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Chicago’s Union Boss Gets a Promotion | Wall Street Journal

October 21, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Stacy Davis Gates | Nam Y. Huh Nam/Associated Press

Stacy Davis Gates will bring her educational failures to Springfield.

By The Editorial Board | Wall Street Journal

Talk about failing up. Stacy Davis Gates, the Chicago Teachers Union president who has presided over the educational failures of Chicago public schools, has been elected to lead the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Here we have in a single event the problem that is ruining Illinois.

From her new perch, Ms. Davis Gates will be the voice of more than 100,000 Illinois teachers, faculty and others at the statewide union. Downstate parents wondering what’s ahead are warned: It won’t be higher test scores. Less than a third of Chicago eighth grade students are proficient in reading and math. For that, she gets a promotion.

Students and parents don’t get to vote in union elections, alas. But union teachers do and they care most about money and dodging accountability for student failure. Ms. Davis Gates has delivered on both counts. In 2024 she told a Chicago radio station that academic testing “at best is junk science rooted in white supremacy” and “you can’t test black children with an instrument that was born to prove their inferiority.”

Yes, grading is racist, so stop using tests to judge students—and heaven forbid don’t hold teachers accountable. By the way, Ms. Davis Gates sends her own son to a private school.

Read more here.

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Education Association, Clown Car, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Fools and their money, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions, Wall Street Journal, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

October 21, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • FOIA Reports
  • Revised Personnel Report
  • Consideration to Approve Audit Report
  • Consideration to Approve Project Lead the Way Lease Agreement
  • Consideration to Approve the Reciprocal Reporting Agreement with the Village of Carpentersville
  • Enrollment Status 30-Day
  • Framework Update: Social Media Awareness & Digital Citizenship Guidelines Implementation Report

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

Related: “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “District 220 posts Notice of Tentative Budget Public Hearing,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “District 220 Board of Education meets this evening (07.15.25)” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, FOIA, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), League of Women Voters, Open Meetings Act, Organizations, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Raging Democrats make extraordinary ‘Civil War’ claim during divisive ‘No Kings’ speeches

October 20, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson ignited the crowd on Saturday by telling liberals to be ‘ready to defend this democracy’ and to be ‘ready to fight fascism’ | Photo courtesy Reuters

By SOPHIE GABLE and ALYSSA GUZMAN | Daily Mail

The Chicago mayor accused President Donald Trump of wanting a ‘Civil War’ rematch during a No Kings protest.

Mayor Brandon Johnson ignited the crowd on Saturday by telling liberals to be ‘ready to defend this democracy’ and to be ‘ready to fight fascism.’

‘Are you prepared to destroy authoritarianism once and for all? We’ll let the world hear you, no kings!’ he said in an impassioned speech.

He warned Chicago residents to be prepared for a ‘rematch of the Civil War.’

‘The attempt to divide and conquer this nation will not prevail because when the people are united, justice always prevails,’ he said.

‘If my ancestors, as slaves, can lead the greatest general strike in the history of this country, taking it to the ultra-rich and big corporations, we can do the same today.’

The 49-year-old politician promised the crowd that the liberal hotspot would remain at the forefront of the resistance against the Trump Administration.

Read more here.

Editorial note: Lori Lightfoot’s looking pretty good in hindsight lately…

Related: “Mayor Johnson’s 6% Approval Shows: Race-Baiting Can’t Cover up Epic Public Safety Failure”

Posted in Cook, County, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Dumb and Dumber, Elections, Immigration, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Board meets tonight

October 20, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) Board of Trustees meets tonight at 6:30 PM at 22222 N. Pepper Road in Lake Barrington. Topics on their agenda include:

  • Consideration and possible approval of an Ordinance imposing lift assist fees for the Barrington Fire Protection District
  • Consideration and possible approval of a Resolution approving and authorizing execution of the Infectious Disease Specialist Memorandum of Understanding with Northwest Medical Association

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here.

Posted in Agendas, BCFPD, Jewel-Osco, Pension Funding, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Taxes, Transparency, Unions | Leave a Comment »

South Barrington installs welcome signs at some Village borders

October 19, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

“You may have noticed something new in our community! Our Village has a new way of saying ‘welcome home.’ The modern design celebrates growth while staying true to the community spirit that makes this place so special.”

We have no comment except to wonder how these monuments will fare in a few months when IDOT crews plow snow at their typical speeds. Our experience has been they might view them as something of a challenge.

Posted in IDOT, South Barrington | 3 Comments »

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposes $21 per employee corporate “head tax”

October 18, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a $21-per-employee monthly tax on large companies to help fill a nearly $1.2 billion shortfall. Business leaders and even a former mayor say the “head tax” could kill job creation and new investment.

By Patrick Andriesen | Illinois Policy Institute

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is staring down a projected $1.19 billion budget shortfall for 2026. His solution? Reviving a tax that punishes job creation: a corporate “head tax.”

What is a “head tax?”

A “head tax” charges businesses a fixed fee for each of their employees Under Johnson’s proposed budget, this would cost businesses with over 100 Chicago-based employees $21 a month per worker.

While Johnson’s budget proposal estimates this new tax on job creation would generate about $100 million in revenue next year, and potentially more over time as the fee increases with inflation, business leaders and city officials have long warned it’s “a job killer.”

This wouldn’t be the first “head tax” in Chicago or the first time Johnson has pushed it. Chicago previously levied a $4 per employee “head tax” on businesses with 50 or more workers between 1970 and 2014.

Read more here.

Posted in Cook, County, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way | Leave a Comment »

Lawmakers push DoorDash, Uber Eats delivery tax statewide for Chicago transit

October 18, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Lawmakers may approve a statewide delivery tax on Doordash and Uber Eats to fund Chicago transit, hitting all Illinoisans who shop online, even those who don’t use CTA, Metra or Pace.

By LyLena Estabine | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch says a controversial charge on DoorDash and Uber Eats deliveries could still be used to help fund Chicago’s mass transit system.

Though he clarified it wouldn’t be as high as the initial proposal of $1.50, he would not eliminate it as a possibility.

That means a delivery tax is still in play as lawmakers try to cover a financial hole at the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees CTA, Metra and Pace.

RTA is facing a $230 million shortfall in 2025, climbing to $790 million in 2027 and nearly $890 million by 2028 as federal COVID aid dries up and ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels.

The proposed delivery tax, along with other proposals, has drawn criticism from some Republicans.

More here.

Posted in BOHICA, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Springfield, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | Oct. 17, 2025

October 17, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

“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:

  • Completion of grading, stone placement and temporary Canadian National Railway (CN) train track construction
  • Shifting of train traffic onto the temporary CN tracks
  • Utility main relocations
  • Continued excavation, grading, compaction and construction of the temporary roadways and sidewalk

What’s still to come?

  • Remaining grading and compaction work
  • Asphalt installation for the temporary rail crossing
  • Completion of both temporary road surfaces and lane line markings

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!”

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, IDOT, Politics, Taxes, TRAC | Leave a Comment »

Things to do Oct. 17-23: Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Contest, Pet Costume Parade, Howl-A-Ween Dog Parade and more

October 17, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Long Grove Pet Costume Parade steps off Sunday at noon | AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 17

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 17-19 and 22-26, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway where visitors will encounter characters and can watch live pumpkin carving. $22-$27 for adults, $15-$18 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Military Miniature Society of Illinois Show: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, 50 Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Exhibition featuring the work of modelers from around the world displaying painted miniature figures and original sculptures from historical to fantasy, armored and other vehicles, airplanes, ships, dioramas and vignettes. Vendor area offers model kits, paints, tools, books and more. $10, free for kids 12 and younger and active military with ID. military-miniature-society-of-illinois.com/about-the-show.

Boo Bash Spectacular: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Clauss Rec Center Maple Room, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Halloween party for kids 3-5 featuring a costume contest, spooky crafts and making a treat. Register by Oct. 14. $18-$23. rparks.org.

Boo Thru: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Randall Oaks Park, 750 Randall Road, West Dundee. Drive through the park for candy and surprises in a reverse trunk-or-treat. Fee is $6-$9 per vehicle. Register: dtpd.org/boo-thru

Inflatables, games and a magic show are a part of Boonanza Friday, Oct. 17, at the Community Recreation Center in Wheeling. | Daily Herald file photo

Boonanza: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Magic show, carnival games, a balloonist, inflatables and crafts for kids. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Hayrides at Hoffman Park: 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 5:15, 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the dog park at Hoffman Park, West Main Street, Cary. Hayride and campfire under the stars. $10 per person. Register: carypark.com

Zombie Fun Run: 6-8 p.m. Friday Oct. 17, at Volkening Lake, 900 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Run or walk in your Halloween costume for nearly two miles while being chased by zombies. Fee includes a hot dog or brat, chips and a drink. $10-$15. parkfun.com/event/zombie-fun-run

Teen Night “The Nightmare Before Christmas”: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Open swim, open gym, pizza and a movie for sixth to eighth graders. $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Space is limited. ahpd.org.

The Silhouettes: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Hemmens Cultural Center Main Stage Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. “LOVE Happens” is a family-friendly shadow dance story. $20-$39. Tickets: (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Hampshire Farmers and Outdoor Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Hampshire Commons, 113 W. Oak Knoll Drive, Hampshire. Farm-to-table goods, handmade items, packaged food, sweets, artisanal gifts and more. Free. facebook.com/HampshireFarmersMarket.

Boo Bash: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Costume parade, pumpkin painting, snacks and more. $20-$30. Register: carypark.com.

Reenactors fire a cannon during the Civil War Encampment and Battle at the Northbrook Sports Club in Hainesville. This year’s event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19. | Daily Herald file photo

Civil War Encampment & Battle: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, by the Northbrook Sports Club, off South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Relive history as period-garbed reenactors re-create battles, bivouacs, battlefield surgeries and historical presentations of the American Civil War. Meet Abraham Lincoln, General Grant and others. Free. hainesville.org/civil-war-event

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Fabbrini Park, 1704 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates. Live entertainment, Story-Walk Scavenger Hunt, carnival games, bounce house, mini golf, scenic hayride, pumpkin patch food drive, and meet members of the Hoffman Estates Fire and Police Departments. Register for the Trick or Treat Path to collect goodies and meet characters such as Elsa, Anna, Bluey, Chase, Big Bird and more. Free; Trick or Treat Path is $9 in advance, $12 on-site. heparks.org

Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Contest: 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Dan Schimmel Pavilion in Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. Canine costume contest and doggy egg hunt. Prizes and awards for the most unique and creative costumes. Free. bgparks.org/howl-o-ween

Frights & Delights: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Trunk-or-treating, a costume contest, hay rides and more. Dog-friendly event will feature a doggy costume contest and puppy adoptions. $8. vhparkdistrict.org

Harvest Hoot: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Oakton College, Parking Lot A, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Live entertainment, an inflatable corn maze, a pumpkin-carving demonstration, family activities, a harvest artisan market, food trucks and more. No alcohol or pets. Free. desplaines.org

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale | Courtesy Chicago Botanic Garden

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale, Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale and Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hundreds of varieties of daffodil bulbs will be available for purchase. Daffodil enthusiasts will be on hand to offer expert growing tips. Plus, see a display of freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by members of the Midwest Fruit Explorers, featuring apples, pears, paw paws, grapes, kiwis and more. The Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society will offer a variety of lily bulbs for sale. Free with general admission of $15.95-$25.95. chicagobotanic.org.

Trick-or-Treat Trail: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Kids and their guardians can walk the trail around the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary and receive candy and other goodies. Scare-free. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Haunted Trail: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Scares along the one-third mile loop. Family hour from 4:30-5:30 p.m., active scaring from 7-9:30 p.m. $10, $5 for a repeat trip. Tickets in advance at the recreation center or at the trail (cash only). itascaparkdistrict.com.

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The 18-piece big band performs a tribute to Tony Bennett. $45, $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org

Southern Avenue: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Blues, rock and gospel. $45-$53. prairiecenter.org

Sunday, Oct. 19

Calibre Car Show: 8-11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Themed car show season closer. Free. shopthearb.com/events.

Chicago Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 34th annual show. $6, free for kids younger than 12. rrshows.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. Free. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Pet Costume Parade: Noon Sunday, Oct. 19, at Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Registration is not required, but recommended. Free. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Witches & Wizards of Woodstock features magic-themed activities and entertainment Sunday, Oct. 19. | Courtesy of the city of Woodstock

Witches & Wizards of Woodstock: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock. All-ages event filled with mystical activities and entertainment, including The Magical Talking Hat, a fantasy-themed trivia contest, interactive scavenger hunts, live music and performances, crafts and games, food and more. Free admission; some activities have fees. witchesandwizardsevent.com.

Pumpkin Splash: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Pick a pumpkin in the pool and Halloween treats. For kids 2-7 accompanied by an adult. $13-$15. ahpd.org

Monday, Oct. 20

Adam Sandler: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. “You’re My Best Friend Tour.” Tickets start at $50.15. unitedcenter.com

Tuesday, Oct. 21

“Stars for Sara”: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Music, media and memories to honor the late Sara Janz. $37.75-$159.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Howl-A-Ween Dog Parade: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Costume parade and treats for dogs. $7 per dog. Register: carypark.com.

See a variety of pumpkins on display along with entertainment and activities at the annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 22-26. | Daily Herald file photo, 2017

Pumpkin Festival: Various times Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 22-26, with many activities at Main and State streets and on the courthouse lawn, Sycamore. 64th annual festival with decorated pumpkins, carnivals, nonprofit vendors, craft shows, Saturday entertainment and activities. Autumn Craft and Treasures Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Sycamore High School Fieldhouse; $1-$3 entry. The 47th annual Sycamore Chamber 10K Pumpkin Run starts at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free; some activities have fees. sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on the weekends. $19 weekdays; $23 in advance online and $26 at the door on weekends; free for kids 2 and younger. Extra fees for animal rides ($8) and gem mining ($10-$25). goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

McHenry Stade’s Farm Market: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Free. stadesfarmandmarket.com.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3 and animal shows at 1:30 p.m. $6; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. On weekends, there’s trick-or-treating, a magician and other activities. Included with zoo admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, through Sunday, Oct. 26, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, shows, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Plus, kids’ Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Richardson Adventure Farm: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 26 at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $24, $20 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $30/$24 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots start around 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park, 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, and The Forge, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont. See and explore thousands of pumpkins arranged in displays and more, plus a pumpkin patch, 30-foot inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden, mini golf and more. Tickets range from $17.99-$27.99. Thejackolanternworld.com.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience: Various times through Nov. 2 (except Oct. 20-21 and 27-28) at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Highway 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12, $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

Find more here.

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

SUV driver cited after video captures semi-truck rollover that left victim seriously injured, flown to hospital in Barrington

October 16, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

A two-vehicle crash involving a dump truck and an SUV at Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington left the driver of the truck heavily trapped and seriously injured in his vehicle, requiring him to be flown to the hospital, while shutting down the busy intersection for hours on October 8. | Background Photo: Nick Rusin; Inset: Provided

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

An SUV driver has been cited after video captured him causing a crash in Barrington that left a semi-truck rolled over, trapping and seriously injuring the driver, who was flown to the hospital.

The Barrington Fire Department and Barrington Police Department responded around 2:35 p.m. on October 8 to Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.

Barrington Police Chief David Daigle said the crash involved a 2016 Acura MDX and a 1998 Western Star 5900 semi-truck, which was hauling a dump trailer.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage.

A dashcam video obtained by Lake and McHenry County Scanner showed the semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Dundee Road.

Photo provided

The semi-truck proceeded through the intersection at Barrington Road on a solid green light, the video showed.

Read on here.

Related: “Driver seriously injured, flown to hospital after being heavily trapped in semi-truck rollover in Barrington”

Posted in Accidents, Lake & McHenry County Scanner | Leave a Comment »

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