Phil Rockrohr

Phil Rockrohr is a freelance writer for the Pioneer Press.

A $95 million Northbrook School District 28 referendum that would demolish and rebuild Meadowbrook Elementary School, pictured, and renovate its three other schools, including Northbrook Junior High, Westmoor School and Greenbriar School, appeared to be approved on Election Night, April 1, 2025, per unofficial results. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Northbrook School District 28 voters OK referendum, per unofficial results

April 8, 2025 at 10:37 a.m.

Referendums in Northbrook School Districts 27 and 28 appeared to have won April 1, per unofficial election results.

Riobamba Latin Kitchen, 1869 Waukegan Road in Glenview, plans to begin serving alcohol in mid-April after the village granted a liquor license. The restaurant serves Ecuadorian and Mexican food. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Margaritas up next for Ecuadorian restaurant after Glenview OKs liquor license

March 28, 2025 at 12:19 p.m.

Glenview granted a liquor license to Ecuadorian restaurant Riobamba, which will serve margaritas and Ecuadorian drinks.

The Northbrook Village Board voted March 11 to approve Hi-Five Sports Camp's plan to move its summer camp to some 200 acres at Willow Hill golf course, a 9-hole private course that sits on an elevation at 1350 Willow Road. Campers would be able to use this air-conditioned dome for some sports activities, or in case of rain. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Northbrook OKs summer sports camp’s move to 200 acres at Willow Hill

March 26, 2025 at 9:56 a.m.

Kids who attend the Hi-Five Sports Camp in its Northbrook location this summer can take advantage of a 200-acre location on a hill, as well as a dome and turf...

Buttermilk Cafe has gained approval from the village of Wilmette to open, likely in early fall. This photo shows the Geneva location; there are also cafes in Naperville and Vernon Hills. (David Sharos/The Beacon News)

Buttermilk Cafe planning to open in Wilmette, serving breakfast fare

March 26, 2025 at 8:32 a.m.

Danny Shamoon already owns a fitness center on the North Shore, but wanted to find what he called a more family-oriented business that he could leave his teenage sons. When...

The Greggory, in South Barrington, which contains a full-service bar area that connects to the main dining area, features classic American fare with a Mediterranean influence. (Phil Rockrohr/ for the Pioneer Press)

Two former competitors join forces to create The Greggory restaurant in South Barrington

March 24, 2025 at 3:41 p.m.

Bill Veremis and Gregg Horan have known each other for at least 25 years as managers of two competing Rosemont restaurant giants.

Northbrook OKs residential to revive Northbrook Court mall; retail to come

March 24, 2025 at 10:44 a.m.

Northbrook Village Board is allowing Northbrook Court to begin developing residential before rehabbing the mall’s retail areas.

John Adler, who has served as Wilmette's community development director for 25 years and led downtown and Edens Plaza redevelopment, as well as securing the Wayfair store for Wilmette, plans to retire in April. (Village of Wilmette)

Wilmette planner who led Wayfair, downtown, Edens Plaza projects to retire

March 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

After 32 years in a variety of positions spread over three different stints, John Adler is leaving Wilmette as its community development director of 25 years. Adler, 61, of Chicago,...

FILE – This colorized electron microscope image released by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on March 26, 2024, shows avian influenza A H5N1 virus particles (yellow), grown in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells (blue). (CDC/NIAID via AP, File)

Wilmette finds dozens of dead birds near beach, issues avian flu guidance

February 28, 2025 at 10:14 a.m.

Wilmette issued advice for dealing with dead birds after dozens of likely avian flu victims were found near Lake Michigan.

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)

Upscale grocer The Fresh Market opens Northbrook store

February 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Upscale grocery chain The Fresh Market opened its eighth Illinois store at 163 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, on Feb. 26.

The former Grainger land at 1657 Shermer Road on April 10, 2024. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Northbrook approves nonprofit’s planned 48-unit building for those with disabilities

February 25, 2025 at 12:23 p.m.

A not-for-profit affordable housing developer received a green light last week to build a four-story, 48-unit apartment building in downtown Northbrook for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. The Northbrook...

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