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Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Open House today

September 19, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Screenshot

Today’s Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Our Open House promises a day packed with fun, family, and public safety education!

Come check out:

  • Live fire demonstrations
  • Vehicle extrication
  • Inflatable obstacle course
  • Mini horses
  • Therapy dogs
  • Meet our firefighters and explore the engines

…and plenty more!

Bring the whole family and come see what your local firefighters do, up close! We can’t wait to see you there!

Due to the weather forecast, most of the action will happen indoors.

Source: BCFPD Facebook post

Posted in BCFPD, Education, Entertainment, Jewel-Osco | Leave a Comment »

1 hospitalized after three-vehicle crash leads to one car being hit by Metra train in Barrington

September 18, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Police investigate a multiple-vehicle crash and subsequent crash involving a Metra train at Route 14 and Hart Road in Barrington that sent one person to the hospital with injuries after their car sustained major damage Friday morning. | Photo: Nick Rusin

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

One person was transported to the hospital after a three-vehicle crash resulted in one of the cars being hit by a passing Metra train, causing major damage, on the UP-NW line in Barrington Friday morning.

The Barrington Police Department and Barrington Fire Department responded around 11:45 a.m. Friday to the area of Route 14, also known as Northwest Highway, and Hart Road in Barrington for a report of a crash involving a train.

Police investigate a multiple-vehicle crash and subsequent crash involving a Metra train at Route 14 and Hart Road in Barrington that sent one person to the hospital with injuries after their car sustained major damage Friday morning. | Photo: Nick Rusin

Emergency crews arrived and found multiple vehicles involved, along with a Metra train.

The crash occurred along the Union Pacific Northwest line between the Barrington and Fox River Grove Metra stations.

Police investigate a multiple-vehicle crash and subsequent crash involving a Metra train at Route 14 and Hart Road in Barrington that sent one person to the hospital with injuries after their car sustained major damage Friday morning. | Photo: Nick Rusin

One of the cars, a red Chevrolet Malibu, appeared to have been the vehicle struck by the train. It sustained major damage and came to rest off the road.

Report continues here.

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

Man hospitalized after train and vehicle collide in Barrington

September 18, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Marni Pyke | Daily Herald

Metra officials are investigating a crash involving a car and a train early Friday afternoon in Barrington that is causing extensive delays.

The male driver of the car that collided with an outbound Union Pacific Northwest Line train was rushed to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital; his condition was unavailable, a spokesperson said.

The crash occurred shortly after noon at a crossing near Northwest Highway and Hart Road.

It appears the vehicle was on the tracks when it was struck, but more details were not available as Metra police continue to investigate.

More here.

Posted in Accidents, Daily Herald, METRA, Traffic | 1 Comment »

Prosecutors say Barrington mother sexually assaulted son’s teen friend, told him ‘I really shouldn’t be doing this’ and continued

September 18, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Officials say Veronica M. Reyes, 41, of Barrington, is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy on multiple occasions in February and March as they revealed new details on the case during a Thursday court hearing, adding that Reyes’ home was the “party house” for her son’s friends and that she also physically abused other juveniles. | Photo – Left: Provided; Photo: – Right: Nick Rusin

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A Barrington mother accused of sexually assaulting her son’s 16-year-old friend told him, “I really shouldn’t be doing this,” then said, “Whatever, who cares,” and continued, prosecutors said, adding that she physically abused other children.

Veronica M. Reyes, 41, of Barrington, was charged Monday with four counts of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony, and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony.

Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Eduardo Zermeno said Reyes is the mother of two of the victim’s friends and made herself a “constant presence” in her sons’ peer group.

She would drive the boy and other juveniles wherever they wanted to go and allegedly supply them with alcohol and cannabis.

Reyes used that access to isolate the boy inside her bedroom at her home in Barrington while the other juveniles who were there slept in other rooms, Zermeno said.

Reyes is accused of sexually assaulting the boy during two separate encounters roughly two to three weeks apart, each involving multiple sex acts.

The arrest warrant alleges the offenses occurred between February 10 and February 20 and between February 24 and March 13.

The boy told investigators that during the first encounter, Reyes asked him, “You’re 18, right?”

When he told her he was 16 and about to turn 17, Reyes noted he was close in age to her own 15-year-old son and said, “I really shouldn’t be doing this. This isn’t good,” Zermeno said.

The boy told Reyes that if she wanted to stop, she should stop, and Reyes responded, “Whatever, who cares,” and continued, Zermeno said. She later committed the same acts against him again.

Report continues here.

Posted in Crime, Lake & McHenry County Scanner, Police Reports, School Districts | Leave a Comment »

Chicago speed cameras ticket drivers every 48 seconds

September 18, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The city added 50 cameras and tickets jumped almost 26%, but the additional revenue fell short of the city’s projection. | Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune

By Lilly Rossi | Illinois Policy Institute

Despite campaigning against them in 2023, Mayor Brandon Johnson added 50 speed cameras in Chicago last year.

That led to a nearly 26% increase in tickets but still didn’t generate as much additional revenue as the city estimated, highlighting the problem with relying on unpredictable sources to balance the budget.

Last year Chicago issued 529,529 tickets to drivers for traveling 6 to 10 mph over the speed limit, up from 424,754 in 2024. That’s an increase of 24.6%.

Tickets for those driving at least 11 mph over the limit increased even faster, rising 30% from 94,906 in 2024 to 123,786 in 2025.

Chicago speed camera revenue rose last year to $64.2 million, up from $59.6 million in 2024. But the rise was significantly less than the Johnson administration’s projected increase of $11.4 million (and an installation cost of about $2.6 million.)

Report continues here.

Posted in Cook, County, Dumb Bunny, Illinois Policy Institute, Politics, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

PUBLIC HEARING: Unincorporated Cook County property off Old Sutton Rd on county Zoning Board of Appeals agenda September 23rd

September 18, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

15N803 Old Sutton Road according to Google Maps

CASE NUMBERS: SU-26-0002 & VA-26-0017
HEARING DATE: September 23, 2026
TIME: 11 AM (see agenda)
LOCATION OF HEARING: 69 W. Washington, 22nd Floor, Chicago, IL

“Lenny Asaro, acting on behalf of Cristobal Rodriguez and Lorena Galvez, has petitioned the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Special Use for a Unique Use (SU-26-0002) with a companion Variance (VA-26-0017) to the zoning requirements of the R-1 Single Family Residence District. The applicant is requesting a SU/UU to operate a commercial truck parking business for 50 dump trucks. If the companion SU/UU is granted, the applicant is also requesting a companion VA to increase the height of an accessory structure from the maximum allowed 15 feet to a proposed 20 feet 2 inches. The subject property is located within the 15th District with the common address 15N803 Old Sutton Road, Barrington, IL. 60164.”

The Zoning Board of Appeals agenda can be viewed here.

Per a recent post by the Village of Barrington Hills:

“Members of the public wishing to submit comment may do so by emailing their comment directly to Cook County’s ZBA by Monday, September 21, 2026. Comment will be accepted until 12:00 PM (Noon): ZBA.emails@cookcountyil.gov. Do not email the Village, as it will not be forwarded to Cook County on your behalf.”

Posted in Cook, County, EJ&E/Canadian National, FPDCC, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Politics, Public Hearing, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Special Use Permits, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

Things to do Sept. 18-24: Pepper Road Fall Fest, West Dundee Heritage Fest, Mundelein Arts Festival and more

September 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

 

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 18

Riot Fest: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20, at Douglass Park, West Ogden Avenue and South Sacramento Drive, Chicago. Punk, rock and alternative. Friday: Twenty One Pilots, Iggy Pop, Rise Against and Pixies. Saturday: Tool, Morrisey, Social Distortion and NAS. Sunday: Pierce The Veil, Alanis Morissette, Elvis Costello & The Imposters and The Format. General admission starts at $115 for one day, $230 for two days, $340 for three days. riotfest.org.

Huck Finn Fishing Derby: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Reiner Park, 1101 N. Green Knolls Drive, Buffalo Grove. Fishing derby for kids 2-14. Awards and raffle prizes. Registration: $8-$10. bgparks.org

Old Town Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1360 N. Wells St., Chicago. Classic German beer, bratwursts, stein-holding contests, traditional German bands and more. $10. chicagoevents.com

Rotary Club of Palatine Oktoberfest: 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 18; noon to midnight Saturday, Sept. 19; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, on Smith and Slade streets, Palatine. German music, food, beverages, family activities and more. Free. palatinerotary.org/oktoberfest.

“Aged to Perfection” winetasting benefit: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Elgin Community College Spartan Terrace Restaurant, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. A curated selection of wines paired with bites crafted by students and faculty from the ECC Culinary Arts Program. Seating is limited. Sponsored by the ECC Foundation and the Homecoming Alumni Committee. $75. tickets.eccartscenter.org

See a variety of makes and models during the car show at Heritage Fest in West Dundee, running Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20. | Rick West/Daily Herald

Heritage Fest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, in downtown West Dundee. Live music, business expo, arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and a car show from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dundee Lions host a 5K and 1.75-mile walk at 8 a.m. Saturday. Community breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. Sunday. Entertainment lineup: Friday: Bad Motor Scooterr (Sammy Hagar tribute band) at 6 p.m. and All American Throwbacks at 9 p.m.; Saturday: School of Irish Dance at 11 a.m., Crossover at noon, Bishop Super Band (hits from Dundee Middle School staff, students and friends of the late Matt Bishop) at 1:30 p.m., Eric Case Band at 4:30 p.m., Sixes & Sevens (rock and country) at 6:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Starlites at 8 a.m. in the tent, Guy Meets Girl at 10:30 a.m., The Gaffes at noon, Controlled Burn (folk rock band from West Dundee) at 1:30 p.m. and The Lenny’s at 3 p.m. Free. wdundeeheritagefest.org.

Monster Jam: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. World champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks compete in competitions of speed and skill. Pit Party from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday; passes required. Tickets start at $29.65. monsterjam.com

An Evening With Kevin Smith: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Filmmaker, actor, author and podcaster Kevin Smith hosts a live question-and-answer show. $26-$57.50. (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org/tickets.

“The Lightning Thief”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s first book in the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and featuring an original rock score. Presented by Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company. $16-$18. eccartscenter.org

Teachers’ Lounge Comedy: 8-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Professional stand-up comics turned teachers share their unique experiences, anecdotes and frustrations about school life. $44-$54. rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Sept. 19

Pepper Road Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, on North Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Pop-up artisan market, live music, kids’ activities, food and drinks for purchase, vendors, activities, shopping, Barnfest at All-American Reclaim, and Barrington Countryside Fire District open house. Free. barringtonchamber.com

The Great Outdoor Beer Trail: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, Cary. Walk the one-mile paved trail while trying 3-ounce tastes from regional brewers. Includes a souvenir tasting glass, live music and food vendors. 21 and older. $70 or $15 for designated driver. Tickets: mccdistrict.org.

Lions Heritage Fest 10K/5K Run & 1.75 Mile Walk: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Races start and finish at Oregon Avenue and South First Street at the VFW Post 2298 in downtown West Dundee. Proceeds benefit the Dundee Township Lions Club and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce and their charities. $30-$50. Register: wdundeeheritagefest.org or runsignup.com/Race/IL/WestDundee/HeritageFest10k.

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Heritage Fest: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Freemont St., Arlington Heights. See a variety of exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. Free. ahpd.org

Run for Mental Health — Still Standing 5K: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, starting north of Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The faith-based mental health awareness 5K also features a 1-mile fun walk. Register: runsignup.com/Race/IL/Elgin/StillStanding

21st Annual Antique Car, Truck & Tractor Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at McHenry Stade’s Farm, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Vintage vehicles, oldies music, family attractions and games, pumpkin cannon demonstrations, exhibitors and food. Regular admission for the attraction area. stadesfarmandmarket.com

Central States Dahlia Society’s 59th annual Dahlia Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hundreds of blooms will be on display by dahlia growers from across the Midwest competing for top honors. Included in general admission. centralstatesdahliasociety.com/dahlia-show-2026.

Hoffman Estates Community Garage Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Seascape Family Aquatic Center parking lot, 1300 Moon Lake Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Free entry for shoppers; $30-$35 for vendors. heparks.org

The Mundelein Arts Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, in Mundelein’s Courtland Commons. (Mundelein Park & Recreation District)

Mundelein Arts Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, in Courtland Commons in downtown Mundelein. Juried art festival featuring local artists who work in a variety of media, plus music and food. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, train rides, magic show, live DJ, large vendor market, food and treats. cville.org.

“Chicago Live!”: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Performing arts festival featuring live music, dance, theater, and multidisciplinary performances from local and national artists. Performances include Anthony Rapp, Melody Angel, Kokandy Productions, Liquid Soul, Dancing Queen, Trinity Irish Dancers, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Utica and Denali, Q Brothers, Nico Segal, Fat Theatre Project and more. Free. navypier.org.

Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, on the grounds of Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Craft brews, meads, ciders, seltzers and food at the 11th annual fundraiser for the museum and Churchville one-room schoolhouse. Early entry at 1 p.m. $57.50, regular entry $47.25, and designated driver $21.50. Tickets: elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.

Northbrook Brewfest: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Village Green Park, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Live music, beer tasting, photo booth, games and more. 21 and older. Tickets start at $49, $30 for a non-tasting ticket. nbparks.org.

Party in the Park: 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Community Park, 5 Parkview Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Petting zoo, train rides, food vendors, ax throwing, two live bands and the rescheduled July 3 fireworks show. Free. vhw.org

“As You Like It”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Elgin Community College SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Shakespeare comedy, performed by the Goodly Creatures Theatre, led by ECC alum Katrina Syrris. Proceeds will support ECC Fine Arts. Sponsored by the ECC Foundation and the Homecoming Alumni Committee. $50. tickets.eccartscenter.org

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 19, and runs through Nov. 1 in Gurnee. | Daily Herald

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Saturday, Sept. 19, 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. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Sunday, Sept. 20

Green Fair: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Learn how to improve the environment and make the community a greener and healthier place to live. Free. bgparks.org/green-fair.

Kane County Doll Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Kane County Fairgrounds Prairie Events Center, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Doll show featuring antique, vintage and collectibles, Barbies, Steiff, doll appraisals and more. Special exhibit on Mod Francie & Friends with a presentation by Bradley Justice on “Francie Turns 60” at 1 p.m. Early bird entry at 8 a.m. for $15. Regular entry $8 or free for kids 12 and younger. kanecountydollshow.com.

Cantigny Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Cantigny Park south parking lot, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Vintage cars, entertainment and food and beverages. First 200 people through the gate receive a free limited-edition T-shirt. Register a vehicle for $21 until Aug. 30 or $26 after; parking included. Note: Cashless event. Parking: $21 per car. cantigny.org

Wheeling Park District’s Fallapalooza will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, at Heritage Park. | Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald

Fallapalooza: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Live music by the Eric Case Band, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, airbrush tattoos and more. Food and beverages for purchase. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Heirloom Apple Fest: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Durant-Peterson House in the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Learn about apples popular during the 19th century. Suggested donation: $3 or $1 for kids. ppfv.org

Palatine Historical Society Cemetery Walk: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Hillside Cemetery, 375 N. Smith St., Palatine. Guided tours of the cemetery as actors play the roles of Palatine residents from the village’s past. Tickets required; admission fee. palatinehistoricalsociety.com.

Comedian Ilana Glazer will perform at the Chicago Theatre Tuesday, Sept. 22. | Charles Sykes/AP

Tuesday, Sept. 22

Ilana Glazer Live: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Comedy. Tickets start at $52.25. msg.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

Zach Rushing: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. “The Redneck Logic Tour.” $46.19-$89.36. improv.com/chicago

THESPIAN: An Actor Prepares … to Read Your Mind: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Actor and mentalist Fred Zimmerman presents a show of performance art and psychological illusion. $40. metropolisarts.com

Thursday, Sept. 24

Elgin Fringe Festival: 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24-25; 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Fringe Central at Side Street Studio gallery, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin. Nearly 90 performances showcasing local and national talent in dance, theater, comedy, music, magic, circus, storytelling, experimental multimedia and more. Plus, a visual art exhibition, outdoor shows and themed parties. Tickets: Free to $12, with $4 entry buttons and an all-access pass for $95. For tickets and a schedule, see elginfringefestival.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 3-11 p.m. Fridays in September; plus 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in October, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $32/$26 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

“Jekyll & Hyde”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 8; plus 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 11; and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesdays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 4, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping Gothic musical. Tickets start at $60.75. broadwayinchicago.com

“An Iliad”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. Janus Theatre Company’s production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s modern retelling of Homer’s epic poem. $28. janusplays.com.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

Find much more here,

 

Posted in Daily Herald, Education, Entertainment | Leave a Comment »

Citizens for Conservation Ignite the Night fest September 26

September 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Come celebrate autumn and connect with family, friends and neighbors at an outdoors moonlit festival. Enjoy a cookout dinner with beer and wine, accompanied by great live music and an amazing blazing giant bonfire at the Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Center and Spring Creek Forest Preserve from 5-10 PM Sept 26.

The evening features a large eco-raffle, stargazing with powerful telescopes, meeting native birds of prey, and narrated horse-drawn wagon rides around a tallgrass prairie. Ignite the Night strives to be a zero-waste event again. For more information and tickets, go to CitizensForConservation.org/itn.

Posted in Barrington Hills Park District, Citizens for Conservation, FPDCC, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights | Leave a Comment »

South Barrington TIF Public Hearing tonight

September 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“On September 17th, there will be a hearing on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the Allstate property corridor on Higgins Road.

The meeting will be at 7PM at the Village Hall. It is an opportunity for the public to weigh in and comment on a TIF project which will bring revenue into the Village for water infrastructure and safety without having to impose additional taxes on our residents. Please attend if you would like more information or if you would like to weigh in on the project.

This new development will help spur additional economic development for our region. In the long term, our schools and other taxing bodies will see an increase in revenue. The best way to lower property taxes is to grow our local economy and one way to accomplish this is through the utilization of TIF districts.

These issues are important and it is our goal to make sure residents have all of the facts. I encourage you to attend our meeting on Sept. 17th.”

Source: Mayor Paula McCombie’s weekly newsletter.

Posted in 220, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Legislative panel weighs in on children’s mental health, data centers and state vs. local control

September 17, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

A panel of Republican and Democratic state legislators came together Wednesday in Barrington to discuss a variety of topics, including the impact of social media and technology on children’s mental health and whether data centers should be under state or local control.

Two Republicans, state Rep. Martin McLaughlin and state Sen. Darby Hills, both of Barrington Hills, and two Democrats, state Reps. Nabeela Syed of Inverness and Anna Moeller of Elgin, fielded questions during the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast, held at the Barrington Park District headquarters.

Barrington Area Unit District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman, one of the moderators, asked what role the state should play in helping school districts support children’s mental health.

He cited figures provided by Lurie Children’s Hospital that 49% of Illinois youth are experiencing worsening mental health.

Syed, who represents the 51st District, said the state has taken action by passing a law mandating mental health screenings in schools, with parents able to opt out.

McLaughlin, who represents the 52nd District, echoed Syed on the impact of technology but focused less on what the state can do and more on channeling children into activities that encourage social interaction and team building.

“You cannot spell team with ‘I,’ but you can certainly spell ‘iPhone,’ with an ‘I,’” he said.

Panelists also weighed in on data centers.

McLaughlin criticized the governor and the Democratic majority for passing hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives to attract data centers. He said he supports local communities retaining zoning and planning controls.

Although he agreed data centers are needed, he said, “That doesn’t mean that we should stick data centers in Algonquin next to residents in Barrington Hills, which I oppose. That doesn’t mean we should put data centers across the street from South Barrington residential units, which I oppose.”

Read the full article here.

Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Daily Herald, Data Center, Democratic Socialists of America, Dinky, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, New Normal?, Politics, Property Taxes, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes | 1 Comment »

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