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Dear Village Resident,
What an amazing turnout for our Friday Night Fish Boil! Thank you, Spring Grove, for showing up and supporting our fundraiser for Hatchery Park.
A record number of people attended our event this year with us serving nearly 600 meals! We raised much-needed funds for Hatchery Park and The Judson Brown Band put on a fantastic show!
This event would not have been possible without the help of our many volunteers, local businesses, and individual supporters. I would like to thank them ALL for their continued support of our community!
Click HERE for photos of the event!
Next up, our 4th of July celebration starts on July 3rd in Horse Fair Park with Matchbox 90's at 4:30 p.m. and Bella Cain at 8:00 p.m. There will be food trucks and beverages for all ages beginning at 4:00 p.m. Our annual parade will be July 4th at noon. The celebration will end with a big fireworks display at Thelen Park Thursday night.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Bob McMahon
Village President
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Thank you to our Donors and Volunteers!!
This year we raised over $8,000 to benefit Hatchery Park!
We would like to thank the following Donors for contributing to our event. When the opportunity arises, please thank and patronize our donors…without them our event would not be a success.
ASPMG, Inc., Back in Motion Physical Therapy & Spine Center, Bear Family McDonalds, Birds of Paradise, Bricks & Ivy, Burris Equipment, Bob & Becki McMahon, Burton Township, Direct Source Material Handling Service, Flood Brothers Disposal, International House of Wine & Cheese, HR Green, Huemann Water Conditioning, Keystone Hatcheries, KLM Kitchens & Baths, Law office of Steven McArdle, Levernier Enterprises, Mary's Custom Embroidery, Natures Feed, Neil Anderson PC, Olive Black Martini & Wine Lounge, Paisano's on Broadway & Seaside Prime, Pett Paving, Platinum Terrain, Richardson Adventure Farm, Point Ready Mix, Rick Graves, Scot Forge, State Bank of the Lakes, Stades Farm & Market, Sud'N Shine Car Wash, Spring Grove Cabinetry, Spring Grove Dentistry, Tammy's Pizza, Three Gardens, TL Cabinets, T's Toffee, Thompson Spring Grove Funeral Home, and Westosha Legacy Athletic Club
The village would also like to thank Dave Schmitt and The Schmitt Family Farm for sponsoring our entertainment, The Judson Brown Band.
The village would like to thank the following individuals for donating their time to sell tickets, staff the silent auction tables, serve food, bartend and help with the setup of the event:
Ashley & Tim Britt, Chris and Teresa Cooper, Dr. Ron and Jan Erdmann, Laura Frumet, Sue Flood, Mike & Julie Gajewski, Helena Hernquist, Nancy Keppel, Rich Kurowski, Jeff Letzter, Jill Loring, Pat Mazzanti, Mark Mihalo, Bob and Becki McMahon, and Terri Savageau, John & Judy Sullivan, Becky Witikka, and Jaclyn Wenzel
Finally, a Special Thank You to the following individuals, organizations and businesses who have made this annual event to benefit renovations at Hatchery Park possible:
Sandi Rusher, Kelly Popelka, Ron & Jan Erdmann, Bob & Becki McMahon, Chas. Herdrich and Son, Fitzgerald’s Genoa Junction, RBCHS National Honor Society, RBCHS Football team, the SpringGrove Firefighters Association, and the Village of Spring Grove Public Works Department.
| | Congratulations to our Fish Boil Blackstone Winner, Brian!! | | | | |
Independence Day Celebration
Bella Cain is back and this year will once again take it to the next level! They have a brand new show with amazing production, added members and a whole new set list!
Join us on Thursday, July 3rd in Horse Fair Park, all ages are welcome! Gates open at 4pm with MATCHBOX 90's going on from 4pm to 7pm and Bella Cain from 8pm to 11pm. Feel free to bring chairs or blankets.
Food trucks will be on site!
Sorry, no coolers, outside food or beverages in Horse Fair Park.
This is a cash only event, there will be an ATM on site.
Parking is $20 at Horse Fair Park and Spring Grove Park. Parking in Thelen Park is free. Admission to the concert is FREE thanks to our Premier Band Sponsors Ray Auto Group/Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Scot Forge. No outside coolers, food or beverages and no pets, please.
Friday, July 4th
This year the Grand Marshal is the Spring Grove Fire Department! In 2025 they are celebrating their 100th anniversary!
The parade theme this year is Celebrate our First Responders! Decorate your floats honoring your favorite first responders!
Parade begins at noon in the area of Highview and Winn Roads and proceeds to Horse Fair Park. Parking opens at 9am in Horse Fair Park and is $10. Parking passes for JULY 4th are good all day in all lots.
Fireworks will begin at dusk on Thursday, July 4th from Thelen Park, parking is $10 in all lots, all lots are open from 6:30pm to 9pm. ABSOUTELY NO FIREWORKS OR SPARKLERS ALLOWED.
Parade Registration is now open click HERE to register.
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4th of July PARKING
Road Closures and Parking Bans
Starting on July 3rd from 10:00a.m. until 10:00p.m. on July 4th there will be temporary parking restrictions in place for the downtown area, including but not limited to: Blivin St., Richardson Rd., East St., and North St. Click the link HERE to see the full list of streets and closures. On July 4th at 10:00a.m. the entire length of Main St. will be closed from Winn Road to Blivin Street for parade spectator setup. At 11:00a.m., the entire parade route will be closed to ALL vehicle traffic until the conclusion of the parade.
Note: If you are utilizing a parking pass, street parking is limited to the EVEN-NUMBERED side of the roadway. Six parking permits per address are permitted. They will be available July 1- July 3rd, from 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
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Nature's Feed Cat Adoption Event
Join Natures Feed THIS Saturday June 28, 2025 11am-2pm
Purrfect Cat Rescue will be onsite with kitties looking for their forever home! Receive a FREE Weruva cat food or Cat Person Treat with your donation of $1.00. Come and find your new best friend! Also, did you know that Nature's Feed offers a FREE adoption package which includes food and treats! Bring your adoption paperwork to Nature's Feed within 60 days of your adoption to redeem. See the store for more details.
Nature's Feed is located at 2440 Westward Dr, next to the Spring Grove post office.
Click Here for flyer.
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The RB Helmet Club 2025 Golf Outing
Join the RB Helmet club for their 2025 Golf Outing and Dinner/Fundraiser. Friday, July 11th at the Nippersink Country Club. 18 Holes of golf, cart, lunch, dinner and 2 drink tickets included in your entry fee. Best ball scramble, raffle, and games.
Prizes and auctions. Come on out, have some fun and support the Richmond Burton Rockets Football Program. Click the link below to sign up and get more information.
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RB Helmet Club Golf Outing Sponsorship
Don't miss out on sponsorship opportunities for the RB Helmet Club Golf Outing to support the Richmond Burton Rockets football program. Plenty of different levels to fit everyone's budget. Click the link to sponsor and get more information.
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Spring Grove Storytelling Hosting Afternoon Tea with Abigail Adams at Richmond Café July 12
Join them for an Afternoon Tea with Abigail Adams (portrayed by Megan Wells) on July 12, to support the Spring Grove Storytelling Festival.
Step back in time with Megan Wells, a masterful storyteller, as she embodies Abigail Adams, First Lady (1797-1801), in a truly immersive performance. Experience history come alive as Wells, with her warm and theatrical presence, delivers a captivating historical narrative.
Time: July 12th, 3:45PM-5:00PM; Location: Richmond Café - 10321 N Main St, Richmond, IL; Tickets: $50 (Includes Tea and light refreshments)
Register at springgrovestorytelling.org
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American Bin Cleaning! Cleaning Trash and Recycling Bins, Power Washing Siding, Fences, and So Much More!!
Introducing American Bin Cleaning, your local solution for clean, odor-free trash and recycling bins, plus more! Click HERE for flyer and more information.
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SAVE THE DATE! Spring Grove Ladies Golf Outing
The 49th Annual Spring Grove Ladies Golf Outing is on Thursday August 14, 2025.Registration will be emailed to you around June 23 and will be due by August 1. Remember we have room for 25 groups so watch your email and get yours in early.
| | | | | Springdale Trails Park Improvements | The next phase in improvements at Springdale Trails Park includes a basketball court. A very generous donor has initiated the next phase in the park improvements and has purchased two basketball hoops for the new court. If you would like to donate toward this project please go to the link here and choose the option to make a one-time payment, please note "Springdale Trails Basketball court" with your donation. | | |
NOW HIRING
Public Works
The Village of Spring Grove is accepting applications for the positions of full-time and seasonal Maintenance Workers. Click here for more information.
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Photos of The Week
If you have a photo of Spring Grove you would like to share, please email it here. Thank you!
Some beautiful birds in Highland Estates. Orioles and a Brown-Headed Cowbird.
Photos submitted by: Jennie McDonald
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Spring Grove Fire Department 100 year Anniversary
In 2025, the Spring Grove Fire Protection District is celebrating 100 years of providing fire and emergency medical services to the Village of Spring Grove and surrounding unincorporated areas of McHenry County.
Did You Know?
The Spring Grove Fire Protection District is a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System(MABAS) Division 5 (McHenry County). The MABAS Divisions 4 (Lake County) & 5 Specialized Response Teams (SRT) is an intergovernmental cooperative organization responsible for the coordination of specialized response services for the fire departments that belong to Divisions 4 & 5 of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS). SRT coordinates training, qualifications, equipment and resources for its teams, which include the following: Hazardous Materials Team, Mechanics Team, Technical Rescue Team, Water Rescue & Recovery Team (Dive, Sonar & Swiftwater) and Wildland Task Force. Annual dues are required and factored on a sliding schedule based on a member department’s annual operating budget. Local MABAS Division dues are self-imposed by and at the control of each individual MABAS division. When a crisis strikes a community, costs are the last thing on the collective mind. MABAS provides immediate response resources at no cost or fee under daily operations.
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ADVENTURE DAY
Children entering grades 6 through 8 can sign up for a fun day trip at Bear Paw Adventure Park in Caledonia,WI on July 9th, 2025. Your child will participate in a ropes course, inflatable water obstacle course and time swimming and playing on the beach. Children should bring their swimsuits and a towel along with close toe shoes for the ropes course. They can also bring their own lunch or buy lunch or snack there. Bus leaves the Village of Spring Grove at 9:00am so please arrive around 8:40 am. We will return to the Village of Spring Grove at 5pm for pick up. Click here to register.
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GOLF
Sign up now for Summer golf lessons! Golf lessons are held at Pro Circle Golf for ages 5 to adult, the lessons will cover techniques, skills and etiquette, both on the range and around the green. Classes are held EITHER Wednesday or Saturday. Cost per session is $125 dollars for residents of Spring Grove and Richmond or $145 dollars for non residents. Click here to register.
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Spring Grove Police Department begins Fourth of July Traffic Safety Campaign
The Spring Grove Police Department announced plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers. The safety campaign will run from June 20 through July 7 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.
“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” said Chief Mike Niedzwiecki. “It’s simple: If you’re driving, don’t drink or use cannabis or other impairing substances. Our officers will be working diligently to keep impaired drivers off the road and ensure everyone is buckled up.”
Spring Grove PD will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff’s departments for the statewide effort.
To celebrate safely, designate a sober driver and don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Other important tips include:
- Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
- If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any other drug, call a taxi, use a ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
- Promptly report impaired drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. Not only is it the law, but it’s also your best defense against an impaired driver.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The enforcement efforts are complemented by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which emphasizes the serious consequences of impaired driving and other unsafe driving behaviors.
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Blast from the Past - Tom & Alwilda McCafferty
| | | | Tom and Frank Sanders circa 1940s | | Tom & Alwilda upstairs in the sunroom 1940s | | Son Don and Pal in the 1930s | | Grandkids Tom & Dorothy Jane wearing wadders in 1952 | | |
Thomas “Tom” McCafferty (a.k.a “Mac”) was born in 1883 in Ohio, to an Irish father and a “Yankee” mother. He ended his formal education at 8th grade, common in the late 1800s. In 1900 he worked and boarded with a farm family when he was 16. Later, he said he “tried a little bit of everything”, including coal mining. In 1905, at age 21 he married 18-year-old Fanny Canter but she died the next year.
In 1907 he embarked on his life’s career at the Wisconsin State Fish Hatchery, where he stayed for seven years. In 1915 he was persuaded by the State of Illinois to come to Spring Grove and finish the development of the new fish hatchery with the title of Superintendent/Fish Culturist. Little did he know he would give his life to the hatchery for the next 45 years! Like a true Irishman, Mac had strong sense of humor and family values, was a hard worker, and known to keep a small bottle of Irish whiskey in the bottom drawer of his desk to share with special visitors.
In 1913, Tom married Alwilda (pronounced uh-will-da) and they had a son, Donald in 1914, and a daughter, Gloria Elaine, twelve years later in 1926. The family lived upstairs in the hatchery “house” with their dog, Pal. There was a kitchen, living room, three bedrooms and a sun room that faced the outdoor ponds. The quarters were tight, but a wonderful place to grow up, surrounded by water and nature. The indoor fish hatching room was directly below their residence on the ground floor, filled with hatching jars and retaining tanks.
Under the direction of the State Director of Conservation, Ralph Bradford, Tom turned the Hatchery into the country’s premiere hatchery. He came up with the best methods to hatch the greatest number of fish possible with the least waste of time, both inside and outside in the rearing ponds. He was one of the best fish culturists in the country.
He also excelled at beautifying the 52 acres, using native plants from near-by woods. Along the quarter mile driveway, known as Hatchery Parkway, were manicured lawns, stone vases, bright flower beds and many varieties of trees he planted. It became a popular place for visitors from many miles around to admire the grounds, view the fish being raised in the ponds, and to have picnics.
Tom hired many local men which boosted the local economy, including Matt Nimsgern, Frank Sanders, Warren Pierce, Frank J. Wagner (village president 1928-1949), Henry Adams, A.J. Oxtoby, Robert Lent and more. Winter was a special time at the hatchery for neighborhood children who were allowed to ice skate there. Tom would keep the bottom floor of the hatchery open as a warming spot for them.
Donald had two children, Tom and Dorothy Jane. Gloria Elaine got a nursing degree, became a Lieutenant and joined the Army Nurse Corp in 1951. In 1960 Tom finally retired from his post. He and Awilda moved in with Gloria, who lived in Gurnee, and came back to visit every once in a while. Alwilda died in 1967 and Tom had a heart attack at age 88 while visiting his son in 1971. They are buried in Cole Cemetery. He would be excited to see that, while no longer a premier hatchery, Hatchery Park is a premier park and enjoyed by new generations of families 100 years later!
Hope to see you at the Friday Night Fish Boil to benefit Hatchery Park!!
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