Connect with others and grow your communication skills

District 30 Toastmasters

To learn more or find a local club, visit https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club or email prm@d30toastmasters.org. Guests are welcome. District 30 Toastmasters is a dynamic professional development community serving individuals and organizations across northern Illinois through a network of local clubs that meet both in person and online. As part of the global Toastmasters International organization, District 30 empowers people to build confidence, strengthen communication, and develop leadership skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Members don’t just study communication and leadership concepts—they actively practice them through structured meetings, real-time feedback, and leadership opportunities that mirror real-world challenges. From first-time speakers finding their voice to experienced professionals refining their executive presence, District 30 provides a space where growth is both intentional and measurable. Beyond individual development, District 30 fosters strong community connections. Its clubs create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and relationship-building across communities, industries, and backgrounds. District-wide events, including training sessions, speech contests, and the annual conference, bring members together to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and expand their impact. District 30 also strengthens the broader community by equipping individuals with skills that translate directly into the workplace and civic life. Members become more effective leaders, clearer communicators, and more engaged contributors within their organizations and communities. At its core, District 30 Toastmasters is about transformation—helping individuals move from hesitation to confidence, from ideas to action, and from potential to purposeful leadership. Membership is open to adults 18 and older. Youth Leadership programs are periodically offered for those under 18.

Lake County

Lake

Gurnee

Illinois

To learn more or find a local club, visit https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club or email prm@d30toastmasters.org. Guests are welcome. District...

<a href="https://www.lakecountyil.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2653" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Press release from the Lake County Government:</a><a href="https://www.lakecountyil.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2653" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is studying potential improvements to Arlington Heights Road, and we want to hear from you!<h3></h3> <a href="https://arlington-heights-road-lakecountyil.hub.arcgis.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Provide input through Feb. 25, 2021</a> <hr /> This press release was produced by <a href="//www.lakecountyil.gov/%E2%80%9Dtarget=%22_blank%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the Lake County Government</a>. The views expressed here are the author's own.

<a href="https://www.lakecountyil.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2653" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Press release from the Lake County Government:</a>

<a href="https://www.lakecountyil.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2653" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is studying potential improvements to Arlington Heights Road, and we want to hear from you!<h3></h3> <a href="https://arlington-heights-road-lakecountyil.hub.arcgis.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Provide input through Feb. 25, 2021</a>

<hr /> This press release was produced by <a href="//www.lakecountyil.gov/%E2%80%9Dtarget=%22_blank%22" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the Lake County Government</a>. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

Amie Schaenzer

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Libertyville

County Asks For Public Input On Arlington...

The county is examining potential improvements for the road and wants feedback from local drivers.

County Asks For Public Input On Arlington Heights Road Project

Community Corner

Vernon Hills

Grayslake

Rachel Barnes

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Eric DeGrechie

Buffalo Grove

Lake Zurich

Deerfield

Highland Park

Cook County

Palatine

Barrington

Northbrook

Six Flags Great America

Star Spangled Nights will be held at Six Flags Great American in Gurnee, with fireworks planned at night.&nbsp;More via the Six Flags website: <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights. </a>

Local Event: Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags...

Star Spangled Nights will be held at Six Flags Great American in Gurnee, with fireworks planned at night. More via the Six...

Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Great America

Butler Lake Park

The Village’s July 4 special concert will take place at Butler Lake Park, with fireworks immediately following the performance at the same location. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Limited picnic tables are available in nearby Cook Park.

Local Event: Fireworks at Butler Lake Park on July 4, 2026

Fireworks at Butler Lake Park on July 4, 2026

The Village’s July 4 special concert will take place at Butler Lake Park, with fireworks immediately following the performance...

Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center

Beach Fest &amp;&nbsp;Fireworks at Village of Round Lake Beach &amp; Civic Center&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/52718/20260623/071931/beachfest-fireworks-flyer-2026-orig___23191931054.jpg" id="beachfest-fireworks-flyer-2026_orig.png" data-image="beachfest-fireworks-flyer-2026_orig.png"></figure>

Local Event: Beach Fest Fireworks on July 4 

Beach Fest Fireworks on July 4 

Beach Fest & Fireworks at Village of Round Lake Beach & Civic Center 

Star Spangled Nights will be held at Six Flags Great American in Gurnee, with fireworks planned at night.&nbsp;More via the Six Flags website: <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights</a>

Local Event: Six Flags Great America Star Spangled Nights, Fireworks 

Six Flags Great America Star Spangled Nights,...

Six Flags Great America Star Spangled Nights, Fireworks 

Century Park Arboretum

Independence Day Celebration 
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Join the community in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a full day of festivities.
The day begins at 9 a.m. with the Independence Day Parade through the Deerpath neighborhood, stepping off at the corner of Deerpath and Atrium Drive. Road closures begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. The parade will travel south on Deerpath Drive to Sullivan Drive, then west to Aspen Drive, with designated viewing and performance areas along the route.
In the evening, festivities continue at Century Park beginning at 6:30 p.m. with music and entertainment provided by DJ Top Dog from A to Z Entertainment, sponsored by the Vernon Hills Park District.
Fireworks will launch over Big Bear and Little Bear lakes beginning at approximately 9:15–9:30 p.m., presented by Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc.
Parade participants must pre-register in advance and will receive confirmation and lineup details by July 1. Participants should follow designated staging and exit routes after the parade, with pick-up areas located near the Atrium Drive business park.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, review parade route information, and follow all posted safety guidelines, including respecting road closures and keeping children safely away from the parade route.

Local Event: Independence Day Celebration in Vernon Hills 

Independence Day Celebration in Vernon Hills 

Independence Day Celebration 
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Join the community in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of...

Courtland Commons Park

Fourth of July Fireworks Display 
Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 9:30–10 p.m. 
Courtland Commons Park, 444 E. Courtland Street
Fireworks will be held in celebration of Independence Day, beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m. and running through 10 p.m.

Local Event: Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Mundelein

Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Mundelein

Fourth of July Fireworks Display 
Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 9:30–10 p.m. 
Courtland Commons Park, 444 E. Courtland...

The nationally and locally acclaimed Pequod's Pizza is coming to Vernon Hills on Thursday, July 9th! Note that pizzas will be PAR BAKED, with Pequod’s world-famous caramelized crust and will be available for PICK UP at 5:30pm at Steinhafels. Pequod's was just named the "Best Pizza in the US" by Yelp!
Order by 12pm on Thursday. But don't wait until the last minute to place your order, because these events sell out!
Twice is nice! Place two or more orders for delivery on the same day and only pay the $5 DwellSocial Fee once.View menu + order: <a href="https://dwell.social/3Tc8HeI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://dwell.social/3Tc8HeI</a>

Local Event: Everyone's favorite Chicago-style pizza from Pequod's is headed to you! Order by noon.

Everyone's favorite Chicago-style pizza from...

The nationally and locally acclaimed Pequod's Pizza is coming to Vernon Hills on Thursday, July 9th! Note that pizzas will be...

Everyone's favorite Chicago-style pizza from Pequod's is headed to you! Order by noon.

🌱 Patch AM: Fire Breaks Out In Room At...

And check out Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Great America on the Libertyville Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Fire Breaks Out In Room At Libertyville Hotel

Across Illinois

When Extreme Heat Will End And Storms May Roll...

If you're heading out to any fireworks displays on Friday or Saturday, you might want to keep an eye on the forecast.

When Extreme Heat Will End And Storms May Roll In: 4th Of July Weekend Forecast For Chicago Area

Weather

Chicago

Chicago ABC Affiliate WLS-TV Under Threat From...

The Trump-controlled Federal Communications Commission is reviewing broadcast licenses for several stations across the country. 

Chicago ABC Affiliate WLS-TV Under Threat From Trump Administration Is Battling To Stay On The Air: Report

Spotted on the Libertyville calendar: Six Flags Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Great America

Fire Breaks Out In Room At Libertyville Hotel

Guests were evacuated during the fire on Wednesday evening.

Popular Libertyville Coffee Shop Closes 

Birdy's Coffee House has shut its doors. 

Business

Libertyville Grinch Is Back: Have You Spotted...

Libertyville Recreation is hosting a contest. Photos posted to social media of, or with the Grinch, could land you a prize. 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition