🦌 Sushi, Surveys & Something for Everyone!

Good morning and happy Tuesday! This is the Busse Buzz. We survived last week’s frozen tundra, and now it’s practically spring. Time to break out the grill… or at least dream about it.

In this issue:

• Fat Tuesday Paczki 🍩 

• EGV Mental Health Investment 🧠 

• Illinois Boat Show 🚤 

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

Where to Find Paczki for Fat Tuesday 🍩

If you indulged on Valentine’s Day, why stop now? Paczki season is here! As March 4 approaches, bakeries across Chicagoland are frying up these rich, jelly-filled Polish treats for Paczki Day—perfectly timed with Fat Tuesday. Many spots are taking pre-orders, so grab yours before they’re gone!

Best spots to get your paczki:

📍 Oak Mill Bakery – Arlington Heights
📍 Sweet T’s Bakery & Cake Studio – Arlington Heights
📍 KD Market – Schaumburg
📍 Central Continental Bakery – Mount Prospect
📍 Deerfields Bakery – Deerfield & Buffalo Grove
📍 Ganache Bakery – Morton Grove
📍 Jarosch Bakery – Elk Grove Village
📍 Spunky Dunkers Donuts – Palatine
📍 Stan’s Donuts – Schaumburg

Big Bucks for Mental Health 🧠

Elk Grove Township is putting its money where its mind is—literally—by awarding $620,000 in mental health and wellness grants. The funds will go to 29 nonprofit agencies tackling everything from crisis intervention to counseling, ensuring residents have access to the support they need. This is part of the township’s ongoing commitment to community well-being, focusing on mental health services that make a real difference.

Want to see where the money’s going? Learn more here.

Battery Blunder Sparks Garbage Truck Explosion 🚛

A lithium-ion battery in the recycling caused the Dec. 6 garbage truck explosion in Arlington Heights, injuring three first responders and scattering debris. Mechanical failures worsened the situation by preventing the truck from dumping its load or venting its compressed natural gas tanks. In response, officials have implemented a 300-foot safety perimeter and banned compacting burning trash. Residents are urged to dispose of batteries properly at Village Hall, Best Buy, or Home Depot.

Schaumburg Gets High Marks in Resident Survey 📊

Schaumburg continues to shine as a great place to live and raise a family, with recent survey results exceeding national benchmarks. In the 2024 National Community Survey, 96% of residents rated the village as a desirable place to live—the highest score since the survey began in 2014. Other standout findings include:

✔ 95% would recommend Schaumburg as a place to live
✔ 93% rate the quality of life positively
✔ 92% say it’s a great place to raise a family

See the full results here.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Northern Illinois Boat Show 🚤

They say the happiest days of boat ownership are when you buy it and when you sell it—so let’s start with the fun one! The Northern Illinois Boat Show runs Feb. 27 – March 2 at Lake County Fairgrounds, with 200+ boats, 50+ brands, and savings up to $20,000. Tickets: $9 adults, $7 seniors/veterans, kids under 12 free. Learn more here.

Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week 🍽️

Ditch the meal prep—Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week is back Feb. 28 – March 9, serving up special menus at unbeatable prices across the Northwest suburbs. Whether you're craving comfort food, upscale dining, or something adventurous, this 10-day feast-fest is your chance to eat like royalty without breaking the bank. Find participating spots here.

Adopt Your New Best Friend! 🐾

Join Bentley’s Pet Stuff at 1249 E Higgins Rd. in Schaumburg and Last Stop Rescue on March 1 from 11 AM – 1 PM for a pet adoption event! Meet adorable animals, learn about responsible pet ownership, and maybe bring home a furry friend.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

Chicago World of Wheels Returns! 🚗

Gear up for the 62nd annual Chicago World of Wheels from March 7-9 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont! This legendary car show brings together custom rides, celebrity appearances, and exciting new features you won’t want to miss. General admission: $28, kids 6-12: $10, under 5: free. Discount tickets available at O’Reilly Auto Parts two weeks before the show. Learn more here.

Free "Moana 2" Screening! 🎬🌊

Set sail for family fun at Harper College on March 1 at 3 PM with a free screening of Moana 2! Join Moana and Maui on a new adventure into uncharted waters. Seating is first-come, first-served, so grab your spot at the Harper College Box Office (Building R). Learn more here.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Tijuana-Style Tacos Coming to Arlington Heights 🌮

Thlaco Taco Tijuanense #2 is bringing handmade tortillas and spit-grilled meats to 1786 W. Algonquin Rd., with doors set to open today! Known for its authentic Tijuana-style street tacos, the taqueria also offers burritos, quesadillas, quesabirrias, and more. After success in Hanover Park, co-owners Pedro Sanchez and Lizbeth Esquivel are ready to serve up bold flavors in Arlington Heights. Beer will be available, with margaritas possibly coming later (hopefully sooner than later).

Blufish Sushi Making a Splash 🍣

A fresh dining experience is coming to Schaumburg as Blufish Sushi moves into 1530 McConnor Pkwy., transforming the former Jason’s Deli into an upscale restaurant with an outdoor patio. With a $1 million+ investment, the new spot will offer a modern take on Japanese cuisine, using high-quality ingredients and delivering exceptional service. This will be Blufish Sushi’s fourth location, joining its restaurants in Vernon Hills, Glenview, and Park Ridge, with an expected opening in late spring or early summer.

Nerd Rangers Brings Tech Help to Schaumburg 💻

Tech troubles? Nerd Rangers has you covered! Now open at 120 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, their second suburban location offers IT solutions for home and business, from computer repairs and data recovery to network setup and cybersecurity. Whether you need a quick fix or full IT management, their experts are ready to help. Learn more here.

PROJECTS AND PROGRESS

McConnor Parkway Makeover 🚧

Big changes are coming to McConnor Parkway, with a major roadway reconstruction project kicking off this construction season. Stretching from Meacham Road to Golf Road, the project is set to wrap up by the end of 2026.

To keep traffic moving during construction, some parkway trees must be removed—but due to habitat protections for the Northern Long-Eared Bat, trees with a diameter of three inches or more can’t be cleared between April 1 and Sept. 30. That’s why crews have already started early removals.

WEATHER

Today, February 25
⛅ High: 51°F | Low: 34°F — Partly cloudy with a light breeze.

Wednesday, February 26
🌧️ High: 52°F | Low: 36°F — Morning showers, then cloudy and breezy.

Thursday, February 27
☁️ High: 45°F | Low: 30°F — Mostly cloudy with a cool northwest wind.

Friday, February 28
⛅ High: 57°F | Low: 31°F — Partly cloudy and warmer with gusty winds.

Saturday, March 1
☁️ High: 34°F | Low: 22°F — Mostly cloudy and much colder.

Sunday, March 2
🌞 High: 35°F | Low: 26°F — Mostly sunny and chilly.

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!