Mayor’s Message September 4, 2026

Dear Residents,

Labor Day is Monday and it is my hope you are able to spend this day with the people in your life who matter the most. Spending time with friends and family is an important part of our national holidays and Labor Day is no exception.

This holiday, though, also is a wonderful opportunity to recognize and appreciate the hard work of the people who make our community, businesses, and families stronger every day through hard work and dedication. Thank you to all who work tirelessly to keep South Barrington a welcoming, vibrant, and safe place to call home.

To honor these hard-working individuals, Village Hall and the Police Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Both offices will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8th. As always, if you experience an emergency, please call 911. Although the offices are closed, our police still work around the clock to keep our community safe.

ANNUAL PRIVATE WELL WATER TESTING: OCTOBER 6^TH

Many of the homes in our community rely on private well water. An important safeguard for these systems is annual water testing.

BACOG, in partnership with the Lake County Health Department and Barrington Area Library, is hosting its Annual Private Well Water Testing Event on Tuesday, October 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Testing checks for common contaminants, including Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, and Nitrates. Each year, approximately 14–17% of BACOG-area samples test positive for bacterial contamination, which makes this testing even more important.

Mark Your Calendar…

Water Testing Day: Tuesday, October 6, 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. AT Barrington Area Library
Testing Kits: Available at Village Hall starting September 21–October 6
Cost: $20 per kit (Cash, Check or Zelle)

This event is only for residents of BACOG communities who receive their water from a private well. Municipal water is routinely tested and maintained in accordance with IEPA guidelines.

Lake County Health Department staff will be available to collect samples and answer questions, along with BACOG Community Partners sharing information about their services. Please take advantage of this important service and take time to get your well water tested.

SHRED DAY IS TOMORROW

The countdown is on for the annual shred day. If you haven’t already collected your documents to shred, now is the time to get them together!

South Barrington residents and residents of other SWANCC member communities are invited to participate in the Document Destruction Recycling Event tomorrow, Saturday, September 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The event will take place in the back parking lot adjacent to the Police Department. Residents may bring unwanted paper documents for secure shredding. Please bring documents in paper bags or cardboard boxes only.

Please remember:

• Bring a valid ID to verify residency
• Paper documents only – no other materials will be accepted
• Businesses, schools, and institutions are not eligible to participate

Take advantage of this convenient community service and safely clear out those old files and paperwork!

We’ll see you tomorrow!

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY FRIGHT AT DUCHESS MANOR

Duchess Manor has become a fun tradition in our community and this year promises to be even better than last year.

There is something for everyone at the Manor. Older kids and adults can enjoy the terrifying lights out tour, but younger kids can experience the Lights On Tour at Duchess Manor at The Arboretum of South Barrington. The “Lights On Tour” offers a great way to experience Duchess Manor with the lights on and fewer frights.

Lights On Tours are held Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00–5:00 p.m. Admission is $7 per person, with cash or card accepted. Tickets are available in person only and on a first-come, first-served basis; advance tickets are not available.

Take advantage of this fun, family-friendly event right here in our community and enjoy a little Halloween excitement at The Arboretum!

For additional times and ticket information, please visit their website:
https://thearboretumofsouthbarrington.ticketspice.com/duchess-manor

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