dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Constable: Close shave could keep virus from spreading

Christian clerics , Hasidic Jews , devout Muslims , the Amish , Sikhs , hipster men and playoff-bound hockey players all fit under the same umbrella in this warning issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
If you wear a soul patch under your bottom lip , or a walrus 'stache above your upper lip , you 're OK .
If you 've fashioned that facial hair into a goatee , you might have issues .
But if you are sporting mutton chops , a neatly trimmed Van Dyke or a full-on lumberjack beard , our government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry about .
Facial hair can get in the way of a tight seal between skin and respirators worn by medical workers , potentially making the respirators ineffective at keeping viruses out , according to information provided by the CDC .
The accompanying downloadable chart , which was produced in 2017 before the current coronavirus emerged , features 36 facial hair styles ( who knew ? )
and lets you know which will work with a respirator .
Most bearded people who do n't work in medical professions need n't worry -- because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respirators anyway .
The U.S. surgeon general discourages most of the public from buying , hoarding or wearing face masks , as they are meant for sick people and medical professionals .
Likewise , many potential romantic partners discourage growing anything on your face called a hulihee , ducktail , French fork , bandholz , lampshade , toothbrush or chin curtain , to use the CDC 's vocabulary .
Considering how good facial hair is at capturing doughnut crumbs , chicken noodle soup and sneezes , you might think a furry bush covering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its tracks .
But the CDC bursts that bubble .
`` While human hair appears to be very thin to the naked eye , hair is much larger in size than the particles inhaled .
Facial hair is just not dense enough and the individual hairs are too large to capture particles like an air filter does ; nor will a beard trap gases and vapors like the carbon bed in a respirator cartridge , '' reads a CDC blog produced by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health .
`` Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gases , and vapors follow the air stream right through the facial hair and into the respiratory tract of the wearer . ''
An article in a recent edition of Nursing Times tells the story of a hospital in the United Kingdom that , in anticipation of the COVID-19 virus arriving at some point , is asking employees to shave their beards .
`` I recognise for some this is a big ask , that beards are so popular at present , '' an administrator said in an email to staff members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the right thing to do . ''
A Chinese video shows female medical workers taking the extra step of getting their heads shaved in an attempt to make safety equipment fit better .
The Northwest suburbs have treated patients with COVID-19 at Amita Health St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates and at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights .
But my investigative reporting skills fell short of finding a nurse , doctor or other medical professional in those facilities who had to shave off a beloved beard because of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses to shave their heads to ensure protective headgear fits well .
Kendra McMillan , senior policy advisor for nursing practice and work environment with the American Nurses Association says that organization `` encourages U.S. health care workers to follow the CDC guidelines for protective gear and proper fit testing . ''
Fears of the virus have spurred conversations about postponing the Olympics in Japan ; canceled concerts by Mariah Carey , Avril Lavigne and Green Day , the International Housewares Association show in Chicago , business meetings for Facebook , Google and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studying abroad to come home ; changed the way churches conduct rituals ; canceled basketball games for Chicago State University ; fueled speculation on sports radio that some NCAA basketball tournament games will be played in empty arenas ; postponed the launch of the new James Bond movie ; and made fist bumps more popular than handshakes .
But could anything change the face of America as much as getting rid of beards ?


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Veterans show creative sides at annual Lovell arts festival

`` Four score and seven years ago '' rang out Thursday in a dark auditorium at the College of Lake County in Grayslake .
The 272-word speech that President Abraham Lincoln thought would be easily forgotten instead was recited 157 years later by Steve Marquette during the annual Lovell Federal Health Care Center Veterans Creative Arts Festival .
The fest allowed veterans like Marquette who are enrolled for care at Lovell FHCC 's facilities to show off their creative sides .
Performance categories included dance , drama , solo and group vocal and instrumental acts , vocal original compositions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entries , including 21 live performances , entertained the 150 people gathered to enjoy the competition .
Noopie Wynn sang various smooth jazz selections , including a song he wrote for his wife of 47 years on one of their anniversaries .
Wynn said he writes a song for his wife each year .
Local artists , musicians and writers judged the creative entries and determined winners in each category .
First-place finishers may be eligible to advance to the national level to compete against veterans from around the country .
`` Participation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festival has been at the college , '' CLC President Lori Suddick said .
Emcee Ellis Reed , who also won first place for his singing and participated in the national Veterans Creative Arts Festival in 2019 , belted out the blues classis `` Death Letter/Grinnin ' in Your Face . ''
Reed noted that he had rehearsed the powerful song with guitarist Chris Winters only 20 minutes before the competition ,

Veterans show creative sides at annual Lovell arts festival
"Four score and seven years ago" rang out Thursday in a dark auditorium at the College of Lake County in Grayslake.
The 272-word speech that President Abraham Lincoln thought would be easily forgotten instead was recited 157 years later by Steve Marquette during the annual Lovell Federal Health Care Center Veterans Creative Arts Festival.
The fest allowed veterans like Marquette who are enrolled for care at Lovell FHCC's facilities to show off their creative sides.
Performance categories included dance, drama, solo and group vocal and instrumental acts, vocal original compositions and special recognition.
More than 100 total entries, including 21 live performances, entertained the 150 people gathered to enjoy the competition.
Noopie Wynn sang various smooth jazz selections, including a song he wrote for his wife of 47 years on one of their anniversaries. Wynn said he writes a song for his wife each year.
Local artists, musicians and writers judged the creative entries and determined winners in each category. First-place finishers may be eligible to advance to the national level to compete against veterans from around the country.
"Participation has tripled in the five years the festival has been at the college," CLC President Lori Suddick said.
Emcee Ellis Reed, who also won first place for his singing and participated in the national Veterans Creative Arts Festival in 2019, belted out the blues classis "Death Letter/Grinnin' in Your Face."
Reed noted that he had rehearsed the powerful song with guitarist Chris Winters only 20 minutes before the competition.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Wheaton's Memorial Park project on schedule, but alcohol sales remain sticking point

As major renovations take shape in Wheaton 's Memorial Park , officials are revisiting a city permit approved last May to allow the park district to sell alcohol at a new summer concert series at the historic site .
Mild winter weather has enabled the park district 's contractor to make significant headway on the roughly $ 5 million project .
Construction of a band shell is more than 60 % complete , and work remains on track to wrap up before the four-day Taste of Wheaton in June .
The district received city council approval nine months ago to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original , 1950s-era band shell and expand the lineup of activities at Memorial Park .
The ordinance awarding the special-use permit stipulated that alcohol sales must be subject to the requirements of an outdoor special event liquor license .
Problem is , officials say the concert series does n't meet the definition of a special event under city code .
So the district has requested an amendment to the permit language to proceed with beer and wine sales at the concerts , starting June 26 .
The council will hold a public hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the city staff has no concerns with liquor sales at the park ; the existing ordinance already prohibits sales past 9:30 p.m .
In January , city officials told the park district the concerts , as allowed for within the special-use permit granted in May , are not `` special events , '' Executive Director Mike Benard said .
`` What we find perplexing is the definition in the city code actually uses the word 'concert ' as an example of a special event , '' Benard said in an email .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't meet any of the three conditions in city code for defining a special event .
An activity is a special event if it 's held on city property or other public right of way , if it requires the use of city services , or if it takes place on private property but interferes with the use of public property within the vicinity .
Dzugan acknowledged there was `` maybe a misunderstanding on both sides '' as to what the park district was planning for the concerts .
`` We look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter resolved , '' Benard said .
`` The Wheaton Park District has over 10 years of safe and successful experience selling beer and wine during special events in Memorial Park during concerts and special events such as the Taste of Wheaton , Brew Fest , October Fest and private corporate rentals . ''
The tentative concert dates are June 26 and 27 ; July 10 , 11 , 24 and 25 ; and Aug. 7 , 8 , 21 and 22 .
The city 's municipal band , founded during the Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concert season from the Memorial Park band shell .
The new stage is about 600 square feet larger than the original .
In place of the old benches , crews are installing removable stadium-style seating for 300 in front of the stage .
The tennis court was demolished to move the nearly $ 3 million band shell slightly to the west at the corner of Wheaton and Karlskoga avenues .
Construction bids also came in better than expected , Director of Parks and Planning Rob Sperl said .
Site improvements cost roughly $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utility upgrades and an expansion of the terrace to the south of the Mary Lubko Center , totaled another $ 300,000 .
`` We have had some associated projects including IT , security , sound system and irrigation we are also working on that should bring the overall project cost to just over $ 5 million , '' Sperl said in an email this week .
The district is funding the project with capital reserves and a $ 400,000 state grant from the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant to make water quality improvements at the park .
In addition , the Lions Club has committed $ 80,000 toward the terrace improvements .
Memorial Park is the district 's oldest property , acquired nearly a century ago from the family of one of Wheaton 's founders .
`` I think we have worked hard to maintain the character of the park , '' Sperl said .
`` We spent a lot of time meeting with stakeholders , including our neighbors , the municipal band , the chamber and ( Downtown Wheaton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff for input on the band shell and park improvements . ''

Wheaton's Memorial Park project on schedule, but alcohol sales remain sticking point
As major renovations take shape in Wheaton's Memorial Park, officials are revisiting a city permit approved last May to allow the park district to sell alcohol at a new summer concert series at the historic site.
Mild winter weather has enabled the park district's contractor to make significant headway on the roughly $5 million project. Construction of a band shell is more than 60% complete, and work remains on track to wrap up before the four-day Taste of Wheaton in June.
The district received city council approval nine months ago to demolish a tennis court, replace the original, 1950s-era band shell and expand the lineup of activities at Memorial Park. The ordinance awarding the special-use permit stipulated that alcohol sales must be subject to the requirements of an outdoor special event liquor license.
Problem is, officials say the concert series doesn't meet the definition of a special event under city code.
So the district has requested an amendment to the permit language to proceed with beer and wine sales at the concerts, starting June 26.
The council will hold a public hearing March 9. City Manager Mike Dzugan said the city staff has no concerns with liquor sales at the park; the existing ordinance already prohibits sales past 9:30 p.m.
In January, city officials told the park district the concerts, as allowed for within the special-use permit granted in May, are not "special events," Executive Director Mike Benard said.
"What we find perplexing is the definition in the city code actually uses the word 'concert' as an example of a special event," Benard said in an email.
But Dzugan said Wednesday the concert series doesn't meet any of the three conditions in city code for defining a special event. An activity is a special event if it's held on city property or other public right of way, if it requires the use of city services, or if it takes place on private property but interferes with the use of public property within the vicinity.
Dzugan acknowledged there was "maybe a misunderstanding on both sides" as to what the park district was planning for the concerts.
"We look forward to this discussion and getting the matter resolved," Benard said. "The Wheaton Park District has over 10 years of safe and successful experience selling beer and wine during special events in Memorial Park during concerts and special events such as the Taste of Wheaton, Brew Fest, October Fest and private corporate rentals."
The tentative concert dates are June 26 and 27; July 10, 11, 24 and 25; and Aug. 7, 8, 21 and 22.
The city's municipal band, founded during the Great Depression, also strikes up its summer concert season from the Memorial Park band shell.
The new stage is about 600 square feet larger than the original. In place of the old benches, crews are installing removable stadium-style seating for 300 in front of the stage.
The tennis court was demolished to move the nearly $3 million band shell slightly to the west at the corner of Wheaton and Karlskoga avenues.
Construction bids also came in better than expected, Director of Parks and Planning Rob Sperl said. Site improvements cost roughly $1.3 million. Project alternates, including utility upgrades and an expansion of the terrace to the south of the Mary Lubko Center, totaled another $300,000.
"We have had some associated projects including IT, security, sound system and irrigation we are also working on that should bring the overall project cost to just over $5 million," Sperl said in an email this week.
The district is funding the project with capital reserves and a $400,000 state grant from the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program. It also was awarded a $65,000 DuPage County grant to make water quality improvements at the park. In addition, the Lions Club has committed $80,000 toward the terrace improvements.
Memorial Park is the district's oldest property, acquired nearly a century ago from the family of one of Wheaton's founders.
"I think we have worked hard to maintain the character of the park," Sperl said. "We spent a lot of time meeting with stakeholders, including our neighbors, the municipal band, the chamber and (Downtown Wheaton Association) and city and school district staff for input on the band shell and park improvements."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--R. Kelly pleads not guilty; feds say new charges planned

R & B singer R. Kelly on Thursday pleaded not guilty to an updated federal indictment that includes child pornography charges and allegations involving a new accuser , while prosecutors said more charges involving yet another victim are upcoming .
Kelly , 53 , stood silently in orange prison garb with his hands behind his back as his attorney entered the plea on his behalf at the arraignment hearing in Chicago .
More legal trouble is on the horizon for Kelly .
The government plans to file more new charges in the coming weeks , adding another accuser , prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She did n't elaborate except to say agents recently seized more than 100 electronic devices , including hard drives , in the case .
Agents wielding a search warrant hauled the items away from a storage facility outside Chicago where Kelly keeps some of his equipment , defense attorney Steve Greenberg told reporters after the hearing .
`` We expect that they 're not going to find anything incriminating , '' he said .
The possibility of new charges in yet another superseding indictment was among the reasons cited by U.S. District Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 trial date to Oct. 13 .
The 13-count superseding indictment was unsealed last month .
It is largely the same as the original indictment -- which also had 13 counts -- but includes a reference to a new accuser , referred to only as `` Minor 6 . ''
The charges include child pornography , the sexual exploitation of children and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government , as well as the coercion or enticement of a female .
Kelly , who has denied ever abusing anyone , faces several dozen counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Illinois , Minnesota and New York , from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying Kelly with girls .
The Grammy-award winning musician was jailed in July and has been awaiting trial at a Chicago federal jail a block from the courthouse where he attends pretrial hearings .
He has participated in hearings in his New York case by video .
The federal charges in Chicago accuse Kelly of filming himself having sex with underage girls and of paying off potential witnesses in his 2008 trial -- at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change their stories .
Kelly 's co-defendants in the case -- ex-manager Derrel McDavid and former employee Milton Brown -- have also pleaded not guilty to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to retrieve pornographic videos in a bid to stave off criminal charges .
McDavid 's lawyer , Beau Brindley , told the court Thursday that his client wanted to proceed with an April trial without Kelly .
He said McDavid 's `` life is on hold '' and was invoking his right to a speedy trial .
But Brindley said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to decide their next steps .

R. Kelly pleads not guilty; feds say new charges planned
More legal trouble is on the horizon for singer R. Kelly, shown here on June 6, 2019. Pool photo by E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune
R&B singer R. Kelly on Thursday pleaded not guilty to an updated federal indictment that includes child pornography charges and allegations involving a new accuser, while prosecutors said more charges involving yet another victim are upcoming.
Kelly, 53, stood silently in orange prison garb with his hands behind his back as his attorney entered the plea on his behalf at the arraignment hearing in Chicago.
More legal trouble is on the horizon for Kelly.
The government plans to file more new charges in the coming weeks, adding another accuser, prosecutor Angel Krull said during the hearing. She didn't elaborate except to say agents recently seized more than 100 electronic devices, including hard drives, in the case.
Agents wielding a search warrant hauled the items away from a storage facility outside Chicago where Kelly keeps some of his equipment, defense attorney Steve Greenberg told reporters after the hearing.
"We expect that they're not going to find anything incriminating," he said.
The possibility of new charges in yet another superseding indictment was among the reasons cited by U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber to push Kelly's April 27 trial date to Oct. 13.
The 13-count superseding indictment was unsealed last month. It is largely the same as the original indictment -- which also had 13 counts -- but includes a reference to a new accuser, referred to only as "Minor 6."
The charges include child pornography, the sexual exploitation of children and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, as well as the coercion or enticement of a female.
Kelly, who has denied ever abusing anyone, faces several dozen counts of state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York, from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying Kelly with girls.
The Grammy-award winning musician was jailed in July and has been awaiting trial at a Chicago federal jail a block from the courthouse where he attends pretrial hearings. He has participated in hearings in his New York case by video.
The federal charges in Chicago accuse Kelly of filming himself having sex with underage girls and of paying off potential witnesses in his 2008 trial -- at which he was acquitted -- to get them to change their stories.
Kelly's co-defendants in the case -- ex-manager Derrel McDavid and former employee Milton Brown -- have also pleaded not guilty to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to retrieve pornographic videos in a bid to stave off criminal charges.
McDavid's lawyer, Beau Brindley, told the court Thursday that his client wanted to proceed with an April trial without Kelly. He said McDavid's "life is on hold" and was invoking his right to a speedy trial. But Brindley said later that the defense would take a week to decide their next steps.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Chief justice seeks $1.6 million in tech upgrades to better connect state's courts

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois ' justice system has a problem , the top court 's chief justice told lawmakers this week .
There is no statewide system to track how many people are in jail and for how long , for example , or how quickly judges clear their docket .
The Illinois Supreme Court , which has authority over all courts in the state , asked members of the General Assembly for the financial resources in part to acquire technology `` capable of accurately capturing and compiling data from each county , '' Chief Justice Anne Burke said in separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The state has 102 counties , 102 elected county boards , 102 county clerks , 102 sheriffs -- all independent contractors , '' she said , adding that a uniform electronic filing system would enable courts and other stakeholders to develop best practices and provide transparency with state agencies .
It would cost about $ 1.6 million to purchase the technology for such a system , according to the judicial branch 's budget request .
Marcia Meis , director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts , estimated it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
In 2016 , the high court began an e-filing initiative to simplify the process of submitting documents , save time and resources , and help those representing themselves in court cases .
Currently , all filings for civil cases must be electronically submitted -- about 600,000 documents per month , Burke estimated -- and circuit courts have the option of allowing the system to be used in criminal cases as well .
`` However , the current system for collecting data has become obsolete , resulting in data that is often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As we move forward , the data collected by the judicial branch -- and the speed and accuracy with which it can be accessed -- will only continue to grow in importance . ''
Hoffman Estates Democratic Rep. Fred Crespo suggested counties ' participation in e-filing could be set as a `` precondition '' to receive funds from the court .
For the next fiscal year , the high court is asking for $ 483.3 million , not only for electronic filing , but to continue reimbursing costs paid by local governments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ million more than what the judicial branch received this fiscal year .
It used its first budget increase in six years last year to fully reimburse counties for salaries and probation services -- the first time it was able to do so in 30 years .
Statute requires the Supreme Court to refund local governments for those expenses , but after years of not being able to do so , services in some counties were diminished , depending on taxpayers ' ability or local leaders ' willingness to bear the financial burden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of adult and juvenile offenders on probation .
Instead of being locked in a jail cell , a person on probation is able to live and work in their community .
It is a period of supervision different from parole , which is overseen and paid for by the Department of Corrections .
Counties were able to fill 86 vacant positions and create 148 new ones to service those that interact with the courts .
`` The majority of these new positions , 119 , are dedicated to enhancing pretrial services ... ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woefully underfunded but are essential to the criminal justice system , '' Burke said .
Probation `` is a far more effective use '' of Illinois taxpayers ' money , she added .
It costs about $ 38,000 to keep an offender in jail , but approximately $ 3,000 to $ 5,000 to have that offender supervised by a probation officer .
Rep. Dan Caulkins , a Republican from Decatur , said fully funding that aspect of the courts last year `` was a priority . ''
`` I hope that we continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to incarceration , '' he said .
`` It 's not just cost savings , but I think it also gives people a better opportunity to get their lives back together . ''
In his budget proposal , Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker allocated the Supreme Court an additional $ 500,000 beyond what it asked for .
That money is earmarked for the circuit courts to help clear cannabis expungement cases .
On Tuesday , Sen. Heather Steans , a Democrat from Chicago and one of the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high court did not ask for that money .
`` I understand this year we just passed the bill , '' she said .
`` But now it 's already in place .
The money has been there , we had a process that we thought was set up , so I was just surprised that you 're not continuing to ask for that knowing we are going to have more expungements coming down the road . ''
Kara McCaffrey , assistant director of the Administrative Office , said those are funds the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue in sales tax on cannabis products .
Burke said the Supreme Court is sending a message of `` sustainability '' in its budget request for fiscal year 2021 .
`` Full funding of the judicial branch budget is critical to maintaining probation positions and improving a system that is critical to making any criminal justice reform meaningful and successful , '' she said .
`` Anything less risks a return to higher incarceration rates and higher recidivism , but ... more burdens on the state treasury and a system that does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burke 's term as chief justice began on Oct. 26 .
She is the third woman to serve in the position , and the first chief justice in almost a decade from Cook County

Chief justice seeks $1.6 million in tech upgrades to better connect state's courts
Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke tells lawmakers Wednesday that the judicial branch needs money for a new system to track the state's justice system. "We don't know today how many people are in the jails," she said. Lee Milner/Illinois Times
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois' justice system has a problem, the top court's chief justice told lawmakers this week. There is no statewide system to track how many people are in jail and for how long, for example, or how quickly judges clear their docket.
The Illinois Supreme Court, which has authority over all courts in the state, asked members of the General Assembly for the financial resources in part to acquire technology "capable of accurately capturing and compiling data from each county," Chief Justice Anne Burke said in separate appearances before House and Senate budget panels.
"The state has 102 counties, 102 elected county boards, 102 county clerks, 102 sheriffs -- all independent contractors," she said, adding that a uniform electronic filing system would enable courts and other stakeholders to develop best practices and provide transparency with state agencies.
It would cost about $1.6 million to purchase the technology for such a system, according to the judicial branch's budget request. Marcia Meis, director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, estimated it could be in place in six to eight months.
In 2016, the high court began an e-filing initiative to simplify the process of submitting documents, save time and resources, and help those representing themselves in court cases. Currently, all filings for civil cases must be electronically submitted -- about 600,000 documents per month, Burke estimated -- and circuit courts have the option of allowing the system to be used in criminal cases as well.
"However, the current system for collecting data has become obsolete, resulting in data that is often unreliable," Burke said. "As we move forward, the data collected by the judicial branch -- and the speed and accuracy with which it can be accessed -- will only continue to grow in importance."
Hoffman Estates Democratic Rep. Fred Crespo suggested counties' participation in e-filing could be set as a "precondition" to receive funds from the court.
For the next fiscal year, the high court is asking for $483.3 million, not only for electronic filing, but to continue reimbursing costs paid by local governments. That is just more than $29 million more than what the judicial branch received this fiscal year.
It used its first budget increase in six years last year to fully reimburse counties for salaries and probation services -- the first time it was able to do so in 30 years. Statute requires the Supreme Court to refund local governments for those expenses, but after years of not being able to do so, services in some counties were diminished, depending on taxpayers' ability or local leaders' willingness to bear the financial burden.
Those included pretrial services and decreased supervision of adult and juvenile offenders on probation. Instead of being locked in a jail cell, a person on probation is able to live and work in their community. It is a period of supervision different from parole, which is overseen and paid for by the Department of Corrections.
Counties were able to fill 86 vacant positions and create 148 new ones to service those that interact with the courts.
"The majority of these new positions, 119, are dedicated to enhancing pretrial services ... (which) have, historically, been woefully underfunded but are essential to the criminal justice system," Burke said.
Probation "is a far more effective use" of Illinois taxpayers' money, she added. It costs about $38,000 to keep an offender in jail, but approximately $3,000 to $5,000 to have that offender supervised by a probation officer.
Rep. Dan Caulkins, a Republican from Decatur, said fully funding that aspect of the courts last year "was a priority."
"I hope that we continue to put emphasis on the probation as opposed to incarceration," he said. "It's not just cost savings, but I think it also gives people a better opportunity to get their lives back together."
In his budget proposal, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker allocated the Supreme Court an additional $500,000 beyond what it asked for. That money is earmarked for the circuit courts to help clear cannabis expungement cases.
On Tuesday, Sen. Heather Steans, a Democrat from Chicago and one of the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act's main framers, asked why the high court did not ask for that money.
"I understand this year we just passed the bill," she said. "But now it's already in place. The money has been there, we had a process that we thought was set up, so I was just surprised that you're not continuing to ask for that knowing we are going to have more expungements coming down the road."
Kara McCaffrey, assistant director of the Administrative Office, said those are funds the General Assembly needs to appropriate from the revenue in sales tax on cannabis products.
Burke said the Supreme Court is sending a message of "sustainability" in its budget request for fiscal year 2021.
"Full funding of the judicial branch budget is critical to maintaining probation positions and improving a system that is critical to making any criminal justice reform meaningful and successful," she said. "Anything less risks a return to higher incarceration rates and higher recidivism, but ... more burdens on the state treasury and a system that does not serve the people of Illinois."
Burke's term as chief justice began on Oct. 26. She is the third woman to serve in the position, and the first chief justice in almost a decade from Cook County


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Restaurant review: Prepare to be wowed by Corniciones' tantalizing pizzas, pastas and more

New York-style pizza , hearty plates of pasta and massive strombolis await at the new Corniciones , an Italian eatery in Antioch that 's well worth a trip to the northern edge of Lake County .
Located in the former Embers space , Corniciones is decorated with photos of New York pizzerias , hearkening back to the ethos of the menu , which has a wide selection of pasta , pizza , sandwiches and burgers .
The bar serves domestic beers and wine .
We got our meal off to a strong start with soup , salad and a selection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the delight of the meal to come .
We could smell the garlic Parmesan wings before they even got to the table ; the robust cheesy and garlicky scent immediately drew our attention .
And we were blessed with big pieces , lightly flavored with a sauce that could have been just a bit thicker but still tasted great .
The wings were crispy as well , which can be hard to do with all that sauce .
We loved the mozzarella sticks as well .
They 're wrapped with won ton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crunch to it , though they lacked that cheesy stretch you expect with mozzarella sticks .
The minestrone had a thicker tomato-based broth , seasoned well , with a generous amount of vegetables and pasta .
The side salads were small but fresh , with enough dressing to suit even someone who loves a ton of it .
As with the wings , we were tantalized by the smell of our entrees before they made it to our table .
We ordered a lot for our group : spaghetti and meatballs ; baked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vodka ; the pizza bianca ; a margherita pizza , and a pepperoni and mushroom stromboli .
The pastas all came out first , and we were left waiting a while for the pizza and stromboli -- though the quality of our food more than compensated for the minor frustration .
All of the pasta was cooked perfectly , everything was steaming hot , and we loved each of the dishes .
The three large meatballs were tender and seasoned well , served on top of a tangy tomato sauce and a bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ la vodka 's sauce was smooth , with the right balance of tomato to vodka and cream .
The baked ziti made up for our lack of stretchy cheese on the mozzarella sticks -- you could pull your fork a foot away and the cheese would still be stretching .
We ordered it with sausage links , which came freshly sliced and fried , and in ample quantity .
The stars of the show , though , were the pizzas and the stromboli .
All the dough is made from scratch on site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pizzas truly delighted .
The pizza bianca is on a slightly thicker crust , topped with mozzarella , ricotta , crushed garlic , thyme and basil .
Everything balanced really well ; no one flavor overpowered .
The crust had a nice crisp to it so it held strong even with all the cheesy toppings .
The margherita pizza was New York-style thin crust , topped with mozzarella and basil .
Sometimes toppings can be lacking on margherita pizzas , but this had plenty of both mozzarella and basil , enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the crust held a good fold without breaking .
The stromboli actually made us all gasp : It was humongous , with a crust that glistened beautifully with oil and garlic .
It was more like a garlic bread than pizza crust , but wrapped inside was a slightly sweet tomato sauce with a ton of fresh , large mushrooms and other fillings .
It took two to-go boxes just to pack the leftovers .
The desserts are in a case when you walk in the front door so you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our visit , those included a variety of big colorful cheesecakes , cannoli , napoleons , and a basket of decorated brownies and cupcakes .
The cheesecakes are all homemade , so we opted to try two -- a slice of the lemon cheesecake ( highly recommended by our incredibly friendly waitress ) and a slice of plain -- along with the cannoli .
These desserts rivaled some of the best I 've ever had .
The cheesecake was impossibly light and fluffy , and the lemon one was slathered with bright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was large , stuffed with a rich filling and chocolate chips and wrapped in a perfectly crispy shell .
If I was n't already too full , I probably would have bought more .
We will be going back to Corniciones .
The food is well-priced for the portions , and everything was absolutely delicious .
Corniciones is on its way to becoming the new darling of the Antioch dining scene .
Hours : 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday ; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday ; 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviews are based on one anonymous visit .
The Daily Herald does not publish reviews of restaurants it can not recommend .

Restaurant review: Prepare to be wowed by Corniciones' tantalizing pizzas, pastas and more
New York-style pizza, hearty plates of pasta and massive strombolis await at the new Corniciones, an Italian eatery in Antioch that's well worth a trip to the northern edge of Lake County.
Located in the former Embers space, Corniciones is decorated with photos of New York pizzerias, hearkening back to the ethos of the menu, which has a wide selection of pasta, pizza, sandwiches and burgers. The bar serves domestic beers and wine.
We got our meal off to a strong start with soup, salad and a selection of appetizers that were a first glimpse into the delight of the meal to come.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Corniciones' chicken wings deliver loads of flavor and a nice crunch.
We could smell the garlic Parmesan wings before they even got to the table; the robust cheesy and garlicky scent immediately drew our attention. And we were blessed with big pieces, lightly flavored with a sauce that could have been just a bit thicker but still tasted great. The wings were crispy as well, which can be hard to do with all that sauce.
We loved the mozzarella sticks as well. They're wrapped with won ton wrappers so the outside has a nice crunch to it, though they lacked that cheesy stretch you expect with mozzarella sticks.
The minestrone had a thicker tomato-based broth, seasoned well, with a generous amount of vegetables and pasta. The side salads were small but fresh, with enough dressing to suit even someone who loves a ton of it.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Baked ziti comes topped with a generous layer of cheese at Corniciones in Antioch.
As with the wings, we were tantalized by the smell of our entrees before they made it to our table. We ordered a lot for our group: spaghetti and meatballs; baked ziti with sausage; penne a la vodka; the pizza bianca; a margherita pizza, and a pepperoni and mushroom stromboli. The pastas all came out first, and we were left waiting a while for the pizza and stromboli -- though the quality of our food more than compensated for the minor frustration.
All of the pasta was cooked perfectly, everything was steaming hot, and we loved each of the dishes. The three large meatballs were tender and seasoned well, served on top of a tangy tomato sauce and a bed of not-too-thick noodles. The penne a la vodka's sauce was smooth, with the right balance of tomato to vodka and cream. The baked ziti made up for our lack of stretchy cheese on the mozzarella sticks -- you could pull your fork a foot away and the cheese would still be stretching. We ordered it with sausage links, which came freshly sliced and fried, and in ample quantity.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Corniciones in Antioch emphasizes New York-style pizza, including its 10-inch personal pepperoni.
The stars of the show, though, were the pizzas and the stromboli. All the dough is made from scratch on site and, paired with the toppings, the pizzas truly delighted.
The pizza bianca is on a slightly thicker crust, topped with mozzarella, ricotta, crushed garlic, thyme and basil. Everything balanced really well; no one flavor overpowered. The crust had a nice crisp to it so it held strong even with all the cheesy toppings. The margherita pizza was New York-style thin crust, topped with mozzarella and basil. Sometimes toppings can be lacking on margherita pizzas, but this had plenty of both mozzarella and basil, enough to get some of each in every bite. And the crust held a good fold without breaking.
The stromboli actually made us all gasp: It was humongous, with a crust that glistened beautifully with oil and garlic. It was more like a garlic bread than pizza crust, but wrapped inside was a slightly sweet tomato sauce with a ton of fresh, large mushrooms and other fillings. It took two to-go boxes just to pack the leftovers.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Strawberry cheesecake is among the dessert options at Corniciones in Antioch.
The desserts are in a case when you walk in the front door so you can survey the options. On the day of our visit, those included a variety of big colorful cheesecakes, cannoli, napoleons, and a basket of decorated brownies and cupcakes. The cheesecakes are all homemade, so we opted to try two -- a slice of the lemon cheesecake (highly recommended by our incredibly friendly waitress) and a slice of plain -- along with the cannoli.
These desserts rivaled some of the best I've ever had. The cheesecake was impossibly light and fluffy, and the lemon one was slathered with bright, tart lemon curd. The cannoli was large, stuffed with a rich filling and chocolate chips and wrapped in a perfectly crispy shell. If I wasn't already too full, I probably would have bought more.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Jeni Crutcher of Richmond and Linda Goblirsch of Lake Villa enjoy a meal at Corniciones in Antioch.
We will be going back to Corniciones. The food is well-priced for the portions, and everything was absolutely delicious. Corniciones is on its way to becoming the new darling of the Antioch dining scene.
• • •
Corniciones
1200 Main St., Antioch, (224) 788-9940, corniciones.com
Cuisine: Italian with New York-style pizza
Setting: Casual
Entrees: $9-$19
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
• Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not publish reviews of restaurants it cannot recommend.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Forecast: State should see modest revenue growth in FY 2021

SPRINGFIELD -- State revenue officials said Thursday that tax collections have been coming in about as expected so far this fiscal year , and they predict modest revenue growth in the fiscal year that begins July 1 .
`` All three large categories -- individual income tax ; corporate income taxes and sales taxes -- are trending upward , '' Revenue Department Director David Harris said in an interview after briefing the House Revenue and Finance Committee .
That new estimate is essentially the same as earlier estimates upon which Gov .
J.B. Pritzker based his latest budget proposal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state should see about $ 40.7 billion in revenue from both state and federal sources .
That 's an increase of about $ 656 million , or 1.6 percent , in base year-over-year revenues .
And if voters in November approve a constitutional amendment to allow for a graduated income tax , where people are charged higher rates on higher levels of income , Illinois could see an additional $ 1.4 billion during the last six months of the fiscal year , bringing the total to $ 42.1 billion .
Even without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to grow about 3.5 percent , to $ 20.1 billion .
Marty Johnson , chief economist for the Department of Revenue 's Research Office , said wage growth in Illinois has been sluggish in recent years , compared to the national average , but she said the current tight labor market , combined with the state 's higher minimum wage , should push wages up in the coming year .
`` So certainly , wages and salaries are moving in the right direction , '' she said .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income taxes and sales taxes . ''
Sales tax receipts are projected to grow 3.4 percent , to just over $ 9 billion , while corporate income taxes are expected to hold steady at just under $ 2.5 billion .
Johnson noted that the state saw a bump in corporate income taxes during the current fiscal year due to an amnesty program lawmakers approved in 2019 .
Discounting that , she said , corporate income taxes are expected to grow 0.5 percent .
Those estimates are based on the department 's economic outlook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Johnson described the outlook for the national economy as `` stable '' as fears about an economic downturn are receding with the signing of a `` Phase I '' trade deal with China that is expected to boost U.S. exports , including agricultural products .
But she also warned of clouds on the horizon , such as the possibility of increased trade tensions as well as the spread of the novel coronavirus , which has disrupted manufacturing supply chains and threatens to disrupt the travel and tourism industry .
Johnson said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. during the economic expansion , which has now lasted 111 months .
She said the tight labor market has driven down the state 's unemployment , last reported at 3.5 percent in December , a 50-year low .
But she said that number is expected to climb to about 3.9 percent by the end of the current fiscal year in June and could hover around 4.1 percent for the next fiscal year .
`` This tight labor market is expected to translate into decelerating job growth and hit some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wo n't be adding the jobs as we have in the past , but it 's still solid performance that 's expected , '' Johnson said .

Forecast: State should see modest revenue growth in FY 2021
Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris, from right, agency economist Marty Johnson and Alexis Sturm, director of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, brief the House Revenue and Finance Committee on Wednesday in Springfield about their forecast for revenue growth in the upcoming fiscal year. Peter Hancock/Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD -- State revenue officials said Thursday that tax collections have been coming in about as expected so far this fiscal year, and they predict modest revenue growth in the fiscal year that begins July 1.
"All three large categories -- individual income tax; corporate income taxes and sales taxes -- are trending upward," Revenue Department Director David Harris said in an interview after briefing the House Revenue and Finance Committee.
That new estimate is essentially the same as earlier estimates upon which Gov. J.B. Pritzker based his latest budget proposal. Overall, according to the report, the state should see about $40.7 billion in revenue from both state and federal sources. That's an increase of about $656 million, or 1.6 percent, in base year-over-year revenues.
And if voters in November approve a constitutional amendment to allow for a graduated income tax, where people are charged higher rates on higher levels of income, Illinois could see an additional $1.4 billion during the last six months of the fiscal year, bringing the total to $42.1 billion.
Even without the constitutional amendment, individual income taxes are expected to grow about 3.5 percent, to $20.1 billion.
Marty Johnson, chief economist for the Department of Revenue's Research Office, said wage growth in Illinois has been sluggish in recent years, compared to the national average, but she said the current tight labor market, combined with the state's higher minimum wage, should push wages up in the coming year.
"So certainly, wages and salaries are moving in the right direction," she said. "We will see that in our forecast for both income taxes and sales taxes."
Sales tax receipts are projected to grow 3.4 percent, to just over $9 billion, while corporate income taxes are expected to hold steady at just under $2.5 billion.
Johnson noted that the state saw a bump in corporate income taxes during the current fiscal year due to an amnesty program lawmakers approved in 2019. Discounting that, she said, corporate income taxes are expected to grow 0.5 percent.
Those estimates are based on the department's economic outlook for both the state and the nation.
Johnson described the outlook for the national economy as "stable" as fears about an economic downturn are receding with the signing of a "Phase I" trade deal with China that is expected to boost U.S. exports, including agricultural products.
But she also warned of clouds on the horizon, such as the possibility of increased trade tensions as well as the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has disrupted manufacturing supply chains and threatens to disrupt the travel and tourism industry.
Johnson said the Illinois economy has been lagging that of the U.S. during the economic expansion, which has now lasted 111 months.
She said the tight labor market has driven down the state's unemployment, last reported at 3.5 percent in December, a 50-year low. But she said that number is expected to climb to about 3.9 percent by the end of the current fiscal year in June and could hover around 4.1 percent for the next fiscal year.
"This tight labor market is expected to translate into decelerating job growth and hit some of the limits that we can expect, so we won't be adding the jobs as we have in the past, but it's still solid performance that's expected," Johnson said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--North Chicago man guilty of second-degree murder for shooting friend

A Lake County judge ruled Thursday that the North Chicago man who shot and killed his friend in a Waukegan alley in 2016 was guilty of second-degree murder .
Undra Bailey , 33 , will be sentenced at a later date to between 4 and 20 years in prison .
Bailey could be eligible for parole after serving 50 % of his sentence .
Bailey was charged with first-degree murder for the death of John Collins , of North Chicago , his friend of more than 20 years .
During the trial , prosecutors presented surveillance video that captured the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 .
Collins , who was later determined to have a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit , pushed Bailey , who then took out a handgun , pointed it sideways at Collins and fired .
Victoria Rossetti said she found Bailey committed first-degree murder .
However , because Bailey believed -- albeit unreasonably -- that his life was in danger before he shot Collins , she said she ruled him guilty of second-degree murder .
Before making her ruling , Rossetti noted several defense witnesses testified Collins was violent when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighed almost 100 pounds more than Bailey at the time .
Bailey 's defense attorneys , Jennifer Snyder and Gabriel Conroe , both public defenders , declined to comment after Rossetti 's ruling .
The Lake County state 's attorney 's office did not immediately release a statement on the ruling Thursday morning .
During the trial , assistant state 's attorneys Ken LaRue and Stella Day argued Bailey lured Collins to the alley so he could shoot him without drawing attention .

North Chicago man guilty of second-degree murder for shooting friend
A Lake County judge ruled Thursday that the North Chicago man who shot and killed his friend in a Waukegan alley in 2016 was guilty of second-degree murder.
Undra Bailey, 33, faces four to 20 years in prison. Bailey could be eligible for parole after serving 50% of his sentence.
Bailey was charged with first-degree murder for the death of North Chicago resident John Collins, his friend of more than 20 years.
During the trial, prosecutors presented surveillance video that captured the confrontation between Bailey and Collins in October 2016. Collins, who was later determined to have a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit, pushed Bailey, who then took out a handgun, pointed it sideways at Collins and fired.
Judge Victoria Rossetti said Bailey committed first-degree murder. However, because Bailey believed -- albeit unreasonably -- that his life was in danger before he shot Collins, she ruled him guilty of second-degree murder.
Before issuing her verdict, Rossetti noted several defense witnesses testified Collins was violent when he was drunk, and that Collins weighed almost 100 pounds more than Bailey.
Bailey's public defenders, Jennifer Snyder and Gabriel Conroe, declined to comment after Rossetti's ruling.
The Lake County state's attorney's office did not immediately release a statement on the verdict Thursday morning.
During the trial, Assistant State's Attorneys Ken LaRue and Stella Day argued Bailey lured Collins to the alley so he could shoot him without drawing attention.
Rossetti set a presentence hearing for April 22.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--AP source: White Sox INF Moncada agrees to 5-year contract

MESA , Ariz. -- The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a five-year contract with YoÃ¡n Moncada , locking up @ @ @ @ @ young hitters .
A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations said there also is @ @ @ @ @ person spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because the move had not been finalized .
@ @ @ @ @ 24-year-old Moncada in the December 2016 trade that sent Chris Sale to the Boston Red @ @ @ @ @ one of baseball 's top prospects , Moncada broke out last season when he set @ @ @ @ @ batting average , 25 homers and 79 RBIs .
Moncada would have been eligible for @ @ @ @ @ and for free agency after the 2023 season .
Jay Cohen can be reached at @ @ @

AP sources: White Sox, Moncada agree to $70M, 5-year deal
Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada looks on during baseball spring training Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Phoenix. Associated Press
MESA, Ariz. -- The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a $70 million, five-year contract with Yoán Moncada, locking up another one of their promising young hitters.
The deal includes a $25 million club option for 2025 with a $5 million buyout that if exercised would make the agreement worth $90 million for six seasons. Two people with direct knowledge of the negotiations confirmed the deal Thursday on condition of anonymity because the move had not been finalized.
The White Sox acquired the 24-year-old Moncada in the December 2016 trade that sent Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox. Long regarded as one of baseball's top prospects, the third baseman broke out last season when he set career highs with a .315 batting average, 25 homers and 79 RBIs.
Moncada would have been eligible for salary arbitration after this season and for free agency after the 2023 season.
Hoping to make the most of a painful rebuilding process, the White Sox have handed out several big deals to the prospects they accumulated during seven straight losing seasons.
Shortstop Tim Anderson agreed to a $25 million, six-year contract in March 2017. Young slugger Eloy Jiménez finalized a $43 million, six-year deal last March, and outfielder Luis Robert agreed to a $50 million, six-year pact in January. Key reliever Aaron Bummer got a $16 million, five-year contract last month that includes two club options.
Moncada made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 2016. He hit 17 homers and drove in 61 runs for the White Sox two years ago, but he also struck out a major league-high 217 times in 149 games.
___
AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.
___
Jay Cohen can be reached at https://twitter.com/jcohenap
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--13 years after businessman's disappearance, DuPage detective gives case a fresh look

More than 13 years ago after John `` Chicago Johnny '' Spira vanished from his workplace near West Chicago , a DuPage County sheriff 's investigator is trying a new tack to solve the lingering mystery .
Detective David Chiesa told us Thursday he is looking into the St. Charles man 's financial dealings , including whether he may have borrowed money from less than reputable sources .
`` John had some businesses going on , '' Chiesa said .
`` We are trying to just figure out who loaned money to him . ''
The case got fresh eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chiesa , a 15-year veteran , to look into it .
Spira , who was 45 , was a `` charismatic guy '' who had many interests , Chiesa said .
He played in a blues band called the Rabble Rousers and owned several businesses , including Flight Matrix and Universal Cable Construction .
He was last seen Feb. 23 , 2007 , at UCC on County Farm Road .
For several years after , drivers on nearby North Avenue passed a billboard featuring his face and a plea for information on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a divorce at the time .
After his disappearance , two foreclosure suits were filed against him and his wife .
But Chiesa agrees with friends and relatives who say Spira would never just leave without telling them .
His family maintains a Facebook page , Missing John Spira , detailing their efforts to find Spira .
UCC suffered a severe fire five months later , fueling suspicion among Spira 's friends and relatives that it was connected somehow to Spira 's disappearance .
Chiesa said there 's no evidence the co-owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spira 's disappearance .
Officially , it is still a missing-person case , but `` it is presumed to be a homicide , '' Chiesa adds .
Anyone with information is asked to call Chiesa at ( 630 ) 407-2364 or email him at david.chiesa @ dupagesheriff.org Disgraced former Schaumburg police Sgt .
Terrance O'Brien got some bad news late last week : DuPage County Judge Liam Brennan refused to throw out his guilty plea to charges of delivery of a controlled substance , official misconduct , burglary and armed violence .
O'Brien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2013 of skimming marijuana and cocaine from drug busts , then selling them to drug dealers .
O'Brien and co-defendant Matthew Hudak pleaded guilty .
Charges against a third , John Cichy , were dropped a few days before his trial .
Now serving a 24-year prison term , O'Brien was asking to have his 2014 guilty plea thrown out because , he argued , DuPage prosecutors did n't inform his defense that a witness against him was charged with burglary .
The law requires that prosecutors provide information that would cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Brennan wrote that while the prosecution `` arguably engaged in skulduggery when it failed to disclose the informant discovery , '' there 's no precedent that it entitles a defendant to withdraw a guilty plea .
And the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that when someone `` knowingly and voluntarily '' pleads guilty , he or she waives the right to a fair trial .
( And as courtroom observers , we 've heard judges give that warning many , many times . )
O'Brien also lost arguments that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was ineffective .
The ruling was one of the last , if not the last , actions Brennan took from his bench in the DuPage County Judicial Center .
On Monday , he became an appellate court judge .
Before he became president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police last year , Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steve Casstevens promised he would make officer wellness and mental health a hallmark of his administration .
Casstevens is living up to the pledge .
Last week , he addressed those issues while testifying as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission on Law Enforcement .
Launched last fall through an executive order by President Donald Trump , the commission was created to address several law enforcement challenges , including the safety , health and wellness of officers .
`` The time has come to give the mental health and wellness of officers the same focused care and attention as we give to their physical safety , '' Casstevens testified .
Driving his mission is the disturbing rise in police officer suicides in recent years .
According to the organization Blue HELP , officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the past four years -- from 143 in 2016 to 228 in 2019 .
The suburbs continue to become more diverse , and its police departments are trying to follow suit .
With that in mind , several Northwest suburbs are partnering this weekend to hold a Police Officer Training Workshop aimed at attracting new and more diverse candidates into the law enforcement profession .
The event is 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday , at Harper College 's Wojcik Conference Center , 1200 W. Algonquin Road , in Palatine .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northwest Suburban Law Enforcement Recruitment Taskforce -- created by the Arlington Heights , Buffalo Grove , Elk Grove Village , Hoffman Estates , Mount Prospect , Palatine and Schaumburg police departments -- and Harper 's Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Program .
Along with networking , it will offer workshop sessions covering the police officer selection process , from the written examination to physical testing to in-person interviews .
The cost to attend is $ 25 and you can register at bit.ly/PoliceOfficerTesting .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email @ @ @ @ @ @

13 years after businessman's disappearance, DuPage detective gives case a fresh look
Besides owning several businesses, John "Chicago Johnny" Spira played in a blues band called the Rabble Rousers.
John M. Spira of St. Charles vanished in February 2007 from his office near West Chicago. Now a DuPage County sheriff's investigator is giving the case a new look, starting with an effort to delve into the businessman's financial dealings.
By Charles Keeshan and Susan Sarkauskas
More than 13 years ago after John "Chicago Johnny" Spira vanished from his workplace near West Chicago, a DuPage County sheriff's investigator is trying a new tack to solve the lingering mystery.
Detective David Chiesa told us Thursday he is looking into the St. Charles man's financial dealings, including whether he may have borrowed money from less than reputable sources.
"John had some businesses going on," Chiesa said. "We are trying to just figure out who loaned money to him."
The case got fresh eyes last year when Sheriff James Mendrick assigned Chiesa, a 15-year veteran, to look into it.
Spira, who was 45, was a "charismatic guy" who had many interests, Chiesa said. He played in a blues band called the Rabble Rousers and owned several businesses, including Flight Matrix and Universal Cable Construction.
He was last seen Feb. 23, 2007, at UCC on County Farm Road. For several years after, drivers on nearby North Avenue passed a billboard featuring his face and a plea for information on his disappearance.
Spira was in the middle of a divorce at the time. After his disappearance, two foreclosure suits were filed against him and his wife. But Chiesa agrees with friends and relatives who say Spira would never just leave without telling them.
His family maintains a Facebook page, Missing John Spira, detailing their efforts to find Spira.
UCC suffered a severe fire five months later, fueling suspicion among Spira's friends and relatives that it was connected somehow to Spira's disappearance. Chiesa said there's no evidence the co-owner of UCC had anything to do with Spira's disappearance.
Officially, it is still a missing-person case, but "it is presumed to be a homicide," Chiesa adds.
Anyone with information is asked to call Chiesa at (630) 407-2364 or email him at david.chiesa@dupagesheriff.org
Guilty plea stands
Disgraced former Schaumburg police Sgt. Terrance O'Brien got some bad news late last week: DuPage County Judge Liam Brennan refused to throw out his guilty plea to charges of delivery of a controlled substance, official misconduct, burglary and armed violence.
Terrance O'Brien, one of three former Schaumburg cops accused of shaking down drug dealers and peddling narcotics in DuPage County, has lost bid to have his 2014 guilty plea thrown out.
O'Brien was one of three Schaumburg cops accused in 2013 of skimming marijuana and cocaine from drug busts, then selling them to drug dealers. O'Brien and co-defendant Matthew Hudak pleaded guilty. Charges against a third, John Cichy, were dropped a few days before his trial.
Now serving a 24-year prison term, O'Brien was asking to have his 2014 guilty plea thrown out because, he argued, DuPage prosecutors didn't inform his defense that a witness against him was charged with burglary. The law requires that prosecutors provide information that would cast doubt on witnesses' credibility and honesty.
But Brennan wrote that while the prosecution "arguably engaged in skulduggery when it failed to disclose the informant discovery," there's no precedent that it entitles a defendant to withdraw a guilty plea. And the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that when someone "knowingly and voluntarily" pleads guilty, he or she waives the right to a fair trial. (And as courtroom observers, we've heard judges give that warning many, many times.)
O'Brien also lost arguments that he was erroneously sentenced, and that his lawyer was ineffective.
The ruling was one of the last, if not the last, actions Brennan took from his bench in the DuPage County Judicial Center. On Monday, he became an appellate court judge.
Keeping his word
Before he became president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police last year, Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steve Casstevens promised he would make officer wellness and mental health a hallmark of his administration.
Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steven Casstevens testified last week about officer wellness in front of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement. - Courtesy of Buffalo Grove Police Department
Casstevens is living up to the pledge. Last week, he addressed those issues while testifying as an expert witness before the President's Commission on Law Enforcement. Launched last fall through an executive order by President Donald Trump, the commission was created to address several law enforcement challenges, including the safety, health and wellness of officers.
"The time has come to give the mental health and wellness of officers the same focused care and attention as we give to their physical safety," Casstevens testified.
Driving his mission is the disturbing rise in police officer suicides in recent years. According to the organization Blue HELP, officer suicides are up almost 60% in just the past four years -- from 143 in 2016 to 228 in 2019.
Departments team for training workshop
The suburbs continue to become more diverse, and its police departments are trying to follow suit.
With that in mind, several Northwest suburbs are partnering this weekend to hold a Police Officer Training Workshop aimed at attracting new and more diverse candidates into the law enforcement profession.
The event is 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, at Harper College's Wojcik Conference Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, in Palatine.
The one-day workshop is put on by the Northwest Suburban Law Enforcement Recruitment Taskforce -- created by the Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine and Schaumburg police departments -- and Harper's Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Program.
Along with networking, it will offer workshop sessions covering the police officer selection process, from the written examination to physical testing to in-person interviews.
The cost to attend is $25 and you can register at bit.ly/PoliceOfficerTesting.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Innovation Park's success in Libertyville is erasing memories of Motorola's departure

Plans by Medline Industries Inc. to consolidate 600 jobs at a national sales hub in Libertyville is not only a sign of the company 's success but also a milestone for Innovation Park , the expansive tech campus created out of the former Motorola Mobility headquarters .
Within the past 90 days , campus developer BECO-Midwest has added two new corporate headquarters , leased more 325,000 square feet and is moving toward 90 % occupancy by the end of the year , according to Meg Grow , vice president of leasing .
`` They 've been on fire , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lake County Partners , the county 's development organization .
The recently announced plans by Medline , along with the additions of Valent BioSciences , Intermatic Inc. and EVBox , has helped erase the loss of Motorola Mobility .
The tech giant took 3,000 jobs from Libertyville to Chicago in a stunning departure that concluded in 2014 .
`` In their place , we 've got several growing very high-tech type firms , '' said Heather Rowe , the village 's economic development coordinator .
`` We look to have continued growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BECO Management Inc. , which also operates BECO South in Charlotte , North Carolina , bought the 1.2 million-square-foot campus along Route 45 in 2014 .
The company invested millions in repurposing the sprawling facility as a multi-tenant workplace `` unlike any other anywhere , '' according to promotional materials at the time .
They appear to be capitalizing on that promise .
`` When the dust settles , 2,000 to 2,200 more people will be working at Innovation Park by the end of the year , '' Chris Epstein , president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
The comment followed the announcement that EVBox , a global manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations and charging management software , was going to open its first North American headquarters and production facility at Innovation Park .
An EVBox spokesperson said that after looking at locations in 33 cities , the company chose Libertyville for its central location and connection to the rest of the U.S. , ability to combine office and manufacturing , and a facility that fits the company 's culture and brand image .
Grow said Innovation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that change based on season or demand .
Other tenant-friendly features include wine or craft beer tastings , activities like mastering the art of gift wrapping , workout classes based on tenants ' requests , on-site car washes and a shared bike program .
The experiences are crafted to appeal to a changing business environment , Grow said .
`` We are disrupting the standard work environment in ways most would n't imagine , '' she said .
`` That 's the secret sauce . ''
Innovation park offers a modern and fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` You only have to see it to understand why '' Innovation Park is successful , he said .
Considine said the perceived desire of millennials to be downtown is changing , as the group ages and starts building careers and families .
That 's evident in Lake County , which is the largest reverse community area in Metra 's system , he said .
For every four Milwaukee District North Line riders to Chicago , three are reverse commuting , according to Considine .

Innovation Park's success in Libertyville is erasing memories of Motorola's departure
Plans by Medline Industries Inc. to consolidate 600 jobs at a national sales hub in Libertyville is not only a sign of the company's success but also a milestone for Innovation Park, the expansive tech campus created out of the former Motorola Mobility headquarters.
Within the past 90 days, campus developer BECO-Midwest has added two new corporate headquarters, leased more 325,000 square feet and is moving toward 90% occupancy by the end of the year, according to Meg Grow, vice president of leasing.
"They've been on fire," said Kevin Considine, president and CEO of Lake County Partners, the county's development organization.
The recently announced plans by Medline, along with the additions of Valent BioSciences, Intermatic Inc. and EVBox, has helped erase the loss of Motorola Mobility. The tech giant took 3,000 jobs from Libertyville to Chicago in a stunning departure that concluded in 2014.
"In their place, we've got several growing very high-tech type firms," said Heather Rowe, the village's economic development coordinator. "We look to have continued growth at Innovation Park."
Maryland-based developer BECO Management Inc., which also operates BECO South in Charlotte, North Carolina, bought the 1.2 million-square-foot campus along Route 45 in 2014.
The company invested millions in repurposing the sprawling facility as a multi-tenant workplace "unlike any other anywhere," according to promotional materials at the time.
They appear to be capitalizing on that promise.
"When the dust settles, 2,000 to 2,200 more people will be working at Innovation Park by the end of the year," Chris Epstein, president of BECO South & BECO Midwest, said last month.
The comment followed the announcement that EVBox, a global manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations and charging management software, was going to open its first North American headquarters and production facility at Innovation Park.
An EVBox spokesperson said that after looking at locations in 33 cities, the company chose Libertyville for its central location and connection to the rest of the U.S., ability to combine office and manufacturing, and a facility that fits the company's culture and brand image.
Grow said Innovation Park's customized amenities include pop-up shops that change based on season or demand. Other tenant-friendly features include wine or craft beer tastings, activities like mastering the art of gift wrapping, workout classes based on tenants' requests, on-site car washes and a shared bike program.
The experiences are crafted to appeal to a changing business environment, Grow said.
"We are disrupting the standard work environment in ways most wouldn't imagine," she said. "That's the secret sauce."
Innovation park offers a modern and fun environment employees are seeking, Considine said.
"You only have to see it to understand why" Innovation Park is successful, he said.
Considine said the perceived desire of millennials to be downtown is changing, as the group ages and starts building careers and families.
That's evident in Lake County, which is the largest reverse community area in Metra's system, he said. For every four Milwaukee District North Line riders to Chicago, three are reverse commuting, according to Considine.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--They tell us not to touch our face. But watch how often they do it.

To prevent catching the COVID-19 coronavirus , do as public health officials say , not as they do .
That means not touching your face .
The advice is simple , but the task is herculean , even for those dispensing it .
Sara Cody , the public health director for Santa Clara County , California , slipped up at a news conference Friday , for example .
`` Start working on not touching your face , '' she said .
Less than a minute later , she raised hand to mouth and licked her finger to turn a page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , almost 4.5 million people had watched the clip shared on Twitter .
The same day in Washington , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , scratched her nose and repeatedly brushed her hair away from her face while answering reporters ' questions at a news conference on COVID-19 precautions .
The trend continued Wednesday when Debbie Birx , coronavirus response coordinator for the White House , and Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , who have both stressed the importance of the no-touching-your-face rule , touched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing with President Donald Trump .
`` I have n't touched my face in weeks -- in weeks , '' Trump jokingly said during the briefing .
`` I miss it . ''
But as many people pointed out on Twitter , Trump has been caught on camera touching his face several times in recent days .
And who can blame him ?
Touching your face feels as natural as blinking .
`` It 's very hard to change , because you do n't even know you 're doing it , '' William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ohio , told The Washington Post on Wednesday .
In 2015 , researchers observed a class of medical students during a lecture in which they averaged 24 face touches an hour .
`` The Daily Show With Trevor Noah '' latched onto the trend Wednesday , compiling examples of five public officials , ranging from governors to World Health Organization representatives , touching their faces while giving press statements about halting the coronavirus .
Other offenders include Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Michael Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization 's health emergencies program .
In the past several weeks , as anxieties over the coronavirus have increased , social media filled with memes , jokes and GIFs expressing people 's frustration with their inability to keep fingers off their faces .
`` Realizing basically all I do is touch my face , '' comedian and actor Seth Rogen tweeted Wednesday .
Doctors say keeping your hands off your face is the most effective measure you can take to avoid catching the coronavirus and most other common viral infections .
Frequently washing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or using hand sanitizer , is another important precaution .
But if you end up touching your face despite your best efforts , look no further than Vice President Mike Pence , who is in charge of the COVID-19 outbreak response , pinching his nose seconds before shaking hands with the top public health experts working to prevent the spread of the virus .

They tell us not to touch our face. But watch how often they do it.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said "not touching your mouth and your nose and your eyes" was good advice in light of the coronavirus risk, then minutes later wiped his nose with his hand. Washington Post video frame grab
To prevent catching the COVID-19 coronavirus, do as public health officials say, not as they do.
That means not touching your face. The advice is simple, but the task is herculean, even for those dispensing it.
Sara Cody, the public health director for Santa Clara County, California, slipped up at a news conference Friday, for example. "Start working on not touching your face," she said.
Less than a minute later, she raised hand to mouth and licked her finger to turn a page in her notes. As of early Thursday, almost 4.5 million people had watched the clip shared on Twitter.
The same day in Washington, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., scratched her nose and repeatedly brushed her hair away from her face while answering reporters' questions at a news conference on COVID-19 precautions.
The trend continued Wednesday when Debbie Birx, coronavirus response coordinator for the White House, and Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who have both stressed the importance of the no-touching-your-face rule, touched their faces during a COVID-19 task force briefing with President Donald Trump.
"I haven't touched my face in weeks -- in weeks," Trump jokingly said during the briefing. "I miss it."
But as many people pointed out on Twitter, Trump has been caught on camera touching his face several times in recent days.
And who can blame him? Touching your face feels as natural as blinking.
"It's very hard to change, because you don't even know you're doing it," William Sawyer, a family doctor in Sharonville, Ohio, told The Washington Post on Wednesday.
In 2015, researchers observed a class of medical students during a lecture in which they averaged 24 face touches an hour.
"The Daily Show With Trevor Noah" latched onto the trend Wednesday, compiling examples of five public officials, ranging from governors to World Health Organization representatives, touching their faces while giving press statements about halting the coronavirus.
Other offenders include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization's health emergencies program.
In the past several weeks, as anxieties over the coronavirus have increased, social media filled with memes, jokes and GIFs expressing people's frustration with their inability to keep fingers off their faces.
"Realizing basically all I do is touch my face," comedian and actor Seth Rogen tweeted Wednesday.
Doctors say keeping your hands off your face is the most effective measure you can take to avoid catching the coronavirus and most other common viral infections. Frequently washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer, is another important precaution.
But if you end up touching your face despite your best efforts, look no further than Vice President Mike Pence, who is in charge of the COVID-19 outbreak response, pinching his nose seconds before shaking hands with the top public health experts working to prevent the spread of the virus.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--A show of support for Palatine's finest ahead of National Police Week

For the second consecutive year , Palatine residents belonging to a nonprofit group supporting the police department are hoping the community joins them in showing appreciation for local law enforcement .
Yard signs , baseball caps , window clings and possibly other items will be sold at cost by the Palatine PD Boosters in advance of National Police Week , which runs May 10-16 .
Palatine PD Boosters member Vince Najdowski said it 's hoped scores of yard placards are displayed across the village again , along with support for police on business message boards .
Featuring a blue badge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign read : `` We Support The Palatine PD .
Thank You For Your Service . ''
However , the village 's name likely will not stand out in this year 's sign design in an effort to attract nonresident buyers , Najdowski said , The proposed version has a flag with alternating black-and-white stripes , stars and one blue stripe -- commonly known as The Thin Blue Line -- with a police badge in the middle and the Palatine PD Boosters ' logo in the lower-right corner .
At the top is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` Police Appreciation Week '' appears at the bottom .
`` We 'd love to make this a Northwest suburban-type thing , '' Najdowski said .
`` We 're just going to keep rolling till we can approach that properly . ''
Najdowski said a decision was made to add the baseball caps this year with phraseology similar to what 's on the signs .
At least 450 signs and blue LED bulbs were sold last year , according to the nonprofit group .
Palatine Police Chief David Daigle said officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the village in 2019 , and he gave a thumbs-up to the cap addition for this year .
`` When you feel appreciated , yes , I think it makes you feel good about yourself , '' Daigle said .
Sales are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2 and May 9 , while supplies last .
So far , the locations will be Palatine police headquarters at 595 N. Hicks Road , Jewel-Osco at 45 S. Plum Grove Road , and Eurofresh Market at 130 W. Northwest Highway .
Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support campaign for police , not a Palatine PD Boosters fundraiser .
Najdowski said the signs are expected to sell for $ 10 and the hats $ 15 , which is the group 's cost for each .
Palatine Citizen Police Academy graduates started the nonprofit booster organization shortly after completing the course in late 2017 .
In part , the boosters ' stated goal is to assist and support police by improving the community 's relationship with them through education and communication .
National Police Week involves several organizations honoring U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund , Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary and Concerns of Police Survivors .

A show of support for Palatine's finest ahead of National Police Week
Members of the nonprofit Palatine PD Boosters will sell this cap at cost in advance of National Police Week from May 10-16. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara.com
Palatine PD Boosters member Vince Najdowski shows off a cap that'll be sold at cost in advance of National Police Week, which is May 10-16. Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz is in the background before a village council meeting this week. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara.com
For the second consecutive year, Palatine residents belonging to a nonprofit group supporting the police department are hoping the community joins them in showing appreciation for local law enforcement.
Yard signs, baseball caps, window clings and possibly other items will be sold at cost by the Palatine PD Boosters in advance of National Police Week, which runs May 10-16.
Palatine PD Boosters member Vince Najdowski said it's hoped scores of yard placards are displayed across the village again, along with support for police on business message boards.
Featuring a blue badge in the middle, last year's sign read: "We Support The Palatine PD. Thank You For Your Service."
However, the village's name likely will not stand out in this year's sign design in an effort to attract nonresident buyers, Najdowski said,
The proposed version has a flag with alternating black-and-white stripes, stars and one blue stripe -- commonly known as The Thin Blue Line -- with a police badge in the middle and the Palatine PD Boosters' logo in the lower-right corner. At the top is "Thank You For Your Service," and "Police Appreciation Week" appears at the bottom.
"We'd love to make this a Northwest suburban-type thing," Najdowski said. "We're just going to keep rolling till we can approach that properly." Najdowski said a decision was made to add the baseball caps this year with phraseology similar to what's on the signs.
This is a proposed yard sign created by the nonprofit Palatine PD Boosters for National Police Week this year. - Courtesy of Palatine PD Boosters
At least 450 signs and blue LED bulbs were sold last year, according to the nonprofit group.
Palatine Police Chief David Daigle said officers were overwhelmed at seeing the signs throughout the village in 2019, and he gave a thumbs-up to the cap addition for this year.
"When you feel appreciated, yes, I think it makes you feel good about yourself," Daigle said.
Sales are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2 and May 9, while supplies last. So far, the locations will be Palatine police headquarters at 595 N. Hicks Road, Jewel-Osco at 45 S. Plum Grove Road, and Eurofresh Market at 130 W. Northwest Highway.
Organization members stress the effort is an awareness and support campaign for police, not a Palatine PD Boosters fundraiser.
Najdowski said the signs are expected to sell for $10 and the hats $15, which is the group's cost for each.
Palatine Citizen Police Academy graduates started the nonprofit booster organization shortly after completing the course in late 2017. In part, the boosters' stated goal is to assist and support police by improving the community's relationship with them through education and communication.
National Police Week involves several organizations honoring U.S. law enforcement. The main organizers include the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary and Concerns of Police Survivors.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Rezin accuses Oberweis of donation scheme

Congressional candidate Sue Rezin said she caught GOP primary opponent Jim Oberweis `` red-handed '' in a campaign laundering scheme -- using information from LaSalle County State 's Attorney Karen Donnelly .
Oberweis , who is a state senator from Sugar Grove , is accused of donating money to other candidates ' campaign committees from his campaign committee for state senator , in exchange for a reciprocal donation to his federal campaign for the Republican nomination in the 14th Congressional District .
Rezin , a state senator from Morris , has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state campaign funds for his congressional run .
In an email , the Oberweis campaign dismissed the complaints as `` a desperate last-minute effort to try to gain some traction on her failing campaign . ''
`` These allegations are simply not true , '' the email said .
Donnelly provided Rezin 's campaign with a copy of an uncashed $ 1,000 check from the Friends of Jim Oberweis to Donnelly 's campaign committee .
Donnelly said Oberweis then told her personally in a phone conversation to donate $ 500 to his federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign and signed a sworn affidavit of what took place .
In early February , Oberweis had an agent of his campaign , Keith Becker , contact Donnelly through a Facebook message saying : `` State Sen. Jim Oberweis said he would make a reciprocal donation of greater value for a donation to his campaign . ''
Federal election law does not permit state and local campaign funds to be transferred to federal campaigns , according to an email from Federal Election Commission Press Officer Judith Ingram .
`` At its option , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same candidate may refund its leftover funds to its contributors and may coordinate arrangements with the federal campaign for a solicitation of those same persons , '' according to the email .
Along with Rezin and Oberweis , Anthony Catella , Jerry Evans , Ted Gradel , Catalina Lauf and James Marter are vying for the Republican nomination in the March 17 primary .
The 14th Congressional seat is held by Lauren Underwood , D-Naperville .

Rezin accuses Oberweis of donation scheme
Upper, from left, Anthony Catella, Ted Gradel, Jerry Evans and Catalina Lauf and, lower from left, James Marter, Jim Oberweis and Sue Rezin are the Republican candidates in the 14th Congressional District.
Congressional candidate Sue Rezin said she caught GOP primary opponent Jim Oberweis "red-handed" in a campaign laundering scheme -- using information from LaSalle County State's Attorney Karen Donnelly.
Oberweis, who is a state senator from Sugar Grove, is accused of donating money to other candidates' campaign committees from his campaign committee for state senator, in exchange for a reciprocal donation to his federal campaign for the Republican nomination in the 14th Congressional District.
Rezin, a state senator from Morris, has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, stating federal law prohibits Oberweis using his state campaign funds for his congressional run.
In an email, the Oberweis campaign dismissed the complaints as "a desperate last-minute effort to try to gain some traction on her failing campaign."
"These allegations are simply not true," the email said.
Donnelly provided Rezin's campaign with a copy of an uncashed $1,000 check from the Friends of Jim Oberweis to Donnelly's campaign committee. Donnelly said Oberweis then told her personally in a phone conversation to donate $500 to his federal campaign committee.
Donnelly alerted Rezin's campaign and signed a sworn affidavit of what took place.
In early February, Oberweis had an agent of his campaign, Keith Becker, contact Donnelly through a Facebook message saying: "State Sen. Jim Oberweis said he would make a reciprocal donation of greater value for a donation to his campaign."
Federal election law does not permit state and local campaign funds to be transferred to federal campaigns, according to an email from Federal Election Commission Press Officer Judith Ingram.
"At its option, however, a nonfederal committee of the same candidate may refund its leftover funds to its contributors and may coordinate arrangements with the federal campaign for a solicitation of those same persons," according to the email.
Along with Rezin and Oberweis, Anthony Catella, Jerry Evans, Ted Gradel, Catalina Lauf and James Marter are vying for the Republican nomination in the March 17 primary. The 14th Congressional seat is held by Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-05--Hotel, gas station and more proposed along Randall Road in Elgin

An Indianapolis company hopes to get approval from Elgin for a $ 70 million development along Randall Road that would include a hotel , a gas station , and buildings for commercial , office space and `` light industrial '' uses .
Scannell Properties ' plans for 53 acres at the southwest corner of Randall Road and Route 72/Higgins Road include the annexation of the northernmost 37 acres , which are outside Elgin 's city limits .
Busse Parkway would be extended to Randall Road , in alignment with Carrington Drive east of Randall Road , with the addition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing director for Scannell , said that although the company has n't started marketing the site , it already has received interest from retail , hotel and light industrial development .
The site is among the last , if not the last , large parcel open for such development near the Interstate 90 and Randall Road interchange , he said .
`` It 's kind of a strategic location and we like doing business with Elgin , '' Linville said .
`` You 're just outside Cook County so you have lower taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as going all the way out to Rockford or the other exits further west of Elgin . ''
The planning and zoning commission , at its meeting Monday , unanimously recommended approval of the plan .
Final approval will have to come from the Elgin City Council .
The plan has detractors , however , such as Rosalie Fallico , owner of Big Sammy 's Hot Dogs at 2490 Bushwood Parkway .
She and other nearby small business owners believe the new development will hurt them , she said .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people , but I think if we bring some large chain restaurants , some of us will go under , '' she said .
Resident William Graves , who lives near the proposed development , told the commission he 's worried about increased traffic along Randall Road .
The first phase of the project proposed by Scannell Properties would include extending Busse Parkway and building a 418,000- square foot , light-industrial building on the western portion of the site , and a 91,000-square foot , commercial/office/industrial building on the southwest corner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station and convenience store , a four-story hotel , commercial retail/service buildings , and another 48,000-square foot , commercial/office/industrial building would be built later .
Linville said that if everything moves forward smoothly , the company hopes to break ground in summer and finish the development by the end of 2021 .

Hotel, gas station and more proposed along Randall Road in Elgin
Scannell Properties is proposing a $70 million development at the southwest corner of Randall Road and Route 72/Higgins Road in Elgin. The plan got the OK from the planning and zoning commission this week and will need city council approval. Courtesy of City of Elgin
A hotel, gas station and buildings for commercial, office space and "light industrial" uses would be built at Randall Road and Route 72/Higgins Road in Elgin under a $70 million plan proposed by an Indianapolis-based company. This rendering show a potential configuration; another configuration would have two buildings, instead of a large one, on the western area. Courtesy of City of Elgin
An Indianapolis company hopes to get approval from Elgin for a $70 million development along Randall Road that would include a hotel, a gas station, and buildings for commercial, office space and "light industrial" uses.
Scannell Properties' plans for 53 acres at the southwest corner of Randall Road and Route 72/Higgins Road include the annexation of the northernmost 37 acres, which are outside Elgin's city limits.
Busse Parkway would be extended to Randall Road, in alignment with Carrington Drive east of Randall Road, with the addition of a traffic signal.
Bill Linville, managing director for Scannell, said that although the company hasn't started marketing the site, it already has received interest from retail, hotel and light industrial development. The site is among the last, if not the last, large parcel open for such development near the Interstate 90 and Randall Road interchange, he said.
"It's kind of a strategic location and we like doing business with Elgin," Linville said. "You're just outside Cook County so you have lower taxes, but you're not so far as going all the way out to Rockford or the other exits further west of Elgin."
The planning and zoning commission, at its meeting Monday, unanimously recommended approval of the plan. Final approval will have to come from the Elgin City Council.
The plan has detractors, however, such as Rosalie Fallico, owner of Big Sammy's Hot Dogs at 2490 Bushwood Parkway. She and other nearby small business owners believe the new development will hurt them, she said.
"We're all for bringing in the community and more people, but I think if we bring some large chain restaurants, some of us will go under," she said.
Resident William Graves, who lives near the proposed development, told the commission he's worried about increased traffic along Randall Road.
The first phase of the project proposed by Scannell Properties would include extending Busse Parkway and building a 418,000- square foot, light-industrial building on the western portion of the site, and a 91,000-square foot, commercial/office/industrial building on the southwest corner of Randall and Higgins roads.
A gas station and convenience store, a four-story hotel, commercial retail/service buildings, and another 48,000-square foot, commercial/office/industrial building would be built later.
Linville said that if everything moves forward smoothly, the company hopes to break ground in summer and finish the development by the end of 2021.