Mayor’s Message – February 23, 2024

February 23, 2024

Good afternoon, Antioch!

Spring is right around the corner! The weather keeps getting slightly better (except for today’s flurries…), spring training baseball games started today, and I see the Antioch Dairy Queen has updated their sign with information about their season-opening, coming up on March 1st! Additionally, village staff is getting set to announce the line-up for this summer’s It’s Thursday summer concert series, including information about the highly anticipated kick-off concert! Look for details to be announced on February 29th, as part of the village’s birthday celebration (Antioch will be 132 years old!)


Expect a big crown in downtown Antioch tomorrow! I’m excited to welcome 250+ people downtown for the first-ever Village of Antioch Hot Chocolate Walk! Unfortunately, the event is sold out, however, I am pretty certain this will become an annual family event! Thank you to the sponsors for helping make this happen – including Nestle, who donated all of the hot chocolate! Also, thank you to the staff and volunteers who are making this happen.
Tomorrow morning, the Antioch Traveling Closet, NFP will be holding a giveaway of clothing, toiletries, and essential items for families in need, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at their new location at 311 Depot Street. Please note, this event is only for residents of Antioch, Lake Villa, and Lindenhurst (IDs will be required to show residency). Thank you to Lisa Fisher and all her volunteers for everything you do. More information: https://antiochtravelingcloset.org


Tomorrow afternoon I’ll be going up against Lake Villa Mayor Jim McDonald in a bowling tournament benefiting the Lake Villa VFW at Antioch Lanes. The Lake Villa VFW Bowling Fundraiser is tomorrow starting a 1 p.m. I hear there are a few lanes still available if you’re interested in bowling, otherwise, I encourage you to stop by and participate in the raffles and silent auctions! Plus, the VFW will be hosting a food drive. If you bring six or more canned food items, you’ll be entered into a raffle for an Igloo cooler! For more information, visit the Lake Villa VFW Facebook page, at: https://www.facebook.com/vfwauxiliary4308


There’s one more week to go for this year’s Lake County February Flavor Festival, hosted by Visit Lake County. This is a great excuse to come out and support our great local restaurant community! The Village of Antioch has seven participating restaurants in this year’s event; Casa Ruiz, Johnny’s Snack Shop, Lovin Oven Cakery, Oliverii North, Station 51 Truck Company Bar & Grill, The Rivalry Alehouse, and Vigneto del Bino Winery. For more information, visit: https://www.visitlakecounty.org/Flavor-Festival-Listings


Parents – make plans now for Spring Break! Enrollment is going on now for the Antioch Parks Department Spring Break Camp. Just as the Parks Department did with the Winter Break Camp, the sessions are guaranteed to take place without worry of low enrollment cancelations. That means parents don’t have to worry about finding alternative things do to at the last minute. Spring Break Camp is for children in grades K – 7th and will run from March 25 – March 29, 2024. Camp is $42 per child per day. Register today: https://secure.rec1.com/IL/village-of-antioch/catalog/index/66a879c23ab2ce5fd76ba2a7b1913a45?filter=c2VhcmNoPXNwcmluZyUyMGJyZWFr&fbclid=IwAR3tAtsahJPgx_7I_X4vYjcmxN1GcsPV_jD4srJLiNdMCGCr5a8iE0CCAx8


Registration is still open for next month’s inaugural Shamrock Shuffle 5k family fun run/walk. The Shamrock Shuffle run/walk will take place on Saturday, March 16th, at the Tim Osmond Sports Complex. The run/walk will be followed by music, food, and family-friendly events! For more information, visit https://fb.me/e/3tpXPZqLD


You might have noticed some new signs popping up in the windows of vacant storefronts in town. Our village’s business development team has been working with landlords to help recruit new businesses to our community. As part of this push to attract new business, the village is offering property owners assistance in finding new tenants, including providing these great looking window signs. Any property owner in town who would like to work with the village on attracting new tenants should contact the Village of Antioch Business Development Manager, Mark Sural at 847-395-1000 x1322 or msural@antioch.il.gov


District 34 has a lot to celebrate this week! Earlier this week, Hillcrest Elementary kindergarten teacher Tammy Dati was named a 2024 finalist for the prestigious Golden Apple award! Then, the Lake County Regional Office of Education named seven members of the D34 staff as nominees for Educator of the Year awards! Congratulations, Rachael Walshire, 1st Grade Teacher at W.C. Petty Elementary School, Tonya Mitchell, Instructional Coach at Antioch Upper Grade School, Jennifer Freeland-Wieder, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher at MKM Early Learning Center, Emily Hellman, School Psychologist at Hillcrest Elementary School, Josef Dabrowski, Special Education Teacher at Antioch Upper Grade School, Debbie Sorby, Head Secretary at Oakland Elementary School, and Jodi Lax, Assistant Principal at Antioch Upper Grade School. Congratulations and good luck to all!


In other D34 news, it was exciting to see the unveiling this week of the District 34 Military Wall of Honor. At a dedication ceremony at Antioch Upper Grade School, 32 District 34 graduates who have or are currently serving in the military, were recognized with a space on the Wall of Honor. What a great way to honor those from Antioch who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

On Saturday, March 2nd Sequoit Pride will host its annual Fundraising event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lehmann Mansion in Lake Villa. The Main Event is an annual dinner auction fundraiser that raises money to fund unbudgeted opportunities for ACHS students. The Main Event is the largest fundraiser produced by the Sequoit Pride booster club. Tickets includes dinner, DJ, dancing, and silent/live auction. Purchase tickets in advance at the pre-sale price is $50/person. Tickets sold after Feb 28th and at the door are $60/person. To purchase tickets, visit: https://sequoit-pride-boosters.square.site/main-event


Scott J. Gartner

#antiochil #antiochmayorsupdate

Upcoming Village Events:


February 25, 2024, 12 Noon – 3 p.m. – 2024 Village of Antioch Hot Chocolate Walk
March 10, 2024 – 2024 Village of Antioch Mother/Son Bowling
March 16, 2024, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – 2024 Village of Antioch Shamrock Shuffle 5k family run/walk
March 28, 2024, 8 p.m. – 2024 Village of Antioch Flashlight Egg Hunt
March 30, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 2024 Easter Parade – Downtown Antioch

Press Release: Antioch Officials Sworn In, Village Administrator Appointed

By Jim Moran • May 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE Antioch Officials Sworn In, Village Administrator Appointed Antioch, IL (May 20, 2025) – Mayor Scott Gartner and three members of the Antioch Village Board were sworn in Wednesday, May 14, marking a new chapter in Village leadership as several redevelopment projects near completion. Mayor Gartner begins his second term alongside Trustee Brent Bluthardt,… The post Press Release: Antioch Officials Sworn In, Village Administrator Appointed first appeared on Antioch, IL.

Request for Proposals (RFP) – Beer Tent Operations

By Jim Moran • February 27, 2025
February 27, 2025 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) – BEER TENT OPERATIONS The Village of Antioch, Illinois, is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to operate beer tents at three major Village events. Event 1: Kickoff Concert – June 12, 2025 Event 2: End of Summer Concert – August 14, 2025 Event 3: Small Town Smokeout –… The post Request for Proposals (RFP) – Beer Tent Operations first appeared on Antioch, IL.

Camp Crayon Webpage

By lromine • February 7, 2025
Please click here to find information and FAQ about Camp Crayon. The post Camp Crayon Webpage first appeared on Antioch, IL.
Centennial Park Playground

PRESS RELEASE: State grant awarded for Centennial Park renovation

December 31, 2024
$600,000 matching grant will be used to revitalize playground, other amenities in 2026.

PRESS RELEASE: Downtown Antioch shines bright this holiday season with shopping deals, festivities

December 11, 2024
Downtown Antioch shines bright this holiday season with shopping deals, festivities Antioch, IL (Dec. 9, 2024) – The holiday spirit is alive and well in downtown Antioch! After you make your wish lists (and check them twice), local businesses and organizations are offering an array of exciting shopping deals and festive activities for everyone to… The post PRESS RELEASE: Downtown Antioch shines bright this holiday season with shopping deals, festivities first appeared on Antioch, IL.

Mayor’s Message – December 6, 2024

By Jim Moran • December 11, 2024
Happy Friday, Antioch!Santa Claus is coming to town starting tonight and you can see him for free! The jolly elf is the guest of honor at the Village of Antioch’s Santa at the Sawmill each Friday and Saturday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. through December 21. Come enjoy this beloved tradition!If you can’t make… The post Mayor’s Message – December 6, 2024 first appeared on Antioch, IL.

PRESS RELEASE: The Village of Antioch welcomes two new employees to Village Hall

By Jim Moran • December 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE The Village of Antioch welcomes two new employees to Village Hall ANTIOCH, Ill. (October 1, 2024) — The Village of Antioch welcomed two new employees to its team last month who will work to support local economic development and enhance public communication and engagement. Their combined efforts aim to support local economic development and create marketing and communications strategies for the Village of Antioch’s government services, news, events, and general information. With more than 15 years’ experience in executive leadership, Business Liaison Specialist Kim Biederman’s career highlights include serving as Executive Director for the Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry, as well as for the Publicity Club of Chicago, the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group, and Chicago Women in Government Relations. Biederman is also a former Planning and Zoning Commissioner and Trustee for the Village of Niles. Prior to that, Biederman served as the Operation Manager for the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), serving as the organization’s Chief Event Planner for AAOMS’ annual conferences and workshops. In her new role, Biederman will serve as the primary liaison between the Village of Antioch and local businesses, working to retain existing businesses, attract new investments, and promote economic development initiatives. “I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of the Village of Antioch,” said Biederman. “I look forward to working closely with the community to create a vibrant and thriving local economy.” While Biederman focuses on local business, Communications and Event Specialist Kelley Crimmins is charged with enhancing resident engagement and awareness through digital marketing campaigns, community events, town halls, and other public events. Serving in a similar capacity for the City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department in Plano, Texas, Crimmins’ background also boasts a decade of experience as a news reporter before entering public service. “Transparency promotes accountability and provides information about what their government is doing, something many Americans expect from their local leaders. Working together with stakeholders and our residents, I hope to build upon the Village’s reputation of excellence and engagement, and look forward to forming positive relationships with our community and its residents in the process,” she said. Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner says is he is excited to announce the addition of the two new team members who will play key roles in advancing economic development and fostering stronger community engagement. “Welcoming Kim and Kelley to our team represents an exciting step forward for the Village of Antioch,” said Gartner. “Their combined expertise will be instrumental in continuing the village’s forward momentum of local economic growth, enhancing communication, and deepening engagement with our residents and business community.” ### Contact: Kelley Crimmins Communications & Event Specialist, Village of Antioch, kcrimmins@antioch.il.gov

2024 Village Leaf Vacuuming

By Jim Moran • December 5, 2024
The Village of Antioch’s Fall leaf vacuuming starts soon and runs throughout November. Here are some things to know: Exact pick-up dates will vary depending on the weather. Residents should rake their leaves to within five feet of the edge of the road for vacuuming. Groot trucks will be in different areas of the village on different days of the week to vacuum leaves. Leaves will not be picked up if they are too wet and heavy; in that case, pick up will be delayed. If you are concerned about leaves blowing back into your yard, or if you worry that you might have missed a pick-up, you may still use labeled yard waste cans/bags for your leaves. Groot will collect them during regularly scheduled garbage day (Thursday) for the village. If you have any questions, please call Village Hall at 847-395-1000 or Groot at 877-404-668.

Request for Qualifications – Municipal Engineering Servicesrating our North Pole Train program this year. Orders provid

By Jim Moran • December 5, 2024
The Village of Antioch Wastewater Treatment Facility, with a design average flow of 2.0 MGD and design maximum flow of 9.2 MGD, is experiencing ragging and other fibrous material bypassing the existing screening equipment, causing issues with downstream equipment and processes. The current fine screen is a 16-year-old Lakeside Raptor with a compaction and dewatering system. The bar screen size is ¼ inch. The Village is seeking to upgrade its existing mechanically cleaned cylindrical Fine screen equipment with technology that can produce a better capture rate of the material. This project will be divided into two phases. In phase one, the select firm will provide the Village with assessments, recommendations, and a detailed cost analysis of the solution. In phase two, the engineering firm will prepare the bid package, which will include the equipment and various contractors and subcontractors. The firm will assist the Village with overseeing the installation of the new Fine Screen equipment, ensuring the project will come either at projection cost or below and providing seamless installation of the equipment. Please click here to review the entire request for qualifications.

North Pole Express Hoodies – Now on Sale!

By Jim Moran • December 5, 2024
The Antioch Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with Impressions Count in Antioch to offer Sweatshirts and Hoodies for sale celebrating our North Pole Train program this year. Orders provide the option of picking up at Impressions Count on Main Street in Antioch or by shipping. Just click on the type of shirt you’d like, create an account and order a great keepsake of a cherished holiday memory! Buy here: https://schools.impcount.com/
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