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McLaughlin retains 52nd District House seat by 47 votes over challenger Peterson

December 4, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

Representative Martin McLaughlin (R) 52nd District

By | Daily Herald

Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills has retained his 52nd District seat by a 47-vote margin, according to results certified Monday by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

While Democratic challenger Maria Peterson of North Barrington has until Dec. 9 to file for a discovery recount, McLaughlin said he’s received a congratulatory voicemail from her.

Peterson could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The certified total shows McLaughlin won a third term with 29,520 votes, or 50.04% of the total, to Peterson’s 29,473. The 52nd District encompasses parts of Cook, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties, including the Barrington area, Algonquin, Mundelein and Wauconda.

A member of a superminority party in Springfield, McLaughlin said he was far outspent by his challenger and sees that as evidence of his effectiveness in the House.

The campaign featured television ads focusing on abortion rights that invoked his name but not Peterson’s.

“Abortion is not in question in Illinois,” McLaughlin said. “I’m not sure why we’re not focused on the things we need to fix.”

A former village president of Barrington Hills, McLaughlin said he is known throughout the 52nd District for that and through coaching of youth sports prior to his election to the General Assembly in 2021.

He considers the independent support his campaign received to be a plus for him and his constituents.

“It’s an honor to be re-elected and not be beholden to any special interests,” McLaughlin said. “Having independent support provides a level of protection. I may be one of the only people down there.”

More here.

Posted in Elections, Ethics, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Resident Spotlights, Springfield, Village Government | Leave a Comment »

Dickens in Dundee to feature tree lightings, parade, living window displays

December 4, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

Bring donations to FISH Food Pantry as you check out the Ron Rhoads Festival of Trees, part of the annual Dickens in Dundee festival. | Courtesy of Dundee Township Lions Club

Submitted by Dickens in Dundee

Kick off the Christmas season with Dickens in Dundee, now in its 37th year. The annual festival begins on Friday, Dec. 6, with tree lighting ceremonies in both villages. Learn more at dickensindundee.org or eastdundee.net.

East Dundee

At 5:30 p.m. at The Depot, 319 N. River St., the Dundee-Crown Chamber and Varsity Treble Choirs will perform before the tree lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m., led by the “The Christmas Schooner” cast of the Dundee Township Park District Theater and Santa.

From 6 to 8 p.m., check out the Living Windows along River and Main streets, and guest appearances by “Those Funny Little People.” From 6 to 9 p.m., be entertained by “The Frozen Robins” caroling quartet and meet “The Frozen Fab Four” (Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf). There also will be visits with Santa with free apple cider and cookies.

Santa’s Village will have a live reindeer on-site and there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides. Eastside Cafe will offer warm adult beverages for purchase on-site in the white tent. Free hot chocolate will be served as well.

Choirs will perform as the tree lighting ceremony in East Dundee as part of the Dickens in Dundee festival. | Courtesy of Village of East Dundee

West Dundee

At 6 p.m., the Treble Chorus and Chamber Choir will join in the illumination of the village Christmas tree on the south lawn of the West Dundee village hall.

Then, from 6-8 p.m., meet Santa at the village hall and enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and check out the Living Windows on display along Main Street, between First and Second streets. Some will feature live actors, while others feature traditional holiday decor and hand-painted designs. Start at the village hall and make your way east on the south side of Main Street to Around the Corner Candy. Then cross Main at First Street and make your way back on the north side, ending at Emmett’s.

Warm up in Bamboozels’ upstairs Fusion Lounge and enjoy a few rounds of bingo with the family from 6-9 p.m. Friday, or join Kids Karaoke from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Start your Saturday with a hearty breakfast with a “Dickens Day Breakfast Buffet” between 9 a.m. and noon at Bamboozels, 101 W. Main St. in West Dundee. At Grafelman Park, join the free family festivities from noon to 3 p.m. including cookie decorating, treats such as hot cocoa, coffee and popcorn, photo opportunities and the chance for kids to share their wish list with Santa in the gazebo.

In addition to the Dundee Township Historical Society’s “Dickens of a Sale,” Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 410 W. Main St., hosts a bazaar and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with handmade items. Enjoy the soup and sandwich lunch between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Every dollar collected from the luncheon will be donated to the FISH Food Pantry to assist local families in need this holiday season.

“A Christmas Carol Revisited: Scrooge’s Reclamation” will be at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St. Take a deeper look at the classic tale with presenters Jim Gould and Ted Hazelgrove, professors of ethics and literature. They use role play, film and discussion to examine Ebenezer Scrooge’s change from miser to philanthropist, and how this story challenges us to think about moral duty, human happiness, and personal transformation.

Or listen to Victoria Wilbrandt read a shortened version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale by the fireplace at The Mansion Bed & Breakfast from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Walk the gallery of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups, churches, nonprofits and clubs at the Ron Rhoades Festival of Trees from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Grafelman Park.

Trees are decorated on Friday between 12:30 and 5 p.m. The community is welcome to observe the decorating, have a cup of hot chocolate, and drop off a donation for the FISH Food Pantry. Trees are judged for creativity, beauty, and holiday spirit, with three Gold Awards and 3 Silver Awards given in each category. For the People’s Choice Award, “like” the photo of your favorite tree on the Dundee Township Lions Facebook page.

Riverside Parade of Lights

Gather along the banks of the Fox River for the third annual Riverside Parade of Lights on Saturday. The parade marshal is Joe Minoso, who plays Joe Cruz on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” The parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. on South Lincoln Avenue in West Dundee, travel north to the Main Street bridge in Carpentersville, and return back along Water Street in East Dundee. For details, go to the Riverside Parade of Lights Facebook event page.

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

State Board of Elections certifies election results showing decline in turnout

December 3, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

“Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, officially eked out a 47-vote victory in the 52nd House District in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago in a race House Democrats spent millions hoping to flip.”

By Ben Szalinski | Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — Vice President Kamala Harris won Illinois by nearly 11 points as turnout dipped in 2024, according to official election results certified by the State Board of Elections.

The board met Monday to certify the results of the 2024 election and released final vote totals for races around the state, including locking in several close legislative races. The results also reflected shifts in turnout and voting behavior.

Illinois saw turnout dip in 2024 compared to recent presidential contests. About 5.7 million people participated in this year’s election, representing 70.42% of the state’s 8.1 million registered voters. That’s a decline from 2020 when 72.92% of voters participated in the largest turnout for a presidential election in Illinois since 1992, according to the board.

This year’s turnout was the fourth lowest of the last 40 years, according to the board. Turnout was slightly below President-elect Donald Trump’s first victory in 2016, but higher than former President Barack Obama’s victory in 2012. Chicago Board of Election officials reported last month the city saw the second lowest turnout in a presidential race in 80 years.

The lower turnout in the November election also followed low turnout in the March primary, which featured uncontested presidential primaries in Illinois after challengers dropped out of the race by the time it was Illinois’ turn to vote.

Voting by mail also remained a popular option for many voters, with more than 1 million people casting their ballot in the mail. That’s down from more than 2 million people in 2020, but it represents the third consecutive statewide election in which more than 15% of voters used a mail-in ballot.

A greater portion of the electorate cast early in-person ballots this year than ever before, however. Board of Elections data shows 34.65% of votes were cast in-person before Election Day this year, surpassing 2020’s record of 32.89%.

This year’s election was the second time most voters did not vote on Election Day. Data shows 46.69% of ballots were cast on Election Day itself, compared to about two-thirds in recent years. Most voters during the pandemic election in 2020 also participated early, either in person or by mail, rather than on Election Day.

In the presidential race, Harris received 3,062,863 votes in Illinois, or 54.37% of the vote, to receive Illinois’ 19 electoral votes. That’s 409,052 fewer votes than President Joe Biden received in 2020.

Read more here.

Posted in Elections, News Media, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Resident Spotlights, Springfield, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

December 3, 2024 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:

  • Public Hearing/Comment – Property Tax Levy
  • Public Hearing/ Comment – eLearning Plan
  • Personnel Report
  • Minor Policies
  • Consideration to Approve DLA Architects Memorandum of Understanding
  • Consideration to Approve Lauterbach-Amen 3-Year Contract Renewal
  • Approval of finance lease agreement with American Capital Financial Services, Inc., to lease for 60 months technology equipment at a cost not to exceed $1,220,700, and service agreement with ProvenIT.
  • Consideration to Approve the PMA Financial Advisory Agreement Access
  • Resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $14,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024, for the purpose of building and equipping an auditorium and an addition at the Barrington High School Building, altering, repairing and equipping existing buildings, and improving school sites; providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds; and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof.
  • First Reading of Board Policy

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

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Barrington High School, Board of Education, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Look For The Union Label, Organizations, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Traffic, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Dundee Township Lions kick off annual Christmas Tree Sale with help from the community

December 2, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Jim McClung

Scouts, friends, first responders and neighbors came out to help the Dundee Township Lions Club members unload over 200 Christmas trees on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Grafelman Park in West Dundee for the annual Christmas tree sale.

The selling of Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths is the largest fundraiser for the Lions Club. When you buy our tree you not only get a great tree you are supporting a variety of community charities.

The sale began Sunday, Nov. 24, and continued on Thanksgiving weekend. During the following weeks, Thursday and Friday hours are 6 to 8 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until all the trees are sold. A variety of trees, prices and sizes are offered. In addition to trees, there will be wreaths and garland for sale.

To learn more about what the Lions are up to during the holiday season, visit www.dundeelions.org or follow the club on Facebook.

Posted in Fundraisers, Organizations | Leave a Comment »

Prioritize women’s rights

December 2, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

Chicago Tribune Letters to the Editor

I am a young Indian woman who was born here and strongly believes in women’s rights, which are at a critical point in this country. I believe it’s time we address the challenges head on.

From the persistent wage gap to the erosion of reproductive freedoms, women still face significant barriers to full equality. Despite all the progress we’ve made, women still earn, on average, 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. The disparity is even greater for Black and Latina women, who earn just 70 and 65 cents, respectively. These are more than statistics — they are a reality that affects families’ financial stability and limits economic growth. We need stronger laws that require pay transparency and hold employers accountable for pay discrimination.

The 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade was a devastating blow to women’s rights. Millions of women have lost access to safe and legal abortions, and this disproportionately affects low-income communities and women in rural areas who already face health care barriers.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, nearly 1 in 4 women will need abortion care by the time they are 45. This isn’t a fringe issue — it’s a vital part of health care. Congress must act now to codify reproductive rights because every woman deserves the freedom to make decisions about her own body.

Additionally, we cannot ignore the ongoing fight for safety and equality in education and public life. Gender-based violence remains a crisis, with 1 in 3 women experiencing some form of violence in their lifetime. Legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act provides vital resources, but more funding and enforcement are needed. At the same time, Title IX protections for students continue to face challenges, putting young women at risk of discrimination and harassment in schools.

Women’s rights are human rights. Ensuring equality in pay, health care, safety and education isn’t just the right thing to do; it benefits everyone.

We need leaders who will make these issues a priority, and we need citizens who will demand it. The future depends on it.

— Shriya Harish, student, Barrington High School, Barrington

Posted in Barrington High School, Chicago Tribune, Letters to the Editor | 6 Comments »

Illinois education leaders release blueprint for the future of education

December 2, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

Aaron Burden | Unsplash

By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square

A group of Illinois education organizations have unveiled their plan for the future of Illinois schools.

It’s called Vision 2030 and revolves around three education pillars, including future-focused learning, shared accountability and predictable funding.

Brent Clark, executive director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators, said Vision 2030 was developed with four goals in mind.

“We want to keep students safe, we want to have high-quality professionals in front of them as teachers, we want to enhance their post-secondary opportunities and the success they can have from those opportunities, and finally, we want to effectively measure what’s working in schools in a timely manner so we can make adjustments and make it even better,” said Clark.

More than 100 people helped develop Vision 2030, aided by surveys completed by more than 1,000 educators around the state. 

The plan proposes measuring student success over time rather than one annual standardized test.

“Just like children’s physical growth, academic progress does not always happen in a linear manner, both growth and proficiency should be measured over time within and across grade levels,” said Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association.

Since much of the plan requires legislation, Clark admits it could be some time before students see the effects of Vision 2030.

“It will not be done in one legislative session,” said Clark. “We’ve laid it out to occur in about six legislative sessions, and we’ll be working with a wide group of stakeholders, legislators and the governor’s office.”

More here.

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Education Association, Education, Politics, School Districts, Springfield | Leave a Comment »

Want to whisper your wish list in Santa’s ear this December? We know exactly where he’ll be

December 1, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

Santa is greeted by visitors outside The Depot in downtown East Dundee after being dropped off by a fire truck during the 2023 Dickens in Dundee festival. (Paul Sweigert)

By MIKE DANAHEY | Elgin Courier-News

When malls were still vogue, Santa was always one of the big attractions every December. But with those days mostly gone — Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee/Carpentersville, the area’s last enclosed shopping center, has a date with the wrecking ball — where do you bring the tots when they want to make sure St. Nick knows exactly what’s on their wish list?

As it turns out, there are more than a few options if you’re hoping for a one-on-one with Jolly Old Elf. Here are some of the options:

FESTIVALS/ORGANIZED EVENTS

Dickens in Dundee: Santa will be inside East Dundee’s The Depot at 319 N. River St. from 6 to 9 p.m. and at West Dundee Village Hall, 102 S. Second St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, during the annual Dickens in Dundee festival hosted by both towns. For more information, go to eastdundee.net/things_to_do/village_community_events/dickens_in_dundee.php and www.dickensindundee.org.

Winterfest: Santa will be on hand at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee, from noon to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7-8, 14, 17 and 21-22. Guests are welcome to meet with him and take their own photos. Regular admission rates apply. For information, go to www.dtpd.org/winterfest.

Among the places Santa will be making a stop this holiday season is Rosie O’Hare’s Public House in downtown East Dundee. He’s scheduled to be available for photos and chats from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 21. (Rosie O’Hare’s Public House)

Rosie O’Hare’s Public House: Santa will be available for photos and chats from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Rosie O’Hare’s Public House, 702 Water St., East Dundee. No reservations or purchase required. A breakfast menu with options for children will be available. Danny McDade will be performing Celtic carols and other Irish music. Cookies and small gifts for children will be provided. For more information, call 847-426-1116 or email rosiesparties@gmail.com.

Family photos with Santa: Platt Hill Nursery, 2400 Randall Road, Carpentersville, is hosting Santa from 10 a.m. to noon for families who want take photos with him and 1 to 3 p.m. for anyone who’d like a photo of Santa with their pet on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15. All animals should be well mannered, on a leash or in a crate. For more information, call 847-428-6767.

AREA RESTAURANTS

  • Aliano’s Ristorante, 310 N. River St., East Dundee: A breakfast with Santa will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. A variety of meal options will be available, craft projects for kids offered and photo opportunities with Santa provided. For more information, go to alianosdundee.com/events/breakfast-with-santa-2.
  • El Molino, 2112 Elgin Road, Carpentersville: Breakfast with Santa is being held from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets are $30 for anyone 13 or older, $20 for ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and younger. Tickets include a buffet breakfast, hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, crafts and photos with Santa. For information and tickets, go to elmolino1984.com/events/ImdSORJrgUiH.

Find more here.

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

The world gets its first glimpse inside Notre Dame Cathedral after 5 years under wraps

November 30, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanual Marcon visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday, November 29, 2024 in Paris. | Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP (Click on image to enlarge)

By  THOMAS ADAMSON | Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Five years after a catastrophic fire reduced Notre Dame Cathedral to a smoldering shell, journalists got a first glimpse of the Gothic masterpiece’s fully restored interiors during a visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. The transformation is nothing short of breathtaking: light dances across brilliant stone, gilded accents gleam anew, and the iconic monument’s majesty is reborn. From Dec. 8, visitors will once again marvel at the cathedral’s blend of history and craftsmanship.

Find the story, photos and video here.

Posted in Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

Forest Preserves of Cook County November 2024 Newsletter

November 30, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

A common sight on Cook County’s forest floors in late summer and fall, acorns are produced by an Illinois keystone species—the oak tree (Quercus). Oaks help maintain a rich mix of plants, insects, birds and other animals wherever they grow. | Acorn, Photo by: Tracy Hultgren

In this Issue:

  • Sweetgrass Garden Growing Native American Partnerships
  • Opening for Business! 2025 Picnic, Special Events Permits & Camping Reservations Available Soon
  • Steering into Volunteering: Voyager Bus Offers Free Transportation to Volunteer in Forest Preserves
  • Create Your Own Adventure on Forest Preserves Trails
  • Latest News: Invasive Species Feeling the Heat as Forest Preserves Resume Prescribed Burning; Forest Preserve Foundation Receives $10K Grant for Native Seed Amplification; Celebrate Native American Heritage Month With Us; Discover Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
  • Upcoming Events, and
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Stewardship Days

Read more here.

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm | Leave a Comment »

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