Barrington mayor appointed to state bicentennial committee

Gov. Bruce Rauner has appointed Barrington Village President Karen Darch to the Illinois Bicentennial Commission tasked with planning the state's 200th birthday celebration in 2018.

Darch was among 40 appointees. Others included former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago Bulls and White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, and TV producer Dick Wolf, who created "Law & Order."

"I'm very pleased and hope I can add the point of view of the communities of Illinois to the commission," Darch said. Darch said she thinks she might have been appointed for her experience as president of the Illinois Municipal League.

The commission's mission is to create and implement events and activities that celebrate all that is great in Illinois, including the state's history, people and communities.