🦌 Bears, Bricks & Battered Cod—This Week in the Buzz!

Good morning and happy Tuesday! Spring technically started March 1, so feel free to swap your hot coffee for iced… even if you’re still wearing gloves.

In this issue:

• Development approved in Schaumburg 🏙️ 

• Bears back to Arlington Heights? 🐻 

• Plan your next fish fry 🐟️ 

Let’s get to it.

— Jake & Kayla Sherman, Publishers

P.S. Got a question, comment, or local tip? Just hit reply—we read and respond to everything!

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Big City Vibes Coming to Schaumburg 🏙️

Schaumburg’s Village Board just greenlit The District at Veridian, a 30-acre development near Meacham and Algonquin Roads that’s bringing big city energy to the burbs. Expect over 1 million square feet of shops, restaurants, offices, and apartments—all in a walkable, urban-style setting.

First on deck: a 9-story apartment building with ground-floor dining and retail, plus a 5-story parking garage at Meacham and Progress Parkway. Big changes are coming! Check out more details here.

Reviving a Revolutionary Relic 🇺🇸

Elk Grove Village is set to annex and restore the historic Elk Grove Cemetery, home to the only known Revolutionary War veterans buried in Cook County. Tucked between Arlington Heights Road and I-90, this nearly 200-year-old site holds pioneers, war veterans, and local legends (ever driven on Busse or Cosman? Yep, those names are here too).

With a $750,000 fundraising effort, plans include restoring headstones, adding plaques, and improving drainage. The village aims to rededicate the site on July 4, 2026, marking both America’s 250th birthday and Elk Grove’s 70th.

Bears Eye Arlington Park… Again 🐻

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before—the Bears are once again eyeing Arlington Park. After pausing plans over a tax dispute, they’ve restarted traffic and economic studies for the 326-acre site. While their official focus is still on a $3.2 billion lakefront stadium, they’re also refining designs for a domed stadium, entertainment district, hotels, and more in Arlington Heights.

Mayor Tom Hayes says new reports are expected soon, but will this actually lead to a Bears move? Or is it just another round of stadium musical chairs? Stay tuned!

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Jumaane Smith Brings the Music 🎺

Trumpeter and vocalist Jumaane Smith, longtime band member for Michael Bublé, takes the stage at the Prairie Center for the Arts on March 8 with Louis! Louis! Louis!—a high-energy tribute to jazz legends Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, and Louis Jordan. Don’t miss this night of jump blues and jazz! Tickets: $45-$52. Learn more here: Prairie Center for the Arts.

Last Chance for Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week! 🍽️

Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week ends March 9, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy exclusive prix-fixe menus at some of the best spots in the Northwest suburbs. Whether you're trying a new hidden gem or revisiting a favorite, there’s still time to grab a great meal before it's over. Check out the full list of participating restaurants and menus here: Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week.

Chicago World of Wheels Hits Town 🚗

From March 7-9, the Chicago World of Wheels takes over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center with hot rods, custom cars, and more. Don’t miss the Legend Cup and live demos! Details here: Chicago World of Wheels.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

St. Patrick’s Day Bash at Durty Nellie’s! 🍀

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Palatine on March 15 with a full day of Irish fun at Durty Nellie’s! Start with a traditional Irish breakfast (8:30-10:30 AM), enjoy the parade at 11 AM, and keep the party going with Irish dancers, bagpipers, live music, and late-night karaoke at 10:30 PM. Get tickets here.

Schaumburg Home Show Returns 🏡

The Schaumburg Home Show is back March 15-16 at the Schaumburg Convention Center, featuring 200+ home improvement businesses, the latest products, and expert advice—all for free. Whether you're planning renovations or just looking for inspiration, this is the place to be! Learn more here: Schaumburg Home Show.

Gabriel Iglesias Brings the Laughs to Chicago 🎤😂

Comedy favorite Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is bringing his Don’t Worry Be Fluffy tour to the United Center on March 15! Expect a night of hilarious stories, spot-on impressions, and nonstop laughs. Get tickets here: Ticketmaster.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Fish Fry Season is Almost Here! 🐟

Lent is right around the corner, and whether you’re observing or just believe there’s never a bad time for fried fish, local spots are gearing up to serve crispy, golden perfection.

Here are a few go-to local spots:

• Eddie’s of Arlington – All-you-can-eat fish fry on Wednesdays & Fridays.

• Peggy Kinnane’s – Guinness-battered Alaskan cod.

• Cortland’s Garage – North Woods Fish Fry special.

• Village Tavern & Grill – All-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays.

No matter the reason, it’s fish fry season—so dig in while it lasts! 🐠

PROJECTS AND PROGRESS

Lake Cosman Culvert Project Starts Soon 🚧

Heads up, drivers! The culverts connecting Lake Cosman (near Wellington Ave. & Leicester Rd.) are getting a much-needed upgrade this summer. Construction kicks off March 2025 (weather permitting) and will run through late fall.

Expect road closures and detours, but don’t worry—at least one roadway will stay open at all times. The Village will post closure details online, so check elkgrove.org/construction for updates before you hit the road!

Brick by Brick: Train Station Upgrades Ahead 🚉

Brick paver work at the Downtown Arlington Heights Train Station kicks off March 10 and runs through May 23 (weather permitting). Sections of Vail, Dunton, and Evergreen in the Union Pacific Right of Way are also getting a refresh.

Expect temporary sidewalk closures, detours, lane shifts, and parking restrictions, but don’t worry—the train station will stay open throughout the project. Plan ahead and watch for updates!

Extras

REAL ID Rush? More Saturday DMV Hours Added 🪪 

With the May 7 deadline for REAL ID approaching, the Illinois Secretary of State is adding extra Saturday hours at several DMV locations, including Elgin, Naperville, Schaumburg, and Waukegan. If you’re scrambling to get one, now’s your chance.

Before rushing to the DMV, officials urge residents to check if they actually need a REAL ID—passports still work for domestic flights. Need an appointment? Head to ilsos.gov to book a slot.

WEATHER

Today, March 4
🌧️ High: 49°F | Low: 46°F — Rainy and breezy, so keep that umbrella handy!

Wednesday, March 5
🌨️💨 High: 51°F | Low: 26°F — A messy mix of rain and snow with strong winds.

Thursday, March 6
🌞 High: 43°F | Low: 33°F — Mostly sunny with a much calmer feel.

Friday, March 7
❄️ High: 42°F | Low: 30°F — A few morning snow showers, then clearing up.

Saturday, March 8
⛅ High: 46°F | Low: 28°F — Partly cloudy and seasonably cool.

Sunday, March 9
🌞 High: 47°F | Low: 32°F — Mostly sunny and a great way to end the week!

THANKS!

Thanks for catching up with the Busse Buzz! If you found something worth sharing, pass it along to a friend, neighbor, or anyone who loves staying in the loop. Got a question, comment, or local tip? Just hit reply—we read and respond to everything!