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Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner, 874 Main Street, Antioch, IL (2026)

09/11/2026

Mayor’s Friday Update

Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day and honor the firefighters, police officers, first responders, service members and everyday Americans who demonstrated extraordinary courage.

We also remember how our country came together in the days that followed. Despite our differences, Americans supported one another and looked after their neighbors. May we never forget those we lost and continue to carry forward that same spirit of service, unity and community.

We will never forget.

As Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown this evening, I also want to wish our Jewish friends and neighbors a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Shanah Tovah!

Last night also wrapped up another terrific season of our It’s Thursday Summer Concert Series.

When we began ramping up these concerts several years ago, our goal was to create something people would genuinely look forward to every summer. I could not be more pleased with what Thursday nights in Antioch have become.

Our residents continue to turn out in tremendous numbers, and we also welcome thousands of visitors from surrounding communities who spend an evening in Antioch, visit our restaurants and businesses, enjoy our downtown and get a chance to see everything our Village has to offer.

What everyone sees on Thursday night is the finished product. What they don’t always see is everything that happens behind the scenes.

It takes our Parks and special events staff planning the season and coordinating each event; Public Works handling setup, cleanup and countless logistical details; our Police Department helping keep everyone safe; Village Administration coordinating all of the moving pieces; Finance handling contracts and payments; and our Village Hall staff answering calls, questions and helping people throughout the process.

It also takes the crews responsible for the stage, sound and lighting, our Village Trustees supporting the series and approving the lineup and resources, and employees from throughout the Village who step in wherever help is needed.

A very special thank you to all of our volunteers who give their time throughout the summer. Your help makes a tremendous difference.

And thank you to our Title Sponsor, Raymond Chevrolet KIA, and all of our other sponsors and community partners who help make these events possible. Including: City of Hope, HR Green, Fischer Paper Products, Antioch Pizza, Body Craft, Antioch Auto Parts – NAPA, Antioch Moose Lodge, Open Arms Mission, Antioch VFW Post 4551, and The Latte Cafe.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came out week after week. We can book the bands, build the stage and put everything in place, but it is our residents and visitors filling the park every Thursday who have made this such a great Antioch tradition.
We’re already looking forward to beginning the planning for next summer!

And speaking of Thursday night — what a game! Congratulations to our Antioch Sequoits football team and coaches on an incredibly impressive performance and another decisive win. The Sequoits are now 4–0 on the season. Great job and keep it going!

Coming Up Around Antioch

Saturday, September 12 – Antioch Garden Club

The Garden Club welcomes Mike Nowak for “Fixing Climate Change in Your Backyard.” The program will be held at the Antioch Township Center, 1275 Main Street. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 1 p.m.

More information:
https://antiochgardenclub.org/agc-news

Sunday, September 13 – NorthBridge Church 25th Anniversary

Congratulations to NorthBridge Church on celebrating 25 years! Their anniversary celebration will take place from 4–7 p.m. at the Genesee Theatre. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of NorthBridge over the past 25 years, and thank you for your service to our community.

Celebration information:
https://northbridgechurch.org/upcoming-events/25th-anniversary-celebration/

Saturday, September 19 – Small Town Smoke Out

The Small Town Smoke Out returns to the William E. Brook Entertainment Center, 900 Skidmore Drive, from 3–10 p.m. Admission is FREE, with BBQ, a beer garden, live country music, a mechanical bull and plenty of family-friendly fun throughout the afternoon and evening.

Event information:
https://www.enjoyantioch.com/events/its-thursday-night-concert-series-t7ja9-r5nx5-x524d-bsb49-rp6fc-3pm6h-n659k-6cfn8-ggwm6-5fy26-brrte

Saturday, September 26 – Fall Wine Walk

Our popular Fall Wine Walk returns to Downtown Antioch from noon–4 p.m. Participants can sample more than 50 wines while visiting businesses and restaurants throughout downtown. Tickets are on sale now.

Tickets and information:
https://www.enjoyantioch.com/events/its-thursday-night-concert-series-t7ja9-r5nx5-x524d-bsb49-rp6fc-3pm6h-n659k-6cfn8-ggwm6-ewkfc

Sunday, September 27 – Antioch Traveling Closet Giveaway

Lisa Fisher and the volunteers at the Antioch Traveling Closet will hold another community giveaway. Lisa and her team do a tremendous amount throughout the year to make sure our neighbors have access to clothing and other basic essentials. Thank you to everyone involved for continuing to give back to our community.

More information:
https://antiochtravelingcloset.org/

Saturday, October 3 – Antioch Rotary Club Annual Dinner & Auction

Tickets are on sale for the Antioch Rotary Club Annual Dinner & Auction at the Antioch VFW. This is Rotary’s largest fundraiser of the year, and the proceeds continue to come right back into our community through scholarships, technical-trade grants, Beds for Kids, food assistance and support for many other local organizations and projects.

Tickets and information:
https://www.antiochrotary.org/SitePage/dinner-amp-auction

There is still plenty happening in Antioch as summer turns to fall. I hope to see you out there!

Have a great weekend, Antioch!

Scott

09/11/2026

It is hard to believe it has been 25 years since September 11. I was 25 years old and had left our apartment for work in Chicago. Once it became clear this was much more than an accident we all turned around and went home to watch everything unfold on television.

I remember the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor when I was in high school and thinking it seemed so long ago. That may be how 9/11 feels to our children today. We cannot let them forget how quickly everything can change.

Today, we remember those who were killed, the first responders who gave their lives trying to save others, and the families who have now lived 25 years without someone they loved. We should also remember how our country came together afterward, which in today's political climate also seems like ages ago.

I want to thank the Antioch First Fire District as mark the key moments of that morning with ceremonial bell tolls at Station 1, 835 Holbek Drive, from 7:46 through 9:28 a.m. The station will be open to the public and I encourage you to attend to honor the fallen.

Say a prayer, light a candle in remembrance of someone or just and take a moment to remember this solemn day.

Never forget. 🇺🇸

Scott Gartner

09/04/2026

District 34 Early Learning Center

I normally prefer that disagreements between local governmental bodies be handled professionally and directly, rather than through social media. However, I was disappointed to see District 34’s communication today specifically naming individual members of the Antioch Planning and Zoning Board based upon how they voted on District 34’s proposed Early Learning Center.

District 34 has every right to advocate for its project. Residents have every right to support it or oppose it. But the members of our Planning and Zoning Board are volunteers who were appointed to independently evaluate land-use applications based upon the facts presented to them, including traffic, safety, access, compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods and the long-term impact on our community.

They should not be publicly shamed by District 34 for voting their conscience and doing exactly what they were appointed to do.

This is not about whether anyone supports children, teachers or early education. I strongly support our teachers and believe the money taxpayers provide should be focused first and foremost on educating our students. This issue is about whether this particular District 34 project belongs on this particular property.

The traffic concerns surrounding this location are significant. Residents of the surrounding subdivisions have repeatedly expressed serious concerns, and some have gone so far as to say they would consider moving if this project is built there. Once a school is constructed, it may remain at that location for the next 50 years or longer. If the location creates traffic, access or safety problems, those problems will ultimately come back to the Village and our residents for decades.

That is precisely why we have a Planning and Zoning process.

The Village cannot simply ignore legitimate planning concerns because the applicant happens to be District 34. District 34 should be held to the same land-use standards we would expect of any other applicant coming before the Village.

I respect that District 34 may disagree with the recommendation. I expect District 34 to show the same respect to the residents who volunteer their time on behalf of Antioch and reached a different conclusion after considering the evidence presented to them.

The Planning and Zoning Board made a recommendation. The Village Board will ultimately consider the matter through the appropriate public process and based upon the record before us.

Whatever the final outcome, I will defend the independence of our Planning and Zoning Board members and their right to make a good-faith decision without being singled out by another governmental body simply because District 34 did not like the result.

Sincerely

Scott Gartner

09/04/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

Labor Day weekend is here, which somehow means summer is “officially” coming to an end. I’m not quite ready to call it yet — we usually seem to squeeze another month of summer out of September around here.

The Antioch Aqua Center will wrap up its season after Labor Day weekend, but we’ll keep the splash pad open through the end of September, weather permitting. Thanks to our Parks staff, lifeguards and everyone who helped make it another great summer at the pool.

And while summer may be winding down, we still have a lot going on around town over the next couple of weeks.

Too Hype Crew — September 10

Our summer music isn’t finished yet. Too Hype Crew will be at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center next Thursday night. They always put on a fun show, so come downtown, grab something to eat or drink and enjoy one more Thursday night together.

Free Health Care Panel — September 11

Antioch Township is hosting a free Health Care Panel Discussion for adults 55 and older Friday, September 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the Township Center.

They’ll have local professionals there to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid, home health and long-term care, rehabilitation, hospice, powers of attorney and some of the other issues that can be pretty confusing to navigate.

Antioch Garden Club — September 12

The Antioch Garden Club has an interesting program coming up Saturday, September 12, at the Township Center.

Mike Nowak, who many will recognize from WGN Radio, will present “Fixing Climate Change in Your Backyard,” with practical things homeowners can do right in their own yards. It’s open to the public, doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the program starts at 1:00 p.m.

The Garden Club does a lot around town that probably goes unnoticed, so thank you to their members for helping keep Antioch looking good.

Small Town Smoke Out — September 19

Then we get into fall with one of our bigger events — Small Town Smoke Out on Saturday, September 19, from 3:00–10:00 p.m. at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center.

We’ll have the BBQ and Beer Garden, plenty of food, cold drinks, the mechanical bull and, this year, a first-responder BBQ competition. I’m looking forward to seeing some friendly competition between the people who usually work together when the rest of us need them!

We also have a full afternoon and evening of live music:

3:00–4:00 — Jimmy Nick
4:00–5:00 — Lil Timber
5:30–7:30 — The Good Stuff — Kenny Chesney Tribute
8:00–10:00 — Icons of Country — Zac Brown Band & Miranda Lambert Tribute

Admission is FREE, thanks in part to our title sponsor, Raymond Chevrolet Kia. BBQ, beer, country music and first responders competing over who makes the best barbecue — that sounds like a pretty good Saturday in Antioch.

A Quick Thank You to Jim Moran

I also want to recognize Assistant Village Administrator Jim Moran. Jim recently represented Antioch on a Lake County panel discussing nightlife and entertainment and serves on the Visit Lake County Board of Directors.

He’s also active with our local Chamber and has really become a good connection between Village Hall and our business community, particularly our downtown businesses. A lot of that work happens quietly behind the scenes, but it matters. Thanks, Jim, for putting in the extra time and representing Antioch well.

A Pretty Cool Antioch Story

Our friends at PM&L Theatre are kicking off their 64th season, and one of their upcoming productions has a great local connection.

They’ll be presenting the world premiere of a new full-length play written by two Antioch Community High School graduates who got their start in theater right here in Antioch.

That’s pretty cool — growing up here, developing a love for theater and then coming home to have your work premiered on the PM&L stage. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Looking Ahead…

There’s plenty more coming this fall, including the Fall Wine Walk and the Antioch Rotary Club’s annual Pork Chop Dinner & Auction on October 3. More on those as we get closer.

And, of course, football is back. Good luck to our Sequoits this season, and now begins my annual tradition of believing this is going to be the Bears’ year.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend, Antioch!

— Mayor Scott Gartner

09/03/2026

This will be another Great night. Hope to see you tomorrow night for a BONUS concert at the bandshell.

08/28/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

I want to start this week by congratulating Dave Hansen on his retirement after 34 years of dedicated service to the Village of Antioch in our Public Works and Water Department.

If you know Dave, you know he is one of the hardest-working and most humble people around. He has always been someone we could count on, whether it was during the regular workday or getting called in after hours because something needed to be fixed.

Thirty-four years serving one community is a pretty incredible accomplishment. Dave, thank you for everything you have done for Antioch. You will definitely be missed.

Dave set a great example over the years with his work ethic, humility and willingness to help others, and I know that example will continue to have an impact on our Public Works Department.

Congratulations, Dave. Enjoy retirement. You earned it.

I also want to thank our Parks Department for another great summer concert season. Even though the regular schedule has wrapped up, they managed to add a couple of bonus concerts for September.

First up is The Ron Burgundys on Thursday, September 3.

I have to admit, yacht rock is one of my secret favorite types of music. I like rock, country and pretty much everything in between, but there is something about listening to Yacht Rock Radio with the windows down in the summer that makes me feel like I should be sitting on a boat somewhere.

So when Parks told me they filled the open September 3 date with a yacht rock band, I certainly wasn’t going to complain.

Come downtown next Thursday and help us kick off the long Labor Day weekend.

Then on Thursday, September 10, Too Hype Crew will be back for the concert that had to be rescheduled earlier this summer because of the wildfire smoke and poor air quality.

After that, we roll right into the Small Town Smoke Out on Saturday, September 19 at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center.

It will be a full afternoon and evening of country music, barbecue, drinks and activities. The event is free and should be a great way to close out the summer event season downtown.

A couple of other quick updates:

The Aqua Center is down to its final days of the season. With many of our lifeguards back in school, the pool is now operating on weekends and will close for the year after Labor Day weekend. Hopefully we get a few more warm days before summer officially disappears.

Looking a little further ahead, the Small Town Smoke Out at the bandshell is Saturday, September 19th, and the Fall Wine Walk is coming back on Saturday, September 26. It is always one of our more popular downtown events, so if you plan on going, don’t wait too long to get your tickets.

Finally, with Labor Day weekend coming up, I hope everyone gets a chance to slow down a little bit, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy Antioch.

Summer always seems to go way too fast, so squeeze in one more boat ride, pool day, cookout or night downtown if you ca

Have a great weekend, Antioch and good luck to the football team tonight at Lake Zurich!

Mayor Scott Gartner

08/21/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

Apparently Antioch had a pretty good week while I was out of town, with new Queens, some great recognition for our local businesses and community, and plenty still happening as we head toward the end of summer.

First, congratulations to everyone recognized in the 2026 Daily Herald Readers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.

Family Heirloom Antiques was named Best Antique Shop, and The Stubborn Sunflower had an incredible showing, winning Best Suburban Business, Best General Merchandise Store and Best Consignment Store.

Antioch also had a long list of Readers’ Choice Top Picks, including Little Bean Coffee Co., Mr. G’s, PM&L Theatre, Antioch Theatre, Antioch Lanes, Trillium Yoga, Antioch Cyclery, A Child’s Place, Polson’s Natural Foods, Inspired Home, The Village Thrift Shop, Great Lakes Antiques Boutique and several others.

Our community itself also received recognition for Downtown Antioch and Sequoit Creek Park.

That’s a pretty impressive showing for one community. Congratulations to all of the business owners, employees, volunteers and residents who work hard every day and continue to make Antioch a place people want to visit, shop and call home.

We also have three new Antioch Queens!

Miss Antioch — Abigail Flade
Junior Miss Antioch — Hayley Taylor
Little Miss Antioch — Avenelle Stafford

Congratulations to Abigail, Hayley and Avenelle, along with all of the contestants, families and volunteers who made the pageant another great Antioch event. I look forward to seeing our new Queens representing the community throughout the coming year.

And even though school is back in session, summer isn’t quite finished in Antioch.

The final Farmers Market of the season is tomorrow at Sequoit Creek Park, with vendors and entertainment throughout the morning.

Next Thursday, Mike and Joe will close out our regularly scheduled “It’s Thursday” concert season.

Then we get one bonus Thursday night when Too Hype Crew returns on September 10 for the concert that was rescheduled from July.

And finally, on Saturday, September 19, we have Small Town Smokeout, with a full day of barbecue, music and fun downtown.

So don’t put the lawn chairs away quite yet.

There is still plenty happening around Antioch over the next several weeks. Get out, enjoy it, visit our restaurants and stores, and continue supporting the people who invest in our community every day.

Have a great weekend, Antioch!

And remember — shop local!

Scott J. Gartner
Mayor, Village of Antioch

08/16/2026

We’re so proud of our local business community!

Congratulations to all of Antioch’s 2026 Daily Herald Best of the Best and Readers’ Choice Award winners and top picks — including Family Heirloom Antiques (Best Antique Shop) and The Stubborn Sunflower (Best Suburban Business, Best General Merchandise Store, and Best Consignment Store), along with so many other outstanding shops, restaurants, and attractions that make our community special.

These awards are a great reminder of the talent, dedication, and heart that our local businesses bring to Main Street and beyond every day.

We’re also honored that the Village of Antioch earned recognition as a Reader's Choice for Best Downtown Atmosphere and Best of the Best for Best Bike Path and Best Outdoor Site (Sequoit Creek Park).

Read all about it here: https://e-edition.dailyherald.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=77a517a2-71d1-46d6-9805-1ac340c0b73a&edid=bb91b7fd-a88b-431c-ac3f-4f9dd9698e7b

Come visit, shop local, and experience why so many people choose Antioch!

08/14/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

First, another huge CONGRATULATIONS to our Antioch girls softball team on winning the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! What an incredible accomplishment. I’m sorry I had to miss the celebration last night because I was traveling, but I was definitely there in spirit. Congratulations to the players, coaches, families and everyone who supported them along the way. You made Antioch proud!

I did get a chance to spend a few days away with my family last week in San Diego and catch up with two of my high school buddies Captain 0-6 John Kajmowicz, U.S. Navy, and family and Matt “Tree” Klansnik. We took in a couple of baseball games and got to see some of the incredible U.S. Navy warships along the San Diego waterfront.

Tree was our “Wild Thing” pitcher back in high school, and John and I were both his catchers over the years. Tree at 6’7 could throw hard — where it was going was sometimes a different story. John and I took our share of bruises, and being a little vertically challenged, I didn’t exactly provide Tree with the biggest target. 🙂

It was great spending time with old friends and our families, and I’m especially proud of John and his service to our country. I’ll share a few pictures below.

And just like that, summer vacation is coming to an end and everyone is heading back to school.

To all our students: study hard, listen to your teachers (and maybe even your parents), do your homework and get some sleep. Who knows, if you study hard enough, maybe you can be Mayor someday too. I love being Mayor — just don’t choose it for the paycheck. 🙂

Parents, good luck to you as well!

There’s still plenty happening around Antioch. Chicago Experience, a tribute to Chicago, takes the stage Thursday, August 20 at 7 p.m. at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center. Come downtown, enjoy some music and support our local restaurants and businesses.

The Antioch Farmers Market is also back tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sequoit Creek Park. Stop by and support our local vendors. The market returns August 22, with Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots performing from 11 a.m. to noon.

Election season is almost here again — and anyone who’s been through a local election knows it can occasionally turn into “silly season.”

Next spring there will be several important local races, including school board seats and three four-year Antioch Village Trustee positions. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, consider running for local office. We spend plenty of time talking about Springfield and Washington, but some of the decisions that have the biggest impact on our everyday lives are made right here at home.

For anyone interested in running for Antioch Village Trustee, courtesy petition packets will be available at Village Hall beginning Thursday, August 20 at 1 p.m. The petition circulation period is August 25 through November 23, and candidates can file their petitions November 16 through November 23.

And as election season gets underway, one small request: whether you’re a candidate, supporter, opponent or one of our beloved Facebook keyboard warriors 🙂, let’s try to be kind to each other. We can disagree, have a little fun and still be neighbors when the election is over.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer, support our local businesses and spend some time with your neighbors.

And to all our students heading back to school — have a safe, successful and fun year. Work hard, be kind and make Antioch proud.

And remember, do your homework. You might need the practice if you decide to run for Mayor someday.

Have a great weekend, Antioch!

Mayor Scott Gartner

08/07/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

Thank you to everyone who came downtown last night for the Car Show and the Blooze Brothers. It was another great summer night in Antioch. Congratulations to all of our Car Show winners, and thanks to everyone who brought out their cars and helped make the night a success.

There’s plenty going on this weekend. The Antioch Farmers Market is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sequoit Creek Park. From 11 a.m. to noon, PM&L Theatre’s Center Stage Singers will perform “America the Beautiful” in celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary.

On Sunday, the Fishing Has No Boundaries fundraiser will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Limerick Lounge. This is a great organization that helps provide fishing and outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities. Thank you to Tom and Sheila Dvorak and all of the volunteers who continue to put so much work into this event. Stop by if you can and support a great cause.

Next Thursday will also be a special night as we finally get the chance to properly recognize our Antioch Community High School Girls Softball Team and their 2026 Class 3A State Championship!

Our original celebration had to be cancelled because of the air quality issues, so I’m glad we were able to get this rescheduled.

We’ll start at 6 p.m. at the Metra station with a procession to the Bandshell. Once we arrive, Hannah B. from 102.3 FREE Country will join us as we recognize the players and coaches and celebrate the state championship trophy they brought home to Antioch.

Congratulations again to the entire team and coaching staff on winning the first softball state championship in school history. It’s a tremendous accomplishment and something our entire community can be proud of.

Then at 7 p.m., Totally Taylor, a Taylor Swift tribute band, takes the stage for our next It’s Thursday concert.

It looks like another busy summer weekend in Antioch. Get out, enjoy the community, support our local businesses and organizations, and hopefully I’ll see many of you around town.

Have a great weekend!

Scott

Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

08/28/2026

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08/07/2026

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