Residents can honor, remember police officers
Funeral
services for slain Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew were held last
week. Bartholomew, 38, was shot and
killed in the line of duty April 25 when
Bartholomew and his partner were transporting a suspect to Endeavor Health
Swedish Hospital on Chicago’s northside.In addition to the tragedy that surrounds the death of the 21-year CPD veteran is that May 15th is National Police Officer Memorial Day. The event is observed annually to honor federal, state, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. It was established by Congress in 1962 and signed by President Kennedy, it is part of National Police Week, with flags flown at half-staff on government buildings.
The event is coordinated by Concerns of Police Officer Survivors, which says on its website that “The idea began in 1989 when Mrs. Dolly Craig wrote to C.O.P.S. that she would be putting two blue candles in her living room window that holiday season. One for her son-in-law, Daniel Gleason, who had been killed in the line of duty while serving with the Philadelphia (PA) Police Department on June 5, 1986, and one for her daughter and Danny’s wife, Pam, who had been killed in an automobile accident in August 1989. Danny and Pam had 6 children. Dolly Craig is now deceased as well, but her idea is her legacy.”
To help Buffalo Grove residents who want to participate by displaying a blue light, the Buffalo Grove Police has complimentary blue lightbulbs at the Police Department, 46 Raupp Blvd.
According to police officials, residents can choose to display the light only on May 15, or throughout the entire month.
Cops to hit the Roof May 15
Members of the Buffalo Grove Police Department will hit the roofs – literally – of the Dunkin Donuts in Buffalo Grove as part of the 26th annual “Cop on the Roof” fundraiser for Illinois Special Olympics. Officers will be at the Dunkin’ at 245 N. McHenry Rd. and 1165 N. McHenry Rd. from 5 a.m. to noon.
Residents who are unable to stop by the participating locations, support the effort by donating through this site and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
Bill regulating e-bikes, scooters advances downstate
Illinois Senators in April passed a bill that offers what Secretary of State Secretary of State calls “a sweeping statewide safety initiative” related to what he says are “growing dangers posed by unregulated high-speed e-bikes, e-motos and other powerful electric transportation devices operating on streets, bike lanes and sidewalks across the state.”
The bill, his office says, is part of Giannoulias’ Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready campaign – a multi-pronged effort combining public education, updated rider training and legislation designed to modernize Illinois law as the micromobility industry rapidly evolves. From 2019 to 2022, micromobility-related injuries and fatalities surged 300% across the country, including Illinois.
The bill, SB 3336, is now in the state House where it is sponsored by State Rep. Barbara Hernandez (50th District – Aurora). It has picked up more than 25 additional sponsors, could be voted on by the end of the current session, which ends May 31.
Giannoulias’ office noted that “If signed into law, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2027. E-bikes and e-motos purchased prior to that date would be exempt from the title requirement but must still be registered.”
The passage of the bill in the Senate comes on the heels of Buffalo Grove adopting guidelines for regulating micromobility units, e-bike and e-scooters that can be found here using what the village touts as a “smart with heart approach.” To date, there have not been any heart-related issues reported.
Buffalo Grove police officials said the law helps regulate e-electronic transportation devices because, says Deputy Chief of Operations, Tara Anderson, “As Illinois advances legislation and establishes uniform standards for the rapidly evolving micro mobility industry, this statewide initiative marks a critical step toward enhancing safety for pedestrians, riders, and drivers alike.
“The growing popularity of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other emerging transportation options has expanded mobility and accessibility across communities, while also contributing to increased safety concerns and serious injuries that existing laws were not designed to address. By creating clear, consistent statewide standards, Illinois can improve public awareness, encourage responsible use, and foster innovation while ensuring safer streets for everyone.”
Airbags becoming target of thieves
Catalytic converters aren’t the only thing being swiped from cars.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that airbags are being taken out of cars so thieves can try to sell them to auto repairs shops that have seen a shortage of the items.
The article, found here, notes, according to Chicago Police Department Police Deputy Superintendent, Anthony Riccio that it’s “The black market, it’s very specific, because it’s very vehicle specific,” Riccio said. “The body shop would say, ‘I need an airbag for this vehicle,’ and the person would go out, find that specific vehicle, break into it and steal the air bag.”
So far, however, the biggest concentration of airbag thefts appears to be in the city. Police officials told Buffalo Grove Report that there have not been any airbag thefts reported to them. BGPD officials also note there has not been a catalytic converter theft in Buffalo Grove since March.
They suggest residents should focus on “locking your doors, removing valuables, parking your vehicle in a garage or well-lit area, using motion lights, and alarming your vehicle are all simple crime prevention practices,” to deter thefts from vehicles.
Police activity
** Wonder if they’ll make up -- Two unknown subjects stole $7,208.76 worth of cosmetics on April 23, from the Walgreens store at 1225 W. Dundee Road. In a report obtained by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the department says two “subjects” entered the store and filled up their large reusable grocery style bag with merchandise. The report fails to identify the merchandise. While the listing on the police department’s transparency site cites, the total worth of the merchandise, it has been removed from the report. Although listed as “under investigation,” the report is listed as “administratively closed.”
** Phone scam -- A business owner was scammed out of $4,527.65 dollars by a subject on the telephone stating he had a late energy bill that was past due. Police did not provide details.
** Bum steer? -- A male subject stole a bottle of power steering fluid from a business in the 200 block of Milwaukee Avenue. Police say this investigation is ongoing.
** Disorderly conduct – Police report they responded to the 1300 block of Rose Boulevard to reports of a “ A male subject was yelling/screaming out his upper window disturbing the peace. And yes, if you must know, police say this investigation is ongoing.
** Not a good samaritan -- A wallet was dropped in the parking lot of Walgreens; 15 N. Buffalo Grove Rd. and security camera shows another subject picking up the wallet and walking out of camera view with it.
** A smoke is smoke…well – A male subject stole one White Owl cigarillo ($2 value) from Smokey's Discount Tobacco. The subject became remorseful, returned to the store, apologized, and paid for the item. The store owner did not want to sign complaints for retail theft or have the subject trespassed.
** Multiple battery charges – Police say an 18-year-old man was charged with two counts of domestic battery and one charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer after an incident in the 10 block of Crestview Lane.
** Felony battery charges filed -- Bat E. Baasanbat, 28, of Vernon Hills, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery, a class 3 felony, and Unlawful Restraint, a class 4 felony. The charges stem from a warrant obtained following an investigation into an April 16 incident at the Extended Stay, 1525 east Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove.
News & Notes
April keeps PD busy
Theft and driving violations kept the police department busy in April. Of the 139 listed incidents mapped on the transparency website, there were 11 thefts, 10 driving non-moving violations, seven incidents of disorderly conduct and five reported battery cases, of which one involved a police officer.
There were also four DUIs reported, three cases of fraud, mostly by online scams. The department reported 95 “local code” calls that include well-being checks, dog bites, traffic complaints and dead animals, which does not include Village Board meetings.
Cops nab 33 for distracted driving
The Buffalo Grove Police Department (BGPD) said it issued 39 citations for hands free law violations during April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month enforcement campaign. The Illinois distracted driving campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Rotary, Foundation announce grantees
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove and Buffalo Grove Community Foundation have announced 20 local area nonprofits and organizations as community grant recipients.
Since 2024, Rotary and BGCF have partnered in providing a yearly joint Community Grant Program which supports quality of life initiatives in Buffalo Grove. This year, nearly $30,000 in grants will be provided.
Organizations that are recipients of this year’s joint community grants include Community Consolidated School District 21, Buffalo Grove Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), The Cancer Wellness Center, The Center for Enriched Living, Northwest Compass, GiveNKind, Hunger Resource Network, Journeys: The Road Home, Gerry’s Café, Special Leisure Services Foundation, The Lake County Haven, Lake County Honor Flight, Northwest Suburban Special Education Association, and Nicasa Behavioral Health Services.
Other grantees include the Buffalo Grove Pride/Pinta Pride Project, Children in Therapy and You (CITY) of Support, Special Gifts Theatre, the TOTS Therapeutic Child Care Center, Willow House, and WINGS Domestic Violence Shelter
The Buffalo Grove Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and sustaining activities that enhance the quality of life in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and help make it the wonderful community it is. In addition to its community grants program, the Foundation has provided funding for arts, educational, and community-based programs. BGCF also serves as a financial resource for the Rick Kahen Commission for Residents with Disabilities, the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band, and other donor-advised funds.
Deputy chief honored
Buffalo Grove Deputy Police Chief Tara Anderson was honored as the recipient of this year's Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police President's Award.
ILACP Past President Chief Joseph Leonas presented this award to honor Deputy Chief Anderson’s commitment and dedication as Co-Chair of the ILACP’s Women’s Leadership Section along with her valued service on the ILACP Board of Directors.
Donate pregnancy, infant supplies
The Buffalo Grove Police Department is hosting a pregnancy and baby supply drive for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The department is accepting donations of infant essentials, including diapers, wipes, bottles, clothes, formula, and more.
Items must be new and unopened, and they can be dropped off 24 hours a day in the collection box in the Police Department lobby, at 46 Raupp Boulevard. A full list of accepted items at this link.
Township camp registration available
The last day to register for Vernon Township’s Summer Camp is Friday, May 29 and Tuesday, June 30 for the LEGO® Dino Design STEM Camp.
Summer Camp runs Monday, June 15 through Friday, July 31 at William E. Peterson Park and welcomes children ages 4 to 8 (as of September 1, 2026) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Campers can enjoy games, crafts, sports, themed activities, special guests and lifeguard-led swim lessons every third day. Register here.
Business News
New café opens
Irene’s Café, a coffee shop, owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Jeannie and Jillian McDonald has opened at Spoerlein Comms, 1169 McHenry Road. Featuring gourmet, freshly-made toast, omelets, acai bowls, coffee, tea, and espresso drinks.
British swim school expands to Buffalo Grove
British Swim School, a provider of water safety and survival programs, is opening a location at 900 W Lake Cook Rd., operating out of the Four Points by Sheraton.
The new franchise is owned and operated by Rajesh Desikan, a senior healthcare executive and parent of two British Swim School graduates. The school is slated to open later this month.
School officials say its curriculum emphasizes survival-first instruction, small lesson sizes, and gentle, child/adult-friendly teaching methods. Programs will be available for infants, toddlers, children, adults, and individuals with special needs.
Registration is now underway. Additional information is available here.
Need a Reason to Celebrate?
May 12
May 13
Donate a Day's Wages To Charity Day
May 14
National Travel Insurance Claims Day
May 15
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day
May 16
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day
May 17
Take Your Parents To The Playground Day
May 18
Send an Electronic Greeting Card Day
May 19
Celebrate Your Elected Officials Day
National Devil's Food Cake Day
May 20
International Red Sneakers Day
National Pick Strawberries Day
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If you didn’t know -- The Buffalo Grove Report, 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.
