The Week That Was: Bison out roaming suburbs, Vegas company selected for Waukegan casino
An American bison has been spotted grazing in western Lake and eastern McHenry counties, months after escaping from a farm. The animal dubbed Tyson the Bison got loose in September while she was being unloaded at the farm near Route 176 and Darrell Road in Wauconda Township.
Las Vegas firm picked for Waukegan casino
State regulators on Wednesday selected a Las Vegas-based company as their choice to run the long-planned Waukegan casino over a group led by former Lake County state lawmaker Michael Bond. The Illinois Gaming Board voted unanimously for Full House Resorts and granted it preliminarily licensure to operate the casino it plans to name American Place.
Billboard approved for Des Plaines site after all
An electronic billboard that developers said was a do-or-die part of a proposed restaurant-and-retail center on Mannheim Road got a green light from the Des Plaines city council this week. That paves the way for an Outback Steakhouse, a Five Guys restaurant, a First Watch restaurant and an undisclosed cannabis dispensary to be built.
Tunnel under Route 45 to connect preserves
A tunnel for hikers, bikers and equestrians beneath Route 45 near Miller Road in northern Lake County is expected to open before the holidays. The $4.8 million project connecting Raven Glen and Ethel's Woods forest preserves near Antioch includes a 145-foot-long underpass and nearly a mile of connecting trails.
District 203 makes deal with support workers
The Naperville Unit District 203 school board unanimously approved a new three-year contract with support workers, putting an end to months of negotiations that caused them to work without a contract since the end of June. The contract, approved at Monday's board meeting, gives the workers a $1-an-hour pay raise in each of the three years, a one-time $1,000 bonus, five extra sick days per year and retroactive pay.
State sues Wheaton preservation council
The Wheaton Historical Preservation Council is being sued by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who alleges the council illegally transferred more than $300,000 to a board member. Board President Alberta Adamson, who was also its chief executive officer; Gloria Leetz; and Laurie Warfel are named in the suit, with Adamson said to have received the money.
Closing schools off table in District 204
The Indian Prairie Unit District 204 boundary committee said Wednesday neither of the two proposed concept plans calls for closing any schools anymore. After receiving weeks of feedback, district officials announced all buildings will remain open in Concept Plan 1 and Concept Plan 3. Another concept plan was eliminated earlier in the process.
Pot shop plan moves in Des Plaines
Despite opposition from some residents and two city council members, a plan to open a cannabis dispensary in downtown Des Plaines is moving forward. The council on Monday tentatively approved a conditional use permit for the business, which has been proposed for vacant space at 1504 Miner St. within the Metropolitan Square plaza.
No recommendation on affordable apartments
The Palatine plan commission was split this week on a developer's plan to build affordable apartments in town, so it made no recommendation to the village council, which is expected to examine the issue in January. Northpointe Development, based in Wisconsin, wants to build a two-story, 40-unit building at 874-920 N. Quentin Road
The week ahead: Holiday concert in Schaumburg
The Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra will hold its "Presto! Holiday Concert" at 7 p.m. Saturday, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, in Schaumburg. The concert will also feature a performance by the Schaumburg Youth Choir's Kammerchor ensemble, in collaboration with the Conant Chamber Choir. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students and seniors.
The week ahead: Talk with Tom
Lake Zurich Mayor Tom Poynton will host a "Coffee with the Mayor" event from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at the Koffee Kup, 30 E. Main St. Poynton will be joined by Assistant Village Manager Roy Witherow for the event, which offers residents an opportunity to chat informally with Lake Zurich leaders about issues in their neighborhoods or the community at large.
The week ahead: County to purchase armed vehicle
DuPage County Board members will vote Tuesday to purchase an armored vehicle for the sheriff's office and MERIT, a countywide task force that investigates major crimes. Acquiring the Bear Cat vehicle would cost $315,857. The board meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in Wheaton.
The week ahead: Elgin's 2022 budget
The Elgin City Council will vote Wednesday on the city's 2022 budget and three-year financial plan. The vote follows four public discussions during city meetings and will be held in the council chambers.