dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--Naperville visionary Price 'provided tremendous leadership'

Peg Price could picture the Naperville of the future when she became mayor in 1983 .
By the time she died Sunday at age 87 , she had lived for decades in the real-life version of that picture , a reality that her leadership helped create , those who knew her say .
Margaret P. `` Peg '' Price , the city 's first female mayor , also was a city council member , a Riverwalk commissioner , an avid reader and an outspoken political enthusiast .
She dedicated much of her time to public service and helped shape the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its new municipal center , where city business has been conducted since 1992 at 400 S. Eagle St. '' She provided tremendous leadership and direction at a critical time when the city was making the decision to grow exponentially , '' former city council member Kevin Gallaher said .
`` The city would n't be where it is without her efforts and her vision . ''
During her time as mayor , the city built a fire station , relocated Nichols Library and built the Chicago Avenue parking deck -- its first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support construction of the outdoor concert center in Central Park , which opened in 2003 .
`` She had visions of what she thought Naperville ought to be doing or what Naperville should have , '' said Ron Keller , director of the Naperville Municipal Band and a longtime friend of Price and her late husband , Chuck .
Price came to Naperville when her husband 's job with Western Electric Company/Lucent Technologies transferred him there from New Jersey .
The childhood sweethearts from Eau Claire , Wisconsin , established themselves in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised their sons Steven and Timothy , both of whom still live in town .
Price served on the city council before and after becoming mayor and said she had an interest in land-use planning .
In 2005 , when the Daily Herald named her to the list of Naperville 's 25 most influential people as No .
16 , Price said she stepped up to lead because she could see the small-town Naperville of the 1970s was on the verge of becoming something more .
`` I felt strongly we had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said , looking back in an archive article from 15 years ago .
Price 's leadership as Naperville poised for residential and commercial growth extended past construction of the new municipal center , `` from the actual building , the facility , to building the community , '' Gallaher said .
`` She never cared if she got credit , '' he said .
As mayor , Price began attending Rotary Club of Naperville meetings , and by 1987 , she became one of the club 's first two female members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Area Homeowners Confederation , League of Women Voters , Loaves & Fishes Community Services and St. Raphael Catholic Church .
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home in Naperville .
Instead of a visitation , during the concern about the COVID-19 pandemic , Price 's family asks well-wishers to take a few moments to call a friend .
Memorials may be made to the Naperville Riverwalk Foundation at https : //www.napervilleriverwalkfoundation.org/donate-2/ .

Naperville visionary Price 'provided tremendous leadership'
Peg Price served as Naperville mayor from 1983 to 1991 and led the project to build the municipal center on Eagle Street, where she is pictured in 2005. She died Sunday at age 87. Daily Herald file photo September 2005
Peg Price could picture the Naperville of the future when she became mayor in 1983.
By the time she died Sunday at age 87, she had lived for decades in the real-life version of that picture, a reality that her leadership helped create, those who knew her say.
Margaret P. "Peg" Price, the city's first female mayor, also was a city council member, a Riverwalk commissioner, an avid reader and an outspoken political enthusiast. She dedicated much of her time to public service and helped shape the city by being the driving force behind its new municipal center, where city business has been conducted since 1992 at 400 S. Eagle St.
"She provided tremendous leadership and direction at a critical time when the city was making the decision to grow exponentially," former city council member Kevin Gallaher said. "The city wouldn't be where it is without her efforts and her vision."
During her time as mayor, the city built a fire station, relocated Nichols Library and built the Chicago Avenue parking deck -- its first. Price later helped assemble a committee to support construction of the outdoor concert center in Central Park, which opened in 2003.
"She had visions of what she thought Naperville ought to be doing or what Naperville should have," said Ron Keller, director of the Naperville Municipal Band and a longtime friend of Price and her late husband, Chuck.
Price came to Naperville when her husband's job with Western Electric Company/Lucent Technologies transferred him there from New Jersey. The childhood sweethearts from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, established themselves in a small community of less than 20,000 and raised their sons Steven and Timothy, both of whom still live in town.
Price served on the city council before and after becoming mayor and said she had an interest in land-use planning. In 2005, when the Daily Herald named her to the list of Naperville's 25 most influential people as No. 16, Price said she stepped up to lead because she could see the small-town Naperville of the 1970s was on the verge of becoming something more.
"I felt strongly we had to provide for the growth coming," she said, looking back in an archive article from 15 years ago.
Price's leadership as Naperville poised for residential and commercial growth extended past construction of the new municipal center, "from the actual building, the facility, to building the community," Gallaher said.
"She never cared if she got credit," he said.
As mayor, Price began attending Rotary Club of Naperville meetings, and by 1987, she became one of the club's first two female members. She also was involved with the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation, League of Women Voters, Loaves & Fishes Community Services and St. Raphael Catholic Church.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home in Naperville.
Instead of a visitation, during the concern about the COVID-19 pandemic, Price's family asks well-wishers to take a few moments to call a friend. Memorials may be made to the Naperville Riverwalk Foundation at https://www.napervilleriverwalkfoundation.org/donate-2/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--Feder: Are there songs radio should avoid during pandemic?

It occurred to me over the weekend when `` Get Closer , '' the 1976 yacht rock standard by Seals @ @ @ @ @ : There may be some songs that radio should n't be playing during a global @ @ @ @ @ out to an old friend , Rick O'Dell , program director of Me-TV FM , @ @ @ @ @ station at WRME 87.7-FM , for advice on other songs to add to the list @ @ @ @ @ he suggested : '' I Want to Hold Your Hand '' -- The Beatles '' @ @ @ @ @ '' -- Jay and the Americans '' Touch Me in the Morning '' -- Diana @ @ @ @ @ Get to You '' -- Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway '' Be Near Me '' @ @ @ @ @ You '' -- The Carpenters '' Touch Me When We 're Dancing '' -- The @ @ @ @ @ , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Are there songs radio should avoid during pandemic?
It occurred to me over the weekend when "Get Closer," the 1976 yacht rock standard by Seals and Crofts, came on: There may be some songs that radio shouldn't be playing during a global pandemic.
So I reached out to an old friend, Rick O'Dell, program director of Me-TV FM, the Weigel Broadcasting soft-rock oldies station at WRME 87.7-FM, for advice on other songs to add to the list.
Here are the titles he suggested:
"Touch Me" -- The Doors
"I Want to Hold Your Hand" -- The Beatles
"Come a Little Bit Closer" -- Jay and the Americans
"Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand" -- Diana Ross
"Touch Me in the Morning" -- Diana Ross
"Rockin' Pneumonia and Boogie Woogie Flu" -- Johnny Rivers
"My Little Town" -- Simon & Garfunkel
"Stand By Me" -- Ben E. King
"The Closer I Get to You" -- Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
"Be Near Me" -- ABC
"Close to You" -- The Carpenters
"Touch Me When We're Dancing" -- The Carpenters
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--Judson awards honorary doctorate to U-46 leader

Judson University in Elgin is awarding an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters to Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders .
The award recognizes Sanders ' dedication and commitment to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all students , Judson officials said .
It would have been presented during Judson 's spring commencement , which has been postponed until Sept. 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The university instead will recognize Sanders during a Facebook Live interview with Judson President Gene Crume to be broadcast at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday .
`` I am beyond honored , '' Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in U-46 is only possible because of a supportive family , and an amazing team . ''
Sanders joined U-46 in 2007 as chief communications officer and later chief of staff for then-Superintendent José Torres , who left in 2014 to become president of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora .
Since then , Sanders has led the state 's second-largest school district as CEO and switched to the title of superintendent after attaining state certification in February .
Sanders has overseen U-46 's rollout of full-day kindergarten , expansion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the creation of a new alternative high school , the DREAM Academy , serving students with a trauma-sensitive approach to teaching .
He lobbied state lawmakers for a more equitable education funding formula signed into law in 2017 , and has grown the district 's reserve fund balance above 25 % of its $ 580 million operating budget .
`` I have always appreciated his leadership , not only in field of education but in his work throughout the community , '' Crume said .
Sanders is perusing a doctorate from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his wife , Schelli , and their children , Jack and Lexie , are both U-46 graduates and have attended Judson University .

Judson awards honorary doctorate to U-46 leader
Judson University in Elgin is awarding an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters to Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders.
The award recognizes Sanders' dedication and commitment to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all students, Judson officials said.
It would have been presented during Judson's spring commencement, which has been postponed until Sept. 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The university instead will recognize Sanders during a Facebook Live interview with Judson President Gene Crume to be broadcast at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
"I am beyond honored," Sanders said. "The work I do in U-46 is only possible because of a supportive family, and an amazing team."
Sanders joined U-46 in 2007 as chief communications officer and later chief of staff for then-Superintendent José Torres, who left in 2014 to become president of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora. Since then, Sanders has led the state's second-largest school district as CEO and switched to the title of superintendent after attaining state certification in February.
Sanders has overseen U-46's rollout of full-day kindergarten, expansion of its dual language program to high school, and the creation of a new alternative high school, the DREAM Academy, serving students with a trauma-sensitive approach to teaching. He lobbied state lawmakers for a more equitable education funding formula signed into law in 2017, and has grown the district's reserve fund balance above 25% of its $580 million operating budget.
"I have always appreciated his leadership, not only in field of education but in his work throughout the community," Crume said.
Sanders is perusing a doctorate from Aurora University. He lives in Elgin with his wife, Schelli, and their children, Jack and Lexie, are both U-46 graduates and have attended Judson University.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--McDill shares his insight about Rodman, the Palace Walkout and more

Former Daily Herald sports writer Kent McDill was the only full-time traveling beat writer to cover the entirety of the Bulls ' championship era .
He joins Mike McGraw to again add his insight to Episodes 3 and 4 of ESPN 's `` The Last Dance '' documentary .
MM : Dennis Rodman was probably the star attraction of Sunday 's episodes .
What was it like for you to deal with him ?
KM : From a personal standpoint , I was really not happy that they traded for Dennis because I did n't want to have to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him was his behavior for the Pistons playing against the Bulls .
By the time Dennis ' three years were over , I loved the guy .
In one-on-one conversations , he was engaging and intelligent -- more intelligent than he was given credit for , at least -- and funny and self-deprecating .
I enjoyed those occasions when I had him to myself .
Not just to talk basketball , we talked about all sorts of stuff .
I did n't like the guy he was in front of the camera and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy as much as possible .
But from a personal level , one-on-one , I find Dennis to be very enjoyable .
I mentioned on a number of occasions , I can see what Kim Jong-Un sees in Dennis .
MM : It reminded me of the days when some people had the duty during the playoffs of waiting outside the locker room for Dennis to walk out and then follow him to his car with the recorders out and hope he might say something , but he usually did n't .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around Dennis at home games .
KM : We called it the `` Walk of Shame , '' and I think that was a pretty good description .
They showed it Sunday .
That job is not as glamorous as some people want you to think it is when you have to follow a guy through a hallway who has no intention of talking to you .
MM : It seems to me that Rodman 's Las Vegas vacation they talked about was n't very public at the time .
I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ?
KM : I am in total agreement with you .
I do n't remember writing about Dennis taking a two-day break unless it happened at a time when they had a two- or three-day break between games .
And this whole business about how Michael Jordan went to Vegas to get him back .
I do n't remember seeing any reference to that back when it was actually happening .
MM : I think that was misleading .
I think Michael actually went to Dennis ' house in Deerfield , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Berto Center .
From what I 've heard from Bulls employees over the years , that was a regular occurrence .
Almost every day they had to send someone to ring his doorbell 10 times and wait around while all the partygoers stumbled around his house until Dennis was ready to head to practice .
I looked back at that season .
Rodman played in 80 of the 82 games but was listed as not with the team for a Jan. 23 game at New Jersey .
KM : The one thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Dennis is they managed to do what they failed to do in their `` 30 for 30 , '' which was allow Dennis to explain how he rebounded .
They went to good lengths to indicate just how talented a basketball player he was .
Somebody mentioned on Twitter that Dennis Rodman is the only basketball player for whom a highlight reel could be produced and show nothing but rebounds .
And that does n't even go into his defense , which they also discussed .
So from a basketball standpoint , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job showing how important Dennis was to the team .
MM : My other thought about Dennis is it was funny how he went from hated member of the Bad Boy Pistons to one of the greatest sports sensations in Chicago history , practically overnight .
Speaking of the Bad Boys , we should talk about the '91 walk-off at the Palace .
Horace Grant 's `` straight-up ( bleeps ) '' comment got a lot of play .
KM : I liked the production value of them presenting Isiah Thomas ' statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackson on the tablets .
I thought that was really cool .
MM : Could you even see what was happening from your seat ?
KM : There were so many people in front of me at that point .
I honestly did n't recognize the fact that something dramatic was happening .
I know I did n't look up to see if they shook hands .
Then when we got back in the locker room , it was a topic of conversation .
Michael had a smirk on his face because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that series , they had taken a hunk of their macho away .
Them not congratulating the Bulls was like a second victory in Michael 's eyes .
MM : I 've got an unusual perspective on this since my first job out of college was an internship for the Pistons , so I liked that team .
It always baffled me why there was such a strong negative reaction .
And still exists , obviously , almost 30 years later .
KM : I do n't know .
It was the Bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everybody was looking forward to the passing of the torch .
It seemed to me the only people that were Pistons fans were from Detroit .
It was n't just the passing of the torch , it was the good guys won and the bad guys lost .
MM : The Pistons did get a lot of insults back then , especially from the Chicago media .
A lot of it was warranted , but maybe they felt like they did n't get the credit they deserved after two championships .
KM : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Laimbeer just ripping Jordan and Pippen down to the ground and they were both just shocked that basketball was played that way .
They know the Bad Boys , but that was just beyond what they had ever seen -- especially when it was scene after scene of what went on in the interior of those games .
MM : The Bulls and Pistons played six times in the regular season back then and four years in a row in the playoffs .
If you just take the hardest fouls and play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it seems a lot worse than it did when you were watching the games as they happened .
There were hundreds of minutes of good basketball going on , but it was definitely much different from what it is today .
Anyway , I was glad to see you finally got a mention and some airtime .
There was that scene where you and the Sun-Times ' John Jackson were in the door of the training room somewhere talking to Jordan .
Do you know where that was ?
KM : I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had written at one point that people needed to spend more time appreciating what was going on with the team and less time worrying about Michael 's future .
Michael said in that scene that he was getting tired of answering that question .
One thing that was nice is it showed just how much availability we had with that team back then .
I got a lot of work done in that kind of situation .
We were on the road , so they did n't have the place locked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I did lots of interviews with Michael and Dennis and Scottie in training room situations like that with Chip Schaefer taping their ankles .
MM : You and I have talked about the '89 Cavs game before .
On the television broadcast , when they show a replay of Doug Collins celebrating Michael 's basket on the Bulls ' bench , you can also see the Sun-Times ' Lacy Banks jumping up and down at the press table .
KM : I 've seen the shot a million times .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
I 'm writing a note to myself about a detail of that moment .
Then Lacy 's jumping up and down .
He was screaming , 'We won , we won , ' and he got suspended for a week for doing that , because of that video .
That scene is so funny .
Doug basically pushes Phil Jackson out of the way to go out and run around .
KM : It did n't change him , but he got in a lot of trouble for it .
MM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team plane ?
KM : Oh my God .
I 'll never unsee that .
I could have lived my entire life without seeing that video and I would have been just fine .
It was fun seeing the stuff on the plane and Michael ripping Scott Burrell and ripping Bill Wennington .
Bill was injured at the time , so he was just using his video camera and talking to reporters .
That was some pretty cool footage .

McDill shares his insight about Rodman, the Palace Walkout and more
FILE -- In this June 16, 1998, file photo, NBA Champions, from left: Ron Harper, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and coach Phil Jackson are joined on stage by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, second from right, during a citywide rally in Chicago to celebrate the Chicago Bulls 6th NBA championship. Associated Press
Former Daily Herald sports writer Kent McDill was the only full-time traveling beat writer to cover the entirety of the Bulls' championship era. He joins Mike McGraw to again add his insight to Episodes 3 and 4 of ESPN's "The Last Dance" documentary.
MM: Dennis Rodman was probably the star attraction of Sunday's episodes. What was it like for you to deal with him?
KM: From a personal standpoint, I was really not happy that they traded for Dennis because I didn't want to have to deal with him. All I knew of him was his behavior for the Pistons playing against the Bulls. By the time Dennis' three years were over, I loved the guy. In one-on-one conversations, he was engaging and intelligent -- more intelligent than he was given credit for, at least -- and funny and self-deprecating.
I enjoyed those occasions when I had him to myself. Not just to talk basketball, we talked about all sorts of stuff. I didn't like the guy he was in front of the camera and I tried to distance myself from that guy as much as possible. But from a personal level, one-on-one, I find Dennis to be very enjoyable. I mentioned on a number of occasions, I can see what Kim Jong-Un sees in Dennis.
MM: It reminded me of the days when some people had the duty during the playoffs of waiting outside the locker room for Dennis to walk out and then follow him to his car with the recorders out and hope he might say something, but he usually didn't. It was impossible to get a calm moment around Dennis at home games.
KM: We called it the "Walk of Shame," and I think that was a pretty good description. They showed it Sunday. That job is not as glamorous as some people want you to think it is when you have to follow a guy through a hallway who has no intention of talking to you.
MM: It seems to me that Rodman's Las Vegas vacation they talked about wasn't very public at the time. I don't remember hearing anything about it, do you?
KM: I am in total agreement with you. I don't remember writing about Dennis taking a two-day break unless it happened at a time when they had a two- or three-day break between games. And this whole business about how Michael Jordan went to Vegas to get him back. I don't remember seeing any reference to that back when it was actually happening.
MM: I think that was misleading. I think Michael actually went to Dennis' house in Deerfield, which was a couple of blocks away from the Berto Center. From what I've heard from Bulls employees over the years, that was a regular occurrence. Almost every day they had to send someone to ring his doorbell 10 times and wait around while all the partygoers stumbled around his house until Dennis was ready to head to practice.
I looked back at that season. Rodman played in 80 of the 82 games but was listed as not with the team for a Jan. 23 game at New Jersey.
KM: The one thing I thought was good about the programming with Dennis is they managed to do what they failed to do in their "30 for 30," which was allow Dennis to explain how he rebounded. They went to good lengths to indicate just how talented a basketball player he was. Somebody mentioned on Twitter that Dennis Rodman is the only basketball player for whom a highlight reel could be produced and show nothing but rebounds. And that doesn't even go into his defense, which they also discussed. So from a basketball standpoint, I thought they did a really good job showing how important Dennis was to the team.
MM: My other thought about Dennis is it was funny how he went from hated member of the Bad Boy Pistons to one of the greatest sports sensations in Chicago history, practically overnight. Speaking of the Bad Boys, we should talk about the '91 walk-off at the Palace. Horace Grant's "straight-up (bleeps)" comment got a lot of play.
KM: I liked the production value of them presenting Isiah Thomas' statement to Michael, Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson on the tablets. I thought that was really cool.
MM: Could you even see what was happening from your seat?
KM: There were so many people in front of me at that point. I honestly didn't recognize the fact that something dramatic was happening. I know I didn't look up to see if they shook hands. Then when we got back in the locker room, it was a topic of conversation. Michael had a smirk on his face because they had not only beaten the Pistons in that series, they had taken a hunk of their macho away. Them not congratulating the Bulls was like a second victory in Michael's eyes.
MM: I've got an unusual perspective on this since my first job out of college was an internship for the Pistons, so I liked that team. It always baffled me why there was such a strong negative reaction. And still exists, obviously, almost 30 years later.
KM: I don't know. It was the Bad Boys losing to the beautiful team. Everybody was looking forward to the passing of the torch. It seemed to me the only people that were Pistons fans were from Detroit. It wasn't just the passing of the torch, it was the good guys won and the bad guys lost.
MM: The Pistons did get a lot of insults back then, especially from the Chicago media. A lot of it was warranted, but maybe they felt like they didn't get the credit they deserved after two championships.
KM: My sons were watching the footage of Bill Laimbeer just ripping Jordan and Pippen down to the ground and they were both just shocked that basketball was played that way. They know the Bad Boys, but that was just beyond what they had ever seen -- especially when it was scene after scene of what went on in the interior of those games.
MM: The Bulls and Pistons played six times in the regular season back then and four years in a row in the playoffs. If you just take the hardest fouls and play them back to back, to me it seems a lot worse than it did when you were watching the games as they happened. There were hundreds of minutes of good basketball going on, but it was definitely much different from what it is today.
Anyway, I was glad to see you finally got a mention and some airtime. There was that scene where you and the Sun-Times' John Jackson were in the door of the training room somewhere talking to Jordan. Do you know where that was?
KM: I don't know where it was, but I had written at one point that people needed to spend more time appreciating what was going on with the team and less time worrying about Michael's future. Michael said in that scene that he was getting tired of answering that question.
One thing that was nice is it showed just how much availability we had with that team back then. I got a lot of work done in that kind of situation. We were on the road, so they didn't have the place locked up like they do at the United Center. I did lots of interviews with Michael and Dennis and Scottie in training room situations like that with Chip Schaefer taping their ankles.
MM: You and I have talked about the '89 Cavs game before. On the television broadcast, when they show a replay of Doug Collins celebrating Michael's basket on the Bulls' bench, you can also see the Sun-Times' Lacy Banks jumping up and down at the press table.
KM: I've seen the shot a million times. It's funny, you see me writing something down. I'm writing a note to myself about a detail of that moment. Then Lacy's jumping up and down. He was screaming, 'We won, we won,' and he got suspended for a week for doing that, because of that video. That scene is so funny. Doug basically pushes Phil Jackson out of the way to go out and run around.
MM: I didn't realize Lacy got suspended.
KM: It didn't change him, but he got in a lot of trouble for it.
MM: What about Jerry Krause dancing on the team plane?
KM: Oh my God. I'll never unsee that. I could have lived my entire life without seeing that video and I would have been just fine.
It was fun seeing the stuff on the plane and Michael ripping Scott Burrell and ripping Bill Wennington. Bill was injured at the time, so he was just using his video camera and talking to reporters. That was some pretty cool footage.
• Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--Play ball in Chicago this summer? Mayor says yes, 'probably without fans'

It 's becoming a matter of when , not if .
When is an abbreviated major league going to start ?
As more and more states around the country begin easing -- or lifting -- stay-at-home restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic , baseball continues to tweak its plans to get back on the field .
`` While I fully anticipate that baseball will resume this season , it is very difficult to predict with any accuracy the timeline for the resumption of our season , '' MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last week .
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and baseball is certainly not immune .
But as the curve begins flattening in spots across the country , it is safer to assume you 'll be hearing `` Play ball ! ''
in the not-too-distant future .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was asked Monday about the possibility of the Cubs and White Sox playing in Chicago this summer .
`` Those decisions are going to be made at the league level , '' Lightfoot said .
`` They 're not going to be made by individual team owners .
Yes , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might look like .
We 're obviously a ways away from that because we have n't seen the level of cases decline on a consistent basis .
We 're still seeing them rise .
`` But can I envision a world where baseball might return to Chicago this summer ?
Yes .
Is it likely to be without fans ?
Probably . ''
Later Monday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker was also asked about baseball returning to Chicago this summer , specifically with no fans in the stands at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my pay grade , '' Pritzker said .
`` Listen , I want to watch a baseball game .
I 'm a fan .
But I know that will be a decision for the leagues , and by the scientists . ''
When the thought of baseball returning was first discussed early this month , resuming spring training and moving into the season entirely in Arizona was thought to be the best working plan on the table .
The biggest flaw , and likely deal killer , was the prospect of all players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their families .
`` That would definitely be a major concern , '' said new White Sox relief pitcher Steve Cishek , who spent the last two seasons with the Cubs .
`` It kind of sits in the back of your mind where , if they ask us to be away from our families for the duration of the season , I would have a hard time agreeing to play under those circumstances .
I want to be with my family for the whole season . ''

Play ball in Chicago this summer? Mayor says yes, 'probably without fans'
Mayor Lori Lightfoot tours Wrigley Field's concourse in Chicago, Thursday, April 16, 2020. Lightfoot said Monday, April 27, that baseball could return this summer, likely without fans. Associated Press
It's becoming a matter of when, not if.
When is an abbreviated major league going to start?
As more and more states around the country begin easing -- or lifting -- stay-at-home restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, baseball continues to tweak its plans to get back on the field.
"While I fully anticipate that baseball will resume this season, it is very difficult to predict with any accuracy the timeline for the resumption of our season," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last week.
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc with timelines in every sector of society, and baseball is certainly not immune.
But as the curve begins flattening in spots across the country, it is safer to assume you'll be hearing "Play ball!" in the not-too-distant future.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was asked Monday about the possibility of the Cubs and White Sox playing in Chicago this summer.
"Those decisions are going to be made at the league level," Lightfoot said. "They're not going to be made by individual team owners. Yes, we've had ongoing conversations about what that might look like. We're obviously a ways away from that because we haven't seen the level of cases decline on a consistent basis. We're still seeing them rise.
"But can I envision a world where baseball might return to Chicago this summer? Yes. Is it likely to be without fans? Probably."
Later Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker was also asked about baseball returning to Chicago this summer, specifically with no fans in the stands at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field.
"That's above my pay grade," Pritzker said. "Listen, I want to watch a baseball game. I'm a fan. But I know that will be a decision for the leagues, and by the scientists."
When the thought of baseball returning was first discussed early this month, resuming spring training and moving into the season entirely in Arizona was thought to be the best working plan on the table.
The biggest flaw, and likely deal killer, was the prospect of all players staying in Phoenix-area hotel rooms isolated from their families.
"That would definitely be a major concern," said new White Sox relief pitcher Steve Cishek, who spent the last two seasons with the Cubs. "It kind of sits in the back of your mind where, if they ask us to be away from our families for the duration of the season, I would have a hard time agreeing to play under those circumstances. I want to be with my family for the whole season."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--How educators are preparing for fall if schools don't reopen

Uncertain over whether students will return to classrooms this fall or continue virtual learning from home , some suburban school leaders say they are working on contingency plans for next year .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker during a weekend COVID-19 briefing said educators should plan for both when the 2020-21 school year begins .
Many schools , even some with technological challenges , nimbly adapted to remote learning after Pritzker 's stay-at-home order took effect on March 21 .
`` All our plans are being developed ( and adjusted ) so that we are prepared in the event distance learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tony Sanders , superintendent of Elgin Area School District U-46 .
U-46 was not equipped to provide e-learning for its nearly 38,400 students when Pritzker issued the original order .
The state 's second-largest school district cobbled together a distance learning plan in collaboration with teachers , utilizing roughly 26,000 Chromebook devices issued to students in fifth through 12th grades and deploying 5,800 communal devices .
Sanders said the district will continue training teachers through the summer on the new learning platform software that allows remote instruction and will acquire additional technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fall .
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 spokesman Dave Beery said officials there still are working on altering previously set spring and summer plans .
`` Our immediate focus remains primarily on finalizing those changes and ensuring the best possible outcomes and experiences in a challenging situation for all of our students and families , '' he said .
While Naperville Unit District 203 officials say they are preparing for all eventualities , they have not outlined a plan for next school year .
`` Right now , we are focusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning and what our summer learning may look like for those students interested , '' spokeswoman Sinikka Mondini said .
If schools do reopen in the fall , they might look very different from before , as officials consider imposing safeguards , such as requiring face masks , taking students ' temperature daily before they enter school and possibly limiting attendance .
Stevenson High School District 125 officials are considering split schedules or alternating-day schedules to accommodate the 4,400 students expected to enroll this fall .
`` It 's all going to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education guidance , '' spokesman Jim Conrey said .
`` We are trying to do the best we can to map out potential scenarios that might develop in the fall .
We 're going to be ready for anything .
We just hope the guidance can come sooner rather than later so we can do the preparation on our end . ''
Stevenson students are well equipped for e-learning with district-issued iPads .
But the bigger challenge for it and most school districts will be securing enough face masks for all students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far have been focused on maintaining what students already know as opposed to teaching new curriculum .
It 's working as well as can be expected but is no substitute for in-person instruction , said Donn Mendoza , superintendent of Round Lake Area Unit 116 .
The district 's nearly 7,200 students transitioned to e-learning seamlessly with sixth- through 12th-graders already issued personal devices and an additional 3,000 devices deployed for elementary students .
`` If ( e-learning ) goes well into the fall , obviously what is normal is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is kind of the reality that we are in right now , '' Mendoza said .
`` Every school district is going to have to think how to improve ( students ) .
We 're planning for every contingency .
We need to be prepared to pivot in whatever direction we end up . ''

How educators are preparing for fall if schools don't reopen
Nine-year-old Evelyn, left, and Charlotte Jackle, who are in Mrs. Siegwarth's third-grade dual language classroom at Otter Creek Elementary School in Elgin, take advantage of "flexible seating" during distance learning. Courtesy of Erin Jackle
Uncertain over whether students will return to classrooms this fall or continue virtual learning from home, some suburban school leaders say they are working on contingency plans for next year.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker during a weekend COVID-19 briefing said educators should plan for both when the 2020-21 school year begins.
Many schools, even some with technological challenges, nimbly adapted to remote learning after Pritzker's stay-at-home order took effect on March 21.
"All our plans are being developed (and adjusted) so that we are prepared in the event distance learning is required again next year," said Tony Sanders, superintendent of Elgin Area School District U-46.
U-46 was not equipped to provide e-learning for its nearly 38,400 students when Pritzker issued the original order. The state's second-largest school district cobbled together a distance learning plan in collaboration with teachers, utilizing roughly 26,000 Chromebook devices issued to students in fifth through 12th grades and deploying 5,800 communal devices.
Sanders said the district will continue training teachers through the summer on the new learning platform software that allows remote instruction and will acquire additional technology so every student has a device in the fall.
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 spokesman Dave Beery said officials there still are working on altering previously set spring and summer plans.
"Our immediate focus remains primarily on finalizing those changes and ensuring the best possible outcomes and experiences in a challenging situation for all of our students and families," he said.
While Naperville Unit District 203 officials say they are preparing for all eventualities, they have not outlined a plan for next school year.
"Right now, we are focusing on finishing the year strong with remote learning and what our summer learning may look like for those students interested," spokeswoman Sinikka Mondini said.
If schools do reopen in the fall, they might look very different from before, as officials consider imposing safeguards, such as requiring face masks, taking students' temperature daily before they enter school and possibly limiting attendance.
Stevenson High School District 125 officials are considering split schedules or alternating-day schedules to accommodate the 4,400 students expected to enroll this fall.
"It's all going to come down to the Illinois State Board of Education guidance," spokesman Jim Conrey said. "We are trying to do the best we can to map out potential scenarios that might develop in the fall. We're going to be ready for anything. We just hope the guidance can come sooner rather than later so we can do the preparation on our end."
Stevenson students are well equipped for e-learning with district-issued iPads. But the bigger challenge for it and most school districts will be securing enough face masks for all students, Conrey said.
With e-learning, educators so far have been focused on maintaining what students already know as opposed to teaching new curriculum.
It's working as well as can be expected but is no substitute for in-person instruction, said Donn Mendoza, superintendent of Round Lake Area Unit 116.
The district's nearly 7,200 students transitioned to e-learning seamlessly with sixth- through 12th-graders already issued personal devices and an additional 3,000 devices deployed for elementary students.
"If (e-learning) goes well into the fall, obviously what is normal is going to continue to shift and change and this is kind of the reality that we are in right now," Mendoza said. "Every school district is going to have to think how to improve (students). We're planning for every contingency. We need to be prepared to pivot in whatever direction we end up."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--Land swap clears way for new public park, flood-relief effort in Mundelein

A land swap that paves the way for Mundelein to build a public park on the site of an abandoned guitar factory was approved by the village board Monday night .
Trustees agreed to purchase 12 acres of the former U.S. Music Corp. property at 444 E. Courtland St. for a mere $ 10 .
The entire site is 16 acres .
The village also intends to create a large stormwater detention pond on the 12 acres to help relieve flooding in that part of town , which is on the south side of the downtown area .
The land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SB Mundelein Station , will keep 4 acres there to build 86 townhouses north of the proposed park , documents indicate .
As part of the deal , SB Mundelein Station will purchase nearby village-owned land at 440 E. Crystal St. that 's now occupied by Mundelein 's public works and engineering headquarters .
It , too , will cost only $ 10 .
The developers want to turn the nearly 7-acre public works site into a two-building apartment complex .
That 'll happen once construction of a new $ 23 million public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed later this year .
Under the deal , Mundelein will lease the Crystal Street property for $ 1 until crews move into the new public works and engineering facility , documents indicate .
The townhouses and the apartments will be known as the Mundelein Station development , documents indicate .
The properties are less than one mile from the village 's Metra train station .
The village board unanimously approved the deal during a meeting held remotely because of the COVID-19 crisis and the statewide stay-at-home order .
Mayor Steve Lentz was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` It 's huge for our community , '' he said .
The 13,000-square-foot U.S. Music factory has stood vacant since the company moved to Buffalo Grove about a decade ago .
The building will be torn down to make way for the park and pond .
Gateways , a promenade , a plaza with seating , paths and a performance stage are among the planned elements .
Officials estimate construction will cost about $ 1.5 million .
The pond will be part of a $ 10 million flood-control project developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage in the neighborhood , known as Western Slope .
Village officials have until Oct. 31 to close on the Courtland Street land purchase , documents indicate .
They can , however , demolish the structures there before the closing .
To that end , the board on Monday agreed to hire Milburn Demolition and Dismantling to raze the old guitar factory building .
That job will cost taxpayers $ 261,400 and could start in June .

Land swap clears way for new public park, flood-relief effort in Mundelein
A developer wants to build an apartment complex at 440 E. Crystal St., on land where Mundelein's public works and engineering headquarters now stands. Courtesy of Mundelein
The proposed park would have public gathering places and artistic architectural elements, as shown in this rendering. Courtesy of Mundelein
A land swap that paves the way for Mundelein to build a public park on the site of an abandoned guitar factory was approved by the village board Monday night.
Trustees agreed to purchase 12 acres of the former U.S. Music Corp. property at 444 E. Courtland St. for a mere $10. The entire site is 16 acres.
The village also intends to create a large stormwater detention pond on the 12 acres to help relieve flooding in that part of town, which is on the south side of the downtown area.
The land's current owner, a corporation called SB Mundelein Station, will keep 4 acres there to build 86 townhouses north of the proposed park, documents indicate.
As part of the deal, SB Mundelein Station will purchase nearby village-owned land at 440 E. Crystal St. that's now occupied by Mundelein's public works and engineering headquarters. It, too, will cost only $10.
The developers want to turn the nearly 7-acre public works site into a two-building apartment complex. That'll happen once construction of a new $23 million public works facility at 801 Allanson Road is completed later this year.
Under the deal, Mundelein will lease the Crystal Street property for $1 until crews move into the new public works and engineering facility, documents indicate.
The townhouses and the apartments will be known as the Mundelein Station development, documents indicate. The properties are less than one mile from the village's Metra train station.
The village board unanimously approved the deal during a meeting held remotely because of the COVID-19 crisis and the statewide stay-at-home order.
Mayor Steve Lentz was among the officials who celebrated the pact Monday.
"It's huge for our community," he said.
The 13,000-square-foot U.S. Music factory has stood vacant since the company moved to Buffalo Grove about a decade ago.
The building will be torn down to make way for the park and pond.
Gateways, a promenade, a plaza with seating, paths and a performance stage are among the planned elements. Officials estimate construction will cost about $1.5 million.
The pond will be part of a $10 million flood-control project developed after a July 2017 rainstorm caused catastrophic damage in the neighborhood, known as Western Slope.
Village officials have until Oct. 31 to close on the Courtland Street land purchase, documents indicate. They can, however, demolish the structures there before the closing.
To that end, the board on Monday agreed to hire Milburn Demolition and Dismantling to raze the old guitar factory building. That job will cost taxpayers $261,400 and could start in June.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--Palatine Township might set up committee to review official online posts

Palatine Township board members are considering a policy for official government posts on social media and elsewhere online that could require a committee to review content perceived as opinion .
Board members and other officials began calling for a social media policy after Township Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson referred to coronavirus `` hysteria '' on the government 's official Facebook page last month .
The officials said they never were consulted about the post and that Langlotz-Johnson does n't speak for them .
In response , township Trustee Bill Pohlman outlined a proposal to add social media to an existing website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pohlman said a committee composed of the township supervisor , a trustee and an employee would decide what 's suitable for the township 's online postings before going public .
`` Three people are looking at it , '' Pohlman said .
`` Hopefully , with three people looking at it , nothing gets through that should n't get through .
That 's the general gist of it . ''
However , Langlotz-Johnson said `` normal postings '' generally occur immediately after food donations and events .
After she voiced concern about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval of basic informational posts , the other elected officials tentatively agreed the review should be limited to content perceived as opinion .
`` Anything opinion-related should be reviewed carefully , that 's all , '' Trustee Andy-John Kalkounos said .
Trustee Susan Kern said the definition of standard posts would need to be followed strictly `` so that you do n't blur the margins of what needs to be reviewed and what 's not to be reviewed . ''
Langlotz-Johnson said she expects the proposed policy to be revised and presented at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 11 .
`` Palatine Township will not today , or any day , close our doors over the hysteria of the Coronavirus , '' Langlotz-Johnson wrote last month in the Facebook post .
`` We know people will need even more assistance because of businesses closing , people staying home from shopping , going out to eat , etc .
`` We only ask people to use common sense at all times .
Wash your hands , cover your mouth and nose to sneeze or cough , and if you do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palatine Township . ''

Palatine Township might set up committee to review official online posts
Palatine Township board members are considering a policy for official government posts on social media and elsewhere online that could require a committee to review content perceived as opinion. Officials began calling for a social media policy after Township Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson referred to "hysteria" over the novel coronavirus on the government's Facebook page last month. Screen grab
Palatine Township board members are considering a policy for official government posts on social media and elsewhere online that could require a committee to review content perceived as opinion.
Board members and other officials began calling for a social media policy after Township Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson referred to coronavirus "hysteria" on the government's official Facebook page last month. The officials said they never were consulted about the post and that Langlotz-Johnson doesn't speak for them.
In response, township Trustee Bill Pohlman outlined a proposal to add social media to an existing website policy during a teleconference meeting Monday night.
Pohlman said a committee composed of the township supervisor, a trustee and an employee would decide what's suitable for the township's online postings before going public.
"Three people are looking at it," Pohlman said. "Hopefully, with three people looking at it, nothing gets through that shouldn't get through. That's the general gist of it."
However, Langlotz-Johnson said "normal postings" generally occur immediately after food donations and events. After she voiced concern about potentially waiting up to two days for approval of basic informational posts, the other elected officials tentatively agreed the review should be limited to content perceived as opinion.
"Anything opinion-related should be reviewed carefully, that's all," Trustee Andy-John Kalkounos said.
Trustee Susan Kern said the definition of standard posts would need to be followed strictly "so that you don't blur the margins of what needs to be reviewed and what's not to be reviewed."
Langlotz-Johnson said she expects the proposed policy to be revised and presented at a nonvoting committee session, possibly on May 11.
"Palatine Township will not today, or any day, close our doors over the hysteria of the Coronavirus," Langlotz-Johnson wrote last month in the Facebook post. "We know people will need even more assistance because of businesses closing, people staying home from shopping, going out to eat, etc.
"We only ask people to use common sense at all times. Wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose to sneeze or cough, and if you do not feel well, do not come to Palatine Township."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--Idled gig workers, contractors wait on state for federal aid

After weeks of nothing from the Illinois Department of Employment Security , Ron Smaga was gratified by a letter from the agency acknowledging that he exists .
But a check would have been better .
`` The unknown is something I hate , '' said the Bloomingdale resident .
Smaga , an independent contractor , should be entitled to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance under a federal economic stimulus bill passed in response to the COVID-19 crisis .
However , he 's in limbo along with other independent contractors and gig workers who typically do n't receive unemployment benefits but whose livelihoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to file his unemployment insurance claim on March 28 , got an error message and was logged off the state 's system .
The disconnect came as the state struggled to process an avalanche of unemployment claims .
On March 20 , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced a stay-at-home order shuttering businesses across Illinois to reduce the spread of COVID-19 .
From March 1 to April 18 , IDES processed more than 755,000 initial unemployment claims , 12 times what the agency handled in 2019 over the same period , officials reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his job as a property manager at the end of 2019 , timing everything so he could have cataract surgery .
After recovering , Smaga returned to his company as an independent contractor in February but was laid off in mid-March .
The state is doing its utmost to catch up with claims , Pritzker said .
It has hired consultants , recruited retired employees to help , and is paying overtime to meet demand .
According to Schaumburg Democrat U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi 's office , IDES does n't have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims .
But the agency `` is contracting with Deloitte to implement and maintain a web-based solution for PUA '' that should be operating by the week of May 11 , said the agency 's information strategy director , Rebecca Cisco .
On April 7 , Smaga finally heard from the agency , which scheduled a phone interview for today to discuss his unemployment benefits application .
`` There 's no way a crystal ball could say back in February what was going to happen , '' Smaga said , but the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes .
His fingers are crossed he 'll be approved and receive a check by June to help cover a $ 3,000 or so property tax bill .
Under the stimulus bill passed in late March , Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits .
The Illinois Department of Employment Security website at www2.illinois.gov/ides/ offers more information and encourages unemployed individuals to file even if they think they 're not eligible .

Idled gig workers, contractors wait on state for federal aid
After weeks of nothing from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Ron Smaga was gratified by a letter from the agency acknowledging that he exists.
But a check would have been better.
"The unknown is something I hate," said the Bloomingdale resident.
Smaga, an independent contractor, should be entitled to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance under a federal economic stimulus bill passed in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
However, he's in limbo along with other independent contractors and gig workers who typically don't receive unemployment benefits but whose livelihoods were affected by COVID-19.
Smaga first tried to file his unemployment insurance claim on March 28, got an error message and was logged off the state's system.
The disconnect came as the state struggled to process an avalanche of unemployment claims.
On March 20, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a stay-at-home order shuttering businesses across Illinois to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
From March 1 to April 18, IDES processed more than 755,000 initial unemployment claims, 12 times what the agency handled in 2019 over the same period, officials reported Friday.
Smaga, 65, retired from his job as a property manager at the end of 2019, timing everything so he could have cataract surgery. After recovering, Smaga returned to his company as an independent contractor in February but was laid off in mid-March.
The state is doing its utmost to catch up with claims, Pritzker said. It has hired consultants, recruited retired employees to help, and is paying overtime to meet demand.
According to Schaumburg Democrat U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's office, IDES doesn't have the systems in place to process independent contractor claims.
But the agency "is contracting with Deloitte to implement and maintain a web-based solution for PUA" that should be operating by the week of May 11, said the agency's information strategy director, Rebecca Cisco.
On April 7, Smaga finally heard from the agency, which scheduled a phone interview for today to discuss his unemployment benefits application.
"There's no way a crystal ball could say back in February what was going to happen," Smaga said, but the state agency could have communicated better, he believes.
His fingers are crossed he'll be approved and receive a check by June to help cover a $3,000 or so property tax bill.
Under the stimulus bill passed in late March, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security website at www2.illinois.gov/ides/ offers more information and encourages unemployed individuals to file even if they think they're not eligible.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--Nursing home workers plan May 8 strike at 40 sites, including in Aurora, Barrington and Des Plaines

Nursing home workers have authorized a May 8 strike date at 40 facilities in Chicago and the suburbs , putting pressure on operators to resolve a contract dispute amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Workers represented by the SEIU Healthcare Illinois union are seeking higher wages and safety measures as COVID-19 ravages nursing homes .
Workers are in contract talks with the Illinois Association of Health Care Facilities to replace a pact due to expire Friday .
The union announced the possible walkout three days after the state released new tallies showing coronavirus deaths tied to long-term care facilities more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
In the suburbs , workers have delivered strike notices to management at Alden of Waterford in Aurora , Alden Estates of Barrington , Alden Des Plaines , Aperion Care Midlothian and Symphony at Aria in Hillside .
`` Nursing home workers are facing a life-or-death crisis and owners have failed to address this crisis responsibly -- despite workers and residents ' families and the public calling upon them to do just that .
That is why workers have called a strike .
And that is why they are ready to strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois President Greg Kelley said in a statement Monday .
Union negotiators are calling for a one-year contract that would provide at least $ 15 an hour for all workers and a $ 16-an-hour wage for certified nursing assistants .
They 're also pushing for a 50 % hazard pay bonus during the pandemic and an additional 80 hours of paid leave for COVID-19 or related illnesses .
Bob Molitor , CEO of The Alden Network and a board member of the Illinois Association of Health Care Facilities , criticized union leadership in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is extremely troubling that SEIU union leadership would ask front line nursing home employees to abandon elderly and infirm residents during a pandemic and our residents ' greatest hour of need .
A substantial 11 % pay raise will bring the vast majority of our union workers above $ 15 an hour , but SEIU instead wants to use a crisis as a negotiating tactic , '' Molitor said .
It 's unclear when or if the two sides will resume talks .
SEIU represents more than 12,000 workers at @ @ @ @ @ @

Nursing home workers plan May 8 strike at 40 sites, including in Aurora, Barrington and Des Plaines
This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depicts the coronavirus as viewed through a microscope. Coronavirus deaths linked to long-term care facilities in Illinois have more than doubled to 625 from 286 a week ago. Courtesy of the CDC
Nursing home workers have authorized a May 8 strike date at 40 facilities in Chicago and the suburbs, putting pressure on operators to resolve a contract dispute amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Workers represented by the SEIU Healthcare Illinois union are seeking higher wages and safety measures as COVID-19 ravages nursing homes. Workers are in contract talks with the Illinois Association of Health Care Facilities to replace a pact due to expire Friday.
The union announced the possible walkout three days after the state released new tallies showing coronavirus deaths tied to long-term care facilities more than doubled to 625 from 286 a week ago.
In the suburbs, workers have delivered strike notices to management at Alden of Waterford in Aurora, Alden Estates of Barrington, Alden Des Plaines, Aperion Care Midlothian and Symphony at Aria in Hillside.
"Nursing home workers are facing a life-or-death crisis and owners have failed to address this crisis responsibly -- despite workers and residents' families and the public calling upon them to do just that. That is why workers have called a strike. And that is why they are ready to strike for their lives," SEIU Healthcare Illinois President Greg Kelley said in a statement Monday.
Union negotiators are calling for a one-year contract that would provide at least $15 an hour for all workers and a $16-an-hour wage for certified nursing assistants. They're also pushing for a 50% hazard pay bonus during the pandemic and an additional 80 hours of paid leave for COVID-19 or related illnesses.
Bob Molitor, CEO of The Alden Network and a board member of the Illinois Association of Health Care Facilities, criticized union leadership in a written statement to ABC 7 Chicago.
"It is extremely troubling that SEIU union leadership would ask front line nursing home employees to abandon elderly and infirm residents during a pandemic and our residents' greatest hour of need. A substantial 11% pay raise will bring the vast majority of our union workers above $15 an hour, but SEIU instead wants to use a crisis as a negotiating tactic," Molitor said.
It's unclear when or if the two sides will resume talks. SEIU represents more than 12,000 workers at more than 130 nursing homes.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-27--A song to make you smile: 'Celebration' by Kool & The Gang

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Celebration '' by Kool & The Gang , released in 1980 .

A song to make you smile: 'Celebration' by Kool & The Gang
Dennis D.T. Thomas, from left, George Brown, Robert Bell and Ronald Bell of the musical group Kool & The Gang. Associated Press, 2017
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang, released in 1980.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--'It was a miracle': COVID-19 survivor recounts his unexpected recovery at Delnor

Scenes of a funeral played out in Heidi Herbert 's mind as she listened to a doctor describe her husband 's declining condition .
His oxygen levels were dropping .
He was struggling to breathe .
He needed to be sedated and put on a ventilator right away , and there was a chance he would never wake up .
It had been three days since 49-year-old Michael Herbert was admitted to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva and tested for the coronavirus .
With no visitors allowed due to the pandemic , Heidi and her two daughters would sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to him as possible , praying for his recovery and hoping for the best .
But on March 27 , they got a FaceTime call from Michael Herbert and his doctor , who explained that he had been moved to the intensive care unit and was about to undergo an aggressive treatment plan .
His chance of survival was 20 % , they said .
It was time to say goodbye .
`` I was just completely focused on , ' I want to see my family .
I want to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was the scariest phone call I ever had to make . ''
The Aurora attorney 's symptoms started the weekend of March 20 with a bad cough , then a fever .
The following Monday , his cough had gotten so severe that he was n't able to sleep .
So he and his wife got up early Tuesday and drove to the emergency room .
Initially diagnosed with pneumonia , Herbert spent the next few days in a regular hospital room before he was relocated to the ICU and put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily visits to the hospital parking lot and checked in with his health care team every morning and night .
His oldest daughter , 18-year-old Reagan , kept a journal of every update they received , no matter how small .
A couple of days after Herbert was intubated , a nurse decided to FaceTime his family so they could talk to him .
Despite his comatose state , Herbert 's facial expressions showed he recognized their voices , Heidi said , and he even flashed `` I love you '' in sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reagan have done since she was little .
Herbert does n't remember that interaction , but it gave his wife and kids some peace of mind .
`` Those doctors and nurses at Delnor were like Mike 's family -- an extension of our family because we could n't visit , '' Heidi said .
`` They were so good to me . ''
Herbert felt weak and disoriented when he regained consciousness April 1 , but he can remember using a marker to ask his doctors if they could remove the tube @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be doing well , the physicians told his wife , but they wanted to be very careful not to rush his recovery .
That 's why Heidi and her daughters were shocked when they got a FaceTime call from Herbert the next day .
He had just been taken off the ventilator -- eight days earlier than expected -- and wanted to say a quick and raspy `` hello . ''
`` We were thrilled , '' his wife said .
`` We could n't believe we were really talking to him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had been unconscious and intubated until the doctors told him it was April 2 -- his mother 's birthday .
She was his first phone call .
As his condition improved , Herbert was moved out of the ICU and placed in a private room with a window .
His family was able to drive within his view , get out of the car and wave .
It was `` a billion times better than FaceTime , '' he said .
By April 5 , he could make it through the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , he was cleared to go home .
Herbert walked with a cane at first and isolated himself for two weeks .
His lungs are still weaker than usual , his voice still a little raspy .
But as he grows stronger each day , parts of his life have begun returning to normal .
He started going back to work as a real estate attorney .
He 's able to be with his family again .
He even dropped off meals at Delnor this week to thank the ICU staff members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firmly believe that God healed me and gave the skills to the doctors and nurses that they needed to do this , '' Herbert said .
`` I had a one out of five chance of living , and I was out of the hospital in two weeks .
It was a miracle . ''

'It was a miracle': COVID-19 survivor recounts his unexpected recovery at Delnor
Scenes of a funeral played out in Heidi Herbert's mind as she listened to a doctor describe her husband's declining condition.
His oxygen levels were dropping. He was struggling to breathe. He needed to be sedated and put on a ventilator right away, and there was a chance he would never wake up.
It had been three days since 49-year-old Michael Herbert was admitted to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva and tested for the coronavirus. With no visitors allowed due to the pandemic, Heidi and her two daughters would sit in the parking lot to be as close to him as possible, praying for his recovery and hoping for the best.
But on March 27, they got a FaceTime call from Michael Herbert and his doctor, who explained that he had been moved to the intensive care unit and was about to undergo an aggressive treatment plan.
His chance of survival was 20%, they said. It was time to say goodbye.
"I was just completely focused on, 'I want to see my family. I want to live,'" Herbert said. "It was the scariest phone call I ever had to make."
The Aurora attorney's symptoms started the weekend of March 20 with a bad cough, then a fever. The following Monday, his cough had gotten so severe that he wasn't able to sleep. So he and his wife got up early Tuesday and drove to the emergency room.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Michael Herbert, 49, of Aurora had a 20% chance of survival after he was moved to the intensive care unit at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. Six days later, he was taken off the ventilator and expected to recover.
Initially diagnosed with pneumonia, Herbert spent the next few days in a regular hospital room before he was relocated to the ICU and put on the ventilator. His family continued their daily visits to the hospital parking lot and checked in with his health care team every morning and night. His oldest daughter, 18-year-old Reagan, kept a journal of every update they received, no matter how small.
A couple of days after Herbert was intubated, a nurse decided to FaceTime his family so they could talk to him. Despite his comatose state, Herbert's facial expressions showed he recognized their voices, Heidi said, and he even flashed "I love you" in sign language -- a special gesture he and Reagan have done since she was little.
Herbert doesn't remember that interaction, but it gave his wife and kids some peace of mind.
"Those doctors and nurses at Delnor were like Mike's family -- an extension of our family because we couldn't visit," Heidi said. "They were so good to me."
Herbert felt weak and disoriented when he regained consciousness April 1, but he can remember using a marker to ask his doctors if they could remove the tube from his throat. He appeared to be doing well, the physicians told his wife, but they wanted to be very careful not to rush his recovery.
That's why Heidi and her daughters were shocked when they got a FaceTime call from Herbert the next day. He had just been taken off the ventilator -- eight days earlier than expected -- and wanted to say a quick and raspy "hello."
"We were thrilled," his wife said. "We couldn't believe we were really talking to him."
Herbert had no idea how long he had been unconscious and intubated until the doctors told him it was April 2 -- his mother's birthday. She was his first phone call.
As his condition improved, Herbert was moved out of the ICU and placed in a private room with a window. His family was able to drive within his view, get out of the car and wave. It was "a billion times better than FaceTime," he said.
By April 5, he could make it through the night without relying on oxygen. The following day, he was cleared to go home.
Herbert walked with a cane at first and isolated himself for two weeks. His lungs are still weaker than usual, his voice still a little raspy.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Michael Herbert, right, delivered food Monday as a "thank you" to the health care workers at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital who saved his life. Herbert, a coronavirus survivor, spent two weeks in the hospital and six days on a ventilator.
But as he grows stronger each day, parts of his life have begun returning to normal. He started going back to work as a real estate attorney. He's able to be with his family again. He even dropped off meals at Delnor this week to thank the ICU staff members for saving his life.
"I firmly believe that God healed me and gave the skills to the doctors and nurses that they needed to do this," Herbert said. "I had a one out of five chance of living, and I was out of the hospital in two weeks. It was a miracle."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--COVID-19 deaths pass 2,000 statewide

COVID-19 deaths pass 2,000 statewide

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker expressed confidence `` the courts will overturn '' a judge 's ruling that threatens the extension of his stay-at-home order through May 30 , as officials on Tuesday announced the COVID-19 death toll in Illinois surpassed 2,000 .
Pritzker was responding to the temporary restraining order Clay County Judge Michael McHaney issued Monday in the lawsuit filed by Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey questioning the governor 's authority .
McHaney 's order essentially allows the Xenia lawmaker , and only him , to ignore the mandate .
`` The stay-at-home order remains in place , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago .
An earlier order ends at midnight Thursday , but `` I do not believe the courts will allow this ruling to stand . ''
Pritkzer noted that by agreeing with Bailey , the `` court sets a dangerous precedent . ''
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is appealing the judge 's decision to the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court .
However , Republican state Rep. John Cabello of Machesney Park said Tuesday he intends to file a similar lawsuit in Winnebego County .
The legal battle comes at a time when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 grew by 144 , the largest single-day toll so far , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported Tuesday .
Officials also reported an additional 2,219 positive cases .
That brings the total fatalities from the respiratory disease statewide to 2,125 .
The number of infections rose to 48,102 as the state increases testing .
Of those who perished , 80 % were from northern Illinois , 14 % from southern Illinois and 6 % from central Illinois , IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said .
Of people who tested positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks , 61 % reported feeling symptom-free after two to four weeks , and 74 % of people reported they no longer felt symptoms after four weeks .
`` I hope that 's seen as encouraging news , '' Ezike said .
In his ruling , McHaney said Bailey `` has a clearly ascertainable right in need of immediate protection , namely his liberty interest to be free from Pritzker 's executive order of quarantine in his own home . ''
Bailey said in a statement his case is the `` mechanism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to govern ourselves as our constitution demands . ''
While calling Bailey 's action `` a political stunt '' and stressing the judge 's ruling was only about `` one person , '' Pritzker was concerned about repeats .
`` We will not stop this virus if because of this ruling , any resident can petition to be exempted from any aspect of this order .
We rely on collective action to keep us all safe , '' Pritzker said .
Cabello said he hopes to file a lawsuit on behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He thinks Pritkzer has overstepped his authority and by extending the order is causing people `` to lose their livelihoods . ''
`` We should be able to find out if it 's constitutional for him to do that or not , '' he said .
One legal expert thinks the state has a strong case .
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act authorizes a governor to determine whether a disaster exists and to declare it , Naperville attorney Shawn Collins said .
That proclamation also allows a governor emergency powers for 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended by finding that a disaster still exists , Collins said .
Given more Illinoisans died from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours than at any other time , `` nobody in their right mind should argue that a disaster does n't exist , '' Collins said .
As of Tuesday , 4,738 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to 4,672 Monday , Ezike said ; 25 % of those were in the ICU and 778 were on ventilators .
Asked about allowing swimming pools to open , Ezike noted pools involve `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 can spread , and the state would need improved numbers before that could be considered .

COVID-19 deaths pass 2,000 statewide as Pritzker assures 'the stay-at-home order remains in place'
Gov. J.B. Pritzker expressed confidence "the courts will overturn" a judge's ruling that threatens the extension of his stay-at-home order through May 30, as officials on Tuesday announced the COVID-19 death toll in Illinois surpassed 2,000.
Pritzker was responding to the temporary restraining order Clay County Judge Michael McHaney issued Monday in the lawsuit filed by Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey questioning the governor's authority. McHaney's order essentially allows the Xenia lawmaker, and only him, to ignore the mandate.
"The stay-at-home order remains in place," Pritzker said at Tuesday's briefing in Chicago. An earlier order ends at midnight Thursday, but "I do not believe the courts will allow this ruling to stand."
Pritkzer noted that by agreeing with Bailey, the "court sets a dangerous precedent."
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is appealing the judge's decision to the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court.
However, Republican state Rep. John Cabello of Machesney Park said Tuesday he intends to file a similar lawsuit in Winnebago County.
The legal battle comes at a time when the number of Illinoisans who've died from COVID-19 grew by 144, the largest single-day toll so far, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported Tuesday. Officials also reported an additional 2,219 positive cases.
That brings the total fatalities from the respiratory disease statewide to 2,125. The number of infections rose to 48,102 as the state increases testing.
Of those who perished, 80% were from northern Illinois, 14% from southern Illinois and 6% from central Illinois, IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said.
Of people who tested positive for COVID-19, 49% reported feeling recovered after two weeks, 61% reported feeling symptom-free after two to four weeks, and 74% of people reported they no longer felt symptoms after four weeks.
"I hope that's seen as encouraging news," Ezike said.
In his ruling, McHaney said Bailey "has a clearly ascertainable right in need of immediate protection, namely his liberty interest to be free from Pritzker's executive order of quarantine in his own home."
Bailey said in a statement his case is the "mechanism by which 'we the people' will be allowed to govern ourselves as our constitution demands."
While calling Bailey's action "a political stunt" and stressing the judge's ruling was only about "one person," Pritzker was concerned about repeats.
"We will not stop this virus if because of this ruling, any resident can petition to be exempted from any aspect of this order. We rely on collective action to keep us all safe," Pritzker said.
Cabello said he hopes to file a lawsuit on behalf of himself and all Illinois residents. He thinks Pritkzer has overstepped his authority and by extending the order is causing people "to lose their livelihoods."
"We should be able to find out if it's constitutional for him to do that or not," he said.
One legal expert thinks the state has a strong case. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act authorizes a governor to determine whether a disaster exists and to declare it, Naperville attorney Shawn Collins said. That proclamation also allows a governor emergency powers for 30 days, and that authority can be extended by finding that a disaster still exists, Collins said.
Given more Illinoisans died from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours than at any other time, "nobody in their right mind should argue that a disaster doesn't exist," Collins said.
As of Tuesday, 4,738 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to 4,672 Monday, Ezike said; 25% of those were in the ICU and 778 were on ventilators.
Asked about allowing swimming pools to open, Ezike noted pools involve "mass gatherings by definition," where COVID-19 can spread, and the state would need improved numbers before that could be considered.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Hoffman Estates cancels Northwest Fourth-Fest, summer concerts

Hoffman Estates officials have canceled all village events and festivals through late July , including Northwest Fourth-Fest and the majority of the Summer Sounds on the Green concert series , due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Village trustees say they will to revisit the issue in July to decide whether it would be safe to try to book some musical acts for the Village Green stage for August and September .
While Hoffman Estates already made several changes to its operations this year for COVID-19 , such large events really go to the heart of the reason behind social-distancing restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are nice events , but with the pandemic we do n't want 30,000 people at the fireworks on the Fourth of July , '' he said .
The decision leaves the village with no permanent financial losses from the summer events .
None of the contracts negotiated with prospective musical acts for this summer had yet been finalized or made binding at the time of the decision .
Village Manager Jim Norris said the ability to provide residents with sufficient notice through the village 's monthly newsletter was a stronger consideration than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northwest Fourth-Fest normally costs the village about $ 140,000 , but only two vendors are due any money under existing contracts -- and both said they 'd be willing to put those payments toward next year 's cost , Deputy Village Manager Dan O'Malley said .
The fireworks vendor 's contract allows its total cost to be reduced from $ 42,000 to $ 15,000 if the village does n't receive payment from its partners like the Hoffman Estates Park District by the end of May .
And if the show is n't held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is owed , leaving the village responsible for only $ 7,500 that will be carried over to 2021 .
Similarly , the $ 735 down payment made for pony rides will be applied to next year .
`` Other than that , there would be no other expenses that the village would be out , '' O'Malley said .
One way officials hope to mark Independence Day weekend is to create a video montage of prior village parades and fireworks displays to be broadcast on the village 's cable channel 6 .

Hoffman Estates cancels Northwest Fourth-Fest, summer concerts
Hoffman Estates officials have canceled all village events and festivals through late July, including Northwest Fourth-Fest and the majority of the Summer Sounds on the Green concert series, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Village trustees say they will to revisit the issue in July to decide whether it would be safe to try to book some musical acts for the Village Green stage for August and September.
While Hoffman Estates already made several changes to its operations this year for COVID-19, such large events really go to the heart of the reason behind social-distancing restrictions, Mayor Bill McLeod said.
"These are nice events, but with the pandemic we don't want 30,000 people at the fireworks on the Fourth of July," he said.
The decision leaves the village with no permanent financial losses from the summer events. None of the contracts negotiated with prospective musical acts for this summer had yet been finalized or made binding at the time of the decision.
Village Manager Jim Norris said the ability to provide residents with sufficient notice through the village's monthly newsletter was a stronger consideration than the money that could be saved.
Northwest Fourth-Fest normally costs the village about $140,000, but only two vendors are due any money under existing contracts -- and both said they'd be willing to put those payments toward next year's cost, Deputy Village Manager Dan O'Malley said.
The fireworks vendor's contract allows its total cost to be reduced from $42,000 to $15,000 if the village doesn't receive payment from its partners like the Hoffman Estates Park District by the end of May. And if the show isn't held at all, only half the payment is owed, leaving the village responsible for only $7,500 that will be carried over to 2021.
Similarly, the $735 down payment made for pony rides will be applied to next year.
"Other than that, there would be no other expenses that the village would be out," O'Malley said.
One way officials hope to mark Independence Day weekend is to create a video montage of prior village parades and fireworks displays to be broadcast on the village's cable channel 6.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Rather make your own produce? Expert advice on starting first veggie garden

Maybe it 's because you 're bored while stuck at home .
Or worried about not having enough money to buy food .
Or now shiver at the thought of buying produce other people have touched .
For whatever reason , seed companies are reporting record orders this spring : People want to grow their own vegetables .
To keep seeds of hope from becoming weeds of despair , here are tips for first-timers , from University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson .
Where to plant : Vegetables need full sun at least eight hours a day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a little less sun for leafy greens .
Do n't have a yard ?
You can grow some things in containers : If you want tomatoes , look for a plant labeled as `` determinate . ''
That means it will grow to a certain size and produce tomatoes all at once .
`` When you get in to cucumbers and squash , they take up a lot of space , '' Johnson said .
There are some varieties , however , bred to grow compactly , if you must .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you like to eat .
You will take better care of something you like , '' Johnson said .
Start small .
`` In the spring we have these grand ideas , '' he said .
But by July , the heat has rolled in , making watering and weeding hard labor .
It can get discouraging .
`` Do n't start off trying to grow everything , '' Johnson said .
`` Do n't get in over your head . ''
Speaking of tomatoes : You 've missed the opportunity to grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you start them indoors .
Johnson advocates buying plants .
But do n't put in seedlings until late May , he said , because of our cool climate .
And do n't bother planting tomato seeds directly in the ground , he said .
The season will be mostly over by the time they are ready to produce fruit .
You can go ahead and start cold-season crops such as lettuce , peas , spinach , cabbage and greens in your garden now .
What 's easy to grow ?
Tomatoes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and green ( `` snap '' ) beans , Johnson said .
Water : Put the garden close to a water source , he said .
`` You do n't want to be lugging buckets of water '' or dragging a garden hose a long distance , he said .
Weeds and pests : Accept that you are going to have them .
Even Johnson is plagued .
Last year , squirrels ate about a third of his tomatoes , he said .
`` Do n't get discouraged '' if weeds and insects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you find yourself in a pickle ?
The Extension stands ready to help .
Extension is a nationwide program created in 1914 , educating consumers and businesses about health , horticulture , nutrition , finances and more .
Local offices , in Chicago , St. Charles , Grayslake , Woodstock and Naperville , are closed now because of COVID-19 , but webinars , videos , and other resources are available online .
Visit extension.illinois.edu .

Rather make your own produce? Expert advice on starting first veggie garden
Maybe it's because you're bored while stuck at home. Or worried about not having enough money to buy food. Or now shiver at the thought of buying produce other people have touched.
For whatever reason, seed companies are reporting record orders this spring: People want to grow their own vegetables.
To keep seeds of hope from becoming weeds of despair, here are tips for first-timers, from University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson.
Where to plant: Vegetables need full sun at least eight hours a day, Johnson said. You can get away with a little less sun for leafy greens.
Don't have a yard? You can grow some things in containers: If you want tomatoes, look for a plant labeled as "determinate." That means it will grow to a certain size and produce tomatoes all at once.
"When you get in to cucumbers and squash, they take up a lot of space," Johnson said. There are some varieties, however, bred to grow compactly, if you must.
What to plant: "Pick something that you like to eat. You will take better care of something you like," Johnson said.
Start small. "In the spring we have these grand ideas," he said. But by July, the heat has rolled in, making watering and weeding hard labor. It can get discouraging.
"Don't start off trying to grow everything," Johnson said. "Don't get in over your head."
Speaking of tomatoes: You've missed the opportunity to grow them from seed this year, even if you start them indoors. Johnson advocates buying plants. But don't put in seedlings until late May, he said, because of our cool climate. And don't bother planting tomato seeds directly in the ground, he said. The season will be mostly over by the time they are ready to produce fruit.
You can go ahead and start cold-season crops such as lettuce, peas, spinach, cabbage and greens in your garden now.
What's easy to grow? Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, lettuce, peas and green ("snap") beans, Johnson said.
Water: Put the garden close to a water source, he said. "You don't want to be lugging buckets of water" or dragging a garden hose a long distance, he said.
Weeds and pests: Accept that you are going to have them. Even Johnson is plagued. Last year, squirrels ate about a third of his tomatoes, he said.
"Don't get discouraged" if weeds and insects show up, Johnson said.
And when you find yourself in a pickle? The Extension stands ready to help. Extension is a nationwide program created in 1914, educating consumers and businesses about health, horticulture, nutrition, finances and more.
Local offices, in Chicago, St. Charles, Grayslake, Woodstock and Naperville, are closed now because of COVID-19, but webinars, videos, and other resources are available online. Visit extension.illinois.edu.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Many high school spring sports coaches still coaching, and getting paid for it

Just as high school classes are continuing via e-learning , so too are spring sports -- well , kind of .
There are no spring state sports tournament series -- the Illinois High School Association reluctantly canceled them last week due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- but area coaches are still coaching .
Instead of face-to-face , they are coaching via Zoom practice sessions , virtual workouts , film work and video meetings to keep athletes engaged and busy .
As a result , many suburban districts have elected to pay coaches their usual stipends , even though a traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , the state board of education suggested coaches be paid their stipends .
The amount varies between districts , with Barrington High School stipends ranging from about $ 6,000 to $ 10,000 per season and $ 3,000 to $ 11,000 at Glenbard South , for example , depending on whether the coach is an assistant or a head coach .
As of now , there is no plan for how to handle coaching stipends for the fall sports season , if it is also altered by COVID-19 , officials said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois State Board of Education and continuing to pay our spring coaching stipends , '' said Glenbard South athletic director Tim Carlson .
`` It 's hard to have your season pulled away from you .
But our coaches are doing a great job with our athletes .
They are still interacting with our kids ; they are still doing workouts with our kids .
They are doing whatever they can do to keep the kids engaged . ''
At Stevenson , girls water polo coach Jeff Wimer has activities planned for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sundays .
`` It 's all voluntary , but our attendance has been great , '' Wimer said .
`` We 've got 43 girls across all of our levels , and I 'd say our average attendance each week is in the 30s .
It 's pretty awesome to see . ''
Wimer has his team do Zoom video workouts Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays .
`` And we have one girl host the workout , '' he said .
`` The workouts usually last 30 to 40 minutes . ''
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polo-specific video workouts , and Wimer has them watch video clips on techniques .
On Saturdays , the players watch game film , and they talk about book passages Wimer assigns .
`` We 've had them watch video of two NCAA championship games and we 've analyzed the defenses that were played , '' he said .
`` We also showed them video of when we played in the 2011 and the 2015 state championship , and we talked about the differences in those teams and how we evolved as a program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she thanks the school board and the community for their commitment to the coaches and their stipends .
`` So many of these jobs do n't start when tryouts start , '' she said .
`` Our coaches are doing things all year long with open gyms and professional developments and meetings with their staffs to make sure they are prepared for their seasons . ''
Betthauser also is organizing a two-week academy in May for the school 's assistant coaches so they can be better versed at their jobs during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs go back to looking more like they used to .
`` We 've been wanting to do that for years with our assistants , '' she said .
`` There is a lot of turnover in coaching , and we think that if we can offer better training , and coaches have that knowledge , we can keep everyone in their roles for longer . ''
At Barrington High School , stipends for spring coaches are also being paid as the coaches adjust to their new-look roles .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaches , '' Athletic Director Mike Obsuszt said .
`` These coaches are doing things year-round to prepare for their seasons , and now , they are doing what they feel is the best way to meet the needs of our kids .
`` Early on , they were just checking on their kids , making sure they were OK. Now , they 're sending workouts and giving their kids things to work on .
They are still trying to be really good mentors to their kids . ''

Many high school spring sports coaches still coaching, and getting paid for it
Just as high school classes are continuing via e-learning, so too are spring sports -- well, kind of.
There are no spring state sports tournament series -- the Illinois High School Association reluctantly canceled them last week due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- but area coaches are still coaching. Instead of face-to-face, they are coaching via Zoom practice sessions, virtual workouts, film work and video meetings to keep athletes engaged and busy.
As a result, many suburban districts have elected to pay coaches their usual stipends, even though a traditional spring season has not transpired. Last month, the state board of education suggested coaches be paid their stipends.
The amount varies between districts, with Barrington High School stipends ranging from about $6,000 to $10,000 per season and $3,000 to $11,000 at Glenbard South, for example, depending on whether the coach is an assistant or a head coach.
As of now, there is no plan for how to handle coaching stipends for the fall sports season, if it is also altered by COVID-19, officials said.
"We are following that guidance by the Illinois State Board of Education and continuing to pay our spring coaching stipends," said Glenbard South athletic director Tim Carlson. "It's hard to have your season pulled away from you. But our coaches are doing a great job with our athletes. They are still interacting with our kids; they are still doing workouts with our kids. They are doing whatever they can do to keep the kids engaged."
At Stevenson, girls water polo coach Jeff Wimer has activities planned for his players every day of the week except Sundays.
"It's all voluntary, but our attendance has been great," Wimer said. "We've got 43 girls across all of our levels, and I'd say our average attendance each week is in the 30s. It's pretty awesome to see."
Wimer has his team do Zoom video workouts Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
"And we have one girl host the workout," he said. "The workouts usually last 30 to 40 minutes."
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, players do water polo-specific video workouts, and Wimer has them watch video clips on techniques.
On Saturdays, the players watch game film, and they talk about book passages Wimer assigns.
"We've had them watch video of two NCAA championship games and we've analyzed the defenses that were played," he said. "We also showed them video of when we played in the 2011 and the 2015 state championship, and we talked about the differences in those teams and how we evolved as a program."
Stevenson Athletic Director Trish Betthauser said she thanks the school board and the community for their commitment to the coaches and their stipends.
"So many of these jobs don't start when tryouts start," she said. "Our coaches are doing things all year long with open gyms and professional developments and meetings with their staffs to make sure they are prepared for their seasons."
Betthauser also is organizing a two-week academy in May for the school's assistant coaches so they can be better versed at their jobs during this "new normal" and for when their jobs go back to looking more like they used to.
"We've been wanting to do that for years with our assistants," she said. "There is a lot of turnover in coaching, and we think that if we can offer better training, and coaches have that knowledge, we can keep everyone in their roles for longer."
At Barrington High School, stipends for spring coaches are also being paid as the coaches adjust to their new-look roles.
"I'm happy that the district is paying our coaches," Athletic Director Mike Obsuszt said. "These coaches are doing things year-round to prepare for their seasons, and now, they are doing what they feel is the best way to meet the needs of our kids.
"Early on, they were just checking on their kids, making sure they were OK. Now, they're sending workouts and giving their kids things to work on. They are still trying to be really good mentors to their kids."