Your intrepid reporter has returned after a trip to experience some of America’s greatest battlefields, colonial lifestyle and attend a forum on the global rise of authoritarianism.
A brief roundup of recent stuff…
Busy month for police
Buffalo Grove police reported 230 incidents during July. Included in their reports were:
· One report of arson which cited criminal damage to property by means of fire or explosive, presumably fireworks over the July 4th weekend.
· Three reports of battery
· Six burglaries, most of which appeared to be to businesses
· Five reports of criminal damage to property
· Three reports of criminal trespass
· Three reports of disorderly conducts which include allegations of harassment by electronic devices.
· Three DUI charges
· 24 reports of theft which include thefts from businesses and individuals.
This data is merely a listing of reports and is not intended to establish any trends in crime in the village.
Recent reports:
· Smash-and -grab burglaries – Buffalo Grove police report that offenders smashed front windows of two businesses on Dundee Road. In both cases, thieves stole currency and in one case, an unspecified amount of liquor. The investigation is continuing. (July 16)
· Burglary to Motor Vehicles -- Police report several incidents of burglary to motor vehicles. They include:
v Subjects entering three vehicles in a driveway on east Foxhill Drive. Two bags were stolen from two out of the three vehicles. (7/19)
v 1500 block of Quaker Hollow Ct S where unknown subjects stole miscellaneous coins or currency (7/19)
v 500 block of St. Mary’s Pkwy. Police say Unknown subject(s) entered a vehicle and stole a backpack and laptop. The backpack was later discovered at the corner of Raupp Blvd and St. Mary’s Pkwy. (7/19)
v 1300 block of Madison Drive. Unknown subjects entered a vehicle and stole $6 in currency; this investigation is ongoing. (7/19)
· Retail Theft -- Police say a male subject stole $338.41 worth of groceries from Woodman’s Market. The subject was identified, asked to pay restitution, given an adjudication citation, and a trespass warning. In a second incident at the store, police say an unknown male subject stole $11.10 in merchandise. This incident is under investigation.
· Theft -- Police report that a Victim’s locker in Sky Fitness was burglarized, multiple credit cards and cash were taken. (7/21)
· Theft/Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Police say a second victim’s locker in Sky Fitness was burglarized, and the offender used the victim’s car keys to enter his vehicle and remove four credit cards from his wallet. (7/21)
· Theft --An electric bicycle was stolen from the bike rack at Veterans Park between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. on July 25.
· Trespass -- A male subject was issued an adjudication citation for trespassing at the METRA train station, 825 Commerce Ct (after it was closed for the evening.
· Retail Theft -- Two unknown females stole multiple items from the Walgreens at 15 N. Buffalo Grove Road. The estimated loss is $200.
· Theft of Services or Use of Property -- Two unknown male subjects unloaded construction debris in a dumpster behind the property at 180 Lexington Dr. without permission.
In Other News…
D21 nixes e-bikes, e-scooters
Citing “the safety of all students, staff, and visitors,” School District 21 is not allowing any type of e-bike or e-scooter on school property, effective immediately.
In a note to parents, district officials said the ban includes the school day, after-school activities, and evening or weekend events held on campus.
“While we recognize that e-bikes and e-scooters have become a popular mode of transportation for many, their presence on campus poses significant safety risks. These devices can travel at high speeds, are often difficult to control in crowded areas, and can cause serious injuries in the event of a collision,” the district said.
Rotary’s duck race set
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove's annual duck race during Buffalo Grove Days on Sunday, Aug. 31.
More than $3,000 in prizes is available. Learn more and purchase your ducks at the Alcott Center or at this link. Ducks must be purchased by 4 p.m. on Aug. 31.
Stein grand marshal
Former Village Board member, Andrew Stein, will be the Grand Marshal of this year's Buffalo Grove Days Parade.
Stein retired this year after 21 years of service to the Buffalo Grove community, including 14 years as Village Trustee. Stein has also served on the Board of Directors for Link Together and as leader of Scout Troop 79.
The parade is at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 on Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Parkway.
Parks focus of “President’s Pick”
Village President Eric Smith's engagement series, “President's Pick” will feature Buffalo Grove Park District Board President Hetal Wallace and Executive Director Erika Strojinc. They will discuss future and ongoing plans for Buffalo Grove park improvements and other news from the Park District.
The event will be at the pavilion at Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided. No registration required.
Library surveying constituents
The Indian Trails Public Library District is surveying residents on a variety of topics from program offerings to quality of service and staff interactions. The survey is available both in-person at the Indian Trails Library as well as at this link. The survey closes on Thursday, August 28.
BG Days ‘megabands’ available
Buffalo Grove Days carnival megabands on sale for $70 each. The bands offer users unlimited rides during all five days of the festival.
The bands are on sale through Aug. 27. Prices increase when purchased on-site at BG Days. They are available at this site..
Business opportunities at BG Days
The Business Fair sponsored by the Buffalo Grove-Lincolnshire Area Chamber of Commerce will run from Friday, Aug. 29 and end on Sunday, Aug. 31.
Available booths are posted at this link. Friday and Sunday prices start at $100.
Gift Bag Distribution is available to non-vendors. This gives businesses that do not have the staff or funds to display at the event. Cost to participate is only $75. Click here for more information on the Gift Bag option and to register.
For more information, call 847-541-7799 or email marino@bglcc.org.
Park District sets two concerts
The Park District is sponsoring two concerts this week. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, ARRA will perform from 6:30 to 8:30. This is a rescheduled concert from July 24, which was rained out.
On Friday Aug.22, The Abby Kay Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30. Stix & Noodles will be parked nearby for those who want to purchase dinner. Beer, wine, and water will also be available for purchase at concessions. Attendees are welcome to bring food and nonalcoholic beverages to the park; however, alcohol must be purchased at concessions, and may not be brought into the concert.
Both concerts are at the pavilion at Mike Rylko Park. For more information, visit the Summer Concert Series page at bgparks.org.
Cops plan Labor Day crackdown
Another holiday weekend, another traffic enforcement. The Buffalo Grove Police Department is joining over 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns this Labor Day. The special enforcement is running now through the early morning hours of Sept. 2. Officers will be focused on stopping impaired driving, enforcing seat belt laws and reducing other dangerous driving behaviors.
In its last crackdown, from July 8 – August 1, the Buffalo Grove Police Department conducted a focused traffic safety campaign to remind motorists that “Speeding Catches Up With You” and to encourage safe driving. The campaign was part of a statewide effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police, aiming to reduce highway fatalities and injuries associated with speeding.
During the enforcement campaign, the Buffalo Grove Police Department issued 83 citations, including: 59 speeding citations, 11 seat belt citations, two suspended/revoked licenses, nine uninsured motorists and two distracted driving citations.
Both efforts are part of a statewide campaign supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), which administers the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns with federal highway safety funds. The initiative is reinforced by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign running across radio, TV and digital platforms to highlight the deadly consequences of impaired driving
D214 sells out
There will be more than cheerleaders and athletes at D214 sporting events, including those at Buffalo Grove High School. That’s because, according to the Daily Herald, the district has “…has inked a contract with an advertising agency to secure corporate sponsorships, naming rights and other ads in and around football fields and school gymnasiums.” According to the Herald, the plan could “…generate up to $275,000 a year in revenue for the state’s second largest high school district, which is facing some $900 million in renovation costs across its six high schools and considering a referendum to help pay for it.” Full coverage can be found here.
Disabilities Commission plans BG Days events
The Rick Kahen Commission for Residents with Disabilities is hosting “Fun and Food” this year on Monday, Sept. 1 as part of Buffalo Grove Days.
This event offers individuals with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to enjoy the fair. It includes free carnival rides and a sack lunch courtesy of the Commission.
Registration is required and is available at this site.
Survey touts village
Earlier this year, the Village partnered with Polco to hear from residents about life in Buffalo Grove.
Residents shared their thoughts on everything from safety and parks to public services and transportation. The survey, conducted every four years, helps measure resident satisfaction and identify areas for improvement, while benchmarking services and satisfaction against other communities nationwide. Polco offers a suite of tools to help local governments connect with their residents, gather feedback, and make informed decisions. Polco provides surveys, polls, simulations, benchmarks, dashboards, and AI to enhance community well-being.
Residents continue to express strong satisfaction with living in Buffalo Grove, especially when it comes to safety, the local economy, and utility services. Since the 2021 survey, the survey found improvements in several areas including:
· Overall direction of the Village: 76% positive (up from 60%)
· Welcoming resident involvement: 70% (up from 48%)
· Confidence in Village government: 70% (up from 58%)
· Economic health: 81% (up from 68%).
The full survey results are available at this link.
Say it ain’t so…
The regularly scheduled Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Aug. 20 has been cancelled.
Amp named for Johnson
It’s no longer the “Amphitheater at Mike Rylko Park”. As of Aug. 5, it’s the Adriane Johnson Amphitheater.
That’s because the Park District dedicated the recently constructed amphitheater in honor of Johnson, a former Buffalo Grove Park District Board Member. She is now an Illinois State Senator representing the 30th District. Full coverage can be found here.
Events consultant hired
The Village Board Monday night approved a $42,640 contract with Keen Independent Research, a consulting firm that will review village-sponsored events and recommend future plans.
The money was approved in this year’s budget. Full coverage from the Daily Herald can be found here.
Aquatic Center switches to evening hours
With the school year under way, the Vernon Township Aquatic Center has shifted its weekday hours to 5 p.m. until dusk, while weekend and holiday hours will remain noon to 6 p.m. The Township also notes that water slide access may be limited depending on staff availability.
The Aquatic Center’s last day of the season is Monday, Sept. 1
Township, Didech plan blood drive
Vernon Township is teaming up with State Rep. Daniel Didech (D-59) and the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Community Service Building, 2900 N. Main St. Appointments can be scheduled at redcrossblood.org.
Need a Reason to Celebrate?
Aug. 19
Aug. 20
National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
Aug. 21
National Report Upcoding Fraud Day
Aug. 22
Aug. 23
Aug. 24
Aug. 25
The usual stuff…
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· If you didn’t know -- The Buffalo Grove Report (Buffalo Grove News and Info), is locally and independently produced by Buffalo Grove resident Stan Zoller. A longtime journalist and journalism educator, Zoller covers Buffalo Grove and monitors news and information about the village, its schools, park district and community events. The Buffalo Grove Report is not affiliated with any municipal body. Zoller is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Chicago Headline Club. He is also on the Board of the Citizen Advocacy Center.
