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Happy Friday, Antioch!
I want to start this week's update with some really positive news about our community. This week, Lake County Partners published a wonderful article titled “Building for the Future: How Antioch Is Pairing Housing Growth with a Downtown Worth Discovering.” The article highlights the tremendous progress our Village has made in recent years and recognizes Antioch as a community that continues to grow while investing in the things that make it such a special place to live.
From our award-winning Sequoit Creek Park and beautiful downtown to our growing housing opportunities, local businesses, restaurants, trails, and community events, it's encouraging to see Antioch receiving this kind of regional recognition.
The article also highlights our recent Daily Herald Readers' Choice awards and Chicago Magazine's rankings, which placed Antioch 9th in Entertainment and 13th in Green Space and Parks among 205 Chicago-area suburbs.
As I shared in the article, people want more than just a house. They want a community where they can build a life.
We certainly have more work to do (Yes, I know the Clock is still not working!), and there will always be challenges ahead, but I am proud of the direction we're heading. None of this would happen without the dedication of our Village staff, elected officials, business owners, volunteers, and, most importantly, our residents, who continue to believe in Antioch and invest in its future.
A big thank you to Lake County Partners for taking the time to recognize our Village and share our story. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to read the article.
Read the article here: https://www.lakecountypartners.com/building-for-the-future-how-antioch-is-pairing-housing-growth-with-a-downtown-worth-discovering/
Election Day Results and Thank You
Tuesday was Election Day, and I'd like to take a moment to recognize the people who stepped forward to serve our communities.
Congratulations to our U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider, who was reelected to represent Illinois' 10th Congressional District in Washington.
Congratulations also to State Representative Tom Weber, who was reelected to another term representing our area in Springfield, and Karen Battaglia, who was elected to represent the 32nd District in the Illinois State Senate.
At the county level, congratulations to Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, who was elected Lake County Treasurer, and to Sheriff John Idleburg, County Clerk Anthony Vega, and Antioch Resident Regional Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Karner, who were all reelected.
I send a special congratulations to our very own Village Trustee Jose Martinez, who was elected to represent District 1 on the Lake County Board. Jose has been a dedicated member of our Village Board, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role representing Antioch and our neighboring communities.
I wish each of you continued success as you take on the responsibilities entrusted to you by the voters. Regardless of political affiliation, I look forward to working together on the issues that matter to Antioch and our residents.
I also want to take a moment to recognize two individuals who have dedicated many years of their lives to serving our area and will be leaving their current elected positions.
First, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Lake County Board Member Linda Pedersen, who has represented our area on the County Board since 2008. Linda has been a familiar face in our community for decades and has dedicated an incredible amount of time and energy to public service. She has always maintained strong ties to Antioch, and I appreciate the work she has done on behalf of our residents throughout the years. Enjoy your retirement, Linda!
Also, a sincere thank you to Colonel Craig Wilcox, who has represented our area in the Illinois Senate since 2018. Before entering public office, Craig served our country for 24 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He continued that commitment to public service through his work at the county level and in Springfield.
I've appreciated the opportunity to work with Craig over the years and his willingness to advocate for Antioch and the communities he represents. His dedication to our country and our residents deserves recognition, and I want to personally thank him for his many years of service.
Craig and Linda, thank you both for your commitment to public service, your years of dedication, and the contributions you've made to our community. I wish you both nothing but the best in your next chapters.
And to everyone who put their name on the ballot this year, whether you won or lost, thank you. Having personally gone through elections, I can tell you that putting your name on a ballot is not easy. You open yourself and your family up to public scrutiny, criticism, and sometimes attacks that go far beyond legitimate differences of opinion.
In today's world of social media and increasingly divisive politics, it takes a great deal of courage to step into that arena.
You don't have to agree with someone's politics to appreciate their willingness to serve. We can disagree on issues, support different candidates, and still treat one another with dignity and respect.
I don't expect everyone to agree on politics, and that's perfectly fine. What I do hope is that we never lose the ability to respect one another, listen to different perspectives, and recognize that most people who step forward to serve genuinely want to make their communities better.
Thank you to everyone who ran, everyone who volunteered, and everyone who took the time to vote. Elections come and go, but at the end of the day, we're still neighbors. And we all have a responsibility to work together to make our communities better.
Veterans Day — Wednesday, November 11
Next Wednesday is Veterans Day, and I want to take a moment to recognize the men and women who have served our great country.
To every veteran in Antioch and beyond, thank you. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment to something greater than yourself. And thank you to the families who have shared in those sacrifices.
We are fortunate to have a strong veterans community here in Antioch, and I encourage everyone to take a little time on Wednesday to show their appreciation.
There are two special ceremonies taking place:
- 9:35 a.m. — Antioch Community High School Veterans Day Assembly, in the North Gym.
- 11:00 a.m. — Community Veterans Day Ceremony, hosted by Antioch American Legion Post 748 and Antioch VFW Post 4551 at the tank located at Toft Avenue and Orchard Street.
Additionally, Culver's of Antioch will host a Lake County Honor Flight fundraiser from
5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Please consider attending the community ceremony, thanking a veteran, or simply taking a moment to reflect on what their service has meant to our country.
To all of our veterans, we are forever grateful.
Around Antioch This Weekend
There are a couple of great things happening around town this weekend!
Saturday, November 7 — Antioch Chamber Champagne Stroll
The Chamber's popular Champagne Stroll returns to downtown Antioch from noon to 4:00 p.m. It's a wonderful opportunity to visit our local shops, restaurants, and businesses while enjoying one of our community's favorite events. Advance registration is required, so check with the Antioch Chamber for availability.
Saturday, November 7 — Sequoit Playoff Football!
Congratulations to our undefeated Antioch Sequoits football team, now 10-0, as they continue their incredible season! The Sequoits host Sycamore in the second round of the IHSA Class 5A playoffs this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Antioch Stadium. Let's pack the stands and show these young men and their coaches how proud we are of them!
Go Sequoits!
As always, thank you for being part of what makes Antioch such a great place to call home.
Have a wonderful weekend, Antioch, and God bless our veterans!
Scott J. Gartner
Mayor, Village of Antioch
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