Phil Rockrohr

Phil Rockrohr is a freelance writer for the Pioneer Press.

A Northbrook fire department ambulance is shown. The Northbrook Rural Fire Protection District is asking residents to approve a referendum on the March 17, 2026 ballot.

Northbrook Rural Fire Protection District asking for 0.1% hike from voters

March 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Northbrook Rural Fire Protection District is asking for 0.1% hike from voters in the March 17, 2026 election.

Joanie Wahlund, Rick Wahlund, Cari Wahlund, all from Glenview
participate in the 31st Annual Clarkson Cookout, hosted by the Northfield Park District. The district has a referendum on the March 17, 2026 ballot that would make improvements and raise property taxes. (Gina Grillo/for Pioneer Press)

Northfield Park District asks voters for tax increase on March 17 ballot

March 4, 2026 at 1:46 p.m.

Northfield Park District is asking voters for a 0.1% tax rate increase on the March 17, 2026 ballot for upgrades, maintenance.

Northbrook trustees rejected placing a temporary moratorium on use of the village’s controversial public sign forum on a downtown corner, seen in February 2026, and instead chose to allow it to remain active while the village seeks public input on its future. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Should opinions get posted in Northbrook’s ‘free speech triangle’? Trustees seek feedback.

February 19, 2026 at 10:18 a.m.

Northbrook Board keeps the "free speech triangle," which permits opinion signs, active while seeking feedback on it.

A $600,000 state OSLAD grant was awarded for renovations at Techny Prairie Park and Fields in Northbrook, a project that includes a new playground and picnic shelter, improvements to the Trail through Time, renovations to the batting cages and a baseball field, and more. (Northbrook Park District)

Northbrook’s Techny Prairie Park to upgrade with $600,000 OSLAD grant

February 13, 2026 at 3:40 p.m.

Northbrook's Techny Prairie Park to make upgrades after receiving $600,000 state OSLAD grant.

The Northbrook Village Board on Jan. 13 issued a proclamation stressing village police will not aid federal immigration agents without a warrant. On Nov. 3, 2025, a resident took this photo in unincorporated Northbrook of agents, who were speeding in their vehicles, stopping an Acura driver, in front of children waiting for a school bus. The masked agents took the driver away in one of their vehicles. (Tea Shehedeh)

Northbrook proclamation stresses police will not aid ICE without warrant

January 16, 2026 at 4:48 p.m.

Northbrook proclamation stresses police will not aid ICE, and federal agents cannot use municipal property, without warrant.

Serious Sanji Asian Cuisine and Bubble Tea in Northbrook serves "Asian cuisine with a mix of Cantonese and Shanghai soup style," according to owner Patty Chen. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Northbrook eatery Serious Sanji says demand for Asian soup dumplings is growing

November 25, 2025 at 5:20 a.m.

Northbrook restaurant Serious Sanji Asian Cuisine serves Shanghai and Cantonese soups and is known for its soup dumplings.

Oakton College President Joianne L. Smith, from left, Evanston Police Commander Scott Sophier, Oakton College Board Chair Martha Burns, and Oakton College Trustee Wendy B. Yanow at the 2025 Oakton College Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony, held Sept. 11. (Oakton College)

Oakton College honors Evanston Police Commander Scott Sophier

September 24, 2025 at 10:56 a.m.

It’s been more than 20 years since Evanston police Commander Scott Sophier was a frequent presence on the Oakton College campus in Des Plaines, but the college did not forget...

Sari Sackrider of Northbrook inspects produce at the Fresh Market in Northbrook in February 2025. Northbrook will implement a 1% grocery tax Jan. 1, 2026 after the state removes its grocery tax. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Northbrook passes 1% grocery tax rather than lose $1.8 million in revenue

September 16, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.

Northbrook Village Board has passed a 1% grocery tax rather than lose $1.8 million in revenue, a trustee said. It takes effect Jan. 1.

Northbrook trustees have given an initial green light to Little Einstein’s Academy and Daycare to open and operate in a former daycare center, pictured, in the northwest corner of the village. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Northbrook gives initial OK to Little Einstein’s day care

September 3, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.

Northbrook trustees have given an initial green light to Little Einstein’s Academy and Daycare to operate in a former day care center in the northwest corner of the village. Trustee...

The village of Wilmette received a $500,000 state grant towards the construction of an environmentally sustainable new police station. The current polic station is shown. (Pioneer Press)

Wilmette gets $500,000 grant for environmentally sustainable police station

September 3, 2025 at 9:59 a.m.

Wilmette is getting a $500,000 state grant for a new, expanded, environmentally sustainable police station.

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