The National Weather Service has released an updated winter outlook for December through February and more snow could be in store for Illinois.
A predicted weak La Niña pattern increases the odds of a wetter winter with more numerous storm systems moving across the Great Lakes region. The agency also predicts near normal temperatures for Illinois.
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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle presides over a County Board meeting on Nov. 21, 2024, after approving the 2025 budget. | Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
By A.D. QUIG | Chicago Tribune
President Toni Preckwinkle’s 2025 budget soared through the Cook County Board Thursday with only minor tweaks that boost grant funding for abortion organizations, set aside $15 million for a future property tax relief fund, and kickstart the contentious process to shift arrestees on electronic monitoring from the sheriff to the chief judge.
Commissioners swiftly approved technical amendments to the budget and took their final 17-0 vote in the span of about an hour. The roughly $9.94 billion “good news” budget closed an initial $218 million shortfall without raising any taxes or fees. It eliminated 56 vacant positions, refilled an emergency response fund, and dedicated nearly $30 million to climate resiliency and clean energy.
Shortly after its unanimous passage, Preckwinkle ran a short victory lap, saying the county has weathered the pandemic, “numerous economic risks” and “persistent budgeting challenges,” but seen its bond rating upgraded, implemented a plan to fully fund its pensions and built up reserves. “We’re doing more than ever without asking more from our taxpayers,” she said.
Thursday’s meetings were a milestone for some, including the last for Commissioner Monica Gordon, who will take over as the county’s clerk in December, and the 30th for longtime Finance Chairman John Daley.
Property tax relief, money for abortion providers
Cook County’s financial stability — and consistent surpluses in recent years — allowed Preckwinkle and the board to spend its federal pandemic aid on a broad array of community projects rather than plugging budget holes. The county allocated $165.4 million for spending on American Rescue Plan Act-funded community programs next year, which range from anti-violence efforts to broadband expansion and roadwork.
The county will not cut off that programming at the federal “use it or lose it” deadline of Dec. 31, 2026: Preckwinkle has set aside roughly $160 million in non-ARPA dollars to continue or slowly phase out existing programs through 2031.
The county will collect about $825 million in property taxes next year, which is essentially a flat rate. The base property tax level has stayed the same for more than two decades, but the overall levy has risen slightly to tax new property and values that are newly released from expiring special taxing districts.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s planned record surplus from the city’s tax increment financing districts — known as TIFs — will net the county just under $32 million in 2025, about $11.6 million more than initially anticipated. Commissioners voted to spend $3 million of that extra money to expand a modular home pilot program in Chicago and $8.6 million for a down payment assistance program throughout the county.
Read on here.
Posted in Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Taxes | Leave a Comment »
Historic downtown Long Grove invites holiday shoppers to rediscover the magic of the holiday season at the annual Vintage Holidays event, Nov. 22 through Dec. 24. This monthlong tribute to the classic holiday market features quaint shops, old-world charms, and family experiences in the village. This year, Vintage Holidays will feature:
Light Up Long Grove and Holiday Kickoff: Historic Downtown Long Grove flips the switch on Vintage Holidays 2024 on Friday, Nov. 22, when the town officially lights up for the season. The celebration takes place from 6-8 p.m., with shops staying open late and the Annual Bridge Lighting Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. with a special guest appearance by Village President Bill Jacob, who will light up the iconic Long Grove Covered Bridge for all to enjoy during the holiday season. Visitors are invited to see Long Grove sparkle with festive lights, window displays and more at merchants throughout town.
Groups of family and friends can register for rides in a 10-seat carriage during Long Grove’s Vintage Holidays. | Courtesy of Grimaldi Public Relations
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Beginning Nov. 23 and continuing every weekend through Dec. 22, groups of family and friends can get into the vintage holiday spirit with vintage carriage rides throughout picturesque Long Grove. Carriage rides are $15 per seat, free for ages 5 and younger. Registration for the 10-seat carriage is required, through longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.
Roaming Carolers will be part of the holiday atmosphere during Long Grove’s Vintage Holidays. | Courtesy of Grimaldi Public Relations
Roaming Holiday Carolers and Santa: Roaming holiday caroling groups will set the tone of the holidays on weekends in December. Additionally, on select weekends, Santa will be in town during the afternoon. Visit longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season for a schedule. On Dec. 7, Santa will park his sleigh in Covered Bridge Park for free pictures with children and families from 1-4 p.m. (no reservations; first-come, first-served).
The shops and businesses in Historic Downtown Long Grove will be decked out in festive lights and decorations during Vintage Holidays. | Courtesy of Grimaldi Public Relations.
Holiday Shopping: Merchants throughout town will be decked out, ready to welcome guests in for shopping, sipping or dining. For a list of businesses, visit LongGrove.org.
Sip, Shop & Dine Holiday Gift Promotion: Anyone who spends $150 before tax/tip at any of the downtown Long Grove merchants during Vintage Holidays will receive a free gift from the Long Grove Visitors Center (maximum of four gifts per person, receipts must date between Nov. 22 and Dec. 24. Gifts include Long Grove banded campfire mugs, scented candles, scarves, candy, blankets, totes and more.
Historic Downtown Long Grove is at 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, and the surrounding area.
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By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald
Friday, Nov. 22
Barrington Area Artists Association Art Sale: 2-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Members of the Barrington Area Artists Association, both professional and amateur artists, will showcase and sell hundreds of fine art pieces. Free; registration required at barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Great American Dog Show: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 22-24, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg. Accompanied by the Great American Cat Show. Includes a Kids’ Corner and demonstration ring; vendors; exhibitions in obedience, rally, agility, scent work, herding and service dogs and more. $25 for adults, $15 for kids 3-12, $20 for military and ages 65 and older; $50/$30/$40 for a three-day pass. greatamericandogshow.com.
Peruse a variety of stamps during Chicagopex 2024 Friday through Sunday, Nov. 22-24, at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca. | Courtesy of Charles Berg
Chicagopex 2024 Stamp Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22-23, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Westin Chicago Northwest, 400 Park Blvd., Itasca. More than 70 dealers, presentations, philatelic and literature exhibitions, youth area and an APS Town Hall on Friday. Free admission and parking. chicagopex.org/chicagopexcurrent.html.
Wild About Turkeys: 10-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the Pingree Grove Forest Preserve, 14N187 Route 20, Pingree Grove. Join district naturalists for a guided hike and learn about the differences between domestic turkeys and the wild turkeys that inhabit the forest preserves. Free. Register: kaneforest.com/register.
The Barrington Madrigal Singers will perform at various times during Vintage Holidays in Long Grove. | Courtesy of Grimaldi Public Relations
Long Grove Vintage Holidays: Friday, Nov. 22, through Tuesday, Dec. 24, in downtown Long Grove. Organized by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, the event will feature a holiday walk, horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends starting Saturday, Nov. 23, Santa in the village, caroling around town and more. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic runs select days Friday, Nov. 22, through Tuesday, Dec. 31. | Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 22-24, and Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1; Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 5-8, 12-15 and 19-22; and Thursday through Tuesday, Dec. 26-31, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. The lights festival features over 2 million twinkling LED lights, themed lighting areas, Santa visits Nov. 22-Dec. 22, Holiday Market, treats, sips and seasonal attractions. Zoo admission and parking fees apply. Advance tickets are required. brookfieldzoo.org//HolidayMagic.
The Chicago Sports Spectacular: 3:30-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. A sports collectibles convention featuring appearances by athletes, photo ops and autograph signings. $15 Friday and $20 Saturday or Sunday for adults; $10 for kids 6-10; free for kids 5 and younger. $49 for all three days. Sneak peek and VIP packages available. chicagosportsspectacular.com.
Light Up Long Grove: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, in Historic Downtown Long Grove. Kick off Vintage Holidays with the annual Bridge Lighting Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. with Village President Bill Jacob. Shops will stay open late. Free. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.
“The Christmas Express”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22-23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., 8th floor, Elgin. Elgin Theatre Company’s production of Pat Cook’s play is a nostalgic story of eccentric small-town characters wisecracking their way to finding the true wonder of Christmas. $23-$25. elgin-theatre.org/the-season.
“The Odd Couple”: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22-23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Performing Arts Center at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Mismatched roommates Oscar (a sloppy sports writer) and Felix (a fastidious news writer) come together in this comedy classic directed by Brian Gill. $15-$25. events.harpercollege.edu.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Breakfast and Lunch with Santa: 9-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at The Village Squire, 480 S. Randall Road, South Elgin. Have breakfast or lunch while visiting with Santa. Includes crafts, coloring and reindeer food. Breakfast is $17 for residents and $25 for nonresidents; lunch is $17 for kids and $23 for adults for residents and $25/$29 for nonresidents. Register at southelgin.com.
Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Over 550 prime muscle cars, dealer-built supercars and Corvettes on display, with a variety of vendors. $40 in advance, $45 at the door for adults, free for kids 12 and younger. mcacn.com.
Photos with Santa at the Cobblestone: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago St., Elgin. Book a 15-minute time block to take photos with Santa. Craft activity and snacks will be available in the basement. $30. Register: elginhistory.org.
Ice Skating at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park: Opens at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, and runs through Jan. 26 at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. The park’s great lawn will be transformed into an NHL-sized outdoor skating rink where visitors can skate under the lights. Skating is free. Bring skates or rent them on-site for $8. A schedule of ice-skating hours is at parkwaybankpark.com.
Light Up The Park starts Saturday, Nov. 23, at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont. | Courtesy of the Village of Rosemont
Light Up The Park: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Includes visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, skating and ice-sculpting. Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens will arrive at 5:30 p.m. to illuminate the park with a display of more than 80,000 holiday lights. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/event/light-up-the-park.
Palatine Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: 4:45-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Towne Square, Slade and Greeley streets, Palatine. Santa visits and pictures in the Towne Square gazebo, holiday music performed by the Palatine Children’s Chorus and Santa lights the holiday tree. Free. palatine.il.us.
Hoffman Estates Friendship Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the village hall, 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. Mayor McLeod will be joined by Cub Scout Troop 297 to light the tree and kick off a fireworks display. Following the fireworks, Santa will arrive by fire truck to visit with children. Entertainment by the Choral-Aires and refreshments follow inside the village hall. Nonperishable food and personal care item donations will be accepted for local food pantries. Free. hoffmanestates.org.
Sunday, Nov. 24
“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and dates Sunday, Nov. 24, through Dec. 23 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. On a snowy Christmas Eve, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge visits the past, present and future to discover the true meaning of Christmas. For ages 5 and older; kids 3 and younger will not be permitted. $20-$45. metropolisarts.com/event/christmas-carol-2024.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Turkey Testicle Festival: 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Parkside Pub & Grill, 11721 E. Main St., Huntley. 42nd annual festival for ages 21 or older. Music starts at 11 a.m. with Polly Says, followed by 7th heaven, Modern Day Romeos and Tennessee Whiskey Chicago. Four bus routes to the pub start at 3 p.m. Advance VIP pass is $75 or Jump the Line pass is $30. $20 at the gate. parksidepub.com/ttf.
Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $59.95-$499.95. rosemont.com/allstate.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Turkey Trot & Sammy Scurry: 8-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. The 44th annual Palatine Park District Turkey Trot offers a 2- or 5-mile distance. Kids can run the Sammy Scurry. Free snacks and beverages. Registration required. $30; $10 Sammy Scurry. palatineparks.org/event/turkey-trot-sammy-scury.
The annual Wauconda Turkey Trot 4-mile race will take place Thursday, Nov. 28, in downtown Wauconda. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
Wauconda Turkey Trot: 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, at 118 S. Main St., Wauconda. Participants can register for the 4-mile, chip-timed run around Bangs Lake or the 2-mile fun run/walk down Main Street. Participants will receive a T-shirt and medal. Proceeds benefit the Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry. $40 for the 2-mile, $50 for the 4-mile, $20 for kids younger than 10. raceroster.com/events/2024/95094/2024-wauconda-turkey-trot.
Find more here.
Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »
Written by Laura Bogart | Edited by Ashleigh Ray
As you near retirement age, you might dream of a quiet life in a small town. The kind of place where you can relax on your porch or find that a run-in with your neighbors in the town square becomes a late-night catching up. However, all small towns aren’t created equal.
Some small towns are better suited for retirees for many reasons, from lower cost of living to reduced crime rates and higher ratings for overall livability. To give you valuable insights into which small towns might be the best for you, GOBankingRates analyzed median incomes, cost of living, livability and crime rates to determine the 44 best small towns where you can set up your home sweet home after you retire.
West Dundee, IL
Read about 43 others here.
Posted in Aunt Blabby, Real Estate, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »
Yesterday afternoon, the Daily Herald published an article titled, “Barrington Hills board spurns flower farm.” We published a link to that article this morning.
Some time after that we noticed the title had been changed to read,”‘We are a residential community’: Barrington Hills board rejects farm’s request to stay open to public.” The edited article can be found here: https://www.dailyherald.com/20241119/news/barrington-hills-board-spurns-flower-farm/.
We find it to be an improvement.
.
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William R. Zientek, 46 (left inset), was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Olga Duchon, 42 (right inset), at The Arbors at Barrington Apartments in the 400 block of West Russell Street in Barrington Sunday evening. | Background Photo: Nick Rusin; Left Inset Photo: Provided; Right Inset Photo: Northwestern Medicine
By Woo-Sung Shim | Lake & McHenry County Scanner
Police have announced murder charges against a man accused of fatally shooting a woman, who was an endocrinology doctor, during a domestic incident in Barrington Sunday evening.
William R. Zientek, 46, of the 400 block of West Russell Street in Barrington, was charged with one count of first-degree murder, a Class X felony.
The Barrington Police Department and Barrington Fire Department responded around 5:40 p.m. Sunday to The Arbors at Barrington Apartments in the 400 block of West Russell Street for a report of a shooting.
Police officers arrived to find a woman with an apparent gunshot wound.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the woman as Olga Duchon, 42, of Vernon Hills.
The Barrington Fire Department provided emergency treatment to Duchon.
Paramedics transported Duchon to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington where she was pronounced dead, police officials said.
Banek said an autopsy performed Monday on Duchon showed she died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Police officials said the incident was a domestic-related incident between family members.
A bystander reported seeing officers take a person into custody at the scene, which was located on the corner of Lageshulte Street and Russell Street.
Read more here.
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By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald
The owners of the Little Ducky Flower Farm will have to work harder to get their ducks in a row.
Barrington Hills village trustees for the second time turned down Chris Yamamoto and wife Sarah Gul’s request for a new zoning category that would allow them to open the farm to the public as a special use.
In August, the board unanimously rejected a proposal to have zoning for agritourism in a residential district. Then on Monday, a category for agricultural experience.
The couple began operating the farm on their six-acre property on Dundee Road in 2022, letting people come in and pick flowers for a fee, until the village sent them a letter earlier this year ordering them to stop. Since then, they have operated as a delivery service.
Both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the village board took issue with having a commercial use on residential property. Yamamoto said the fees were charged to offset the cost of operating the farm, which also has sheep and ducks.
“We are a residential community,” Trustee Thomas Strauss said. “Our duty as trustees is to uphold the values of the community.”
Read more here.
Related: “Village Board of Trustees meets tonight,” “’Agricultural Experience’ application meets a similar fate as ‘Agritourism’ did in August,” “Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing tonight,” “Village Board votes down ‘Agritourism as a Special Use’,” “August Board of Trustees meeting recording released,” “Sitting ducks,” “Special Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled Tuesday”
Posted in Board of Health, Goat Rodeo, Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Public Hearing, Real Estate, Special Use Permits, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Village Board, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Government, Village President, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board | Leave a Comment »
The Village Plan Commission will be meeting this evening at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC MEETING
A copy of the agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.
Posted in Agendas, EJ&E/Canadian National, Land Use, Plan Commission, Property Taxes, Village Attorney, Village Director of Administration | Leave a Comment »
Police respond to a shooting that left a 42-year-old woman fatally wounded at The Arbors at Barrington Apartments in the 400 block of West Russell Street in Barrington Sunday evening. | Photo: Nick Rusin
| Lake & McHenry County Scanner
Authorities have released the identity of a Vernon Hills woman who died after she was shot during a domestic incident at an apartment in Barrington Sunday evening.
The Barrington Police Department and Barrington Fire Department responded around 5:40 p.m. Sunday to The Arbors at Barrington Apartments in the 400 block of West Russell Street for a report of a shooting.
Police officers arrived to find a woman with an apparent gunshot wound.
Police respond to a shooting that left a 42-year-old woman fatally wounded at The Arbors at Barrington Apartments in the 400 block of West Russell Street in Barrington Sunday evening. | Photo: Nick Rusin
Police officials identified the woman as Olga Ducon, 42, of Vernon Hills.
The Barrington Fire Department provided emergency treatment to Ducon.
Paramedics transported Ducon to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington where she was pronounced dead, police officials said.
Read more here.
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