dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Facts Matter: Trump's comment about Bloomberg's height falls short

President Donald Trump has had a lot to say about the Democratic presidential candidates vying for the chance to face him in the November election .
But a recent comment about candidate Mike Bloomberg comes up short .
`` Mini Mike is a 5 ' 4 '' mass of dead energy who does not want to be on the debate stage with these professional politicians .
No boxes please , '' the president said in a Twitter post .
Bloomberg is n't that short , according to The Associated Press .
In December , Bloomberg 's doctor said the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 7 inches tall .
At one time the height on his driver 's license was listed at 5-foot-10 and during his term as mayor , the local newspapers offered various heights , from 5-foot-6 to just under 5-foot-8 .
During a recent rally in North Carolina , Bloomberg said , `` He calls me Little Mike and the answer is , 'Donald , where I come from we measure your height from your neck up . '
'' As Bloomberg makes headway in the field of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of false information .
A story published online last week claimed Bloomberg had purchased the island of Greenland in order to enrage President Donald Trump , according to Snopes.com .
The Borowitz Report article states , `` In an apparently successful attempt to get under the skin of Donald Trump , former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has purchased Greenland from Denmark . ''
The report said Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen would not disclose he price but `` indicated that it was an 'all-cash offer . '
'' The story is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Andy Borowitz , is a satirical column that publishes humorous content , Snopes said .
The recent column was a response to Trump 's comments in August in which he expressed a desire to buy Greenland , Snopes said .
Frederiksen said the territory was not for sale .
Borowitz had followed up those actual reports with a fake article claiming Denmark had offered to buy the U.S. Teenage Buttigieg never arrested on a charge of killing dogs Democratic presidential hopeful and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories .
Recent false information shared on Twitter , including a photo of a teenage Buttigieg , a phony copy of a South Bend Tribune front page and the words , `` Why wo n't anyone discuss this ?
, '' claims the candidate was arrested in 1998 for killing five dogs in South Bend , according to FactCheck.org .
A Twitter user who originated the false claim said he created the post as a `` joke , '' FactCheck.org said .
When another user asked where he found the article , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ web browser when I made it . ''
Despite the admission , the fake post has been retweeted more than 2,000 times and has received more than 2,000 shares on Facebook .
The South Bend Tribune issued a story on Feb. 11 stating it did not publish such an article .
The newspaper offered clues to prove the Twitter post is false , including incorrect font and style on the front page , no byline , no dateline and the fact that the newspaper would n't report the name of a person arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said The Tribune has received calls from people hoping to verify the story .
The responses include callers offering thanks for the clarification and others who denounced the newspaper `` for covering up for Pete . ''
Trump 's visit to the Daytona 500 NASCAR race made him the second sitting president to attend the annual event , along with George W. Bush .
But Trump was the first president to take a lap around the track in an armored limousine .
Following the Feb. 16 event , a photo of Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida raceway began making the rounds on social media , according to Snopes.com .
Among those sharing the image was Trump 's campaign manager Brad Parscale , who included the caption , `` @ realDonaldTrump won the # Daytona500 before the race even started . ''
But the photo was not from Trump 's visit , Snopes said .
It was taken by photographer Jonathan Ferrey during Bush 's time at the race in 2004 .
The picture is available on Getty Images .
Parscale deleted the photo from his tweet and replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force One flying over the venue , Snopes said .
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News .
Contact him at boboswald33 @ gmail.com .

Facts Matter: Trump's comment about Bloomberg's height falls short
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is at left among Democratic presidential candidates on stage before a debate Wednesday in Las Vegas, along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Associated Press
President Donald Trump has had a lot to say about the Democratic presidential candidates vying for the chance to face him in the November election. But a recent comment about candidate Mike Bloomberg comes up short.
"Mini Mike is a 5'4" mass of dead energy who does not want to be on the debate stage with these professional politicians. No boxes please," the president said in a Twitter post.
Bloomberg isn't that short, according to The Associated Press.
In December, Bloomberg's doctor said the former New York City mayor is 5 feet, 7 inches tall. At one time the height on his driver's license was listed at 5-foot-10 and during his term as mayor, the local newspapers offered various heights, from 5-foot-6 to just under 5-foot-8.
During a recent rally in North Carolina, Bloomberg said, "He calls me Little Mike and the answer is, 'Donald, where I come from we measure your height from your neck up.'"
Bloomberg didn't buy Greenland to irritate Trump
As Bloomberg makes headway in the field of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, he is the subject of an increasing amount of false information.
A story published online last week claimed Bloomberg had purchased the island of Greenland in order to enrage President Donald Trump, according to Snopes.com.
The Borowitz Report article states, "In an apparently successful attempt to get under the skin of Donald Trump, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has purchased Greenland from Denmark." The report said Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen would not disclose he price but "indicated that it was an 'all-cash offer.'"
The story is fake and the Borowitz Report, written by Andy Borowitz, is a satirical column that publishes humorous content, Snopes said.
The recent column was a response to Trump's comments in August in which he expressed a desire to buy Greenland, Snopes said. Frederiksen said the territory was not for sale.
Borowitz had followed up those actual reports with a fake article claiming Denmark had offered to buy the U.S.
Teenage Buttigieg never arrested on a charge of killing dogs
Democratic presidential hopeful and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg has had his name associated with numerous fake stories.
Recent false information shared on Twitter, including a photo of a teenage Buttigieg, a phony copy of a South Bend Tribune front page and the words, "Why won't anyone discuss this?," claims the candidate was arrested in 1998 for killing five dogs in South Bend, according to FactCheck.org.
A Twitter user who originated the false claim said he created the post as a "joke," FactCheck.org said. When another user asked where he found the article, the Twitter user replied, "In my web browser when I made it." Despite the admission, the fake post has been retweeted more than 2,000 times and has received more than 2,000 shares on Facebook.
The South Bend Tribune issued a story on Feb. 11 stating it did not publish such an article. The newspaper offered clues to prove the Twitter post is false, including incorrect font and style on the front page, no byline, no dateline and the fact that the newspaper wouldn't report the name of a person arrested but not yet charged.
A spokesman said The Tribune has received calls from people hoping to verify the story. The responses include callers offering thanks for the clarification and others who denounced the newspaper "for covering up for Pete."
Photo from Bush's trip to Daytona 500
Trump's visit to the Daytona 500 NASCAR race made him the second sitting president to attend the annual event, along with George W. Bush. But Trump was the first president to take a lap around the track in an armored limousine.
Following the Feb. 16 event, a photo of Air Force One parked behind the stands at the Florida raceway began making the rounds on social media, according to Snopes.com. Among those sharing the image was Trump's campaign manager Brad Parscale, who included the caption, "@realDonaldTrump won the #Daytona500 before the race even started."
But the photo was not from Trump's visit, Snopes said. It was taken by photographer Jonathan Ferrey during Bush's time at the race in 2004. The picture is available on Getty Images.
Parscale deleted the photo from his tweet and replaced it with a current image of Air Force One flying over the venue, Snopes said.
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News. Contact him at boboswald33@gmail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Standoff suspect now facing sex assault, child porn charges

A McHenry man who barricaded himself inside of a Crystal Lake home 's bathroom for several hours Friday evening is now facing multiple felony charges , including sexual assault and child pornography .
Matthew R. Reder , 24 , was arrested Friday evening after police said he locked himself in the bathroom of a house on the 500 block of Darlington Lane and threatened officers with a knife .
Police were called to the house for a reported burglary in progress .
They were soon able to determine Reder was wanted on two outstanding warrants in DuPage and McHenry counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coax Reder out of the bathroom and he was taken into custody .
According to the McHenry County sheriff 's website , Reder is facing two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor under the age of 13 , four counts of child pornography , drug possession , criminal trespassing , criminal damage to property , resisting or obstructing a police officer and aggravated assault of a police officer .
His McHenry County warrant was for a December 2019 citation for failing to notify damage to an unattended vehicle .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month for failing to appear on possession of methamphetamine , possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to signal charges out of Naperville .
Reder 's bond was set at $ 52,000 and his next court date is slated for Tuesday , according to the sheriff 's website .

Standoff suspect now facing sex assault, child porn charges
A McHenry man who barricaded himself inside of a Crystal Lake home's bathroom for several hours Friday evening is now facing multiple felony charges, including sexual assault and child pornography.
Matthew R. Reder, 24, was arrested Friday evening after police said he locked himself in the bathroom of a house on the 500 block of Darlington Lane and threatened officers with a knife.
Police were called to the house for a reported burglary in progress. They were soon able to determine Reder was wanted on two outstanding warrants in DuPage and McHenry counties.
Ultimately, police were able to coax Reder out of the bathroom and he was taken into custody.
According to the McHenry County sheriff's website, Reder is facing two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor under the age of 13, four counts of child pornography, drug possession, criminal trespassing, criminal damage to property, resisting or obstructing a police officer and aggravated assault of a police officer.
His McHenry County warrant was for a December 2019 citation for failing to notify damage to an unattended vehicle.
His DuPage County warrant was issued earlier this month for failing to appear on possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to signal charges out of Naperville.
Reder's bond was set at $52,000 and his next court date is slated for Tuesday, according to the sheriff's website.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Students explain projects during U-46 STEM Expo at Streamwood High School

Science , technology , engineering and mathematics events took over the Streamwood High School gymnasium Saturday , with the 12th @ @ @ @ @ gym 's usual focus on athletics .
About 300 students participated in the free event @ @ @ @ @ Elgin Area School District U-46 Coordinator of K-12 Science and Planetarium .
As parents and @ @ @ @ @ of giant presentation boards , students could be heard explaining their projects .
Caleb Lehmann @ @ @ @ @ at Glenbrook Elementary School in Streamwood , energetically spoke about how he tested the local @ @ @ @ @ town 's was the best .
Isabella Flores , 10 , of Sycamore Trails Elementary @ @ @ @ @ developed a program to control a drone by using her voice or by text .
@ @ @ @ @ , '' she said of the time she invested in her project .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ with certain disabilities use the drone . ''

Students explain projects during U-46 STEM Expo at Streamwood High School
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics events took over the Streamwood High School gymnasium Saturday, with the 12th annual STEM Expo replacing the gym's usual focus on athletics.
About 300 students participated in the free event, said Deb McMullen, Elgin Area School District U-46 Coordinator of K-12 Science and Planetarium.
As parents and judges walked through the maze of giant presentation boards, students could be heard explaining their projects.
Caleb Lehmann, 9, a student at Glenbrook Elementary School in Streamwood, energetically spoke about how he tested the local drinking water to see which town's was the best.
Isabella Flores, 10, of Sycamore Trails Elementary School in Bartlett, had developed a program to control a drone by using her voice or by text.
"Three months to complete," she said of the time she invested in her project. "I developed it to help people with certain disabilities use the drone."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Townsend sparks No. 13 Gonzaga past Pepperdine 64-50

MALIBU , Calif. -- Jill Townsend scored 12 of her 13 points in the a game-changing third quarter to propel No .
13 Gonzaga to a 64-50 win over Pepperdine on Saturday .
Townsend , who missed her only two shots in the first half when she picked up two fouls , helped the Bulldogs breakaway from a 26-23 lead at intermission with a 23-9 advantage in the third quarter .
This was the 16th game this season Gonzaga , which beat the Waves 70-36 in the first meeting , did not allow more than 50 points .
Melody Kempton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bench for the Bulldogs ( 27-2 , 16-1 ) , Jessie Loera added 10 points and Jenn Wirth grabbed 10 rebounds .
Townsend made her first basket on Gonzaga 's first possession in the third quarter and picked up her third foul 21 seconds later .
She stayed in the game and had another inside basket before her own personal 8-0 late in the quarter .
Townsend , who fouled out with 2:02 to play , had a pair of 3-pointers and a layp .
Kempton 's layup in the closing seconds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot only 40 % , was 10 of 21 in the third quarter with three 3s and had 15 rebounds while holding Pepperdine to 18 % shooting .
The Waves missed their last six shots in the period .
Monique Andriuolo and Hannah Friend had 10 points each for Pepperdine .

Townsend sparks No. 13 Gonzaga women past Pepperdine 64-50
MALIBU, Calif. -- Jill Townsend scored 12 of her 13 points in the a game-changing third quarter to propel No. 13 Gonzaga to a 64-50 win over Pepperdine on Saturday.
Townsend, who missed her only two shots in the first half when she picked up two fouls, helped the Bulldogs breakaway from a 26-23 lead at intermission with a 23-9 advantage in the third quarter. This was the 16th game this season Gonzaga, which beat the Waves 70-36 in the first meeting, did not allow more than 50 points.
Melody Kempton added 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Bulldogs (27-2, 16-1 West Coast Conference), Jessie Loera added 10 points and Jenn Wirth grabbed 10 rebounds.
Townsend made her first basket on Gonzaga's first possession in the third quarter and picked up her third foul 21 seconds later. She stayed in the game and had another inside basket before her personal 8-0 run late in the quarter. Townsend, who fouled out with 2:02 to play, had a pair of 3-pointers and a layup. Kempton's layup in the closing seconds made it 49-32.
Gonzaga, which shot only 40%, was 10 of 21 in the third quarter with three 3s and had 15 rebounds while holding Pepperdine to 18% shooting. The Waves missed their last six shots in the period.
Monique Andriuolo and Hannah Friend had 10 points each for Pepperdine.
_____
More AP women's basketball: https://apnews.com/Womenscollegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Unseeded Nishioka rallies past Humbert in Delray semifinals

DELRAY BEACH , Fla. -- Unseeded Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan rallied past No .
6 Ugo Humbert of France 1-6 @ @ @ @ @ in the semifinals of the Delray Beach Open .
Nishioka 's opponent Sunday will be @ @ @ @ @ 's match between No .
2 Milos Raonic of Canada and No .
4 Reilly @ @ @ @ @ .
Nishioka seeks his second career ATP Tour title and is trying to become the @ @ @ @ @ since Kei Nishikori in 2008 .

Unseeded Nishioka rallies past Humbert in Delray semifinals
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- Unseeded Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan rallied past No. 6 Ugo Humbert of France 1-6, 6-4, 6-0 on Saturday in the semifinals of the Delray Beach Open.
The second semifinal between No. 2 Milos Raonic of Canada and No. 4 Reilly Opelka of the United States was postponed until Sunday morning because of rain. The winner will face Nishioka on Sunday afternoon.
Nishioka seeks his second career ATP Tour title and is trying to become the first Japanese champion at Delray since Kei Nishikori in 2008.
___
More AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Sanders wins Nevada caucuses, takes national Democratic lead

LAS VEGAS -- Bernie Sanders scored a commanding victory in Nevada 's presidential caucuses on Saturday , cementing his status as the Democrats ' national front-runner but escalating tensions over whether he 's too liberal to defeat President Donald Trump .
The Washington Post is showing live results on its website .
As Sanders celebrated , Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg vied for second and Elizabeth Warren trailed further behind .
They were all seeking any possible momentum heading into next-up South Carolina and then Super Tuesday on March 3 .
Nevada 's caucuses were the first chance for White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverse group of voters in a state far more representative of the country as a whole than Iowa and New Hampshire .
Sanders , a 78-year Vermont senator and self-described democratic socialist , won by rallying his fiercely loyal base and tapping into support from Nevada 's large Latino community .
In a show of confidence , Sanders left Nevada for Texas , which offers one of the biggest delegate troves in just 10 days on Super Tuesday .
`` We are bringing our people together , '' he declared .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multigenerational , multiracial coalition which is not only going to win in Nevada , it 's going to sweep this country . ''
Saturday 's win built on Sanders ' win earlier this month in the New Hampshire primary .
He essentially tied for first place in the Iowa caucuses with Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , who has sought to position himself as an ideological counter to Sanders ' unabashedly progressive politics .
But for all the energy and attention devoted to the first three states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the delegates needed to capture the nomination .
After South Carolina , the contest becomes national in scope , putting a premium on candidates who have the resources to compete in states as large as California and Texas .
While Sanders ' victory in Nevada encouraged his supporters , it only deepened concern among establishment-minded Democratic leaders who fear he is too extreme to defeat Trump .
Sanders for decades has been calling for transformative policies to address inequities in politics and the economy , none bigger than his signature `` Medicare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace the private insurance system with a government-run universal system .
Trump gloated on social media , continuing his weeks-long push to sow discord between Sanders and his Democratic rivals .
`` Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada .
Biden & the rest look weak , '' Trump tweeted .
`` Congratulations Bernie , & do n't let them take it away from you ! ''
Buttigieg congratulated Sanders , too , but then launched an aggressive verbal assault on the senator as too divisive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders in our one shot to take on this president , let 's take a sober look at what is at stake for our party , for our values and for those with so much to lose , '' he said .
`` Senator Sanders believes in an inflexible , ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats , not to mention most Americans . ''
Biden also took aim at the Vermont senator as he claimed a success -- but not a victory -- in Nevada that would trigger a comeback .
Without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Sanders and billionaire Mike Bloomberg , who was n't on the Nevada ballot but has emerged as a threat to Biden in contests that begin next month .
Also in the fight : Warren , who desperately needed a spark to revive her stalled bid ; billionaire Tom Steyer , who spent more than $ 12 million on Nevada television and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who hoped to prove her strong New Hampshire finish was no fluke .
Klobuchar , campaigning in her home state of Minnesota Saturday night , claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As usual I think we have exceeded expectations , '' she said .
The first presidential contest in the West tested the candidates ' strength with black and Latino voters for the first time in 2020 .
Nevada 's population aligns more with the U.S. as a whole , compared with Iowa and New Hampshire : 29 % Latino , 10 % black and 9 % Asian American and Pacific Islander .
Former New York Mayor Bloomberg , who dominated the political conversation this week after a poor debate-stage debut , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's betting everything on a series of delegate-rich states that begin voting next month .
The stakes were high for Nevada Democrats to avoid a repeat of the chaos in the still-unresolved Iowa caucuses , and it appeared Saturday 's contest was largely successful .
Unlike state primaries and the November election , which are run by government officials , caucuses are overseen by state parties .
Nevada Democrats sought to minimize problems by creating multiple redundancies in their reporting system , relying on results called in by phone , a paper worksheet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo of that worksheet sent in by text message and electronic results captured with a Google form .
In addition , it appeared Nevada Democrats were able to successfully navigate a complicated process for adding early voting to the caucus process .
Nearly 75,000 people cast early ballots over a four-day period , and the party was able to process those in time for Saturday so they could be integrated into the in-person vote .
At the Bellagio casino caucus site , 41-year-old Christian Nielsen , a scuba diver for the Cirque du @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he backed Sanders because he believes the country needs a `` major change in the White House . ''
`` We need somebody in the White House who has been on the right side of history for their entire career , somebody who stands with the working class , and will make things more fair for everybody , '' Nielsen said .
The Democrats ' 2020 nomination fight shifted beyond Nevada even before the final results were known .
Only Biden , Buttigieg and Steyer were still in the state when news of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Klobuchar spent the night in Super Tuesday states , and Buttigieg was headed to a third , Virginia .
Warren , who began Saturday in Las Vegas , was to finish the day in Washington state , which hosts its election on March 10 but has already begun offering early voting .

Sanders wins Nevada caucuses, takes national Democratic lead
FILE -- In this Feb. 15, 2020, file photo, a woman votes at an early voting location at the culinary workers union hall in Las Vegas. Nevada Democrats are hoping to avoid a repeat of the chaos that ensnared the Iowa caucuses, as voters gather across the Silver State on Saturday to make their presidential preferences known. Iowa's process cratered this month following a rushed effort by state Democrats to deploy a mobile app for caucus volunteers to report results. Democrats in Nevada were going to use the same app developer as Iowa did, but quickly sidelined those plans. They will still be relying to some extent on technology to assist in counting and reporting results, though, and like Iowa, they will have paper backups. Associated Press
Democratic presidential candidate Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, center, makes a stop at a Las Vegas taco shop on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, as her presidential campaign heads into caucus day in Nevada. Associated Press
Volunteers for various campaigns talk to voters as they enter a presidential caucus site at Mendive Middle School in Sparks, Nev., on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. Associated Press
Volunteers for various campaigns talk to voters as they enter a presidential caucus site at Mendive Middle School in Sparks, Nev., on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. Associated Press
Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., cheer as they watch results of the Nevada Caucuses during a campaign event in San Antonio, Saturday. Associated Press
LAS VEGAS -- Bernie Sanders scored a commanding victory in Nevada's presidential caucuses on Saturday, cementing his status as the Democrats' national front-runner but escalating tensions over whether he's too liberal to defeat President Donald Trump.
The Washington Post is showing live results on its website.
As Sanders celebrated, Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg vied for second and Elizabeth Warren trailed further behind. They were all seeking any possible momentum heading into next-up South Carolina and then Super Tuesday on March 3.
Nevada's caucuses were the first chance for White House hopefuls to demonstrate appeal to a diverse group of voters in a state far more representative of the country as a whole than Iowa and New Hampshire. Sanders, a 78-year Vermont senator and self-described democratic socialist, won by rallying his fiercely loyal base and tapping into support from Nevada's large Latino community.
In a show of confidence, Sanders left Nevada for Texas, which offers one of the biggest delegate troves in just 10 days on Super Tuesday.
"We are bringing our people together," he declared. "In Nevada we have just brought together a multigenerational, multiracial coalition which is not only going to win in Nevada, it's going to sweep this country."
Saturday's win built on Sanders' win earlier this month in the New Hampshire primary. He essentially tied for first place in the Iowa caucuses with Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who has sought to position himself as an ideological counter to Sanders' unabashedly progressive politics.
But for all the energy and attention devoted to the first three states, they award only a tiny fraction of the delegates needed to capture the nomination. After South Carolina, the contest becomes national in scope, putting a premium on candidates who have the resources to compete in states as large as California and Texas.
While Sanders' victory in Nevada encouraged his supporters, it only deepened concern among establishment-minded Democratic leaders who fear he is too extreme to defeat Trump. Sanders for decades has been calling for transformative policies to address inequities in politics and the economy, none bigger than his signature "Medicare for All" health care plan that would replace the private insurance system with a government-run universal system.
Trump gloated on social media, continuing his weeks-long push to sow discord between Sanders and his Democratic rivals.
"Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada. Biden & the rest look weak," Trump tweeted. "Congratulations Bernie, & don't let them take it away from you!"
Buttigieg congratulated Sanders, too, but then launched an aggressive verbal assault on the senator as too divisive.
"Before we rush to nominate Senator Sanders in our one shot to take on this president, let's take a sober look at what is at stake for our party, for our values and for those with so much to lose," he said. "Senator Sanders believes in an inflexible, ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats, not to mention most Americans."
Biden also took aim at the Vermont senator as he claimed a success -- but not a victory -- in Nevada that would trigger a comeback.
Without naming names, he took a swipe at Sanders and billionaire Mike Bloomberg, who wasn't on the Nevada ballot but has emerged as a threat to Biden in contests that begin next month.
"I ain't a socialist. I'm not a plutocrat. I'm a Democrat," Biden declared.
Also in the fight: Warren, who desperately needed a spark to revive her stalled bid; billionaire Tom Steyer, who spent more than $12 million on Nevada television and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who hoped to prove her strong New Hampshire finish was no fluke.
Klobuchar, campaigning in her home state of Minnesota Saturday night, claimed Nevada success no matter her poor showing.
"As usual I think we have exceeded expectations," she said.
The first presidential contest in the West tested the candidates' strength with black and Latino voters for the first time in 2020. Nevada's population aligns more with the U.S. as a whole, compared with Iowa and New Hampshire: 29% Latino, 10% black and 9% Asian American and Pacific Islander.
Former New York Mayor Bloomberg, who dominated the political conversation this week after a poor debate-stage debut, wasn't on the ballot. He's betting everything on a series of delegate-rich states that begin voting next month.
The stakes were high for Nevada Democrats to avoid a repeat of the chaos in the still-unresolved Iowa caucuses, and it appeared Saturday's contest was largely successful.
Unlike state primaries and the November election, which are run by government officials, caucuses are overseen by state parties.
Nevada Democrats sought to minimize problems by creating multiple redundancies in their reporting system, relying on results called in by phone, a paper worksheet filled out by caucus organizers, a photo of that worksheet sent in by text message and electronic results captured with a Google form.
In addition, it appeared Nevada Democrats were able to successfully navigate a complicated process for adding early voting to the caucus process. Nearly 75,000 people cast early ballots over a four-day period, and the party was able to process those in time for Saturday so they could be integrated into the in-person vote.
At the Bellagio casino caucus site, 41-year-old Christian Nielsen, a scuba diver for the Cirque du Soleil show "O," said he backed Sanders because he believes the country needs a "major change in the White House."
"We need somebody in the White House who has been on the right side of history for their entire career, somebody who stands with the working class, and will make things more fair for everybody," Nielsen said.
The Democrats' 2020 nomination fight shifted beyond Nevada even before the final results were known.
Only Biden, Buttigieg and Steyer were still in the state when news of Sanders' victory was announced.
Sanders and Klobuchar spent the night in Super Tuesday states, and Buttigieg was headed to a third, Virginia. Warren, who began Saturday in Las Vegas, was to finish the day in Washington state, which hosts its election on March 10 but has already begun offering early voting.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Lisel Mueller, who wrote from Lake County, dies

Lisel Mueller fled Germany at 15 and came to America , where she wrote in her poem `` Curriculum Vitae '' : '' In the new language everyone spoke too fast .
Eventually I caught up with them . ''
She caught up and more , using her `` new language '' to craft ravishing poems in English that would win her the Pulitzer Prize and many other literary awards .
Mueller , who was living at the Admiral at the Lake in Chicago , died Friday of aftereffects of pneumonia , according to her daughter Jenny .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critic and author of seven books of poetry , Mueller earned the Pulitzer in 1997 for `` Alive Together : New and Selected Poems . ''
She was 73 and living in Lake Forest when she won the award .
Mueller was dubbed the laureate of Lake Forest .
For decades , she and her husband , Paul , raised their family on the outskirts of the North Shore suburb , near land still populated by cows .
• See more in the Chicago Sun-Times at chicago.suntimes.com .
For related coverage , check @ @

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Lisel Mueller, who wrote from Lake County, dies
Poet Lisel Mueller, here at her Lake Forest home in 1997, won the Pulitzer Prize that year for her book "Alive Together." Associated Press via Chicago Sun-Times, 1997
Lisel Mueller fled Germany at 15 and came to America, where she wrote in her poem "Curriculum Vitae":
"In the new language everyone spoke too fast. Eventually
I caught up with them."
She caught up and more, using her "new language" to craft ravishing poems in English that would win her the Pulitzer Prize and many other literary awards.
Mueller, who was living at the Admiral at the Lake in Chicago, died Friday of aftereffects of pneumonia, according to her daughter Jenny. She was 96.
A teacher, lecturer, critic and author of seven books of poetry, Mueller earned the Pulitzer in 1997 for "Alive Together: New and Selected Poems."
She was 73 and living in Lake Forest when she won the award.
Mueller was dubbed the laureate of Lake Forest. For decades, she and her husband, Paul, raised their family on the outskirts of the North Shore suburb, near land still populated by cows.
• See more in the Chicago Sun-Times at chicago.suntimes.com. For related coverage, check chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--Miracle on Ice team honored before Panthers-Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS -- Amidst a sports-filled weekend that included the heavyweight championship boxing match and a NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway , hockey fans were reminded about believing in miracles on Saturday night .
Prior to the game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers , member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team were honored , commemorating the 40th anniversary of the team 's epic run to the gold medal in Lake Placid , New York .
`` I think as time has gone on I 've had a greater appreciation for my good fortune that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that team and how it all worked out and that I could be a part of that , '' John Harrington said .
`` I think that as the years have gone on that it 's humbling to think that I was a part of that .
I 'm humbled because it 's still being talked about 40 years later and I was lucky enough to be a part of it . ''
The only missing players were Mark Johnson , who is head coach of Wisconsin 's women 's hockey team , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and forward Mark Pavelich , who was jailed last year on assault charges and ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial .
Also missing was coach Herb Brooks , who was killed in a car accident in 2003 .
The ceremony 40 years to the exact day veteran broadcaster Al Michaels asked the world , `` Do you believe in miracles ? ''
culminated a two-day celebration that included President Donald Trump introducing the team during a rally and a meet-and-greet with fans on Friday night .
`` Relive the Miracle , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mack Center on Saturday afternoon , was canceled due to poor ticket sales .
Saturday 's sellout crowd greeted Michaels and the former Olympians with enthusiasm and pride , providing them with a standing ovation and a thunderous `` U-S-A ! ''
chant as they exited the ice after Florida 's Aleksander Barkov and Vegas ' Max Pacioretty took the ceremonial opening puck from Team USA captain Mike Eruzione .
NHL Network analyst Brian Lawton , who became the first US-born hockey player drafted first overall in the NHL Entry Draft when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Stars , said although the league was not akin to American-born players back then , watching the U.S. team strike gold gave him a bolt of confidence he could play at the next level .
`` You could count the number of first-round picks that were American on one hand back then , '' said Lawton , who is still the only U.S. high school hockey player to be drafted first overall , and one of only eight Americans to be taken first overall .
`` It was Canada 's game and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my first few years in the league .
For me it was significantly important .
I was n't a great player in the NHL , but obviously just by virtue of no one else having done it before -I was the first American ever pick first and all that stuff - in some small way hopefully helped other kids down the road . ''
Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said while it was a tremendous sports story - one that was chronicled in several films , most notably the 2004 motion picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening puck drop for the evolution of ice hockey in the United States .
`` It was the single most important event in the growth of hockey in the United States , McCrimmon said .
`` When you compare the landscape of U.S. players today with what it would have been at that time , it 's incredible how the sport has grown .
I just think it was on the front end of tremendous growth in the sport in the U.S . ''

Miracle on Ice team honored before Panthers-Golden Knights
Members of the gold medal 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic hockey team are honored prior to an NHL hockey game between the Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. Associated Press
LAS VEGAS -- Amidst a sports-filled weekend that included the heavyweight championship boxing match and a NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, hockey fans were reminded about believing in miracles on Saturday night.
Prior to the game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team were honored, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the team's epic run to the gold medal in Lake Placid, New York.
"I think as time has gone on I've had a greater appreciation for my good fortune that I had and to be able to make that team and how it all worked out and that I could be a part of that," John Harrington said. "I think that as the years have gone on that it's humbling to think that I was a part of that. I'm humbled because it's still being talked about 40 years later and I was lucky enough to be a part of it."
The only missing players were Mark Johnson, who is head coach of Wisconsin's women's hockey team, Bob Suter, who died in 2014, and forward Mark Pavelich, who was jailed last year on assault charges and ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial. Also missing was coach Herb Brooks, who was killed in a car accident in 2003.
The ceremony 40 years to the exact day veteran broadcaster Al Michaels asked the world, "Do you believe in miracles?" culminated a two-day celebration that included President Donald Trump introducing the team during a rally and a meet-and-greet with fans on Friday night.
"Relive the Miracle," originally planned for UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center on Saturday afternoon, was canceled due to poor ticket sales.
Saturday's sellout crowd greeted Michaels and the former Olympians with enthusiasm and pride, providing them with a standing ovation and a thunderous "U-S-A!" chant as they exited the ice after Florida's Aleksander Barkov and Vegas' Max Pacioretty took the ceremonial opening puck from Team USA captain Mike Eruzione.
NHL Network analyst Brian Lawton, who became the first US-born hockey player drafted first overall in the NHL Entry Draft when he was taken in 1983 by the Minnesota North Stars, said although the league was not akin to American-born players back then, watching the U.S. team strike gold gave him a bolt of confidence he could play at the next level.
"You could count the number of first-round picks that were American on one hand back then," said Lawton, who is still the only U.S. high school hockey player to be drafted first overall, and one of only eight Americans to be taken first overall. "It was Canada's game and Canada only, and I felt that my first few years in the league. For me it was significantly important. I wasn't a great player in the NHL, but obviously just by virtue of no one else having done it before -I was the first American ever pick first and all that stuff - in some small way hopefully helped other kids down the road."
Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said while it was a tremendous sports story - one that was chronicled in several films, most notably the 2004 motion picture "Miracle" - it was the opening puck drop for the evolution of ice hockey in the United States.
"It was the single most important event in the growth of hockey in the United States, McCrimmon said. "When you compare the landscape of U.S. players today with what it would have been at that time, it's incredible how the sport has grown. I just think it was on the front end of tremendous growth in the sport in the U.S."
--
More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/tag/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--Embattled Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher resigns from Illinois Civil Service Commission

Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher resigned from his post on the Illinois Civil Service Commission on Friday , a day after federal prosecutors named him as one of 10 defendants indicted in connection with an illegal sports betting ring .
Urlacher , 40 , was appointed to the commission in 2013 by then Gov .
Pat Quinn .
The five-member panel meets about once a month to hear and decide state employee appeals of firings , suspensions , transfers , layoffs and demotions .
It also approves or disapproves proposed changes to the state 's personnel rules or position classification plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Database shows Urlacher was paid $ 25,300 in 2018 and $ 25,600 in 2019 for his work on the commission .
He 's earned $ 5,800 so far this year , records show .
A second-term mayor of tiny North suburban Mettawa , Urlacher was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on allegations he took part in an illegal offshore sports gambling operation .
He 's accused of taking bets and funneling proceeds to the ring 's alleged leader , Vincent Delgiudice , 54 , of Orland Park .
Urlacher , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , denied any knowledge about the gambling investigation when contacted Thursday morning by the Chicago Sun-Times , saying he did n't know any bookie named Delgiudice .
`` I do n't know nothing about it , '' Urlacher said .
`` I do n't know who you 're talking about . ''
He had his co-defendants are scheduled to be arraigned at 9:30 a.m. March 4 , in front of Judge Virginia M. Kendall at the U.S. District courthouse in Chicago .
Charged along with Urlacher and Delgiudice are Matthew Knight , 46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` McDougal , '' of Mokena ; Justin Hines , 40 , of Algonquin ; Keith D. Benson , 49 , of Lemont ; Todd Blanken , 43 , of Cary ; Nicholas Stella , 42 , of Chicago ; Matthew Namoff , 23 , of Midlothian ; Vasilios Prassas , 37 , of Chicago ; and Eugene `` Gino '' Delgiudice , 84 , of Orland Park .

Embattled Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher resigns from Illinois Civil Service Commission
Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher resigned from his post on the Illinois Civil Service Commission on Friday, a day after federal prosecutors named him as one of 10 defendants indicted in connection with an illegal sports betting ring.
Jordan Abudayyeh, press secretary to Gov. JB Pritzker, confirmed the resignation Sunday.
Urlacher, 40, was appointed to the commission in 2013 by then Gov. Pat Quinn. The five-member panel meets about once a month to hear and decide state employee appeals of firings, suspensions, transfers, layoffs and demotions. It also approves or disapproves proposed changes to the state's personnel rules or position classification plan.
The state comptroller's Employee Salary Database shows Urlacher was paid $25,300 in 2018 and $25,600 in 2019 for his work on the commission. He's earned $5,800 so far this year, records show.
A second-term mayor of tiny North suburban Mettawa, Urlacher was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on allegations he took part in an illegal offshore sports gambling operation. He's accused of taking bets and funneling proceeds to the ring's alleged leader, Vincent Delgiudice, 54, of Orland Park.
Urlacher, brother of Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher, denied any knowledge about the gambling investigation when contacted Thursday morning by the Chicago Sun-Times, saying he didn't know any bookie named Delgiudice. "I don't know nothing about it," Urlacher said. "I don't know who you're talking about."
He had his co-defendants are scheduled to be arraigned at 9:30 a.m. March 4, in front of Judge Virginia M. Kendall at the U.S. District courthouse in Chicago.
Charged along with Urlacher and Delgiudice are Matthew Knight, 46, also known as "Sweaters" and "McDougal," of Mokena; Justin Hines, 40, of Algonquin; Keith D. Benson, 49, of Lemont; Todd Blanken, 43, of Cary; Nicholas Stella, 42, of Chicago; Matthew Namoff, 23, of Midlothian; Vasilios Prassas, 37, of Chicago; and Eugene "Gino" Delgiudice, 84, of Orland Park.
• Staff writer Jake Griffin contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--'Free isn't enough': New DuPage Children's Museum CEO wants everyone to feel welcome

The DuPage Children 's Museum went through a lot during the tenure of its recently retired president and CEO , Sarah Orleans .
Frozen pipes in January 2015 flooded the colorful playspace at 301 N. Washington St. in Naperville , where the museum has been since 2001 .
The museum temporarily relocated to Fox Valley Mall in Aurora before reopening in September 2015 in its usual place .
Then redevelopment talks began in 2017 about the 5th Avenue area near the Naperville Metra station , including the children 's museum property , which is owned by the city of Naperville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the decision the museum will stay .
And in the midst of that process , the 33-year-old organization began seeking its next leader , choosing President and CEO Andrea Wiles , who started last November .
Wiles comes with 13 years ' experience at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago , serving as vice president of education and guest services .
Wiles , 54 , of Highland Park , has a background as a lawyer who also worked as director of budget and tax policy for Voices for Illinois Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services .
The Daily Herald recently sat down with Wiles to hear how she plans to lead the iconic educational space for youngsters .
Here is an edited version of the conversation .
Q : Why have you shifted your career to museums ?
A : It 's all about advocacy .
I 've been very intentional about wanting to understand the world around me and to learn the language of advocacy .
At Voices for Illinois Children , I immersed myself in policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying very hard to be working participants in our world , providing those basic supports that they need .
At the Museum of Science & Industry , I leveraged those networks into an iconic cultural institution that was about ready to embark on serious change and was very committed to seeing how it could have a big impact on science education .
If you want to improve children and youth , you must also be thinking about the families and communities and schools .
Q : Why did you come to DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of the board and the work of Orleans to really get this ship pointed in the right direction attracted me .
The board was able to vocalize support for building access and opportunities for children in all of our communities .
And the work Orleans did to make sure the organization was focused on STEM ( science , technology , engineering and math ) and art was amazing .
Tinkering and making has become an incredible national movement for the past 10 years to give children tools to advance their creativity through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explore .
Orleans ' work really put a stake in the ground around creativity and making here , which was really important .
Q : How does the museum teach the importance of play to parents ?
A : For some people , play and understanding how to engage their child and access resources is much more a natural part of their nomenclature than for other parents .
Play in and of itself is extremely beneficial to brain development in children .
They 're literally acting as little scientists constantly to figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're doing that through testing things .
Giving them space to safely test and learn from that is really important .
Q : How will the museum reach out to people who would n't normally access it ?
A : One of the interesting lessons I learned while working at the Museum of Science & Industry is that free is n't enough to make people feel welcome .
Museums in the city are required to be free 52 days of the year , and the demographics of people who attend on free days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who attend on paid days .
It 's not just a matter of giving passes , it 's not just a matter of having access .
It 's about building a relationship with a family so they can start to see you as one of their partners in the education of their children .
There are a lot of great community partners that already work with these families .
The question is what else can we do to extend the expertise that we have around play to where these families are ?
Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ museum is staying in place ?
A : Any discussion about movement is firmly in the rearview mirror .
The result of those conversations has been remarkable .
They resulted in a consensus about how important the DuPage Children 's Museum is to the core of DuPage County and being the front door of the Naperville downtown business district .
With our building , there is some room to expand , which is something that 's on the agenda to consider .
Within the footprint , we could extend over the front roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is really the time for planning , not for identifying exactly what we 're going to do .
That 's the joy of my coming here .
We get to turn from taking care of business , like the flood , to focusing on the future and fully realizing that vision .

'Free isn't enough': New DuPage Children's Museum CEO wants everyone to feel welcome
The DuPage Children's Museum went through a lot during the tenure of its recently retired president and CEO, Sarah Orleans.
Frozen pipes in January 2015 flooded the colorful playspace at 301 N. Washington St. in Naperville, where the museum has been since 2001.
The museum temporarily relocated to Fox Valley Mall in Aurora before reopening in September 2015 in its usual place.
Then redevelopment talks began in 2017 about the 5th Avenue area near the Naperville Metra station, including the children's museum property, which is owned by the city of Naperville.
But by June 2019, officials made the decision the museum will stay.
And in the midst of that process, the 33-year-old organization began seeking its next leader, choosing President and CEO Andrea Wiles, who started last November.
Wiles comes with 13 years' experience at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago, serving as vice president of education and guest services.
Wiles, 54, of Highland Park, has a background as a lawyer who also worked as director of budget and tax policy for Voices for Illinois Children and as chief of strategic partnerships and information for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
The Daily Herald recently sat down with Wiles to hear how she plans to lead the iconic educational space for youngsters. Here is an edited version of the conversation.
Q: Why have you shifted your career to museums?
A: It's all about advocacy. I've been very intentional about wanting to understand the world around me and to learn the language of advocacy.
At Voices for Illinois Children, I immersed myself in policy issues that impact children and families who are trying very hard to be working participants in our world, providing those basic supports that they need.
At the Museum of Science & Industry, I leveraged those networks into an iconic cultural institution that was about ready to embark on serious change and was very committed to seeing how it could have a big impact on science education. If you want to improve children and youth, you must also be thinking about the families and communities and schools.
Q: Why did you come to DuPage Children's Museum?
A: The support of the board and the work of Orleans to really get this ship pointed in the right direction attracted me. The board was able to vocalize support for building access and opportunities for children in all of our communities. And the work Orleans did to make sure the organization was focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and art was amazing.
Tinkering and making has become an incredible national movement for the past 10 years to give children tools to advance their creativity through lessons of failure and having space to explore. Orleans' work really put a stake in the ground around creativity and making here, which was really important.
Q: How does the museum teach the importance of play to parents?
A: For some people, play and understanding how to engage their child and access resources is much more a natural part of their nomenclature than for other parents.
Play in and of itself is extremely beneficial to brain development in children. They're literally acting as little scientists constantly to figure out the world around them, and they're doing that through testing things. Giving them space to safely test and learn from that is really important.
Q: How will the museum reach out to people who wouldn't normally access it?
A: One of the interesting lessons I learned while working at the Museum of Science & Industry is that free isn't enough to make people feel welcome. Museums in the city are required to be free 52 days of the year, and the demographics of people who attend on free days are identical to the demographics of those who attend on paid days.
It's not just a matter of giving passes, it's not just a matter of having access. It's about building a relationship with a family so they can start to see you as one of their partners in the education of their children.
There are a lot of great community partners that already work with these families. The question is what else can we do to extend the expertise that we have around play to where these families are?
Q: What's next now that the museum is staying in place?
A: Any discussion about movement is firmly in the rearview mirror. The result of those conversations has been remarkable. They resulted in a consensus about how important the DuPage Children's Museum is to the core of DuPage County and being the front door of the Naperville downtown business district.
With our building, there is some room to expand, which is something that's on the agenda to consider. Within the footprint, we could extend over the front roof and add another 11,000 square feet. This is really the time for planning, not for identifying exactly what we're going to do.
That's the joy of my coming here. We get to turn from taking care of business, like the flood, to focusing on the future and fully realizing that vision.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--St. Charles Restaurant Week Feb. 24-28 aims to bring foodies to local eateries

In its 10th year , St. Charles Restaurant Week is looking to continue serving up good eats .
The event , which returns Monday through Friday , Feb. 24-28 , will feature more than 30 participating restaurants .
Ciara Miller , economic development planner for the city of St. Charles , said the city 's goal behind hosting restaurant week is simple .
`` It 's to get people to go out for a meal supporting local business during what is typically a slow time of the year for many restaurants , '' she said .
Miller said a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's restaurant week .
`` We picked this last week of February , so it does n't conflict with any of the nearby communities ' restaurant week and Valentine 's Day , '' she said .
`` We strategically picked that week to try and get people out during that slow time of the year . ''
Organizers said those that visit the participating restaurants and show the coupon -- which you can download or print from the city 's website -- can save 20 % off their total bill .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try new restaurants they 've maybe never visited before , '' Miller said .
`` The goal is that they find their new favorite restaurant and become return visitors . ''
Not all municipalities take the charge of organizing restaurant week for businesses in town .
`` Because it 's run by the city , there 's no fee for the restaurants to participate , '' Miller said .
`` They just have to agree to offer the discount any time they 're open for the five days the event runs . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paradiso Restaurant and Bar .
Owner Izabela Accetta said she 's decided to participate in the event because the restaurant is still new to the city .
`` There 's cold weather , but I know we need to get involved with the community , '' she said .
Paradiso Restaurant and Bar and its menu features a variety of Italian and French wine , authentic Italian food , steak and seafood .
In addition , there is live entertainment provided on the weekends .
`` It 's family-owned ; it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have about 120 seats , plus 30 seats at the bar .
We have a big bar at the middle of the restaurant .
It 's very cozy . ''
Accetta said she hopes St. Charles Restaurant Week helps create some exposure for her business .
`` Since that building has been empty for 11 years , nobody knows that we 're here , '' she said .
`` I want to introduce myself to the community .
I know we have a lot of positive feedback already and reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food .
They love the prices . ''
Jack Bhandari , the owner of Taste of Himalayas , said he is excited for St. Charles Restaurant Week .
He said it is his goal to participate in the event every year .
`` The number of people coming in for the hefty discount , the 20 % off they get , I 'm very pleased with that , '' he said .
Taste of Himalayas has been in business for 12 years .
The menu features , among other things , tandoori chicken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and palak paneer .
Bhandari said customers enjoy what the restaurant offers the community .
`` I have very loyal customers who repeatedly come and support the restaurant , '' he said .
Bhandari said there 's something for everyone to enjoy at Taste of Himalayas .
`` I was awarded for the most vegan-friendly , most gluten-friendly , most vegetarian-friendly restaurant in the Fox Valley , '' he said .
Dino Sisto , the owner of La Zaza Trattoria , said he 's excited to participate in St. Charles Restaurant Week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's slow , '' he said .
`` It keeps things flowing .
… It 's to give back to the town and whoever comes in . ''
Sisto said the signature items on the menu include white fish spinachi , penne abruzzese and steak .
`` We serve quality food across the board and emphasis on quality , '' he said .
Sisto said he has a new dessert that patrons are raving about .
`` I came up with this recipe , '' he said .
`` It 's a cream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's got a drizzle of homemade caramel .
I serve it with a scoop of gelato . ''
Sisto said the atmosphere created at the restaurant is by design .
`` It 's traditional with a contemporary twist , '' he said .
`` There 's a lot of dark wood and warm colors .
The lighting is warm . ''
For details on St. Charles Restaurant Week and a list of participating restaurants , visit stcharlesil.gov .

St. Charles Restaurant Week Feb. 24-28 aims to bring foodies to local eateries
The owner of La ZaZa Trattoria describes his restaurant as "traditional with a contemporary twist." Courtesy of La ZaZa Trattoria
In its 10th year, St. Charles Restaurant Week is looking to continue serving up good eats.
The event, which returns Monday through Friday, Feb. 24-28, will feature more than 30 participating restaurants.
Ciara Miller, economic development planner for the city of St. Charles, said the city's goal behind hosting restaurant week is simple.
"It's to get people to go out for a meal supporting local business during what is typically a slow time of the year for many restaurants," she said.
Miller said a lot of careful planning went into the city's restaurant week.
"We picked this last week of February, so it doesn't conflict with any of the nearby communities' restaurant week and Valentine's Day," she said. "We strategically picked that week to try and get people out during that slow time of the year."
Organizers said those that visit the participating restaurants and show the coupon -- which you can download or print from the city's website -- can save 20% off their total bill.
"It's a great time for customers to try new restaurants they've maybe never visited before," Miller said. "The goal is that they find their new favorite restaurant and become return visitors."
Not all municipalities take the charge of organizing restaurant week for businesses in town.
"Because it's run by the city, there's no fee for the restaurants to participate," Miller said. "They just have to agree to offer the discount any time they're open for the five days the event runs."
Paradiso Restaurant and Bar, which serves such items as fried calamari, is new to St. Charles Restaurant Week. - Courtesy of Paradiso Restaurant and Bar
New to St. Charles Restaurant Week is Paradiso Restaurant and Bar.
Owner Izabela Accetta said she's decided to participate in the event because the restaurant is still new to the city.
"There's cold weather, but I know we need to get involved with the community," she said.
Paradiso Restaurant and Bar and its menu features a variety of Italian and French wine, authentic Italian food, steak and seafood. In addition, there is live entertainment provided on the weekends.
"It's family-owned; it's not a chain restaurant," Accetta said. "We have about 120 seats, plus 30 seats at the bar. We have a big bar at the middle of the restaurant. It's very cozy."
Accetta said she hopes St. Charles Restaurant Week helps create some exposure for her business.
"Since that building has been empty for 11 years, nobody knows that we're here," she said. "I want to introduce myself to the community. I know we have a lot of positive feedback already and reviews from local customers. They love the food. They love the prices."
The owner of Taste of Himalayas, which offers Indian and Nepali cuisine, describes his restaurant as vegan-friendly. It will participate in St. Charles Restaurant Week. - Courtesy of Taste of Himalayas
Jack Bhandari, the owner of Taste of Himalayas, said he is excited for St. Charles Restaurant Week. He said it is his goal to participate in the event every year.
"The number of people coming in for the hefty discount, the 20% off they get, I'm very pleased with that," he said.
Taste of Himalayas has been in business for 12 years. The menu features, among other things, tandoori chicken, pulav rice, chicken tikka masala and palak paneer.
Bhandari said customers enjoy what the restaurant offers the community.
"I have very loyal customers who repeatedly come and support the restaurant," he said.
Bhandari said there's something for everyone to enjoy at Taste of Himalayas.
"I was awarded for the most vegan-friendly, most gluten-friendly, most vegetarian-friendly restaurant in the Fox Valley," he said.
Italian steakhouse La ZaZa Trattoria will participate in St. Charles Restaurant Week. - Courtesy of La ZaZa Trattoria
Dino Sisto, the owner of La Zaza Trattoria, said he's excited to participate in St. Charles Restaurant Week.
"This time of year, it's slow," he said. "It keeps things flowing. … It's to give back to the town and whoever comes in."
Sisto said the signature items on the menu include white fish spinachi, penne abruzzese and steak.
"We serve quality food across the board and emphasis on quality," he said.
Sisto said he has a new dessert that patrons are raving about.
"I came up with this recipe," he said. "It's a cream cheese-filled cake with a pecan crumble. It's got a drizzle of homemade caramel. I serve it with a scoop of gelato."
Sisto said the atmosphere created at the restaurant is by design.
"It's traditional with a contemporary twist," he said. "There's a lot of dark wood and warm colors. The lighting is warm."
For details on St. Charles Restaurant Week and a list of participating restaurants, visit stcharlesil.gov.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--Palatine honors volunteers killed fighting 1973 Ben Franklin fire

Nearly a half-century has passed since three firefighters perished in a fire at the Ben Franklin store in downtown Palatine .
But time has not dimmed the memory of a village that honors the sacrifice of those fallen firefighters every year .
Firefighters , family members and community leaders gathered Sunday at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial downtown to pay tribute to volunteer firefighters Warren `` Auggie '' Ahlgrim , 32 , John Wilson , 40 , and Richard Freeman , 25 .
The three died Feb. 23 , 1973 , while fighting the blaze in the basement of the store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire was a catalyst in the village moving from a volunteer fire company to a full-time force .
Sunday 's ceremony was commemorated with bagpipe music , the reading of a prayer by Palatine Fire Chaplain Tim Fairman , the laying of a wreath at the memorial and the ringing of nine bells , three for each firefighter , symbolizing the beginning of a day 's shift .
Several gathered at the memorial had a strong personal connection to the fire .
Dan Ahlgrim was only about 8 when he lost his dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time they spent together .
`` I remember rides in the pickup truck and him letting me shift his gears .
Coming down to the Slade Street fire station .
Climbing through the fire trucks .
I remember the fire calls going all the time , because it would be one continuous ring at home , '' he said .
`` That would mean that there was a fire call . ''
`` To have the village of Palatine do this every year is nothing but awesome , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the firefighters responding that day .
He calls it `` the worst day of my life . ''
`` ( Warren Ahlgrim ) was going in first , and I was coming up behind him , '' Steif said .
He recalled trying to get in through the store 's roof to expel some of the smoke and the heat and allow firefighters to battle the blaze in the basement .
But the roof started to cave in , and Steif had to remain outside .
He did n't realize Ahlgrim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was in the front of the building and they were fighting it from the back .
I just assumed that they were all out .
Things fell apart after that , '' he said .
Also attending the ceremony was Holly O'Connell , who witnessed the fire after while driving to her job as a teacher at Willow Bend Elementary School in Rolling Meadows .
It was a tragedy that hit home .
`` One of the firemen ( Freeman ) was in my brother 's class at school .
And his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) was a fireman , too .
He was out here in the street when it happened , '' she said .
`` They gave their lives for us , '' O'Connell added .
`` I think that 's very important to acknowledge them and stand in honor of them . ''

Palatine honors volunteers killed fighting 1973 Ben Franklin fire
Firefighter gear to remember fallen firefighters Warren Ahlgrim, Richard Freeman and John Wilson, sits in front of the Palatine Firefighters Memorial during a service Sunday morning. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
The Palatine Fire Honor Guard march down North Brockway Street to start a memorial service honoring the sacrifice of three Palatine volunteer firefighters who died in the line of duty on Feb. 23, 1973. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Firefighter gear to remember fallen firefighters Warren Ahlgrim, Richard Freeman and John Wilson, sits in front of the Palatine Firefighters Memorial during a service Sunday morning. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Members of the Palatine Fire Department observe a moment of silence Sunday during a memorial service at the firefighters memorial. The ceremony honored three volunteer firefighters who died battling a blaze in the village's downtown 47 years ago. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Rose Ahlgrim, right, widow of fallen Palatine firefighter Warren Ahlgrim, gets a hug from Laura Rettke of Palatine, after a memorial service Sunday in downtown Palatine honoring the sacrifice of her husband and two fellow volunteer firefighters who died in the line of duty Feb. 23, 1973. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Palatine firefighter/paramedic Jason Grenier salutes during a memorial service Sunday honoring the sacrifice of three volunteer firefighters who died in the line of duty while battling a blaze Feb. 23, 1973 in downtown Palatine. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Nearly a half-century has passed since three firefighters perished in a fire at the Ben Franklin store in downtown Palatine.
But time has not dimmed the memory of a village that honors the sacrifice of those fallen firefighters every year.
Firefighters, family members and community leaders gathered Sunday at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial downtown to pay tribute to volunteer firefighters Warren "Auggie" Ahlgrim, 32, John Wilson, 40, and Richard Freeman, 25.
The three died Feb. 23, 1973, while fighting the blaze in the basement of the store at 36 N. Broadway St. The fire was a catalyst in the village moving from a volunteer fire company to a full-time force.
Sunday's ceremony was commemorated with bagpipe music, the reading of a prayer by Palatine Fire Chaplain Tim Fairman, the laying of a wreath at the memorial and the ringing of nine bells, three for each firefighter, symbolizing the beginning of a day's shift.
Several gathered at the memorial had a strong personal connection to the fire.
Dan Ahlgrim was only about 8 when he lost his dad, but he still retains vivid memories of time they spent together.
"I remember rides in the pickup truck and him letting me shift his gears. Coming down to the Slade Street fire station. Climbing through the fire trucks. I remember the fire calls going all the time, because it would be one continuous ring at home," he said. "That would mean that there was a fire call."
Ahlgrim stood with his mom, Warren's widow, Rose Ahlgrim.
"To have the village of Palatine do this every year is nothing but awesome," he said.
With the Ahlgrims was Cliff Steif, one of the firefighters responding that day. He calls it "the worst day of my life."
"(Warren Ahlgrim) was going in first, and I was coming up behind him," Steif said.
He recalled trying to get in through the store's roof to expel some of the smoke and the heat and allow firefighters to battle the blaze in the basement. But the roof started to cave in, and Steif had to remain outside.
He didn't realize Ahlgrim already was in the basement.
"I was in the front of the building and they were fighting it from the back. I just assumed that they were all out. Things fell apart after that," he said.
Also attending the ceremony was Holly O'Connell, who witnessed the fire after while driving to her job as a teacher at Willow Bend Elementary School in Rolling Meadows. It was a tragedy that hit home.
"One of the firemen (Freeman) was in my brother's class at school. And his dad was outside. (Howard Freeman) was a fireman, too. He was out here in the street when it happened," she said.
"They gave their lives for us," O'Connell added. "I think that's very important to acknowledge them and stand in honor of them."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--The weekend's springlike weather won't last, forecasters say

The suburbs enjoyed a stretch of sunny skies and springlike temperatures over the weekend , but bad news from forecasters @ @ @ @ @ to last .
Colder temperatures accompanied by rain , snow and perhaps even a winter @ @ @ @ @ area Monday night , according to the National Weather Service , leaving the weekend 's @ @ @ @ @ a tease of the season ahead .
The NWS reported Sunday that minor wet accumulations @ @ @ @ @ and carry into Tuesday morning , with overnight temperatures falling to around freezing .
Things @ @ @ @ @ , with heavier snow falling across the region , particularly in the North and far @ @ @ @ @ least two inches of snow is expected by Wednesday morning , according to the weather @ @ @ @ @ clears out , chilly temperatures are expected to follow , with forecasters predicting lows for @ @ @ @ @ digits Thursday night .

The weekend's springlike weather won't last, forecasters say
The suburbs enjoyed a stretch of sunny skies and springlike temperatures over the weekend, but bad news from forecasters: It's not going to last.
Colder temperatures accompanied by rain, snow and perhaps even a winter storm will move into the area Monday night, according to the National Weather Service, leaving the weekend's balmy conditions nothing more than a tease of the season ahead.
The NWS reported Sunday that minor wet accumulations of snow will begin Monday and carry into Tuesday morning, with overnight temperatures falling to around freezing.
Things could get worse Tuesday night, with heavier snow falling across the region, particularly in the North and far Northwest suburbs, where at least two inches of snow is expected by Wednesday morning, according to the weather service.
Once the snow clears out, chilly temperatures are expected to follow, with forecasters predicting lows for some areas in the single digits Thursday night.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--Police: Schaumburg Best Buy burglarized

Police: Schaumburg Best Buy burglarized

A Schaumburg Best Buy was burglarized Saturday morning , police said .
Officers responded to the store , 900 E. @ @ @ @ @ a.m. , according to Schaumburg police Sgt .
Karen McCartney .
The investigation is ongoing @ @ @ @ @ share any further information Saturday night .
This is a developing story ; back at @ @ @ @

Police: Schaumburg Best Buy burglarized
A Schaumburg Best Buy was burglarized Saturday morning, police said.
Officers responded to the store, 900 E. Golf Road, at 9:48 a.m., according to Schaumburg police Sgt. Karen McCartney. The investigation is ongoing, and police didn't share any further information Saturday night. This is a developing story; back at dailyherald.com for updates.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--Bicyclist seriously injured when hit by car in Streamwood

A bicyclist suffered serious injuries late Saturday when struck by a car while trying to cross Route 59 in Streamwood @ @ @ @ @ Authorities said Streamwood police and paramedics responded at 11:46 p.m. to reports of a crash @ @ @ @ @ and an adult bicyclist in the intersection of Route 59 ( Sutton Road ) and @ @ @ @ @ investigation indicated the bicyclist was trying to cross from east to west when hit by @ @ @ @ @ Route 59 .
The bicyclist was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Toyota 's 43-year-old driver was not injured , and there were no @ @ @ @ @ No citations have been issued at this time .
The crash remains under investigation by @ @ @ @ @ Traffic Crash Reconstruction team .

Bicyclist seriously injured when hit by car in Streamwood
A bicyclist suffered serious injuries late Saturday when struck by a car while trying to cross Route 59 in Streamwood, police said Sunday.
Authorities said Streamwood police and paramedics responded at 11:46 p.m. to reports of a crash involving a 2008 Toyota sedan and an adult bicyclist in the intersection of Route 59 (Sutton Road) and Schaumburg Road.
A preliminary investigation indicated the bicyclist was trying to cross from east to west when hit by the Toyota traveling south on Route 59.
The bicyclist was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with serious injuries, police said. The Toyota's 43-year-old driver was not injured, and there were no passengers in the car.
No citations have been issued at this time. The crash remains under investigation by Streamwood police and the Serious Traffic Crash Reconstruction team.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--Carter scores 23, No. 16 A&M women rock Auburn 84-54

COLLEGE STATION , Texas -- Chennedy Carter scored 23 points and No .
16 Texas A & M cruised to @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
Kayla Wells added 13 points , Aaliyah Wilson 12 and Ciera Johnson @ @ @ @ @ 22-5 , 10-4 Southeastern Conference ) , who won their fourth straight and are 14-0 @ @ @ @ @ Jones had 12 rebounds with eight points and Johnson had eight boards as Texas A @ @ @ @ @ rebounding advantage .
Daisa Alexanders scored 15 points for the Tigers ( 9-16 , 3-11 @ @ @ @ @ 11 points and eight rebounds .
Wells had nine points in the first quarter when @ @ @ @ @ 17 and put together a late 9-0 run to take a 25-11 lead .
Texas @ @ @ @ @ of 15 from 3-point range and shot 58 % overall .
Auburn was 8 of @ @ @ @ @ 39 % .
There were only 14 fouls in the game and both teams went @ @ @ @ @ foul line .

Carter scores 23, No. 16 A&M women rock Auburn 84-54
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Chennedy Carter scored 23 points and No. 16 Texas A&M cruised to an 84-54 win over Auburn on Sunday.
Kayla Wells added 13 points, Aaliyah Wilson 12 and Ciera Johnson 11 for the Aggies (22-5, 10-4 Southeastern Conference), who won their fourth straight and are 14-0 against the Tigers.
N'dea Jones had 12 rebounds with eight points and Johnson had eight boards as Texas A&M had a 43-21 rebounding advantage.
Daisa Alexanders scored 15 points for the Tigers (9-16, 3-11) and Unique Thompson had 11 points and eight rebounds.
Wells had nine points in the first quarter when the Aggies went 11 of 17 and put together a late 9-0 run to take a 25-11 lead.
Texas A&M went 8 of 15 from 3-point range and shot 58% overall. Auburn was 8 of 25 from distance and shot 39%.
There were only 14 fouls in the game and both teams went 2 of 3 from the foul line.
_____
More AP women's basketball: https://apnews.com/Womenscollegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-23--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 six months 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.