🦌 Cooper’s Hawk Controversy + Weekend Picks

Good morning and happy Tuesday! This is the Busse Buzz. From tax drama to trout fishing, here’s what’s making waves around town this week: 

In this issue:

• Cooper’s Hawk tax ruling 🍷 

• New management at Metropolis 🎭

• Kids trout fishing day 🎣 

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

Tax Mix-Up Ruling 🍷 

After years of battling over misplaced restaurant taxes, the Illinois Supreme Court has sided with Rolling Meadows, allowing it to keep nearly $1.2 million originally meant for Arlington Heights. The issue started when Cooper’s Hawk Winery, which sits near the village border, was mistakenly listed under Rolling Meadows by the state’s revenue department. Despite both towns receiving annual reports with the error, neither corrected it for nearly nine years. While Arlington Heights did get $109K reimbursed, the court ruled it can’t recover the rest—much to the frustration of its mayor, who called the ruling “unjust.”

New Stars at Metropolis 🎭

Big changes are taking center stage at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights as it celebrates its 25th season. Johanna McKenzie Miller, an award-winning director and performer, steps in as the new artistic director with big dreams for ambitious shows and a potential youth theater program. Meanwhile, Jill Geimer, a seasoned HR pro with a passion for the arts, is now president of a freshly restructured Board of Directors. With both leaders focused on growth, collaboration, and high-quality productions, Metropolis looks poised for an exciting encore.

Psych Unit Stays Open 🏥

A tied vote from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has blocked Endeavor Health’s plan to shut down the 52-bed inpatient psychiatric unit at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Despite Endeavor’s push to shift toward outpatient and telehealth services, the 4-4 deadlock means the unit will remain open—for now. The board has raised concerns about mental health service availability statewide, and one local resident called the unit life-saving. Endeavor still insists the unit is unsustainable, so this may not be the final act in the hospital’s mental health saga. Learn more here.

Helping Youth Thrive 🚲

Elk Grove Township is rolling out a range of programs to support local kids, from social-emotional learning for newcomers to anti-bullying and empowerment groups. This spring, the popular Bicycle Safety Program returns with open ride days and classes for K–5 students. With programs both in schools and at the Township Hall, the Youth Services team is focused on building confidence, life skills, and community connection. Check out more info here.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Kids’ Trout Fishing Day 🎣

Bring the kids to Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve on Saturday, March 29 from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. for a free, preseason trout fishing event just for young anglers (15 and under with an adult). Bait is provided, and some gear is available to borrow—no registration needed!

Sip & Savor Europe 🍷

Lynfred Winery in Roselle is hosting a flavorful Food Truck Takeover on Wednesday from 3:30–7:00 p.m. D&L Taste of Europe will be serving up authentic gourmet street food to pair with your favorite wines. Come hungry, come thirsty—just make sure you’re 21+ to enjoy the experience on-site!

Veteran Coffee Social ☕

Schaumburg Township invites veterans, families, and friends to a free coffee social on Thursday at 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Enjoy casual conversation, meet others, and learn about veteran benefits from Service Officer Shynae Murphy.

Crime Junkies Live 🔎

True crime fans, don’t miss the Crime Junkie Podcast Live: Life Rule #10 Tour with Ashley Flowers & Brit Prawat on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosemont Theatre. Expect twists, turns, and a case you won’t forget. Parking is $15–$25 (cash only).

Vintage Fest Finds 🛍️

Illinois Vintage Fest 25 is back March 29–30 from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. at DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Shop 100+ vendors of vintage clothes, home goods, and more. Free entry, daily restocks, and giveaways!

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

Kylie Minogue at Allstate Arena 🎶

Kylie Minogue brings her Tension Tour to Allstate Arena on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. Expect pop hits, high energy, and dazzling production. Get tickets here.

Beauty Pros Unite 💇‍♀️

America’s Beauty Show returns to Rosemont on Saturday, April 5 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Join salon pros, educators, and top brands for a full day of beauty innovation, education, and inspiration. Valet parking available for $30 (cash only).

Sip & Sample Night 🍷

Head to The Tasting Room in Itasca on Thursday, April 3 from 5–8 p.m. for an evening of wine and craft beer tasting, paired with gourmet bites. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and the chance to mingle with fellow food and drink enthusiasts. Get tickets here.

PROJECTS AND PROGRESS

Elk Grove - Leicester Road Detour 🚧

Heads up, drivers: Starting this week, Leicester Road in Elk Grove will be closed at Wellington Avenue for a culvert replacement project. Crews will install erosion control and steel sheet piling to prep the site. Detours will be posted—plan ahead for delays and check the project page for updates.

WEATHER

Today, March 25
⛅ High: 52°F | Low: 30°F — Cloudy morning with some sun sneaking in later

Wednesday, March 26
☁️ High: 52°F | Low: 35°F — Mostly cloudy

Thursday, March 27
🌥️ High: 59°F | Low: 45°F — Cloudy skies

Friday, March 28
🌦️ High: 73°F | Low: 58°F — Morning showers, but hey—it’s 73 degrees.

Saturday, March 29
🌧️ High: 64°F | Low: 47°F — More showers on the way

Sunday, March 30
🌧️ High: 49°F | Low: 33°F — A rainy wrap to the weekend with cooler temps rolling back in

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!