Recent police activity…
** Catalytic converter thefts: Police report four thefts of catalytic converters. One was taken from the 0 -10 block of Villa Verde Drive, one from the 1200 block of east Deerfield Parkway and two from the 100 block of south Buffalo Grove Road.
** Registered sex offender charged: A 59-year-old Buffalo Grove man who police say is a registered sex offender, was arrested for unlawful presence within a school zone. Police did not indicate the location of the school zone.
** Criminal Damage to Property: A backyard fence in the 900 block of Belmar Lane was reported damaged, it is unknown how it occurred.
** Theft by Deception: A resident told police he was scammed out of an unreported amount of currency by someone posing as an FBI agent over the phone. Police say this investigation is ongoing.
** Burglary from Motor Vehicle: A rear side window of a car parked in the 800 block of McHenry Road was found broken. The victim told police her purse had been stolen from inside the vehicle. An investigation is ongoing.
In Other Community News…
Whole Foods set for The Clove
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| Whole Foods is expected to occupy this space in The Clove |
Many hearts may have been broken last week when the village announced that the grocery store in The Clove will be a Whole Foods. The store will occupy the space originally reported to be an Amazon Fresh. However, Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, told developers the 43,000-square space will be a Whole Foods.
There has been considerable clamoring on social media, especially sites on Facebook, about a strong desire for Trader Joe’s to occupy the space. While there was no public discussion about Trader Joe’s opening The Clove, the size of the space is not concurrent with the average size of a Trader Joe’s store which is 15,000 square feet. By comparison, the Jewel at Lake-Cook and McHenry (AKA The Grove) is 62,782 SF. The Whole Foods in Vernon Hills is 45,000 square feet.
The vacant Mariano's at Half Day and Buffalo Grove roads checks in at 70,183 feet. For more information, check this report in the Daily Herald.
Amazon did not say if the Washington Post will be sold at the store.
Police Officer of the Year honored
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| Officer Edwin Zuinga is congratulated by Juliet Ziak and Police Chief Brian Budds |
Police Officer Edwin Zuniga was named the 2025 Buffalo Grove Police Department (BGPD) Officer of the Year, while Officer Aeden Young earned a Special Commendation Award at the March 2 Buffalo Grove Village Board meeting.
In recognition of Officer Zuniga’s award, the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club will donate $500, $250 to the Rotary International Foundation and $250 to a charity of his choosing, the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Rotary Club sponsors the Officer of the Year award.
Zuniga joined BGPD as an Intern in the summer of 2022 and was sworn in as a Police Officer in 2023. During his career with BGPD, he has gained respect and trust among his peers for his knowledge of policework and approachable demeanor.
Rotary Club President Juliet Ziak noted that Zuniga was recognized by his peers for his exceptional dedication and leadership throughout the year, as well his contributions to public safety and community wellness.
In 2025, Officer Zuniga responded to 1,271 calls for service, and recorded 47 arrests. Focusing on traffic safety and enforcement, he led BGPD in seatbelt citations and total citations issued.
Young became a BG police officer in August of 2024. Police Chief Brian Budds called him “a leader in traffic enforcement on the night shift” stating that he “demonstrated exceptional [productivity, leadership, and dedication to public service.”
Budds added
that both awards are special because Zuniga and Young were “nominated by their
peers and supervisor…both are extremely deserving of this recognition for their
outstanding performances during 2025.
Resident wants first responders tribute
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| An idea for a first responders tribute |
Plans for the long-awaited park at The Clove, cleverly dubbed Clove Park, are due, village officials say, within two months.
Debbie Salvesen is waiting with eager anticipation.
Salvesen isn’t a Village Board member, nor a village staff member, or a committee member.
She’s a resident on a mission.
While the village has forked over more than $100,000 to consultants to design the plot, which is just more than an acre, in The Clove Salvesen has an idea which she submitted to the village when it held an open house to generate ideas in July of last year.
Her idea? It doesn’t have anything to do with playground equipment, flowers, trees, entertainment stage or even benches.
Salvesen’s idea focuses on first responders. Read the complete story here
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| Gateway sign rendering |
Sign, banner projects making progress
Residents may see more evidence of the village’s rebranding effort as plans for new gateway signs, additional banners and street signs are set to start making more of an appearance.
Banners bearing the new buffalo logo and “Smart. With Heart” mantra have started appearing on village roadways and the village has been touting merchandise with the new branding in the past 12 months.
The goal, village officials say, is to enhance community identity, pride and engagement. The schedule for the rollout of the various brand elements is fluid and is dependent on variables for each phase. Read the complete story here.
Food drive has domino effect in D21
Students at District 21’s Kildeer School found a novel way to collect cereal for local food pantries as shown in this report on WBBM-TV
Work resumes on AH Road
Warmer temperatures have enabled crews to resume work on the reconstruction of Arlington Heights Road from Lake-Cook Road north to McHenry Road (Ill-83). Updated information about the project can be found here.
Hygiene, household items drive
The Police Department is collecting personal hygiene items and household cleaners to support the Wheeling and Vernon Township Food Pantries during March. Items can be dropped off in the lobby of the Police Department at 46 Raupp Boulevard. View a full list of accepted items at this link.
All aboard at Library
The Indian Trails Public Library is hosting the North Central O Gaugers (NCOG) for a special model train run as part of their Super Saturday series from 9 am. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14. The O Gauge layout will feature city-themed landscapes. Learn more about the event here. You can learn more about NCOG at this link.
Recycling bins added
SWALCO has added two clothing and textile bins at the west end of the Buffalo Grove Park District’s Fitness Center parking for residents who want to make donations. Not sure what SWALCO is? Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. So, there you go.
Need a Reason to Celebrate?
Mar. 9
Mar. 10
National Landline Telephone Day
National Organize Your Home Office Day
Mar. 11
National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day
Mar. 12
Mar. 13
National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day
Mar. 14
International Ask a Question Day
National Learn About Butterflies Day
Mar. 15
Mar. 16
Everything You Do is Right Day
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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 print 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.
