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Special District 220 Board of Education meeting Monday

June 28, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The District 220 Board of Education meets Monday at 7:30 AM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • Personnel Report
  • Consideration to Approve Intergovernmental Agreement for Reciprocal Reporting Between the Village of Barrington and Barrington CUSD 220
  • Consideration to Approve School Resource Officer Agreement Between the Village of Barrington and Barrington CUSD 220
  • Consideration to Approve of Written Decision Regarding Uniform Grievance Procedure Complaint Concerning a Board Member
  • Consideration to Approve the Public Release of the June 10, 2026, Uniform Grievance Procedure Investigation Report and Findings

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Related: “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency”

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Open Meetings Act, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | 2 Comments »

Village Posts Traffic Advisory for Sunday June 28th.

June 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“The Land We Love 5K & 10K Run will take place on Sunday, June 28, between 7:20 AM and 9:00 AM. During the event, Cuba Road, Merri Oaks Road, Buckley Road, and Oak Knoll Road will be closed to through traffic.

Residents who live along the race route will continue to have access to and from their homes; however, brief delays may occur. If possible, we encourage impacted residents to avoid traveling during the event. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we support this community event.

Thank you, Village of Barrington Hills.”

Posted in Fundraisers, The Land We Love Run, Traffic, VBHPD | Leave a Comment »

Fireworks 2026: All the Fourth of July shows for America 250

June 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

People celebrate Independence Day by watching fireworks at Chicago’s Navy Pier on July 3, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

By Doug George | Chicago Tribune

With the Independence Day holiday comes fireworks — and with this year’s America 250 Semiquincentennial, we can expect some extra rockets’ red glare this year, including in downtown Chicago. Read on to find the best displays near you.

Downtown Chicago: Fireworks at Navy Pier are every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. through Sept. 5 — including at 10 p.m. July 4, in what will be Navy Pier’s “largest and longest display in our history” to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America; more at navypier.org

Barrington: Main Street parade at 10 a.m. July 4, then fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Barrington High School (616 W. Main St.); barrington-il.gov

Arlington Heights: The local Frontier Days Festival at Recreation Park (500 E. Miner St.) is back, running July 1-5. The parade is at 10 a.m. July 4; more at frontierdays.org. Drone show at 9:30 p.m. July 2, but no community fireworks display for 2026.

Buffalo Grove: The America 250 celebration at Willow Stream Park (651 Old Checker Road) begins with a patriotic-themed concert by the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band at 7 p.m. July 4, with fireworks at 9 p.m., launched from the Buffalo Grove Golf Course and viewable from the park or Village Campus; vbg.org

Crystal Lake: Fireworks at dusk on July 5 at Main Beach (300 Lakeshore Drive; $5 admission). The parade will step off at 1 p.m. at City Hall, finishing at Lakeside Festival Grounds; crystallakeparks.org

Deerfield: The Deerfield Family Days is back in Shepard Park (440 Grove Place) with live bands, carnival games and food vendors from 5:30 p.m. July 3 and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Then the parade at noon July 4 begins at Deerspring Pool (200 Deerfield Road); deerfield.il.us

A scene from the city of Elgin’s 2024 Fourth of July festivities. (City of Elgin)

Elgin: The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. July 4 at the intersection of Douglas and Slade Avenues. Later, there will be food, a pie-eating contest and concerts from 5 p.m. in Festival Park (132 S. Grove Ave.), and the night will end with a fireworks display at 9:20 p.m. on the Fox River; cityofelgin.org

Fox River Grove: The town’s annual fireworks event opens at 5 p.m. July 11 at Picnic Grove Park with music and food before the show; foxrivergrove.org

Hoffman Estates: The Northwest Fourth-Fest runs July 1-5 and includes a carnival, live music and a parade along Illinois Boulevard at 9 a.m. July 4. Plus fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 3 and a drone show at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at NOW Arena (5333 Prairie Stone Parkway); northwestfourthfest.com

Lake Zurich: The annual Independence/Family Day at Paulus Park (200 S. Rand Road) begins at 10 a.m. July 4 with music and food vendors. Then, fireworks are launched over the lake at about 9:15 p.m.; lakezurich.org

Libertyville: The fireworks event at Butler Lake Park (835 W. Winchester Road) begins with a concert by the Village Band at 7:30 p.m. July 4 at the Band Shell, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; libertyville.com

The Independence Day fireworks at Navy Pier in Chicago in 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)

Lincolnshire: The annual Red, White and BOOM! festival will be July 3-4, with food and entertainment July 3 in North Park (1025 Riverwoods Road), followed on July 4 by a 10 a.m. parade, 1 p.m. cardboard boat regatta and 9:30 p.m. fireworks in Spring Lake Park (49 Oxford Drive); lincolnshireil.gov

Mount Prospect: The 87th annual Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival will be July 1-5 at Melas Park (1500 W. Central Road) with a carnival, music and fireworks at 9 p.m. on July 1 (short show) and July 4; mplions.org

Palatine: The Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest runs July 2-5 in Community Park (256 E. Palatine Road) with live music, food and a carnival. Fireworks at dusk on July 3 and a parade beginning on Wood Street at 10:30 a.m. July 4; palatinejaycees.org

Rolling Meadows: For America 250, a parade at 11:30 a.m. July 4 from Rolling Meadows High School, then fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Rolling Meadows Community Center (3705 Pheasant Drive); cityrm.org

Schaumburg: The popular way to see fireworks in Schaumburg is to catch a Schaumburg Boomers baseball game at Wintrust Field (1999 S. Springinsguth Road). There will be fireworks after select home games, including July 2-4, plus a drone show July 3; boomersbaseball.com

Sleepy Hollow: The fireworks are 9:30 p.m. July 2, then Festivities in the Hollow from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., including the Bill Ritchie Memorial Parade at 11:30 a.m. in Sabatino Park (Winmoor Drive and Thorobred Lane); sleepyhollowil.org

Wauconda: The Big Bang fireworks celebration is dusk July 3 at Bangs Lake, in Cook Park (600 N. Main St.) and the surrounding area; wauconda-il.gov

Many more locations can be found here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Entertainment, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

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

June 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

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.

Posted in Daily Herald, Education, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

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

June 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

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! 

Posted in Cuba Township Road District, Fundraisers, The Land We Love Run | Leave a Comment »

James Talarico, Running for Senate as a Crusader Against Billionaires, Holds Big-Ticket Fundraiser With Billionaire Hyatt Heir JB Pritzker

June 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Hyatt Hotels heir and Illinois governor once removed five toilets from his mansion to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes | L: James Talarico (Alberto Silva Fernandez/Getty Images), R: J.B. Pritzker (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

By Zach Kessel | The Washington Free Beacon

Left-wing Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, who says “billionaires” are “destroying this country,” held a big-ticket Chicago fundraiser with billionaire Hyatt Hotels heir and Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker (D.), where attendees were encouraged to contribute as much as $13,500 to attend.

The invitation for the Wednesday evening fundraiser, which was first reported by the New York Times‘s Teddy Schleifer, lists prominent liberal donors Robert Kohl and Clark Pellett as part of a host committee and touts Pritzker as the “special guest.” An online RSVP page shows that a ticket cost at least $500, while “hosts” contributed $5,000 and “champions” contributed $13,500. Contributions above the federal limit to an individual candidate of $3,500 went to the Texas Democratic Party and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, according to the invitation.

While Talarico for years advertised his support for “trans kids” and “bold, progressive ideas” as a state lawmaker in a deep-blue Austin district, he has pivoted to attacking billionaires while running for Senate in a state that backed President Donald Trump by double digits. Shortly before launching his campaign, in July 2025, Talarico said in a stump speech, “The only minority destroying this country is the billionaires. … Undocumented people aren’t defunding our schools.” Talarico’s campaign site, meanwhile, says that the “biggest divide in this country is not left vs. right” but “top vs. bottom” and that billionaire “corruption” is hurting “working people.”

Pritzker might be a target of Talarico’s ire, were he not a Democratic official driving deep-pocketed donors to Talarico’s campaign.

Article continues here.

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Elections, Fools and their money, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, The Washington Free Beacon | 1 Comment »

Have a blast: Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, festivals and more in the suburbs

June 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Members of the Rolling Meadows High School marching band fly their flags during the Frontier Days Fourth of July Parade in Arlington Heights. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2024

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

As the Fourth of July approaches, so do themed events throughout the suburbs, including festivals, parades, fireworks displays, walks and runs, concerts and more. Here’s where and when you can celebrate.

Saturday, June 27

Carpentersville Independence Day Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Annual parade starts at South Lincoln Avenue and Main Street, continues east on Main, south on Washington Avenue to Spring Street, east on Spring to Carpenter Park. cville.org.

Stars ‘N Stripes Fest: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Cary-Grove Park, Three Oaks Road and North First Street, Cary. Food trucks, beer and hard seltzer sales, kids’ inflatables and activities and music from Hello Weekend. Fireworks at dusk. Free admission; parking is $20 per vehicle at the park, Cary-Grove High School, or Sunburst Bay. Swimming at Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center costs $10 for Sunburst Bay members and $15 for nonmembers. carypark.com.

Dundee Township fireworks: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Meadowdale Park, Besinger Drive and Maple Avenue, Carpentersville. Entertainment, food vendors and visit with community partners from 6-9 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Fireworks may begin 30 minutes earlier or later, depending on weather conditions. Rain date: June 28. dtpd.org.

Sunday, June 28

Freedom Car Show: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28, in the Metra parking lot, between Onieda and Bartlett avenues, in downtown Bartlett. Trophies will be awarded for Best of Show, Top 10 and People’s Choice; trophy presentations at 3 p.m. Free for spectators. Hosted by 120Live Bartlett. Register: hanover-township.org.

Wednesday, July 1

Frontier Days Festival: 5-11 p.m. Wednesday, July 1; 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday, July 2; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 3-4; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Carnival, Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, entertainment, food, soccer 3v3, Stampede Run/Walk, marketplace, family activities and more. Drone show featuring 400 drones at 9:35 p.m. Thursday. Main stage lineup: 7th heaven at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; Soul Asylum at 8 p.m. Friday; Yachtley Crew at 8 p.m. Saturday; and American English at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Frontier Stage lineup: Uncle Sam at 5:30 p.m. and Exit 147 at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday; Backdated at 5:45 p.m. and Blackberry Jam at 9:30 p.m. Thursday; FaceNTime at 4 p.m., The PriSSillas at 6 p.m. and ARRA at 9:30 p.m. Friday; The Murley Rock Band at 4 p.m., TRIADD at 6 p.m. and Pino Farina Band at 9:30 p.m. Saturday; and Line Dancing with Boot Scootin’ Judy at 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. frontierdays.org.

Northwest Fourth-Fest: 5-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 1-2; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 3-4; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Carnival midway, kids’ zone, food and live entertainment Friday and Saturday; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Friday; parade at 9 a.m. Saturday and more. Music includes Hello Weekend at 5:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, and David’s House at 5:30 p.m. and Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday. Free. northwestfourthfest.com.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Patriotic Brass: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at the Robert G. Soule Amphitheater at Citizens Park, 511 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington. For America’s 250th birthday, the concert highlights the ESO’s brass and percussion sections with a program of patriotic and popular favorites. Bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs. Free. elginsymphony.org.

Thursday, July 2

Carnival patrons ride the Disk-O during the Bartlett Fourth of July Festival. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2024

Bartlett Fourth of July Fest: 3-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 2-3; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 4; and 3-9 p.m. Sunday, July 5, in Apple Orchard Park, southwest corner of Stearns and Bartlett Road, Bartlett. The carnival will be open to those with disabilities from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2; registration required. Four nights of live music: Thursday: Anthem from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and 7th heaven from 9-11 p.m.; Friday: Mellencougar from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Julian Jumpin’ Perez from 8-11 p.m.; Saturday: Smokin’ Gunz from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Icons of Country from 8-11 p.m.; and Sunday: Modern Day Romeos from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Hairbanger’s Ball from 7-9 p.m. Skydivers at 7 p.m. Friday. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. bartlett4thofjuly.com.

Lakeside Festival: 3-11 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 3-4, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. 14 bands over four days on two outdoor stages, food, carnival rides, beer garden, superhero characters, kids’ decorated bike parade, kids’ ice-cream social, cornhole tournament and more. Fireworks at dusk Sunday. Music lineup: Thursday: Dangerous Joes at 3 and 7 p.m., Tennessee Whiskey at 5 p.m., and Thunderstruck at 8:30 p.m.; Friday: Southbound at 1 p.m., Petty Kings at 4 p.m., Pino Farina Band at 6 p.m., and Hi Infidelity at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: Judson Brown at 1 p.m., All American Throwbacks at 5 p.m., The Jolly Ringwalds at 7 p.m., and Modern Day Romeos at 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday: Yacht Rock-Ettes at noon, Crystal Lake Strikers at 2:30 p.m., Disco Circus at 3:30 p.m., Jonny Lyons & The Pride at 5:30 p.m., and Icons of Country at 6:45 p.m. Gate admission: $10 for 13 and older; $5 for 65 and older; and free for kids younger than 12 and active military with ID. Note: cashless payment. thedole.org/the-fest.

Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest: 5-11 p.m. Thursday, July 2; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 3-4; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at Palatine Community Park, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Fireworks at dusk July 3, live bands, food vendors, parade July 4, carnival, fest expo July 4-5 and more. Free. hometown-fest.com.

Rockin’ in the USA Fourth of July Weekend Festival: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, July 2; 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 3; and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Live music from tribute bands, including Listen to the Music, Boy Band Night, Super Diamond, Garth Guy, Toby Keith Made in America and Hillbilly Rockstarz. Also, festive competitions, including a patriotic costume contest and burrito-, apple pie- and hot dog-eating contests. A special appearance by the Honor Guard on July 4. Free. parkwaybankpark.com.

Sleepy Hollow Fourth of July fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Sabatino Park, Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Parking opens at 7 p.m.; $20 per car donation. If rained out, fireworks will move to Sunday, July 5. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.

Friday, July 3

Wauconda Community Fireworks: 6 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Hosted by the village and Wauconda Park District. Music and concessions starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dusk over Bangs Lake. Rain date: July 5. Free. wauconda-il.gov.

Hometown Fest Fireworks: Dusk Friday, July 3, at Community Park, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Free. palatinejaycees.org/hometown-fest.

Saturday, July 4

Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The ensemble will perform classic American standards and patriotic music on the porch before the Independence Day parade. Free. BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com/events.

Barrington Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, on Main Street in Barrington. Steps off at Barrington High School. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Barrington Fourth of July Fireworks: 9:30-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington. Free. barrington-il.gov.

America 250 celebration: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Family-friendly fun, food, live music, community activities, and a hometown Pie Baking Competition, Kids Coloring Contest, balloon twisting, face painting, fireworks and more. Free. eastdundee.net.

Sleepy Hollow Fourth of July festival: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Sabatino Park, Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. One-mile fun run at 8 a.m. Fishing derby from 9-11 a.m. at Lake Sharon. Car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a $15 exhibitor donation for Illinois Special Olympics. Food and drinks from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bill Ritchie Memorial Parade at 11:30 a.m. Fest rain date: July 5. Fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, with $20 per car donation. Rain date: July 5. sleepyhollowil.org.

Allison Smith of Elgin and her dog Dolan participate in last year’s Elgin pet parade, which took place just before the Fourth of July parade in Elgin. | Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com, 2025

Elgin Fourth of July Parade: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4. The route runs on Douglas Avenue, from Slade Avenue to city hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin. Third annual Pet Parade at 9 a.m. starting at the NENA Butterfly Garden at Douglas Avenue and Ann Street, and continues along the parade route to Douglas and Highland. Register at elginil.gov.

Frontier Days Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Steps off from Dunton and Oakton streets, Arlington Heights. Parade travels south on Dunton to Miner and then east to Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St. Theme: “Celebrating 50 years — Frontier Days Festival.” Kids 4-12, accompanied by an adult, can check in at Olive and Highland streets for the decorated bike parade at 10 a.m. No Big Wheels. Free. FrontierDays.org.

Hawthorn Woods Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, on Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods, and continues to the village hall. Followed by a flag-raising ceremony. Free. vhw.org/524/Parade.

Lake Zurich Independence Day Celebration: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Food, live music, fireworks and more. Includes Taste of Summer food trucks, Giant Bubble Show at 3 p.m., performance by Kelly Daniels at 7:15 p.m., and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Free admission, $5 BYOB wristbands available. lakezurich.org.

Hometown Fest Parade: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, in Palatine. The parade proceeds south on Cedar Street to Slade Street, east on Slade to Brockway, north on Brockway to Wood Street and east on Wood to Community Park. Free. palatinejaycees.org/hometown-fest.

Elgin’s Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Live music, food trucks and drinks, family-friendly games, a buttermaking activity, and a pie-eating contest sponsored by Herb’s Bakery at 7:30 p.m. Band lineup: Petty Betty from 5-6 p.m., Journey From the Heart from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Jump, America’s Van Halen Experience from 8-9:20 p.m.; VIP Lounge Area for $25 for age 12 or older; free for 11 or under with paid adult. Fireworks around 9:20 p.m. elginil.gov.

Buffalo Grove Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebration: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band will perform. Fireworks show at around 9 p.m. Free. vbg.org.

Bartlett 4th of July Fireworks: 9:30-11 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Stearns and Bartlett roads, Bartlett. Free. bartlett4thofjuly.com.

Sunday, July 5

Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade: 1 p.m. Sunday, July 5, starting at 100 W. Woodstock St. and continuing down Dole Avenue to the Lakeside Festival grounds. Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, the city of Crystal Lake and the Crystal Lake Lions Club. clchamber.com.

Find more here.

Posted in Elections, Entertainment, Politics | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Hills Contemporary Estate Sale Friday to Sunday

June 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

64 Dundee Lane

6/26 9am to 4pm (Friday)
6/27 9am to 3pm (Saturday)
6/28 10am to 2pm (Sunday)

See the full listing and video here.

Posted in Estate Sale | Leave a Comment »

Proposed data center in Hoffman Estates sparks resident outrage

June 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By: Dana Rebik, Ethan Illers | WGN9

A proposed data center in the northwest suburbs is drawing residents to protest Wednesday evening.

Plum Farms, which stretches across 185 acres of land near Route 59 and Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates, could soon be home to the village’s third data center. It’s a project proposed by the company Karis Critical.

The possibility of the data center being built has area residents frustrated.

“It is incredibly close. My neighbors and I, we can walk down a hilly berm from some of their back yards,” South Barrington resident Dr. Laura Holmes said. “The people here have some idea that they’re closing us in.”

At a commission meeting held on June 3, residents said they were not given information about the scope of the project, so they filed a freedom of information request and said what they found was alarming.

“We feel like we’ve been totally ignored. The public hearings we’ve had are like political theater. It’s just a formality. They’ve already made up their mind,” Barrington Hills resident Amanda Pollard said. “They had all these plans up to 18 months ago even prior to the sale of the property. We found a letter from the village manager who basically guaranteed we can re-zone.”

According to a letter from Village Manager Eric Palm to Karis Critical Attorney Matthew Norton, in January of 2025, Palm said the village recognizes the benefits data centers provide for the community, saying the village will support zoning approvals and that staff will recommend its approval.

Residents said seeing this makes them feel left in the dark.

“It’s been very surreptitious,” Holmes said.

Residents also found detailed site plans on a Karis document, showing a five-building, 300 megawatt data center, ten times larger than the one Karis tried to build in Naperville, which was voted down earlier this year.

Report and video can be found 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”

Posted in AI, BACOG, Cook, County, Data Center, Deception, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, News Media, Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency, Unions, Well Water Quality, WGN9 | Leave a Comment »

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

June 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

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”

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 | Leave a Comment »

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