Mayor’s Message October 24, 2025

Dear Residents,

The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and Halloween is just around the corner.

With the shortened days, I ask that you take extra precautions to help keep our community safe. Following is some important information to keep in mind during the Halloween season.

Don’t Let Your Dog Be the One to Cause a Fright

Enjoying the cool nights is certainly understandable and while we love seeing residents out walking in the neighborhoods and enjoying our paths, there are some things to keep in mind especially if you are walking your dogs. Please remember all dogs must remain on a leash, in a dog run, or behind an electric dog fence when outside of your home or yard. Even the most lovable, well-trained dogs can behave unpredictably when something startles them, a costume, scooter, stroller, or another dog. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, including our four-legged friends, please remember:

Do:

• Keep dogs leashed anytime they’re off your property
• Ensure your yard has secure containment (fence, run line, or monitored presence)
• Maintain full control of your dog around walkers, joggers, and other pets
• Offer space to others — not everyone wants a greeting
• Be mindful of visibility at night (collar lights or reflective gear)

Don’t:

• Allow dogs to roam freely or run into sidewalks/streets
• Assume “friendly” means comfortable approaching strangers
• Rely on voice control alone — especially in high-traffic times like Halloween

Not all dogs want to say hi, and not all people do either so we must continue to create respectful space to keep everyone safe. Following the above guidelines will protect both pet owners and the public.

Vehicle Charging Station Permits

This time of year is one of the most popular times to purchase a new vehicle. Please remember that if you purchase an electric vehicle, a permit is required to install an EV charging station in your home.

The Village’s permitting process ensures:

• Proper electrical load capacity
• Compliance with the Village’s adopted electrical code
• Safe installation that protects your home, garage, and family

Unfortunately, we still encounter situations where residents are unaware that permits are necessary, but this step is absolutely critical.

Additionally, we strongly encourage property owners to use reputable, licensed contractors with experience in EV charging systems. Unfortunately, we have already experienced two garage fires in South Barrington linked to EV charging stations. While the exact causes remain undetermined, these incidents reinforce the importance of having qualified professionals perform the work and ensuring the installation is inspected.

The Vehicle Charge Station Permitting application and information is available HERE.

South Barrington Squad Car Struck by Vehicle Operating on Autopilot

While we are on the topic of EV, you may have seen our recent post on Facebook regarding the unfortunate incident last week. While we’re grateful the Officers involved walked away without serious injuries, the crash occurred when an electric car, reportedly in autopilot mode, drove directly into the back of a South Barrington squad car during a traffic stop.

Technology certainly has its benefits, but it should never replace human responsibility behind the wheel. Drivers must remain alert and in control at all times to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

Halloween Festivities in South Barrington

There is still time to visit Duchess Manor for the ultimate haunted house experience.

This haunted house is perfect for both adults and kids as they also offer a kid-friendly experience on Saturdays and Sundays.

Additionally, don’t miss The Arb’s annual trick-or-treating event, Ar-BOO-Retum!  Bring your little ghouls and goblins in their best costumes to go trick-or-treating at participating businesses throughout The Arb!

 The seasonal tent offers Magic, Balloon Art, Face Painting, and Spooky Characters and is fun for the whole family! Thank you to the Rob Morrison Team at CB in Barrington, Ricky Rockets, and Gold Rush Gaming for sponsoring the Halloween fun at the Arb!

And while your kids collect way too much candy, you can enjoy a treat of your own through the Sip n’ Shop program! Visit The Hampton Social, Tangled Roots Craft Brew & Kitchen, or Star Cinema Grill and ask for a Sip n’ Shop beverage. Your drink will be served in a special cup with a lid, perfect for sipping while you stroll and enjoy the sights and sounds of Halloween at the Arb!

️ Saturday, October 25, 2025
1pm-3pm

For more details on Ar-BOO-Retum, visit HERE

PUMPKIN SMASH

 Don’t forget the first Pumpkin Smash is on November 8th.

This is a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of your Halloween pumpkins. Let’s make this a huge success, not just for our first year but for many years to come and help keep those pumpkins out of our landfills.

Thanks to Goebbert’s, we’ll have hot cider available, and the Village will have a few fire pits stationed near the smashing area to help keep everyone warm while you smash!

We’re also looking for a few helping hands. If any Barrington High School students need service hours, we have 1–2-hour cleanup shifts available and would love your help! Volunteer opportunities are open to all. To register for the event or sign up to volunteer, please contact Makayla at mterfehn@southbarrington.org .

As always, I am here to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to email me at pmccombie@southbarrington.org, or use the anonymous comment boxes located in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I review these messages privately and value your input.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Paula McCombie
Mayor