Jul 31, 2023

Man faces child endangerment charges / Ride safety / Charity golf outing set

DUI leads to child endangerment charges – A Wheeling man, Hirvin Flores-Guevara, was charged with DUI and endangering the life or health of a child following a traffic stop at Lake-Cook Road and Raupp Boulevard. Reports did not document why child endangerment charges were filed. Flores-Guevara was released in his own recognizance.

Wallet swiped – Police say a woman reported her wallet stolen while she was shopping at Woodman’s Market. According to reports, the wallet was apparently taken from her cart while she was not looking.

Retail thefts – Store officials at Woodman’s Market contact police to report that a customer stole “various bottles of alcohol on two different occasions” Police say the investigation is ongoing.

            In a second and unrelated case, police report that a shopper tried making off with cosmetics by placing them in her purse. Reports did not indicate the value of the items. The unnamed shopper received an adjudication ticket for shoplifting and a trespass warning.

Burglary from motor vehicle – According to reports, police responded to the 70 block of Downing Road for a delayed report of a burglary to motor vehicle. The resident told police that someone entered his vehicle and stole currency. The amount of cash stolen was not reported. This investigation is ongoing.

Criminal damage to property – Police report that a portable toilet near the baseball field at Longfellow school, 501 S. Arlington Heights Rd., was hit by vandals. Reports say they used a permanent marker to write “a wide tapestry of juvenile vulgarities inside and outside the unit.”

Ace isn’t the place – Police were summoned to the Mutual Ace Hardware store, 745 S. Buffalo Grove Road, on reports of a customer trying to swipe two 80-ounce cans of “Blowoff Duster spray” from a shelf. Reports note that there was a “disturbance” during the incident. The customer received an “ordinance violation” for theft and a trespass warning.

Retail theft – Store officials at the Walgreens store at 15 N. Buffalo Grove Rd. contacted police after they noticed an “unknown subject” took multiple bottles of alcohol and left without paying. Reports did not indicate what was taken or the value of the merchandise. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Wipers swiped – A driver who parked in the 800 block of Ridgefield Lane reported to police that the windshield wipers were taken off his rental vehicle.

 

In other community news

 

Carnival rides have rigorous guidelines

            Attendees to Buffalo Grove Days who may have concerns about the safety of the carnival rides, especially in light of incidents involving carnival rides such as the incident in Antioch where a 10-year-old boy was thrown out of a ride, should know that the village has strict guidelines for such rides.

            According to Village Manager Dane Bragg, “The village’s building, fire, electrical, and property maintenance inspectors conduct a walkthrough of BG Days amusement vendors prior to their operation.  All operators are required to show their State of IL annual permit decal for amusement rides and attractions. The permit decal is good for one calendar year and is proof that the amusement ride or attraction has been approved for operation by an inspector with the State of Illinois.”

            The annual Buffalo Grove Days festival is set for Aug. 30 – Sept. 4.  Details about the Antioch incident can be found at these links: Illinois carnival ride shut downChild thrown..., and Police seize carnival ride...

 

JCC program features musical performance

            The Jewish Community Centers or Chicago are hosting “Broadway, The Beatles, and More” performed by cabaret artists, “Judy and Bernie”, starting at noon on Aug. 17. The event will be at the Vernon Township Community Services Building, 2900 N. Main St. The free event is intended for adults over 18, and includes a light kosher lunch with registration. Use this link to register.

 

Smoke and flow tests set

            The village will be conducting a pair of maintenance procedures during the next few weeks.

Sanitary sewer smoke testing is expected to begin the week of August 7. Smoke testing helps to identify and address sewer defects before they become major issues. Door hangers with additional information will be issued in testing areas beginning next week. A map of testing areas is available here.

Also starting in the near future is fire hydrant flow testing. According to the village, fire flow testing allows the Village to collect data on water availability which can be used for various purposes, including improving insurance premiums.

 

Rotary golf fund-raiser Aug. 9

Some spots remain for the 30th annual SLSF Buffalo Grove Golf Classic on Aug. 9 at the Arboretum Golf Club, 401 Half Day Road. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shot-gun start at 11 a.m. Lunch, which will be available starting at noon is included.

The event supports SLSF and the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club’s efforts to provide recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities.

For full details and to register, go to this link.

 

Car theft prevention tips listed

            Buffalo Grove Police are reminding residents to lock their car door, even if leaving for only a few minutes, and to never leave their key fob inside their vehicle.

Police officials say keeping vehicles locked prevents would-be thieves from nabbing valuables out of your vehicle or gaining access to your home through the use of garage door openers.

 

In-district registration now open for park programs

In-District registration for the Park District’s fall programs has started. Registration can be done in-person, online, by mail, by fax or via the drop box located outside the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive. For more information, visit bgparks.org.

The Park District’s fall 2023 program guide is available online at bgparks.org

 

Library plans programs on plants, power of attorney

Ron Nosek, a nature education programmer, will demonstrate how native peoples have used plants for shelter, fire, kitchen utensils, cordage and more at 7 p.m. on Aug. 10. Registration is available here.

            On Aug. 11, residents will have the opportunity to Meet with an attorney for a one-to-one appointment to create their own Power of Attorney (POA) documents for health, property and living wills. Registration must be by phone through the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic. The number is 847-73-.4042 to schedule an appointment. Additional information is at this link.

            The main branch of the Indian Trails Library District, where both programs will be held, is located at 355 Schoenbeck Road in Wheeling.

 

Need a reason to celebrate?

 

Aug. 1

Homemade Pie Day

Lammas Day

National Girlfriend Day

Respect For Parents Day

 

Aug. 2

National Coloring Book Day

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

Take a Penny/Leave a Penny Day

 

Aug. 3

Clean Your Floors Day

Cycle to Work Day

India Pale Ale Day

National Big Forehead Day

National Grab Some Nuts Day

 

Aug. 4

Hooray for Kids Day

International Beer Day

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

National Water Balloon Day

 

Aug. 5

Blogger Day

National Couscous Day

National Disc Golf Day

National Underwear Day

 

Aug. 6

American Family Day

Balloons to Heaven Day

National Friendship Day

National Wiggle Your Toes Day

 

Aug. 7

National Lighthouse Day

National Sea Serpent Day

National Simplify your Life Week

Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day

 

Aug. 8

Digital Nomad Day

International Cat Day

National Frozen Custard Day

National Pickleball Day


~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Got News?

If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Articles should include a contact name, email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content.

Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.


Subscribe by email

If you want to receive Buffalo Grove News & Information by email, send your email address to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

 

In case you didn’t know…

Buffalo Grove News and Info, is 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. Buffalo Grove News and Information is not affiliated with any municipal body. Zoller is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Chicago Headline Club.

Jul 25, 2023

Wave of car thefts, burglaries hits village / Dundee Road TIF a step closer / Kids cop academy set

A rash of crimes involving parked vehicles have kept Buffalo Grove Police investigators busy the past two weeks. Reports provided by the department include a dozen incidents related to criminal trespass to motor vehicles, burglary from a motor vehicle and one report of  stolen motor vehicle.

These incidents include:

·      Two reports of Criminal Trespass to Vehicles: in the 200 block of Willow Parkway.  In both cases, residents report their vehicles were broken into, but nothing was taken.

·      There were two reports by residents in the 700 block of Essington who told police their vehicles were broken into, but nothing was taken.

·      In a third incident in the 700 block of Essington, a resident told police ash and earbuds were taken from his car.  The vehicle’s center console was also damaged.

·      A variety of compact disks were taken from a vehicle as it was parked in the 700 Block of Essington while it was parked overnight.

·      A resident in the 0 -100 block of Willow Parkway reported to police that someone broke into his parked vehicle and stole a wallet, containing $1200 USC and multiple credit cards gone.

·      In a second incident in the 100 block of Willow Parkway, a resident told police someone went through her vehicle overnight. She said two pairs of sunglasses, a winter hat, and gloves were missing from the center console.

·      A resident in the 800 block of Twisted Oak Lane told police someone entered two of her vehicles overnight. Nothing appeared to have been taken.

·      Police are continuing their investigation into the theft of a  Kia from a home in the 1000 block of Whitehall Drive.

·      Another vehicle in the 1000 block of Whitehall Drive was reportedly ransacked, but nothing was reported taken.

·      A resident in the 0 -100 block of south Buffalo Grove Road told police that he saw someone break the passenger’s window of his vehicle and drive off in a sedan with headlights off and no front registration. Reports note that officers found that the steering column was stripped in what was most likely an attempt to hot-wire the car. No items were missing from the vehicle.

In wake of these incidents, Buffalo Grove police urge residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, including cash, purses, wallets, keys and key fobs. They also strongly suggest that vehicles are locked when not occupied.

Vanished vape – Officials at the Artisan Vapor Company, 802 N Milwaukee Ave., reported an unknown offender took a vaping device from the counter without paying.

Tip theft – Officials at Starbucks at 1205 W. Dundee Rd. reported that an unknown customer took the tip jar from the drive-through window ledge. Employees said the container held approximately $40 in cash.

Not an employee benefit – An employee at Woodman's Market received an adjudication ticket for shoplifting after he was accused of taking a drink or a bag of chips on four different days while he was working. The items had a value of $7.70.

Retail theft – Police were summoned to Woodman's Market after store officials said a customer grabbed items totaling $14.26 without paying for them. The items were recovered and the woman received an adjudication ticket for shoplifting and a trespass warning.

On the traffic front -- Buffalo Grove police issued eight tickets for DUI and related offenses during recent enforcement periods, including one in which police say a driver was not only allegedly intoxicated, but was driving, police say, at more than 35 miles-per-hour over the posted speed limit, near Dundee Road and Buffalo Grove Road. Do the math, we’re talking 70-plus miles per hour.

 

In Other Community News…

Dundee Road TIF district a step closer

The Village Board is expected to vote at its Aug. 21 meeting on the establishment of a Tax Increment Financing district that includes a large area of the Dundee Road corridor near Dundee and Arlington Heights roads. According to the Daily Herald,  The district includes the Plaza Verde and Strathmore shopping centers and dealership sites at 915-945 W. Dundee Road that have sat dormant for more than a decade.

 

‘Night Out’ Aug. 1

The annual National Night Out is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road.

The free event, sponsored by the Buffalo Grove Park District, will include a Business Expo. Buffalo Grove Fire and Police Department information, and free giveaways.

There will be live music with Serendipity from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. and food available for purchase from Dorfler’s Meat Market and a variety of food trucks.

For more information, contact Mike Pfeiffer at 847.850.2108 or mikep@bgparks.org.

In addition to the music, food and displays, attendees can bring a nonperishable food item that will be collected by the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council table located at the entrance to the park.

All items collected will be distributed through local food pantries supported by the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council.

 

First openings at ‘The Clove’ approaching

            Residents who like chicken or Mexican food will have new options in the near future. Both Chick-fil-a and Guzman y Gomez are eyeing fall openings. The village reports work is moving along on Chick-fil-a with most of the exterior work completed.

            Exterior work on Guzman y Gomez, a Australian-based Mexican restaurant (go figure) is hoping to open in September or October. Its application for a liquor license was approved by the Village Board when it met July 17. The approval is subject to the applicant completing Village requirements for said license on or before October 16.

 

Police Department earns ‘trust pledge’

The Buffalo Grove Police Department has completed the Trust Building Campaign pledge to enhance trust and collaboration between police and the Buffalo Grove community.

The pledge is part of the Trust Building Campaign initiative started by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

 Buffalo Grove is the first community in Illinois and one of only six police agencies in the country to complete the pledge.

            To complete the Trust Building Campaign Pledge, BGPD has implemented 25 key policies and leading practices within the following six focus areas: bias-free policing; use of force; leadership and culture; recruitment, hiring and retention; victim services; and community relations.

The BGPD established policies and training, conducted assessments and developed strategies within those six focus areas to encourage positive community-police partnerships that promote safe, effective interactions, create strategies to prevent and reduce crime and improve the wellbeing and quality of life.

Additional information about the Trust Building Campaign is on the IACP’s website.

 

Police academy for kids set

Children who may be interested in law enforcement can experience what it's like to be a police officer at BGPD's Junior Police Academy.

Participants will learn to take fingerprints, experience safety patrols, explore police equipment and more in this week-long program held at the BG Police Department. The academy is open for children ages 9-13 who either live in or attend school in Buffalo Grove.  Find more information and apply here. The registration deadline is Friday.

 

Cinderella performances this weekend

Big Deal Productions is presenting Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella summer musical Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Buffalo Grove Performing Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road.

Performances on Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday’s performance at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available for $20 for adults and teens ages 13 and up, or $16 for children ages 12 and under. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

 

Need a Reason to Celebrate?

 

July 25

Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day

International Red Shoe Day

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

National Wine and Cheese Day

 

July 26

National All or Nothing Day

National Aunt and Uncle Day

National Bagelfest Day

National Coffee Milkshake Day

 

July 27

Barbie-in-a-Blender Day

Bagpipe Appreciation Day

Chicken Finger Day

National Love is Kind Day

 

July 28

National Milk Chocolate Day

National Talk in an Elevator Day

NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY

 

July 29

International Tiger Day

National Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day

National Get Gnarly Day

National Chicken Wing Day

 

July 30

International Day of Friendship

National Cheesecake Day

National Whistleblower Day

Share a Hug Day

 

July 31

National Avocado Day

National Jump for Jelly Beans Day

Shredded Wheat Day

Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day

 

Aug. 1

Homemade Pie Day

Lammas Day

National Raspberry Cream Pie Day

Respect For Parents Day

Spider-Man Day

National Hair Loss Awareness Month

 

 

~~~~~~~~~

Got News?

If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Articles should include a contact name, email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content.

Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Subscribe by email

If you want to receive Buffalo Grove News & Information by email, send your email address to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

 

In case you didn’t know…

Buffalo Grove News and Info, is 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. Buffalo Grove News and Information is not affiliated with any municipal body. Zoller is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Chicago Headline Club. 


Jul 17, 2023

Neighbors save child at pool / Cops to wear body cams / Park Board opening

 Quick thinking residents

            A 9-year-old boy who apparently suffered a seizure while swimming was saved by residents of an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Johnson Drive Saturday evening, according to reporting by the Daily Herald.

 

In other Community News

Board eyes Prairie Grove Park improvements

            Improvements to Prairie Grove Park are likely to be approved by the Village Board at its July 17 meeting. Costs for the nearly $300,000 project will be covered by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources obtained by the Park District, will include, according to village staff, include new asphalt trails, new bench areas, a pickle ball court, basketball court, reconfigured and improved playgrounds, and a new shelter area.

            The park is located between Olive Hill and Hoffman drives adjacent to the Link Crossing development. Details about this project and other items on the July 17 agenda can be found here.


A bit quieter along the rails?

            The village board is expected to give the thumbs up to “quiet zone” modifications for railroad crossing in the village. The bid, the second requested by the village, is for $229,472.10.

            According to village officials, Buffalo Grove, along with Lake County and the communities of Antioch, Lake Villa, Round Lake Beach, Grayslake, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills and Wheeling, entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) in 2007 to create the Canadian National Railroad Corridor Quiet Zone, a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) designated zone precluding the use of train whistles/horns at railroad grade crossings along the corridor in Lake County.

The Quiet Zone must be recertified periodically, usually every three years, and in 2012 and 2018 the member agencies successfully recertified the quiet zone. In accordance with the original terms of the agreement, the Village of Buffalo Grove serves as the zone administrator.

The focus of the quiet zone are railroad crossings at Ill. Rt. 22 (Half Day Road) and Deerfield Parkway. The crossing on Buffalo Grove Road is not included. Details about this project and other items on the July 17 agenda can be found here.


Dundee TIF district focus of hearing

            The Village Board will conduct a public hearing tonight (July 17) as part of its regular meeting at Village Hall. The Board “approved an Ordinance authorizing the completion of a Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) District for the Dundee Road area.” What officials call a “TIF Report” was completed by the village’s consultant. A copy of the TIF report can also be found on the Village’s website www.vbg.org/tif.

            Village officials note in their report to the Board that a joint review board met with all taxing bodies impacted by establishment of the TIF district on June 20 and recommended approval of the proposed Dundee Road TIF district.

            Details about this project, including a detailed explanation about TIF, and other items on the July 17 agenda can be found here.

 

Shredding, electronic recycling event Sunday

            Residents who have documents they want shredded or household electronics they would like to recycle, can bring materials to the Buffalo Grove Park District’s Golf Dome parking lot, 801 McHenry Rd., from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. this Sunday, July 23.

            Papers slated for shredding should be free of staples and paperclips while electronics will be collected on a first-come, first-serve basis.

            The event is sponsored by State Rep. Daniel Didech (D-59), State Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-51), State Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-30) and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim.

 

County officials warn about phone scam

Lake County residents are being warned by county officials about a scam, in which callers are introducing themselves as a government employee within the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit or Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Neither the Sheriff’s Office nor Nineteenth Judicial Circuit will call residents asking for money. Additional information is available here.

 

Cops to have body cameras soon

            Buffalo Grove police officers are expected to begin wearing body cams next month to meet a state mandate that all police officers wear cameras no later than Jan. 1, 2025.

            The village’s body cam program, approved by the Village Board March 20, is part of a comprehensive camera program for the Police Department. In addition to body cams, interview room cameras are expected to be installed by the end of this year. The program, which also includes updating of dash cams in police vehicles, carries a $1,415,281 price tag over 10 years. The agreement with Axon Enterprises also provides for replacement of body cams every 30 months.

            Full details about this program as presented to the Board on March 20 can be found here.

 

Why a duck?


            The Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove is sponsoring its 2023 Duck Race. People can purchase their "ducks" online at this site.

Three options are available; the “Lucky Duck,” a single duck for $5, the “Quack Pack,” six ducks for $25 or a “Flock of Ducks,” which is 25 ducks for $100.

All ducks numbers will then be entered into the "duck pool" and winning duck numbers will be drawn at random, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3 via Facebook live at the Buffalo Grove Rotary Facebook page.

Winners will be posted on the Rotary Club’s website, a few days after the event.

 

Park Board has opening


            If you have a passionate desire to be a member of the Buffalo Grove Park Board, here’s your chance.

The Buffalo Grove Park District Board of Commissioners is accepting applications from Park District residents who are interested in filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner Tracy Bragg. 

The individual selected will serve until May 2025.

Residents interested in applying should contact Buffalo Grove Park District Executive Director Erika Strojinc at 847-850-2133.

Applications for the position are being accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, and are available on the Buffalo Grove Park District website at bgparks.org.

 

D21 evaluating bus routes

            School District 21 is taking a look at its bus routes to determine which ones could be “hazardous” and be subject to major congestion issues. Full information can be found here.

 

Free concerts set at Willow Stream Park

            A pair of concerts are set for Willow Stream Park.  On July 18, Classical Blast will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Food will be available from Pierogi Rig for attendees who want to purchase dinner.

            On July 25, Industrial Drive will perform at the park, also from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Food will be available from Nino’s Pizzeria, but must be ordered in advance online. Orders will be delivered to the park.

            Both concerts are free and sponsored by the Buffalo Grove Park District.  Willow Stream Park is located at 651 Old Checker Rd.

 

Reading Garden bricks available

The Indian Trails Public Library District has commemorative bricks on sale through Aug. 1 for the library’s Reading Garden.  Located on the south side of the library, the Reading Garden overlooks Horizon Park. Bricks are 4-inches by 8-inches or 8-inches by 8-inches.

Bricks can honor or remember  a friend, recognize a life event or celebrate an achievement. The program is sponsored by the Foundation for the Indian Trails Library. All proceeds support programs and services at the Indian Trails Library.

Full details are available here.

 

Need a Reason to Celebrate?

July 17

Global Hug Your Kids Day

National Get Out of the Dog House Day

Yellow Pig Day  -- What other colors are there?

 

July 18

Insurance Nerd Day

Perfect Family Day

World Listening Day

 

July 19

International Retainer Day – Impressions included?

National Daiquiri Day

National Hot Dog Day

National Urban Beekeeping Day

 

July 20

International Chess Day

National Fortune Cookie Day

National Lollipop Day

National Ugly Truck Contest Day

 

July 21

Invite an Alien to Live with You Day

National Be Someone Day

National Junk Food Day

Take a Monkey to Lunch Day – And, why?

 

July 22

National Day of the Cowboy

National Hammock Day

National Penuche Fudge Day

National Rat Catcher’s Day – Probably not a Disney event.

 

July 23

International Yada Yada Yada Day

National Gorgeous Grandma Day

National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day

 

July 24

National Drive-Thru Day

National Tell An Old Joke Day

National Tequila Day

National Fishing Month  

 

July 25

Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day

International Red Shoe Day

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

National Wine and Cheese Day

 

July 26

Holistic Therapy Day

National All or Nothing Day

National Bagelfest Day

National Coffee Milkshake Day

National Dog Photography Day

 

 

BGNI is also available at this site

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Got News?

If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Articles should include a contact name, email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content.

Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Subscribe by email

If you want to receive Buffalo Grove News & Information by email, send your email address to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

 

In case you didn’t know…

Buffalo Grove News and Info, is 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. Buffalo Grove News and Information is not affiliated with any municipal body. Zoller is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Chicago Headline Club. 

Young author seems to have the write stuff

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