dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Will 2-mile stretch of Buffalo Grove Road get more lanes?

The Lake County Board is set to approve spending up to $ 26 million to widen Buffalo Grove Road between Deerfield Parkway and Route 22 .
Improvements to the intersection of Buffalo Grove and Aptakisic roads , which is near the middle of that roughly 2-mile stretch , are planned , too .
Turn lanes will be added at major intersections as well , and new sidewalks and paths also are envisioned .
The segment of Buffalo Grove Road being eyed for widening mostly runs north and south .
About 17,000 vehicles use the stretch of road daily , county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has one lane in each direction now .
Under the county 's plan , it will have two northbound lanes , two southbound lanes and a median with landscaping .
South of Deerfield Road , Buffalo Grove Road has four traffic lanes all the way to Lake-Cook Road and into Cook County .
North of Route 22 , it has one lane running each way , plus the occasional turn lanes , until it becomes Fairway Drive in Vernon Hills .
Lake County already is widening Weiland Road , a north-south street east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drive and a point south of Deerfield Parkway .
Adding lanes to Buffalo Grove Road should further improve traffic flow in the area , officials said .
`` I 'm really excited about this plan , '' said county board member Adam Didech , a Buffalo Grove Democrat .
`` Together with the Weiland Road expansion that 's already underway , going north and south in Buffalo Grove is going to get much easier . ''
Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steven Casstevens believes the proposed project will keep drivers from seeking alternative side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think it will be much safer , '' Casstevens said .
Planning for the Buffalo Grove Road project began in 2015 with the hiring of an engineer to design it .
If this latest round of spending is approved , construction will begin this spring .
The work will be split into two parts .
Construction between Aptakisic Road and Route 22 will occur this year , Carr said , while construction south of Aptakisic Road will be saved for 2021 .
The widening will require Buffalo Grove to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , village sidewalks and lights along the route will need to be modified , as will water mains and sewers .
Buffalo Grove officials approved those plans in December and agreed to reimburse the county nearly $ 1.7 million for some of the engineering and construction costs .
The project is expected to cost about $ 21.6 million , but up to $ 26 million is being set aside for the effort because professional bidding has n't yet occurred .
That 's expected in February , with board approval of the necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The county board 's public works , planning and transportation committee gave the project the green light Wednesday morning .
Now it 'll go to the financial and administrative committee for debate Thursday morning .
That session is set for 8:30 a.m. at the county government center , 18 N. County St. , Waukegan .
The full board will review the plan during a committee-of-the-whole session Friday .
That meeting 's at 8:30 a.m. at the county 's central permit facility , 500 Winchester Road .
The board likely will vote @ @ @ @ @

Will 2-mile stretch of Buffalo Grove Road get more lanes?
The Lake County Board is set to approve spending up to $26 million to widen Buffalo Grove Road between Deerfield Parkway and Route 22.
Improvements to the intersection of Buffalo Grove and Aptakisic roads, which is near the middle of that roughly 2-mile stretch, are planned, too. Turn lanes will be added at major intersections as well, and new sidewalks and paths also are envisioned.
The segment of Buffalo Grove Road being eyed for widening mostly runs north and south. About 17,000 vehicles use the stretch of road daily, county spokesman Alex Carr said.
The corridor has one lane in each direction now. Under the county's plan, it will have two northbound lanes, two southbound lanes and a median with landscaping.
South of Deerfield Road, Buffalo Grove Road has four traffic lanes all the way to Lake-Cook Road and into Cook County. North of Route 22, it has one lane running each way, plus the occasional turn lanes, until it becomes Fairway Drive in Vernon Hills.
Lake County already is widening Weiland Road, a north-south street east of Buffalo Grove Road, between Woodstone Drive and a point south of Deerfield Parkway.
Adding lanes to Buffalo Grove Road should further improve traffic flow in the area, officials said.
"I'm really excited about this plan," said county board member Adam Didech, a Buffalo Grove Democrat. "Together with the Weiland Road expansion that's already underway, going north and south in Buffalo Grove is going to get much easier."
Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steven Casstevens believes the proposed project will keep drivers from seeking alternative side routes through residential neighborhoods in that area.
"I think it will be much safer," Casstevens said.
Planning for the Buffalo Grove Road project began in 2015 with the hiring of an engineer to design it. If this latest round of spending is approved, construction will begin this spring.
The work will be split into two parts. Construction between Aptakisic Road and Route 22 will occur this year, Carr said, while construction south of Aptakisic Road will be saved for 2021.
The widening will require Buffalo Grove to give the county land along the roadway. Additionally, village sidewalks and lights along the route will need to be modified, as will water mains and sewers.
Buffalo Grove officials approved those plans in December and agreed to reimburse the county nearly $1.7 million for some of the engineering and construction costs.
The project is expected to cost about $21.6 million, but up to $26 million is being set aside for the effort because professional bidding hasn't yet occurred. That's expected in February, with board approval of the necessary contracts in March or April, Carr said.
The county board's public works, planning and transportation committee gave the project the green light Wednesday morning. Now it'll go to the financial and administrative committee for debate Thursday morning. That session is set for 8:30 a.m. at the county government center, 18 N. County St., Waukegan.
The full board will review the plan during a committee-of-the-whole session Friday. That meeting's at 8:30 a.m. at the county's central permit facility, 500 Winchester Road.
The board likely will vote on the plan Tuesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Constable: As war hangs on hawks, doves and tweets, thankfully suburbs help save birds

When the specter of World War III can hang on a single tweet and the passions of hawks and doves , we can find a haven among the birds of our suburbs .
One of our favorite things to do during my visits with my mom on the family farm in Indiana was to sit in front of the big kitchen window with cups of steaming black coffee and watch the early morning birds gather around an improvised bird feeder my dad had fashioned from a rusty disc blade .
The bright yellow goldfinches were plentiful and quick .
Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finches , or maybe tanagers .
And , of course , there would be an assortment of native sparrows .
They 'd all scatter with the arrival of an orange-tinged oriole , bright red cardinal or fierce blue jay .
When the morning rush was over , we 'd get the cooing mourning doves , which we called `` rain crows , '' the plump cow birds with their velvety brown heads , the occasional brown thrush with its melodious songs , and the less frequent red-bellied woodpecker .
After my mom died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salvaged one of her poles featuring two bird feeders -- one designed for finches and the small birds , and the other designed for cardinals and heftier fowl -- and set them up in my suburban backyard .
Aside from one fleeting cardinal visit , my feeders are entertaining nothing but common house sparrows , a species much like my ancestors , who immigrated here from Europe and pushed aside the native populations .
An article in Science Magazine last October noted that North America has lost 3 billion , or 30 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , news covered by Jeff Reiter 's Daily Herald column and his Words on Birds blog .
`` The familiar birds that flock by the thousands in suburbs were not exempt , '' the article warned .
Nineteen common species lost more than 50 million birds in the past 50 years , and native sparrows , warblers , finches and blackbirds were hit particularly hard .
Some of the reasons for the decline include pollution and pesticides , unrestricted killing of birds , habitat loss and invasive species , says Joel Greenberg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the bad and the good .
Greenberg 's 2014 book , `` A Feathered River Across the Sky : The Passenger Pigeon 's Flight to Extinction , '' published 100 years after the last passenger pigeon died , explains how perhaps the most ubiquitous bird in the land was hunted to extinction in a matter of years .
Sandhill cranes were wiped from the face of Illinois in the 19th century and seemed headed in that same direction .
But in 1978 , while hiking in Antioch , Greenberg made the groundbreaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Now there are days in the spring and the fall when there are thousands flying over Chicago and the suburbs , '' he says .
Laws that protect birds and the purity of water and air proved tremendously successful in some cases .
`` We are blessed , really blessed by having forest preserve districts that have tens of thousands of acres , '' Greenberg says .
The population of bald eagles , once endangered , is more vibrant than shopping malls in some suburban areas .
White pelicans , once rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chain O ' Lakes .
Also making a comeback are Cooper 's hawks , a species that ironically depends on a diet of birds .
Perhaps the biggest threat to birds is the cat , Greenberg says , urging cat owners to keep their pets inside .
Research has estimated cats kill about 2.4 billion birds a year .
My keeping our pet Maggie inside might be the best thing I can do for suburban birds .
But the feeders do n't hurt .
`` It probably does n't make much of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the species level , '' says Greenberg , who predicts my bird feeders might start attracting more interesting clientele soon .
`` That 's what makes bird watching fun .
You never know what you 're going to see . ''
In a world where a tweet might lead to World War III , the real life tweets from suburban birds can be comforting .

Constable: As war hangs on hawks, doves and tweets, thankfully suburbs help save birds
A naturalist and author, Joel Greenberg of Westmont displayed his 100-year old stuffed passenger pigeon in 2014 while promoting his book about how the once-thriving species became extinct. Daily Herald file photo
When the specter of World War III can hang on a single tweet and the passions of hawks and doves, we can find a haven among the birds of our suburbs.
One of our favorite things to do during my visits with my mom on the family farm in Indiana was to sit in front of the big kitchen window with cups of steaming black coffee and watch the early morning birds gather around an improvised bird feeder my dad had fashioned from a rusty disc blade.
The bright yellow goldfinches were plentiful and quick. Their purple and blue cousins might have been finches, or maybe tanagers. And, of course, there would be an assortment of native sparrows. They'd all scatter with the arrival of an orange-tinged oriole, bright red cardinal or fierce blue jay.
When the morning rush was over, we'd get the cooing mourning doves, which we called "rain crows," the plump cow birds with their velvety brown heads, the occasional brown thrush with its melodious songs, and the less frequent red-bellied woodpecker.
After my mom died in November at age 92, I salvaged one of her poles featuring two bird feeders -- one designed for finches and the small birds, and the other designed for cardinals and heftier fowl -- and set them up in my suburban backyard. Aside from one fleeting cardinal visit, my feeders are entertaining nothing but common house sparrows, a species much like my ancestors, who immigrated here from Europe and pushed aside the native populations.
An article in Science Magazine last October noted that North America has lost 3 billion, or 30%, from our bird populations since 1970, news covered by Jeff Reiter's Daily Herald column and his Words on Birds blog. "The familiar birds that flock by the thousands in suburbs were not exempt," the article warned. Nineteen common species lost more than 50 million birds in the past 50 years, and native sparrows, warblers, finches and blackbirds were hit particularly hard.
Some of the reasons for the decline include pollution and pesticides, unrestricted killing of birds, habitat loss and invasive species, says Joel Greenberg, a Westmont naturalist and author who knows about the bad and the good.
Greenberg's 2014 book, "A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction," published 100 years after the last passenger pigeon died, explains how perhaps the most ubiquitous bird in the land was hunted to extinction in a matter of years.
Sandhill cranes were wiped from the face of Illinois in the 19th century and seemed headed in that same direction. But in 1978, while hiking in Antioch, Greenberg made the groundbreaking discovery of a sandhill crane nest. "Now there are days in the spring and the fall when there are thousands flying over Chicago and the suburbs," he says.
Laws that protect birds and the purity of water and air proved tremendously successful in some cases. "We are blessed, really blessed by having forest preserve districts that have tens of thousands of acres," Greenberg says.
The population of bald eagles, once endangered, is more vibrant than shopping malls in some suburban areas. White pelicans, once rare, are easy to spot on the Chain O' Lakes. Also making a comeback are Cooper's hawks, a species that ironically depends on a diet of birds.
Perhaps the biggest threat to birds is the cat, Greenberg says, urging cat owners to keep their pets inside. Research has estimated cats kill about 2.4 billion birds a year.
My keeping our pet Maggie inside might be the best thing I can do for suburban birds. But the feeders don't hurt.
"It probably doesn't make much of a difference in the survival of a bird on the species level," says Greenberg, who predicts my bird feeders might start attracting more interesting clientele soon. "That's what makes bird watching fun. You never know what you're going to see."
In a world where a tweet might lead to World War III, the real life tweets from suburban birds can be comforting.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--'It is a huge blessing': Customer leaves $2,020 tip at Mount Prospect cafe

Suburban celebrity supercouple Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy may have helped get the ball rolling New Year 's Day when they left their waitress a $ 2,020 tip at a St. Charles IHOP .
But this week in Mount Prospect , an anonymous donor -- one much lesser known and of much lesser means -- also got into the charitable spirit .
Nikki Formanski , a waitress at Jelly Cafe on Golf Road , received a $ 2,020 tip Monday on the $ 18.89 bill of one of her regular customers .
The restaurant patron , described by Formanski as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' did n't want much credit for the gesture .
She opted to call cafe owner Kaitlin Kretsch ahead of time to reveal her plans to leave Formanski the big tip .
Then she waited to give the credit card slip to Kretsch on her way out , so Kretsch could give it to Formanski .
`` She did n't want to hand her the check , '' Kretsch said .
`` She kind of wanted to be out of the room when ( Formanski ) saw it . ''
Kretsch arranged for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be there for the big surprise , which was delivered after 6:30 a.m. Monday .
`` I think the first words out my mouth were 'Holy ( expletive ) , ' '' Formanski said .
`` I was completely in shock .
You see that stuff happening all the time , but you did n't think it would happen to you . ''
Formanski has worked at Jelly Cafe since June , replacing her wife in the job after their baby boy was born .
With only a single income , Formanski said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch up on bills .
`` It is a huge blessing , '' she said .
`` It really just gives us a foot ahead . ''
It was only later in the day , when the customer returned to pick up a salad for lunch , that Formanski was able to thank her .
`` I gave her a big hug and she said , 'You deserve it . '
I just said thank you a million times . ''
Kretsch , who opened the Mount Prospect eatery with her husband seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure if Wahlberg 's St. Charles IHOP tip was precisely what inspired the customer to pay it forward .
But the generous donor definitely was familiar with the so-called 2020 Tip Challenge that 's gone viral on social media .
`` She said she hopes it motivates people to do even $ 20.20 , because $ 2,020 is a lot , '' Kretsch said .

'It is a huge blessing': Customer leaves $2,020 tip at Mount Prospect cafe
An anonymous donor left a $2,020 tip on her $18.89 breakfast bill Monday morning at Jelly Cafe in Mount Prospect. Courtesy of Nikki Formanski
This story was updated Friday to note the anonymous donor arranged for the server's wife and 7-month-old baby to be present when the tip was given.
Suburban celebrity supercouple Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy may have helped get the ball rolling New Year's Day when they left their waitress a $2,020 tip at a St. Charles IHOP. But this week in Mount Prospect, an anonymous donor -- one much lesser known and of much lesser means -- also got into the charitable spirit.
Nikki Formanski, a waitress at Jelly Cafe on Golf Road, received a $2,020 tip Monday on the $18.89 bill of one of her regular customers.
The restaurant patron, described by Formanski as "just a nice old lady," didn't want much credit for the gesture.
She opted to call cafe owner Kaitlin Kretsch ahead of time to reveal her plans to leave Formanski the big tip. Then she waited to give the credit card slip to Kretsch on her way out, so Kretsch could give it to Formanski.
"She didn't want to hand her the check," Kretsch said. "She kind of wanted to be out of the room when (Formanski) saw it."
The customer arranged for Formanski's wife and 7-month-old baby to be there for the big surprise, which was delivered after 6:30 a.m. Monday.
"I think the first words out my mouth were 'Holy (expletive),'" Formanski said. "I was completely in shock. You see that stuff happening all the time, but you didn't think it would happen to you."
Formanski has worked at Jelly Cafe since June, replacing her wife in the job after their baby boy was born. With only a single income, Formanski said the extra money will help the family catch up on bills.
"It is a huge blessing," she said. "It really just gives us a foot ahead."
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Nikki Formanski, a waitress at Jelly Cafe in Mount Prospect, received a $2,020 tip from one of her regular customers early Monday morning. She said the patron told her, "You deserve it."
It was only later in the day, when the customer returned to pick up a salad for lunch, that Formanski was able to thank her.
"I gave her a big hug and she said, 'You deserve it.' I just said thank you a million times."
Kretsch, who opened the Mount Prospect eatery with her husband seven years ago, said she's not sure if Wahlberg's St. Charles IHOP tip was precisely what inspired the customer to pay it forward.
But the generous donor definitely was familiar with the so-called 2020 Tip Challenge that's gone viral on social media.
"She said she hopes it motivates people to do even $20.20, because $2,020 is a lot," Kretsch said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--Why you may not read details of case of bomb-making materials in Batavia (again)

The Daily Herald told you Dec. 16 what exactly police found when they searched the home and computer of a Batavia 15-year-old accused of possessing extensive bomb-making materials in a case where authorities feared the suspect might have been targeting Batavia High School .
We wo n't be telling you about it again , at least not if a Kane County judge gets her way .
Judge Kathryn Karayannis on Wednesday ordered the Daily Herald not to republish the information Legal Affairs Writer Harry Hitzeman dug up last month while poring over search warrant documents that at the time were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , should not have been available to our reporter or anyone else .
The boy 's attorney , Gary Johnson , raised the matter before Karayannis , saying the Kane County circuit court clerk 's office should have known the search-warrant documents were confidential .
Johnson said there were `` consequences '' as a result of the information being public , including death threats to the teen 's family and his sibling being harassed at school .
The boy remains in custody at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center , pending the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next court date is Jan. 30 .
The Mundelein Police Department 's innovative approach to fighting the opioid crisis is now a role model for law enforcement agencies across the country .
The department has been chosen as a mentor site for the Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities ' Center for Health and Justice 's Law Enforcement/First Responder Diversion and Referral Mentoring Initiative .
What 's that mean ?
Mundelein police will assist other first-responder agencies around the U.S. on dealing with those struggling with opioid abuse and its impact on their communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were among the first in the suburbs to take part in the `` A Way Out '' program , through which they help get substance-abuse treatment for those who seek it .
As part of the mentor program , Mundelein will host visits from other agencies wanting to learn about its work .
Other departments chosen were Cabell County ( West Virginia ) Emergency Management Services , Colerain Township ( Ohio ) Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services , Lucas County ( Ohio ) Sheriff 's Office , City of Philadelphia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Seattle-King County ( Washington ) Public Defender Association , and Tucson ( Arizona ) Police Department .
A decision on the fate of former Gov .
Rod Blagojevich 's law license will have to wait another month .
A hearing on the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission 's petition to disbar the imprisoned ex-governor that had been set for this week has been postponed to Feb. 25 .
Blagojevich , who 's locked up at a federal prison in Colorado , wo n't appear in person but could testify via videoconference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The commission -- the state agency that oversees the licensing and discipline of lawyers -- began the process of disbarring Blagojevich in August .
The complaint against him states the obvious : He 's committed criminal acts that `` reflect adversely on his honesty , trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer . ''
In the meantime , Blagojevich continues to hold out hope that his former reality show co-star , President Donald Trump , will commute what 's left of his 14-year prison sentence .
Blagojevich likely did n't hurt his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the website Newsmax arguing that today 's Democratic leaders in Congress might also have impeached Abraham Lincoln .
The DuPage County sheriff 's office participated in the statewide `` Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over '' campaign Dec. 16-Jan. 2 .
The results ?
Deputies arrested one person for impaired driving and handed out four citations for distracted driving , four for speeding , two for not wearing a seat belt and five other unspecified citations , and they made one arrest on a traffic charge .
The campaign placed extra emphasis on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national statistics show most unbuckled and impaired-driving fatalities occur , according to Justin Kmitch , the sheriff 's communications director .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Why you may not read details of case of bomb-making materials in Batavia (again)
Disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, here in 2012 with his wife, Patti, at his side, will have to wait until at least next month before learning whether the state will revoke his law license. Associated Press
Law enforcement from across the country may soon be traveling to the Mundelein Police Department to learn about its innovative approaches for fighting the opioid crisis. Daily Herald File Photo, 2017
Details about what police found when searching the home and computer of a teenager found with bomb-making materials that some fear may have been intended for use against Batavia High School can no longer be published, a Kane County judge ruled this week. Daily Herald File Photo
The Daily Herald told you Dec. 16 what exactly police found when they searched the home and computer of a Batavia 15-year-old accused of possessing extensive bomb-making materials in a case where authorities feared the suspect might have been targeting Batavia High School.
We won't be telling you about it again, at least not if a Kane County judge gets her way.
Judge Kathryn Karayannis on Wednesday ordered the Daily Herald not to republish the information Legal Affairs Writer Harry Hitzeman dug up last month while poring over search warrant documents that at the time were public.
Those documents, Karayannis said, should not have been available to our reporter or anyone else.
The boy's attorney, Gary Johnson, raised the matter before Karayannis, saying the Kane County circuit court clerk's office should have known the search-warrant documents were confidential.
Johnson said there were "consequences" as a result of the information being public, including death threats to the teen's family and his sibling being harassed at school.
The boy remains in custody at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, pending the results of a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation. His next court date is Jan. 30.
Follow the leader
The Mundelein Police Department's innovative approach to fighting the opioid crisis is now a role model for law enforcement agencies across the country.
The department has been chosen as a mentor site for the Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities' Center for Health and Justice's Law Enforcement/First Responder Diversion and Referral Mentoring Initiative.
What's that mean? Mundelein police will assist other first-responder agencies around the U.S. on dealing with those struggling with opioid abuse and its impact on their communities.
Among other efforts, Mundelein police were among the first in the suburbs to take part in the "A Way Out" program, through which they help get substance-abuse treatment for those who seek it.
As part of the mentor program, Mundelein will host visits from other agencies wanting to learn about its work.
Other departments chosen were Cabell County (West Virginia) Emergency Management Services, Colerain Township (Ohio) Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Lucas County (Ohio) Sheriff's Office, City of Philadelphia, East Bridgewater (Massachusetts) Police Department, Seattle-King County (Washington) Public Defender Association, and Tucson (Arizona) Police Department.
Blagojevich update
A decision on the fate of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's law license will have to wait another month.
A hearing on the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission's petition to disbar the imprisoned ex-governor that had been set for this week has been postponed to Feb. 25. Blagojevich, who's locked up at a federal prison in Colorado, won't appear in person but could testify via videoconference, an commission official told us this week.
The commission -- the state agency that oversees the licensing and discipline of lawyers -- began the process of disbarring Blagojevich in August. The complaint against him states the obvious: He's committed criminal acts that "reflect adversely on his honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer."
In the meantime, Blagojevich continues to hold out hope that his former reality show co-star, President Donald Trump, will commute what's left of his 14-year prison sentence. Blagojevich likely didn't hurt his case when he penned an op-ed for the website Newsmax arguing that today's Democratic leaders in Congress might also have impeached Abraham Lincoln.
'Drive Sober' numbers
The DuPage County sheriff's office participated in the statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign Dec. 16-Jan. 2. The results? Deputies arrested one person for impaired driving and handed out four citations for distracted driving, four for speeding, two for not wearing a seat belt and five other unspecified citations, and they made one arrest on a traffic charge.
The campaign placed extra emphasis on late-night hours, because that's when national statistics show most unbuckled and impaired-driving fatalities occur, according to Justin Kmitch, the sheriff's communications director.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Comedy, charity, childhood all part of Holzhauer's role in "Jeopardy! GOAT" third day

Ken Jennings took the lead Thursday evening by winning his second match in the first-to-three contest that is `` Jeopardy !
The Greatest of All Time . ''
But not before James Holzhauer 's background growing up in Naperville got a shout-out during the biography portion of the show , and not before Holzhauer and fellow contestant Brad Rutter had some fun with a Final Jeopardy question .
The final query in the second game of the hourlong special was about foreign-born Oscar-winning movie directors , and none of the contestants knew the answer .
But Holzhauer and Rutter 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Jeopardy comedy hour . ''
Holzhauer wrote out some praise to Trebek , who is battling pancreatic cancer , calling him the `` GHOST , '' or `` Greatest Host of Syndicated TV . ''
But before filling in Trebek 's name , he started to write the name of `` Wheel of Fortune '' host Pat Sajak , then crossed it out .
Rutter simply went with `` Ken es el hombre , '' which is Spanish for `` Ken is the man . ''
Jennings could claim the `` Jeopardy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another win during the next broadcast .
The winner will get a $ 1 million prize , while the runners-up will receive $ 250,000 .
In Naperville , viewers at the third watch party in a row watched as Holzhauer told of his childhood as a first-generation American born to a Japanese mother and German father .
He shared with audiences his love of watching `` Jeopardy ! ''
with his Japanese grandmother while he was growing up , even though she could n't understand many of the words , and he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in `` Jeopardy ! ''
winnings has allowed him to complete .
Naperville watch parties for Tuesday 's and Wednesday 's episodes of `` Jeopardy !
The Greatest of All Time '' were charitable as well , raising more than $ 1,000 each night , first for the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research and then for DuPage PADS .
Thursday 's watch event at Quigley 's Irish Pub was more informal and impromptu , without a specific cause .

Comedy, charity, childhood all part of Holzhauer's role in "Jeopardy! GOAT" third day
James Holzhauer's background growing up in Naperville got a shout-out during the biography portion of "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" Thursday. Photo courtesy of ABC Television
Ken Jennings took the lead Thursday evening by winning his second match in the first-to-three contest that is "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time."
But not before James Holzhauer's background growing up in Naperville got a shout-out during the biography portion of the show, and not before Holzhauer and fellow contestant Brad Rutter had some fun with a Final Jeopardy question.
The final query in the second game of the hourlong special was about foreign-born Oscar-winning movie directors, and none of the contestants knew the answer.
But Holzhauer and Rutter's guesses became what host Alex Trebek called "Jeopardy comedy hour."
Holzhauer wrote out some praise to Trebek, who is battling pancreatic cancer, calling him the "GHOST," or "Greatest Host of Syndicated TV." But before filling in Trebek's name, he started to write the name of "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak, then crossed it out.
Rutter simply went with "Ken es el hombre," which is Spanish for "Ken is the man."
Jennings could claim the "Jeopardy!" GOAT title if he scores another win during the next broadcast. The winner will get a $1 million prize, while the runners-up will receive $250,000.
In Naperville, viewers at the third watch party in a row watched as Holzhauer told of his childhood as a first-generation American born to a Japanese mother and German father. He shared with audiences his love of watching "Jeopardy!" with his Japanese grandmother while he was growing up, even though she couldn't understand many of the words, and he told of the charitable work his $2.7 million in "Jeopardy!" winnings has allowed him to complete.
Naperville watch parties for Tuesday's and Wednesday's episodes of "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" were charitable as well, raising more than $1,000 each night, first for the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research and then for DuPage PADS.
Thursday's watch event at Quigley's Irish Pub was more informal and impromptu, without a specific cause.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--Avon Township trustees say supervisor jumped the gun on home purchase

Issues surrounding Avon Township Supervisor Terry Wilke 's purchase of a vacant house last summer on behalf of the township have resurfaced and will be discussed Monday at a special meeting .
Whether the township should be able to buy , sell or lease property for up to a year without having to call a town meeting also will be discussed at the session beginning at 6 p.m. at the township office , 433 E. Washington St. , Round Lake Park .
Some township board members question whether the purchase of the house at 320 Bellevue Drive in Round Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a special town meeting .
At those meetings , residents , who are called electors , can vote and essentially tell the board what to do .
The concern by some trustees is the purchase was made without elector or board approval , which they say is required under state law .
While well after the fact , possible actions Monday could validate the transaction or direct Wilke to get rid of the 1,082-square-foot house .
Wilke said a township neighborhood revitalization program had been discussed at the board level at various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bellevue Drive house went through the tax sale process and eventually reverted to Lake County , which put it in its `` green book '' of available properties .
Wilke said he secured a grant and bought the property in July for $ 1 .
`` We were developing the program anyway .
This is a property that 's been abandoned since 2012 , '' he said .
The idea , similar to ongoing programs in the village and neighboring Round Lake Beach , is to boost neighborhoods by improving rundown houses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properties .
`` We were specifically looking to take the worst house , '' Wilke said .
He said the intent was to rehab the house and make it available to rent .
But some township trustees say there was a lack of communication regarding the revitalization program and a financial plan regarding the property , and the purchase and related matters were surprises .
`` My concern is we 're going about this without planning , without truly understanding what the financial cost will be , '' township Trustee Steven Vaughn said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been provided and discussions regarding the program and plan for this house have been ongoing .
According to minutes of the Nov. 18 meeting , township attorney David Weinstein said there are differences in the interpretation of state law .
Many entities make it common practice to buy property via a town meeting , he said , but the issue is moot in this case .
At that point , Trustee Michele Bauman said she felt there should be a town meeting regarding 320 Bellevue Drive .
Her motion to do so was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two trustees , including Vaughn , were absent .
In a subsequent item , Bauman said Wilke applied for a loan to fix the property without board approval .
Wilke disagreed and the loan was rejected by a 2-1 vote .

Avon Township trustees say supervisor jumped the gun on home purchase
Issues surrounding Avon Township Supervisor Terry Wilke's purchase of a vacant house last summer on behalf of the township have resurfaced and will be discussed Monday at a special meeting.
Whether the township should be able to buy, sell or lease property for up to a year without having to call a town meeting also will be discussed at the session beginning at 6 p.m. at the township office, 433 E. Washington St., Round Lake Park.
Some township board members question whether the purchase of the house at 320 Bellevue Drive in Round Lake Park should have been presented and approved at a special town meeting. At those meetings, residents, who are called electors, can vote and essentially tell the board what to do.
The concern by some trustees is the purchase was made without elector or board approval, which they say is required under state law.
While well after the fact, possible actions Monday could validate the transaction or direct Wilke to get rid of the 1,082-square-foot house.
Wilke said a township neighborhood revitalization program had been discussed at the board level at various times. He said he acted when the Bellevue Drive house went through the tax sale process and eventually reverted to Lake County, which put it in its "green book" of available properties.
Wilke said he secured a grant and bought the property in July for $1.
"We were developing the program anyway. This is a property that's been abandoned since 2012," he said.
The idea, similar to ongoing programs in the village and neighboring Round Lake Beach, is to boost neighborhoods by improving rundown houses and inspiring neighbors to fix up their properties.
"We were specifically looking to take the worst house," Wilke said. He said the intent was to rehab the house and make it available to rent.
But some township trustees say there was a lack of communication regarding the revitalization program and a financial plan regarding the property, and the purchase and related matters were surprises.
"My concern is we're going about this without planning, without truly understanding what the financial cost will be," township Trustee Steven Vaughn said.
Wilke disagreed, saying documents have been provided and discussions regarding the program and plan for this house have been ongoing.
According to minutes of the Nov. 18 meeting, township attorney David Weinstein said there are differences in the interpretation of state law. Many entities make it common practice to buy property via a town meeting, he said, but the issue is moot in this case.
At that point, Trustee Michele Bauman said she felt there should be a town meeting regarding 320 Bellevue Drive.
Her motion to do so was approved 3-0 with Wilke in agreement. Two trustees, including Vaughn, were absent.
In a subsequent item, Bauman said Wilke applied for a loan to fix the property without board approval. Wilke disagreed and the loan was rejected by a 2-1 vote.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Weekend at play: Dinosaur Adventure in Rosemont, 'Ultimate Boyband Tribute' at the Raue

The Dinosaur Adventure roars into Rosemont , the Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside hosts a WinterFest and The Great Midwest Train Show returns to the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton .
Here are five things to do this weekend .
For others , go to dailyherald.com/calendar .
The new touring Dinosaur Adventure promises animatronic creatures , fossil crafting , Jurassic jeeps and more family fun this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center , 5555 N. River Road , Rosemont .
$ 20- $ 55 .
( 847 ) 692-2220 or dinosauradventure.com .
Noon to 9 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 8 p.m. Saturday , Jan. 11 ; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday , Jan. 12 .
Conductor Andrew Grams leads the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in concerts this weekend .
Mozart mix Pianist William Wolfram is the guest soloist with conductor Andrew Grams and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for its `` Magnificent Mozart '' concerts this weekend at two locations : first on Friday at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts , 201 Schaumburg Court , Schaumburg , $ 35- $ 65 ; then on Saturday and Sunday at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Elgin , $ 35- $ 85 .
( 847 ) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org .
7:30 p.m. Friday , Jan. 10 , in Schaumburg and 7:30 p.m. Saturday , Jan. 11 , and 2:30 p.m. Sunday , Jan. 12 , in Elgin .
Hear hit songs made famous by the Backstreet Boys , N*SYNC , New Kids On The Block , 98 Degrees and more in the touring show `` Larger Than Life -- The Ultimate Boyband Tribute '' at the Raue Center for the Arts , 26 N. Williams St. , Crystal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 815 ) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org .
8 p.m. Saturday , Jan. 11 .
The Great Midwest Train Show bills itself as the world 's largest monthly model train show .
It features operating model train displays , a Lego layout and more at the DuPage County Fairgrounds , 2015 Manchester Road , Wheaton .
$ 7 ; kids 12 and younger admitted free .
( 630 ) 668-6636 or greatmidwesttrainshow.com .
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday , Jan. 12 .
Go on bog tours , try cross-country skiing or hear the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of WinterFest at the Volo Bog State Natural Area , 28478 W. Brandenburg Road , Ingleside .
$ 5 suggested donation .
( 815 ) 344-1294 or dnr.illinois.gov .
1 p.m. Sunday , Jan. 12 .

Weekend at play: Dinosaur Adventure in Rosemont, 'Ultimate Boyband Tribute' at the Raue
See a mechanized triceratops as part of the touring Dinosaur Adventure at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont this weekend. Courtesy of Pinnacle Production Group
The Dinosaur Adventure roars into Rosemont, the Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside hosts a WinterFest and The Great Midwest Train Show returns to the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Here are five things to do this weekend. For others, go to dailyherald.com/calendar.
Back from extinction
The new touring Dinosaur Adventure promises animatronic creatures, fossil crafting, Jurassic jeeps and more family fun this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $20-$55. (847) 692-2220 or dinosauradventure.com. Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.
Conductor Andrew Grams leads the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in concerts this weekend.
Pianist William Wolfram is the guest soloist with conductor Andrew Grams and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for its "Magnificent Mozart" concerts this weekend at two locations: first on Friday at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, $35-$65; then on Saturday and Sunday at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, $35-$85. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, in Schaumburg and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, in Elgin.
'90s nostalgia
Hear hit songs made famous by the Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, New Kids On The Block, 98 Degrees and more in the touring show "Larger Than Life -- The Ultimate Boyband Tribute" at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $20-$28. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
Model world
The Great Midwest Train Show bills itself as the world's largest monthly model train show. It features operating model train displays, a Lego layout and more at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. $7; kids 12 and younger admitted free. (630) 668-6636 or greatmidwesttrainshow.com. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.
A boggy day
Go on bog tours, try cross-country skiing or hear the bluegrass band River Valley Rangers as part of WinterFest at the Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. $5 suggested donation. (815) 344-1294 or dnr.illinois.gov. 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Defense expert testifies driver had 'no intentional control' of car

A collision reconstruction expert testified Thursday that Adam Grunin , charged with reckless homicide in the 2018 Wheeling collision that claimed the life of Mount Prospect 16-year-old Alyssa Lendino , had no `` intentional control '' of his vehicle .
Roger W. Barrette 's findings -- which he based on police reports , records , surveillance video from a local business and video from the windshield camera of a delivery truck -- echoed those of prosecution witness Sgt .
Kirk Ashleman , a collision reconstruction expert with the Park Ridge Police Department .
Barrette , an adjunct instructor for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed with his NU colleague Ashleman that Grunin 's white Hyundai Sonata was traveling 107.5 mph south on Milwaukee Avenue about 2 p.m. on July 21 , 2018 , when it struck the Lendino family 's Chevrolet Equinox .
The Lendinos ' SUV was slowing to stop at a traffic light at the intersection of Milwaukee and Hintz Road in Wheeling .
Alyssa 's mother , father and 12-year-old sister were seriously injured in the crash .
Both Barrette and Ashleman referenced information from the electronic data recorder -- a vehicle 's so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seconds before a collision and up to impact -- in their testimony .
Ashleman said Grunin would have exerted some `` steering input '' before the crash although it may have been slight .
Barrette disagreed that Grunin did any steering , testifying there was `` no evidence in the record that would indicate any intentional driver control '' of the vehicle moments before the accident .
Defense attorney Steven Weinberg said his 32-year-old client was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005 and the tragic crash was the result of a seizure which caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the car .
According to Weinberg , Grunin was under a doctor 's care and was taking prescribed anti-seizure medication at the time of the crash .
No alcohol or drugs were found in his system except those prescribed for him , Weinberg said .
Prosecutors have a different theory .
They say Grunin was fleeing another crash that occurred moments earlier in front of the Wheeling Fire Department station at 499 S. Milwaukee Ave. , about 3,100 feet north of the Hintz Road intersection .
On direct examination , Barrette disagreed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this crash were inconsistent with fleeing and eluding cases .
Wheeling police officer Rick Richardson testified he rode in the ambulance with Grunin to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville .
Describing Grunin as confused and seemingly unaware he was in an ambulance , Richardson testified Wednesday that Grunin said : `` Let me guess , I fell asleep . ''
According to Richardson , Grunin said he had worked from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. the night before the crash .

Defense expert testifies driver had 'no intentional control' of car
A collision reconstruction expert testified Thursday that Adam Grunin, charged with reckless homicide in the 2018 Wheeling collision that claimed the life of Mount Prospect 16-year-old Alyssa Lendino, had no "intentional control" of his vehicle.
Roger W. Barrette's findings -- which he based on police reports, records, surveillance video from a local business and video from the windshield camera of a delivery truck -- echoed those of prosecution witness Sgt. Kirk Ashleman, a collision reconstruction expert with the Park Ridge Police Department.
Barrette, an adjunct instructor for the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, agreed with his NU colleague Ashleman that Grunin's white Hyundai Sonata was traveling 107.5 mph south on Milwaukee Avenue about 2 p.m. on July 21, 2018, when it struck the Lendino family's Chevrolet Equinox. The Lendinos' SUV was slowing to stop at a traffic light at the intersection of Milwaukee and Hintz Road in Wheeling.
Alyssa's mother, father and 12-year-old sister were seriously injured in the crash.
Both Barrette and Ashleman referenced information from the electronic data recorder -- a vehicle's so-called black box that retains data recorded five seconds before a collision and up to impact -- in their testimony. Ashleman said Grunin would have exerted some "steering input" before the crash although it may have been slight. Barrette disagreed that Grunin did any steering, testifying there was "no evidence in the record that would indicate any intentional driver control" of the vehicle moments before the accident.
Defense attorney Steven Weinberg said his 32-year-old client was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005 and the tragic crash was the result of a seizure which caused the Wheeling man to lose control of the car. According to Weinberg, Grunin was under a doctor's care and was taking prescribed anti-seizure medication at the time of the crash. No alcohol or drugs were found in his system except those prescribed for him, Weinberg said.
Prosecutors have a different theory. They say Grunin was fleeing another crash that occurred moments earlier in front of the Wheeling Fire Department station at 499 S. Milwaukee Ave., about 3,100 feet north of the Hintz Road intersection.
On direct examination, Barrette disagreed with the prosecutors' theory, saying characteristics of this crash were inconsistent with fleeing and eluding cases.
Wheeling police officer Rick Richardson testified he rode in the ambulance with Grunin to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Describing Grunin as confused and seemingly unaware he was in an ambulance, Richardson testified Wednesday that Grunin said: "Let me guess, I fell asleep."
According to Richardson, Grunin said he had worked from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. the night before the crash.
Testimony continues Friday in Rolling Meadows.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--No. 16 Gonzaga women shut down Saint Mary's 74-49

SPOKANE , Wash. -- Katie Campbell and LeeAnne Wirth led a balanced attack with 14 points apiece and No .
@ @ @ @ @ 's 74-49 on Thursday night in a battle between the last unbeaten teams in the @ @ @ @ @ Townsend 's 3-pointer capped an 11-0 run that gave the Bulldogs a 19-8 lead and @ @ @ @ @ to two free throws in the second quarter to coast to their 13th straight win @ @ @ @ @ and Jenn Wirth 10 with 10 rebounds for Gonzaga ( 15-1 , 4-0 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ 10 minutes and scored for the Bulldogs , who shot 47 % and held Saint @ @ @ @ @ shooting ( 13 of 52 ) .
The Gaels went 19 of 22 from the @ @ @ @ @ 22 from 3-point range .
The second quarter opened with Saint Mary 's making a @ @ @ @ @ Gonzaga scoring the next 18 points as the Gaels went 0 of 15 from the @ @ @ @ @ 32 points late in the fourth quarter .

No. 16 Gonzaga women shut down Saint Mary's 74-49
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Katie Campbell and LeeAnne Wirth led a balanced attack with 14 points apiece and No. 16 Gonzaga crushed Saint Mary's 74-49 on Thursday night in a battle between the last unbeaten teams in the West Coast Conference.
Jill Townsend's 3-pointer capped an 11-0 run that gave the Bulldogs a 19-8 lead and then they held the Gaels to two free throws in the second quarter to coast to their 13th straight win.
Townsend had 11 points and Jenn Wirth 10 with 10 rebounds for Gonzaga (15-1, 4-0). Ten players played at least 10 minutes and scored for the Bulldogs, who shot 47% and held Saint Mary's to 25% shooting (13 of 52). The Gaels went 19 of 22 from the foul line and 4 of 22 from 3-point range.
The second quarter opened with Saint Mary's making a pair of free throws and Gonzaga scoring the next 18 points as the Gaels went 0 of 15 from the field.
Gonzaga led by 32 points late in the fourth quarter.
Madeline Holland had 15 points for Saint Mary's (9-7, 4-1).
_____
More AP women's basketball: https://apnews.com/Womenscollegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--'I saw a wheel and vehicles all over the place': Investigation continues in 6-car crash

The missing wheel of a pickup truck was hundreds of feet away and other vehicles and parts were strewed on and near busy Route 45 in Libertyville , he said .
`` I would say it was in the top 5 worst ( accident scenes ) I 've seen in 22 years , '' said Meister , the first authority to arrive at the site of the horrific crash involving six vehicles on Route 45 near Route 137 .
`` Just the sheer amount of vehicle parts all over the place .
Cars up on the median , cars up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
The collisions occurred about 7:40 a.m. Thursday .
Most of the debris was in the northbound lanes , but an engine block assembly wound up in the southbound lane .
Three drivers were injured , including two who were extricated from their vehicles .
Remarkably , no one was killed .
The injured were said to be in stable condition Thursday afternoon , but no update from Libertyville police was available Friday .
Route 45 between Casey and Peterson roads was closed for more than 4 hours as a result .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened .
No tickets had been issued as of midday Friday .
Libertyville police are being assisted by the Lake County Major Crash Team .
`` With the extent of the accident scene , the investigators are still trying to accurately determine how the accident may have occurred , to include the order of collisions , direction of travel of all vehicles , and what exactly had taken place based on statements by all parties involved , '' Libertyville police Sgt .
Ed Swider said .
Swider said as far as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crash were the drivers of the six cars .
`` Based on the pictures in the news , we are lucky no lives were lost , '' he said .
Meister has been with the sheriff 's office for 18 years and currently is the school resource officer at the Lake County Tech High Schools Tech Campus in Grayslake .
He also has been a part-time firefighter/EMT at the Antioch Fire Department for 14 years .
He was on his way to work on Route 137 and about to exit onto Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped , which was unusual .
Meister continued to the area on Route 45 , just south of the train overpass and Route 137 bridge , to investigate .
`` I saw a wheel and vehicles all over the place , '' he said .
`` I also saw an entire engine assembly sitting in the southbound lane .
That 's when I started asking for help . ''
He came upon a woman who appeared to be severely injured trapped in her vehicle .
`` I went over and started trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There was so much damage to the vehicle , we could n't get the doors open , '' Meister said .
`` I told her I was there to help her .
I asked her to remain calm and not to move , '' he added .
Libertyville police and firefighters arrived , and an alarm for assistance from other departments was sounded .
At that point , Meister went to Casey Road to block southbound traffic .
`` All I can say is I 'm thankful there was nobody killed , '' @ @ @

'I saw a wheel and vehicles all over the place': Investigation continues in 6-car crash
A routine drive to work Thursday morning quickly changed to a scene Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Brad Meister won't forget.
The missing wheel of a pickup truck was hundreds of feet away and other vehicles and parts were strewed on and near busy Route 45 in Libertyville, he said.
"I would say it was in the top 5 worst (accident scenes) I've seen in 22 years," said Meister, the first authority to arrive at the site of the horrific crash involving six vehicles on Route 45 near Route 137.
"Just the sheer amount of vehicle parts all over the place. Cars up on the median, cars up on the hill," Meister recalled Friday.
The collisions occurred about 7:40 a.m. Thursday. Most of the debris was in the northbound lanes, but an engine block assembly wound up in the southbound lane.
Three drivers were injured, including two who were extricated from their vehicles. Remarkably, no one was killed.
The injured were said to be in stable condition Thursday afternoon, but no update from Libertyville police was available Friday.
Route 45 between Casey and Peterson roads was closed for more than 4 hours as a result. Investigators on Friday were still piecing together what happened.
No tickets had been issued as of midday Friday. Libertyville police are being assisted by the Lake County Major Crash Team.
"With the extent of the accident scene, the investigators are still trying to accurately determine how the accident may have occurred, to include the order of collisions, direction of travel of all vehicles, and what exactly had taken place based on statements by all parties involved," Libertyville police Sgt. Ed Swider said.
Swider said as far as he knows, the only people involved in the crash were the drivers of the six cars.
"Based on the pictures in the news, we are lucky no lives were lost," he said.
Meister has been with the sheriff's office for 18 years and currently is the school resource officer at the Lake County Tech High Schools Tech Campus in Grayslake. He also has been a part-time firefighter/EMT at the Antioch Fire Department for 14 years.
He was on his way to work on Route 137 and about to exit onto Route 45. Southbound Route 45 traffic was stopped, which was unusual. Meister continued to the area on Route 45, just south of the train overpass and Route 137 bridge, to investigate.
"I saw a wheel and vehicles all over the place," he said. "I also saw an entire engine assembly sitting in the southbound lane. That's when I started asking for help."
He came upon a woman who appeared to be severely injured trapped in her vehicle.
"I went over and started trying to render aid and talk to her. There was so much damage to the vehicle, we couldn't get the doors open," Meister said.
"I told her I was there to help her. I asked her to remain calm and not to move," he added.
Libertyville police and firefighters arrived, and an alarm for assistance from other departments was sounded. At that point, Meister went to Casey Road to block southbound traffic.
"All I can say is I'm thankful there was nobody killed," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--With future unknown, Pheasant Run warns remaining employees of potential layoffs

Forty-two remaining employees at Pheasant Run have been notified their jobs may be in jeopardy amid uncertainty over the fate of the St. Charles resort .
The property at 4051 E. Main St. is being marketed for sale , with an online auction scheduled to take place next month .
Hostmark Hospitality Group , which manages the resort , announced plans in November to lay off 149 employees -- more than 75 % of the Pheasant Run staff -- while company leaders worked to `` restructure operations . ''
With the future of the resort unknown in light of potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , the rest of its employees have been informed they , too , could soon be out of jobs .
`` It 's so that employees are aware that if the situation evolved into that -- such as a closure or something of that event -- they had already been given notice that that 's a possibility , '' he said .
`` It does n't mean that will happen . ''
The resort is required by state law to provide 60 days notice of a closure or mass layoff .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start taking effect Sunday , according to an Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification report .
Pheasant Run filed an update with the state Dec. 30 saying 42 additional layoffs could begin Feb. 29 .
Everything from Pheasant Run 's employment to its management to future reservations and operations is `` dependent upon the outcome of the sales process , '' Cataldo said .
`` We assume that process will result in a new ownership , and that ownership will make a decision on how ( to move forward ) . ''
Originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pheasant Run will go up for auction Feb. 10 to 12 with bids starting at $ 2 million .
The 18.3-acre property is listed on the Ten-X Commercial real estate website as an `` extraordinary lodging investment opportunity '' with the potential for redevelopment and rebranding opportunities .
According to the auction website , the resort has 293 hotel rooms and suites , seven restaurants and 31,930 square feet of banquet and meeting space .
It also operates a comedy club , theater , indoor-outdoor pool and an 18-hole golf course that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Founded in 1963 and later expanded , Pheasant Run generates $ 500,000 to $ 600,000 in tax revenue for the city each year , City Administrator Mark Koenen said .
St. Charles officials have expressed interest in partnering with resort leaders in future site plans , which they say could help revitalize the city 's eastern gateway .
Though existing reservations will be honored , Pheasant Run is not booking events or hotel stays into the future , Cataldo said .
`` As soon as we understand with clarity the process , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @

With future unknown, Pheasant Run warns remaining employees of potential layoffs
Forty-two remaining employees at Pheasant Run have been notified their jobs may be in jeopardy amid uncertainty over the fate of the St. Charles resort.
The property at 4051 E. Main St. is being marketed for sale, with an online auction scheduled to take place next month.
Hostmark Hospitality Group, which manages the resort, announced plans in November to lay off 149 employees -- more than 75% of the Pheasant Run staff -- while company leaders worked to "restructure operations."
With the future of the resort unknown in light of potential new ownership, Hostmark President Jerome Cataldo said, the rest of its employees have been informed they, too, could soon be out of jobs.
"It's so that employees are aware that if the situation evolved into that -- such as a closure or something of that event -- they had already been given notice that that's a possibility," he said. "It doesn't mean that will happen."
The resort is required by state law to provide 60 days notice of a closure or mass layoff. The first round of cuts is expected to start taking effect Sunday, according to an Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification report. Pheasant Run filed an update with the state Dec. 30 saying 42 additional layoffs could begin Feb. 29.
Everything from Pheasant Run's employment to its management to future reservations and operations is "dependent upon the outcome of the sales process," Cataldo said. "We assume that process will result in a new ownership, and that ownership will make a decision on how (to move forward)."
Originally planned for the end of January, Pheasant Run will go up for auction Feb. 10 to 12 with bids starting at $2 million. The 18.3-acre property is listed on the Ten-X Commercial real estate website as an "extraordinary lodging investment opportunity" with the potential for redevelopment and rebranding opportunities.
According to the auction website, the resort has 293 hotel rooms and suites, seven restaurants and 31,930 square feet of banquet and meeting space. It also operates a comedy club, theater, indoor-outdoor pool and an 18-hole golf course that it leases from the adjacent DuPage Airport.
Founded in 1963 and later expanded, Pheasant Run generates $500,000 to $600,000 in tax revenue for the city each year, City Administrator Mark Koenen said. St. Charles officials have expressed interest in partnering with resort leaders in future site plans, which they say could help revitalize the city's eastern gateway.
Though existing reservations will be honored, Pheasant Run is not booking events or hotel stays into the future, Cataldo said.
"As soon as we understand with clarity the process, that could change," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--Snow, ice and high winds expected in weekend storm

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Chicago area starting early Saturday morning and running through early Sunday morning .
The storm is expected to bring heavy rains today followed by freezing rain and sleet this evening that could leave up to a quarter inch of ice in some parts of the suburbs , forecasters said .
Parts of the area could see as much as seven inches of snow Saturday , according to weather models .
High winds are also expected to add to the danger during the storm .
According to forecasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties could see 3-7 inches of snow by the time the storm clears out Sunday .
Most of Kane and northwest Cook counties can expect 3-5 inches of snow .
Forecasts show DuPage County and northern Will County could receive 2-4 inches of snow during the storm .
The ice , which is expected late Friday into early Saturday , is expected to be heaviest in northwest Kane County and western McHenry County .
The combination of ice , snow and winds will make traveling particularly treacherous , meteorologists warn .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also expected .

Weekend storm: Snow, ice expected; classes, activities canceled
A winter storm watch is scheduled to start early Saturday morning and continue through early Sunday morning. Daily Herald file photo/2009
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Chicago area starting early Saturday morning and running through early Sunday morning.
Rain is likely to turn into light freezing rain and sleet Saturday morning. Total ice accumulations of less than one-tenth of an inch are possible Saturday morning.
Snow is likely to develop Saturday evening. Parts of the area could see as much as seven inches of snow Saturday, according to weather models. High winds are also expected to add to the danger during the storm.
According to forecasts, McHenry County could see 3-6 inches of snow by the time the storm clears out Sunday.
Parts of Lake and Kane counties, including Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, Gurnee, Round Lake Beach, Aurora and Elgin, can expect 2-4 inches of snow.
Accumulations of 1-4 inches are expected in parts of DuPage and Cook counties, including Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard, Carol Stream, Addison and Chicago.
The ice, which is expected late Friday into early Saturday, is expected to be heaviest in northwest Kane County and western McHenry County.
The combination of ice, snow and winds will make traveling particularly treacherous, meteorologists warn. In addition to poor road conditions, poor visibility is also expected.
The storm warning has led to the canceling of Saturday activities in Community High School District 155; the district announced that its buildings will be closed.
Expected inclement weather has forced Huntley Community School District 158 to cancel activities Saturday.
And at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, a freshman placement exam has been rescheduled for Jan. 18.
In addition, due to weather conditions, all Elgin Community College locations and facilities are closed on Saturday, with all classes and activities canceled.
The City of Elgin's snow command issued a warning Friday evening, strongly advising people to avoid driving Saturday if at all possible, due to rain turning to ice or sleet overnight.
• Daily Herald staff writer Steve Zalusky contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--South Elgin cop charged with domestic violence again

A South Elgin police officer is on administrative leave after he was charged with domestic violence , his second such arrest in three years , authorities said .
Carpentersville police were called just before 11 p.m. Wednesday to the residence of Shane A. Christenson by a neighbor who said Christenson locked a woman out of the house and left , a police report shows .
The police officer spoke with the woman at her residence , and the woman had a fresh cut on her lip and fresh lacerations with blood on her forehead , the report said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at first she said she fell in the kitchen , then she said she fell in the bathroom , the report said .
The woman said both she and Christenson had been drinking .
Christenson told the Daily Herald that he did not strike the woman and declined to comment further .
His attorney David Camic did n't immediately respond to a request for comment .
Christenson was charged with two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery in Kane County and a warrant for his arrest was served Friday , records show .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was set at $ 5,000 .
He posted the required 10 % , was released and is next due in court Jan. 17 .
The Carpentersville police report said South Elgin police were notified of the Wednesday call involving Christenson .
South Elgin Police Chief Jerry Krawczyk said Christenson was off duty Thursday and was placed on administrative leave Friday .
Christenson 's gun now is at the police department , he said .
`` Right now we are doing an investigation , '' Krawczyk said , declining further comment .
The Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disciplinary history in a story in December .
Christenson was charged with domestic battery following an arrest in January 2017 in Elgin involving the same woman as in the Carpentersville arrest .
Christenson pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in January 2018 .
He was going to get a 14-day suspension without pay and random on-the-job alcohol testing for a year , but that was changed in February 2018 to a 20-day suspension without pay and random testing for two years after he admitted he had been drinking alcohol when he was a passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christenson was recognized in December 2018 , along with another South Elgin police officer , for saving a resident 's life .

South Elgin cop charged with domestic violence again
Shane A. Christenson, a South Elgin police officer, is on administrative leave after he was charged with domestic violence, his second such arrest in three years, authorities said.
A South Elgin police officer is on administrative leave after he was charged with domestic violence, his second such arrest in three years, authorities said.
Carpentersville police were called just before 11 p.m. Wednesday to the residence of Shane A. Christenson by a neighbor who said Christenson locked a woman out of the house and left, a police report shows.
The police officer spoke with the woman at her residence, and the woman had a fresh cut on her lip and fresh lacerations with blood on her forehead, the report said. The woman told the officer she fell; at first she said she fell in the kitchen, then she said she fell in the bathroom, the report said.
The woman said both she and Christenson had been drinking.
Christenson told the Daily Herald that he did not strike the woman and declined to comment further.
His attorney David Camic didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Christenson was charged with two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery in Kane County and a warrant for his arrest was served Friday, records show. He appeared Friday in court, where bond was set at $5,000. He posted the required 10%, was released and is next due in court Jan. 17.
The Carpentersville police report said South Elgin police were notified of the Wednesday call involving Christenson. South Elgin Police Chief Jerry Krawczyk said Christenson was off duty Thursday and was placed on administrative leave Friday. Christenson's gun now is at the police department, he said.
"Right now we are doing an investigation," Krawczyk said, declining further comment.
The Daily Herald detailed Christenson's arrest record and disciplinary history in a story in December.
Christenson was charged with domestic battery following an arrest in January 2017 in Elgin involving the same woman as in the Carpentersville arrest.
Christenson pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in January 2018. He was going to get a 14-day suspension without pay and random on-the-job alcohol testing for a year, but that was changed in February 2018 to a 20-day suspension without pay and random testing for two years after he admitted he had been drinking alcohol when he was a passenger during a traffic stop in Gilberts.
Christenson was recognized in December 2018, along with another South Elgin police officer, for saving a resident's life.
Daily Herald staff writer Harry Hitzeman contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--Rush drummer Neil Peart dead at 67

Rush drummer Neil Peart dead at 67

SANTA MONICA , Calif. -- Neil Peart , the renowned drummer and lyricist from the influential Canadian band Rush , has died .
He was 67 .
His representative , Elliot Mintz , said in a statement Friday that Peart died at his home Tuesday in Santa Monica .
The band posted a message on Twitter also confirming the news .
`` It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend , soul brother and band mate over 45 years , Neil , has lost his incredibly brave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain cancer , '' the band wrote .
`` Rest in peace brother . ''
Peart was revered for his drumming skills , but was also the band 's key songwriters , known for his fantastical lyrics .
The respected musician placed fourth on Rolling Stone 's list of 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time , behind Ginger Baker ( Cream ) , Keith Moon ( The Who ) and John Bonham ( Led Zeppelin ) .
Peart , alongside bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson , was inducted into the Rock & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rush was honored for combining `` the signature traits of progressive rock with a proto typical heavy-metal sound . ''
Their most known songs include `` Tom Sawyer '' and `` The Spirit of Radio . ''
When Rush formed in 1968 , its original lineup included Lifeson , bassist Jeff Jones and drummer John Rutsey .
After a few weeks , Lee replaced Jones , and in 1974 Peart replaced Rutsey weeks before Rush 's first U.S. tour .
Rush 's first album with Peart -- now the band 's principal songwriter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Night . ''
They released a second album that same year , `` Caress of Steel , '' which reached gold status .
In 1976 the band marked a major breakthrough with the album `` 2112 , '' which sold 3 million units in the U.S .
Rush 's most successful album was 1981 's `` Moving Pictures , '' which sold 4 million copies and featured the instrumental hit `` YYZ , '' helping the band earn its first Grammy nomination .
( They earned seven nominations throughout their career .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' was a double platinum success , while 11 of the band 's albums were certified platinum and 10 albums reached gold status .
The band was heavily influential , and fans of Peart and Rush paid tribute on social media .
`` Today the world lost a true giant in the history of rock and roll , '' said Foo Fighters frontman and Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl , in a statement Friday .
`` An inspiration to millions with an unmistakable sound who spawned generations of musicians ( like myself ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dream .
A kind , thoughtful , brilliant man who ruled our radios and turntables not only with his drumming , but also his beautiful words .
`` I still vividly remember my first listen of `` 2112 '' when I was young .
It was the first time I really listened to a drummer .
And since that day , music has never been the same .
His power , precision , and composition was incomparable .
He was called 'The Professor ' for a reason : we all learned from him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rush 's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech .
Actor and Tenacious D performer Jack Black tweeted , `` The master will be missed -- Neil Peart RIP # RushForever . ''
Gene Simmons of KISS called Peart `` a kind soul , '' while Chuck D of Public Enemy recalled being inducted into the Rock Hall on the same night as Rush , saying backstage he and Peart shared `` a unique moment without much word .
Rest in Beats my man . ''
Slash , Bryan Adams , Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid tribute to Peart .
`` Thank you for inspiring me and for all your help and advice along the way , especially in the early days when you took the time to talk to a young green Danish drummer about recording , gear and the possibilities that lay ahead , '' Metallica 's Lars Ulrich wrote on Twitter .
`` Thank you for what you did for drummers all over the world with your passion , your approach , your principles and your unwavering commitment to the instrument !
Rest In Peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1952 in Ontario , and is survived by his wife , Carrie and their daughter , Olivia Louise Peart .
He was also an author and published six books .

Rock world mourns Rush drummer Neil Peart, dead at 67
FILE - This April 18, 2013 file photo shows Neil Peart at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles. Peart, the renowned drummer and lyricist from the band Rush, has died. His rep Elliot Mintz said in a statement Friday that he died at his home Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 67. Associated Press
Members of the band Rush, from left, Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson at the RockWalk induction of Rush at Guitar Center in Los Angeles. Peart died Tuesday in Santa Monica, California, at age 67. Associated Press/Nov. 20, 2012
In June 1977, Neil Peart and Rush visited Hersey High School in Arlington Heights. They did not perform, but answered questions from the Hersey students after watching a slide show, according to a 1977 issue of Circus. From left in the front row are singer/bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and Peart. Daily Herald file photo, June 1977
FILE - This Aug. 1, 2015 file photo shows Neil Peart of Rush performing during the final show of the R40 Tour in Los Angeles. Peart, the renowned drummer and lyricist from the band Rush, has died. His rep Elliot Mintz said in a statement Friday that he died at his home Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 67. Associated Press
SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Neil Peart, the renowned drummer and lyricist from the influential Canadian band Rush, has died. He was 67.
His representative, Elliot Mintz, said in a statement Friday that Peart died at his home Tuesday in Santa Monica. The band posted a message on Twitter also confirming the news.
"It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend, soul brother and band mate over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer," the band wrote. "Rest in peace brother."
Peart was revered for his drumming skills, but was also the band's key songwriters, known for his fantastical lyrics. The respected musician placed fourth on Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time, behind Ginger Baker (Cream), Keith Moon (The Who) and John Bonham (Led Zeppelin).
Peart, alongside bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Rush was honored for combining "the signature traits of progressive rock with a proto typical heavy-metal sound." Their most known songs include "Tom Sawyer" and "The Spirit of Radio."
When Rush formed in 1968, its original lineup included Lifeson, bassist Jeff Jones and drummer John Rutsey. After a few weeks, Lee replaced Jones, and in 1974 Peart replaced Rutsey weeks before Rush's first U.S. tour.
Rush's first album with Peart -- now the band's principal songwriter -- was 1975's platinum-seller "Fly by Night." They released a second album that same year, "Caress of Steel," which reached gold status. In 1976 the band marked a major breakthrough with the album "2112," which sold 3 million units in the U.S.
Rush's most successful album was 1981's "Moving Pictures," which sold 4 million copies and featured the instrumental hit "YYZ," helping the band earn its first Grammy nomination. (They earned seven nominations throughout their career.)
Rush's 1990's "Chronicles" was a double platinum success, while 11 of the band's albums were certified platinum and 10 albums reached gold status.
The band was heavily influential, and fans of Peart and Rush paid tribute on social media.
"Today the world lost a true giant in the history of rock and roll," said Foo Fighters frontman and Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, in a statement Friday. "An inspiration to millions with an unmistakable sound who spawned generations of musicians (like myself) to pick up two sticks and chase a dream. A kind, thoughtful, brilliant man who ruled our radios and turntables not only with his drumming, but also his beautiful words.
"I still vividly remember my first listen of "2112" when I was young. It was the first time I really listened to a drummer. And since that day, music has never been the same. His power, precision, and composition was incomparable. He was called 'The Professor' for a reason: we all learned from him," said Grohl, who gave Rush's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech.
Actor and Tenacious D performer Jack Black tweeted, "The master will be missed -- Neil Peart RIP #RushForever." Gene Simmons of KISS called Peart "a kind soul," while Chuck D of Public Enemy recalled being inducted into the Rock Hall on the same night as Rush, saying backstage he and Peart shared "a unique moment without much word. Rest in Beats my man."
Slash, Bryan Adams, Paul Stanley and Questlove of The Roots also paid tribute to Peart.
"Thank you for inspiring me and for all your help and advice along the way, especially in the early days when you took the time to talk to a young green Danish drummer about recording, gear and the possibilities that lay ahead," Metallica's Lars Ulrich wrote on Twitter. "Thank you for what you did for drummers all over the world with your passion, your approach, your principles and your unwavering commitment to the instrument! Rest In Peace."
Peart was born Sept. 12, 1952 in Ontario, and is survived by his wife, Carrie and their daughter, Olivia Louise Peart. He was also an author and published six books.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--Hinsdale man charged with sexually abusing 13-year-old boy

A 26-year-old Hinsdale man has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a 13-year-old boy he met on an @ @ @ @ @ Sadlowski , of the 500 block of N. North Street , is being held on @ @ @ @ @ say Sadlowski contacted the boy online and the two met in person on Nov. 1 @ @ @ @ @ An arrest warrant for Sadlowski was issued Jan. 8 and he was taken into custody @ @ @ @ @ It is alleged that this defendant arranged to meet his victim via an online dating @ @ @ @ @ alone , sexually abused him , '' DuPage County State 's Attorney Robert Berlin said @ @ @ @ @ `` These allegations are extremely disturbing and will be met with the full force of @ @ @ @ @ 's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 27 when he will be arraigned in @ @ @ @ @ .

Hinsdale man charged with sexually abusing 13-year-old boy
A 26-year-old Hinsdale man has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a 13-year-old boy he met on an internet dating app.
Mark Sadlowski, of the 500 block of N. North Street, is being held on $150,000 bail.
Authorities say Sadlowski contacted the boy online and the two met in person on Nov. 1 when the abuse occurred. An arrest warrant for Sadlowski was issued Jan. 8 and he was taken into custody the next day.
"It is alleged that this defendant arranged to meet his victim via an online dating application and once they were alone, sexually abused him," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a written statement. "These allegations are extremely disturbing and will be met with the full force of the law."
Sadlowski's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 27 when he will be arraigned in front of Judge Liam Brennen.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--Two groups want to buy Arlington Park, head of horsemen's association says

At least two groups have expressed interest about buying Arlington International Racecourse from Churchill Downs and adding a casino to the property .
That 's according to Mike Campbell , president of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen 's Association , who said he was approached by leadership of the two groups to gauge support from horse owners and trainers about the potential move .
At least one of the groups has had discussions with Churchill officials , he added .
Churchill officials have not responded to emails seeking comment about the reports .
Campbell is all for the change in ownership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spurn a casino license offered by the state , after decades of the racetrack lobbying for it , has placed the future of the entertainment venue in jeopardy .
Churchill officials said they doubted the new gambling law would allow them to make an acceptable financial return because of fees and taxes .
Until then , everyone `` agreed this is the way to make the tracks and horse industry viable into the future , '' Campbell said .
`` We 're asking them to use the license or move over and sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea at the track became complicated when Churchill bought Rivers Casino in Des Plaines , just a few miles down the road from the track .
Casino-style gambling at the racetrack would certainly cut into action at the casino .
The legislature approved casinos at race tracks along with a massive gambling expansion that includes sports betting and additional casinos in an effort to raise money for a statewide capital improvement campaign .
So far , the gambling expansion proposal has been met with a tepid response from local lawmakers and investors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have opened sportsbooks at casinos that are earning those states millions of dollars in tax revenues .
Campbell said the groups who approached his organization are `` viable '' operators who have the `` wherewithal and desire '' to run Arlington and add the casino component .
Campbell added that his organization 's research indicates the selling price for Arlington Park is somewhere in the ballpark of $ 200 million to continue operating .
If Churchill sold the facility to a developer who planned to convert the property for a different use , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter of its current worth , Campbell believes .
Churchill has only committed to operating Arlington Park through the 2020 season , but even that 's in jeopardy because trainers and owners are still feuding with management over the size of purses for the upcoming season .
Campbell said he wants an average of at least $ 200,000 a day in prize money .
Churchill has offered an average of $ 130,000 a day , far below what Campbell 's group seeks and what is offered in neighboring states .

Two groups want to buy Arlington Park, head of horsemen's association says
The Illinois Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association says two groups are interested in buying Arlington Park and putting a casino at the racetrack. Daily Herald file photo
At least two groups have expressed interest about buying Arlington International Racecourse from Churchill Downs and adding a casino to the property.
That's according to Mike Campbell, president of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, who said he was approached by leadership of the two groups to gauge support from horse owners and trainers about the potential move. At least one of the groups has had discussions with Churchill officials, he added.
Churchill officials have not responded to emails seeking comment about the reports.
Campbell is all for the change in ownership, saying Churchill officials' decision to spurn a casino license offered by the state, after decades of the racetrack lobbying for it, has placed the future of the entertainment venue in jeopardy. Churchill officials said they doubted the new gambling law would allow them to make an acceptable financial return because of fees and taxes.
Until then, everyone "agreed this is the way to make the tracks and horse industry viable into the future," Campbell said. "We're asking them to use the license or move over and sell to someone else."
The casino idea at the track became complicated when Churchill bought Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, just a few miles down the road from the track. Casino-style gambling at the racetrack would certainly cut into action at the casino.
The legislature approved casinos at race tracks along with a massive gambling expansion that includes sports betting and additional casinos in an effort to raise money for a statewide capital improvement campaign. So far, the gambling expansion proposal has been met with a tepid response from local lawmakers and investors. Meanwhile, neighboring states Iowa and Indiana have opened sportsbooks at casinos that are earning those states millions of dollars in tax revenues.
Campbell said the groups who approached his organization are "viable" operators who have the "wherewithal and desire" to run Arlington and add the casino component.
Campbell added that his organization's research indicates the selling price for Arlington Park is somewhere in the ballpark of $200 million to continue operating. If Churchill sold the facility to a developer who planned to convert the property for a different use, the price would likely drop to a quarter of its current worth, Campbell believes. Churchill has only committed to operating Arlington Park through the 2020 season, but even that's in jeopardy because trainers and owners are still feuding with management over the size of purses for the upcoming season. Campbell said he wants an average of at least $200,000 a day in prize money. Churchill has offered an average of $130,000 a day, far below what Campbell's group seeks and what is offered in neighboring states.
Daily Herald staff writer Christopher Placek contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--World Leaders Forum buys buliding in downtown Elgin

Judson University 's nonprofit World Leaders Forum bought a vacant building in downtown Elgin that will be used for educational purposes , officials said .
The empty property at 28 N. Grove Ave. was purchased by the nonprofit from PNC Bank for about $ 200,000 last summer , said Julie Schmidt , director of World Leaders Forum and special events at Judson University .
`` Basically the plan is something that is going to fit with our mission , '' Schmidt said .
`` It will be used for educational purposes .
We are currently exploring different possibilities with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that decision . ''
PNC Bank closed its branch on the first floor of the building in July 2017 .
The second floor held the nonprofit Centro de Informacion until it relocated in February 2018 to the west side .
The building has been empty since then and was put on the market by PNC Bank .
The property , which comprises 26-32 N. Grove Ave. , includes some aboveground and underground parking , Schmidt said .
`` I 'm delighted that the PNC Bank building is going to have an intended use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the Downtown Neighborhood Assocation of Elgin .
`` The building has been vacant for quite a while and underutilized for even longer than that , so this is a win . ''
World Leaders Forum is known for bringing prominent speakers to Judson University , including George W. Bush , Mikhail Gorbachev , Tony Blair , Condoleezza Rice and others .
Proceeds fund the Judson leadership scholars program , entrepreneurial activities and ongoing operations , and also will benefit youths in foster care by providing programs and educational opportunities at Judson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200,000 building price was below market , which , combined with its size and location , prompted the nonprofit to buy it , Schmidt said .
A final decision about the use of the building , which also will hold offices for World Leaders Forum , is expected this year , she said .
`` PNC Bank was in process of looking for a charity that would put the building to good use , '' she said .
`` The connection was that someone knew that property was for sale and we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @

World Leaders Forum buys building in downtown Elgin
Judson University's nonprofit World Leaders Forum bought a vacant building in downtown Elgin that will be used for educational purposes, officials said.
The empty property at 28 N. Grove Ave. was purchased by the nonprofit from PNC Bank for about $200,000 last summer, said Julie Schmidt, director of World Leaders Forum and special events at Judson University.
"Basically the plan is something that is going to fit with our mission," Schmidt said. "It will be used for educational purposes. We are currently exploring different possibilities with that, and ultimately the board will make that decision."
PNC Bank closed its branch on the first floor of the building in July 2017. The second floor held the nonprofit Centro de Informacion until it relocated in February 2018 to the west side.
The building has been empty since then and was put on the market by PNC Bank. The property, which comprises 26-32 N. Grove Ave., includes some aboveground and underground parking, Schmidt said.
"I'm delighted that the PNC Bank building is going to have an intended use," said Jennifer Fukala, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Assocation of Elgin. "The building has been vacant for quite a while and underutilized for even longer than that, so this is a win."
World Leaders Forum is known for bringing prominent speakers to Judson University, including George W. Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair, Condoleezza Rice and others.
Proceeds fund the Judson leadership scholars program, entrepreneurial activities and ongoing operations, and also will benefit youths in foster care by providing programs and educational opportunities at Judson, its website says.
The $200,000 building price was below market, which, combined with its size and location, prompted the nonprofit to buy it, Schmidt said. A final decision about the use of the building, which also will hold offices for World Leaders Forum, is expected this year, she said.
"PNC Bank was in process of looking for a charity that would put the building to good use," she said. "The connection was that someone knew that property was for sale and we were kind of in the market."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--Winter fun events in Gurnee, Vernon Hills canceled

The organizers of two winter celebrations have canceled Saturday events because of the dangerous weather forecast .
Gurnee Park District officials canceled Frosty Fest , the annual event at Bittersweet Golf Course , and Vernon Hills Park District officials nixed Winter Fest , which was set to run at Century Park Pavilion .
The National Weather Service forecasts a winter storm to enter the area Friday night into Saturday night , which will bring a potentially dangerous mix of rain , snow , ice and wind .
`` We hope for fluffy beautiful snow for the event and sometimes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midwest , sometimes it 's not , '' said Deanna Angelini Johann , public relations and sponsorship specialist for the Gurnee Park District , referring to the nasty mix of weather in the forecast .
In a message on the Vernon Hills Park District Facebook page , officials cited the `` dangerous ice and wind '' in the forecast .
Gurnee Park District staff made the decision to cancel in collaboration with the village of Gurnee , Johann said .
Johann said the park district will not reschedule the event because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vendors and sponsors to commit to two dates .
This is not the first time Frosty Fest has been called for severe weather .
In 2015 , bitterly cold weather led organizers to postpone the event to February .
But the weather did n't improve and the makeup day also was canceled .

Winter fun events in Gurnee, Vernon Hills canceled
The organizers of two winter celebrations have canceled Saturday events because of the dangerous weather forecast.
Gurnee Park District officials canceled Frosty Fest, the annual event at Bittersweet Golf Course, and Vernon Hills Park District officials nixed Winter Fest, which was set to run at Century Park Pavilion.
The National Weather Service forecasts a winter storm to enter the area Friday night into Saturday night, which will bring a potentially dangerous mix of rain, snow, ice and wind.
"We hope for fluffy beautiful snow for the event and sometimes it's there, but living in the Midwest, sometimes it's not," said Deanna Angelini Johann, public relations and sponsorship specialist for the Gurnee Park District, referring to the nasty mix of weather in the forecast.
In a message on the Vernon Hills Park District Facebook page, officials cited the "dangerous ice and wind" in the forecast.
Gurnee Park District staff made the decision to cancel in collaboration with the village of Gurnee, Johann said. Johann said the park district will not reschedule the event because it isn't feasible to get the volunteers, vendors and sponsors to commit to two dates.
This is not the first time Frosty Fest has been called for severe weather. In 2015, bitterly cold weather led organizers to postpone the event to February. But the weather didn't improve and the makeup day also was canceled.