dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-20--Suited for success: Naperville charity outfits jail inmates for job interviews, court

Clothes make the man , says an ancient Latin proverb made famous by Mark Twain .
Now men in the DuPage County jail can get made over through the donation of more than 400 shirts , pants and suits by Suits for Success , a Naperville-based charity .
They can wear the clothing to court or to job interviews and even keep them once out of lockup .
`` We are trying to do our small part in getting them jobs .
We want an equal playing field for ( anyone ) that is interviewing for a job , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Suits for Success .
`` These clothes , when they walk in , they have confidence in what they do . ''
Detainee Sean Falcone attested to that Wednesday while sporting a gray suit and pastel lavender dress shirt .
`` Leaving jail , it is hard to get in the mindset of being successful , '' he said .
Falcone has been in the jail since December , when he was arrested on a burglary charge .
He has pleaded guilty and been admitted to the drug treatment court program , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If he completes the program , he can withdraw his plea and the burglary case will be dismissed .
During his time locked up , Falcone graduated from a janitorial/sanitation services course offered at the jail .
Suits for Success started in 2016 , when Denwood was a volunteer at Stateville Correctional Center .
When the prison needed street clothes , Denwood sought donations from Steve Hirmer , owner of Signature Cleaners in Naperville .
The organization has since donated more than 53,000 items to prisons in Illinois and Wisconsin .
New and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who live in the Western suburbs , Denwood said , via churches , charities and businesses .
The organization also has worked with dry-cleaning and laundry businesses to serve as drop-off points .
The clothes are n't just for job interviews and court .
Inmates can receive an outfit when they are released if the clothing they wore into jail is n't suitable -- such as if they were arrested in shorts and a T-shirt in July and get out in the middle of winter .
Or if their clothes were damaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group plans to also donate clothing for the jail 's female detainees .
Sheriff James Mendrick said the clothing closet is just one of several jail programs aimed at giving inmates the tools to stay on the right side of the law .
Classes in welding , computer skills , janitorial work and more are conducted by JUST of DuPage .
`` This is yet another arrow in that quiver , '' Mendrick said .
For more information on Suits for Success , or to arrange a donation , visit suitsforsuccess.net .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its law enforcement community in particular , is mourning the passing this week of former police Chief Robert Sturlini .
Sturlini served six years as the department 's top cop , the culmination of a 34-year career that included the task of assembling a special unit to provide security for court appearances by notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy .
The team he formed went on to become Des Plaines ' first SWAT unit .
Sturlini , 82 , of Rolling Meadows died Sunday surrounded by his family , according to his obituary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marine Corps , Sturlini joined the Des Plaines Police Department in 1967 and worked his way up through the ranks .
He was a newly appointed lieutenant when he was assigned to create a special detail to protect Gacy .
As chief , Sturlini hired a full-time social worker to assist victims of domestic violence , brought the department its first police dog , created the department 's first bicycle patrol and oversaw technology upgrades .
`` I feel very good that the Des Plaines Police Department is in good hands , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview shortly before his retirement .
The police department echoed those works this week in a tribute to Sturlini .
`` May you rest in peace Chief , '' a post on the department 's Facebook page reads .
`` We have it from here . ''
Friends and family will take part in a graveside service today in Arlington Heights .
In lieu of flowers , contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation at allbloodcancers.org .
DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen saved himself a bit of work last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Kachiroubas , Jorgensen -- a surgeon -- responded `` in a New York second '' to a man in distress Aug. 15 at a restaurant .
Jorgensen and Kachiroubas were at an informal monthly political lunch when a man began to flail about and stand up .
The coroner grabbed him , sat him down and performed the Heimlich maneuver several times , dislodging a piece of meat from the man 's throat .
`` The Doctor Richard Jorgensen may have cheated the Coroner Richard Jorgensen , '' Kachiroubas said at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was pretty crazy , '' Jorgensen told us .
He was in medical school about the time the Heimlich maneuver became well-known and learned it there .
He has performed it several times since , he said .
As a med student , he taught it to his parents -- and shortly thereafter , his father used it to save his mother .
`` Everyone should know the Heimlich , '' he said .
Why put the guy in a chair ?
Because he was big and tall .
`` I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jorgensen said .
`` I was just blessed to be in the right place at the right time , '' he added .
And out of curiosity , he looked up how many people died in DuPage County last year from choking on food : seven .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Suited for success: Naperville charity outfits jail inmates for job interviews, court
Clothes make the man, says an ancient Latin proverb made famous by Mark Twain.
Now men in the DuPage County jail can get made over through the donation of more than 400 shirts, pants and suits by Suits for Success, a Naperville-based charity.
They can wear the clothing to court or to job interviews and even keep them once out of lockup.
"We are trying to do our small part in getting them jobs. We want an equal playing field for (anyone) that is interviewing for a job," said Bill Denwood of Naperville, co-founder of Suits for Success.
"These clothes, when they walk in, they have confidence in what they do."
Detainee Sean Falcone attested to that Wednesday while sporting a gray suit and pastel lavender dress shirt.
"Leaving jail, it is hard to get in the mindset of being successful," he said.
Falcone has been in the jail since December, when he was arrested on a burglary charge. He has pleaded guilty and been admitted to the drug treatment court program, so he will be released soon. If he completes the program, he can withdraw his plea and the burglary case will be dismissed.
During his time locked up, Falcone graduated from a janitorial/sanitation services course offered at the jail.
Suits for Success started in 2016, when Denwood was a volunteer at Stateville Correctional Center. When the prison needed street clothes, Denwood sought donations from Steve Hirmer, owner of Signature Cleaners in Naperville.
The organization has since donated more than 53,000 items to prisons in Illinois and Wisconsin. New and gently used clothing is donated mostly by people who live in the Western suburbs, Denwood said, via churches, charities and businesses. The organization also has worked with dry-cleaning and laundry businesses to serve as drop-off points.
The clothes aren't just for job interviews and court. Inmates can receive an outfit when they are released if the clothing they wore into jail isn't suitable -- such as if they were arrested in shorts and a T-shirt in July and get out in the middle of winter. Or if their clothes were damaged or just plain ratty.
Denwood said the group plans to also donate clothing for the jail's female detainees.
Sheriff James Mendrick said the clothing closet is just one of several jail programs aimed at giving inmates the tools to stay on the right side of the law. Classes in welding, computer skills, janitorial work and more are conducted by JUST of DuPage.
"This is yet another arrow in that quiver," Mendrick said.
For more information on Suits for Success, or to arrange a donation, visit suitsforsuccess.net.
Des Plaines mourns ex-chief
The city of Des Plaines, and its law enforcement community in particular, is mourning the passing this week of former police Chief Robert Sturlini.
Former Des Plaines Police Chief Robert Sturlini died this week. He was 82. - Daily Herald File Photo
Sturlini served six years as the department's top cop, the culmination of a 34-year career that included the task of assembling a special unit to provide security for court appearances by notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy. The team he formed went on to become Des Plaines' first SWAT unit.
Sturlini, 82, of Rolling Meadows died Sunday surrounded by his family, according to his obituary.
After serving four years in the Marine Corps, Sturlini joined the Des Plaines Police Department in 1967 and worked his way up through the ranks. He was a newly appointed lieutenant when he was assigned to create a special detail to protect Gacy.
As chief, Sturlini hired a full-time social worker to assist victims of domestic violence, brought the department its first police dog, created the department's first bicycle patrol and oversaw technology upgrades.
"I feel very good that the Des Plaines Police Department is in good hands," Sturlini said in a 2000 Daily Herald interview shortly before his retirement.
The police department echoed those works this week in a tribute to Sturlini.
"May you rest in peace Chief," a post on the department's Facebook page reads. "We have it from here."
Friends and family will take part in a graveside service today in Arlington Heights. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation at allbloodcancers.org.
Coroner cheats death?
DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen saved himself a bit of work last week.
DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen may have saved himself some work last week by saving a life. Jorgensen was dining out when he noticed a man choking on food. He quickly deployed the Heimlich maneuver to rescue the man. - Daily Herald File Photo, 2016
According to DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk Chris Kachiroubas, Jorgensen -- a surgeon -- responded "in a New York second" to a man in distress Aug. 15 at a restaurant.
Jorgensen and Kachiroubas were at an informal monthly political lunch when a man began to flail about and stand up.
The coroner grabbed him, sat him down and performed the Heimlich maneuver several times, dislodging a piece of meat from the man's throat.
"The Doctor Richard Jorgensen may have cheated the Coroner Richard Jorgensen," Kachiroubas said at a county board committee meeting Tuesday.
"That was pretty crazy," Jorgensen told us.
He was in medical school about the time the Heimlich maneuver became well-known and learned it there. He has performed it several times since, he said. As a med student, he taught it to his parents -- and shortly thereafter, his father used it to save his mother.
"Everyone should know the Heimlich," he said.
Why put the guy in a chair? Because he was big and tall. "I was concerned if he passed out," Jorgensen said.
"I was just blessed to be in the right place at the right time," he added.
And out of curiosity, he looked up how many people died in DuPage County last year from choking on food: seven.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-20--Bulls catch a break, move up to No. 4 slot in draft lottery

The road to a more successful rebuild starts with small victories .
The Bulls got one at Thursday 's NBA Draft lottery , when they moved up to the No .
4 pick and will avoid selecting seventh for the fourth straight year .
`` I do n't think you address needs at the four , you get the best talent , '' Bulls vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said via Zoom call .
`` That 's what we 're going to be looking for with the highest upside player . ''
The Oct. 16 NBA Draft will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve the Bulls ' roster , though it 's possible trades or decisions on qualifying offers could happen before then .
During the past basketball season , Karnisovas was working for the Denver Nuggets , but he always made a point of watching draft prospects live , so he should be prepared .
`` No matter the position , I always scouted live and wanted always to see a player at least twice during the year , '' Karnisovas said .
`` Besides the video , besides the interviewing , besides seeing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workouts before the draft , I like live scouting .
I like to see prospects live .
`` No matter what , you 've got to go see them .
It 's going to be limited time now because you do n't see them fresh .
We have n't played basketball since March , so it 's going to be a little bit more difficult . ''
This will be the Bulls ' highest draft pick since they landed Derrick Rose first overall in 2008 .
When Karnisovas worked in Denver , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice , choosing Jamal Murray and Emmanuel Mudiay .
The NBA is expected to announce plans for a virtual draft combine this year and Karnisovas feels it 's unlikely they 'll be able to bring players to Chicago for predraft workouts .
He said the Bulls have interviewed some draft prospects already .
`` By moving to four , obviously the group is going to get smaller , '' Karnisovas said .
`` However , I think going from team to team , the consensus is going to be very different .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each and opinion 's going to vary .
There 's a lot of opportunity in that environment , I think .
Hopefully at four , we 're going to get a very good player . ''
In the past week , the Bulls fired coach Jim Boylen and were given the green light to hold three weeks of team workouts at the Advocate Center from Sept. 14 through Oct. 6 .
Karnisovas said there 's no goal of hiring a new coach before the camp begins .
He also confirmed there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all , we 're excited to get those activities , '' Karnisovas said .
`` Players that I talked to , they miss group workouts and that 's going to be presented .
We 're not going to put pressure on ourselves to hire a coach by then .
If that happens , it happens , but we 're not going to insist on that . ''
Minnesota landed the top pick for the second time in six years , followed by Golden State at No .
2 .
Those teams shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleveland , which dropped to No .
5 .
Charlotte will have the third pick after moving up five spots , a bigger jump that the Bulls .
Here 's an early look at the potential mock draft among lottery teams :

Bulls catch a break, move up to No. 4 slot in draft lottery
"I don't think you address needs at the four, you get the best talent," Bulls vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said Thursday via Zoom call. Associated Press
The road to a more successful rebuild starts with small victories.
The Bulls got one at Thursday's NBA Draft lottery, when they moved up to the No. 4 pick and will avoid selecting seventh for the fourth straight year.
"I don't think you address needs at the four, you get the best talent," Bulls vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said via Zoom call. "That's what we're going to be looking for with the highest upside player."
The Oct. 16 NBA Draft will essentially be Karnisovas' first chance to improve the Bulls' roster, though it's possible trades or decisions on qualifying offers could happen before then.
During the past basketball season, Karnisovas was working for the Denver Nuggets, but he always made a point of watching draft prospects live, so he should be prepared.
"No matter the position, I always scouted live and wanted always to see a player at least twice during the year," Karnisovas said. "Besides the video, besides the interviewing, besides seeing them in combine and bringing them in for workouts before the draft, I like live scouting. I like to see prospects live.
"No matter what, you've got to go see them. It's going to be limited time now because you don't see them fresh. We haven't played basketball since March, so it's going to be a little bit more difficult."
This will be the Bulls' highest draft pick since they landed Derrick Rose first overall in 2008. When Karnisovas worked in Denver, the Nuggets had the No. 7 pick twice, choosing Jamal Murray and Emmanuel Mudiay.
The NBA is expected to announce plans for a virtual draft combine this year and Karnisovas feels it's unlikely they'll be able to bring players to Chicago for predraft workouts. He said the Bulls have interviewed some draft prospects already.
"By moving to four, obviously the group is going to get smaller," Karnisovas said. "However, I think going from team to team, the consensus is going to be very different. People are going to have different evaluations of each and opinion's going to vary. There's a lot of opportunity in that environment, I think. Hopefully at four, we're going to get a very good player."
In the past week, the Bulls fired coach Jim Boylen and were given the green light to hold three weeks of team workouts at the Advocate Center from Sept. 14 through Oct. 6.
Karnisovas said there's no goal of hiring a new coach before the camp begins. He also confirmed there have been no coaching interviews yet.
"First of all, we're excited to get those activities," Karnisovas said. "Players that I talked to, they miss group workouts and that's going to be presented. We're not going to put pressure on ourselves to hire a coach by then. If that happens, it happens, but we're not going to insist on that."
Minnesota landed the top pick for the second time in six years, followed by Golden State at No. 2. Those teams shared the best lottery odds, along with Cleveland, which dropped to No. 5.
Charlotte will have the third pick after moving up five spots, a bigger jump that the Bulls.
Here's an early look at the potential mock draft among lottery teams:
1. Minnesota: Anthony Edwards, 6-5, SG, Georgia
2. Golden State: James Wiseman, 7-1, C, Memphis
3. Charlotte: LaMelo Ball, 6-8, PG, Illawarra Hawks
4. BULLS: Deni Avdija, 6-9, SF, Israel
5. Cleveland: Obi Toppin, 6-9, PF, Dayton
6. Atlanta: Onyeka Okongwu, 6-9, PF, USC
7. Detroit: Killian Hayes, 6-5, PG, France
8. New York: Isaac Okoro, 6-6. SF, Auburn
9. Washington: Precious Achiuwa, 6-9, SF, Memphis
10. Phoenix: Tyrese Haliburton, 6-5, SG, Iowa State
11. San Antonio: Devin Vassell, 6-7, SG, Florida St.
12. Sacramento: Patrick Williams, 6-7, SF, Florida St.
13. New Orleans: Aaron Nesmith, 6-6, SG, Vanderbilt
14. Boston (from Memphis): Tyrese Maxey, 6-2, SG, Kentucky
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--After two practices, here's what we know about Bears QB battle

Every time someone asks Matt Nagy or Ryan Pace about their quarterback competition , their first or second instinct is to remind them there are competitions for starting jobs at tight end , guard , cornerback , safety and maybe even another spot or two as well .
It 's true , it 's fair and it is very important .
But it does n't change the fact that , at the end of the day , the Bears ' ability to improve on last year 's 8-8 campaign is going to come down to improvement under center .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is it really an open competition for the starting job , or do Nagy and Pace already know who its going to be and are they using the battle more for motivation than discovery ?
I believe it is possible either Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles could be the starter on opening day .
But reality is Trubisky had a huge edge going in , even before COVID-19 radically slanted the playing field .
A thorough look at Nick Foles ' career reveals all of his significant success has come from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nonetheless NFL management types and coaches can be as fickle a group as life has to offer , so two padded practices into a tightly compressed training camp what have we learned so far ?
To my eye , Trubisky has been much sharper , more accurate and more convicted in his decision-making than Foles has in the early going .
Again , that had to be expected with Trubisky entering his third year with most of his teammates while Foles is still matching names to faces .
While Foles is familiar with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been studying this playbook , new to Foles , for the last two years .
Good luck getting Nagy to offer any insight yet .
`` There are so many details that go into it , the Bears head coach said .
It 's not as simple as just dropping back and trying to find the open guy per se .
`` And so , we 're just trying to make sure that the way we coach it , the way that he ( Foles ) learns it and Mitch learns it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all seeing the same thing .
`` So we 're getting lots of stuff on tape , we 're watching video , and within that time , we get together and we evaluate where those guys are at . ''
Nagy did offer a conditional endorsement of Trubisky 's improvement when asked if he 's ahead of last year .
`` Yes , so far , I think so .
`` I wish I could tell you we had enough .
But there 's just not enough with where we 're at .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ But again , the mental side of it , decision making , where he 's going -- so far , so good .
`` They 're both competing the right way . ''
New quarterbacks coach John DiFilippo , who has coached Foles before , but is new to Trubisky , did say he was happy with the steps Trubisky is taking from day-to-day .
`` That 's fair , that 's totally fair , DiFilippo said .
`` I would agree with that statement .
It 's just the decision-making piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it 's obviously easier to make quick decisions when you know the offense . ''
There is also this about Trubisky early in camp from veteran teammate Cordarrelle Patterson .
`` He actually looks like a whole new player this year , man , I just see it in his eyes , '' Patterson said .
`` Each and every day , he 's got that fire on him .
It brings the best out of everybody , so I 'm excited .
`` We 'll see what him and Nick can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While that 's certainly not an indictment of Foles , it is a fairly strong endorsement of Trubisky .
I know , I know -- it 's early and the competition has just begun .
But the fact is with opening day just 25 days away , no exhibition games and almost no live action at all to provide more answers before it gets here , it is also getting very late if Foles is to catch up .
In spite of all the drama and hype that accompanied Foles ' arrival , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been Trubisky 's job to lose and we 've seen nothing so far to suggest that 's likely to happen , at least not before opening day .

After two practices, here's what we know about Bears QB battle
Bears quarterbacks Nick Foles (9), Mitch Trubisky (10) and Tyler Bray (8) talk during football training camp at Halas Hall in Lake Forest on Thursday. At the end of the day, the Bears' ability to improve on last year's 8-8 campaign is going to come down to improvement at quarterback. So who has the edge so far: Trubisky or Foles? Associated Press
Every time someone asks Matt Nagy or Ryan Pace about their quarterback competition, their first or second instinct is to remind them there are competitions for starting jobs at tight end, guard, cornerback, safety and maybe even another spot or two as well.
It's true, it's fair and it is very important.
But it doesn't change the fact that, at the end of the day, the Bears' ability to improve on last year's 8-8 campaign is going to come down to improvement under center.
As critical as that makes the QB battle, is it really an open competition for the starting job, or do Nagy and Pace already know who its going to be and are they using the battle more for motivation than discovery?
I believe it is possible either Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles could be the starter on opening day. But reality is Trubisky had a huge edge going in, even before COVID-19 radically slanted the playing field. A thorough look at Nick Foles' career reveals all of his significant success has come from being the backup QB on opening night.
Nonetheless NFL management types and coaches can be as fickle a group as life has to offer, so two padded practices into a tightly compressed training camp what have we learned so far?
To my eye, Trubisky has been much sharper, more accurate and more convicted in his decision-making than Foles has in the early going.
Again, that had to be expected with Trubisky entering his third year with most of his teammates while Foles is still matching names to faces.
While Foles is familiar with his coaches and their schemes, Trubisky has been studying this playbook, new to Foles, for the last two years.
Good luck getting Nagy to offer any insight yet.
"There are so many details that go into it, the Bears head coach said. It's not as simple as just dropping back and trying to find the open guy per se.
"And so, we're just trying to make sure that the way we coach it, the way that he (Foles) learns it and Mitch learns it and Tyler learns it, we're all seeing the same thing.
"So we're getting lots of stuff on tape, we're watching video, and within that time, we get together and we evaluate where those guys are at."
Nagy did offer a conditional endorsement of Trubisky's improvement when asked if he's ahead of last year.
"Yes, so far, I think so.
"I wish I could tell you we had enough. But there's just not enough with where we're at. We need to see more.
"But again, the mental side of it, decision making, where he's going -- so far, so good.
"They're both competing the right way."
New quarterbacks coach John DiFilippo, who has coached Foles before, but is new to Trubisky, did say he was happy with the steps Trubisky is taking from day-to-day.
"That's fair, that's totally fair, DiFilippo said. "I would agree with that statement. It's just the decision-making piece of it is knowing the offense.
"And it's obviously easier to make quick decisions when you know the offense."
There is also this about Trubisky early in camp from veteran teammate Cordarrelle Patterson.
"He actually looks like a whole new player this year, man, I just see it in his eyes," Patterson said.
"Each and every day, he's got that fire on him. It brings the best out of everybody, so I'm excited.
"We'll see what him and Nick can do competing for that job."
While that's certainly not an indictment of Foles, it is a fairly strong endorsement of Trubisky.
I know, I know -- it's early and the competition has just begun.
But the fact is with opening day just 25 days away, no exhibition games and almost no live action at all to provide more answers before it gets here, it is also getting very late if Foles is to catch up.
In spite of all the drama and hype that accompanied Foles' arrival, common sense tells us this has always been Trubisky's job to lose and we've seen nothing so far to suggest that's likely to happen, at least not before opening day.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-20--Next stop, Wrigley: Red-hot White Sox ready for Cubs

The White Sox have already seen the Cubs twice this season .
They played their city rivals in back-to-back exhibition games a few days before the shortened regular season launched on July 24 .
The Sox did quite well against the Cubs , winning both games by a combined score of 12-6 .
Now , they 'll see if they can do it for real .
With a full head of steam , the White Sox head to Wrigley Field Friday night for the first of three games against the Cubs , who are 16-8 with a comfortable first-place lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on a roll themselves , extending their winning streak to five with a 9-0 win over the Tigers Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field .
They have n't stacked up to the Cubs in recent seasons , but the White Sox 's rebuild is over and they finally have a team that 's worth watching .
`` As far as talent , I do n't think we 're lacking there compared to that team ( Cubs ) anymore , '' said starting pitcher Lucas Giolito , who was brilliant against Detroit Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 over 7 innings .
`` For us , there is that certain level of pride playing that team from the North Side .
I 'm looking forward to this series , it 's going to be a lot of fun .
`` It does suck not having the fans , the Chicago fans really get up for that one , but it is what it is .
I think this weekend will be a lot of fun . ''
Giolito was on his game against the Tigers , but the Sox 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White Sox outscored Detroit 31-9 while sweeping the four-game series and have been hitting home runs in bunches .
`` I think the big thing you are seeing with this lineup is hitting is contagious , '' said catcher James McCann .
`` TA ( Tim Anderson ) has done a heck of a job at the top of the order .
Guys have followed .
It 's something that 's so fun about this team is that one through nine , anybody can get you .
That 's a basehit , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One through nine , we are a dangerous lineup . ''
Wrigley Field would have been packed this weekend in a matchup of two teams playing winning baseball .
COVID-19 has kept the stands empty , but the first of two White Sox-Cubs series will make for some compelling TV viewing .
`` They 're certainly performing well , '' manager Rick Renteria said of his Sox .
`` It 's going to be a lot of fun .
Any time we 've ever gone in there , we 've always felt confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're looking forward to going out there and playing a game .
`` In the end , the guys just have to perform and do what they do , execute and give ourselves a chance to win ballgames .
I hope to have a little bit more fun , for sure . ''

Next stop, Wrigley: Red-hot White Sox ready for Cubs
Chicago White Sox's Eloy Jimenez reacts after hitting a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Tim Anderson is congratulated by teammate Jose Abreu, left, after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
The White Sox have already seen the Cubs twice this season.
They played their city rivals in back-to-back exhibition games a few days before the shortened regular season launched on July 24.
The Sox did quite well against the Cubs, winning both games by a combined score of 12-6.
Now, they'll see if they can do it for real.
With a full head of steam, the White Sox head to Wrigley Field Friday night for the first of three games against the Cubs, who are 16-8 with a comfortable first-place lead in the NL Central.
The Sox are on a roll themselves, extending their winning streak to five with a 9-0 win over the Tigers Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field.
They haven't stacked up to the Cubs in recent seasons, but the White Sox's rebuild is over and they finally have a team that's worth watching.
"As far as talent, I don't think we're lacking there compared to that team (Cubs) anymore," said starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, who was brilliant against Detroit Thursday while allowing 3 hits and striking out 13 over 7 innings. "For us, there is that certain level of pride playing that team from the North Side. I'm looking forward to this series, it's going to be a lot of fun.
"It does suck not having the fans, the Chicago fans really get up for that one, but it is what it is. I think this weekend will be a lot of fun."
Giolito was on his game against the Tigers, but the Sox's offense had another big day.
The White Sox outscored Detroit 31-9 while sweeping the four-game series and have been hitting home runs in bunches.
"I think the big thing you are seeing with this lineup is hitting is contagious," said catcher James McCann. "TA (Tim Anderson) has done a heck of a job at the top of the order. Guys have followed. It's something that's so fun about this team is that one through nine, anybody can get you. That's a basehit, a home run, a big hit. One through nine, we are a dangerous lineup."
Wrigley Field would have been packed this weekend in a matchup of two teams playing winning baseball. COVID-19 has kept the stands empty, but the first of two White Sox-Cubs series will make for some compelling TV viewing.
"They're certainly performing well," manager Rick Renteria said of his Sox. "It's going to be a lot of fun. Any time we've ever gone in there, we've always felt confident to try to complete a task. We're looking forward to going out there and playing a game.
"In the end, the guys just have to perform and do what they do, execute and give ourselves a chance to win ballgames. I hope to have a little bit more fun, for sure."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Full honors for Elgin's 'houseless not homeless' blogger

Friends and blog readers gave Doug Henke a final , heartfelt send-off Friday morning in a service with military honors at Bluff City Cemetery , followed by a private scattering of his ashes at his campsite in Elgin .
The honor guard of Elgin American Legion Post 57 did a three-volley salute , the Illinois Patriot Guard brought U.S. flags , two buglers played taps , and the Rev .
Tim Perry and Al Keating , chaplain of the Elgin Police Department , led the service attended by about 50 people .
Henke served in the U.S. Navy in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he called himself `` houseless not homeless . ''
`` In his mind , homeless meant something that he was not -- ever , '' Perry said .
`` He had friends who he served and received care from .
He found joy in the little things that we might take for granted . ''
Henke died of heart disease , according to Kane County Coroner Rob Russell .
He would have turned 58 on June 12 , the day after his body was found by police officers during a welfare check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elgin .
Henke 's last blog entry was May 23 .
The ceremony at the cemetery was heartwarming , said Leslie Lux of Streamwood , who visited and communicated regularly with Henke .
Lux was among a small group of close friends who attended the scattering of Henke 's ashes at his campsite .
Inside his tent , still standing but in disarray , a calendar was open on the page for May .
`` Doug was a complicated person , '' Lux said .
He was estranged from his family and battled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of his death , however , he 'd been making plans for the next chapter of his life , Lux said .
`` If there was ever a time that he had to go , '' she said , `` I 'm so glad that it was when he was on the cusp of a new adventure and excited about opportunities in his life . ''
Friend Eric Henderson of Glendale Heights said the campsite remembrance was a good way to get closure and say goodbye to Henke , who preferred solitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henderson said he met Henke while doing volunteer work with residents of Tent City , Elgin 's outdoor homeless encampment where Henke lived for a time .
Later , Henke moved to a more secluded area on his own .
The day 's organizers were Dan and Joy Symonds , owners of Symonds-Madison Funeral Home in Elgin .
The city donated a grave in the cemetery 's veterans section , and the Symonds and Perry obtained donations for other costs .
Joy Symonds said she got permission from the campsite property owner to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought there was something poetic , '' she said , `` about laying him to rest where he had the most joy . ''

Full honors for Elgin's 'houseless not homeless' blogger
Friends and blog readers gave Doug Henke a final, heartfelt send-off Friday morning in a service with military honors at Bluff City Cemetery, followed by a private scattering of his ashes at his campsite in Elgin.
The honor guard of Elgin American Legion Post 57 did a three-volley salute, the Illinois Patriot Guard brought U.S. flags, two buglers played taps, and the Rev. Tim Perry and Al Keating, chaplain of the Elgin Police Department, led the service attended by about 50 people.
Henke served in the U.S. Navy in his 20s and wrote in a blog in which he called himself "houseless not homeless."
"In his mind, homeless meant something that he was not -- ever," Perry said. "He had friends who he served and received care from. He found joy in the little things that we might take for granted."
Henke died of heart disease, according to Kane County Coroner Rob Russell. He would have turned 58 on June 12, the day after his body was found by police officers during a welfare check at his dwelling in the woods in Elgin. Henke's last blog entry was May 23.
The ceremony at the cemetery was heartwarming, said Leslie Lux of Streamwood, who visited and communicated regularly with Henke. Lux was among a small group of close friends who attended the scattering of Henke's ashes at his campsite.
Inside his tent, still standing but in disarray, a calendar was open on the page for May.
"Doug was a complicated person," Lux said. He was estranged from his family and battled bipolar disorder and alcoholism. At the time of his death, however, he'd been making plans for the next chapter of his life, Lux said.
"If there was ever a time that he had to go," she said, "I'm so glad that it was when he was on the cusp of a new adventure and excited about opportunities in his life."
Friend Eric Henderson of Glendale Heights said the campsite remembrance was a good way to get closure and say goodbye to Henke, who preferred solitude and loved to be in nature.
Henderson said he met Henke while doing volunteer work with residents of Tent City, Elgin's outdoor homeless encampment where Henke lived for a time. Later, Henke moved to a more secluded area on his own.
The day's organizers were Dan and Joy Symonds, owners of Symonds-Madison Funeral Home in Elgin.
The city donated a grave in the cemetery's veterans section, and the Symonds and Perry obtained donations for other costs. Joy Symonds said she got permission from the campsite property owner to hold the remembrance.
"I just thought there was something poetic," she said, "about laying him to rest where he had the most joy."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--District 15 delays in-person start after 4 on staff test positive for virus, 30+ quarantined

Palatine Township Elementary District 15 said Friday it is delaying to Sept. 21 its plan to start in-person instruction because more than 30 staff members are in self-isolation after possible COVID-19 exposure and it needs time to get specialized safety equipment under new state health guidance .
The first day of school with remote learning was Wednesday , and the plan had been to start rolling re-entry Sept. 8 .
But Superintendent Laurie Heinz said in an email to parents Friday afternoon that after teacher orientation last week , four staff members across four schools tested positive for COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer construction project .
`` Although we are not aware of any case-to-case transmission or any close contacts contracting the virus , this experience provides a stark reminder that we can not predict how many positive cases and subsequent instances of quarantine will occur as we continue to welcome students back to school in-person , '' she said .
One of the new mandates from the Illinois Department of Public Health is a requirement for custodians and nurses to wear fit-tested N95 masks when cleaning a space occupied by a person with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person exhibiting symptoms .
District 15 placed an order for the N95 masks , but the shipment will take a while due to nationwide shortages , Heinz said .
The masks will have to be professionally fitted , which will not happen by Sept. 8 , she said .
The revised state health guidance states anyone near a COVID-19 positive person for 15 cumulative -- instead of consecutive -- minutes is considered a close contact .
After contact tracing by the district , more than 30 staff members were identified as close contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Heinz said .
The new plan calls for a Sept. 21 start for kindergarten and K-8 self-contained special education programs , Sept. 28 for grades 1-2 and self-contained early childhood , Oct. 5 for grades 3-4 , and Oct. 13 for grades 5-8 and more .
Continued high numbers of staff members who need to quarantine due to illness or close contact could result in a staffing shortage , Heinz said .
Heinz said the district was disappointed not to be able to welcome students back as planned .
`` That will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited substitute teacher pool during this ongoing pandemic in which many substitutes are not willing to work in schools , '' she wrote .
That in turn could affect the district 's ability to move forward with the Sept. 21 rolling re-entry plan .

District 15 delays in-person start after 4 on staff test positive for virus, 30+ quarantined
Palatine Township Elementary District 15 will not start welcoming students back into schools until at least Sept. 21 after four positive coronavirus tests among staff members. Daily Herald file photo
Palatine Township Elementary District 15 said Friday it is delaying to Sept. 21 its plan to start in-person instruction because more than 30 staff members are in self-isolation after possible COVID-19 exposure and it needs time to get specialized safety equipment under new state health guidance.
The first day of school with remote learning was Wednesday, and the plan had been to start rolling re-entry Sept. 8. But Superintendent Laurie Heinz said in an email to parents Friday afternoon that after teacher orientation last week, four staff members across four schools tested positive for COVID-19, as did a contractor working on a summer construction project.
"Although we are not aware of any case-to-case transmission or any close contacts contracting the virus, this experience provides a stark reminder that we cannot predict how many positive cases and subsequent instances of quarantine will occur as we continue to welcome students back to school in-person," she said.
One of the new mandates from the Illinois Department of Public Health is a requirement for custodians and nurses to wear fit-tested N95 masks when cleaning a space occupied by a person with any COVID-19 symptoms, or when evaluating a person exhibiting symptoms.
District 15 placed an order for the N95 masks, but the shipment will take a while due to nationwide shortages, Heinz said. The masks will have to be professionally fitted, which will not happen by Sept. 8, she said.
The revised state health guidance states anyone near a COVID-19 positive person for 15 cumulative -- instead of consecutive -- minutes is considered a close contact. After contact tracing by the district, more than 30 staff members were identified as close contacts and are in self-isolation for 14 days, Heinz said.
The new plan calls for a Sept. 21 start for kindergarten and K-8 self-contained special education programs, Sept. 28 for grades 1-2 and self-contained early childhood, Oct. 5 for grades 3-4, and Oct. 13 for grades 5-8 and more.
Continued high numbers of staff members who need to quarantine due to illness or close contact could result in a staffing shortage, Heinz said.
Heinz said the district was disappointed not to be able to welcome students back as planned.
"That will not be easy to resolve with our limited substitute teacher pool during this ongoing pandemic in which many substitutes are not willing to work in schools," she wrote.
That in turn could affect the district's ability to move forward with the Sept. 21 rolling re-entry plan.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Fewer COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities this week

Long-term care facilities throughout Illinois and parts of the suburbs are reporting fewer active COVID-19 outbreaks this week .
Illinois Department of Public Health records show 523 facilities throughout the state have `` open '' outbreaks , or new cases reported within the past 28 days .
That 's down from 532 such facilities a week ago .
IDPH is reporting 18,832 `` open '' cases among nursing home residents and employees statewide , 1,909 fewer than last week .
`` The staff of our nursing homes do n't get enough credit for what they do every day , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Health Care Council of Illinois , a lobbying and advocacy organization for more than 300 nursing facilities in the state .
`` It 's really our heroic staff that takes their jobs so seriously to provide a safe environment for their residents who are , in many cases , like family members to them . ''
The news on nursing homes comes as state health officials announced 24 more deaths from the respiratory disease Friday as well as another 2,208 infections .
Thirteen deaths were in Chicago and the suburbs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now recorded 215,929 cases of COVID-19 since the outbreak began , while 7,857 Illinois residents have died from the virus .
Residents of long-term care facilities make up 4,319 , or 55 % , of the state 's dead from COVID-19 , according to the state 's website , dph.illinois.gov/covid19 .
In Cook County , 2,350 of the 4,997 who have died from the virus were long-term care facility residents , or 47 % , according to IDPH .
DuPage County is reporting 423 of those who died were in long-term care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county 's COVID-19 deaths .
IDPH is reporting 306 of Lake County 's 455 COVID-19 deaths , 67 % , were in long-term care facilities .
In Kane County , 177 of the 306 COVID-19 deaths , or 58 % , were people living in long-term care facilities .
McHenry County officials are reporting 90 of the 115 COVID-19 deaths , 78 % , were people living in congregate settings .
However , Will County officials are reporting just 49 % of the county 's COVID-19 deaths -- 174 of 354 -- were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's not over , '' warned Bob Gallo , Illinois state director for the AARP .
`` Communication between these facilities and loved ones is still a concern .
The delays in getting timely results from testing are still happening .
We do n't know if many of these places have the right PPE .
The state is doing what it 's doing , but I 'm not sure it 's doing all it can be doing . ''
In fact , IDPH officials announced Friday that Manatt Health Strategies has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Long-Term Care in the Office of Health Care Regulation following reports of delayed investigations of abuse allegations during the pandemic .
A former federal prosecutor has also been hired to oversee IDPH investigations into complaints made regarding long-term care facilities during the pandemic .
`` The independent reviews are being launched in response to IDPH 's recent discovery that the Bureau of Long-Term Care was not properly processing and investigating complaints of abuse and neglect at long-term care facilities from approximately March 15 to June 30 , 2020 , '' IDPH officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comstock said anyone with loved ones in a long-term care facility who they 're having trouble contacting should reach out to the administrator of that facility .
She added that IDPH has not been prevented from investigating and complaints since the outbreak began .
`` The department of public health has never stopped coming into our buildings , '' she said .
`` Surveyors have open access .
They still have to go through the screening process , but they 've been in our buildings regularly . ''
Since the outbreak began , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 1,000 infection control inspections at 727 long-term care facilities across the state .

Fewer COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities this week
Long-term care facilities throughout Illinois and parts of the suburbs are reporting fewer active COVID-19 outbreaks this week.
Illinois Department of Public Health records show 523 facilities throughout the state have "open" outbreaks, or new cases reported within the past 28 days. That's down from 532 such facilities a week ago.
IDPH is reporting 18,832 "open" cases among nursing home residents and employees statewide, 1,909 fewer than last week.
"The staff of our nursing homes don't get enough credit for what they do every day," said Pat Comstock, COVID response director for the Health Care Council of Illinois, a lobbying and advocacy organization for more than 300 nursing facilities in the state. "It's really our heroic staff that takes their jobs so seriously to provide a safe environment for their residents who are, in many cases, like family members to them."
The news on nursing homes comes as state health officials announced 24 more deaths from the respiratory disease Friday as well as another 2,208 infections. Thirteen deaths were in Chicago and the suburbs and 11 were downstate.
The state has now recorded 215,929 cases of COVID-19 since the outbreak began, while 7,857 Illinois residents have died from the virus.
Residents of long-term care facilities make up 4,319, or 55%, of the state's dead from COVID-19, according to the state's website, dph.illinois.gov/covid19. In Cook County, 2,350 of the 4,997 who have died from the virus were long-term care facility residents, or 47%, according to IDPH. DuPage County is reporting 423 of those who died were in long-term care facilities, almost 80% of all the county's COVID-19 deaths. IDPH is reporting 306 of Lake County's 455 COVID-19 deaths, 67%, were in long-term care facilities.
In Kane County, 177 of the 306 COVID-19 deaths, or 58%, were people living in long-term care facilities. McHenry County officials are reporting 90 of the 115 COVID-19 deaths, 78%, were people living in congregate settings. However, Will County officials are reporting just 49% of the county's COVID-19 deaths -- 174 of 354 -- were in long-term care facilities.
"But it's not over," warned Bob Gallo, Illinois state director for the AARP. "Communication between these facilities and loved ones is still a concern. The delays in getting timely results from testing are still happening. We don't know if many of these places have the right PPE. The state is doing what it's doing, but I'm not sure it's doing all it can be doing."
In fact, IDPH officials announced Friday that Manatt Health Strategies has been hired to investigate the agency's Bureau of Long-Term Care in the Office of Health Care Regulation following reports of delayed investigations of abuse allegations during the pandemic. A former federal prosecutor has also been hired to oversee IDPH investigations into complaints made regarding long-term care facilities during the pandemic.
"The independent reviews are being launched in response to IDPH's recent discovery that the Bureau of Long-Term Care was not properly processing and investigating complaints of abuse and neglect at long-term care facilities from approximately March 15 to June 30, 2020," IDPH officials said in a news release Friday.
Comstock said anyone with loved ones in a long-term care facility who they're having trouble contacting should reach out to the administrator of that facility. She added that IDPH has not been prevented from investigating and complaints since the outbreak began.
"The department of public health has never stopped coming into our buildings," she said. "Surveyors have open access. They still have to go through the screening process, but they've been in our buildings regularly."
Since the outbreak began, IDPH officials say the agency has conducted more than 1,000 infection control inspections at 727 long-term care facilities across the state.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Lord & Taylor closing Woodfield, Northbrook Court stores

Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg will face the first vacancy among its anchoring department stores in its 49-year history when the Lord & Taylor there becomes one of the chain 's last two Illinois locations to shut down .
As Lord & Taylor continues to reorganize under bankruptcy court protection , it announced both its Woodfield Mall and Northbrook Court locations have begun store-closing sales .
Information on when both stores will close for good was n't immediately available Friday .
Schaumburg Economic Development Director Matt Frank said village officials have so far heard very little apart from the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mall , had been working on a deal to try to get Lord & Taylor to remain .
The anchor stores at Woodfield Mall , which also include Macy 's , Sears , JCPenney and Nordstrom , own their properties rather than leasing from Simon .
While the decision about the Woodfield location was made this week , Lord & Taylor had earlier announced plans to shutter its location at Northbrook Court in Northbrook .
Northbrook Court has a bit more history of rebuilding and replacement among its anchor stores , but Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development and planning services director , said the retail industry is in a far different place now than on any previous occasions .
Though the village has been in regular contact with Brookfield Properties , which manages Northbrook Court , there 's been no word about an immediate replacement for Lord & Taylor , Poupard said .
`` The retail world is evolving so quickly , I think it 's a good idea they have n't locked into anything , '' he said .
`` I think it 's an opportunity in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lord & Taylor saga for the last year .
It 's no surprise that the other shoe dropped .
It 's an opportunity , but it 's a loss . ''
Poupard added that the whole philosophy about what draws people to a shopping center is changing .
`` There 's all these new retail models , '' he said .
`` Who would ever think that an Apple store , which is a store inside the mall , would be an anchor there ? ''
The suburbs lost Lord & Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January 2019 and at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie in April 2018 .
Lord & Taylor 's corporate office did not respond to a request for comment Friday .
The Woodfield and Northbrook Court locations jointly stated online that they are no longer able to accept returns from in-store purchases and can no longer honor coupons , mall certificates , Lord & Taylor Reward/Award cards or prices offered at any other Lord & Taylor in the country remaining open .
The Northbrook Court store stopped accepting online returns Aug. 14 while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Aug. 31 , according to the website .

Lord & Taylor closing Woodfield, Northbrook Court stores
Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg will face the first vacancy among its anchoring department stores in its 49-year history when the Lord & Taylor there becomes one of the chain's last two Illinois locations to shut down.
As Lord & Taylor continues to reorganize under bankruptcy court protection, it announced both its Woodfield Mall and Northbrook Court locations have begun store-closing sales.
Information on when both stores will close for good wasn't immediately available Friday.
Schaumburg Economic Development Director Matt Frank said village officials have so far heard very little apart from the fact that Simon Property Group, which owns Woodfield Mall, had been working on a deal to try to get Lord & Taylor to remain.
The anchor stores at Woodfield Mall, which also include Macy's, Sears, JCPenney and Nordstrom, own their properties rather than leasing from Simon.
While the decision about the Woodfield location was made this week, Lord & Taylor had earlier announced plans to shutter its location at Northbrook Court in Northbrook.
Northbrook Court has a bit more history of rebuilding and replacement among its anchor stores, but Tom Poupard, the village of Northbrook's development and planning services director, said the retail industry is in a far different place now than on any previous occasions.
Though the village has been in regular contact with Brookfield Properties, which manages Northbrook Court, there's been no word about an immediate replacement for Lord & Taylor, Poupard said.
"The retail world is evolving so quickly, I think it's a good idea they haven't locked into anything," he said. "I think it's an opportunity in a way. We've all been following the Lord & Taylor saga for the last year. It's no surprise that the other shoe dropped. It's an opportunity, but it's a loss."
Poupard added that the whole philosophy about what draws people to a shopping center is changing.
"There's all these new retail models," he said. "Who would ever think that an Apple store, which is a store inside the mall, would be an anchor there?"
The suburbs lost Lord & Taylor stores at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook in January 2019 and at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie in April 2018. Lord & Taylor's corporate office did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
The Woodfield and Northbrook Court locations jointly stated online that they are no longer able to accept returns from in-store purchases and can no longer honor coupons, mall certificates, Lord & Taylor Reward/Award cards or prices offered at any other Lord & Taylor in the country remaining open.
The Northbrook Court store stopped accepting online returns Aug. 14 while the Woodfield store has set that deadline for Aug. 31, according to the website.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Aurora police investigating damage to community garden

A tool shed painted to support the LGBTQ community was wrecked this week at the El Jardin community garden in Aurora , and supporters believe the damage was intentional .
According to Aurora police , a neighbor reported shortly before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday that a pickup truck had knocked down the shed in the garden at Union and Claim streets .
Video showed a Dodge Ram pickup truck , possibly red , tapping the shed .
The truck then backs up and rams the shed , knocking it down .
A neighbor said the truck left on Union .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a rainbow motif was knocked over .
Garden supporters say they thought it was an accident until the shed was destroyed .
A sign that said `` From the Concrete Grew A Rose '' also was damaged .
Alia Rivera , development manager for the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry , said the fence and the shed were painted as rainbows to honor the contributions members of Aurora 's lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and queer community made to the garden .
`` It was kind of a shout out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food grown in El Jardin is donated to the pantry .
Aurora police say they are investigating .
`` We have not ruled it out as a hate crime , '' police spokesman Paris Lewbel said Friday .
The garden was started in the spring by Ellie Esparza , owner of Concrete Rose Studios .
She cleared it of trash and paid for contractors to till the land .
She also bought all the seeds and seedlings .
`` It 's a sad loss , '' Esparza said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who go to the Aurora ( Interfaith ) Food Pantry for help and the parents and kids who volunteered just loved it . ''
Volunteers on Thursday morning were able to salvage some vegetables from the garden .
Besides growing vegetables , El Jardin has hosted a bird-feeder workshop for children , and concerts .
Esparza is seeking to rebuild .
Anyone interested in helping may contact Rivera at arivera @ aurorafoodpantry.org .

Aurora police investigating damage to community garden
The El Jardin community garden in Aurora before fence panels were knocked down and a pickup truck ran over a tool shed. courtesy of Concrete Rose Studios
A pickup truck destroyed a tool shed at the El Jardin community garden Wednesday in Aurora. Garden supporters believe the damage was intentional because the shed is painted to honor LGBTQ residents who help the garden. courtesy of Concrete Rose Studios
A tool shed painted to support the LGBTQ community was wrecked this week at the El Jardin community garden in Aurora, and supporters believe the damage was intentional.
According to Aurora police, a neighbor reported shortly before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday that a pickup truck had knocked down the shed in the garden at Union and Claim streets.
Video showed a Dodge Ram pickup truck, possibly red, tapping the shed. The truck then backs up and rams the shed, knocking it down. A neighbor said the truck left on Union.
Last week, a garden fence also painted in a rainbow motif was knocked over. Garden supporters say they thought it was an accident until the shed was destroyed. A sign that said "From the Concrete Grew A Rose" also was damaged.
Alia Rivera, development manager for the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry, said the fence and the shed were painted as rainbows to honor the contributions members of Aurora's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community made to the garden.
"It was kind of a shout out to them," Rivera said. The food grown in El Jardin is donated to the pantry.
Aurora police say they are investigating.
"We have not ruled it out as a hate crime," police spokesman Paris Lewbel said Friday.
The garden was started in the spring by Ellie Esparza, owner of Concrete Rose Studios. She cleared it of trash and paid for contractors to till the land. She also bought all the seeds and seedlings.
"It's a sad loss," Esparza said in a statement. "The food was helping to feed the people who go to the Aurora (Interfaith) Food Pantry for help and the parents and kids who volunteered just loved it."
Volunteers on Thursday morning were able to salvage some vegetables from the garden.
Besides growing vegetables, El Jardin has hosted a bird-feeder workshop for children, and concerts.
Esparza is seeking to rebuild. Anyone interested in helping may contact Rivera at arivera@aurorafoodpantry.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Officials say suburban Cook County COVID-19 grouping 'defies logic'

Three months ago , the Northwest Municipal Conference asked that the state not group the North and Northwest suburbs in with Chicago for statistical benchmarks used for loosening restrictions under the Restore Illinois Plan .
In mid-July , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker made suburban Cook County its own region and separated it from Chicago in announcing a new plan with 11 regions statewide to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and decide what restrictions are needed .
But Northwest suburban officials say what they asked for is different from that plan , which groups their communities with southern Cook County municipalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , which also has 11 regions , but groups Northwest Cook County in with McHenry , Kane , west Lake and north Kendall counties .
Suburban Cook County now shows a COVID-19 positivity rate of 6.4 % , higher than Chicago 's 5.1 % .
The current grouping makes the COVID-19 data `` misleading , '' Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen said .
`` Palatine continues to be under suburban Cook County numbers as a whole .
That is true for most of the Northwest suburbs , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together defies logic .
We are far closer to Wisconsin than the south suburbs . ''
COVID-19 positivity rates are not available by municipality in Cook County .
The region with Lake and McHenry counties had a positivity rate of 5.6 % and the region with DuPage and Kane counties was at 5.1 % , according to the latest figures .
So far only the Metro East region outside St. Louis , where positivity rates exceeded 8 % for five days straight , have been placed under more stringent restrictions .
Altogether , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a meeting of the Northwest Municipal Conference in May , supported a resolution asking Pritkzer to alter the Restore Illinois plan and move up the phase of the recovery allowing restaurants to reopen .
Twelve of the organization 's 43 members were opposed .
Palatine , Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates passed their own resolutions in May .
All three had fewer reported COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents than suburban Cook County as a whole .
But the governor stuck to his timetable , which allowed restaurants to reopen for limited indoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phase 4 of the recovery plan in late June .
Conference Executive Director Mark Fowler said the group has n't discussed the topic further .
Dividing the state into smaller regions , even with one for suburban Cook County , was a `` prudent move '' that allows for monitoring of `` hot spots '' and more targeted enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions , Fowler said .
`` I think as we get further into the schools starting to open , and people obviously have been maybe lax in their mask-wearing and things like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these spikes , '' he said .
`` Our experience is not uncommon from other areas of the country . ''
Illinois ' single-day positivity rate rose to 5.1 % on Tuesday , the highest since June 5 , but the seven-day rolling average was 4.3 % as of Friday .
The statewide death toll is 7,857 , with 215,929 total cases in Illinois since the outbreak began .

Officials say suburban Cook County COVID-19 grouping 'defies logic'
Three months ago, the Northwest Municipal Conference asked that the state not group the North and Northwest suburbs with Chicago for statistical benchmarks used for loosening restrictions under the Restore Illinois Plan.
In mid-July, Gov. J.B. Pritzker made suburban Cook County its own region and separated it from Chicago in announcing a new plan with 11 regions statewide to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and decide what restrictions are needed.
But Northwest suburban officials say what they asked for is different from that plan, which groups their communities with southern Cook County municipalities. They prefer the state's EMS plan, which also has 11 regions but groups Northwest Cook County in with McHenry, Kane, west Lake and north Kendall counties.
Suburban Cook County now shows a COVID-19 positivity rate of 6.4%, higher than Chicago's 5.1%.
The current grouping makes the COVID-19 data "misleading," Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen said.
"Palatine continues to be under suburban Cook County numbers as a whole. That is true for most of the Northwest suburbs," he said. "To have grouped all of suburban Cook together defies logic. We are far closer to Wisconsin than the South suburbs."
COVID-19 positivity rates are not available by municipality in Cook County. The region with Lake and McHenry counties had a positivity rate of 5.6%, and the region with DuPage and Kane counties was at 5.1%, according to the latest figures.
So far, only the Metro East region outside St. Louis, where positivity rates exceeded 8% for five days straight, has been placed under more stringent restrictions.
Altogether, 20 members, out of 34 present at a meeting of the Northwest Municipal Conference in May, supported a resolution asking Pritkzer to alter the Restore Illinois plan and move up the phase of the recovery allowing restaurants to reopen. Twelve of the organization's 43 members were opposed.
Palatine, Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates passed their own resolutions in May. All three had fewer reported COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents than suburban Cook County as a whole.
But the governor stuck to his timetable, which allowed restaurants to reopen for limited indoor dining when the entire metropolitan area entered Phase 4 of the recovery plan in late June.
Conference Executive Director Mark Fowler said the group hasn't discussed the topic further.
Dividing the state into smaller regions, even with one for suburban Cook County, was a "prudent move" that allows for monitoring of "hot spots" and more targeted enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions, Fowler said.
"I think as we get further into the schools starting to open, and people obviously have been maybe lax in their mask-wearing and things like that ... we are going to see these spikes," he said. "Our experience is not uncommon from other areas of the country."
Illinois' single-day positivity rate rose to 5.1% on Tuesday, the highest since June 5, but the seven-day rolling average was 4.3% as of Friday. The statewide death toll is 7,857, with 215,929 total cases in Illinois since the outbreak began.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Within days of recreational pot vote, Naperville receives applications from 3 dispensaries

Within two days of adopting zoning regulations to allow recreational marijuana sales , Naperville received applications from three companies interested in operating dispensaries in town , potentially filling the city 's cap .
Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries , which owns the city 's medical marijuana clinic , is seeking to add adult-use cannabis at its existing location at 1700 Quincy Ave. , city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche said .
The facility was granted a `` same-site '' license from the state last year but had to wait until the use was permitted under local law .
In a 6-3 vote Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoning ordinance that effectively lifted the city 's previous ban on recreational marijuana sales and allows up to three dispensaries within the city 's boundaries .
The other two applicants are ZenLeaf Naperville , which has requested to open a dispensary at 1516 N. Naper Blvd.
, and PDI Medical III , which wants to operate at 2740 W. 75th St. , LaCloche said .
`` These companies are going to spend millions and millions of dollars to build these facilities out because they 're very secured and very specific , '' Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's going to be a very , very good market to be in . ''
Recreational pot dispensaries are permitted by right in certain zoning areas under the city 's new ordinance .
If all three applicants meet local requirements , secure state approval and decide to move forward , he said , Naperville will have already reached its limit on the number of cannabis shops allowed .
`` As far as the city goes , there are no more hoops to jump through , '' Chirico said .
The city this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % on recreational marijuana sales .
In a conservative estimate , Chirico said , he believes three dispensaries could generate about $ 1 million in annual tax revenue , though he predicts the city could collect upward of $ 1.5 million .
Recreational marijuana has been a hot topic in Naperville since last summer , sparking heated debates among community members and elected officials on both sides of the issue .
An advisory referendum question asking whether adult-use sales should be allowed in town received support from 53.25 % of 28,968 voters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city council members said they would use to guide their final decision .
Chirico said he believes the ordinance approved this week is considerate of both sides and takes into account the council 's thorough deliberation .
The measure includes parking regulations , zoning limitations and distance requirements of at least one mile from any existing dispensary , 1,000 feet from a school and 250 feet from a residential property , among other provisions .

Within days of recreational pot vote, Naperville receives applications from 3 dispensaries
Within two days of adopting an ordinance that allows recreational marijuana sales, Naperville received three applications from companies interested in operating dispensaries in town. Associated Press
Within two days of adopting zoning regulations to allow recreational marijuana sales, Naperville received applications from three companies interested in operating dispensaries in town, potentially filling the city's cap.
Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries, which owns the city's medical marijuana clinic, is seeking to add adult-use cannabis at its existing location at 1700 Quincy Ave., city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche said.
The facility was granted a "same-site" license from the state last year but had to wait until the use was permitted under local law. In a 6-3 vote Tuesday, the Naperville City Council approved a zoning ordinance that effectively lifted the city's previous ban on recreational marijuana sales and allows up to three dispensaries within the city's boundaries.
The other two applicants are ZenLeaf Naperville, which has requested to open a dispensary at 1516 N. Naper Blvd., and PDI Medical III, which wants to operate at 2740 W. 75th St., LaCloche said.
"These companies are going to spend millions and millions of dollars to build these facilities out because they're very secured and very specific," Mayor Steve Chirico said. "They know it's going to be a very, very good market to be in."
Recreational pot dispensaries are permitted by right in certain zoning areas under the city's new ordinance. If all three applicants meet local requirements, secure state approval and decide to move forward, he said, Naperville will have already reached its limit on the number of cannabis shops allowed.
"As far as the city goes, there are no more hoops to jump through," Chirico said.
The city this year authorized a local tax of 3% on recreational marijuana sales. In a conservative estimate, Chirico said, he believes three dispensaries could generate about $1 million in annual tax revenue, though he predicts the city could collect upward of $1.5 million.
Recreational marijuana has been a hot topic in Naperville since last summer, sparking heated debates among community members and elected officials on both sides of the issue.
An advisory referendum question asking whether adult-use sales should be allowed in town received support from 53.25% of 28,968 voters in March -- the results from which some city council members said they would use to guide their final decision.
Chirico said he believes the ordinance approved this week is considerate of both sides and takes into account the council's thorough deliberation.
The measure includes parking regulations, zoning limitations and distance requirements of at least one mile from any existing dispensary, 1,000 feet from a school and 250 feet from a residential property, among other provisions.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--More than 600 additional lawsuits filed against Sterigenics

Sterigenics is facing a flood of new lawsuits related to ethylene oxide emissions from the medical sterilization facility in Willowbrook that shuttered last year .
A law firm announced Friday that more than 600 additional individual lawsuits have been filed alleging cancers , miscarriages and other health problems caused by the airborne carcinogen .
It brings the number of cases pending in Cook County , some of which have been bundled , from an initial 75 to more than 700 .
`` This case is one of the largest and most significant pursuits of justice in the history of Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Sterigenics and the other defendants over the last three decades .
It is heart wrenching to see the number of people and families whose lives were forever changed by the toxic emissions , '' said Antonio M. Romanucci of Romanucci & Blandin LLC , the court-appointed lead counsel .
All of the new cases and the lawsuits previously on file were amended to include new allegations that Sterigenics was not alone in operating its Willowbrook facility .
Also named as a defendant is Griffith Foods , Sterigenics original parent company , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the facility 's location , created Sterigenics as a spinoff to their company , and then continued in the active operation and management of the facility until at least 1999 .
The newest complaints also incorporates the previous allegations against Sterigenics and its hedge fund backers , including claims that Sterigenics and parent company Sotera began funneling $ 1.3 billion of its assets to investors beginning in 2016 .
Those funds , attorneys said , will no longer be available to provide justice to the victims in this case .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed shows the devastating impact Sterigenics had on the Willowbrook community .
But this is not about a large number of lawsuits , this is about individual people -- each of whom has suffered physical , emotional and financial hardship and , in too many cases , even death .
They each deserve to have justice served , '' said one of the other attorneys suing Sterigenics , Patrick Salvi II of Salvi , Schostok & Pritchard .
The initial 75 plaintiffs ' cases are pending before Cook County Circuit Judge Christopher E. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been assigned various judges in the same division and await their initial hearings .
On Friday , a Sterigenics representative released a statement saying , `` Sterigenics empathizes with anyone battling cancer , but we are confident that operations at our Willowbrook facility are not responsible for causing the illnesses alleged in any lawsuit .
As we have stated previously , we intend to vigorously defend against the plaintiffs ' unfounded and meritless claims . ''

More than 600 additional lawsuits filed against Sterigenics
Last Sepetember, Sterigenics announced it was closing its Willowbrook facility amid mounting pressure from lawmakers and activists from the area. Jerry Nowicki/Capitol News Illinois file photo
Sterigenics is facing a flood of new lawsuits related to ethylene oxide emissions from the medical sterilization facility in Willowbrook that shuttered last year.
A law firm announced Friday that more than 600 additional individual lawsuits have been filed alleging cancers, miscarriages and other health problems caused by the airborne carcinogen.
It brings the number of cases pending in Cook County, some of which have been bundled, from an initial 75 to more than 700.
"This case is one of the largest and most significant pursuits of justice in the history of Illinois, and indicates the scope of misconduct by Sterigenics and the other defendants over the last three decades. It is heart wrenching to see the number of people and families whose lives were forever changed by the toxic emissions," said Antonio M. Romanucci of Romanucci & Blandin LLC, the court-appointed lead counsel.
All of the new cases and the lawsuits previously on file were amended to include new allegations that Sterigenics was not alone in operating its Willowbrook facility.
Also named as a defendant is Griffith Foods, Sterigenics original parent company, which the plaintiffs' attorney say selected Willowbrook as the facility's location, created Sterigenics as a spinoff to their company, and then continued in the active operation and management of the facility until at least 1999. The newest complaints also incorporates the previous allegations against Sterigenics and its hedge fund backers, including claims that Sterigenics and parent company Sotera began funneling $1.3 billion of its assets to investors beginning in 2016.
Those funds, attorneys said, will no longer be available to provide justice to the victims in this case.
"The magnitude of the number of individual cases filed shows the devastating impact Sterigenics had on the Willowbrook community. But this is not about a large number of lawsuits, this is about individual people -- each of whom has suffered physical, emotional and financial hardship and, in too many cases, even death. They each deserve to have justice served," said one of the other attorneys suing Sterigenics, Patrick Salvi II of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard.
The initial 75 plaintiffs' cases are pending before Cook County Circuit Judge Christopher E. Lawler. The additional 600+ individual cases have been assigned various judges in the same division and await their initial hearings.
On Friday, a Sterigenics representative released a statement saying, "Sterigenics empathizes with anyone battling cancer, but we are confident that operations at our Willowbrook facility are not responsible for causing the illnesses alleged in any lawsuit. As we have stated previously, we intend to vigorously defend against the plaintiffs' unfounded and meritless claims."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Senate GOP demands governor open unemployment offices

SPRINGFIELD -- Ten `` frustrated '' Republican senators demanded Gov .
J.B. Pritzker allow state offices tasked with processing unemployment claims to reopen in a letter sent exactly five months after Illinois ' first stay-at-home order was issued .
The Department of Employment Security was widely reported to struggle with the historic influx of unemployment filings it received from residents who lost their job due to the COVID-19-induced economic downturn .
While the unemployment rate dropped from the pandemic peak of 16.8 % in April to 11.3 % in July , the senators argued Illinoisans continue to have problems applying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These issues are `` long-standing '' and `` continue unabated , '' they wrote in a letter Thursday .
Reopening the Employment Security offices for `` face-to-face assistance , '' as Secretary of State Jesse White allowed for motor services buildings , is the best solution , the senators added .
`` Surely in 6 months , could n't we have installed plexiglass barriers and outside air ventilation systems in the IDES offices by now , '' they asked in their letter .
`` Limit the number of people in the offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , hell , we do n't care , put a tent up outside and buy laptops for the staff -- but get these offices back open .
People are hurting . ''
Sen. Chapin Rose , from Mahomet , said in a phone conversation Friday that an avenue must exist for state employees to maintain their safety while still opening Employment Security Department doors for Illinoisans to receive assistance .
He said if White could design a way for that to happen , schools can resume in-person lessons , and food and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way for residents to apply for unemployment benefits in person .
Other Republican senators who signed the letter were : Neil Anderson of Andalusia , Donald DeWitte of St. Charles , Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods , Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove , Jason Plummer of Edwardsville , Sue Rezin of Morris , Paul Schrimpf of Waterloo , Chuck Weaver of North Peoria , and Craig Wilcox of McHenry .
This request for department officials and Pritzker to rectify systemic delays and inaccuracies in unemployment benefits is not new .
Most recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome after residents experienced fraud in a program designed to provide economic relief for those members of the economy who do not normally qualify for such benefits .
When faced with complaints about the Employment Security Department 's trouble in the last six months , Pritzker has maintained that officials are doing everything possible to solve the problem .
`` As the governor has repeatedly said , hiring skilled workers at IDES is a top priority since the state agency was hollowed out after many years , '' Pritzker 's spokeswoman said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time worker to assist in the unemployment process takes nine months and requires lawmakers vote in favor of a budget that provide [ sic ] resources instead of sitting idle while critical government agencies are hollowed out . ''
His administration partnered with a private firm to create a system for Illinoisans to apply for unemployment benefits under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program .
Officials also hired more than 500 new workers , increasing personnel who can assist callers in locating necessary forms online .
The spokeswoman for the governor said IDES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times higher than the number of claims the agency processed weekly during the recession of 2008 . ''
To achieve this , the department allowed employees to work more than 40 hours per week and designed a call-back system , she added .
The Republican senators wrote they supported the governor 's actions from March through June to manage the spread of COVID-19 , but the IDES system is `` broken and ridiculous . ''
`` It is now past the middle of August .
We are moving into our 6th month with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being fixed -- and phone calls from new hires , who have been poorly trained and are unable to respond to basic questions , are n't helping , '' they wrote .
They added they were `` unsurprised '' when Chicago television network WGN reported that `` less than one half of one percent '' of calls from residents to the Department of Employment Security were answered .
The outlet analyzed more than 78 million phone calls placed over four months .
`` To put it simply , this is not acceptable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Pritzker .
`` Our constituents feel like they are caught in some real-life Franz Kafka novel .
But this is no joke -- this is real and painful , and it is seriously damaging the people that we both serve . ''
But Pritzker 's spokeswoman said the department is `` returning about 12,000 calls per week and working through the system to return calls as quickly as possible . ''

Senate GOP demands governor open unemployment offices
SPRINGFIELD -- Ten "frustrated" Republican senators demanded Gov. J.B. Pritzker allow state offices tasked with processing unemployment claims to reopen in a letter sent exactly five months after Illinois' first stay-at-home order was issued.
The Department of Employment Security was widely reported to struggle with the historic influx of unemployment filings it received from residents who lost their job due to the COVID-19-induced economic downturn.
While the unemployment rate dropped from the pandemic peak of 16.8% in April to 11.3% in July, the senators argued Illinoisans continue to have problems applying for and receiving benefits from the department. These issues are "long-standing" and "continue unabated," they wrote in a letter Thursday.
Reopening the Employment Security offices for "face-to-face assistance," as Secretary of State Jesse White allowed for motor services buildings, is the best solution, the senators added.
"Surely in 6 months, couldn't we have installed plexiglass barriers and outside air ventilation systems in the IDES offices by now," they asked in their letter. "Limit the number of people in the offices, socially distance, mask, all that, hell, we don't care, put a tent up outside and buy laptops for the staff -- but get these offices back open. People are hurting."
Sen. Chapin Rose, from Mahomet, said in a phone conversation Friday that an avenue must exist for state employees to maintain their safety while still opening Employment Security Department doors for Illinoisans to receive assistance. He said if White could design a way for that to happen, schools can resume in-person lessons, and food and banking establishments are open, there is a way for residents to apply for unemployment benefits in person.
Other Republican senators who signed the letter were: Neil Anderson of Andalusia, Donald DeWitte of St. Charles, Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods, Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove, Jason Plummer of Edwardsville, Sue Rezin of Morris, Paul Schrimpf of Waterloo, Chuck Weaver of North Peoria, and Craig Wilcox of McHenry.
This request for department officials and Pritzker to rectify systemic delays and inaccuracies in unemployment benefits is not new. Most recently, House Republicans asked for the same outcome after residents experienced fraud in a program designed to provide economic relief for those members of the economy who do not normally qualify for such benefits.
When faced with complaints about the Employment Security Department's trouble in the last six months, Pritzker has maintained that officials are doing everything possible to solve the problem.
"As the governor has repeatedly said, hiring skilled workers at IDES is a top priority since the state agency was hollowed out after many years," Pritzker's spokeswoman said in an email. "Training a full time worker to assist in the unemployment process takes nine months and requires lawmakers vote in favor of a budget that provide [sic] resources instead of sitting idle while critical government agencies are hollowed out."
His administration partnered with a private firm to create a system for Illinoisans to apply for unemployment benefits under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Officials also hired more than 500 new workers, increasing personnel who can assist callers in locating necessary forms online.
The spokeswoman for the governor said IDES processed weekly claims "more than 10 times higher than the number of claims the agency processed weekly during the recession of 2008." To achieve this, the department allowed employees to work more than 40 hours per week and designed a call-back system, she added.
The Republican senators wrote they supported the governor's actions from March through June to manage the spread of COVID-19, but the IDES system is "broken and ridiculous."
"It is now past the middle of August. We are moving into our 6th month with a system that is apparently incapable of being fixed -- and phone calls from new hires, who have been poorly trained and are unable to respond to basic questions, aren't helping," they wrote.
They added they were "unsurprised" when Chicago television network WGN reported that "less than one half of one percent" of calls from residents to the Department of Employment Security were answered. The outlet analyzed more than 78 million phone calls placed over four months.
"To put it simply, this is not acceptable," the senators wrote in their letter to Pritzker. "Our constituents feel like they are caught in some real-life Franz Kafka novel. But this is no joke -- this is real and painful, and it is seriously damaging the people that we both serve."
But Pritzker's spokeswoman said the department is "returning about 12,000 calls per week and working through the system to return calls as quickly as possible."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Retiring Rev. Nathaniel Edmond honored with key to the city of Elgin

As Second Baptist Church of Elgin pastor Nathaniel Edmond prepares to retire and close the door on one chapter of his life , the city of Elgin let him know he 's welcome back anytime .
And he can let himself in .
Edmond was honored at last week 's city council meeting with the key to the city in recognition of his support for the community .
`` It was outstanding .
It was a great honor for me , '' Edmond said Friday .
He went to the council meeting at the urging of Mayor David Kaptain and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retirement .
`` But I had no idea that was coming , '' Edmond said .
`` I was there thinking they were going to give me a proclamation but it was much more than that . ''
Kaptain said it was well deserved .
According to Kaptain , it 's only the second time that he was aware of that the honor has been bestowed -- the other being when Jerry Cain received a key in 2012 just before he retired as president of Judson University .
`` I 've served with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs , and he always used his position to do the right thing for the community , '' Kaptain said .
`` Even though he lives in another community , he always wanted to go above and beyond for the city of Elgin . ''
Kaptain drew parallels between the two men to whom he 's awarded the key .
`` With both Nat and Jerry , it highlights more than what they did in support of their faith .
It goes beyond that because they became supporters of the community . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hills , will preach at Second Baptist Church until the last Sunday in September .
Church leaders will elect their new pastor at the end of August and that person will take over in October .
He said receiving the key to the city gives him a feeling that he 's always welcome .
`` It has been a great journey here in Elgin , '' Edmond said .
`` I loved my work with Second Baptist Church and Elgin is a great place and I 'm very proud to be a @ @ @ @ @

Retiring Rev. Nathaniel Edmond honored with key to the city of Elgin
COURTESY OF CITY OF ELGINHere's the key to the City of Elgin presented recently to the Rev. Nathaniel Edmond, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Elgin.
COURTESY OF CITY OF ELGINThe Rev. Nathaniel Edmond, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Elgin, receives the key to the city of Elgin from councilman Corey Dixon as Mayor David Kaptain looks on during a recent council meeting.
As Second Baptist Church of Elgin pastor Nathaniel Edmond prepares to retire and close the door on one chapter of his life, the city of Elgin let him know he's welcome back anytime.
And he can let himself in.
Edmond was honored at last week's city council meeting with the key to the city in recognition of his support for the community.
"It was outstanding. It was a great honor for me," Edmond said Friday.
He went to the council meeting at the urging of Mayor David Kaptain and assumed he was being honored on his retirement.
"But I had no idea that was coming," Edmond said. "I was there thinking they were going to give me a proclamation but it was much more than that."
Kaptain said it was well deserved.
According to Kaptain, it's only the second time that he was aware of that the honor has been bestowed -- the other being when Jerry Cain received a key in 2012 just before he retired as president of Judson University.
"I've served with Nat on so many different committees and programs, and he always used his position to do the right thing for the community," Kaptain said. "Even though he lives in another community, he always wanted to go above and beyond for the city of Elgin."
Kaptain drew parallels between the two men to whom he's awarded the key.
"With both Nat and Jerry, it highlights more than what they did in support of their faith. It goes beyond that because they became supporters of the community."
Edmond, who lives in Lake in the Hills, will preach at Second Baptist Church until the last Sunday in September. Church leaders will elect their new pastor at the end of August and that person will take over in October.
He said receiving the key to the city gives him a feeling that he's always welcome.
"It has been a great journey here in Elgin," Edmond said. "I loved my work with Second Baptist Church and Elgin is a great place and I'm very proud to be a part of it."