Phil Rockrohr

Phil Rockrohr is a freelance writer for the Pioneer Press.

A pile of coal sits on the Prairie State Energy Campus near Marissa, Illinois, on Aug. 7, 2013. The city of Naperville obtains its electricity through the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency, which owns Prairie State. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Winnetka mulls whether to renew its nonprofit electricity provider

February 24, 2025 at 9:55 a.m.

Winnetka residents urged officials last week to take their time and seek alternatives before deciding whether to renew the village’s contract with its longtime wholesale provider of electricity. At a...

Mariano's has confirmed its Northfield grocery store will be closing, and Northfield village leaders say they hope another grocery store can fill the space. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Mariano’s to close its Northfield grocery store

February 10, 2025 at 10:39 a.m.

Mariano's is closing its Northfield grocery store, and village leaders expressed hope another supermarket will fill the space.

The village of Glenview on Feb. 4, 2025 honored first responders who acted quickly when Officer Mark Amerazian, sixth from left in police group, suffered a brain aneurysm while on duty. (Village of Glenview)

Glenview cop suffered brain aneurysm on duty, and colleagues kicked into gear

February 7, 2025 at 2:39 p.m.

Glenview honored first responders who saved Police Officer Mark Amerazian's life when he suffered a brain aneurysm on duty.

At Northbrook's state of the village presentation Jan. 31, 2025, Village President Kathryn Ciesla told attendees numerous new businesses have opened or are slated to open in Northbrook soon, including a Fresh Market, Buffalo Wild Wings to go, Landmark on the Hill, Hi Five Sports Zone, RH Outlet, and pop-up Lucid Motors at Northbrook Court. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Northbrook mayor stresses inclusivity, boosting downtown

February 3, 2025 at 10:14 a.m.

Inclusivity, infrastructure, sustainability and development were the focus of Northbrook Village President Kathryn Ciesla’s State of the Village Address on Friday, Jan. 31. “As I think of the state of...

Northbrook's Village Board agreed by unanimous consent to send Suncloud Health to the village's Plan Commission for further review of the company’s plan to open its second residential treatment center for teens in a house at 2965 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Northbrook preliminarily OKs six-bedroom treatment home for teens

January 30, 2025 at 4:35 p.m.

Northbrook gave SunCloud Health an initial OK to open a residential treatment center for teens. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Maple Leaf Drive in Glenview is slated to get 2,900 feet of water mains; curb, gutter and sidewalk repairs; storm and sanitary sewer improvements; and pavement repairs, after utilities are upgraded. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Glenview has approved more than $8.3 million in contracts for street, sewer, water repairs

January 28, 2025 at 3:06 p.m.

Glenview has allotted $8.3 million for street, sewer, water and sidewalk repairs.

Mark Plotnick, right, of Libertyville and photographer Jim Summaria, formerly of Oak Park, published their second book in Oct.. Both are featured in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (Photo provided by Mark Plotnick)

Two friends publish book on the Chicago area’s 1970s rock and roll concert scene

January 27, 2025 at 5:43 p.m.

In the 1970s, Mark Plotnick and his concert-going buddy Jim Summaria got to see all of their favorite bands at various concert venues in the Chicago area.

Northbrook Police Station. (Pioneer Press)

Northbrook buys home next to police station, eyeing expansion

January 27, 2025 at 4:02 p.m.

Northbrook spent $499,000 to buy a home next to the police station, eyeing expansion. A study found the station needs updating.

Northbrook Village Hall. (Pioneer Press)

For 2025, Northbrook plans downtown enhancement, working on Northbrook Court

January 21, 2025 at 11:46 a.m.

Northbrook's village government will focus on downtown development, new water meters and an updated zoning code in 2025.

Illinois’ designation of Muhammad Ali Day and the campaign to commemorate the day in other states mean that her father’s rich legacy will continue, said Maryum Ali at a Jan. 17, 2025 event in Northbrook at the Body by Khoshal fitness club. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Muhammad Ali Day heralded by daughter at Northbrook boxing event

January 20, 2025 at 9:44 a.m.

Maryum Ali appeared at a Mohammad Ali Day and Muslim Heritage Month event in Northbrook Jan. 17, 2025. She is the boxing legend's daughter.

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