dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--Suburban boy, 6, battles mysterious illness possibly linked to COVID-19

Sara Garcia 's 6-year-old son , Nolan , is hospitalized at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital battling a mysterious inflammatory illness that mimics symptoms of Kawasaki disease and appears to be linked to COVID-19 .
Garcia took Nolan to the hospital several days ago with a high fever .
`` It started off as just a fever for about three days , '' she said .
`` The fever was bad .
It went up to about 104.9 degrees . ''
Nolan was immediately placed in the intensive care unit .
At first , doctors thought he had Kawasaki disease because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is definitely an inflammatory response to the virus because all of his inflammatory markers went up , a lot of heart enzymes went up , '' Garcia said .
Nolan is one of a growing number of children nationwide who have developed an inflammatory syndrome related to COVID-19 .
Symptoms include persistent fever , abdominal problems , rash , vomiting , diarrhea , red eyes and swollen lymph nodes .
`` I think as the weeks go on we will have many more kinds in the United States affected by this , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Belmonte said in several of the cases , kids test negative for COVID-9 but positive for the antibodies , meaning the syndrome is showing up later .
Nolan Garcia has tested positive for COVID-19 , but his mom has no idea how he was exposed .
`` We did all the social distancing , we did not go on play dates , we did n't go anywhere , '' she said .
`` I just do n't know . ''

6-year-old battles illness possibly linked to COVID-19
Sara Garcia's 6-year-old son, Nolan, is hospitalized at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital battling a mysterious inflammatory illness that mimics symptoms of Kawasaki disease and appears to be linked to COVID-19.
Garcia took Nolan to the hospital several days ago with a high fever.
"It started off as just a fever for about three days," she said. "The fever was bad. It went up to about 104.9 degrees."
Nolan was immediately placed in the intensive care unit. At first, doctors thought he had Kawasaki disease because his symptoms were similar.
"It is definitely an inflammatory response to the virus because all of his inflammatory markers went up, a lot of heart enzymes went up," Garcia said.
Nolan is one of a growing number of children nationwide who have developed an inflammatory syndrome related to COVID-19. Symptoms include persistent fever, abdominal problems, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, red eyes and swollen lymph nodes.
"I think as the weeks go on we will have many more kinds in the United States affected by this," said Dr. Frank Belmonte of Advocate Health.
Belmonte said in several of the cases, kids test negative for COVID-9 but positive for the antibodies, meaning the syndrome is showing up later. Nolan Garcia has tested positive for COVID-19, but his mom has no idea how he was exposed.
"We did all the social distancing, we did not go on play dates, we didn't go anywhere," she said. "I just don't know."
Nolan is expected to make a full recovery.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--As economic crisis grows, Lake County officials propose $9 million in spending cuts

In response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , Lake County officials have proposed slashing more than $ 9 million in anticipated spending from the current budget .
Dozens of cuts have been suggested , including eliminating vacant staff positions in several departments , reducing spending on supplies in many departments and reducing travel and training .
Officials also proposed trimming gasoline purchases , spending less money on uniforms for the sheriff 's office , reducing mileage reimbursements , canceling the digitalization of some records and shaving software purchases , among other reductions .
More cuts certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials said .
`` Staff is continuing to look at potential reductions across the board , '' County Administrator Gary Gibson said .
The county board 's financial and administrative committee tentatively approved the reductions Thursday morning during a meeting held remotely because of the statewide stay-at-home order .
The full board will consider the proposed cuts when it meets next week .
The stay-at-home order is preventing countless businesses from operating normally and is reducing their revenue as a result .
That , in turn , is dramatically affecting the revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gasoline tax , video gambling and many other sources .
Officials have estimated Lake County 's revenue will be $ 20 million less than the $ 542 million projection for the 2020 fiscal year because of the growing economic crisis .
That 's a roughly 3.7 % drop .
The cuts discussed Thursday were suggested voluntarily by county department leaders , said Patrice Sutton , the county 's finance director .
Many are vacant staff positions that now will go unfilled .
No layoffs were proposed .
Contracts for various services and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capital projects , such as road repairs or construction ventures , are being spared at the moment .
But `` hard decisions '' will have to be made soon on such projects , Deputy County Administrator Jim Hawkins said .
The proposed cuts represent about 1.6 % of the $ 573.2 million in expenses included in the 2020 budget .
Although the cuts would be real , they would n't reduce the size of the county 's budget on paper .
Rather , the money for the various expenditures will be moved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds become available , Sutton said .
County board members are set to meet in a virtual committee-of-the-whole session at 8:30 a.m. Friday to review this and other proposals .
The full board is set to meet remotely at 9 a.m. Tuesday .
Both meetings will be streamed live on the internet at lakecounty.tv and aired on some local cable stations .

As economic crisis grows, Lake County officials propose $9 million in spending cuts
In response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lake County officials have proposed slashing more than $9 million in anticipated spending from the current budget.
Dozens of cuts have been suggested, including eliminating vacant staff positions in several departments, reducing spending on supplies in many departments and reducing travel and training.
Officials also proposed trimming gasoline purchases, spending less money on uniforms for the sheriff's office, reducing mileage reimbursements, canceling the digitalization of some records and shaving software purchases, among other reductions.
More cuts certainly will be proposed as the crisis worsens, officials said.
"Staff is continuing to look at potential reductions across the board," County Administrator Gary Gibson said.
The county board's financial and administrative committee tentatively approved the reductions Thursday morning during a meeting held remotely because of the statewide stay-at-home order.
The full board will consider the proposed cuts when it meets next week.
The stay-at-home order is preventing countless businesses from operating normally and is reducing their revenue as a result. That, in turn, is dramatically affecting the revenue governmental agencies will collect from sales tax, gasoline tax, video gambling and many other sources.
Officials have estimated Lake County's revenue will be $20 million less than the $542 million projection for the 2020 fiscal year because of the growing economic crisis. That's a roughly 3.7% drop.
The fiscal year ends Nov. 30.
The cuts discussed Thursday were suggested voluntarily by county department leaders, said Patrice Sutton, the county's finance director.
Many are vacant staff positions that now will go unfilled. No layoffs were proposed.
Contracts for various services and purchases will be eliminated, too.
Capital projects, such as road repairs or construction ventures, are being spared at the moment. But "hard decisions" will have to be made soon on such projects, Deputy County Administrator Jim Hawkins said.
The proposed cuts represent about 1.6% of the $573.2 million in expenses included in the 2020 budget.
Although the cuts would be real, they wouldn't reduce the size of the county's budget on paper. Rather, the money for the various expenditures will be moved to contingency accounts that can be accessed if funds become available, Sutton said.
County board members are set to meet in a virtual committee-of-the-whole session at 8:30 a.m. Friday to review this and other proposals. The full board is set to meet remotely at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Both meetings will be streamed live on the internet at lakecounty.tv and aired on some local cable stations.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--Request to rebate sales taxes to Lake County businesses doesn't gain traction

A request to consider rebating sales tax payments to local businesses to provide relief during the current economic crisis did n't gain traction during a Lake County Board committee discussion Thursday .
The financial and administrative committee debated the concept in a meeting held remotely because of the statewide stay-at-home order .
It was one of several items on the agenda aimed at providing financial relief to businesses and residents struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Board member Mike Rummel , a Lake Forest Republican , suggested the idea .
His hometown has adopted such a policy , as has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way to help small businesses get some little relief , '' Rummel said .
`` This is a way to say we care . ''
The percentage of sales tax consumers pay in Lake County varies from community to community .
The county charges a 1 % tax on purchases in unincorporated areas and a .25 % tax on purchases anywhere in the county .
Rummel 's proposal would have the county rebate revenue from that quarter-percent tax , which amounts to 25 cents for every $ 100 spent .
County Finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued sales tax rebates before , to encourage businesses to locate in the county .
But County Administrator Gary Gibson noted tax rebates would require county officials to make budget cuts to offset the revenue loss at a time when departments already are reducing spending .
The proposal did n't get support from committee members .
Returning sales tax revenue back to businesses sounds good , committee member Steve Carlson said , but the actual money involved is `` minuscule . ''
`` We should emphasize direct aid for people who need it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Gurnee-area Republican .
`` How much would a business get ? ''
the Libertyville Democrat asked .
`` Would that make a difference ... compared to the cost to the county ? ''
Highland Park Democrat Paul Frank , who leads the financial committee , also asked if officials could do something that has more of a financial impact for recipients .
County Board Chairwoman Sandy Hart , a Lake Bluff Democrat , acknowledged that her hometown and Lake Forest have enacted tax rebates for businesses .
But she said the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for businesses that wo n't impact the county 's own revenue .
Hart has formed a special financial subcommittee to address coronavirus recovery strategies and to direct available federal funding .
To that end , the financial committee recommended creating a dedicated coronavirus fund to ensure money the county receives from the federal government for COVID-19 relief is properly accounted for and spent .
As for the rebate proposal , the committee took no action Thursday .

Request to rebate sales taxes to Lake County businesses doesn't gain traction
A request to consider rebating sales tax payments to local businesses to provide relief during the current economic crisis didn't gain traction during a Lake County Board committee discussion Thursday.
The financial and administrative committee debated the concept in a meeting held remotely because of the statewide stay-at-home order. It was one of several items on the agenda aimed at providing financial relief to businesses and residents struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Board member Mike Rummel, a Lake Forest Republican, suggested the idea. His hometown has adopted such a policy, as has nearby Lake Bluff.
"This is a way to help small businesses get some little relief," Rummel said. "This is a way to say we care."
The percentage of sales tax consumers pay in Lake County varies from community to community. The county charges a 1% tax on purchases in unincorporated areas and a .25% tax on purchases anywhere in the county.
Rummel's proposal would have the county rebate revenue from that quarter-percent tax, which amounts to 25 cents for every $100 spent.
County Finance Director Patrice Sutton said the board has issued sales tax rebates before, to encourage businesses to locate in the county.
But County Administrator Gary Gibson noted tax rebates would require county officials to make budget cuts to offset the revenue loss at a time when departments already are reducing spending.
The proposal didn't get support from committee members.
Returning sales tax revenue back to businesses sounds good, committee member Steve Carlson said, but the actual money involved is "minuscule."
"We should emphasize direct aid for people who need it the most," said Carlson, a Gurnee-area Republican.
Committee member Jennifer Clark was similarly dubious.
"How much would a business get?" the Libertyville Democrat asked. "Would that make a difference ... compared to the cost to the county?"
Highland Park Democrat Paul Frank, who leads the financial committee, also asked if officials could do something that has more of a financial impact for recipients.
County Board Chairwoman Sandy Hart, a Lake Bluff Democrat, acknowledged that her hometown and Lake Forest have enacted tax rebates for businesses. But she said the county has access to sources for financial aid for businesses that won't impact the county's own revenue.
Hart has formed a special financial subcommittee to address coronavirus recovery strategies and to direct available federal funding.
To that end, the financial committee recommended creating a dedicated coronavirus fund to ensure money the county receives from the federal government for COVID-19 relief is properly accounted for and spent.
As for the rebate proposal, the committee took no action Thursday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--Justice Department dropping Michael Flynn's criminal case

WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department on Thursday said it is dropping the criminal case against President Donald Trump 's first national security adviser , Michael Flynn , abandoning a prosecution that became a rallying cry for Trump and his supporters in attacking the FBI 's Russia investigation .
The move is a stunning reversal for one of the signature cases brought by special counsel Robert Mueller .
It comes even though prosecutors for the last three years had maintained that Flynn had lied to the FBI about his conversations with the Russian ambassador in a January 2017 interview .
Flynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key cooperator for Mueller as he investigated ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign .
In court documents being filed Thursday , the Justice Department said it is dropping the case `` after a considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case , including newly discovered and disclosed information . ''
The documents were obtained by The Associated Press .
The Justice Department said it had concluded that Flynn 's interview by the FBI was `` untethered to , and unjustified by , the FBI 's counterintelligence investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview on January 24 , 2017 was `` conducted without any legitimate investigative basis . ''
The U.S. attorney reviewing the Flynn case , Jeff Jensen , recommended the move to Attorney General William Barr last week and formalized the recommendation in a document this week .
`` Through the course of my review of General Flynn 's case , I concluded the proper and just course was to dismiss the case , '' Jensen said in a statement .
`` I briefed Attorney General Barr on my findings , advised him on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The decision is certain to be embraced by Trump , who has relentlessly tweeted about the case and last week pronounced Flynn `` exonerated , '' and energize supporters who have taken up the retired Army lieutenant general as something of a cause celebre .
But it may also add to Democratic concerns that Attorney General William Barr is excessively loyal to the president , and could be a distraction for a Justice Department that for months has sought to focus on crimes arising from the coronavirus .

Justice Department dropping Michael Flynn's criminal case
Former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn leaves the federal courthouse in Washington in 2018. Associated Press/July 10, 2018
WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department on Thursday said it is dropping the criminal case against President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, abandoning a prosecution that became a rallying cry for Trump and his supporters in attacking the FBI's Russia investigation.
The move is a stunning reversal for one of the signature cases brought by special counsel Robert Mueller.
It comes even though prosecutors for the last three years had maintained that Flynn had lied to the FBI about his conversations with the Russian ambassador in a January 2017 interview.
Flynn himself admitted as much, and became a key cooperator for Mueller as he investigated ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign.
In court documents being filed Thursday, the Justice Department said it is dropping the case "after a considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case, including newly discovered and disclosed information."
The documents were obtained by The Associated Press.
The Justice Department said it had concluded that Flynn's interview by the FBI was "untethered to, and unjustified by, the FBI's counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn" and that the interview on January 24, 2017 was "conducted without any legitimate investigative basis."
The U.S. attorney reviewing the Flynn case, Jeff Jensen, recommended the move to Attorney General William Barr last week and formalized the recommendation in a document this week.
"Through the course of my review of General Flynn's case, I concluded the proper and just course was to dismiss the case," Jensen said in a statement. "I briefed Attorney General Barr on my findings, advised him on these conclusions, and he agreed."
The decision is certain to be embraced by Trump, who has relentlessly tweeted about the case and last week pronounced Flynn "exonerated," and energize supporters who have taken up the retired Army lieutenant general as something of a cause celebre.
But it may also add to Democratic concerns that Attorney General William Barr is excessively loyal to the president, and could be a distraction for a Justice Department that for months has sought to focus on crimes arising from the coronavirus.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--Organization sues state over ballot obstacles

SPRINGFIELD -- An Illinois organization aiming to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot is suing the state , alleging that restrictions implemented to combat the novel coronavirus `` forced '' voters to weigh their health against their First Amendment rights .
The Committee for the Illinois Democracy Amendment is advocating for an amendment that would obligate the General Assembly to take roll call votes on bills proposing `` stronger ethical standards for Illinois public officials . ''
To successfully secure a spot on the ballot , proponents must gather 363,813 handwritten signatures -- or 8 percent of votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- and deliver the papers to the secretary of state 's office six months before the Nov. 3 general election .
That deadline passed May 3 .
The committee , in a court document , argued that threshold was impossible to meet given the issuance of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's disaster proclamation and stay-at-home order less than two months before the cutoff .
It is asking U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer to reduce the signature requirement by 50 percent , enable voters to sign petitions electronically and allow those documents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee also wants the May 3 deadline extended to Aug. 3 , giving proponents the 55 days they allege they lost .
These requests are similar to ones Pallmeyer granted the Libertarian and Green Parties when they sued the state alleging third party candidates could not realistically meet the requirements to qualify for the November ballot .
In a court document , the committee alleges the mandates for collecting support for a constitutional amendment is `` identical to and indistinguishable from the traditional procedure for collecting petition signatures for candidates . ''
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Less than two weeks later , the committee asked her to reconsider , given the time restraints for getting a constitutional amendment on the ballot .
Pallmeyer was scheduled to rule on the reconsideration Thursday .
Attorneys for the Illinois State Board of Elections and secretary of state 's office said in a document at least two of the committee 's requests -- extending the deadline and reducing the signatures needed -- would `` contravene '' requirements included in the state constitution .
That `` would pose near insurmountable difficulties '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee 's requests `` would make it difficult , if not impossible , for the State Board of Elections and Secretary of State to fulfill their legal obligations related to a proposed constitutional amendment , '' according to their filing .
`` In addition ... the ( requests ) could potentially throw Illinois ' electoral system into disarray during an already tumultuous time . ''
That argument shows `` the state imagines a parade of horribles and burdens '' that do not exist , the committee 's attorneys responded .
Pallmeyer asked both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a court transcript , there have been `` a number '' of conversations and conferences , but no solution was reached .
John Mauck , one of the committee 's representatives , said the state offered a two-week deadline extension as long as a hard copy of the hand-signed petitions were submitted , according to a transcript .
But the committee wants to turn in electronic petitions with electronic signatures .
That would be `` a simple and fair solution , and workable solution , '' Mauck said in the transcript .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold a hearing to reconsider her decision , the committee argued the secretary of state 's offices were shuttered to comply with the governor 's efforts to combat COVID-19 .
`` Incredibly , the State informed ( the committee ) that it would have someone present at the office of the Secretary of State to receive the petitions on Sunday , May 3 , 2020 , '' according to the filing .
`` All ( the committee ) had to do was carry thousands of paper pages to the office and hope to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing orders . ''
Erin Walsh , the Board of Elections ' attorney , also took issue with the committee asking `` various state agencies to completely rework their system for ballot access '' at `` the last minute . ''
There is no proof the committee tried complying with the state 's established process before March , she added .
According to documents filed with the board , the committee was founded on April 1 .
But proponents began gathering signatures `` in the past several weeks , '' former Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee 's representatives , responded , according to a transcript .
Their efforts `` essentially began '' after members of the General Assembly who are on the state 's Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform `` announced they were not going to make any recommendations '' by their self-imposed due date at the end of March .
When asked by Pallmeyer how much progress canvassers made , Quinn said `` it 's impossible to know exactly how many signatures you have until they 're collected , '' according to a transcript .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Elections and secretary of state 's office retool the online voter registration system to allow residents to electronically support a constitutional amendment initiative .
That system , passed into law in 2013 when Quinn was governor , could be `` easily modified '' to do so , he said .
Walsh said that suggestion is tantamount to the committee `` trying to foist this untested program on the state of Illinois at the last minute , '' according to a transcript .
And , according to that document , Pallmeyer said `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propriety of this electronic concept , '' she does not have the legal authority to `` order a different mechanism for the voting process in Illinois . ''

Organization sues state over ballot obstacles
SPRINGFIELD -- An Illinois organization aiming to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot is suing the state, alleging that restrictions implemented to combat the novel coronavirus "forced" voters to weigh their health against their First Amendment rights.
The Committee for the Illinois Democracy Amendment is advocating for an amendment that would obligate the General Assembly to take roll call votes on bills proposing "stronger ethical standards for Illinois public officials."
To successfully secure a spot on the ballot, proponents must gather 363,813 handwritten signatures -- or 8 percent of votes cast for governor in the last election -- and deliver the papers to the secretary of state's office six months before the Nov. 3 general election. That deadline passed May 3.
The committee, in a court document, argued that threshold was impossible to meet given the issuance of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's disaster proclamation and stay-at-home order less than two months before the cutoff.
It is asking U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer to reduce the signature requirement by 50 percent, enable voters to sign petitions electronically and allow those documents to be submitted electronically as well. The committee also wants the May 3 deadline extended to Aug. 3, giving proponents the 55 days they allege they lost.
These requests are similar to ones Pallmeyer granted the Libertarian and Green Parties when they sued the state alleging third party candidates could not realistically meet the requirements to qualify for the November ballot.
In a court document, the committee alleges the mandates for collecting support for a constitutional amendment is "identical to and indistinguishable from the traditional procedure for collecting petition signatures for candidates."
On April 17, Pallmeyer denied their requests. Less than two weeks later, the committee asked her to reconsider, given the time restraints for getting a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Pallmeyer was scheduled to rule on the reconsideration Thursday.
Attorneys for the Illinois State Board of Elections and secretary of state's office said in a document at least two of the committee's requests -- extending the deadline and reducing the signatures needed -- would "contravene" requirements included in the state constitution.
That "would pose near insurmountable difficulties" for the state, they argued.
The committee's requests "would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the State Board of Elections and Secretary of State to fulfill their legal obligations related to a proposed constitutional amendment," according to their filing. "In addition ... the (requests) could potentially throw Illinois' electoral system into disarray during an already tumultuous time."
That argument shows "the state imagines a parade of horribles and burdens" that do not exist, the committee's attorneys responded.
Negotiations fall flat
Pallmeyer asked both sides to negotiate a solution. According to a court transcript, there have been "a number" of conversations and conferences, but no solution was reached.
John Mauck, one of the committee's representatives, said the state offered a two-week deadline extension as long as a hard copy of the hand-signed petitions were submitted, according to a transcript.
But the committee wants to turn in electronic petitions with electronic signatures. That would be "a simple and fair solution, and workable solution," Mauck said in the transcript.
In a court document urging Pallmeyer to hold a hearing to reconsider her decision, the committee argued the secretary of state's offices were shuttered to comply with the governor's efforts to combat COVID-19.
"Incredibly, the State informed (the committee) that it would have someone present at the office of the Secretary of State to receive the petitions on Sunday, May 3, 2020," according to the filing. "All (the committee) had to do was carry thousands of paper pages to the office and hope to not get arrested for violating stay-at-home and social distancing orders."
Erin Walsh, the Board of Elections' attorney, also took issue with the committee asking "various state agencies to completely rework their system for ballot access" at "the last minute."
There is no proof the committee tried complying with the state's established process before March, she added. According to documents filed with the board, the committee was founded on April 1.
But proponents began gathering signatures "in the past several weeks," former Gov. Pat Quinn, another of the committee's representatives, responded, according to a transcript.
Their efforts "essentially began" after members of the General Assembly who are on the state's Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform "announced they were not going to make any recommendations" by their self-imposed due date at the end of March.
When asked by Pallmeyer how much progress canvassers made, Quinn said "it's impossible to know exactly how many signatures you have until they're collected," according to a transcript.
The committee proposed that the State Board of Elections and secretary of state's office retool the online voter registration system to allow residents to electronically support a constitutional amendment initiative.
That system, passed into law in 2013 when Quinn was governor, could be "easily modified" to do so, he said.
Walsh said that suggestion is tantamount to the committee "trying to foist this untested program on the state of Illinois at the last minute," according to a transcript.
And, according to that document, Pallmeyer said "whatever my views might be on the propriety of this electronic concept," she does not have the legal authority to "order a different mechanism for the voting process in Illinois."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--$250 million Hawthorn Mall redevelopment 'moving at light speed'

While everyday life may seem to be in suspended animation , several ongoing projects in Vernon Hills show there is hope ahead , town officials say .
And that includes a proposed $ 250 million makeover for Hawthorn Mall at Townline Road ( Route 60 ) and Milwaukee Avenue ( Route 21 ) .
`` I do n't want to leave everyone with the impression the future is bleak , '' Village Manager Mark Fleischhauer told trustees Tuesday .
`` Although it certainly does n't look very good today , there is reason for optimism . ''
Unlike the recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developments , buildings and projects underway or in the planning stages with construction pending , he said .
He outlined about a dozen examples , including pending review of plans for 900,000 square feet of light industrial buildings ; final stages of work on three restaurants ; near completion of a furniture store ; and proposals for two new retail stores .
Perhaps the most asked question , Fleischhauer said , is what 's happening with Hawthorn Mall , the village 's 1.3 million-square-foot retail centerpiece .
`` No , the mall is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` On the contrary , for a project of this size and complexity , it is actually moving ahead at light speed . ''
Mall owner Centennial has secured a demolition permit and , starting next week , construction fencing will be installed and equipment staged near the vacant former Carson 's anchor store .
Although a final detailed schedule has not been finalized , the permit allows demolition to begin June 1 .
The work will take about three months and is expected to be followed by a teardown of the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan is to build a new , 70,000-square-foot retail store where Carson 's had been , Fleischhauer said .
In a statement Wednesday , Jon Meshel , senior vice president of development for Centennial , said the company is taking a different approach than many competitors who have delayed projects due to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 .
`` We are moving ahead with plans that were already on our radar before the pandemic began , though we are , of course , also assessing if any adaptations are needed based on the changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-COVID-19 world , '' he said .
The company continues to work closely on plans to redevelop the former Sears and Carson 's spaces , he added .
Last summer , Centennial outlined for village leaders plans to transform the aging shopping center built in the 1970s inside and out .
With Centennial 's pitch to redevelop the mall came a request for the village to help it recapture some of its investment by creating a special financing district .
Negotiations are underway but a redevelopment agreement will require public review and input @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are scheduled to begin next month , all of the work is being done entirely at the risk of the developer , '' Fleischhauer said .
`` No deal is in place and no money has been promised .
`` I do n't want anybody to think this is a deal that 's done behind closed doors , '' he added .

$250 million Hawthorn Mall redevelopment 'moving at light speed'
While everyday life may seem to be in suspended animation, several ongoing projects in Vernon Hills show there is hope ahead, town officials say.
And that includes a proposed $250 million makeover for Hawthorn Mall at Townline Road (Route 60) and Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21).
"I don't want to leave everyone with the impression the future is bleak," Village Manager Mark Fleischhauer told trustees Tuesday. "Although it certainly doesn't look very good today, there is reason for optimism."
Unlike the recession 10 years ago, there are many developments, buildings and projects underway or in the planning stages with construction pending, he said.
He outlined about a dozen examples, including pending review of plans for 900,000 square feet of light industrial buildings; final stages of work on three restaurants; near completion of a furniture store; and proposals for two new retail stores.
Perhaps the most asked question, Fleischhauer said, is what's happening with Hawthorn Mall, the village's 1.3 million-square-foot retail centerpiece.
"No, the mall is not dead," Fleischhauer said. "On the contrary, for a project of this size and complexity, it is actually moving ahead at light speed."
Mall owner Centennial has secured a demolition permit and, starting next week, construction fencing will be installed and equipment staged near the vacant former Carson's anchor store.
Although a final detailed schedule has not been finalized, the permit allows demolition to begin June 1. The work will take about three months and is expected to be followed by a teardown of the former vacant Sears store.
Following demolition, the plan is to build a new, 70,000-square-foot retail store where Carson's had been, Fleischhauer said.
In a statement Wednesday, Jon Meshel, senior vice president of development for Centennial, said the company is taking a different approach than many competitors who have delayed projects due to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19.
"We are moving ahead with plans that were already on our radar before the pandemic began, though we are, of course, also assessing if any adaptations are needed based on the changing face of the retail environment in a post-COVID-19 world," he said.
The company continues to work closely on plans to redevelop the former Sears and Carson's spaces, he added.
Last summer, Centennial outlined for village leaders plans to transform the aging shopping center built in the 1970s inside and out. With Centennial's pitch to redevelop the mall came a request for the village to help it recapture some of its investment by creating a special financing district.
Negotiations are underway but a redevelopment agreement will require public review and input.
"Even though demolition and construction are scheduled to begin next month, all of the work is being done entirely at the risk of the developer," Fleischhauer said. "No deal is in place and no money has been promised.
"I don't want anybody to think this is a deal that's done behind closed doors," he added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--Today's Recommended Read: "The Music Shop" by Rachel Joyce

In Rachel Joyce 's `` The Music Shop , '' Frank Adair 's vinyl record shop is part of a @ @ @ @ @ shopkeepers , and personally , he is well-insulated from the risks of falling in love @ @ @ @ @ in front of his store .
Immediately smitten , Ilse and Frank realize they are @ @ @ @ @ only that she has a fiancé , but also -- even worse -- she does @ @ @ @ @ In addition , the community must band together to keep out real estate developers who @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
It 's a lot to overcome , but when set to music , @ @ @ @ @ • Sandy Koropp is the owner of Prairie Path Books in Wheaton ( prairiepathbooks.com ) @

Today's Recommended Read: "The Music Shop" by Rachel Joyce
In Rachel Joyce's "The Music Shop," Frank Adair's vinyl record shop is part of a cozy, quirky community of shopkeepers, and personally, he is well-insulated from the risks of falling in love ... until Ilse Brauchmann faints in front of his store.
Immediately smitten, Ilse and Frank realize they are star-crossed when Ilse admits not only that she has a fiancé, but also -- even worse -- she doesn't listen to music. In addition, the community must band together to keep out real estate developers who don't value small indie businesses.
It's a lot to overcome, but when set to music, life seems more manageable.
• Sandy Koropp is the owner of Prairie Path Books in Wheaton (prairiepathbooks.com).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--Hart Road in Barrington to close May 18

Hart Road in Barrington to close May 18

Hart Road at Route 14 in Barrington will be closed starting at 6 a.m. Monday , May 18 , for @ @ @ @ @ is necessary as part of railroad crossing improvements , along with the reconstruction and widening @ @ @ @ @ Road and Route 14 , according to the Lake County Division of Transportation .
The @ @ @ @ @ Monday , Aug. 17 .
On the south side of Hart Road , local traffic @ @ @ @ @ , residences and Barrington High School from Lake-Cook Road .
The detour route is Lake-Cook @ @ @ @ @ Route 14 to Cuba Road .

Hart Road in Barrington to close May 18
Hart Road at Route 14 in Barrington will be closed starting at 6 a.m. Monday, May 18, for three months.
The closure is necessary as part of railroad crossing improvements, along with the reconstruction and widening of the intersection of Hart Road and Route 14, according to the Lake County Division of Transportation. The road is scheduled to reopen Monday, Aug. 17.
On the south side of Hart Road, local traffic will have access to businesses, residences and Barrington High School from Lake-Cook Road.
The detour route is Lake-Cook Road to Route 59 to Route 14 to Cuba Road.
For more information, visit hartandus14.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Their St. Charles home held the history of lesbian couple featured in Netflix doc

The night her family moved into their historic St. Charles home last summer , Elizabeth Suwanski sauntered into the dining room to admire a display case of memorabilia from its original owners .
The glass box came with the house , full of memories from another century , another lifetime .
It was a 1910 time capsule of sorts , the contents of which were found hidden in the walls just a few years earlier by neighbors who bought and rehabbed the property .
But as Suwanski studied the relics , she noticed one did n't quite fit with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Terry Donahue , catcher and utility infielder for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League .
Donahue , a neighbor later explained , had lived for decades in that very house on Third Avenue with her longtime partner , Pat Henschel .
The pair kept their lesbian relationship hidden for more than 60 years , presenting themselves as close friends and roommates before coming out to their families in their 80s .
Their love story is now the subject of a Netflix documentary , `` A Secret Love , '' woven together with snapshots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple 's work at an interior design firm and the LGBTQ community in Chicago in the 1950s .
The house 's former residents captivated Suwanski , who tracked down an autographed Donahue baseball card on eBay and placed it with the unsigned version inside the display case .
Beside it , she added a set of the couple 's old keys with a keychain labeled `` P + T back door . ''
Suwanski wanted them to be remembered , their influence on women 's sports and the LGBTQ movement to be commemorated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the rich history of the house .
Sixteen years ago , shortly after moving with her husband to the St. Charles historic district , Pat Pretz introduced herself to one of her new neighbors across the street .
At first , Henschel was `` a little bit cool '' as she explained that she lived there with her cousin , Terry -- one of the fibs the couple often used when meeting someone new .
But it was n't long before Pretz realized there was more to their relationship than they let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thought that if we knew ( they were gay ) , we may exclude them , and it was just the opposite , '' Pretz said .
`` We really cared for them and admired their long-standing relationship . ''
Henschel and Donahue turned out to be the `` kindest neighbors , '' she said -- always proper and dressed to the nines , but also warm and humorous and thoughtful .
When Donahue learned that Pretz 's granddaughter liked baseball , she gave the girl a signed baseball card and told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women 's organization that inspired the 1992 film `` A League of Their Own . ''
When they went on trips , they brought back bags full of rocks for a little boy who lived next door .
They were active , genuine and young at heart , able to talk to children as easily as they would someone their own age .
`` They just had that type of personality , '' Pretz said .
`` They were very special people . ''
As they entered their twilight years , the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges : Donahue being named grand marshal in a St. Charles parade , moving to a nearby senior living community , getting married in a small ceremony in 2015 .
When Donahue was diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease , Pretz said , `` that just broke Pat 's heart .
She worried about her and wanted to do what was best for her .
She always had that in mind . ''
Donahue and Henschel loved everything about their 1898 Queen Anne home , with its original crown molding and copper doorknobs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the pair eventually decided to put it up for sale about five years ago -- and they told Pretz to buy it .
The proposition intrigued Pretz , who consulted with her husband , Tom , and another neighborhood couple , Laura Rice and Pat Roche , all of whom have ties to community groups focused on preservation .
The house , like many in the area , had been previously converted from a single-family residence into a two-flat .
So they decided to restore it to its former state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rice said .
`` It was such a pleasure to work on . ''
Bathrooms were renovated .
Doorways were taken down to let in more natural light .
An oak staircase and coal-burning fireplace were preserved .
Layers of linoleum were removed , unveiling original maple floors .
And then , while updating the kitchen , the team unearthed a treasure trove within the walls : a Bible , a story book , glasses , toys , a bow tie , a 1910 calendar , a young girl 's notebook filled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the first family who lived there .
Those artifacts assisted in securing a historic landmark designation for the residence , now dubbed the Locke-Marchialette House .
`` It 's what you dream about when you rehab a house , finding treasure in the walls , '' Rice said .
`` And we did . ''
Elizabeth Suwanski and her husband , Adam , fell in love with the house the moment they stepped inside and noticed its 9-foot ceilings , natural wood floors , the way the rooms flow .
Its unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me over the top with excitement , '' she said .
They purchased the home from another family who had lived there briefly once the renovation was complete .
But not before Donahue and Henschel returned for a visit .
It 's always a little nerve-wracking to invite former residents back to a renovated home , Pretz said .
But Donahue and Henschel seemed impressed with not only the revitalized aesthetics but also the case of mementos that had unknowingly lived among them for so many years .
Pretz and Rice still hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , though it 's evident how much she misses Donahue , who died last year .
To their former neighbors , the memory of the spry , zestful couple will always live on in the house they adored .
`` I love that St. Charles is focused on the history and the heritage of the community , '' Pretz said .
`` That 's the part that comes alive to us . ''

Their St. Charles home held the history of lesbian couple featured in Netflix doc
The night her family moved into their historic St. Charles home last summer, Elizabeth Suwanski sauntered into the dining room to admire a display case of memorabilia from its original owners.
The glass box came with the house, full of memories from another century, another lifetime. It was a 1910 time capsule of sorts, the contents of which were found hidden in the walls just a few years earlier by neighbors who bought and rehabbed the property.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Elizabeth Suwanski found an autographed Terry Donahue baseball card after learning that she previously lived in her St. Charles house.
But as Suwanski studied the relics, she noticed one didn't quite fit with the rest: a 1948 baseball card of Terry Donahue, catcher and utility infielder for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Donahue, a neighbor later explained, had lived for decades in that very house on Third Avenue with her longtime partner, Pat Henschel. The pair kept their lesbian relationship hidden for more than 60 years, presenting themselves as close friends and roommates before coming out to their families in their 80s.
Their love story is now the subject of a Netflix documentary, "A Secret Love," woven together with snapshots of Donahue's baseball career, the couple's work at an interior design firm and the LGBTQ community in Chicago in the 1950s.
Terry Donahue, right, and her longtime partner, Pat Henschel, lived for decades in a historic St. Charles house. After neighbors bought and refurbished it, they returned for a visit. - Courtesy of Pat Pretz
The house's former residents captivated Suwanski, who tracked down an autographed Donahue baseball card on eBay and placed it with the unsigned version inside the display case. Beside it, she added a set of the couple's old keys with a keychain labeled "P + T back door."
Suwanski wanted them to be remembered, their influence on women's sports and the LGBTQ movement to be commemorated, their lives to be forever intertwined with the rich history of the house.
'Very special people'
Sixteen years ago, shortly after moving with her husband to the St. Charles historic district, Pat Pretz introduced herself to one of her new neighbors across the street.
At first, Henschel was "a little bit cool" as she explained that she lived there with her cousin, Terry -- one of the fibs the couple often used when meeting someone new. But it wasn't long before Pretz realized there was more to their relationship than they let on.
Terry Donahue, left, and Pat Henschel lived for decades in a historic St. Charles house that had its original stained glass windows and crown molding. - Courtesy of Pat Pretz
"I think they had the thought that if we knew (they were gay), we may exclude them, and it was just the opposite," Pretz said. "We really cared for them and admired their long-standing relationship."
Henschel and Donahue turned out to be the "kindest neighbors," she said -- always proper and dressed to the nines, but also warm and humorous and thoughtful.
When Donahue learned that Pretz's granddaughter liked baseball, she gave the girl a signed baseball card and told stories about her time playing in the women's organization that inspired the 1992 film "A League of Their Own."
When they went on trips, they brought back bags full of rocks for a little boy who lived next door.
They were active, genuine and young at heart, able to talk to children as easily as they would someone their own age.
Pat Henschel, left, and Terry Donahue revisited their former home on Third Avenue in St. Charles after neighbors bought and refurbished it. The couple, now the subject of a new Netflix documentary, lived there for decades while keeping their lesbian relationship hidden into old age. - Courtesy of Pat Pretz
"They just had that type of personality," Pretz said. "They were very special people."
As they entered their twilight years, the couple faced a new set of triumphs and challenges: Donahue being named grand marshal in a St. Charles parade, moving to a nearby senior living community, getting married in a small ceremony in 2015.
When Donahue was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Pretz said, "that just broke Pat's heart. She worried about her and wanted to do what was best for her. She always had that in mind."
The restoration
Donahue and Henschel loved everything about their 1898 Queen Anne home, with its original crown molding and copper doorknobs and colorful stained glass windows, neighbors recalled. But the pair eventually decided to put it up for sale about five years ago -- and they told Pretz to buy it.
The proposition intrigued Pretz, who consulted with her husband, Tom, and another neighborhood couple, Laura Rice and Pat Roche, all of whom have ties to community groups focused on preservation. The house, like many in the area, had been previously converted from a single-family residence into a two-flat. So they decided to restore it to its former state.
"It just oozes charm," Rice said. "It was such a pleasure to work on."
Bathrooms were renovated. Doorways were taken down to let in more natural light. An oak staircase and coal-burning fireplace were preserved. Layers of linoleum were removed, unveiling original maple floors.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Elizabeth Suwanski of St. Charles looks through a display case full of artifacts from her home's original owners in 1910, as well as a few pieces of memorabilia from Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel.
And then, while updating the kitchen, the team unearthed a treasure trove within the walls: a Bible, a story book, glasses, toys, a bow tie, a 1910 calendar, a young girl's notebook filled with schoolwork and more, all traced back to the first family who lived there.
Those artifacts assisted in securing a historic landmark designation for the residence, now dubbed the Locke-Marchialette House.
"It's what you dream about when you rehab a house, finding treasure in the walls," Rice said. "And we did."
History and heritage
Elizabeth Suwanski and her husband, Adam, fell in love with the house the moment they stepped inside and noticed its 9-foot ceilings, natural wood floors, the way the rooms flow.
Its unique history and "amazing character ... sent me over the top with excitement," she said.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer The Suwanski family bought a historic St. Charles house last summer and have continued learning more about its previous owners over time. Adam and Elizabeth stand outside the Third Avenue home with their two children Joshua, 5, and Jack, 3.
They purchased the home from another family who had lived there briefly once the renovation was complete. But not before Donahue and Henschel returned for a visit.
It's always a little nerve-wracking to invite former residents back to a renovated home, Pretz said. But Donahue and Henschel seemed impressed with not only the revitalized aesthetics but also the case of mementos that had unknowingly lived among them for so many years.
Pretz and Rice still hear from Henschel every so often, they say, though it's evident how much she misses Donahue, who died last year. To their former neighbors, the memory of the spry, zestful couple will always live on in the house they adored.
"I love that St. Charles is focused on the history and the heritage of the community," Pretz said. "That's the part that comes alive to us."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--'Solemn but glorious hour': How Wheaton museum is marking the end of WWII in Europe 75 years ago

The images are some of the most uplifting in history , scenes of masses of humanity celebrating from Paris to New York to Chicago .
Crowds swarmed streets upon news of the Nazi surrender , the end of World War II in Europe after six long years of horrific fighting .
But the euphoria of V-E Day 75 years ago Friday could not overshadow the reality that war still raged in the Pacific and would continue for months .
`` This is a solemn but glorious hour , '' President Harry Truman told the nation .
With that spirit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 75th anniversary of V-E Day , or Victory in Europe Day , as an occasion for both solemn reflection and 1940s-style revelry .
Above all else , the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park is paying tribute to a dwindling number of WWII veterans through a video salute in lieu of a major ceremony canceled because of the pandemic .
The museum received an overwhelming response for its request for `` cheer for victory '' videos , short but heartwarming snippets edited together for veterans to feel embraced and appreciated today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's public programs coordinator .
Families sent videos of old uniforms , ration books and black-and-white photos of their relatives , once young sailors holding babies .
Couples swing-danced and waved .
A fifth-grade class from St. Peter Lutheran School in Arlington Heights held up homemade signs as a show of gratitude .
All in remembrance of the people who secured Nazi defeat .
`` V-E Day means that the United States and its Allies had successfully defeated Adolf Hitler 's vision of a global empire based on racial superiority , slavery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another museum video .
The museum will share the `` cheer for victory '' reel on social media at noon today .
Honor Flight Chicago also will send it directly to veterans who have taken Honor Flight trips to their memorial in Washington , their families and those on its mailing list .
`` The hope is that through social media , and this database , we 'll be able to share the video with as many World War II veterans as we possibly can , '' Sears said .
Throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elation of victory with a performance by the Irving Sisters , a trio singing their renditions of big band tunes and `` The Star-Spangled Banner . ''
`` The three ladies are wonderful and amazing and talented and were able to put together a special virtual performance with us with musicians from the safety of their homes , '' Sears said .
Overlooking no detail , the museum has a recipe for Three Dots and a Dash , a rum cocktail invented by WWII vet Donn Beach , the father of Tiki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ code for the letter V. Then there 's a toast script to encourage people to host their own virtual gathering honoring the Allied forces , the women who worked to produce military equipment at home , and the homefront workers who bore the terrible cost of war .
`` Ladies and gentlemen , I propose a toast to the soldiers lost in the line of duty during World War II .
May we never forget their service , '' part of the script reads .
The museum tries to ensure students never forget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Infantry Division on V-E Day .
An at-home curriculum resource looks back on the division 's liberation of concentration camps and the war films of Cpl .
Samuel Fuller , who was ordered by his captain to document the burial of Holocaust victims in Czechoslovakia .
`` When the prominent leaders of the town denied knowledge of the camp , Captain Richmond ordered the men in the town to dress the bodies of the dead prisoners and give them a decent burial , 'so their exit from this world would have some kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

'Solemn but glorious hour': How Wheaton museum is marking the end of WWII in Europe 75 years ago
Looking north from 44th Street, New York's Times Square is packed on May 7, 1945, with crowds celebrating the news of Germany's unconditional surrender in World War II. AP Photo/Tom Fitzsimmons
The images are some of the most uplifting in history, scenes of masses of humanity celebrating from Paris to New York to Chicago.
Crowds swarmed streets upon news of the Nazi surrender, the end of World War II in Europe after six long years of horrific fighting.
But the euphoria of V-E Day 75 years ago Friday could not overshadow the reality that war still raged in the Pacific and would continue for months.
"This is a solemn but glorious hour," President Harry Truman told the nation.
With that spirit, a military museum in Wheaton will mark the 75th anniversary of V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, as an occasion for both solemn reflection and 1940s-style revelry.
Above all else, the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park is paying tribute to a dwindling number of WWII veterans through a video salute in lieu of a major ceremony canceled because of the pandemic.
The museum received an overwhelming response for its request for "cheer for victory" videos, short but heartwarming snippets edited together for veterans to feel embraced and appreciated today, said Laura Sears, the First Division's public programs coordinator.
Families sent videos of old uniforms, ration books and black-and-white photos of their relatives, once young sailors holding babies. Couples swing-danced and waved flags. A fifth-grade class from St. Peter Lutheran School in Arlington Heights held up homemade signs as a show of gratitude. All in remembrance of the people who secured Nazi defeat.
"V-E Day means that the United States and its Allies had successfully defeated Adolf Hitler's vision of a global empire based on racial superiority, slavery, dictatorship and genocide," Sears said in another museum video.
Staff Sgt. Arthur Moore of Buffalo, N.Y., who was wounded in Belgium, stands on 42nd Street near Grand Central Station in New York on May 7, 1945, as New Yorkers celebrate news of V-E Day, victory over Nazi Germany. - AP Photo
The museum will share the "cheer for victory" reel on social media at noon today. Honor Flight Chicago also will send it directly to veterans who have taken Honor Flight trips to their memorial in Washington, their families and those on its mailing list.
"The hope is that through social media, and this database, we'll be able to share the video with as many World War II veterans as we possibly can," Sears said.
Throughout the virtual commemoration, the museum will recall the elation of victory with a performance by the Irving Sisters, a trio singing their renditions of big band tunes and "The Star-Spangled Banner."
"The three ladies are wonderful and amazing and talented and were able to put together a special virtual performance with us with musicians from the safety of their homes," Sears said.
Overlooking no detail, the museum has a recipe for Three Dots and a Dash, a rum cocktail invented by WWII vet Donn Beach, the father of Tiki culture. The name refers to Morse code for the letter V.
Then there's a toast script to encourage people to host their own virtual gathering honoring the Allied forces, the women who worked to produce military equipment at home, and the homefront workers who bore the terrible cost of war.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I propose a toast to the soldiers lost in the line of duty during World War II. May we never forget their service," part of the script reads.
The museum tries to ensure students never forget the role of the Army's 1st Infantry Division on V-E Day. An at-home curriculum resource looks back on the division's liberation of concentration camps and the war films of Cpl. Samuel Fuller, who was ordered by his captain to document the burial of Holocaust victims in Czechoslovakia.
"When the prominent leaders of the town denied knowledge of the camp, Captain Richmond ordered the men in the town to dress the bodies of the dead prisoners and give them a decent burial, 'so their exit from this world would have some kind of dignity,'" historians wrote.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--The state took 4 coyotes from a woman. Now she's fighting in court to get one back.

A suburban woman 's legal fight to win back the last of four coyotes seized from her property last year suffered a setback when a state appeals court last Friday refused to grant her an injunction that would return the animal to her .
Tomi Tranchita is suing the state 's Department of Natural Resources over the April 2019 removal , alleging she had a legal property interest in the coyotes and that state authorities conducted an unconstitutional seizure when they took the animals .
The coyotes were taken from Tranchita 's Tinley Park home to the Flint Creek Wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , court documents say , three have died from what was believed to be distemper , a viral disease affecting unvaccinated animals .
The fourth , named Luna , is at the center of the lawsuit .
`` Luna really needs to come home to be able to heal from the trauma of the past year , '' Tranchita told us in an email Thursday .
`` This is the opinion of veterinarians , myself and the rescue where Luna is at today . ''
The court record makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking in coyotes like they were stray dogs found on the street .
According to the documents , she cared for abused coyotes for 13 years -- including the seized Luna , Sandy , Bella and Peyton -- and was licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture when the animals were taken .
She also held a state permit from 2011 to 2016 as a fur-bearing mammal breeder .
However , Tranchita admits she allowed that state permit to expire in 2016 by failing to pay a $ 25 renewal fee .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seizure on the grounds she was keeping them unlawfully .
She also was cited by the IDNR that day for lacking proper permits , trapping or capturing a coyote out of season , possessing a coyote without a `` hound running area permit , '' and for unlawfully retaining a coyote .
Last May , a Cook County judge denied Tranchita 's request for a preliminary injunction to return Luna .
In a 10-page decision handed down May 1 , Appellate Justice Sheldon A. Harris sided with the county judge .
`` Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plaintiff did not have a valid fur-bearing mammal breeder permit at the time the IDNR seized her coyotes .
Pursuant to the Wildlife Code , coyotes possessed without such a permit are contraband , '' Harris wrote in the unanimous ruling .
`` Without a legitimate claim of entitlement to the property , plaintiff had no right to a property interest protected by due process when her coyotes were seized . ''
Tranchita told us she 'll press on with her litigation to bring Luna home .
`` Luna is a pack animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her pack , '' she wrote .
`` Anything less than Luna coming back to being ( in ) my care for her last years is cruel and inhumane punishment for Luna and for me . ''
Tranchita has launched a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help her in the legal fight .
So far , it 's raised $ 5,731 .
She 's also urging her supporters to write Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and the head of the IDNR .
Marni Yang 's effort to win a new trial will be in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' dedicates two hours to her case tonight .
Yang , 52 , is serving a life sentence for the 2007 killings of Rhoni Reuter and Reuter 's unborn baby in a Deerfield home .
Authorities say Yang was obsessed with former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle , the father of Reuter 's baby , and killed the mother and unborn child in hopes of having a relationship with the football star .
The `` 20/20 '' program will feature an interview with Yang , as well as her three children , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mother by overzealous investigators and prosecutors .
Yang attorney Jed Stone will also appear in the report .
He filed a petition last year seeking a new trial .
In it , Stone says a host of new evidence shows Yang is innocent , including the presence of an unknown man 's DNA on five unspent bullet shells found at the crime scene .
The show airs at 8 tonight on ABC 7 .
When police departments send out news releases announcing a retirement , it 's usually about the chief or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Buffalo Grove Police Department recently announced the departure of longtime employee Beth Martin , despite the fact she 's not a sworn officer , it was a sign of how highly regarded she is around the village .
Martin stepped down last week after more than 35 years with the department , serving in roles ranging from part-time desk officer to evidence custodian to , most recently , the agency 's traffic compliance administrator .
Besides her official duties , Martin has been a big part of the BGPD 's efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 's attended dozens of those events as a volunteer and coordinator .
`` Beth 's absence leaves a gap in our agency that will be challenging to fill , '' Chief Steven Casstevens said in the announcement .
`` We wish nothing but the best for such a committed employee who continually fought to find better ways to do difficult jobs .
She will be missed . ''
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Cops & Crime: Marni Yang interview on '20/20'; suburbanite fights to get a coyote back
Tomi Tranchita said her coyote Luna was left bloodied and dazed when seized from her Tinley Park property last year. courtesy of Tomi Tranchita
Tomi Tranchita was licensed by the federal government and held a state permit to care for coyotes on her South suburban property. But state authorities seized four coyotes from her last year after she let her state permit lapse. courtesy of Tomi Tranchita
Marni Yang will appear on ABC's "20/20" Friday night when the news program takes a look at her efforts to win a new trial in the 2011 slaying of Rhoni Reuter. Courtesy of ABC News
A suburban woman's legal fight to win back the last of four coyotes seized from her property last year suffered a setback when a state appeals court last Friday refused to grant her an injunction that would return the animal to her.
Tomi Tranchita is suing the state's Department of Natural Resources over the April 2019 removal, alleging she had a legal property interest in the coyotes and that state authorities conducted an unconstitutional seizure when they took the animals.
The coyotes were taken from Tranchita's Tinley Park home to the Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation near Barrington for observation and treatment. Since then, court documents say, three have died from what was believed to be distemper, a viral disease affecting unvaccinated animals.
The fourth, named Luna, is at the center of the lawsuit.
"Luna really needs to come home to be able to heal from the trauma of the past year," Tranchita told us in an email Thursday. "This is the opinion of veterinarians, myself and the rescue where Luna is at today."
The court record makes it clear Tranchita was no misguided animal lover taking in coyotes like they were stray dogs found on the street. According to the documents, she cared for abused coyotes for 13 years -- including the seized Luna, Sandy, Bella and Peyton -- and was licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture when the animals were taken. She also held a state permit from 2011 to 2016 as a fur-bearing mammal breeder.
Tomi Tranchita of South suburban Tinley Park has been in a yearlong fight with state authorities to bring home Luna, one of four coyotes seized from her property in April 2019. - Courtesy of Tomi Tranchita
However, Tranchita admits she allowed that state permit to expire in 2016 by failing to pay a $25 renewal fee. That lapse ultimately led to the coyotes' seizure on the grounds she was keeping them unlawfully. She also was cited by the IDNR that day for lacking proper permits, trapping or capturing a coyote out of season, possessing a coyote without a "hound running area permit," and for unlawfully retaining a coyote.
Last May, a Cook County judge denied Tranchita's request for a preliminary injunction to return Luna. In a 10-page decision handed down May 1, Appellate Justice Sheldon A. Harris sided with the county judge.
"Before the trial court was the fact that plaintiff did not have a valid fur-bearing mammal breeder permit at the time the IDNR seized her coyotes. Pursuant to the Wildlife Code, coyotes possessed without such a permit are contraband," Harris wrote in the unanimous ruling. "Without a legitimate claim of entitlement to the property, plaintiff had no right to a property interest protected by due process when her coyotes were seized."
Tranchita told us she'll press on with her litigation to bring Luna home.
"Luna is a pack animal. I am what's left of her pack," she wrote. "Anything less than Luna coming back to being (in) my care for her last years is cruel and inhumane punishment for Luna and for me."
Tranchita has launched a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help her in the legal fight. So far, it's raised $5,731. She's also urging her supporters to write Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the head of the IDNR.
Suburban murder in the spotlight
Marni Yang's effort to win a new trial will be in the national spotlight when ABC's "20/20" dedicates two hours to her case tonight.
Yang, 52, is serving a life sentence for the 2007 killings of Rhoni Reuter and Reuter's unborn baby in a Deerfield home. Authorities say Yang was obsessed with former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle, the father of Reuter's baby, and killed the mother and unborn child in hopes of having a relationship with the football star.
The "20/20" program will feature an interview with Yang, as well as her three children, who now say they were forced to implicate their mother by overzealous investigators and prosecutors.
Yang attorney Jed Stone will also appear in the report. He filed a petition last year seeking a new trial. In it, Stone says a host of new evidence shows Yang is innocent, including the presence of an unknown man's DNA on five unspent bullet shells found at the crime scene.
The show airs at 8 tonight on ABC 7.
Fond farewell
When police departments send out news releases announcing a retirement, it's usually about the chief or some other high-ranking brass.
So when the Buffalo Grove Police Department recently announced the departure of longtime employee Beth Martin, despite the fact she's not a sworn officer, it was a sign of how highly regarded she is around the village.
Beth Martin has retired after more than 35 years with the Buffalo Grove Police Department, most recently as its traffic compliance administrator. - Courtesy of Buffalo Grove
Martin stepped down last week after more than 35 years with the department, serving in roles ranging from part-time desk officer to evidence custodian to, most recently, the agency's traffic compliance administrator.
Besides her official duties, Martin has been a big part of the BGPD's efforts to raise money for Special Olympics, and she's attended dozens of those events as a volunteer and coordinator.
"Beth's absence leaves a gap in our agency that will be challenging to fill," Chief Steven Casstevens said in the announcement. "We wish nothing but the best for such a committed employee who continually fought to find better ways to do difficult jobs. She will be missed."
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--'Dynamic pricing' means higher fees at some courses

Golfers have been flocking back to suburban courses after they were allowed to reopen last week , which means rates have nearly doubled in some places that operate with `` dynamic pricing '' computer models .
For example , rates for Saturday morning at one point were up to $ 85 per player , compared to the normal $ 46 , at The Highlands of Elgin golf course , which is owned by the city of Elgin .
Others like the Arlington Heights Park District and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage , which are not using such computer models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite high demand .
Elgin has used dynamic pricing for several years , and the unique circumstances dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a never-seen-before spike , city spokeswoman Molly Gillespie said .
Dynamic pricing is based on a computer program that analyzes multiple variables -- weather , time of day , availability of tee times and more -- and continuously adjusts rates on a competitive model , much like airlines do for plane tickets , Gillespie said .
An estimated 25 % to 30 % percent of golf courses use dynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed golf courses to reopen May 1 with only two players teeing off every 15 minutes and walking only , which means slower games and about 70 % less capacity , Gillespie said .
`` It 's almost like every day is a rain day , '' she said .
`` We are not profiting or breaking even . ''
Despite the higher pricing , 90 % of tee times last weekend in Elgin were filled within eight hours of the start of online booking , she said .
The city 's golf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not general taxpayer revenue .
The city also is offering `` sanity saver '' membership discounts during COVID-19 through June 15 for its Bowes Creek Country Club golf course .
Arlington Lakes Golf Club has used the dynamic pricing concept in the past mostly to offer discounted rates at underused tee times , its golf operations manager said .
`` With demand being so high , we have decided not to go above what our regular rate is , '' Tim Govern said .
`` Under the current restrictions of twosomes with 15-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have sold out three times . ''
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage also has offered discounts at times of lower demand , and there 's no need for that now due to the high demand , particularly when the weather is nice , said its director of golf , Ed Stevenson .
`` We are within a dollar or two of our normal rates , '' he said .
`` Our relationship with our customers is a long-term relationship , and nobody wants to feel price-gouged right now . ''
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the costs of maintaining and staffing golf courses are largely unchanged , Stevenson said .
`` Any silver lining might come later , '' he said .
`` With less wear and tear , the golf courses should end up being in very good shape at the end of the season . ''
Greg Malak of Elgin , who has membership at Elgin 's three golf courses , said he 's golfed at The Highlands of Elgin every day since May 1 except Tuesday , when it rained .
Malak does n't pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played in the past at other suburban golf courses with dynamic pricing , he said .
While many people are under economic strain because of the pandemic -- his own wife has been furloughed , he said -- they should n't blame golf courses for using the `` supply and demand '' model to try to recoup money lost during the forced closure , Malak said .
`` It 's just the way it is .
If you want to play , you 've got to pay , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they get to ( allowing ) foursomes every 10 minutes . ''

'Dynamic pricing' means higher fees at some golf courses
Golfers have been flocking back to suburban courses after they were allowed to reopen last week, which means rates have nearly doubled in some places that operate with "dynamic pricing" computer models.
For example, rates for Saturday morning at one point were up to $85 per player, compared to the normal $46, at The Highlands of Elgin golf course, which is owned by the city of Elgin.
Others like the Arlington Heights Park District and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage, which are not using such computer models, said they are not increasing prices despite high demand.
Elgin has used dynamic pricing for several years, and the unique circumstances dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a never-seen-before spike, city spokeswoman Molly Gillespie said.
Dynamic pricing is based on a computer program that analyzes multiple variables -- weather, time of day, availability of tee times and more -- and continuously adjusts rates on a competitive model, much like airlines do for plane tickets, Gillespie said. An estimated 25% to 30% percent of golf courses use dynamic pricing, she said.
The state allowed golf courses to reopen May 1 with only two players teeing off every 15 minutes and walking only, which means slower games and about 70% less capacity, Gillespie said. "It's almost like every day is a rain day," she said. "We are not profiting or breaking even."
Despite the higher pricing, 90% of tee times last weekend in Elgin were filled within eight hours of the start of online booking, she said. The city's golf operations are supported by user fees and not general taxpayer revenue. The city also is offering "sanity saver" membership discounts during COVID-19 through June 15 for its Bowes Creek Country Club golf course.
Arlington Lakes Golf Club has used the dynamic pricing concept in the past mostly to offer discounted rates at underused tee times, its golf operations manager said.
"With demand being so high, we have decided not to go above what our regular rate is," Tim Govern said. "Under the current restrictions of twosomes with 15-minute intervals, on the beautiful days we could have sold out three times."
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage also has offered discounts at times of lower demand, and there's no need for that now due to the high demand, particularly when the weather is nice, said its director of golf, Ed Stevenson.
"We are within a dollar or two of our normal rates," he said. "Our relationship with our customers is a long-term relationship, and nobody wants to feel price-gouged right now."
Even with fewer golfers on the greens, the costs of maintaining and staffing golf courses are largely unchanged, Stevenson said. "Any silver lining might come later," he said. "With less wear and tear, the golf courses should end up being in very good shape at the end of the season."
Greg Malak of Elgin, who has membership at Elgin's three golf courses, said he's golfed at The Highlands of Elgin every day since May 1 except Tuesday, when it rained. Malak doesn't pay daily rates with his membership but has played in the past at other suburban golf courses with dynamic pricing, he said.
While many people are under economic strain because of the pandemic -- his own wife has been furloughed, he said -- they shouldn't blame golf courses for using the "supply and demand" model to try to recoup money lost during the forced closure, Malak said.
"It's just the way it is. If you want to play, you've got to pay," he said. "Maybe in June it will be better if they get to (allowing) foursomes every 10 minutes."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-07--Kane County courts embrace video technology to move cases forward in COVID era

Today will be a first for Kane County courts : A defendant is expected to plead guilty to a felony charge during a proceeding held via Zoom and accessible to the public through a livestream on YouTube .
The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced suburban courthouses to a crawl , but officials in the 16th Judicial Circuit have taken the lead in using technology to help advance status hearings , plea agreements and other matters .
At the same time , they caution that full-blown virtual trials are not the end goal or even desirable as jurors need to see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , demeanor and ultimate credibility .
Chief Judge Clint Hull said Kane County is the first circuit in the state use Zoom for some court proceedings .
Cook County does video streams for bond call , but the 16th Judicial Circuit has initiated the ability for the general public to also watch a court hearing using video platforms .
`` We do n't have cameras in every courtroom so you can just pop on , '' Hull explained .
`` This is something we 've been working on .
By no means is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , we 're learning .
We 've never done this before . ''
A defendant , defense attorney and prosecutor all must agree to conduct a court hearing over Zoom .
So far , its use has been limited to routine appearances or motions that attorneys may argue where they do n't have to call witnesses .
People may visit the 16th Judicial Circuit website at http : //illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/ to see a list of courtrooms , each with its own YouTube link .
When a Zoom court hearing begins in a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not make recordings or take pictures .
Overall , the move is an effort to give people access to court proceedings where space may be limited because of social distancing guidelines .
`` One of the hallmarks of the criminal justice system , as imperfect as it is , is that it 's open to the public , '' State 's Attorney Joe McMahon said .
`` That 's the check and balance of our system -- monitor what we in government are doing . ''
Nearly two weeks ago , McMahon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office to have a mock trial via Zoom .
`` It was a little frustrating , '' Public Defender Rachele Conant said .
`` If definitely took longer than if we were in a courtroom . ''
One challenge is questioning witnesses who must examine evidence and verify a chain of custody .
Zoom can bridge geographic boundaries , but lawyers ca n't have a witness examine a weapon recovered from a crime scene , for example .
Defense attorney Gary Johnson , who served a term as Kane County state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16th Circuit officials took the lead but cautioned against expanding use of Zoom to have a full-blown trial .
`` You 'd hate to do a murder trial or criminal sexual assault trial when people 's credibility is key and having witnesses testify over Zoom , '' Johnson said .
`` I like the fact that we can do ( status hearings and other matters ) .
That 's a good thing .
But at some point in time , you 're going to need a real courtroom or something close . ''

Kane County courts embrace video technology to move cases forward in COVID era
Today will be a first for Kane County courts: A defendant is expected to plead guilty to a felony charge during a proceeding held via Zoom and accessible to the public through a livestream on YouTube.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced suburban courthouses to a crawl, but officials in the 16th Judicial Circuit have taken the lead in using technology to help advance status hearings, plea agreements and other matters.
At the same time, they caution that full-blown virtual trials are not the end goal or even desirable as jurors need to see a witnesses in person to view body language, demeanor and ultimate credibility.
Chief Judge Clint Hull said Kane County is the first circuit in the state use Zoom for some court proceedings. Cook County does video streams for bond call, but the 16th Judicial Circuit has initiated the ability for the general public to also watch a court hearing using video platforms.
"We don't have cameras in every courtroom so you can just pop on," Hull explained. "This is something we've been working on. By no means is it perfected or addresses everything. Every day, we're learning. We've never done this before."
A defendant, defense attorney and prosecutor all must agree to conduct a court hearing over Zoom. So far, its use has been limited to routine appearances or motions that attorneys may argue where they don't have to call witnesses.
People may visit the 16th Judicial Circuit website at http://illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/ to see a list of courtrooms, each with its own YouTube link. When a Zoom court hearing begins in a particular courtroom, viewers may watch the proceedings but not make recordings or take pictures.
Overall, the move is an effort to give people access to court proceedings where space may be limited because of social distancing guidelines.
"One of the hallmarks of the criminal justice system, as imperfect as it is, is that it's open to the public," State's Attorney Joe McMahon said. "That's the check and balance of our system -- monitor what we in government are doing."
Nearly two weeks ago, McMahon's office worked with the public defender's office to have a mock trial via Zoom.
"It was a little frustrating," Public Defender Rachele Conant said. "If definitely took longer than if we were in a courtroom."
One challenge is questioning witnesses who must examine evidence and verify a chain of custody. Zoom can bridge geographic boundaries, but lawyers can't have a witness examine a weapon recovered from a crime scene, for example.
Defense attorney Gary Johnson, who served a term as Kane County state's attorney in the 1990s, was pleased 16th Circuit officials took the lead but cautioned against expanding use of Zoom to have a full-blown trial.
"You'd hate to do a murder trial or criminal sexual assault trial when people's credibility is key and having witnesses testify over Zoom," Johnson said. "I like the fact that we can do (status hearings and other matters). That's a good thing. But at some point in time, you're going to need a real courtroom or something close."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--A song to make you smile: 'Some Kind of Wonderful'

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Some Kind of Wonderful '' by Grand Funk Railroad , released in 1974 .

A song to make you smile: 'Some Kind of Wonderful'
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "Some Kind of Wonderful" by Grand Funk Railroad, released in 1974.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Night out at the movies! McHenry drive-in delivers double bill with pandemic precautions

To the delight of socially distanced , movie-loving suburbanites eager for a night out after more than six weeks in , the McHenry Outdoor Theater reopened Friday .
The `` prehistoric '' double bill of `` The Flintstones '' and `` Jurassic Park '' had movie fans queuing up more than five hours before the start time -- that 's how determined people were to get out of their homes even if it meant remaining , for the most part , in their vehicles .
The 2019 closing of West Chicago 's Cascade Drive-In after 57 years left the Golden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of its kind in the West , Northwest and Fox Valley suburbs .
About 325 drive-ins remain nationwide , down from 4,000 during their mid-20th-century heyday .
Theater owner Scott Dehn of McHenry said he expected to reach capacity early for this weekend 's double bill .
The drive-in typically accommodates 750 vehicles , but restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic limited that number to 350 , Dehn said .
`` I 'm very excited .
This is the most work we 've had to put into an opening ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks like it 's paying off .
Everybody seems to be pretty happy . ''
Dehn says he 's both nervous and excited to be one of the few entertainment venues open .
`` I feel pretty honored , '' he said .
`` It 's a joy to see everybody coming out . ''
Determined to get the best spot available , Walgreens co-workers Drew Horwitz , 20 , and Matthew Norman , 30 , both of Buffalo Grove , arrived at the venue about 1:30 p.m. Friday .
By 3 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their intention was `` get here first so we can get in line first so we can get the best spot , '' Horwitz said .
Neither has qualms about contracting the virus so long as they adhere to the safety precautions the theater established .
`` As long as we stay in our cars , as long as we 're all safe -- if we 're smart and we all follow the guidelines I 'm pretty sure we 'll all be fine , '' Horwitz said .
Besides limiting vehicle capacity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain within the confines of their cars as much as possible , according to a message on its Facebook page .
• Outside the vehicle , patrons must wear a face mask .
That includes masks for people sitting in a truck bed or hatchback and using the restroom .
• Restrooms are open and soap and sanitizer are available .
Floor markers will help maintain 6-foot social distancing requirements .
Exterior hand washing stations are near the restrooms .
• The concession stand is closed , but some food items will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Only one vehicle will be allowed to park between two speaker poles to allow for 12 to 16 feet of distancing .
• Employees will not rent radios nor will they turn on speakers .
Patrons can hear the films by tuning their radios to 89.9 FM .
• Due to the `` stay-within-your-vehicle '' rule , pets are not allowed .

Night out at the movies! McHenry drive-in delivers double bill with pandemic precautions
Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.comKira Crippen, 19, of McHenry who works for the McHenry Outdoor Theater hands out masks to taker Sofia Rodriguez, 27, of Woodstock who gets ready with her family to see the Flintstones and Jurassic Park at the outdoor drive-in the last surviving Chicago-area one of its kind.
To the delight of socially distanced, movie-loving suburbanites eager for a night out after more than six weeks in, the McHenry Outdoor Theater reopened Friday.
The "prehistoric" double bill of "The Flintstones" and "Jurassic Park" had movie fans queuing up more than five hours before the start time -- that's how determined people were to get out of their homes even if it meant remaining, for the most part, in their vehicles.
The 2019 closing of West Chicago's Cascade Drive-In after 57 years left the Golden Age Cinemas venue in McHenry the only one of its kind in the West, Northwest and Fox Valley suburbs. About 325 drive-ins remain nationwide, down from 4,000 during their mid-20th-century heyday.
Theater owner Scott Dehn of McHenry said he expected to reach capacity early for this weekend's double bill.
The drive-in typically accommodates 750 vehicles, but restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic limited that number to 350, Dehn said.
"I'm very excited. This is the most work we've had to put into an opening ever," he said. "It looks like it's paying off. Everybody seems to be pretty happy."
Dehn says he's both nervous and excited to be one of the few entertainment venues open.
"I feel pretty honored," he said. "It's a joy to see everybody coming out."
Determined to get the best spot available, Walgreens co-workers Drew Horwitz, 20, and Matthew Norman, 30, both of Buffalo Grove, arrived at the venue about 1:30 p.m. Friday. By 3 p.m. there were 19 vehicles behind them.
Their intention was "get here first so we can get in line first so we can get the best spot," Horwitz said.
Neither has qualms about contracting the virus so long as they adhere to the safety precautions the theater established.
"As long as we stay in our cars, as long as we're all safe -- if we're smart and we all follow the guidelines I'm pretty sure we'll all be fine," Horwitz said.
Besides limiting vehicle capacity, the McHenry Outdoor Theater cautions theatergoers to remain within the confines of their cars as much as possible, according to a message on its Facebook page.
Other precautions in place include:
• Outside the vehicle, patrons must wear a face mask. That includes masks for people sitting in a truck bed or hatchback and using the restroom.
• Restrooms are open and soap and sanitizer are available. Floor markers will help maintain 6-foot social distancing requirements. Exterior hand washing stations are near the restrooms.
• The concession stand is closed, but some food items will be available from carts in the parking lot.
• Only one vehicle will be allowed to park between two speaker poles to allow for 12 to 16 feet of distancing.
• Employees will not rent radios nor will they turn on speakers. Patrons can hear the films by tuning their radios to 89.9 FM.
• Due to the "stay-within-your-vehicle" rule, pets are not allowed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--'Solemn but glorious hour': How Wheaton museum is marking the end of WWII in Europe 75 years ago

The images are some of the most uplifting in history , scenes of masses of humanity celebrating from Paris to New York to Chicago .
Crowds swarmed streets upon news of the Nazi surrender , the end of World War II in Europe after six long years of horrific fighting .
But the euphoria of V-E Day 75 years ago Friday could not overshadow the reality that war still raged in the Pacific and would continue for months .
`` This is a solemn but glorious hour , '' President Harry Truman told the nation .
With that spirit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 75th anniversary of V-E Day , or Victory in Europe Day , as an occasion for both solemn reflection and 1940s-style revelry .
Above all else , the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park is paying tribute to a dwindling number of WWII veterans through a video salute in lieu of a major ceremony canceled because of the pandemic .
The museum received an overwhelming response for its request for `` cheer for victory '' videos , short but heartwarming snippets edited together for veterans to feel embraced and appreciated today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's public programs coordinator .
Families sent videos of old uniforms , ration books and black-and-white photos of their relatives , once young sailors holding babies .
Couples swing-danced and waved flags .
A fifth-grade class from St. Peter Lutheran School in Arlington Heights held up homemade signs as a show of gratitude .
All in remembrance of the people who secured Nazi defeat .
`` V-E Day means that the United States and its Allies had successfully defeated Adolf Hitler 's vision of a global empire based on racial superiority , slavery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in another museum video .
The museum will share the `` cheer for victory '' reel on social media at noon today .
Honor Flight Chicago also will send it directly to veterans who have taken Honor Flight trips to their memorial in Washington , their families and those on its mailing list .
`` The hope is that through social media , and this database , we 'll be able to share the video with as many World War II veterans as we possibly can , '' Sears said .
Throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recall the elation of victory with a performance by the Irving Sisters , a trio singing their renditions of big band tunes and `` The Star-Spangled Banner . ''
`` The three ladies are wonderful and amazing and talented and were able to put together a special virtual performance with us with musicians from the safety of their homes , '' Sears said .
Overlooking no detail , the museum has a recipe for Three Dots and a Dash , a rum cocktail invented by WWII vet Donn Beach , the father of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morse code for the letter V. Then there 's a toast script to encourage people to host their own virtual gathering honoring the Allied forces , the women who worked to produce military equipment at home , and the homefront workers who bore the terrible cost of war .
`` Ladies and gentlemen , I propose a toast to the soldiers lost in the line of duty during World War II .
May we never forget their service , '' part of the script reads .
The museum tries to ensure students never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1st Infantry Division on V-E Day .
An at-home curriculum resource looks back on the division 's liberation of concentration camps and the war films of Cpl .
Samuel Fuller , who was ordered by his captain to document the burial of Holocaust victims in Czechoslovakia .
`` When the prominent leaders of the town denied knowledge of the camp , Captain Richmond ordered the men in the town to dress the bodies of the dead prisoners and give them a decent burial , 'so their exit from this world would have some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .