December 12, 2025

Snow Removal from Sidewalks

Midwest winters can be tough, but they don’t stop our community from staying active. Throughout the cold and snowy season, many residents continue to enjoy and depend on the Village’s sidewalk system to get where they need to go.

The Village considers sidewalk snow removal important. We clear sidewalks along Village properties after all accumulations. When snow accumulates to more than three inches, the Village also clears over 23 miles of sidewalk on key routes that connect neighborhoods, provide access to commercial areas, and serve some school zones.

Although not required by Village code, we strongly encourage all property owners to clear the sidewalks along their property frontage. Doing so helps improve mobility and safety for everyone in the community.

Please note, depositing snow from private property onto public property is a violation of Village code and can result in citations. If residents observe deposits being placed on sidewalk areas which would increase the difficulty of using our sidewalks please contact the Public Works Department at 847-705-5200.

Comments on Quentin Road Phase I Study

The Cook County Government Department of Transportation and Highways (CCDOTH) recently hosted a public hearing on the Quentin Road Phase I Study. Staff from CCDOTH presented their preferred alternative and proposed improvements to Quentin Road from Dundee Road to Lake Cook Road.

Their preferred alternative includes:

Three lanes on Quentin Road (one lane in each direction and a continuous median with left turn lanes at side streets).
A shared-use path on the east side of Quentin Road.
A pedestrian refuge island at the Camp Reinberg entrance.
A traffic signal at Ruhl Road.
Right turn lanes at Ruhl Road and the Camp Reinberg entrance.

The comment period for the public hearing is still open. Comments may be submitted via email to QuentinRoadStudy@gftinc.com by today, December 12, 2025, to be part of the official record.

For more information and to view the exhibits from the meeting, visit CCDOTH’s website.

Toys for Tots Holiday Drive

A big thank you to our very generous community members and businesses for their support in this year’s holiday toy drive! Thank you to the many fire

and police volunteers who hauled boxes of toys to and from the Village Hall, and the Palatine Police and Fire Benevolent Association for organizing both the toy and monetary donations to the Marine Corp Toys for Tots Foundation. Their hard work and support each year make this program a success.

We cannot express enough gratitude for everyone's

help in making this program a success year after year. Children will be delighted to find presents under their tree this year and it is with your help that this is made possible.

Palatine Police Release Thanksgiving Enforcement Numbers

The Palatine Police Department participated in the statewide “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization to reduce crashes and save lives. This additional enforcement focused on seat‑belt use, speeding, distraction, and alcohol‑ and drug‑impaired driving, including cannabis.

During the November additional period and Thanksgiving campaign, Palatine Police reported:

25 Criminal/ traffic arrests
2 Felony DUI arrests
100 Speeding citations
94 Occupant restraint citations
395 Distracted driving citations
178 No insurance/other citations

*These totals represent the results of IDOT-designated enforcement officers only. Regular patrol officer activity is not included in these totals.

Holiday Cheers, Not Tears: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over this Season

With the holiday season just around the corner the Palatine Police have joined law enforcement agencies across Illinois in a major traffic safety effort.

From Dec. 12 through Jan. 5, our officers will take part in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI.” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns. Palatine Police urge everyone to:

Plan ahead: Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or arrange for a ride-sharing service.
Check local options: Utilize your community’s sober ride programs.
Report dangers: If you spot an impaired driver, pull over safely and contact 911.
Be a hero: Stop a friend from driving impaired by taking their keys and helping them get home safely.
Buckle up: It’s your best defense against impaired drivers and one of the simplest ways to save a life.
Slow down and stay focused: Obey the speed limit and avoid distractions such as texting, scrolling or gaming while driving.

This campaign is made possible through federal highway safety funds administered by IDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is part of Illinois’ “It’s Not a Game” statewide media outreach program.

Help Keep Fire Hydrants Clear, Adopt-a-Hydrant

Learn More

The Palatine Fire Department is asking, if you’re able, to please help keep fire hydrants clear by removing at least 3 feet of snow around them and maintaining a clear path to the roadway. Use caution when shoveling—stay out of the street and avoid slipping.

We also ask residents, who can, to keep sidewalks in front of their homes clean and ice-free. Clear walkways help prevent slips, falls, and other dangerous conditions. Your efforts make a meaningful difference in keeping our community safe.

Keep the Wreath Red

The Palatine Fire Department is once again participating in “Keep the Wreath Red” safety campaign. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, a wreath adorned with red lights will be displayed at all five of our fire stations. Each time they respond to a holiday-related call, one red light will be replaced with a white bulb. We encourage you to take notice of the wreaths and use this as a reminder to check for fire hazards in your home.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season from all of us at the Palatine Fire Department!

Help Community Families in Need

Each year the Palatine Township coordinates a number of programs which assist our neighbors in need. Helping families from our community is a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday season.

If you would like to help please consider the following options:

Donate a Gift Card
Donate to the Food Pantry
Make a tax-deductible donation to the Palatine Township Foundation

Thank you for your generosity. For more information visit the Palatine Township website.

Holiday Light

Recycling Program

The Village of Palatine, in partnership with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and Elgin Recycling, is pleased to offer a Holiday Light Recycling Program now until January 31, 2026.

Holiday string lights can be dropped off at the Palatine Village Hall, Village Services Counter (first floor), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Accepted Items:

Holiday string lighting (minilights, C7 & C9, rope, and LED)
Extension cords

Not Accepted:

Wreaths, garlands, or other holiday decorations

Important: Do not place string lights or extension cords in your recycling cart. For more information, contact the Environmental Health Division at 847-359-9042. Help reduce waste this holiday season!