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This Easter season, Twisted Sisters Events is coming together with our amazing community to honor the brave men and women who have served our country by creating Easter Dinner Boxes for Local Veterans.

They will be collecting non-perishable food donations to help local veterans enjoy a warm, home-cooked Easter meal with their families.

Donation Drop-Off Location:
Sharky’s
601 Railroad Ave
Round Lake, IL

Donation Dates:
Monday, March 2 through March 28
Donations can be dropped off daily from 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM

We are currently collecting items such as:
Boxed Potatoes
Canned Vegetables
Dessert Items
Rolls
Stuffing

…and other Easter dinner essentials!

If you would like to make a monetary donation to help purchase hams, whole chickens, or roasts for our veterans’ Easter dinners, please contact:

Heather Delatorre: 815-388-4980
Debbi Hamilton Youngberg: 224-637-4987
Email: eventplanerts@gmail.com

Mid-January, Trustee Schottland, Administrator Schroff, and I had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the Illinois Municipal League and the Lake County Government. This event brought together several local, state, and federal elected officials who provided valuable updates and engaged in thoughtful discussions with attendees.

It was encouraging to see the openness and honesty of the panel as they addressed the pressing challenges we face. One critical issue that emerged was the restoration of the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF).

Before 2011, municipalities benefitted from a 10% share of state income tax revenues through the LGDF. However, in response to a fiscal crisis, this share was reduced to 6% under the pretext of being a temporary measure. Local governments, in good faith, accepted this cut with the understanding that the funding would be restored once the state’s budget situation improved.

Regrettably, progress towards reinstating the 10% share has been painfully slow. As it stands, the LGDF share for 2025 is a mere 6.47%, and in the current state budget proposal, it is set to be further reduced to 6.28%. This continued decrease in funding directly impacts our towns and villages, undermining the revenue we were promised and jeopardizing essential services that our communities rely on.

The panel demonstrated considerable support for restoring the original LGDF share, yet I must express concern regarding the lack of motivation among some of our state and federal elected officials to act on this matter. It’s imperative that we advocate for our communities and demand the reinstatement of the LGDF share, ensuring we fulfill our commitment to the towns and villages we serve.

I’ve been involved in local government to some degree for the past 30 years. Most of those years I did not hold office but was closely involved. In 2025, when I was elected to the office of Mayor, I was often asked, “Is it what you expected?”

The answer is yes… mostly. I was aware of the challenges of the job as well as the expectations and realities.

What I underestimated was the amount of politicking the job required. Something I feel Round Lake has done a poor job of over the past decades is working with our other local, county, state, and federal leaders. It is paramount that we have strong relationships with them and open communications to move our area forward.

Since taking office, I spend a good amount of my time meeting with them to strengthen these relationships and push for more support for Round Lake and surrounding area. These partnerships are essential for fostering growth and improvement in our community. Collaboration with other leaders not only helps address immediate concerns but also paves the way for long-term initiatives that can greatly benefit our residents.

In September, I attended the 2025 Illinois Municipal League Conference. While attending several enriching seminars on a host of subjects, it was also a great opportunity to connect with other local leaders. Our discussions were a blend of shared experiences and innovative solutions for the trials, tribulations, and challenges we all face day to day. Many of the initiatives and service improvements come from these conferences and networking events, allowing us to adopt best practices that have proven successful in other municipalities.

Moving forward, the focus will remain on strengthening our ties with neighboring communities and higher levels of government. I believe that by reinforcing these connections, we are better equipped to address the needs of our residents. Together, we can tackle issues like infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic development, ensuring that Round Lake thrives for generations to come. It’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

As I look to the future, I remain committed to transparency, accountability, and open dialogue with all stakeholders. Engaging with our citizens directly, listening to their concerns, and involving them in the decision-making process is critical as we chart a course for our community’s future. Together, let us work towards a Round Lake that not only meets the needs of today but is also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

We recently had the joy of traveling to Agua Fria Puebla for the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, which made it even more special since our daughter, Shelby, and her husband took us to his hometown.

One of the highlights was celebrating Three Kings Day alongside the festivities, and we also cherished the opportunity to celebrate the twins’ third birthday. I had the honor of cutting the cake first, and as luck would have it, I found the baby Jesus first cut! Now I’m supposed to return next year and prepare a tamale feast for everyone.

Though they hardly do justice to the vibrant atmosphere we was amazing. Our last two days in Mexico City were a welcomed conclusion to our trip. Shelby, her sister-in-law, and niece went Quinceañera dress shopping, and I got the chance to learn more about the Federal District. The city was brimming with beauty and rich history at every turn.

This trip was not just a getaway; it was a reminder of the importance of family, friendship, and creating memories together. We are incredibly grateful and blessed for these moments!

The Round Lake Area Park District is officially cutting the ribbon on Hero Park — a brand new, inclusive playground that’s already turning heads and winning hearts across Lake County.

Join them on Saturday, August 16 from 10:00 a.m. at 2041 N. Orchard Lane in Round Lake Beach for a celebration of what’s possible when a community puts accessibility, creativity, and kids first.

Not Just a Park — A Promise to Every Child

Hero Park was designed with one clear mission: every child deserves a place to play. Whether your kid uses a wheelchair, avoids loud environments, or just loves to climb and splash for hours — this space was built for them.

From high-back swings and sensory panels to wide ramps and a splash pad, Hero Park removes the barriers that keep so many families from fully enjoying public play spaces.

I had the opportunity to attend NAHREP Lake County’s Hustle to Empire event on Thursday at the Round Lake Beach Civic and Cultural Center. It was a great event, well attended, educational, and full of energy. Real estate professionals, local leaders, and community members came together for an afternoon of networking and meaningful dialogue around housing, economic development, and opportunity.

One of the highlights was a conversation led by Jaycee Ochoa, a local real estate agent, where I joined Mayor Sam Cunningham of Waukegan to talk about the future of real estate development in our communities. We discussed the importance of supporting homeownership, driving local economic growth, and creating pathways for entrepreneurship, especially within Lake County’s Latino community.

The theme Hustle to Empire sent a clear message: hard work is only the beginning. Building generational wealth and stronger communities takes vision, access, and action and I’m proud Round Lake is part of that conversation.

This weekend, I stepped away from the desk, the inbox, and Village business for a few hours.

Not because I needed to, but because I meant to.

For two days, I was just “Dad, Grandpa and Big B.” We fished. We wandered. We checked on the garden. My son-in-law even organized my tool chest!

No meetings. No Zooms. No notes to prepare. Just time outside with family, in the kind of spaces that remind me why living in Round Lake matters in the first place.

It’s about creating a community where kids can explore, where families can slow down, and where memories grow deeper than deadlines.

This break wasn’t a getaway; it was a needed reset. A reminder that if we’re serious about building a great place to live, we must live in it, too.

Monday is coming quickly… Let’s go!

A heartfelt thank you to Baxter International Inc. and the Baxter International Foundation for your incredible generosity, and for hosting such a meaningful and welcoming open house at the House That Baxter Built right here in Round Lake.

It was truly inspiring to hear from the Baxter team about why this work matters—and even more powerful to see the results firsthand. The team members and volunteers who attended brought real heart to the event, and listening to their stories and passion was nothing short of inspiring.

This home is more than just walls and a roof. It represents hope, partnership, and the belief that we rise higher when we lift each other up. It also brings property tax revenue back into the Village, energizes the neighborhood, and most importantly, welcomes a wonderful family into our community.

It’s humbling to witness our first Habitat for Humanity home come to life in the Village of Round Lake. This moment is a clear reminder: when local leaders, dedicated businesses, and passionate community members come together, we can build something much bigger than ourselves.

#BaxterGivesBack #RoundLakeProud #ForwardMotion