Good morning, DuPage! It's a chilly one today with a high of 19°F and a low of 7°F, so be sure to bundle up before heading out and enjoying the day!  

DuPage County voters are heading to the polls today, March 17, for the Illinois Primary Election, a critical first step in defining the political landscape for the general election in November. While state and federal races are on the ballot, much of the local energy is focused on the contest for DuPage County Sheriff and DuPage County Clerk, positions that have a direct, daily impact on public safety and election administration.

The primary for Sheriff has drawn significant attention. This role is responsible for law enforcement in unincorporated areas, managing the county jail, and providing courthouse security. Voters today are deciding which candidates from each party will compete for the position, prioritizing different approaches to community policing and departmental management. Similarly, the race for County Clerk is being closely watched, as the clerk’s office is responsible for administering all elections, maintaining critical records, and overseeing the county’s dynamic "Vote Anywhere" system.

Voter turnout is being scrutinized, especially following the recent severe weather, as DuPage continues to be a high-participation county. The DuPage County Clerk’s "Vote Anywhere" initiative, which allows residents to cast their ballot at any polling place in the county rather than a specific assigned precinct, is a major factor in turnout management. Election judges are also a critical component of today's operation, including high school students serving through the county’s popular Student Election Judge Program, who are receiving a $150 stipend for their full-day commitment to facilitating the democratic process.

Polling places across the county, from Wheaton to Naperville, will remain open until 7:00 p.m. tonight. Under Illinois law, any voter standing in line at the close of polls is permitted to cast their ballot. Mail-in ballots are also eligible to be counted if they are postmarked by today’s date and are received within the two-week certification period. As polls close, initial unofficial results will be updated live on the DuPage County Clerk’s website throughout the evening.

While the massive Saturday parade in Naperville traditionally serves as the county’s "opening ceremony," the actual holiday today, March 17, brings a more localized and traditional flavor to the suburbs. Across DuPage, Irish pubs and community centers are pivoting from the large-scale spectacle to more intimate, authentic celebrations focusing on live music, heritage, and the quintessential corned beef dinner.

In the heart of the county, downtown staples like Ballydoyle Irish Pub in Downers Grove and Quigley’s Irish Pub in Naperville are the centers of gravity for the day's festivities. These venues typically open their doors early, offering "kegs and eggs" breakfasts followed by a rotation of traditional Irish dancers and bagpipe performances throughout the afternoon. For many residents, the day is as much about the music as the menu, with local folk trios and pipe bands traveling between various "VFW" and "American Legion" halls to perform for community lunches.

The celebration also extends to local dining rooms, where the "corned beef and cabbage" plate reigns supreme. Chefs are expected to serve thousands of pounds of the traditional dish today. For those looking for a non-traditional twist, many local bakeries are wrapping up their "Green Week" specials, including soda bread and shamrock-shaped treats. 

Whether you’re heading to a crowded pub or hosting a quiet family dinner, the day serves as a vibrant reminder of the deep cultural roots that helped shape the development of the western suburbs.

The Glen Ellyn Park District is inviting the community to participate in the 35th annual DuPage River Sweep on Saturday, April 18, 2026. This year's local efforts will be concentrated at Lake Ellyn Park (645 Lenox Road), where volunteers will work from 9 a.m. to noon to clean the lake's shoreline and the surrounding park grounds. The primary goal is to remove litter and debris before it can enter the larger DuPage River system, helping to preserve the health of the local ecosystem.

The event is a free, family-friendly activity open to all ages, though children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The Park District will provide all necessary supplies, including gloves and trash bags, but participants are encouraged to bring their own rubber boots or hip waders if they have them. This cleanup is part of a larger, countywide "self-coordinated" stream cleanup effort organized each spring by The Conservation Foundation to improve water quality and protect wildlife habitats along the DuPage River and its tributaries.

Registration for the event is required by Saturday, April 4. Interested volunteers can sign up through The Conservation Foundation's website. Given that the cleanup involves working near the water's edge, officials emphasize that this is a "hands-on" opportunity for residents to make a direct, positive impact on the environmental health of Glen Ellyn’s most prominent natural landmark.

See our Calendar of Events Here!

On this day in 1958, the United States launched the first solar-powered satellite, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This innovative satellite was not only the first of its kind but also achieved a long-term orbit, showcasing the potential of solar energy beyond our planet. How cool is that? Let's celebrate these groundbreaking achievements!

The Theosophical Society in America estate, known as Olcott, stands as a 40-acre architectural and botanical gem that captures a unique chapter of Wheaton’s residential history. The centerpiece of this sprawling sanctuary is its national headquarters, a breathtaking example of 1920s Collegiate Gothic architecture. With its intricate stonework and historic presence, the estate offers a serene blend of heritage and nature, serving as both a local landmark and a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the suburbs.

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow, and remember to always support your local businesses!

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