village or prior to the next meeting, whichever is sooner. The consultants shall bill for their services at the same hourly rate that they normally charge municipal clients. The Village consultants shall include but not be limited to the persons who provide the Village with advice in the fields of engineering, law, planning, traffic, design, and finance.”

The ordinance can be found here.

Editorial note: This Ordinance was approved by a vote of 4-2 with the Village President abstaining. When the meeting recordings are released, they will reveal one trustee who participated remotely was nearly hysterical apparently because she did not believe she had adequate time to conduct her usual “analysis paralysis” on the subject (always with little or no benefit) before voting.

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The 26th Legislative District Committee for the Republican Party 1PM meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled. Our understanding is this was do to improper notice.

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By Cal Skinner | McHenry County Blog

The filing of a suit in McHenry County questioning whether Dan McConchie has Republican credentials has apparent spooked GOP biggies.

(Click on filing to enlarge)

Notice of 2/21 Meeting for 26th Legislative District Committee

19 February, 2025

HONORABLE KEITH BRIN
REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN FOR LAKE COUNTY
February 18, 2025

To:
Hon. Jeff Thorsen, McHenry County Chairman
Hon. Andro Lerario, Kane County Chairman
Hon. Aaron Del Mar, Palatine Township Chairman
Hon. Peter Kopsaftis, Barrington County Chairman

Dear Chairmen:

I thank you for coming together on February 14, 2025 to organize the 26th Legislative District Committee (“the Committee”), in accordance with 10 ILCS 5/8-5, and to engage in the process of filling the vacancy in office of State Senator for the 26th Legislative District (“the Office”) following the resignation of State Senator Dan McConchie.

It has been brought to my attention that the Committee would be best served to meet again in order to ensure that there can be no question as to whether the process we followed properly empowered the Committee to act to fill the vacancy in this Office.

Read more here.

Related:Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

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Our Zoning Board of Appeals will be holding public hearing this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

Public Hearing 

Text Amendment to Section 5-2-1 Definitions of the Zoning Ordinance to Amend the Definition of Agriculture, filed by Chris Yamamoto
Text Amendment _Agriculture-Posted.pdf
NWDH Cert of Pub-Text Amend Ag Definition.pd

Public Meeting

[Vote] Text Amendment to Section 5-2-1 Definitions of the Zoning Ordinance to Amend the Definition of Agriculture

A copy of their agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Related:News to us…,” “Village Board of Trustees meets tonight,” “’Agricultural Experience’ application meets a similar fate as ‘Agritourism’ did in August,”  Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing tonight,” “Village Board votes down ‘Agritourism as a Special Use’,” “August Board of Trustees meeting recording released,” “Sitting ducks,” “Special Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled Tuesday

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Darby Hills

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL – Darby Hills, 49, a dedicated advocate for children and families, has been selected as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District.

A trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board and founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, Hills has spent years fighting for children in need, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive.

“I am honored to serve as the next State Senator for the 26th District.

“This isn’t just about policy for me—it’s personal.

“I know firsthand the impact a little support can have on a child’s future, and I’m eager to bring that perspective to Springfield,” said Hills.

“Whether it’s fighting for families, keeping taxes low, or ensuring government remains accountable, I will work every day to make a real difference.

“This community has given me so much, and I’m committed to being a strong voice for it in Springfield.”

Through Barrington Children’s Charity, Hills has led an all-volunteer effort that provides meals to 525 children each week across Barrington-area school districts.

Her passion for helping those less fortunate stems from her own experience growing up in a low-income household with a single mother, receiving the same kind of hand-up she now works to give others.

As a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board, Hills has been a strong advocate for keeping taxes low, responsible budgeting, and accountable government.

She has worked to rein in wasteful spending, protect taxpayers, and ensure local government serves residents efficiently.

Her leadership reflects a commitment to good governance—principles she will continue to champion in Springfield.

She will also fight to create a pro-business environment that supports local job creators and strengthens Illinois’ economy.

A former Cook County prosecutor and an attorney by trade, Hills has built a career rooted in service.

In addition to her legal and charitable work, she is a wife and mother of three, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to the issues affecting families.

“Darby’s dedication to children and families, along with her experience as a prosecutor and local leader, make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove).

“She brings a deeply personal perspective to the fight for Illinois’ most vulnerable children—one that will drive real change in Springfield.

“I look forward to working alongside her as she advocates for pro-growth policies to lift up Illinois families and businesses.”

From the Illinois Senate Republican Victory Fund

Editorial note: This is NO JOKE, but it’s understandable if some are laughing. You CANNOT make this (stuff) up!

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