New era set for Village Board; provisional, late-arriving ballots boost D102 referendum

Updated Friday, April 7 to reflect new vote total in D102 referendum. Update also includes revision to include   Donald Tyer  as a winner in the Dist. 125 School Board election. Updates appear in red.

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    In an election that had all the excitement and interest of a house painting, Eric Smith was officially elected Village President of Buffalo Grove.  Smith, along with Village Clerk Jan Sirabian and trustees Greg Pike and David Weidenfeld were re-elected in the uncontested election. Frank Cesario was elected to a first term as village trustee, also in an uncontested election.

Eric Smith talks with well-wishers

            Smith thanked supporters in an election night reception at The Continental restaurant, citing State Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-30) for “helping get us on the ballot and for advocating for Buffalo Grove.” 

            Smith also cited outgoing Village Board President Beverly Sussman for her endorsement and support. He also noted Sussman’s 29 years of service to the village, the last eight as Village President. Sussman was unable to attend the reception due to illness.

            Paraphrasing the late president, John F. Kennedy, Smith said he’s hoping residents ask not what the village can do for them, but rather what they can do for the village. Smith noted the village’s initiatives related to community engagement including branding and focus groups.

            In contested races of interest, a referendum for $49 million in school building bonds appeared to be by nine votes, 658-649. However, as of 4:15 p.m. on Friday, April 7, passage of  the referendum had moved ahead.  According to the Lake County Clerk's election result website, there were 792 yes votes and 734 no votes. 

            The hotly contested race for three School Board members in Adlai E. Stevenson School District 125 was won by Amy Neault, Shu (Grace) Cao, Roni S. Ben-Yos, and Donald Tyer.

            Results, according to the Lake County Clerk’s office, include early voting, and vote-by-mail ballots. Provisional ballots and late arriving vote-by-mail ballots are not included in the results posted Tuesday night. The Lake County Clerk’s website did not indicate when those ballots would be counted. Lake County election results are available at this link while Cook County results are available at this link.

            As of Friday, April 7, Lake County indicated there were 33,167 ballots not counted.  Of that number, 213 were provisional, 6,368 were returned mail ballots and 26,586 ballots that were mailed, but not returned. Lake County officials indicate that Vote By Mail ballots are counted 14 days after the election and the results are certified.
            Lake County officials listed the voter turnout at 12.07 percent.  The turnout in suburban Cook County was a estimated 13.01 percent.

Two residential burglaries probed / Pot dispensary faces fight / Plan for Rohrman property

Buffalo Grove Police are continuing their investigation into a pair of residential burglaries that occurred during the week of March 19.

            The first burglary was in the 200 block of Willow Parkway and occurred when, reports say, the homeowner was “lured outside” by a man posing as a ComEd worker. Reports say that while the homeowner was outside, other individuals entered the home and took unspecified personal items.

            Reports for the second burglary indicate that it occurred in the 200 block of Navajo Trail. While limited details were provided, reports say the resident told police they left the home for a few hours and found the home burglarized when they returned home.  Reports say “personal items” were reported missing.

Package swiped – A resident in Villa Verde condominiums reported that a package delivered by FedEx was delivered to the lobby of one of the buildings, but its contents were removed by an unknown person. Reports did not indicate what was taken or the value of the items.

Eggs break shutters -- A home owner on Woodhollow Lane told police unknown offenders threw eggs at this house which caused an estimated $500 damage to one of the upper window shutters.

Eggs damage screen – In a second case involving eggs, a homeowner on Palm Tree Circle South told police someone damaged a window screen by attempting to rip it out. Investigators noted, however, that it was covered with egg.

 

In Other Community News

 

Election Day Tuesday

Election for village officials, including village president, clerk and trustees, as well as school, library and park district boards is Tuesday, April 4. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.  A listing of polling places is available at this link.

Work set for Rt. 83

Concrete repairs and resurfacing of Illinois Rt. 83 from just north of Buffalo Grove Road to south of Bank Lane is expected to begin the week of April 10. The project is coordinated by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Yard waste collection resumes

Waste Management will resume collection of yard waste on April 1.

Landscape material should be placed in a 32-gallon paper yard waste bag or unlined waste container marked with a large "x". More information about landscape waste pickups can be found here.

Cops to be assigned to D21 schools

School resource officers (SROs) will be assigned to schools in Community Consolidated School District 21, beginning with the 2023- 24 school year.

Two Wheeling police officers will serve as SROs for CCSD21 with one assigned to Holmes Middle School while supporting the elementary schools in the Holmes attendance zone. A second officer will be assigned to London Middle School and provide support to the elementary schools in that attendance zone.

The Buffalo Grove Police Department will assign an SRO for Cooper Middle School and elementary schools in that attendance zone.

Indians Association sponsors health care forum

Two Lake County medical professionals will highlight a health-care program sponsored by the Lake County Indians Assn. from 2 to 6 p.n. o Saturday, April 8 at Stevenson High School.

Dr. Rakhi Khanna, a community nephrologist in Lake County, with more than 17 years of experience in clinical practice and is interested in spiritual care as part of the healing process and Dr. Khanna, Dr. Geeta Bansal, a triple board-certified neurologist, psychiatrist, and neuromuscular physician, will discuss how patients achieve optimal health by addressing both physical and mental health concerns.

Cost for an individual ticket is $15  while groups of five is $50

Reports, 9-1-1 calls available

Documents and 9-1-1- calls related to the Police Department’s investigation of the deaths of the Kisliak family are available at this site. Five members of the family were found dead Nov. 30.

Cops nail 44

Forty-four motorists were cited by police for various infractions during its St. Patrick’s Day traffic safety enforcement that took place March 10-19. Among the 44 total traffic stops made, there 13 citations for seat belt violations and 31 total citations issued for various traffic violations.

Distracted driving focus of crackdown

            With no big drinking holidays on the calendar for April, Buffalo Grove Police, thanks in part to a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation, is joining 200 other police departments in cracking down on distracted driving.

            Motorists can expect to see increased patrols and traffic safety enforcement zones through April 30.

Trivia night April 27

          GiveNKind, a Mundelein-based non-profit organization that supplies non-profit organizations with items for their clients and programs, is holding a Trivia Night starting at 6 p.m. on April 27. The event will be held at Mickey Finn’s Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville. Complete information about the event is available at this link.

GiveNKind was founded in 2012 and began managing excess goods in 2018. In 2022, GiveNKind placed resources valued at $6.55 million to Chicagoland nonprofits, saving nonprofits millions of dollars and helping local communities. GiveNKind operates a resource redistribution center in Mundelein, to distribute donated goods to Chicagoland nonprofits. Nonprofits shop online for needed goods, saving thousands of dollars to reinvest in their communities.

 

Village Board discussions

Proximity key issue to pot dispensary

            A proposal for a recreational marijuana dispensary on Dundee Road may face an uphill battle because of its proximity to Buffalo Grove High School. The dispensary is being sought by Emerald Earth at 1355 W. Dundee Road. The proposal, presented to the Village Board March 20, meets most of the criteria, except one. The Village code that regulates recreational marijuana dispensaries says “A 1,000-foot buffer will be established between recreational/medical cannabis facilities and the property line of pre-existing schools, daycares, museums, libraries, substance abuse treatment/counseling centers.”  Emerald Earth’s proposed site is 918 feet from Buffalo Grove High School and final approval would require a special use permit.

          To no surprise, the proposal is, according to the Daily Herald, “…is drawing fire from students, the high school's principal and village board members.” But not all Village Board members.  The Board voted 3-2 to send the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Committee (PZC). Trustees David Weidenfeld and Andrew Stein voted against the measure while Trustees Joanne Johnson, Greg Pike and Eric Smith supported sending the proposal to the PZC.

Village to look at new identity

            The Village Board March 20 approved s $98,000 contract for North Star Place Branding + Marketing to look at new branding program for the village. The goal is to “uncover the village’s identity”.  North Star has worked with several Illinois municipalities including Alton, Carbondale, Morton Grove, Lake Bluff and Highland Park. Coverage by the Daily Herald of the contract and program can be found here.

Plans revealed for “Rohrman property”

            You can’t say Louis Schriber III rushes into things. According to the Daily Herald, Schriber, who is CEO and founding partner of the Shorewood Development Group, told the Village Board March 20 that he has had his eye on the Rohrman property for 12 years. Schriber’s appearance before the Village Board coincided with unveiling of plans for a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district along Dundee Road that includes not only the approximately 16-acre site that once housed three auto dealerships, but also includes Buffalo Grove High School.

            Preliminary plans call for retail space and residential units in addition to, wait for it, a car dealership and service center.

Board meets April 3

            If you’re looking for something to do on the evening of Monday, April 3, among your choices are watching San Diego State battle UConn for the NCAA men’s basketball championship and the ever popular Village Board Committee of the Whole meeting. The Board meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. while the basketball game starts at 8:20.

 

Need a Reason to Celebrate?

April 3

Fish Fingers and Custard Day

Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day

Community Garden Week

National Chocolate Mousse Day

April 4

National Hug a Newsperson Day A favorite

International Carrot Day

National Cordon Bleu Day

National School Librarian Day

April 5

National Deep Dish Pizza Day

Bell Bottoms Day

National Body Care Day

National Caramel Day

April 6

National Burrito Day

National Student-Athlete Day

Fresh Tomato Day -- We’re talking fruits and vegetables here.

April 7

National Beer Day

International Beaver Day

International Snail Papers Day

Metric System Day

National No Housework Day

April 8

National Empanada Day

Baby Massage Day

Draw a Bird Day

National Catch and Release Day  -- Nothing fishy here

April 9

Appomattox Day

Edinburgh Science Festival

National Cherish an Antique Day

April 10

National Hug Your Dog Day

Dyngus Day

International Safety Pin Day

National Encourage a Young Writer 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

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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.

Mobile DMV event today

 Friday, March 31

Residents will be able to gain access to services related to driving and motor vehicles at a “Mobile DMV” program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 31 at the Vernon Township Community Services Building, 2900 Main St. in Buffalo Grove.

Sponsored jointly by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Rep Daniel Didech and State Sen. Adriane Johnson,  the event will offer the following services:

·         Renewal and corrections to driver’s license for drivers under 78 years of age.

·         Renewal and corrections to state identification cards for holders under 78 years of age.

·         License plate stickers

·         Motor voter registration with driver’s license or identification card renewal.

·         Organ donor registration with driver’s license or identification card renewal.

Cash will not be accepted for payment if fees and Real ID applications will not be processed at this event.

Resisting peace officers / 2nd pot dispensary? / Dundee TIF plan / Corned beef anyone?

 Not a good idea – It’s not only a bad idea to drink and drive since it’s against the law, it’s also not a good idea to do so when your driving privileges have been revoked because of previous traffic violations. Oleh Dotsiak, 20, of Arlington Heights is facing six charges for doing that and a lot more. Police reports say Dotsiak’s situation unfolded when they were responding to a hit and run crash at the intersection of Lake Cook Road and McHenry Road. While enroute to the crash officers were notified by a passerby that a vehicle crashed in a ditch near the 1000 block of Lake Cook Road. Police found Dotsiak at the scene and their investigation resulted in Dotsiak being arrested for aggravated DUI, possession of a controlled substance, driving on a suspended driver’s license, failure to remain at the scene of a vehicle damage accident, and resisting an arrest. 

Not a good idea, part deux- Continuing our coverage of bad ideas --  It’s not a good idea to drive a vehicle with unlawfully tinted windows and even a worse idea to do so with a suspended driver’s license. But that’s what Deriece M Williams, 24, of Hillside did. She’s facing charges for both violations as well as resisting a peace officer.  Reports did not reveal the nature of the resistance, but it was enough to get her charged.

 

Retail theft – Officials at the CVS pharmacy at 20 E. Dundee told police that the proverbial “unknown” customer made off with an estimated $500 in merchandise. Reports say BG Police are continuing their investigation and looking for a female.

 

Woodman’s update – If you were betting the over/under on retail thefts from Woodman’s Market – you lost this week.  Buffalo Grove police did not report a retail theft from the store this week, breaking a three-week streak.

 

In Other Community News 

2^nd pot dispensary for the village?

            A second recreational marijuana dispensary could be coming to Buffalo Grove. The keyword is could. According to the agenda for the March 20 Village Board meeting, “The Village has recently received an application from Emerald Earth to operate a recreational cannabis dispensary at 1355 W Dundee Road.” This would be the second dispensary in Buffalo Grove, the maximum allowed.  The other one is Sunnyside at 830 Milwaukee Ave.

            While Emerald Earth’s request will be discussed, its application will be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission. A special use permit will be required.

            A full description of the proposal can be found in the agenda packet for the meeting.

Board to mull body cams, Dundee TIF district

            The Village Board will consider more than $1.4 million to meet the state requirement that police officers be equipped with body cameras at its March 20 meeting. In a memo to the Board, Police Chief Brian Budds and Brett Robinson, the village’s administrative director, noted that the proposal from Axon Enterprise Inc., will provide body cameras, in vehicle cameras, interview room cameras, digital evidence storage, and associated software. The overall cost of the project is $1,415,281.85 spread over a period of 10 years.

            The Board is also expected to discuss a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District for parts of the Dundee Road corridor. Discussion at the meeting will focus on development of an “Interested Parties Registry.” This is a preliminary step and, noted Deputy Village Manager Chris Stilling in a memo to the Board, “…does not mean that the TIF will be established; however, approval of the ordinance is required pursuant to state law in order to set up an Interested Parties Registry and advance toward the possible establishment of a TIF.”

            Information about the body cam proposal and TIF ordinance and all other agenda items, can be found in agenda packet for the meeting..

“The Corned Beef Factory” eyes BG location

A popular haunt for corned beef sandwiches is eyeing a spot in Buffalo Grove. Officials at  “The Corned Beef Factory” indicated to the Chicago Tribune in a story about best places to get corned beef sandwiches in the Chicago area that a Buffalo Grove location is one of three new locations they plan to open by midyear. “The Corned Beef Factory” opened in 1948 and its main location is downtown at 1016 W Lake St.

            Village officials have confirmed that the company has applied for a permit, but it has not yet been issued. The store would be located in the Rickey Rockets plaza on Lake-Cook Road.

Early voting begins March 20

Early voting has started for the April 4 consolidated election. This local election includes seats for Village President, Clerk and three Trustees, along with school and park district boards

Early voting in both Cook and Lake counties begins Monday, March 20.

Cook County voters can find early voting information here. Lake County voters can find early voting information here. For general information about the April 4 election, click here.

Chief’s coffee klatch

The next “Chat with the Chief” Wednesday, March 22. Enjoy coffee and conversation with BG Police Chief Brian Budds at Deerfields Bakery & Café, 201 N. Buffalo Grove Rd. from 10 a.m. to noon. This is an opportunity for community members to meet and engage with Chief Budds and learn more about the department as well as what's happening in the community.

Farmers market seeks vendors

The Farmers Market Committee is seeking vendors for the 2023 season. Persons or businesses who may have products they feel would appeal to attendees, should complete a vendor application, which is available at vbgfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

The 2023 season, the market’s 15^th, is from June 18 through Oct. 15. The Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 8 a.m.to 12:30 pm. The market will not be open Sept. 3 which is the Sunday of Buffalo Grove Days weekend.

According to village guidelines, products offered for sale must be agricultural products, food items or food services. Craft items are not accepted. Liquor items made by vendors with Village of Buffalo Grove Class G6 licenses are welcome.

The market also features entertainment and nonprofit organizations with informational booths.

Board to laud BG Days Committee

            The village will honor the legacy and “the important contributions” of the current and past members of the Buffalo Grove Days Committee during the Board meeting Monday, March 20.

Board President Beverly Sussman will present a proclamation citing the work of the committee.

How about a DIY Book Club?

Want to host a book club?

The Indian Trails Public Library District makes it easy with its Book Club in a Bag service. Information is available in a display with book cover placeholders in new materials on the first floor of the Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling.

All cardholders need to do is bring the placeholder to the circulation desk to check out a bag containing 15 copies of the book and sample discussion questions.

General guidelines for the program include:

• 6-week checkout

• No holds or renewals on the bags

• Must be a library cardholder

• All items must be returned together (15 books plus 1 bag), in person at the checkout desk

Check out a Book Club in a Bag to enter your name in a drawing to win an ITPLD mug. Search BCB in the catalog to see the list of book selections.

Lake County offering tax breaks

Lake County residents may be eligible for several exemptions available to provide tax relief to homeowners.

As of tax year 2023, payable in 2024, several exemptions have been updated to provide further benefits to eligible homeowners. To learn more and see if you qualify, visit the Chief County Assessment Office Tax Relief page.

Volunteer fair this Sunday

The Vernon Area Public Library is hosting a Volunteer Fair  from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 19. Representatives from various groups and community organizations, including the village of Buffalo Grove will have information about volunteer opportunities. Additional information is available here.

 Need a Reason to Celebrate?

March 17

Doctor Patient Trust Day

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

National Preschool Teacher Appreciation Day

World Sleep Day

March 18

Awkward Moments Day

Forgive Mom and Dad Day

Goddess Of Fertility Day

National Corn Dog Day

Play the Recorder Day

March 19

International Read To Me Day

National Let's Laugh Day

National Automatic Door Day

Pretzel Sunday

American Chocolate Week

March 20

Act Happy Day

Alien Abduction Day

Dogs in Yellow Day

Great American Meat Out Day

Kiss Your Fiance Day

World Frog Day

March 21

Credit Card Reduction Day

Education Freedom Day

National Common Courtesy Day

National Crunchy Taco Day

National Healthy Fats Day

March 22

As Young As You Feel Day

International Day Of The Seal

International Goof-off Day

Talk Like William Shakespeare Day

March 23

Chips and Dip Day

Melba Toast Day

National Tamale Day

March 24

National Cheesesteak Day

National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

National Cocktail Day

National Each Person is A Person of Worth 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.

D102 referendum clarification

 School District 102 officials clarified information in an article by BGNI regarding its upcoming referendum. The $49 million referendum, which is on the April 4 ballot, will fund Phase Two of a three-phase program for the District. Phase One, which was completed between 2016-2018, addressed space needs and building upgrades. The $28 million price tag for that phase was covered by “district funds and alternate revenue bonds.” There was no tax increase for Phase One.

            The third phase is focused on exploring “programming and facilities” including more STEM labs, language opportunities and “reduced rate or no tuition for kindergarten enrichment,” District officials say a tax increase is not planned to fund Phase Three projects.

Cops probe rash of burglaries / D102 pushing referendum / Impaired driver crackdown

Residential burglaries – Police are investigating three residential burglaries. The first was on the 200 block Pauline Avenue where, police say, thieves forced their way into the home and ransacked the interior. Reports did not indicate what was taken or the value of stolen goods. A second burglary, this one in the 100 block of Copperwood Drive, appeared to mirror the first in terms of entry and ransacking the interior. Police did not indicate what was taken or the value of the stolen items. In both cases the investigations are ongoing. In a third burglary, police report a homeowner found her front door forced open and items taken from the home while she was gone for only three hours. Police did not indicate what was taken. They are continuing their investigation.

Retail burglary -- Thieves made off with nearly 100 cartons of cigarettes and vape cartridges from the Payless Tobacco store, 1169 McHenry Road. Reports say the front glass broke out after the store was closed. Value of the loss was not reported.

Commercial burglary – Police are continuing their investigation into a burglary at a business in the 300 block of Lexington Drive. Reports say the vestibule door was broken in and several undisclosed items were taken.

Car broken into -- Police report that a vehicle was broken into while parked at the Northwest Community Outpatient Center on McHenry Road. The vehicle’s owner said the passenger side door was opened and the center console and glove compartment had been searched.

Car damaged in driveway – A resident on Miller Lane reported that the windshield and two windows on the driver’s side of his car were damaged while it was parked at his residence. There was also damage to the driver’s door frame.

Accident leads to multiple charges – Two persons suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries and a 31-year-old Wauconda man faces four charges after a roll-over accident at McHenry and Arlington Heights roads. Reports say that when officers arrived, the driver, Andrew J Kaimakis, had a “strong odor” of alcohol on his breath. He was charged with Aggravated DUI resulting in an accident or bodily harm, Driving Under the Influence with a Blood Alcohol Content of more than 0.08, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Disregarding a Traffic Control Light.

Retail thefts continue to hit Woodman’s – Police say there were four incidents involving retail thefts at Woodman’s Market. In the first incident, store security told police a shopper tried to make off with $80. In a second incident, store officials told police a shopper tried to abscond with $500 worth of items. Reports say after speaking with police, the shopper agreed to pay for the items he tried to swipe. In a third incident, police say a customer tried to get a five-finger discount on a 30-pack of Special Export Beer. He apparently has a taste for suds as store officials say he tried to steal beer on Feb. 2, 15 and 24. His latest attempt was March 2. At least he’s consistent. Police report a fourth incident in which a man tried to leave the store without paying for $63 worth of Bounty paper towels and Charmin toilet paper. You could say store security and police put the squeeze on the guy and were quicker picker uppers. No report if the man lived on Whipple Street.

In Other Community News

D102 revving up for referendum vote

            Coming on the heels of four informational meetings, School District 102 is focusing on its bid to pass a $49 million referendum that focuses on upgrading facilities and equipment in the district’s four schools and early learning center. The referendum is on the April 4 ballot.

            According to the district’s referendum website, if approved, funds would be used for safety equipment, HVAC improvements, and other building components such as windows, roofs, sidewalks and restrooms. The website also indicates that if passed, funds from the referendum would also be used for “…renovating instructional spaces, adding science classrooms, STEM labs, and a gymnasium to the junior high school…”

            The district says the cost would be $39 a month for 20 years based on a “median-priced” D120 home with a fair market value of $375,000. That would be a total of $9,360.

            Calling it “an evolving, organic process” the district notes that passage of the referendum would allow the district to move heavily into phase two of the process. The first phase, which addressed space needs and updates, was completed from 2016 to 2018 and was, notes the district, paid for with district funds and what it calls “alternate revenue bonds.” There was no tax increase for the first phase.

            The second phase relies heavily, if not solely, on the successful passage of the referendum. At the present time, the third phase is focused on exploring “programming and facilities” including more STEM labs, language opportunities and “reduced rate or no tuition for kindergarten enrichment.” At the current time, the district is not planning a tax increase to fund the third phase.

Impaired drivers target of St. Pat’s Day crackdown

The Buffalo Grove Police Department is stepping up its traffic safety enforcement through March 19, looking for alcohol and cannabis-impaired drivers as part of a St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” campaign.

            In addition to suggestions about revelers having a designated driver, using seatbelts and calling cabs or ride share services for intoxicated persons, Sergeant Tony Turano notes that persons hosting parties can be held liable and prosecuted if someone they serve is involved in an impaired driving crash.

            The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Fire Department cited for excellence

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. Buffalo Grove Fire Department is one of fewer than 325 agencies worldwide to achieve “Internationally Accredited Agency” status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE).

CFAI’s accreditation model is centered around a comprehensive self-assessment consisting of 250 different performance indicators that cover the span of fire and emergency service operations. Using these indicators, the BGFD assessed its current performance and compared it to industry best practices. Accredited agencies are often described as being community-focused, data-driven, outcome-focused, strategic-minded, well organized, properly equipped and properly staffed and trained.

Chat with the chief

The next “Chat with the Chief” Wednesday, March 22. Enjoy coffee and conversation with BG Police Chief Brian Budds at Deerfields Bakery & Café, 201 N. Buffalo Grove Rd. from 10 a.m. to noon. This is an opportunity for community members to meet and engage with Chief Budds and learn more about the department as well as what's happening in the community.

Six seek four seats in D125

            While the election for village posts are uncontested, there are six candidates who want to be on the Stevenson High School (D125) Board. The Journal & Topics recently profiled them and the Daily Herald announced their endorsements on March 12.

D121 gets grant for “high-impact” tutoring

School District 21 received a $138,444 grant from the Illinois State Board of Education to provide students with additional support and learning opportunities. Read the full story here

Meet a reptile at the ITPLD.

Indian Trails Public Library District will feature “Dave DiNaso's Traveling World of Reptiles” starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 11 a.m. The program, for children ages 5 and older, will offer an up-close, hands-on experience with reptiles and amphibians from around the world with trained professionals. Free tickets will be distributed 30 minutes before the program.

Congratulations to…

            Mike Marquardt who was named the Public Works Employee of the Year for 2022…Brian Spolar named Deputy Chief of the Buffalo Grove Police Department…Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) for being named to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for the 118^th Congress. This is Schneider’s fourth term on the Committee, previously serving on the Committee during the  113^th, 115^th and 117^th Congresses…Jessica McIntyre who will become D102 superintendent starting July 1, 2024, replacing Lori Wilcox, who will retire…Lucy Holloway, a sixth-grader at Twin Groves Middle School, who was winner of a student art contest sponsored by the Chicago Sun-Times and media partners WBEZ and Vocalo. Her prize? It is having her drawing turned into a sprawling mural that will be on display at the Salt Shed entertainment venue along the Chicago River on the North Side.

Need a Reason to Celebrate?

 

March 13

International Every Girls Wins Day

K-9 Veterans Day

National Coconut Torte Day

National Good Samaritan Day

National Napping Day

National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day

March 14

Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day

Dribble to Work Day

Equal Pay Day

International Ask a Question Day

National Organize Your Home Office Day

National Potato Chip Day

National Save a Spider Day

National Write Your Story Day

March 15

Ides of March

Buzzards Day

Everything You Think Is Wrong Day

International Eat an Animal for PETA Day

March 16

Everything You Do is Right Day

Freedom of Information Day

National Panda Day

No Selfies Day

March 17

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

World Sleep Day

St. Patrick's Day

March 18

Awkward Moments Day

Goddess Of Fertility Day

National Corn Dog Day

Play the Recorder Day

March 19

National Let's Laugh Day

National Automatic Door Day

National Chocolate Caramel Day

National Poultry 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.

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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.