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Archive for the ‘Topics Of Interest’ Category

McGonigal’s Pub

By Pioneer Press staff | Pioneer Press

Along with the current year drawing to a close at the end of the month, the owners of a popular pub in Barrington announced Monday that the restaurant and popular town gathering spot will also shut it’s doors — for good.

A message on Facebook states that, “…it comes with an extremely heavy heart to report that McGonigal’s Pub will be closing for business at the end of this month.” The social media post is signed by owner Bryan McGonigal.

McGonigal’s Pub opened its doors in March 2010. It is scheduled to close Dec. 31, according to the social media post. Financial hardship “for quite some time” is cited as the reason for shutting down. McGonigal stated in the Facebook post that a “significant amount of family money” had has been unsuccessfully poured into what he described as a financially overwhelmed business.

He stated that “for quite some time the Pub hasn’t been generating nearly enough business to retain viability. Over the years we’ve worked hard and tried virtually everything we could to guide it in the right direction … to keep it going.”

McGonigal declined to further discuss the announcement of closing, with Pioneer Press referred back to the social media post.

Read more here. A copy of the announcement can be found here.

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Downtown Barrington

According to the Daily Herald report, “Only seven suburbs — Antioch, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Fox River Grove, Hanover Park, Lindenhurst and Volo — saw a decline in sales tax revenue between the state’s 2022 and 2023 fiscal years…”

By Jake Griffin | Daily Herald

Suburban shoppers haven’t let rising costs slow their spending.

That’s according to a Daily Herald analysis of Illinois Department of Revenue figures that show growth of municipal sales tax revenues in 92 suburbs collectively outpaced the inflation rate.

IDOR data shows that sales tax revenues for those suburbs climbed a combined 6.2% during the state’s most recent fiscal year, which ran from July 2022 through June 2023. During that same period, the inflation rate rose by 3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 28 suburbs, sales tax revenues grew by more than 10%.

Winfield’s sales tax receipts grew by 121.3% last year, but that was largely due to a quarter-cent hike in the village’s sales tax rate and the addition of an Amazon distribution center to town.

“There’s not a shortage of places we could use the additional sales tax dollars,” said Curt Barrett, village manager. “That includes a new village hall. We just had a sewer line burst in the basement, so a lot of people were holding their noses while we worked.”

Winfield is now generating more than $2.8 million in sales taxes, up 427.8% from a decade prior, records show. Barrett said the additional revenue has largely gone to police pensions and road work.

Read more here.

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New Term

New Terminal Rendering, Credit: City of Chicago

By Gary Leff | View From The Wing

American Airlines and United Airlines want Chicago O’Hare’s expansion that they signed off on in 2018 slowed down – or stopped – as the project runs $1.5 billion over budget. Somehow the carriers are surprised that a massive public infrastructure project, in Chicago no less, is spending far more than originally projected?

And in fact it’s only just the ‘next phase’ where a 24% projected cost overrun totals $1.5 billion more than expected. That’s before construction on the new terminal even starts! The project’s total cost has grown from $8.7 billion to a projected $12.1 billion. So the terminal’s overrun is only one piece of an overall $3.4 billion price increase.

New Term 2

New Terminal Interior Rendering, Credit: City of Chicago

The new project replaces terminal 2, which many Chicago travelers are familiar with because it’s currently where passengers are funneled via airport train to pick up rideshares. The new terminal would handle both domestic and international flights.

It’s unclear whether Chicago’s Mayor will insist that airlines honor the contract or sign off on negotiations for modifying it. American’s performance in Chicago is weaker than United’s, so United could gain territory by playing chicken with American and supporting higher costs. (Historically higher costs in Miami have helped protect American from low cost carrier competition, although that’s been less true in recent years.)

Former Chicago Mayor and current Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel is publicly chastising the two airlines, saying ‘a deal’s a deal’ but they signed off on the deal at a specific price point that’s already out of control, and likely to escalate further. That’s what you get of course with public infrastructure, not least of which in a city like Chicago, so they’re naive to expect costs to line up with original projections.

Read more here.

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White

Justice Lisa Holder White is pictured in a file photo during the Illinois Supreme Court’s oral arguments at Chicago State University in May. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

By PETER HANCOCK | Capitol News Illinois

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday that automobile insurance policies must cover people against uninsured motorists and hit-and-run accidents, even if the person covered by the policy is not in a vehicle at the time of the accident.

The case involved a 14-year-old Chicago boy, Cristopher Guiracocha, who was struck by a hit-and-run driver in 2020 while riding his bicycle on a public street. He suffered injuries to his right arm, shoulder and thigh that required medical attention.

To pay the medical bills, Christopher’s father, Fredy Guiracocha, filed an uninsured-motorist claim with his auto insurance company, Nashville, Tennessee-based Direct Auto Insurance.

Illinois law requires anyone driving a motor vehicle to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. The law also requires those policies to insure drivers and their passengers against injuries caused by uninsured motorists and hit-and-run drivers.

But Direct Auto denied Guiracocha’s claim, arguing that Christopher was not an occupant of his father’s vehicle at the time of the accident and, therefore, was not covered by that insurance policy.

Direct Auto pointed to the language in its policy that said its coverage only applies to people occupying the insured motor vehicle at the time of the accident.

A trial court initially agreed with the company and dismissed the claim, but the 1st District Court of Appeals reversed that decision. On Thursday, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the appellate court’s ruling.

Read more here.

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Pinstripes

Santa will be stopping by Pinstripes’ brunch on the weekends in December for photos and to talk to the young ones. – Courtesy of Pinstripes

By Rick West | Daily Herald

Just like the song says, Santa Claus is coming to town. And it turns out he’s hungry, because he’s hitting a bunch of brunches, lunches and dinners around the suburbs in the next few weeks. But you better make your reservations soon because some of the popular holiday brunches have already sold out. Here’s what we found:

Brunch with Santa at Pinstripes

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, at 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook, (847) 480-2323; 7 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook, (630) 575-8700; 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, (847) 844-9300; and 435 E. Illinois St., Chicago, (312) 527-3010, pinstripes.com/santa-brunch/. Bring the kids, as Santa is joining brunch on the weekends in December for photos. The brunch buffet features a waffle station, made-to-order omelet station, sweets table, shrimp cocktail, maple-glazed ham, herb-roasted chicken, a chocolate fountain and more for $30 for adults, $13 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and younger. Reservations are required.

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa

Seatings are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 9-10 and 16-17, at the Magnolia Café & Bakery at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, lambsfarm.org/events/category/breakfast-with-santa/. Enjoy brunch at Magnolia then head over to Santa’s Workshop, where kids can pick out a gift and a festive temporary tattoo, make a sand art creation and get a goody bag full of crafts to take home. It’s $18.95 and $7.95 for kids younger than 2. Reservations are required.

Algonquin Breakfast with Santa

9 and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Cucina Bella, 220 S. Main St., Algonquin, rec.algonquin.org/. Includes breakfast, crafts and a visit with Santa. $27 for residents, $32 for nonresidents 13 and older; $20/$25 for kids 4-12; and free for kids 3 and younger.

Breakfast with Santa at Johnny’s

9:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 10, at Johnny’s Supper Club, 1250 Bowes Creek Road, Elgin, johnnyssupperclub.com/. Bring a camera for photos with Santa and dine from their new breakfast menu. For reservations, call (847) 214-5877.

High Tea w Santa

The Graceful Ordinary will host a Holiday High Tea with Santa on Dec. 9. – Courtesy of The Graceful Ordinary

High Tea with Santa at The Graceful Ordinary

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at The Graceful Ordinary, 3 E. Main St., St. Charles, (331) 235-5803, thegracefulordinary.com/. Enjoy a curated selection of loose leaf teas from The Irie Cup, juices, sweets and savory canapés. Capture the magic with a photo opp alongside Santa and receive a gift from The Graceful Ordinary. Holiday-themed cocktails will be available for purchase. Tickets are $66 for adults, $42 for kids 3-13, and free for kids younger than 2. Reservations at Resy.

Find more opportunities here.

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Barrington Shop Local

A Village of Barrington promotion rewarding patrons of local businesses follows this article.

By Andrew Hensel | The Center Square

The latest U.S. Census data for the state of Illinois shows small businesses are leading the way in terms of job growth as they added more than 51,000 jobs in 2022.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment claims in November for Illinois increased by over 1,300 for the week ending Nov. 18. Those claims are the fourth highest in the country during that week.

Despite Illinois historically trailing the national average in terms of total unemployment rate, Illinois Policy Institute Dylan Sharkey said businesses with under 50 employees have been able to grow.

“Small businesses are critical to Illinois’ economy. They are responsible for most of the new jobs created,” Sharkey told The Center Square. “Businesses with 50 employees or fewer created nearly half of the new jobs in Illinois in 2022.”

Sharkey said businesses are growing despite a tax system that works against them.

“They added more than 51,000 jobs to the economy, and operating a business in Illinois is particularly challenging with its tax climate and burdensome regulations,” Sharkey said. “Businesses across the country are dealing with inflation and supply chain issues, but Illinois has the second highest property taxes in the nation, so that is a major hurdle unique to small business owners in our state.”

More here.

Editorial note: The Village of Barrington posted the following promotion recently:

Shop Local, Get Rewarded This Holiday Season!

The Village of Barrington is rewarding all local shoppers this holiday season. Spend $150 at Village of Barrington retail stores, and receive a $50 gift card to a restaurant of your choice!

Submit your receipts at barrington-il.gov/shoplocal

Dining, grocery, service, and gas purchases are not applicable. Must submit receipt(s) to prove purchase. Total purchase does not have to be at one store, multiple purchases adding up to $150 are eligible. While supplies last. Receipts must be for purchases before 12/25/23 and submitted no later than December 29, 2023.”

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By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Nutcracker

Barrington Dance Ensemble’s 30th anniversary production of The Nutcracker opens tonight

Barrington Dance Ensemble’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Barrington High School, 616 Main St., Barrington. Guest artists from National and Chicago regional dance companies, including the Milwaukee Ballet and Giordano Dance Chicago, perform lead soloist roles and are joined by more than 100 performers from the Northwest suburbs. $25-$38. (847) 382-6333 or barringtondance.org.

Luminaria Walk: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, through Saturday, Dec. 2, at Veteran Acres, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake. Stroll along the lit trail through Veteran Acres. On Saturday, there will be campfires, hot cocoa, cookies, Candy Cane Forest and Mrs. Claus. $1 per person or $5 per family donation. crystallakeparks.org/special-events

Hawthorn Woods Hometown Holiday: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Santa arrives at 4:15 p.m. Visits with Santa, photo opportunities, and cookies and cocoa from 4:30-6 p.m. Lighting of the community tree at 6:30 p.m. and caroling from 6:15-6:45 p.m. Free. vhw.org/223/Hometown-Holiday.Fox River Grove Tree Lighting Community Celebration: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in the Metra parking lot, 315 Northwest Hwy., Fox River Grove. facebook.com/frgliving.

Dickens

Santa waves at kids during the Dickens in Dundee Spirit of Christmas parade. This year’s Dickens in Dundee takes place Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, in East and West Dundee. – Paul Valade | Staff Photographer, 2021

Dickens in Dundee: 5:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in East and West Dundee. Tree-lighting ceremonies and Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. Friday at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee, and at 7 p.m. at West Dundee Village Hall, 102 S. Second. Dundee-Crown Chamber and Varsity Treble Choirs perform at both ceremonies. In East Dundee on Friday, “The Christmas Schooner” cast performances; visits with Santa from 6-9 p.m.; and Living Windows along River and Main streets from 6:30-8 p.m. In West Dundee on Friday, visits with Santa and Living Windows between First and Second streets and along Main Street from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday in West Dundee, Dickens of a Christmas sale; “A Christmas Carol Revisited: Scrooges Reclamation” at 11 a.m.; reading of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 1:30 p.m. Annual Riverside Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. Saturday through West Dundee, Carpentersville and East Dundee. dickensindundee.org/

Greater Elgin “Messiah” Singalong: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Annual event featuring performers and musicians from Elgin Symphony Orchestras, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Master Chorale, Judson University students, Larkin High Concert Choir, Midwest Opera Theater and area choruses. Music score will be provided at the door. $7; free for kids 12 and younger. Register at elginsing-alongmessiah.org.

North Pole Holiday Spectacular: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 1 and 3:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Musical show with performances by Expressions Dance Company, games with prizes, cookie decorating and visits with Santa. Registration required. $12. parkfun.com.

Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St. Palatine. The Palatine Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Frederick Lowe, performs traditional and contemporary works. $3-$9. palatineparks.org.

Winter Circus Spectacular: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Performers, athletes and animals from around the world perform together. $11-$48. (847) 649-2270 or nowarena.com.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Holiday-Graphic-for-E-Blast-Etc.-2

Barrington has many holiday activities planned today

Holiday Visit with Santa: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Visits with Santa, cookies and refreshments, family photos and more. Free. barringtonswhitehouse.com/event/holiday-visits-with-santa.

Barrington Holiday Fest and Tree Lighting Ceremony: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Park Avenue and Cook Street, Barrington. Hot chocolate, family activities, a performance by the Barrington High School Madrigals at 4:45 p.m. and the tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Santa will arrive on his firetruck following the ceremony and take photos outside of the Santa Hut on Park Avenue until 6 p.m. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/holiday-fest.

“The Bells of Christmas”: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills. Chicago Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs sacred, secular, classical, jazz and old favorites. The church’s Exaltation Handbell Choir performs a Christmas composition. chicagobronze.org.

Winter Express Story Time: 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Arlington Heights Train Station in downtown Arlington Heights. Take a magical train ride, hear the “Polar Express” story and visit with Santa. All riders must be registered and children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $25-$35. Register at ahpd.org/events/winter-express-story-time.

Breakfast with Santa at Chevy Chase: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Buffet breakfast, meet with Santa and take photos with him. Adults: $29.95; kids 4-13: $16.95; free for kids 3 and younger. Reservations required. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Christ Lutheran Church Christmas Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Handmade crafts for Christmas and beyond, including ornaments, accessories and Grandma’s Attic, plus homemade baked items and food gifts. Free entry. clcpalatine.org.

Let It Snow planetarium shows: 10 a.m. and noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Festive full-dome video images choreographed to classic Christmas music by Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and a finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. $12. mchenry.edu/events/index.html.

Santa House Visits: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m. Sundays and 6-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through Dec. 23 at Williams and Brink streets, Crystal Lake. Bring your camera for a visit with Santa in his Santa House. Free. downtowncl.org.

Algonquin Miracle on Main: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, on Main Street, Algonquin. Annual event includes live holiday performances, ice-sculpting displays, hot chocolate and more. Free. algonquin.org/recreation.

Holiday in the Hollow: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in Sabatino Park, 1 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Music by Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Circle-of-Cheer Christmas trees, Santa visits, and lighting of the trees and flagpole. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.

Winterville in the Park: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Triangle Park, 39 E. Main St., Carpentersville. Meet Santa, and enjoy hot cocoa and doughnuts while supplies last. Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Second annual Riverside Parade of Lights starts at 6:30 p.m. in West Dundee, travels to Carpentersville at 6:30 p.m. and arrives in East Dundee at 7 p.m. cville.org.

Wauconda Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Wauconda Park District, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Holiday parade and tree lighting. Free. waucondachamber.org.

Riverside Parade of Lights: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Second annual event by the Villages of East Dundee, West Dundee, and Carpentersville and Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce. Parade steps off in West Dundee on South Lincoln Avenue, just south of North Sixth Street, travels north to and across the Main Street bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water Street to East Dundee, ending at Railroad Street. nkcchamber.com.

Cor Corps Horn Ensemble Concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at McHenry County College Leucht Auditorium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Local horn players perform a variety of classical and popular music. Free. mchenry.edu/events.

“Glow — Celebrating Songs of the Season”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in First Congregational Church sanctuary, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Nothing But Treble performs music ranging from German and English Renaissance to contemporary settings of ancient texts, from folk music to “Glow” by Eric Whitacre, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and holiday favorites. Suggested donation $15 or $5 for kids. nbtchorus.com.

Lisa Rock’s “A Carpenters Christmas”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Singer Lisa Rock and her six-piece backing band perform holiday music of The Carpenters. $42. eccartscenter.org/events/centerstage.

Sunday, Dec. 3

ESO Holiday Brass and Percussion: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at St. Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela St., Barrington. Festive holiday music featuring ESO Brass and Percussion sections, with conductor Chad Goodman. Free. RSVPs welcome at elginsymphony.org.

Santa’s Flight to Schaumburg: 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Schaumburg Regional Airport, 905 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Santa’s flying, via helicopter, to Schaumburg. Wait for Santa in the airport’s hangar. Includes a buffet breakfast, holiday music and crafts. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. $20-$25; free for kids 2 and younger, but must be registered. parkfun.com.

Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, along Main Street and Jandus Road, Cary. Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Main Street. Caroling by Caring Hearts & Voices, horse-drawn sleigh rides, pony rides and petting zoo. From 2-3:30 p.m., visits with Santa or the Holiday Grouch and cookie decorating. Free. carygrovechamber.com.

“The Bells of Christmas”: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Chicago Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs sacred, secular, classical, jazz and more. chicagobronze.org.

Voices Unlimited Chorus’ “Let the Season Begin”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Immanuel Lutheran Church sanctuary, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Led by founder and director David Barth, the debut concert features popular Christmas and holiday choral songs. $10; $5 for kids younger than 12. Tickets: Email davidabarth@comcast.net or (630) 707-1221. Also available at the door.

Northwest Symphony Orchestra “Messiah” Sing-A-Long: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Join members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra in the performance of “Part 1 Messiah” and concluding “Hallelujah Chorus.” Free; freewill offering appreciated. northwestsymphony.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Just For Kids Holiday Shop: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 5-6, at Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Children can do one-stop holiday shopping with a holiday helper. Gifts will range from $3 to $8 and will be wrapped. bgparks.org/just-for-kids-holiday-shop.

Thursday, Dec. 7

One of a Kind Holiday Show: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 7-9, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at The MART, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago. More than 500 artists, makers and designers will be selling accessories, bath and body, ceramics, fashion, fiber art, furniture, glass, gourmet, holiday, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paintings, pet products, photography, sculpture and wood. oneofakindshowchicago.com.

Find many more events here.

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It

Animal control transported an injured opossum to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation after the animal was trapped in a window well at a residence in Lake County on Monday. | Provided Photo

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A wildlife care organization is treating an opossum who was rescued after being found injured and trapped in a window well by a resident in Lake County.

Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation said on Monday that they were contacted by Lake County Animal Control.

The organization is a licensed non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center based in Barrington that cares for injured and orphaned wildlife.

Animal control had responded to a call from a resident in Lake County who found an injured opossum.

The opossum had fallen through a window well cover and was stuck in the window well, the organization said.

The opossum was emaciated, dehydrated and had frostbite on his ears.

More here.

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2 Rock Ridge Rd

2 Rock Ridge Road

“Opportunity to rent fully furnished or unfurnished. This stunning one of a kind estate is located in Barrington Hills on 12.3 beautiful acres. The house boasts expert craftsmanship and the finest materials, resulting in a true masterpiece. As you enter the property, you are greeted with an exquisite two story foyer with a crystal chandelier and a grand staircase. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with top-of-the-line Wolf, Viking & SubZero appliances and the two kitchen islands offer plenty of counter space. The expansive living room features custom wood beams and a limestone fireplace. With a formal dining room and informal dining room there is ample space to host guests, while the cozy family room offers a more relaxed atmosphere overlooking the grounds. The primary bedroom has its own wing on the main floor with a spa like bathroom featuring a steam shower, soaker tub, heated floors and a coffee bar leading you to a breathtaking walk in closet. Also located on the main floor is a spacious office with custom woodwork and fireplace. Upstairs you will find 4 bedrooms all with their own ensuite and custom walk in closets, one of 3 laundry rooms, wet bar and additional seating area. Making your way downstairs is an entertainers dream with a sprawling living area featuring another stone fireplace, movie theater, custom billiards room and 1,200 bottled temperature controlled wine cellar. But that’s not all, also located on the lower level is a in law suite with adorable 2nd kitchen, and dining room. Exiting through the pool and changing room you will find an outdoor grilling stati on and luxury in ground pool, hot tub and secret garden. The 6 car garage is a car collectors dream.

Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of [see last changed date above]. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website. Prices displayed on all Sold listings are the Last Known Listing Price and may not be the actual selling price.

2 Rock Ridge Ln is a house located in McHenry County and the 60010 ZIP Code. This area is served by the Barrington Community Unit School District 220 attendance zone.”

Read more here.

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Pup

A puppy relaxes on a bed of straw | BlueRoomStream

By Zeta Cross | The Center Square contributor

Illinois dog owners are panicking about reports of a mystery respiratory illness that has been affecting dogs in other states.

People are asking their vets if it is safe to send their dogs to daycare. They are wondering about the risk of boarding dogs over the holidays.

“All good questions,” Dr. Drew Sullivan, medical director of Chicago’s Medical District Veterinary Clinic, said. “We just don’t have enough data yet to be able to answer some of these questions.”

So far, there are no reported cases of the new mystery illness among dogs here in Illinois, Sullivan said.

“We haven’t seen any of it. The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association just put out an alert saying that they do not have reported cases,” Sullivan said.

Oregon, Colorado and New Hampshire are states that have reported cases of unusual respiratory illness, which has caused lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotics.

The last time Illinois experienced a bad outbreak of a new form of canine influenza was in 2015, Sullivan said.

“Is it coming? Maybe. We don’t really know,” he said.

Common cold symptoms that dogs normally experience are coughing, runny nose, eye discharge, and chest congestion. Before you run to the vet’s office, give them a call, Sullivan said. Chances are that the dog is just experiencing one of the common dog viruses that dogs get in colder months.

More here.

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