Frosty News & Local Buzz 🦌

Good morning and happy Tuesday! This is the Busse Buzz. Braving the cold? So are we—it’s frosty enough to make penguins jealous! Stay warm and stay tuned for this week’s local highlights.

In this issue:

• Wintrust Glow-Up ⚾️ 

• 30th Winterfest ☃️ 

• Restaurant Week 2025 🥩

Let’s get to it.

— Jake & Kayla Sherman, Publishers

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Wintrust Field Gets a Glow-Up ⚾️ 🍺 

Big things are brewing at Schaumburg’s Wintrust Field for the 2025 season! Highlights include a brand-new multi-tiered beer garden for fans 21+, a second Ben’s Pretzel stand to cut down on those long lines, and a spruced-up team store with expanded merch and video screens. These upgrades, along with extended safety netting and more menu options, promise to elevate the fan experience. Opening Day is Thursday, May 8. Learn more here.

Tax Tug-of-War: Arlington Heights vs. Rolling Meadows 🍷 🥊 

Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows are sparring over $1 million in sales taxes from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, which sits on their border. A misstep by the Illinois Department of Revenue sent the taxes to Rolling Meadows for years, but Arlington Heights wants the cash back. Rolling Meadows says state law caps reimbursements at six months, while Arlington Heights claims the courts should decide. The Illinois Supreme Court is now weighing in.

Illinois Driver’s Licenses Go Digital 📱 🪪 

Illinois is gearing up to introduce virtual driver’s licenses and state IDs for Apple Wallet users. Soon, residents can add their IDs to their iPhones or Apple Watches, offering a secure and convenient way to present identification without handing over a physical card. These digital IDs will supplement—not replace—physical cards and aren’t mandatory. The state is also exploring options for Google Wallet compatibility.

Lace Up! Local Ice Rinks Are Open ⛸️ 🏒 

Winter fun awaits as ice rinks in Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg open for the season! Whether you’re perfecting your spins or just enjoying a skate with friends, these rinks offer a great way to embrace the chilly weather. Check schedules and plan your visit below:

• Elk Grove Village

• Arlington Heights

• Schaumburg

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Lake Geneva Winterfest Turns 30 ☃️ 🧊 

Celebrate 30 years of Winterfest in Lake Geneva, January 29–February 2, 2025! Enjoy epic snow sculptures, bonfires, live entertainment, and Human Dog Sled Racing—all along Geneva Lake. Learn more here.

When: January 29–February 2, 2025
Where: Riviera Plaza & Flat Iron Park, Lake Geneva, WI

Cozy Up with Deals at the Winter Kids' Sale 📕 🧸 

Shop books, puzzles, and games at the Winter Children’s Sale! Most items are $0.50-$1, with a 25% teacher discount (ID required) and an $8 bag sale on Sunday. Proceeds support library programs and events. Learn more here.

When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 AM–4 PM & Sunday, Feb. 2, Noon–3 PM

Where: Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Buckle Up for Bull Riding Action 🐂 🤠 

Get ready for world-class bull riding as the Professional Championship Bull Riders bring top athletes and fierce 2,000-pound bulls to NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. Don’t miss the action, and the first 300 kids (12 and under) get a free cowboy hat! Get Tickets Here.

When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 PM & Sunday, Feb. 2, 2:00 PM

Where: NOW Arena

Vintage Fest Returns! 👕 🧣 

Start the year strong at Bell Works Chicagoland’s first event of 2025! Enjoy free entry, 70+ vendors, and plenty of food and drinks. Stop by February 1st or 2nd starting at 11 AM. Learn more here.

When: February 1 & 2, 2025, starting at 11 AM
Where: Bell Works Chicagoland, Hoffman Estates, IL

THE BIG CITY

Chicago Restaurant Week 2025 🥩 🍔 

Taste your way through Chicago during the 18th annual Restaurant Week! From January 24 to February 9, enjoy prix fixe menus at 470+ restaurants starting at $25. Reserve your table here.

When: January 24–February 9, 2025

PROJECTS AND PROGRESS

Big Changes Ahead for Schaumburg 🛣️ 🏥 

Schaumburg is buzzing with redevelopment! Highlights include relocating the Cook County highway facility for future commercial projects, new restaurants like Lazy Dog and Fogo de Chão, H-Mart’s largest store, and major medical centers like Lurie Children’s Hospital. Residential and industrial upgrades are also underway, along with plans for a new village hall and police station. Stay tuned for updates as these projects take shape!

WEATHER

Today

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Wednesday

🔼 24 🔽 18 | 🌨️ | 65%

Thursday

🔼 25 🔽 9 | 🌤️ | 65%

Friday

🔼 28 🔽 23 | 🌤️ | 3%

Saturday

🔼 39 🔽 23 | ☁️ | 6%