dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--What small Queen Bee School District did to produce eye-catching results on state exams

Queen Bee School District 16 has been around for 160 years , about a century longer than the village of Glendale Heights , where it 's based .
For much of its history , some in DuPage County education circles called Queen Bee a `` best-kept secret , '' even if that 's not how the district 's teachers saw their schools .
But a new feature on the Illinois Report Card has brought Queen Bee to the forefront and showcased how the district has overcome labels about its size and demographics .
Students speak 49 different languages across Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center .
About 38 % of students are classified as English language learners .
More than 41 % are from low-income families .
But across the board , all student groups in the district achieved higher-than-average growth scores in both math and English language arts , according to 2019 report card data .
Growth scores measure student progress on state exams year over year against grade-level peers who started at the same baseline .
In a school rating system that debuted in 2018 , the state weighs student growth more heavily than standardized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of , I would say , levels the playing field , '' Queen Bee Superintendent Joseph Williams said .
At the district 's Glenside Middle School , students showed 71 % growth in English language arts , meaning they grew at the same level or better than 71 % of their peers across the state , as compared with 54 % in 2018 .
The statewide average growth score for English language arts and math is 50 % .
About 55 % of students also tested as proficient in English language arts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ student population is Hispanic or Latino , earned the `` exemplary '' school rating .
The designation recognizes schools that had no underperforming student groups and performance ranking in the top 10 % of schools statewide .
Educators credit a number of factors for the gains .
In recent years , the district has made a concentrated effort to overhaul curriculum , train teachers , mentor new staff and invest in STEM ( science , technology , engineering and mathematics ) and bilingual education .
`` Our families work really hard , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes , '' Williams said .
`` I think we 're expecting more .
Our best days are ahead of us . ''
Queen Bee has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a mentoring program now in its second year .
It was launched in partnership with the New Teacher Center , a California-based nonprofit group that focuses on leadership development , student learning and other areas .
Mentors help new employees feel supported and connected , and the model helps the district attract and retain teachers , Williams said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate in Queen Bee is 85 % , nearly matching the state average .
`` We take recruitment , induction and mentoring of our teachers very seriously , '' he said .
`` There is a national teacher shortage , so for the people who want to do this , we 're trying to put ourselves in a competitive situation where young teachers want to be here at Queen Bee . ''
At a minimum , new teachers strive to spend 180 minutes a month with their mentors , planning lessons , analyzing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` When we have high quality instructional practices , I do feel that is going to be a direct impact to achievement , '' said Natalie Christopher , a math coach based at Americana Intermediate School .
A Queen Bee alum , Christopher has spent her entire 23-year career in the district and helps coordinate a program that pairs new employees with about three dozen veteran educators trained as mentors by the New Teacher Center .
She 's delighted in the new attention toward Queen Bee after the Illinois State Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` A lot rests on the dedication and the hard work of the teachers there who believed in the students they were serving and each and every day , '' she said .
The district has embraced its diversity by committing to recruit new teachers who have earned an English as a Second Language endorsement .
And for those who have n't , the district has partnered with Northern Illinois and Olivet Nazarene universities to offer evening classes so they can become ESL-endorsed .
The district also is looking to a third school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run courses .
Last year , about two dozen educators received the endorsement , a majority of whom teach below the sixth grade .
`` The reality is that we 're really focused on language development for all students , '' Williams said .
The district also puts an emphasis on STEM education through the Project Lead the Way program , first introduced in the middle school and expanded to kindergarten through eighth grade over the past five years .
`` If STEM was just about robots , we 're not interested , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way more than robots .
It 's engagement .
It 's collegiality . ''
That teamwork is evident in Nicky Hundal 's classroom at Glen Hill Primary School .
She received Project Lead the Way training at the University of Illinois at Chicago engineering school .
On a recent afternoon , groups of her third-grade students were building compound machines and resolving design issues on their own with Hundal as a guide .
Davis Richards , another Project Lead the Way teacher who heads computer science classes at Glenside Middle School , connects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` With math these days being so heavily word-focused , problem driven , rather than just facts and simple computational problems , the benefit of these classes is that it really is applying that knowledge in more of a practical setting , '' he said .
At the middle school , students grew at the same level or better than 57.6 % of their peers across the state in math .
`` The other part is you start to see those improvements in the later grades when you make systemic changes upstream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every time we see anything that happens in the district , it 's a team event . ''

What small Queen Bee School District did to produce eye-catching results on state exams
Queen Bee School District 16 has been around for 160 years, about a century longer than the village of Glendale Heights, where it's based.
For much of its history, some in DuPage County education circles called Queen Bee a "best-kept secret," even if that's not how the district's teachers saw their schools.
But a new feature on the Illinois Report Card has brought Queen Bee to the forefront and showcased how the district has overcome labels about its size and demographics.
Students speak 49 different languages across Queen Bee's four schools and early childhood center. About 38% of students are classified as English language learners. More than 41% are from low-income families.
But across the board, all student groups in the district achieved higher-than-average growth scores in both math and English language arts, according to 2019 report card data.
Growth scores measure student progress on state exams year over year against grade-level peers who started at the same baseline. In a school rating system that debuted in 2018, the state weighs student growth more heavily than standardized test proficiency scores.
"It kind of, I would say, levels the playing field," Queen Bee Superintendent Joseph Williams said.
At the district's Glenside Middle School, students showed 71% growth in English language arts, meaning they grew at the same level or better than 71% of their peers across the state, as compared with 54% in 2018. The statewide average growth score for English language arts and math is 50%.
About 55% of students also tested as proficient in English language arts.
Glenside, where more than half the student population is Hispanic or Latino, earned the "exemplary" school rating. The designation recognizes schools that had no underperforming student groups and performance ranking in the top 10% of schools statewide.
Educators credit a number of factors for the gains. In recent years, the district has made a concentrated effort to overhaul curriculum, train teachers, mentor new staff and invest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and bilingual education.
"Our families work really hard, and they've been really pleased with our changes," Williams said. "I think we're expecting more. Our best days are ahead of us."
Teacher mentoring
Queen Bee has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a mentoring program now in its second year. It was launched in partnership with the New Teacher Center, a California-based nonprofit group that focuses on leadership development, student learning and other areas.
Mentors help new employees feel supported and connected, and the model helps the district attract and retain teachers, Williams said. The 2019 report card shows the teacher retention rate in Queen Bee is 85%, nearly matching the state average.
"We take recruitment, induction and mentoring of our teachers very seriously," he said. "There is a national teacher shortage, so for the people who want to do this, we're trying to put ourselves in a competitive situation where young teachers want to be here at Queen Bee."
At a minimum, new teachers strive to spend 180 minutes a month with their mentors, planning lessons, analyzing student work and strategies for student engagement.
"When we have high quality instructional practices, I do feel that is going to be a direct impact to achievement," said Natalie Christopher, a math coach based at Americana Intermediate School.
A Queen Bee alum, Christopher has spent her entire 23-year career in the district and helps coordinate a program that pairs new employees with about three dozen veteran educators trained as mentors by the New Teacher Center.
She's delighted in the new attention toward Queen Bee after the Illinois State Board of Education last October highlighted student growth.
"A lot rests on the dedication and the hard work of the teachers there who believed in the students they were serving and each and every day," she said.
'Systemic changes'
The district has embraced its diversity by committing to recruit new teachers who have earned an English as a Second Language endorsement.
And for those who haven't, the district has partnered with Northern Illinois and Olivet Nazarene universities to offer evening classes so they can become ESL-endorsed. The district also is looking to a third school, University of St. Francis, to run courses.
Last year, about two dozen educators received the endorsement, a majority of whom teach below the sixth grade.
"The reality is that we're really focused on language development for all students," Williams said.
The district also puts an emphasis on STEM education through the Project Lead the Way program, first introduced in the middle school and expanded to kindergarten through eighth grade over the past five years.
"If STEM was just about robots, we're not interested," Williams said. "It's way more than robots. It's engagement. It's collegiality."
That teamwork is evident in Nicky Hundal's classroom at Glen Hill Primary School. She received Project Lead the Way training at the University of Illinois at Chicago engineering school.
On a recent afternoon, groups of her third-grade students were building compound machines and resolving design issues on their own with Hundal as a guide.
Davis Richards, another Project Lead the Way teacher who heads computer science classes at Glenside Middle School, connects that approach to student growth in math.
"With math these days being so heavily word-focused, problem driven, rather than just facts and simple computational problems, the benefit of these classes is that it really is applying that knowledge in more of a practical setting," he said.
At the middle school, students grew at the same level or better than 57.6% of their peers across the state in math.
"The other part is you start to see those improvements in the later grades when you make systemic changes upstream," Williams said. "So every time we see anything that happens in the district, it's a team event."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--Backers say the time is right for $147M Barrington 220 referendum

Barrington Area Unit District 220 will seek voter approval next month to borrow $ 147 million for building projects , including safety and security upgrades at all its schools .
Regardless of the outcome of the March 17 referendum vote , district residents will see a reduction in their property tax bills .
How much depends on voters .
With the district 220 expecting to pay off some debt in 2021 , so the owner of a $ 500,000 median value house would receive a decrease of about $ 75 a year , compared with the 2019 property tax bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , if voters reject the request , the same homeowner would see a reduction of about $ 468 .
Officials said the $ 147 million would pay for basic projects , including upgrades to school safety and security , plumbing , electrical , roofing and heating , ventilation and air conditioning .
The ballot measure comes almost a year after voters rejected the district 's request to borrow $ 185 million for facility upgrades .
That measure , if approved , would have added about $ 100 to the annual property tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500,000 house .
Former school board President Brian Battle said the decision to pare the proposed borrowing by $ 38 million shows officials listened to voters .
Battle , now part of a residents ' group called Yes for Barrington 220 's Future , said the timing is right to support the request .
That 's in part because of historically low interest rates .
`` Those historically low rates are not going to last for 20 years , '' he said .
`` The second thing is , construction costs really have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And they 're going up easily 3 ( % ) to 5 % a year .
So , delaying a decision that is based on real needs is just going to cost the taxpayers more money in a combination of interest and cost inflation . ''
However , some like Barrington resident Willard `` Bill '' Bishop are questioning the district 's request , saying that after extensive study , he 's concluded too little annual spending on building maintenance has led to the $ 147 million proposal .
Over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected to `` fully support spending on personnel in each year 's budget '' while not devoting enough to facility maintenance .
`` District 220 is not the only district in the Northwest suburbs that 's deferring annual maintenance , but that does n't make it the right way to manage school spending , '' he said .
Bishop also said the proposed projects do n't include better technology and other upgrades that would align with Blueprint 220 , the district 's long-term strategy on school renovations designed to meet future education needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote on March 17 could serve as a call for the school board to budget more for maintenance and direct future referendum money to upgrades needed to support modern teaching methods .
District 220 officials say that in addition to basic improvements , the referendum would fund construction of a physical education and wellness center at Barrington High School , additional classrooms at the district 's two middle schools , and new classroom space at all elementary buildings for science , technology , engineering and mathematics classes , and for students with special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is coming from the Barrington Education Association and Barrington School Employees Organization .
Members of the teachers ' and support employees ' unions have been canvassing and performing other duties to promote a `` yes '' vote .
Barrington Education Association President Melissa Atteberry said at a recent school board meeting the volunteers are working to achieve a stronger learning environment for students .
`` Educators are always ready to go the extra mile for kids , '' Atteberry said .
District 220 serves all or part of Barrington , Barrington Hills , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grove , Hoffman Estates , Inverness , Lake Barrington , North Barrington , Port Barrington , South Barrington and Tower Lakes .
It educates about 9,000 students in prekindergarten through high school .

Backers say the time is right for $147M Barrington 220 referendum
Former Barrington Area Unit District 220 board President Brian Battle is part of a residents' group pushing for the district's March 17 referendum.
Barrington Area Unit District 220 will seek voter approval next month to borrow $147 million for building projects, including safety and security upgrades at all its schools.
Regardless of the outcome of the March 17 referendum vote, district residents will see a reduction in their property tax bills. How much depends on voters.
With the district 220 expecting to pay off some debt in 2021, so the owner of a $500,000 median value house would receive a decrease of about $75 a year, compared with the 2019 property tax bill, if the ballot measure passes.
However, if voters reject the request, the same homeowner would see a reduction of about $468.
Officials said the $147 million would pay for basic projects, including upgrades to school safety and security, plumbing, electrical, roofing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
The ballot measure comes almost a year after voters rejected the district's request to borrow $185 million for facility upgrades. That measure, if approved, would have added about $100 to the annual property tax bill for the owner of a $500,000 house.
Former school board President Brian Battle said the decision to pare the proposed borrowing by $38 million shows officials listened to voters.
Battle, now part of a residents' group called Yes for Barrington 220's Future, said the timing is right to support the request. That's in part because of historically low interest rates.
"Those historically low rates are not going to last for 20 years," he said. "The second thing is, construction costs really have been heating up the last few years. And they're going up easily 3(%) to 5% a year. So, delaying a decision that is based on real needs is just going to cost the taxpayers more money in a combination of interest and cost inflation."
However, some like Barrington resident Willard "Bill" Bishop are questioning the district's request, saying that after extensive study, he's concluded too little annual spending on building maintenance has led to the $147 million proposal.
Over the years, Bishop contends, the school board elected to "fully support spending on personnel in each year's budget" while not devoting enough to facility maintenance.
"District 220 is not the only district in the Northwest suburbs that's deferring annual maintenance, but that doesn't make it the right way to manage school spending," he said.
Bishop also said the proposed projects don't include better technology and other upgrades that would align with Blueprint 220, the district's long-term strategy on school renovations designed to meet future education needs. He said a "no" vote on March 17 could serve as a call for the school board to budget more for maintenance and direct future referendum money to upgrades needed to support modern teaching methods.
District 220 officials say that in addition to basic improvements, the referendum would fund construction of a physical education and wellness center at Barrington High School, additional classrooms at the district's two middle schools, and new classroom space at all elementary buildings for science, technology, engineering and mathematics classes, and for students with special needs.
Support for the ballot measure is coming from the Barrington Education Association and Barrington School Employees Organization. Members of the teachers' and support employees' unions have been canvassing and performing other duties to promote a "yes" vote. Barrington Education Association President Melissa Atteberry said at a recent school board meeting the volunteers are working to achieve a stronger learning environment for students.
"Educators are always ready to go the extra mile for kids," Atteberry said.
District 220 serves all or part of Barrington, Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, Deer Park, Fox River Grove, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes. It educates about 9,000 students in prekindergarten through high school.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--Neighbors want county to reject proposed subdivision near West Chicago

Just when it appeared DuPage County would reject a plan to build dozens of houses on the site of a former garden nursery near West Chicago , the project picked up a key endorsement from a county panel .
The DuPage County Board 's development committee last week voted 5-1 to recommend Pulte Homes receive a conditional-use permit to build an 84-home subdivision called Trillium Farm on most of the land that was part of The Planter 's Palette .
`` I think it 's a really great development , '' said Elizabeth Chaplin , who voted to approve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sadia Covert , Greg Hart and Mary FitzGerald Ozog .
Board member Sheila Rutledge was the only committee member to vote `` no . ''
The full county board is expected to take a final vote Tuesday .
The development committee supported the project even though DuPage 's zoning board of appeals earlier this month overwhelmingly opposed it .
Planter 's Palette closed last fall after nearly 40 years .
If Pulte gets permission to build Trillium Farm , the company would buy 35 acres of the roughly 40-acre property south of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Purnell Road .
Pulte representatives say the project would provide more housing options for seniors .
But the plan faces strong opposition from residents who say the subdivision would exacerbate traffic problems and harm the character of their neighborhood .
`` My neighbors and I are dismayed that all these concerns -- and the concerns expressed by the ZBA -- were cast aside by the development committee , '' resident Jennifer Ludovice said .
Traffic is one of the residents ' main concerns .
Trillium Farm would have two proposed entrances on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Purnell already backs up regularly at Winfield Road and building more homes would only compound the problem .
To alleviate the traffic concerns , the development committee proposed two conditions .
First , Pulte would be required to make Trillium Farm an age-restricted community so the houses could only be sold to buyers 55 and older .
Tornatore said that would reduce traffic from the subdivision during the morning and evening rush hours .
The other condition calls for traffic calming measures that would include turning restrictions in the morning at Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the evening at Winfield and Purnell ; a speed radar monitoring sign ; and a warning sign that would alert drivers of backups on Purnell .
`` Ultimately , I think there 's going to be less traffic and less of a problem , '' Tornatore said .
But Ludovice says the proposed traffic calming measures are n't realistic solutions .
`` In fact , they would create new problems that would further negatively impact existing residents , '' she said .
`` Clearly , neither the traffic engineer who developed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave consideration to how these suggested 'improvements ' would impact those of us who have no choice but to use Purnell Road to reach our homes each day . ''
Rutledge agrees with residents who say traffic is a significant problem on Purnell .
She 's also concerned about the density of the development .
`` I would have liked to see them scale back the number of homes , '' Rutledge said .
Tornatore says the subdivision would be a `` good buffer '' between the large single-family lots and more dense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he also likes that it would cater to residents 55 and older .
`` We really need a development of this sort in the county , '' he said .

Neighbors want county to reject proposed subdivision near West Chicago
Despite DuPage County's zoning board of appeals voting earlier this month to reject a plan to build a subdivision near West Chicago, the county's development committee is recommending approval of the project. Daily Herald file photo
The DuPage County Board is expected to decide Tuesday whether to grant a conditional-use permit allowing Pulte Homes to build a subdivision on the site of the former Planter's Palette garden nursery near West Chicago. Daily Herald file photo
Just when it appeared DuPage County would reject a plan to build dozens of houses on the site of a former garden nursery near West Chicago, the project picked up a key endorsement from a county panel.
The DuPage County Board's development committee last week voted 5-1 to recommend Pulte Homes receive a conditional-use permit to build an 84-home subdivision called Trillium Farm on most of the land that was part of The Planter's Palette.
"I think it's a really great development," said Elizabeth Chaplin, who voted to approve the request with fellow board members Sam Tornatore, Sadia Covert, Greg Hart and Mary FitzGerald Ozog. Board member Sheila Rutledge was the only committee member to vote "no."
The full county board is expected to take a final vote Tuesday.
The development committee supported the project even though DuPage's zoning board of appeals earlier this month overwhelmingly opposed it.
Planter's Palette closed last fall after nearly 40 years. If Pulte gets permission to build Trillium Farm, the company would buy 35 acres of the roughly 40-acre property south of Roosevelt and Garys Mills roads and east of Purnell Road.
Pulte representatives say the project would provide more housing options for seniors.
But the plan faces strong opposition from residents who say the subdivision would exacerbate traffic problems and harm the character of their neighborhood.
"My neighbors and I are dismayed that all these concerns -- and the concerns expressed by the ZBA -- were cast aside by the development committee," resident Jennifer Ludovice said.
Traffic is one of the residents' main concerns.
Trillium Farm would have two proposed entrances on Purnell Road. But neighbors say traffic on Purnell already backs up regularly at Winfield Road and building more homes would only compound the problem.
To alleviate the traffic concerns, the development committee proposed two conditions.
First, Pulte would be required to make Trillium Farm an age-restricted community so the houses could only be sold to buyers 55 and older. Tornatore said that would reduce traffic from the subdivision during the morning and evening rush hours.
The other condition calls for traffic calming measures that would include turning restrictions in the morning at Gary's Mill and Purnell; turning restrictions in the evening at Winfield and Purnell; a speed radar monitoring sign; and a warning sign that would alert drivers of backups on Purnell.
"Ultimately, I think there's going to be less traffic and less of a problem," Tornatore said.
But Ludovice says the proposed traffic calming measures aren't realistic solutions.
"In fact, they would create new problems that would further negatively impact existing residents," she said. "Clearly, neither the traffic engineer who developed the suggestions nor members of the development committee gave consideration to how these suggested 'improvements' would impact those of us who have no choice but to use Purnell Road to reach our homes each day."
Rutledge agrees with residents who say traffic is a significant problem on Purnell. She's also concerned about the density of the development.
"I would have liked to see them scale back the number of homes," Rutledge said.
Tornatore says the subdivision would be a "good buffer" between the large single-family lots and more dense apartments and townhouses in West Chicago. He said he also likes that it would cater to residents 55 and older.
"We really need a development of this sort in the county," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--4 new places to eat, drink coming to St. Charles

A brewery , a cafe , a craft beer bar and an Italian restaurant are among the newest St. Charles establishments slated to open this spring .
Aldermen expressed early support last week for granting liquor licenses to all four businesses , pending final approval from the city council and any outstanding permitting requirements .
The economic activity is encouraging to city leaders , who say they are eager to fill long-vacant storefronts , including the former Gino 's East restaurant , and newly developed sites such as the downtown First Street corridor .
A Downers Grove-based brewery plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first restaurant concept -- on the ground level of St. Charles ' newest riverfront building .
After developing its brand throughout the Chicago area , Alter Brewing Co. is expected to begin operating this May at 12 S. First St. , a five-story , multiuse building under construction , police Chief James Keegan said .
In addition to 16 taps of Alter beer , plus additional beverages , the establishment will offer the company 's first full food menu that pairs with its brews , according to the business plan .
The brewery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permit , will have a `` very exclusive and extensive '' outdoor dining area with a seasonal enclosure and a container bar , Keegan said .
The patio overlooks the Fox River and is adjacent the city 's new east plaza .
For years , the former Gino 's East pizzeria sat vacant in an aging western-themed shopping center .
New owners are in the process of reviving the cluster of storefronts , now called Stone Creek , with a more than $ 1 million renovation and a key anchor tenant : Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient and waiting a long time for something to come to that corner , '' Alderman Rita Payleitner said , noting she hopes the cafe will be a `` blessing to St .
Charles . ''
Founded in 2008 , the restaurant has locations in Crest Hill and Roselle .
The cafe at 1590 E. Main St. could open as early as April with a menu consisting of breakfast basics , sandwiches , skillets and other southern cuisine .
It also will feature a coffee , smoothie and juice bar , with Bloody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. , though liquor could not be sold until 7 a.m. A southern Italian eatery is taking over the recently shuttered Romano Mercato Italiano at 210 Cedar St. With its casual dining atmosphere and a focus on fresh seafood and pasta , Osteria Trulli aims to transport customers to Alberobello , a small town in Italy famous for its unique `` trullo '' buildings , owners said in their business plan .
This will be the second Osteria Trulli location , the first of which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in St. Charles soon after the liquor license is officially approved , which likely will take place March 2 .
The restaurant will be open every day for lunch and dinner .
Plans are moving forward for a downtown bar centered around serving craft beer from Illinois breweries -- including Pollyanna , Alter , Riverlands and D & G , all in St. Charles .
Ed 's Basement is expected to begin operating early next month as a `` comfortable and homey bar '' at 219 W. Main St. , said President Ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner Brandon Andriola .
They plan to add a commercial kitchen by the end of the year .
In the meantime , business plans call for a limited offering of snacks from local restaurants .
Simbol also operates Bigby 's Pour House in Addison and Rolling Meadows .
Ed 's Basement is seeking a 1 a.m. permit and also anticipates offering dart boards , pinball machines and other arcade games .

4 new places to eat, drink coming to St. Charles
Southern Cafe is taking over the former Gino's East location in a newly renovated shopping center in St. Charles, as shown in this rendering. Courtesy of the city of St. Charles
Alter Brewing Co. is targeting a May opening for its new brewery and kitchen at 12 S. First St. in St. Charles. As shown in this rendering, the establishment will include an outdoor dining patio adjacent to a new public plaza. Courtesy of the city of St. Charles
Alter Brewing Co. is opening a brewery and kitchen in the ground level of a new five-story building at 12 S. First St. in St. Charles. Courtesy of the city of St. Charles
A brewery, a cafe, a craft beer bar and an Italian restaurant are among the newest St. Charles establishments slated to open this spring.
Aldermen expressed early support last week for granting liquor licenses to all four businesses, pending final approval from the city council and any outstanding permitting requirements.
The economic activity is encouraging to city leaders, who say they are eager to fill long-vacant storefronts, including the former Gino's East restaurant, and newly developed sites such as the downtown First Street corridor.
Alter Brewing Co.
A Downers Grove-based brewery plans to open its second location -- and its first restaurant concept -- on the ground level of St. Charles' newest riverfront building.
After developing its brand throughout the Chicago area, Alter Brewing Co. is expected to begin operating this May at 12 S. First St., a five-story, multiuse building under construction, police Chief James Keegan said.
In addition to 16 taps of Alter beer, plus additional beverages, the establishment will offer the company's first full food menu that pairs with its brews, according to the business plan.
The brewery, which is seeking a 2 a.m. permit, will have a "very exclusive and extensive" outdoor dining area with a seasonal enclosure and a container bar, Keegan said. The patio overlooks the Fox River and is adjacent the city's new east plaza.
Southern Cafe
For years, the former Gino's East pizzeria sat vacant in an aging western-themed shopping center.
New owners are in the process of reviving the cluster of storefronts, now called Stone Creek, with a more than $1 million renovation and a key anchor tenant: Southern Cafe.
"We have been very patient and waiting a long time for something to come to that corner," Alderman Rita Payleitner said, noting she hopes the cafe will be a "blessing to St. Charles."
Founded in 2008, the restaurant has locations in Crest Hill and Roselle.
The cafe at 1590 E. Main St. could open as early as April with a menu consisting of breakfast basics, sandwiches, skillets and other southern cuisine. It also will feature a coffee, smoothie and juice bar, with Bloody Marys and mimosas.
The restaurant will operate daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., though liquor could not be sold until 7 a.m.
Osteria Trulli
A southern Italian eatery is taking over the recently shuttered Romano Mercato Italiano at 210 Cedar St.
With its casual dining atmosphere and a focus on fresh seafood and pasta, Osteria Trulli aims to transport customers to Alberobello, a small town in Italy famous for its unique "trullo" buildings, owners said in their business plan.
This will be the second Osteria Trulli location, the first of which is in Arlington Heights. Owners anticipate opening in St. Charles soon after the liquor license is officially approved, which likely will take place March 2.
The restaurant will be open every day for lunch and dinner.
Ed's Basement
Plans are moving forward for a downtown bar centered around serving craft beer from Illinois breweries -- including Pollyanna, Alter, Riverlands and D&G, all in St. Charles.
Ed's Basement is expected to begin operating early next month as a "comfortable and homey bar" at 219 W. Main St., said President Ed Simbol, who is working with business partner Brandon Andriola.
They plan to add a commercial kitchen by the end of the year. In the meantime, business plans call for a limited offering of snacks from local restaurants.
Simbol also operates Bigby's Pour House in Addison and Rolling Meadows.
Ed's Basement is seeking a 1 a.m. permit and also anticipates offering dart boards, pinball machines and other arcade games.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-24--What long-awaited 2018 Harvest Bible Chapel audit says

The latest audit of the financial records of Harvest Bible Chapel shows that revenue declined almost 10 % to $ 41.7 million in 2018 , compared to 2017 .
But half of it was due to taking an `` impairment loss '' for two assets : television broadcast time rights it sold in 2019 , and vacant land it is selling .
The 2018 audit by Capin Crouse of Naperville was published on the church 's website Wednesday .
There are few references to the troubles the church experienced in late 2018 and throughout 2019 , when its governance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pastor James MacDonald came under very public criticism .
The church fired MacDonald in February 2019 and replaced its elder board .
The audit lists the church as having net assets of $ 96.5 million as of Dec. 31 , 2018 , compared to $ 101.2 million at the end of 2017 .
The audit notes that the church sold its broadcast time on the TBN network for $ 4.1 million in cash in April 2019 , and that Harvest 's mortgage lender put $ 3.5 million of that in to a restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Harvest owed at the end of 2018 included $ 26.2 million on a mortgage due in August 2022 , secured by church properties in Elgin and Chicago .
The audit notes that the church suspended matching employees ' contributions to a 403 ( b ) retirement plan for almost a year , from March 2019 to February .
It also notes that in 2018 , the church used the transportation company of a former , unnamed elder , for the second year in a row , at a total cost of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Class B shares in Harvest Bible Chapel Aurora LLC from another elder .
The church leases its campus at 101 S. Barnes Road in Aurora from Harvest Bible Chapel Aurora LLC .
The lease expires in May .
According to the audit , someone has challenged the property-tax exemption for one of its campuses .
It did not say which one .
Writer Julie Roys ran a report on her website in January saying challenges have been filed on the Barnes Road property and on a Lake County property .
The church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in April 2018 .

What long-awaited 2018 Harvest Bible Chapel audit says
The latest audit of the financial records of Harvest Bible Chapel shows that revenue declined almost 10% to $41.7 million in 2018, compared to 2017.
But half of it was due to taking an "impairment loss" for two assets: television broadcast time rights it sold in 2019, and vacant land it is selling.
The 2018 audit by Capin Crouse of Naperville was published on the church's website Wednesday.
There are few references to the troubles the church experienced in late 2018 and throughout 2019, when its governance, financial practices and the leadership of founding pastor James MacDonald came under very public criticism. The church fired MacDonald in February 2019 and replaced its elder board.
The audit lists the church as having net assets of $96.5 million as of Dec. 31, 2018, compared to $101.2 million at the end of 2017.
The audit notes that the church sold its broadcast time on the TBN network for $4.1 million in cash in April 2019, and that Harvest's mortgage lender put $3.5 million of that in to a restricted mortgage reserve account.
The $42.3 million Harvest owed at the end of 2018 included $26.2 million on a mortgage due in August 2022, secured by church properties in Elgin and Chicago.
The audit notes that the church suspended matching employees' contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan for almost a year, from March 2019 to February.
It also notes that in 2018, the church used the transportation company of a former, unnamed elder, for the second year in a row, at a total cost of $95,147. It also bought $100,000 of Class B shares in Harvest Bible Chapel Aurora LLC from another elder.
The church leases its campus at 101 S. Barnes Road in Aurora from Harvest Bible Chapel Aurora LLC. The lease expires in May.
According to the audit, someone has challenged the property-tax exemption for one of its campuses. It did not say which one. Writer Julie Roys ran a report on her website in January saying challenges have been filed on the Barnes Road property and on a Lake County property.
The church's 2017 audit was released more quickly, in April 2018.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-24--After Arlington Heights crash, driver charged with going around crossing gates

An Arlington Heights driver whose car was struck by a Metra train Monday was cited for driving around the railroad crossing gates , Metra officials said .
The driver , Kelly O'Brien , 60 , was charged by Metra police with one count of disobeying an activated crossing , according to spokeswoman Meg Riele .
If found guilty , O'Brien could face up to a $ 500 fine for a first offense , under state law .
She escaped serious injury late Monday morning when the commuter train struck her Jeep SUV near the busy intersection of Northwest Highway and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
She had injuries described as nonlife-threatening after firefighters removed her from the car , which was struck by an inbound Metra train at 11:36 a.m. , officials said .
The driver , along with a passenger on the train , were taken to Northwest Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries , according to the Arlington Heights Fire Department .
The crash involved Train # 642 , which was scheduled to stop at the downtown Arlington Heights station at 11:32 a.m. and arrive at 12:23 p.m. at the Ogilvie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ train pushed the white SUV about 500 feet down from the intersection with Arlington Heights Road .
The vehicle remained upright as the train came to a stop , traveling on the middle of three tracks .
`` If ( the train ) had been going faster , ( the car ) probably would 've flipped , '' Riele said .
Emergency first responders were quick to arrive to the crash scene , which is just behind the police and fire headquarters and village hall .
Riele said Arlington Heights authorities handed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Metra halted all inbound and outbound trains , resulting in extensive delays throughout the afternoon .
Authorities advised drivers to avoid the area during the crash investigation , which lasted for much of the early afternoon .
But trains were back to their normal operating schedule before rush hour .

After Arlington Heights crash, driver charged with going around crossing gates
An Arlington Heights driver whose car was struck by a Metra train Monday was cited for driving around the railroad crossing gates, Metra officials said.
The driver, Kelly O'Brien, 60, was charged by Metra police with one count of disobeying an activated crossing, according to spokeswoman Meg Reile.
If found guilty, O'Brien could face up to a $500 fine for a first offense, under state law.
She escaped serious injury late Monday morning when the commuter train struck her Jeep SUV near the busy intersection of Northwest Highway and Arlington Heights Road in downtown Arlington Heights, authorities said.
Firefighters freed her from her vehicle, which was struck by an inbound Metra train at 11:36 a.m., officials said.
O'Brien and a passenger on the train were taken to Northwest Community Hospital with minor injuries, according to the Arlington Heights Fire Department.
The crash involved Train No. 642, which was scheduled to stop at the downtown Arlington Heights station at 11:32 a.m. and arrive at 12:23 p.m. at the Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.
The train pushed the white SUV about 500 feet down from the intersection with Arlington Heights Road. The vehicle remained upright as the train came to a stop, traveling on the middle of three tracks.
"If (the train) had been going faster, (the car) probably would've flipped," Reile said.
Emergency first responders were quick to arrive to the crash scene, which is just behind the police and fire headquarters and village hall. Reile said Arlington Heights authorities handed over the investigation to Metra police after 1 p.m.
Metra halted all inbound and outbound trains, resulting in extensive delays throughout the afternoon.
Authorities advised drivers to avoid the area during the crash investigation, which lasted for much of the early afternoon. But trains were back to their normal operating schedule before rush hour.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-24--Marijuana taxes generate $7.3 million in first month

The first month of legal recreational marijuana sales in Illinois generated more than $ 7.3 million in marijuana tax revenue for state .
The Illinois Department of Revenue also reported the first month of sales generated an additional $ 3.1 million in retail sales taxes .
These dollars will be divided between the state and the towns where marijuana purchases were made .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's recently released 2021 budget estimates the state to collect $ 28 million in marijuana tax revenue during the remainder of the current fiscal year , which ends June 30 .
State officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Next year , the governor 's budget team expects $ 127 million in marijuana tax revenue as more dispensaries open and additional licenses are issued .
Earlier this month , the state reported nearly $ 40 million in marijuana sales , which included marijuana and sales tax figures .
Marijuana taxes are generated either through the 7 % `` cannabis cultivation '' tax levied on growers or the staggered 10 % to 25 % tax on products depending on the level of potency .
Taxes on recreational marijuana vary depending on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , 35 % of marijuana tax revenues will go to the state 's general fund ; 25 % will go to the `` restore , reinvest and renew , '' or R3 , program , an effort to reinvest in communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana ; 20 % will go to address substance abuse and mental health ; 10 % will go to pay the state 's bills ; 8 % will be distributed among local governments to support law enforcement ; and 2 % to fund a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects of legalization .
State officials have been quick to defend the legalization effort against critics by noting the economic development aspect of the tax spending plan .
`` Revenue raised in this first month will soon begin flowing back into those communities to begin repairing the damage done by the failed policies of the past and creating new opportunities for those who have been left behind for far too long , '' said Toi Hutchinson , Pritzker 's cannabis control senior adviser .
Later this year , municipal and county taxes will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state 's 45 dispensaries reported 972,045 purchases during January , for an average sale amount of roughly $ 40 .
The vast majority of buyers were from Illinois , according to state records .
New licenses will be issued soon to dispensaries allowed in more traditional retail areas .
Currently , most of the dispensaries are located in industrial parks and were originally medicinal marijuana dispensaries .
In the suburbs , dispensaries operating in Addison , Mundelein and North Aurora offered recreational sales during the first month .
Since then , licenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second one in Addison have been issued as well .
Illinois began allowing recreational marijuana sales Jan. 1 and dispensaries were immediately met with hordes of shoppers , many of whom waited for hours to make a purchase .
The first day alone resulted in $ 3.2 million worth of sales and taxes .
Demand for product has been hard for many dispensaries to keep up with and maintain a supply for medical users as well .
In fact , many dispensaries stopped selling for at least a day after the first week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and give workers a break .

Marijuana taxes generate $7.3 million in first month
The first month of legal recreational marijuana sales in Illinois generated more than $7.3 million in marijuana tax revenue for state.
The Illinois Department of Revenue also reported the first month of sales generated $3.1 million more in retail sales taxes. These dollars will be divided between the state and the towns where marijuana purchases were made.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker's recently released 2021 budget estimates the state will collect $28 million in marijuana tax revenue during the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. State officials called the revenue estimate "conservative." Next year, the governor's budget team expects $127 million in marijuana tax revenue as more dispensaries open and additional licenses are issued.
Earlier this month, the state reported nearly $40 million in marijuana sales, which included marijuana tax and sales tax figures. Marijuana taxes are generated either through the 7% "cannabis cultivation" tax levied on growers or the staggered 10% to 25% tax on products depending on the level of potency.
Under the law, 35% of marijuana tax revenues will go to the state's general fund; 25% will go to the "restore, reinvest and renew," or R3, program, an effort to reinvest in communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana; 20% will go to address substance abuse and mental health; 10% will go to pay the state's bills; 8% will be distributed among local governments to support law enforcement; and 2% will fund a public education campaign and data analysis about the effects of legalization.
State officials have been quick to defend the legalization effort against critics by noting the economic development aspect of the tax spending plan.
"Revenue raised in this first month will soon begin flowing back into those communities to begin repairing the damage done by the failed policies of the past and creating new opportunities for those who have been left behind for far too long," said Toi Hutchinson, Pritzker's cannabis control senior adviser.
Later this year, municipal and county taxes will also be applied to marijuana sales.
The state's 45 dispensaries reported 972,045 purchases during January, for an average sale amount of roughly $40. The vast majority of buyers were from Illinois, according to state records.
New licenses will be issued soon to dispensaries allowed in more traditional retail areas. Currently, most of the dispensaries are located in industrial parks and were originally medicinal marijuana dispensaries. In the suburbs, dispensaries operating in Addison, Mundelein and North Aurora offered recreational sales during the first month. Since then, licenses to a dispensary in Rolling Meadows a second one in Addison have been issued as well.
Illinois began allowing recreational marijuana sales Jan. 1, and dispensaries were immediately met with hordes of shoppers, many of whom waited for hours to make a purchase. The first day alone resulted in $3.2 million worth of sales and taxes. Demand for product has been hard for many dispensaries to keep up with and maintain a supply for medical users as well. In fact, many dispensaries stopped selling for at least a day after the first week in an effort to shore up supply and give workers a break.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-24--Glen Ellyn finds buyer for land at Five Corners intersection

The pending sale of a village-owned property in Glen Ellyn has the blessing of neighbors who blocked construction of a gas station on the undeveloped land .
Village trustees will vote tonight to enter into a contract to sell the 1.35-acre tract to a Lombard chiropractor and physical therapist interested in moving offices to the site at southeast corner of the busy Five Corners intersection of Main , St. Charles and Geneva roads .
Progressive Physical Medicine has made an all-cash offer of $ 625,000 to buy the commercial property .
The prospective buyer has requested the contract be contingent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An ad hoc committee led by DuPage County Board member Tim Elliott , a former village trustee , has expressed support for the development of the site as a physical therapy or chiropractic clinic .
The committee includes neighbors tasked with giving feedback on the future of the property .
The village has not yet received building plans .
Progressive Physical Medicine intends to construct a single-story building with parking .
The tentative deal comes about two months after the village put the long-vacant land back up for sale with a listing price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquired the property at the northern entryway to Glen Ellyn nearly a decade ago .
The village was contractually required to repurchase the empty lot from a gas station developer after a group of neighbors won a lawsuit against Glen Ellyn and True North Energy to quash the project .
Trustees in December approved a budget amendment to include the $ 608,254 cost of buying it back .
The village also hired Polly Berry , a broker with Winner 's Edge Corporate Real Estate Services , to market the site .
Berry would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the land .
The village purchased the three parcels in September 2010 from a bankruptcy estate , paying $ 590,000 .
The village then spent at least $ 90,000 on demolition , remediation and restoration of the site .
In an effort to jump-start redevelopment , a smaller , dilapidated gas station that closed there in 2003 was torn down .
In 2013 , the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a `` no further remediation '' letter , restricting the site to commercial or industrial uses .
`` At a minimum , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address possible worker exposure in the event that any future excavation and construction activities may occur within the contaminated soil beneath the remediation site , '' the IEPA letter stated .
The prospective buyer , his architect and general contractor have all toured the site and reviewed the IEPA letter , according to a village board memo .

Glen Ellyn finds buyer for land at Five Corners intersection
The pending sale of a village-owned property in Glen Ellyn has the blessing of neighbors who blocked construction of a gas station on the undeveloped land.
In a 5-0 vote Monday, the village board agreed to enter into a contract to sell the 1.35-acre tract to a Lombard chiropractor and physical therapist planning to move offices to the site at southeast corner of the busy Five Corners intersection of Main, St. Charles and Geneva roads.
Progressive Physical Medicine has made an all-cash offer of $625,000 to buy the commercial property. The contract will be contingent on a 60-day due diligence period at the buyer's request.
An ad hoc committee led by DuPage County Board member Tim Elliott, a former village trustee, has expressed support for the development of the site as a physical therapy or chiropractic clinic. The committee includes neighbors tasked with giving feedback on the future of the property at the village's northern gateway.
Members opposed leaving it as open space, Elliott said. The committee also wants the board to take a broader approach to re-imagining the gateway, an area encompassing service businesses, the historic Stacy's Tavern Museum and unincorporated properties.
"That area as a whole could be revitalized, and it's going to take something significantly more imaginative than addressing on a parcel-by-parcel basis," Elliott said.
Progressive Physical Medicine intends to construct a single-story building with parking. The village has not yet received building plans.
The deal comes about two months after the village put the long-vacant land back up for sale with a listing price of $650,000. The village first acquired the property nearly a decade ago.
The village was contractually required to repurchase the empty lot from a gas station developer after Protect Glen Ellyn Inc., a group of neighbors, won a lawsuit against Glen Ellyn and True North Energy to quash the project.
The ad committee was unanimous in wanting a "viable, long-term commercial use" for the site, Elliott said, but they did not favor another gas station. Megan Clifford, the president of Protect Glen Ellyn and another committee member, also supports the proposed concept.
"This method of bringing us together, community members in a committee format, was very effective," Clifford said. "We've come a long way."
Trustees in December approved a budget amendment to include the $608,254 cost of buying the site back. The village also hired Polly Berry, a broker with Winner's Edge Corporate Real Estate Services, to market it. Berry will earn a 5% commission when the sale of the land is finalized.
"This particular buyer found it on a listing that normally is not used by our commercial realtors, and that is how this offer came to us," Village President Diane McGinley said.
The village paid $590,000 to purchase the three parcels in September 2010 from a bankruptcy estate. The village then spent at least $90,000 on demolition, remediation and restoration of the site. In an effort to jump-start redevelopment, a smaller, dilapidated gas station that closed there in 2003 was torn down.
In 2013, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a "no further remediation" letter, restricting the site to commercial or industrial uses.
"At a minimum, a safety plan, should be developed to address possible worker exposure in the event that any future excavation and construction activities may occur within the contaminated soil beneath the remediation site," the IEPA letter stated.
The prospective buyer, his architect and general contractor have all toured the site and reviewed the IEPA letter, according to a village board memo.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-24--With Route 53 extension dropped, what happens to $54 million in land?

Quashing the proposed extension of Route 53 north into Lake County may have been the easy part .
Residents who waged war against the pricey expansion rejoiced when the Illinois tollway dropped the project last July , effectively dooming it for lack of funds .
Now , however , there 's a 1,100-acre hot potato squatting in Lake County .
The state spent $ 54.3 million over 48 years acquiring land for the defunct road .
What to do ?
Looks like it 's task force time .
Legislation is percolating through the General Assembly to create a task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Dec. 31 .
Sponsor state Sen. Dan McConchie is hopeful a coalition of mayors , state officials and advocacy groups `` can resolve this issue once and for all . ''
`` Until people study the whole breadth of options , this corridor will continue to languish , '' said McConchie , a Republican who lives in Hawthorn Woods , a town that had been smack-dab in the middle of the project .
There 's no shortage of ideas for the IDOT properties dotted across central Lake County -- soccer fields , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space , and bike paths , for example , in towns including Long Grove , Hawthorn Woods , Mundelein and Grayslake .
But `` if you 're running IDOT and you have a $ 54 million asset , are you going to give it away ? ''
Lake County Board member/Forest Preserve Commissioner Steve Carlson asked rhetorically .
`` Let 's get real . ''
The mechanics of how Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , IDOT leaders and the General Assembly intend to dispose of the land have not been fleshed out yet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of land drops into our laps for free , it still entails a lot of costs to maintain it , '' Carlson said .
And , if vacant parcels are converted to nature preserves instead of commercial space , people should be aware that means never recouping property taxes , Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor said .
`` All these things are important to vet and the discussion needs to be transparent , '' he said .
Along with preserving open space , there are nuances like connecting the various land parcels and flood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Klipp said .
`` In the end , it has to be a balanced approach , '' Klipp stressed .
The task force resolution passed unanimously at a Senate Transportation Committee last week .
`` If Route 53 really is dead , we need everyone at the table to determine what 's best , '' said Democratic state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake , who signed on as a co-sponsor .
IDOT is reviewing the legislation and does not have a position at this time , spokesman Guy Tridgell said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with local stakeholders '' to determine the best and most effective use of the land .
In general , the department can dispose of property via a public sale , like an auction , after declaring it excess .
That has n't happened with the Route 53 land yet .
A direct sale to a specific entity also can occur , but must have legislative and governor approval in advance , Tridgell noted .
Got an opinion on the future of the 1,100 acres ?
Drop an email to mpyke @ dailyherald.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Grayslake , Hawthorn Woods , Long Grove and Mundelein ; IDOT and Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials ; state lawmakers appointed by party leaders ; Lake County Board and Stormwater Management Commission representatives ; and stakeholders from environmental , sustainability and tourism groups .
Members , who are n't paid for their service , will pick a chairman from among the lawmakers , Joint Resolution 52 states .
You should know The federal deadline for travelers to obtain REAL ID is nearly seven months away .
Without a REAL ID driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold star , you ca n't board domestic flights in the U.S. effective Oct. 1 , unless you have a passport or military identification .
Illinois Secretary of State officials advise applicants to allow 15 days for processing .
`` The most common issue customers face is not bringing in all of the required documents , '' spokesman Henry Haupt said .
An interactive document checklist is available on realid.ilsos.gov .
Another tip -- if you 're bringing in a birth certificate as identification , be sure it 's certified .
Applicants can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the bottom of the website and click on `` Apply for a Certified Copy of Birth Certificate , '' Haupt added .
Metra hopes to decipher service disruptions for riders with a primer on its website and videos .
The effort explains technical terms like `` pedestrian interference , '' which means delays of up to three hours ; `` freight train disruption , '' delays of up to 30 minutes ; and other mysteries .
To learn more , go to metrarail.com .
Nice to see some federal tax contributions come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced O'Hare International Airport will receive $ 65 million for runway construction .
It could n't come any sooner with O'Hare 's second longest Runway 9-Center/27-Center , stretching 11,245 feet , set to open Nov. 5 .

With Route 53 extension dropped, what happens to $54 million in land?
Quashing the proposed extension of Route 53 north into Lake County may have been the easy part.
Residents who waged war against the pricey expansion rejoiced when the Illinois tollway dropped the project last July, effectively dooming it for lack of funds.
Now, however, there's a 1,100-acre hot potato squatting in Lake County. The state spent $54.3 million over 48 years acquiring land for the defunct road.
What to do? Looks like it's task force time.
Legislation is percolating through the General Assembly to create a task force authorized to recommend uses for the land by Dec. 31.
Sponsor state Sen. Dan McConchie is hopeful a coalition of mayors, state officials and advocacy groups "can resolve this issue once and for all."
"Until people study the whole breadth of options, this corridor will continue to languish," said McConchie, a Republican who lives in Hawthorn Woods, a town that had been smack-dab in the middle of the project.
There's no shortage of ideas for the IDOT properties dotted across central Lake County -- soccer fields, business parks, nature preserves, office space, and bike paths, for example, in towns including Long Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Mundelein and Grayslake.
But "if you're running IDOT and you have a $54 million asset, are you going to give it away?" Lake County Board member/Forest Preserve Commissioner Steve Carlson asked rhetorically. "Let's get real."
The mechanics of how Gov. J.B. Pritzker, IDOT leaders and the General Assembly intend to dispose of the land have not been fleshed out yet.
But even if "a big chunk of land drops into our laps for free, it still entails a lot of costs to maintain it," Carlson said.
And, if vacant parcels are converted to nature preserves instead of commercial space, people should be aware that means never recouping property taxes, Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor said. "All these things are important to vet and the discussion needs to be transparent," he said.
Along with preserving open space, there are nuances like connecting the various land parcels and flood protection, Midwest Sustainability Group Executive Director Barbara Klipp said.
"In the end, it has to be a balanced approach," Klipp stressed.
The task force resolution passed unanimously at a Senate Transportation Committee last week.
"If Route 53 really is dead, we need everyone at the table to determine what's best," said Democratic state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake, who signed on as a co-sponsor.
IDOT is reviewing the legislation and does not have a position at this time, spokesman Guy Tridgell said, adding that the agency is "committed to working with local stakeholders" to determine the best and most effective use of the land.
In general, the department can dispose of property via a public sale, like an auction, after declaring it excess. That hasn't happened with the Route 53 land yet.
A direct sale to a specific entity also can occur, but must have legislative and governor approval in advance, Tridgell noted.
Got an opinion on the future of the 1,100 acres? Drop an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
One more thing
Proposed task force members include mayors of Grayslake, Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove and Mundelein; IDOT and Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials; state lawmakers appointed by party leaders; Lake County Board and Stormwater Management Commission representatives; and stakeholders from environmental, sustainability and tourism groups.
Members, who aren't paid for their service, will pick a chairman from among the lawmakers, Joint Resolution 52 states.
You should know
The federal deadline for travelers to obtain REAL ID is nearly seven months away. Without a REAL ID driver's license that's marked with a gold star, you can't board domestic flights in the U.S. effective Oct. 1, unless you have a passport or military identification.
Illinois Secretary of State officials advise applicants to allow 15 days for processing. "The most common issue customers face is not bringing in all of the required documents," spokesman Henry Haupt said. An interactive document checklist is available on realid.ilsos.gov. Another tip -- if you're bringing in a birth certificate as identification, be sure it's certified. Applicants can click on the "Resources" tab at the bottom of the website and click on "Apply for a Certified Copy of Birth Certificate," Haupt added.
What 'mechanical failure'?
Metra hopes to decipher service disruptions for riders with a primer on its website and videos. The effort explains technical terms like "pedestrian interference," which means delays of up to three hours; "freight train disruption," delays of up to 30 minutes; and other mysteries. To learn more, go to metrarail.com.
One more thing
Nice to see some federal tax contributions come home. The Federal Aviation Administration just announced O'Hare International Airport will receive $65 million for runway construction. It couldn't come any sooner with O'Hare's second longest Runway 9-Center/27-Center, stretching 11,245 feet, set to open Nov. 5.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-24--16-year-old faces first degree murder charges in slaying of Aurora man

A 16-year-old boy is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Aurora man in early February on city 's southeast side , police said Monday .
The teen turned himself in to Aurora police Sunday and was taken to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center , authorities said .
The charge stems from the Feb. 8 slaying of John H. Smith in an apartment on the 400 block of Sherman Avenue , police said .
Officers called to the apartment just before midnight found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he died .
According to Aurora police , detectives determined the 16-year-old entered the apartment and fatally shot Smith during an argument .
The teen 's next court date was not immediately available Monday , as juvenile court records are confidential .
If prosecutors petition to have the teen 's case moved to adult court , he could face a sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison , plus additional penalties if a judge or jury rules the teen fired the fatal shot .
Aurora Police spokesman Paris Lewbel said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the case .

16-year-old faces first degree murder charges in slaying of Aurora man
A 16-year-old boy is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Aurora man in early February on city's southeast side, police said Monday.
The teen turned himself in to Aurora police Sunday and was taken to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, authorities said.
The charge stems from the Feb. 8 slaying of John H. Smith in an apartment on the 400 block of Sherman Avenue, police said. Officers called to the apartment just before midnight found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Paramedics rushed Smith to an area hospital, where he died.
According to Aurora police, detectives determined the 16-year-old entered the apartment and fatally shot Smith during an argument.
The teen's next court date was not immediately available Monday, as juvenile court records are confidential. If prosecutors petition to have the teen's case moved to adult court, he could face a sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison, plus additional penalties if a judge or jury rules the teen fired the fatal shot.
Aurora Police spokesman Paris Lewbel said authorities are not seeking any other suspects in the case.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-24--Blackhawks trade Lehner, Gustafsson

Blackhawks trade Lehner, Gustafsson

There was plenty of hype leading up to the Feb. 24 trade deadline as we wondered what the slumping Blackhawks might be able to acquire from playoff-bound teams .
Turns out , not that much .
The Hawks sent goalie Robin Lehner -- a Vezina Trophy finalist last season -- to Vegas in exchange for goalie Malcolm Subban , defense prospect Slava Demin and a second-round pick in the 2020 draft .
GM Stan Bowman also moved Erik Gustafsson , a pending unrestricted free agent , to Calgary for a third-round pick in June 's draft .
If you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't alone .
Bowman actually did n't try to paint a sunny picture of what transpired Monday , but did say he was happy about being able to add a couple of picks to `` add for the future . ''
`` A vast majority of the players come out of the top three rounds , '' he said .
`` It was important for us , in particular , to get into the second round , and we were able to get another third-round pick .
Having four picks in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Bowman had conversations with multiple teams , but admitted moving a goalie at the deadline is n't as easy as moving a forward or a defenseman .
He was reportedly close to making a deal with Colorado last week , but the two sides could n't come to terms .
Vegas , which is in first place in the Pacific Division , is an interesting destination for Lehner , who will likely push a struggling Marc-Andre Fleury ( .906 save percentage , 2.79 goals-against average ) .
Here is what Lehner ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted at 2:30 p.m. : `` Thank you Chicago .
What a great city .
Fans were unbelievable and I 'm not going to forget the short time there .
I believe in this team and still do .
Great teammates !
gon na miss all of you .
The city and guys deserve the best . ''
Lehner really did love Chicago and could return in free agency come July , but if Bowman truly thought that was possible he probably would n't have dealt him in the first place .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ca n't say if we 'll be interested in him or not , '' said Bowman , who inked Lehner to a one-year deal on July 1 after the Islanders elected to go another direction .
Bowman paused for a moment during his 23-minute teleconference Monday to thank Lehner for his contributions .
`` He 's a fantastic person , '' Bowman said .
`` Really unique guy .
Great goaltender .
Really enjoyed getting to know him and I wish him well .
`` I had a long conversation with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just said I certainly appreciate everything he did for our organization .
He gave it his all .
I wish nothing but the best for him in Vegas . ''
As for the 26-year-old Subban , he was drafted 24th overall by Boston and has a career .899 save percentage and 2.97 GAA in 65 appearances .
He 's backed Fleury up the last three seasons and will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in July if he 's not signed first .
Colin Delia , Matt Tompkins and Kevin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalies in the system .
The 6-foot-2 , 190-pound Demin was drafted by Vegas in the fourth round in 2018 and is playing for the University of Denver .
The left-shot D-man is a sophomore who has 2 goals and 7 assists in 30 games .
Gustafsson figures to help one of Flames ' power-play units , but he can be a defensive liability against an opponent 's top forwards .
Calgary is 32-25-6 and occupies the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference .
It was Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton who helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an everyday defensemen when both were still in Rockford .
`` He 's got the world at his feet if he wants as far as his ability to contribute in this league at a high level , '' Colliton said in December 2018 .
`` He 's going to make ... those special plays .
`` But it 's raising the minimum level that he plays at .
If he does that , then he can be a top player on top teams . ''
Now he 'll get that chance .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hawks ?
Only time will tell if anything that happened Monday helps down the road .

Blackhawks trade Lehner, Gustafsson
There was plenty of hype leading up to the Feb. 24 trade deadline as we wondered what the slumping Blackhawks might be able to acquire from playoff-bound teams.
Turns out, not that much.
The Hawks sent goalie Robin Lehner -- a Vezina Trophy finalist last season -- to Vegas in exchange for goalie Malcolm Subban, defense prospect Slava Demin and a second-round pick in the 2020 draft.
GM Stan Bowman also moved Erik Gustafsson, a pending unrestricted free agent, to Calgary for a third-round pick in June's draft.
If you're yawning -- or perhaps screaming -- you aren't alone.
Bowman actually didn't try to paint a sunny picture of what transpired Monday, but did say he was happy about being able to add a couple of picks to "add for the future."
"A vast majority of the players come out of the top three rounds," he said. "It was important for us, in particular, to get into the second round, and we were able to get another third-round pick. Having four picks in the top three rounds is very important."
Bowman had conversations with multiple teams, but admitted moving a goalie at the deadline isn't as easy as moving a forward or a defenseman. He was reportedly close to making a deal with Colorado last week, but the two sides couldn't come to terms.
Vegas, which is in first place in the Pacific Division, is an interesting destination for Lehner, who will likely push a struggling Marc-Andre Fleury (.906 save percentage, 2.79 goals-against average).
Here is what Lehner (.918 save percentage, 3.01 GAA) tweeted at 2:30 p.m.: "Thank you Chicago. What a great city. Fans were unbelievable and I'm not going to forget the short time there. I believe in this team and still do. Great teammates! gonna miss all of you. The city and guys deserve the best."
Lehner really did love Chicago and could return in free agency come July, but if Bowman truly thought that was possible he probably wouldn't have dealt him in the first place.
"He's not our player anymore so I can't say if we'll be interested in him or not," said Bowman, who inked Lehner to a one-year deal on July 1 after the Islanders elected to go another direction.
Bowman paused for a moment during his 23-minute teleconference Monday to thank Lehner for his contributions.
"He's a fantastic person," Bowman said. "Really unique guy. Great goaltender. Really enjoyed getting to know him and I wish him well.
"I had a long conversation with him today after the trade was completed and I just said I certainly appreciate everything he did for our organization. He gave it his all. I wish nothing but the best for him in Vegas."
As for the 26-year-old Subban, he was drafted 24th overall by Boston and has a career .899 save percentage and 2.97 GAA in 65 appearances. He's backed Fleury up the last three seasons and will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in July if he's not signed first.
Colin Delia, Matt Tompkins and Kevin Lankinen are the Hawks' other three goalies in the system.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Demin was drafted by Vegas in the fourth round in 2018 and is playing for the University of Denver. The left-shot D-man is a sophomore who has 2 goals and 7 assists in 30 games.
Gustafsson figures to help one of Flames' power-play units, but he can be a defensive liability against an opponent's top forwards. Calgary is 32-25-6 and occupies the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
It was Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton who helped Gustafsson understand what it takes to be an everyday defensemen when both were still in Rockford.
"He's got the world at his feet if he wants as far as his ability to contribute in this league at a high level," Colliton said in December 2018. "He's going to make ... those special plays.
"But it's raising the minimum level that he plays at. If he does that, then he can be a top player on top teams."
Now he'll get that chance. As will Lehner once again.
As for the Hawks? Only time will tell if anything that happened Monday helps down the road.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-24--Villa Park woman who abused teen boy sent to jail for 90 days

Despite a tearful plea from her husband for leniency , a Villa Park woman was sentenced Monday to 90 days in jail and three years of sex-offender probation for sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy in 2018 .
Stefanie Litton , 37 , will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life .
She also was ordered not to set foot on the grounds of Willowbrook High School without prior approval from probation officials ; not to have internet communications with minors other than her own children ; and to undergo any counseling probation orders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Litton suffers from major depressive disorder and social anxiety .
Her husband blamed himself for what happened .
The two were going through a difficult time , including dealing with psychological issues one of their children was experiencing , he said .
Jason Litton , 34 , said he knew something was amiss with his wife , but he instead concentrated on his work .
`` Instead of being there for her , I literally brushed it off .
I told her to deal with it .
I helped drive a deeper depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Littons have five children ranging in age from 16 years to 10 months old .
Jason Litton described how attached the children are to their mother .
Sex offender restrictions will mean she will not be able to attend many of their activities , he said .
`` That will be a lifetime punishment , '' Jason Litton said .
But Assistant State 's Attorney Michael Fisher said Stefanie Litton barely took responsibility when she was evaluated , and noted it was not a one-time lapse in judgment .
Litton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy as well -- in encounters that authorities say occurred once or twice a week for almost six months .
The charge was dropped in exchange for her guilty plea .
Fisher asked for a 3½-year prison term and said `` nobody would bat an eye '' about prison if the offender were a man and the victims were teen girls .
`` Anything less sends a message to the public there 's a double standard , '' he said .
The two boys were acquaintances of her daughter .
The 14-year-old was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boys and the daughter .
Litton gave them alcohol to drink .
She offered to drive the victim home , but instead parked her vehicle and had him perform a sex act on her .
She then performed a sex act on him .
The second victim alleged that beginning in January 2018 and for the next five months , Litton sexually abused him once or twice a week in her minivan at a park .
Litton must report to the DuPage County jail by March 17 .
She will serve her time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment and to take care of her children while her husband is at work .

Villa Park woman who abused teen boy sent to jail for 90 days
Despite a tearful plea from her husband for leniency, a Villa Park woman was sentenced Monday to 90 days in jail and three years of sex-offender probation for sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy in 2018.
Stefanie Litton, 37, will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life. She also was ordered not to set foot on the grounds of Willowbrook High School without prior approval from probation officials; not to have internet communications with minors other than her own children; and to undergo any counseling probation orders.
A presentencing investigation by a psychologist showed Litton suffers from major depressive disorder and social anxiety.
Her husband blamed himself for what happened. The two were going through a difficult time, including dealing with psychological issues one of their children was experiencing, he said.
Jason Litton, 34, said he knew something was amiss with his wife, but he instead concentrated on his work.
"Instead of being there for her, I literally brushed it off. I told her to deal with it. I helped drive a deeper depression in both of them," he said.
The Littons have five children ranging in age from 16 years to 10 months old. Jason Litton described how attached the children are to their mother. Sex offender restrictions will mean she will not be able to attend many of their activities, he said. "That will be a lifetime punishment," Jason Litton said.
But Assistant State's Attorney Michael Fisher said Stefanie Litton barely took responsibility when she was evaluated, and noted it was not a one-time lapse in judgment.
Litton originally was charged with abusing a 16-year-old boy as well -- in encounters that authorities say occurred once or twice a week for almost six months. The charge was dropped in exchange for her guilty plea.
Fisher asked for a 3½-year prison term and said "nobody would bat an eye" about prison if the offender were a man and the victims were teen girls.
"Anything less sends a message to the public there's a double standard," he said.
Stefanie Litton pleaded guilty in October to aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
The two boys were acquaintances of her daughter.
The 14-year-old was at Litton's home with several other boys and the daughter. Litton gave them alcohol to drink.
She offered to drive the victim home, but instead parked her vehicle and had him perform a sex act on her. She then performed a sex act on him.
The second victim alleged that beginning in January 2018 and for the next five months, Litton sexually abused him once or twice a week in her minivan at a park.
Litton must report to the DuPage County jail by March 17. She will serve her time periodically, being released to undergo sex-offender treatment and to take care of her children while her husband is at work.