Big wins, sweet treats, and events to warm up your week! ❄️🍩

Good morning and happy Tuesday! This is Busse Buzz. The Eagles have a Super Bowl ring, and we might finally get a real snowfall—miracles do happen! 🏈❄️

In this issue:

• Valentines day treats 💘 

• Public works big wins 🌉 

• Cirque du Soleil’s OVO 🎪

Let’s get to it.

— Jake & Kayla Sherman, Publishers

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Building Better, Winning Bigger 🏆

Public works teams in Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, and Hanover Park are cleaning up—literally and figuratively—after snagging top honors for major infrastructure projects.

Elk Grove Village took home a Project of the Year award for replacing the Clearmont Drive Pedestrian Bridge, which now stands flood-free and ADA-friendly with scenic overlooks and LED lighting. Meanwhile, Schaumburg and Hanover Park’s Springinsguth Stream Corridor Restoration Project won the Environmental category award, thanks to its stormwater fixes, erosion control, and floodplain improvements along the West Branch of the DuPage River.

Arlington Heights Apartment Fire Displaces 18

A fire at the Country Glen Apartments in unincorporated Arlington Heights Tuesday night left 18 residents displaced and three hospitalized with minor injuries. The fire, sparked by a cooking accident, spread rapidly through the second and third floors, requiring 19 fire departments to respond in freezing temperatures.

After a short stay in a hotel, displaced residents are now being housed at Lakewood Chapel, where Pastor John Elleson and his team quickly opened their doors, setting up beds, laundry facilities, and a kitchen to provide a safe space. The church is now calling for food donations to help support the residents as they rebuild their lives.

How to help: Drop off donations at Lakewood Chapel, 1307 E. Palatine Road, Arlington Heights, or call (847) 259-0700 for more details.

Valentine’s Day Sweet Spots: Where to Get a Treat 💘🍰

Looking to impress your Valentine (or just treat yourself)? Check out these top dessert spots for something sweet!

• Jarosch Bakery (Elk Grove Village) – A local favorite for decades, known for its buttercream cakes, cookies, and classic pastries.

• Kilwins (Arlington Heights) – Indulge in handmade chocolates, creamy fudge, and rich caramel apples—a chocolate lover’s dream.

• Tous Les Jours (Arlington Heights) – A French-Asian bakery with delicate pastries, soft bread, and stunning cakes perfect for any celebration.

• Sweet Reserve Café & Bakery (Schaumburg) – Home to artful desserts, specialty coffee, and macarons—a cozy spot for a Valentine’s date.

• Franco's Cucina Italian Bakery & Deli (Streamwood) – An old-school Italian bakery known for its authentic cannoli, tiramisu, and biscotti.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Chocolate & Wine Flight at Lynfred Winery 🍷🍫

Make Valentine’s Day extra sweet this Friday with a chocolate and wine flight at Lynfred Winery in Roselle! From February 12-16, enjoy decadent chocolate pairings for just $10. Perfect for a romantic date or a treat with friends! Get details here.

Blazing Paddles Pickleball Classic 🔥🏓

Join the Blazing Paddles Pickleball Classic in Mount Prospect, hosted by Local 4119 Firefighters! Open to all, this tournament features trophies, raffles, food, and family fun, benefiting Project Fire Buddies to support children battling critical illnesses. Come out Saturday, March 1, 12 PM – 6 PM at The Picklr in Mount Prospect. Sign up here!

Manny’s Deli is Coming to Arlington Heights! 🥪🚚

Chicago’s legendary Manny’s Deli is making a one-day stop in Arlington Heights on Sunday, February 16! Pre-order by 12 PM to get their famous Reubens, brisket, matzo ball soup, and deli favorites delivered to your home between 12:00 – 2:30 PM (leave a cooler if you won’t be home!). Don’t miss out—order now!

FAMILY FUN

Cirque du Soleil’s OVO 🎪🐞

Cirque du Soleil returns to the NOW Arena with OVO, a high-flying, acrobatic adventure exploring the vibrant world of insects. Expect jaw-dropping stunts, stunning visuals, and non-stop energy in this newly reimagined show. 🎟️ Get Tickets Here.

🗓️ When: Thursday, February 13 – Sunday, February 16
📍 Where: NOW Arena, Hoffman Estates

Chicago RV & Camping Show 🚐🏕️

Ready to hit the road or upgrade your campsite setup? The Chicago RV & Camping Show is back with new 2025 models, exclusive deals, and top brands—all without the bug spray. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just here for the s’mores, you’ll find something to love! Learn more here.

🗓️ When: February 13–16
📍 Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont

LOCAL BUSINESS

7 Brew Coffee Coming to Palatine ☕

Drive-through coffee lovers, rejoice! 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee is opening at 1572 N. Rand Road near Rand and Dundee in Palatine. The nationwide chain, known for its 20,000+ drink combinations, will feature a double drive-thru with no indoor service, where team members take orders directly at car windows. The site, formerly La Presa restaurant, will be demolished to make way for the new stand. Construction was approved by the village council this past Monday.

B’s Sweet Bites in Des Plaines Closing After 11 Years 🍰

Beloved Des Plaines bakery and restaurant B’s Sweet Bites will close permanently on February 14, owner Bianca Joseph announced. After 11 years, sales weren’t strong enough to keep the business going, though Joseph says she’s grateful for her loyal customers. Expecting a baby in March, she plans to offer her baked goods in some format in the future. Final orders are encouraged before the closure.

At Home Store in Schaumburg Closing 🏠

The At Home store on Barrington Road in Schaumburg will close permanently on May 1 after opening in 2019. The 95,350-square-foot space in Prairie Towne Center is now listed as available, with no confirmed replacement yet. The store previously relocated from Woodfield Village Green. Schaumburg officials say there are potential leads for the site, but nothing is finalized.

EXTRAS

Virginia Halas McCaskey, Legendary Bears Owner, Passes at 102 🏈

Virginia Halas McCaskey, daughter of Bears founder George Halas and the team’s owner since 1983, passed away on February 6 at 102. She witnessed nearly a century of NFL history, led the Bears for four decades, and remained a fierce fan until the end—her final game, fittingly, was a Bears win over the Packers on her birthday.

A devout Catholic, mother of 11, and the ultimate Bear for life, she embodied grit, grace, and loyalty to the team her father built. As she’d say, “In your prayers, remember the Bears.” 

Arlington Heights Welcomes New Finance Director 💼

The Village of Arlington Heights has named Melissa Gallagher as its new Finance Director and Treasurer. With 25 years of government finance experience, including roles as CFO of Lake County, IL, and Finance Director of Rolling Meadows, she brings strong leadership and policy expertise. Village Manager Randall Recklaus praised her strategic vision, emphasizing her role in maintaining the Village’s financial strength. Melissa officially started on February 3, 2025.

WEATHER

SNOW STORM WARNING ❄️ ⛄️ 

A winter storm is expected to start late Wednesday and continuing through Thursday. Heavy snowfall (6-10 in) and strong winds may create dangerous travel conditions. Please plan accordingly and stay safe!

Today, February 11
🌥️ High: 26°F | Low: 21°F — Cloudy and colder with flurry.

Wednesday, February 12
❄️High: 26°F | Low: 13°F — Cloudy and chilly with heavy snow at times.

Thursday, February 13
☀️ High: 18°F | Low: 0°F — Very cold and sunny.

Friday, February 14
☁️ High: 26°F | Low: 22°F — Overcast and very cold.

Saturday, February 15
🌤️ High: 31°F | Low: 10°F — Cloudy and chilly with a little snow.

Sunday, February 16
🌥️ High: 14°F | Low: -3°F — Cloudy and frigid.

THANKS!

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