The Robert Parker Coffin Bridge was reopened at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020 after a five-month renovation project. Since then, there have been two instances where vehicles that were over the posted height and weight limits have hit the bridge, causing damages to the timber cover.

The first incident occurred less than 24 hours after the reopening when a privately chartered school bus hit the bridge from the east side, then continued to proceed west through the bridge, made contact with the steel frame and then got stuck underneath it before also damaging the cover on the bridge’s west side. The bus was stuck under the bridge and air had to be let out of the tires so it could be towed away. The driver was cited by the Lake County Sheriff and will be fined. The steel frame that was added during renovations fortunately helped the bridge to remain intact during this incident. The second incident occurred Wednesday afternoon when a box truck travelling west from Old McHenry Road on Robert Parker Coffin Road hit the structure and then drove through it, and then kept going before being located by law enforcement. Both sides of the timber cover also were damaged, but the damages appear to be more aesthetic in nature.

The Village will be investigating other steps that could be taken to prevent future incidents, and the bridge remains open. Potential traffic closures for any repairs will be announced when the information is available.

Through completing the U.S. Census, you can impact the level of vital community funding for schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other community-enriching programs! Census workers are currently going door-to-door visiting households in Long Grove, wearing personal protective equipment and following safety protocols.

Please Note: Many residents received two census surveys in the mail; one with their street address and the other with the RFD address. The Census Bureau has been made aware of this issue to avoid double-counting of households. For residents who have not yet completed the census, the Village advises you to complete the form online using the street address, not the RFD address. If you have already returned a form using the RFD address, you do not need to resubmit the form with the street address. Residents can fill out the survey now at mycensus2020.gov or call 844-330-2020. Watch this video to learn more about the importance of being counted. Please remember all census responses are completely confidential. Do your part and help support the Long Grove community for the next decade!

The Lake County Open Burning Ban that was in effect through August 15, 2020, has been lifted. All open burning in the Village of Long Grove needs to comply with the Village's regulations, which permits the burning of twigs, branches, and small trees. The burning of leaves, grass clippings or construction debris is NOT allowed. With a permit, prairie conservation areas are allowed to be burned in a controlled manner.

Click here for the Village's Open Burn General Requirements or to request a burn permit for conservancy burning. The Countryside Fire Protection website and the Long Grove Fire Protection District website both list regulations for Long Grove, as well as for neighboring communities. Call the Countryside Fire Protection District (847-367-5511) or the Long Grove Fire Protection District (847-634-3143, ext. 2520) for more information.

Downtown Long Grove has undergone an exciting transformation, with the reopening of the covered bridge and improvement of the main roads, along with new streetlights, sidewalks and benches. Although everyone has felt the constraints of COVID-19, the business community in downtown Long Grove and throughout the Village has been united in staying strong.

Your continued support will keep the momentum going as we head into the fall and cooler weather arrives. One-of-a-kind businesses exist through the Village and have you covered with unique gifts, excellent meals, treats for stocking your cupboards, wine, puzzles and more! The next time you’re in the mood to grab a coffee, ice cream, or a much-needed haircut, or are seeking other items and services, Long Grove businesses are prepared to accommodate. So grab a mask, be sure to social distance, and please support our local businesses any time that you can! For a list of businesses in Long Grove, view the Village's Business Directory here.

Please continue to contact staff through email and phone as there are no in-person contacts at this time. This arrangement is in compliance with social distancing guidelines and due to square footage available relative to capacity limits at Village Hall. Visit this link for contact information if you have questions or comments for Village staff members.

Village meetings continue to be held virtually until further notice. Information on how to participate remotely is included in meeting agendas - found under 'View Details' below.

For more information on the Village's commissions and committee meetings, click here.