dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--How the stars aligned for suburban, city producers to create 'Sweet Home Chicago' video

Days before Gov .
J.B. Pritzker issued stay-at-home orders to address the COVID-19 pandemic , writer/producer Jason Brett , producer Scott Silberstein and author Mark Larson were mulling over a new project : producing a documentary based on Larson 's 2019 book `` Ensemble : An Oral History of Chicago Theater . ''
Overnight , Chicago area theaters went dark .
And `` it was evident pretty quickly that nothing was going to be the same for a long time , '' said Brett , a former resident of Glenview and co-founder of Chicago 's Apollo Theater .
Realizing `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago 's theater history and recognizing that abruptly unemployed artists might need financial assistance , they came up with the idea for an ensemble fundraiser : a video set to the blues anthem `` Sweet Home Chicago '' and featuring current and former Chicago artists filming themselves remotely .
`` We all had this passion , love and admiration for this thing we had all participated in which was the Chicago performing arts community , '' said Brett .
The three men -- along with music director/arranger Jesse Nolan and fellow producer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner in the Des Plaines-based HMS Media -- leveraged their connections and solicited participants for the project .
It premiered earlier this month on YouTube.com and includes a link to the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund at artsforillinois.org/sweethomechicago , where viewers can donate .
More than $ 35,000 was raised as of Wednesday night .
Brett 's first call went to longtime friend and Wheaton native Jim Belushi , who agreed to participate even before Brett finished his pitch .
More than 70 artists eventually signed on , including Grammy Award-winning jazz singer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mueller and Andre DeShields , violinist Rachel Barton Pine , jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis , Rhymefest , Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brad Hall , E. Faye Butler , Keegan-Michael Key , Twista , Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron , Jeff Perry , Felicia P. Fields , Grammy Award-winner Jim Peterik , George Wendt and Joe Mantegna .
`` People were so generous , it was an embarrassment of riches , '' said Brett , but `` at some point we had to cap it and give everybody their instructions . ''
Although he started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devoted much of his career to producing .
His wide-ranging credits include Steppenwolf Theatre 's remounts of `` Balm in Gilead '' and `` True West '' and a production of David Mamet 's `` Sexual Perversity in Chicago '' at the Apollo that starred Jim Belushi .
He also produced the film `` About Last Night … '' with Rob Lowe , Demi Moore and Belushi in a supporting role .
Yet , Brett calls the `` Sweet Home Chicago '' project one of his most rewarding producing experiences and a labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the video - which has generated thousands of hits - still puts a smile on Brett 's face .
`` It 's got a narrative arc , a musical arc and everyone 's having a great time , '' said Brett , who collaborated with composer/lyricist Michael Mahler on 2019 's Joseph Jefferson Award-winning musical `` Miracle . ''
Brett attributes the project 's success to Hoffman and Nolan , who came up with the idea to pair tap dancers with Lewis ' piano improvisation and Elling 's scatting .
Other highlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Butler 's asides , DeShields ' belly laugh and Belushi 's wistful coda .
`` If ( the video ) does n't make you want to dance , you should get your vitals checked , '' Brett chuckled .
In the spirit of a grass roots movement , producers are asking for donations of $ 2 , $ 5 , $ 10 or whatever viewers can spare to help preserve Chicago area artists .
They also hope the video generates some corporate largesse .
`` The need is great and it 's only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Brett , who 's already contemplating other ways to help their community .
`` Sweet Home Chicago '' is a start , he says -- `` a joyful love letter to the city of Chicago '' and the artists who make it second to none .

How the stars aligned for suburban, city producers to create 'Sweet Home Chicago' video
After Chicago area theaters shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, longtime Chicago writer/producer Jason Brett helped organize "Sweet Home Chicago," a video featuring current and former Chicago musicians, theater artists and dancers to help raise money for the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. Courtesy of Jason Brett
Days before Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued stay-at-home orders to address the COVID-19 pandemic, writer/producer Jason Brett, producer Scott Silberstein and author Mark Larson were mulling over a new project: producing a documentary based on Larson's 2019 book "Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater."
Overnight, Chicago area theaters went dark. And "it was evident pretty quickly that nothing was going to be the same for a long time," said Brett, a former resident of Glenview and co-founder of Chicago's Apollo Theater.
Realizing "a different chapter" was beginning in Chicago's theater history and recognizing that abruptly unemployed artists might need financial assistance, they came up with the idea for an ensemble fundraiser: a video set to the blues anthem "Sweet Home Chicago" and featuring current and former Chicago artists filming themselves remotely.
"We all had this passion, love and admiration for this thing we had all participated in which was the Chicago performing arts community," said Brett .
The three men -- along with music director/arranger Jesse Nolan and fellow producer and video editor Matt Hoffman, Silberstein's partner in the Des Plaines-based HMS Media -- leveraged their connections and solicited participants for the project. It premiered earlier this month on YouTube.com and includes a link to the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund at artsforillinois.org/sweethomechicago, where viewers can donate.
More than $35,000 was raised as of Wednesday night.
Brett's first call went to longtime friend and Wheaton native Jim Belushi, who agreed to participate even before Brett finished his pitch. More than 70 artists eventually signed on, including Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling, Tony Award winners Jessie Mueller and Andre DeShields, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, Rhymefest, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brad Hall, E. Faye Butler, Keegan-Michael Key, Twista, Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron, Jeff Perry, Felicia P. Fields, Grammy Award-winner Jim Peterik, George Wendt and Joe Mantegna.
"People were so generous, it was an embarrassment of riches," said Brett, but "at some point we had to cap it and give everybody their instructions."
Although he started out as an actor, Brett has devoted much of his career to producing. His wide-ranging credits include Steppenwolf Theatre's remounts of "Balm in Gilead" and "True West" and a production of David Mamet's "Sexual Perversity in Chicago" at the Apollo that starred Jim Belushi. He also produced the film "About Last Night …" with Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and Belushi in a supporting role.
Yet, Brett calls the "Sweet Home Chicago" project one of his most rewarding producing experiences and a labor of love.
Even after countless viewings, the video - which has generated thousands of hits - still puts a smile on Brett's face.
"It's got a narrative arc, a musical arc and everyone's having a great time," said Brett, who collaborated with composer/lyricist Michael Mahler on 2019's Joseph Jefferson Award-winning musical "Miracle."
Brett attributes the project's success to Hoffman and Nolan, who came up with the idea to pair tap dancers with Lewis' piano improvisation and Elling's scatting.
Other highlights include Mueller counting down the intro, Butler's asides, DeShields' belly laugh and Belushi's wistful coda.
"If (the video) doesn't make you want to dance, you should get your vitals checked," Brett chuckled.
In the spirit of a grass roots movement, producers are asking for donations of $2, $5, $10 or whatever viewers can spare to help preserve Chicago area artists. They also hope the video generates some corporate largesse.
"The need is great and it's only going to get more dire," said Brett, who's already contemplating other ways to help their community.
"Sweet Home Chicago" is a start, he says -- "a joyful love letter to the city of Chicago" and the artists who make it second to none.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Libertyville High, Vernon Hills High to resume remote learning in August

Troubled by fears of students , teachers and family members getting sick with the COVID-19 virus , Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board members on Wednesday decided students will be taught remotely when the 2020-21 term begins next month .
As much as officials want to welcome students and teachers back to the Libertyville High and Vernon Hills High campuses , they said they do n't see a scenario for in-school learning that does n't result in people contracting the potentially deadly disease .
Superintendent Prentiss Lea said administrators spent thousands of hours investigating ways to safely bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But as you continue to dig into this , '' Lea said , `` it 's a dead end . ''
`` The ( models ) fall apart the minute the infection hits , '' Libertyville High Principal Tom Koulentes said .
The board approved the remote-learning plan after a 4½-hour debate of the pros and cons of the district 's options .
The Illinois State Board of Education has given school districts three choices for the upcoming school year : in-person classes , remote learning or a blend of both .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary Todoric reading 20 messages from community members who wanted to share opinions about the options or make suggestions .
One woman reportedly wrote that she 'll move out of the district if in-person classes are n't held .
She also called the springtime remote learning `` a living hell '' because she had to persistently make sure her teens were doing schoolwork instead of goofing off .
Conversely , a couple writing together reportedly supported remote learning and said a student dying of the COVID-19 virus would be `` a nightmare scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing separately reportedly said they originally supported a partial return to campuses but now want their kids to be educated remotely .
The remote learning plan passed 6-1 , with Trustee Kevin Huber standing alone in dissent .
Voicing concern about the social and emotional impact of students being away from friends and teachers as they were during the spring 's remote learning , Huber said he wanted teens back in school five days a week .
He also questioned if the pandemic ever will ease .
Classes at both schools will start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled Aug. 12 launch so teachers can have more time to prepare .
District 128 officials are n't alone in choosing remote learning for the new school year .
It 'll also be in place in Stevenson High School District 125 , Glenbrook High School District 225 , Elgin Area School District U-46 and elsewhere .

Libertyville High, Vernon Hills High to resume remote learning in August
As much as officials want to welcome students and teachers back to the Libertyville High and Vernon Hills High campuses, they don't see a scenario for in-person learning that doesn't carry a significant risk of spreading COVID-19. Daily Herald file photo
Troubled by fears of students, teachers and family members getting sick with the COVID-19 virus, Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 trustees have decided students will be taught remotely when the 2020-21 term begins next month.
As much as they want to welcome students back to the Libertyville High and Vernon Hills High campuses, officials said they don't see a scenario for in-school learning that doesn't result in people contracting the potentially deadly disease.
"As you continue to dig into this," Superintendent Prentiss Lea said, "it's a dead end."
Meeting online, the District 128 board approved the remote-learning plan late Wednesday night following a nearly four-hour debate of available options. The Illinois State Board of Education has given school districts three choices: in-person classes, remote learning, or a blend of both.
District 128's new remote-learning model is different than the emergency plan rushed into place in March when schools across the state were ordered to shutter.
Under the new plan, students must be online for classes at scheduled times rather than working independently. Students and teachers will meet live over the internet in every period, too, and traditional grading methods will be used.
Classes will be held five days a week. On four of those days, students will have a block schedule in which they'll attend only four classes, each longer than a usual class period, officials explained. Once a week, students will have a traditional eight-period schedule.
Administrators noted there are negatives to remote learning. The plan limits in-person social and emotional supports for students, and it potentially increases students' isolation and anxiety, as well as screen time.
Still, the remote learning plan passed 6-1. Trustee Kevin Huber stood alone in dissent.
Voicing concern about students being away from friends and teachers as they were this spring, Huber said he wanted teens back in school five days a week.
For everyone else in the discussion, the risk of people contracting the virus because the buildings reopened outweighed the drawbacks of remote learning.
"I can't ignore and dismiss that some students are going to get sick," Libertyville High Principal Tom Koulentes said. "I can't ignore that some staff are going to get sick."
Classes will start Aug. 24 rather than Aug. 12 as originally planned. First semester will end in mid-January rather than at winter break.
Wednesday's discussion started with District 128 spokeswoman Mary Todoric reading 20 messages from community members.
One woman reportedly wrote that she'll move out of the district if in-person classes aren't held. She also called the springtime remote learning "a living hell" because she had to persistently make sure her teens were doing schoolwork instead of goofing off.
Conversely, a couple writing together reportedly supported remote learning and said a student dying of the COVID-19 virus would be "a nightmare scenario" for the district.
Two parents writing separately reportedly said they originally supported a partial return to campuses but now want their kids to be educated remotely.
District 128 officials aren't alone in choosing remote learning for the fall. It'll also be in place, at least at the start of the school year, in Stevenson High School District 125, Elgin Area School District U-46 and elsewhere.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Naperville driver who killed Downers Grove North student gets 7 years

Joseph Kucharski was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison for the reckless homicide of Downers Grove North High School student Beth Dunlap , in which he ran her down in front of the school in a drug-and-alcohol-induced haze .
`` We are extremely disappointed in the sentence .
It is wholly inadequate , '' Dunlap 's father , Randy Dunlap Jr. , said of the sentence imposed by DuPage County Judge Alexander McGimpsey .
Kucharski , 52 , pleaded guilty in January to the reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as probation or as many as 14 years in prison .
He will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole .
`` I pray to her ( Beth ) and I pray to God for you and your family , '' Kucharski said , crying , before the sentence was pronounced .
He said he asks Beth every day to help him help other people .
Residents of a sober-living house he has been living in testified to how Kucharski tells the story of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , in numerous Alcoholics Anonymous meetings there and elsewhere .
Dunlap read a victim-impact statement to the court earlier in the afternoon .
`` As a result of the irresponsible decisions by a derelict , we have a life sentence of pain and sadness , '' he said .
He also said the family has not attended previous hearings to avoid having their strong emotions interfere .
About two dozen friends and relatives of the Dunlap family attended the hearing in the courtroom , while more watched on a TV in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crash , captured on the high school 's surveillance video .
Dunlap had just started crossing Main Street from a school parking lot on the northeast corner of the intersection when she was hit by Kucharski , who drove through a red light , south , in a northbound lane of the four-lane road .
Her body flew and flipped through the air , coming to rest on the southeast corner .
She sustained severe injuries , especially to her head , and was pronounced dead two days later .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kucharski questioned why the windshield of his car was damaged , said he had been driving 20 mph , and that the sun had gotten in his eyes .
Dunlap 's backpack was wedged in a corner of the hood of his car ; her head cracked the windshield .
But later that day he told police he was driving 40 to 45 mph .
The crash happened shortly before 11 a.m. Feb. 19 , 2019 .
Kucharski 's blood-alcohol content measured .031 .
Police found unprescribed medication in the car including Suboxone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to smoke crack cocaine .
More such items were found when they searched his hotel room .
Kucharski eventually admitted that he had been on a four-day cocaine bender , and had taken Xanax in an attempt to calm down and get some sleep .
Prosecutors contend that he was on his way to Chicago to buy more cocaine .
On the squad-car video , when the officer was out of the vehicle , Kucharski is heard saying `` It was a matter of time '' and that he had `` dozed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing next to Dunlap at the light was so devastated by the crash that she had to take a medical leave of absence that school year , and ultimately quit permanently , Downers Grove North Principal Janice Schwarze testified .
She spoke of the devastation the school community experienced that day , and said the impact lingers , even extending to graduation this year .
The school had a drive-through ceremony because of COVID19 , but moved it out of that parking lot so the memory of the horrific crash would not be @ @ @ @ @

'It is wholly inadequate': Family disappointed after driver gets 7 years for killing teen
Joseph Kucharski was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison for the reckless homicide of Downers Grove North High School student Beth Dunlap, in which he ran her down in front of the school in a drug-and-alcohol-induced haze.
"We are extremely disappointed in the sentence. It is wholly inadequate," Dunlap's father, Randy Dunlap Jr., said of the sentence imposed by DuPage County Judge Alexander McGimpsey.
Kucharski, 52, pleaded guilty in January to the reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol.
He could have been sentenced to as little as probation or as many as 14 years in prison.
He will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.
"I pray to her (Beth) and I pray to God for you and your family," Kucharski said, crying, before the sentence was pronounced. He said he asks Beth every day to help him help other people. Residents of a sober-living house he has been living in testified to how Kucharski tells the story of the crash as a warning to other people, in numerous Alcoholics Anonymous meetings there and elsewhere.
Dunlap read a victim-impact statement to the court earlier in the afternoon.
He repeatedly called Kucharski "selfish."
"As a result of the irresponsible decisions by a derelict, we have a life sentence of pain and sadness," he said.
He also said the family has not attended previous hearings to avoid having their strong emotions interfere.
About two dozen friends and relatives of the Dunlap family attended the hearing in the courtroom, while more watched on a TV in an overflow room.
Prosecutors showed a video of the crash, captured on the high school's surveillance video.
Dunlap had just started crossing Main Street from a school parking lot on the northeast corner of the intersection when she was hit by Kucharski, who drove through a red light, south, in a northbound lane of the four-lane road. Her body flew and flipped through the air, coming to rest on the southeast corner.
She sustained severe injuries, especially to her head, and was pronounced dead two days later.
On a police-squad video that was played, Kucharski questioned why the windshield of his car was damaged, said he had been driving 20 mph, and that the sun had gotten in his eyes.
Dunlap's backpack was wedged in a corner of the hood of his car; her head cracked the windshield. But later that day he told police he was driving 40 to 45 mph.
The crash happened shortly before 11 a.m. Feb. 19, 2019.
Kucharski's blood-alcohol content measured .031. Police found unprescribed medication in the car including Suboxone, and items commonly used for people to smoke crack cocaine. More such items were found when they searched his hotel room.
Kucharski eventually admitted that he had been on a four-day cocaine bender, and had taken Xanax in an attempt to calm down and get some sleep.
Prosecutors contend that he was on his way to Chicago to buy more cocaine.
On the squad-car video, when the officer was out of the vehicle, Kucharski is heard saying "It was a matter of time" and that he had "dozed off."
A teacher who had been standing next to Dunlap at the light was so devastated by the crash that she had to take a medical leave of absence that school year, and ultimately quit permanently, Downers Grove North Principal Janice Schwarze testified.
She spoke of the devastation the school community experienced that day, and said the impact lingers, even extending to graduation this year. The school had a drive-through ceremony because of COVID19, but moved it out of that parking lot so the memory of the horrific crash would not be associated with the ceremony.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Elgin's Lords Park will get a new playground

The city of Elgin is planning to replace the 31-year-old playground equipment at Lords Park , one of the most popular in the city .
The new playground will cost nearly $ 100,000 , including nearly $ 60,000 from the city and $ 40,000 in matching grant money , an expense was approved by the city council earlier this month .
Removal and installation will cost $ 170,000 , which the city council approved Wednesday night after awarding a contract to GLI Services Inc. , the lowest among 10 bidders .
`` That playground was well past its useful life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good thing , '' Parks and Recreation Director Maria Cumpata said .
The playground equipment will be removed after Labor Day and the new one , to be purchased from the company GameTime , will be installed by Nov. 1 .
The expense will come out of the Riverboat fund , the city 's share of gambling revenues from Grand Victoria Casino .
The new playground will have two slides and a variety of equipment for balancing , spinning , sliding , climbing , swinging and brachiating , or pendulum-like movement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1989 and it 's near the tennis courts , Lords Park Farm Zoo and the Elgin Public Museum , making it especially popular among families .
Cumpata estimated that upwards of 50,000 people use it annually .
The Illinois Park and Recreation Association recommends playgrounds have a life span of 15 years .
Repair parts for the current playground are no longer available , which means components have to be removed if damaged , city officials said .
GameTime has worked with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and the Illinois Park and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for playground projects in the last two years .
Elgin 's parks and recreation department was selected for a $ 40,000 matching grant .
In return , the Lords Park playground will be part of a national network of research playgrounds for GameTime 's parent company , PlayCore : there will be a sign with a QR code and website for playground users to participate in a survey asking how long and how often they use the playground , how much they enjoy it , and more .

Elgin's Lords Park will get a new playground
The city of Elgin is planning to replace the 31-year-old playground equipment at Lords Park, one of the most popular in the city.
The new playground will cost nearly $100,000, including nearly $60,000 from the city and $40,000 in matching grant money, an expense was approved by the city council earlier this month. Removal and installation will cost $170,000, which the city council approved Wednesday night after awarding a contract to GLI Services Inc., the lowest among 10 bidders.
"That playground was well past its useful life, so it's going to be a good thing," Parks and Recreation Director Maria Cumpata said.
The playground equipment will be removed after Labor Day and the new one, to be purchased from the company GameTime, will be installed by Nov. 1. The expense will come out of the Riverboat fund, the city's share of gambling revenues from Grand Victoria Casino.
The new playground will have two slides and a variety of equipment for balancing, spinning, sliding, climbing, swinging and brachiating, or pendulum-like movement.
The Lords Park playground was installed in 1989 and it's near the tennis courts, Lords Park Farm Zoo and the Elgin Public Museum, making it especially popular among families. Cumpata estimated that upwards of 50,000 people use it annually.
The Illinois Park and Recreation Association recommends playgrounds have a life span of 15 years. Repair parts for the current playground are no longer available, which means components have to be removed if damaged, city officials said.
GameTime has worked with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation to make matching grants available for playground projects in the last two years. Elgin's parks and recreation department was selected for a $40,000 matching grant.
In return, the Lords Park playground will be part of a national network of research playgrounds for GameTime's parent company, PlayCore: there will be a sign with a QR code and website for playground users to participate in a survey asking how long and how often they use the playground, how much they enjoy it, and more.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Many more likely sought jobless aid as virus surges back

WASHINGTON -- With the nation gripped by an alarming resurgence of coronavirus cases , the U.S. government will provide its @ @ @ @ @ layoffs that have remained stuck at an elevated weekly level above 1 million since the @ @ @ @ @ The pace of applications for unemployment benefits has stalled at roughly double the record high @ @ @ @ @ sent the economy spiraling into a deep recession .
Now , as many states and @ @ @ @ @ to the spreading virus , businesses face renewed struggles that are forcing some to impose @ @ @ @ @ shut down permanently .
The latest string of layoffs is occurring just before a $ @ @ @ @ @ for the jobless is set to expire at the end of this week .
Members @ @ @ @ @ aid package that might extend that benefit , though likely at a lower level of @ @

Many more likely sought jobless aid as virus surges back
Special events workers who were forced out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic marched Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in Salt Lake City. Marchers organized by Utah Live Event Industry Association aimed to draw attention and legislative support to the people and businesses who put on concerts, theater, sports, and other live events which mostly have gone dark since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March. They're called it a "peaceful walk for work." The silent parade showcased families struggling to make ends meet since events have been canceled, with no end to the restrictions in sight. Associated Press
This July 21, 2020 photo shows SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar employee Liz Carey who has been out of work since the shop closed in March and now faces the potential loss of federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. (Dan Reiland/The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram via AP) Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- With the nation gripped by an alarming resurgence of coronavirus cases, the U.S. government will provide its latest report Thursday on the layoffs that have remained stuck at an elevated weekly level above 1 million since the pandemic erupted in March.
The pace of applications for unemployment benefits has stalled at roughly double the record high that existed before the virus sent the economy spiraling into a deep recession. Now, as many states and localities reimpose lockdowns in response to the spreading virus, businesses face renewed struggles that are forcing some to impose further job cuts or to shut down permanently.
The latest string of layoffs is occurring just before a $600 weekly federal aid payment for the jobless is set to expire at the end of this week. Members of Congress are negotiating another aid package that might extend that benefit, though likely at a lower level of payment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--The horses race in a big, empty Arlington Park

Arlington International Racecourse normally attracts thousands of spectators to watch and wager on the Sport of Kings .
But on Thursday , nary more than a couple dozen jockeys , trainers and racing officials - all wearing face masks - were at the Arlington Heights oval for the start of what will be an unusual , abbreviated racing season .
The 2 p.m. first post came after months of back-and-forth among track management ; local , county and state health departments ; and the governor 's office , which ultimately allowed the track to reopen for racing , so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Obviously given the pandemic , we had some concerns about how you could introduce a few hundred people from various places in the country and come in town and live in close proximity with one another , '' Arlington Heights Village Manager Randy Recklaus said .
But after weeks of meetings , correspondence and on-site visits by the health departments , Arlington was granted permission to reopen its backstretch to workers and horses earlier this month .
The reopening plan has meant health screenings for workers , required masks , social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For now , no fans are allowed inside the park , though track officials hope to persuade state regulators to allow some spectators before the season concludes Sept. 26 .
Recklaus said it 's too early to say if that plan would receive the multiple layers of regulatory approvals needed .
`` It 's fair to say things are very fluid everywhere right now , '' he said .
`` Certainly something like a spectator sport , you ca n't plan more than a couple weeks ahead at this point . ''
Normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 800,000 and $ 1 million annually for village coffers - but only some of that depends on having spectators go through the turnstiles .
The village receives sales and admissions taxes , but a large portion comes from property taxes , Recklaus said .
`` Some revenue comes to us whether the track is open or not , '' he said .
`` For us , it 's much more about the value of the track as part of our heritage and history , and first and foremost we 're worried about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks working in the facility . ''

The horses race in a big, empty Arlington Park
Arlington International Racecourse normally attracts thousands of spectators to watch and wager on the Sport of Kings.
But on Thursday, nary more than a couple dozen jockeys, trainers and racing officials - all wearing face masks - were at the Arlington Heights oval for the start of what will be an unusual, abbreviated racing season.
The 2 p.m. first post came after months of back-and-forth among track management; local, county and state health departments; and the governor's office, which ultimately allowed the track to reopen for racing, so long as spectators aren't allowed in.
"Obviously given the pandemic, we had some concerns about how you could introduce a few hundred people from various places in the country and come in town and live in close proximity with one another," Arlington Heights Village Manager Randy Recklaus said.
But after weeks of meetings, correspondence and on-site visits by the health departments, Arlington was granted permission to reopen its backstretch to workers and horses earlier this month. The reopening plan has meant health screenings for workers, required masks, social distancing and hand-sanitizing stations throughout the backstretch.
For now, no fans are allowed inside the park, though track officials hope to persuade state regulators to allow some spectators before the season concludes Sept. 26.
Recklaus said it's too early to say if that plan would receive the multiple layers of regulatory approvals needed.
"It's fair to say things are very fluid everywhere right now," he said. "Certainly something like a spectator sport, you can't plan more than a couple weeks ahead at this point."
Normally, the track would generate between $800,000 and $1 million annually for village coffers - but only some of that depends on having spectators go through the turnstiles. The village receives sales and admissions taxes, but a large portion comes from property taxes, Recklaus said.
"Some revenue comes to us whether the track is open or not," he said. "For us, it's much more about the value of the track as part of our heritage and history, and first and foremost we're worried about the health and safety of the community and folks working in the facility."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Illinois reports 1,624 new COVID-19 cases, 20 more deaths

The number of COVID-19 cases rose by 1,624 Thursday , the highest since May 25 , and deaths increased by 20 , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
That leaves the statewide case count at 166,925 and Illinoisans perishing from the respiratory disease at 7,367 in total .
The daily case tally May 25 was 1,713 .
The state 's COVID-19 test positivity rate went up to 3.4 % based on a seven-day average after hovering around 3 % to 3.1 % in the last week .
The daily positivity rate is 4.1 % .
Meanwhile , later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicine Central DuPage Hospital will conduct Phase 3 clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University scientists and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca , CDH physician Daniel Boyle said .
`` It 's really incredible how quickly everything has moved with the vaccine process , '' Boyle said .
`` We 're hopeful early next year , there will be vaccines available on more of a mass scale , '' but it 's still early in the process , he noted .
The number of patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's higher than the seven-day average of 1,421 hospitalizations .
For context , the average for the previous seven days ( July 9 to July 15 ) was 1,406 patients , representing a 1 % increase .
That 's a metric state officials are eying , because sustained hospital admissions are a trigger for restricting activities in a region if COVID-19 is surging .
Boyle , an infectious disease specialist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital , agreed 1,624 is a high number of cases but that may partly be because `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
May 25 marked a time when Central DuPage Hospital was `` at our busiest '' with COVID-19 cases , Boyle recalled .
`` There were many , many patients who were extremely sick .
Currently , we 're still busy but we 're seeing younger , more healthy patients being admitted . ''
COVID-19 cases currently at CDH comprise about 20 % of the patients compared to May 25 .
At that time , it was `` 100 to 102 ; now we 're hovering around 20 to 25 patients '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure of a COVID-19 hotspot is the positivity rate in COVID-19 tests .
The state is divided into 11 public health regions .
On Tuesday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker warned the Metro East region near St. Louis , which has a positivity rate of 7 % , could experience restrictions such as banning indoor dining if the rate hits 8 % for three days .
At CDH , several patients said they contracted the virus from extended family members , Boyle noted , cautioning people to wear masks and social distance at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are struggling , they have n't seen their loved ones for so long that it 's hard to fault but you still have to be careful , '' Boyle said .

Illinois reports 1,624 new COVID-19 cases, 20 more deaths
The number of COVID-19 cases rose by 1,624 Thursday, the highest since May 25, and deaths increased by 20, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
That leaves the statewide case count at 166,925 and Illinoisans perishing from the respiratory disease at 7,367 in total. The daily case tally May 25 was 1,713.
The state's COVID-19 test positivity rate went up to 3.4% based on a seven-day average after hovering around 3% to 3.1% in the last week. The daily positivity rate is 4.1%.
Meanwhile, later this summer Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital will conduct Phase 3 clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University scientists and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, CDH physician Daniel Boyle said.
"It's really incredible how quickly everything has moved with the vaccine process," Boyle said. "We're hopeful early next year, there will be vaccines available on more of a mass scale," but it's still early in the process, he noted.
The number of patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 was at 1,473 as of Wednesday night. That's higher than the seven-day average of 1,421 hospitalizations. For context, the average for the previous seven days (July 9 to July 15) was 1,406 patients, representing a 1% increase.
That's a metric state officials are eying, because sustained hospital admissions are a trigger for restricting activities in a region if COVID-19 is surging.
Boyle, an infectious disease specialist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, agreed 1,624 is a high number of cases but that may partly be because "people are more proactive about being tested."
May 25 marked a time when Central DuPage Hospital was "at our busiest" with COVID-19 cases, Boyle recalled. "There were many, many patients who were extremely sick. Currently, we're still busy but we're seeing younger, more healthy patients being admitted."
COVID-19 cases currently at CDH comprise about 20% of the patients compared to May 25. At that time, it was "100 to 102; now we're hovering around 20 to 25 patients" with coronavirus, Boyle said.
Another measure of a COVID-19 hotspot is the positivity rate in COVID-19 tests.
The state is divided into 11 public health regions. On Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned the Metro East region near St. Louis, which has a positivity rate of 7%, could experience restrictions such as banning indoor dining if the rate hits 8% for three days.
At CDH, several patients said they contracted the virus from extended family members, Boyle noted, cautioning people to wear masks and social distance at get-togethers with relatives.
"I know people are struggling, they haven't seen their loved ones for so long that it's hard to fault but you still have to be careful," Boyle said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Decision on high school sports needs to be made now

When Illinois High School Association executive director Craig Anderson and members of the board of directors meet with officials from the department of public health and state board of education Friday , everyone is hoping the end result will be that the wait is over .
From athletes to coaches to athletic directors to school administrators to parents , everyone has been on pins and needles to know the fate of fall sports .
It comes down to some complex decisions .
We 've established throughout the COVID-19 pandemic how much we all want sports back .
We 've also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority is the safety and health of everyone .
Across the country states are rolling out plans for either forging ahead with fall sports on schedule , delaying the start of the season a couple weeks to a month , or canceling the fall season .
Those states -- and there are roughly a dozen at last check -- which have decided to push their high school sports seasons to a January start have come up with various plans how to play all three seasons .
Shortened seasons and modified schedules are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois , several models of how to play three seasons starting in January have been presented to the IHSA , and Anderson said at least a couple of those plans will be discussed Friday .
One thing that is abundantly clear : It 's looking more like any official high sports practices , especially in contact sports ( football , volleyball and soccer ) beginning on Aug. 10 , which is the scheduled day for the first practices , wo n't happen .
Positive COVID-19 cases are spiking in many parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play is not an easy decision .
The delay in that decision has been done with health and safety at the forefront .
Focus on the present and the future .
The present is that while school districts make plans to reopen , sports summer camps have proceeded with restrictions , which include no contact drills and everyone wearing face coverings indoors , as well as outdoors if they are not actively participating .
Until the state agencies lift those restrictions that 's how it 's going to remain .
The future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on .
Will that decision be to lift the restrictions and forge ahead as scheduled ?
Will it be to delay the start of the season until , say , October , as some states are doing , and then have shortened seasons for all sports ?
Or , will it be to follow the course other states are taking and delay all sports until January ?
If that 's the decision it would be made with the hope the spread of the virus has slowed and more progress made toward a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow Illinois to move to Phase 5 of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's reopening plan .
A January start would allow the IHSA and athletic administrators more time to do all the things they would need to do to conduct a meaningful sports year .
What we do not want is a season starting then shutting down due to a spike in positive cases .
Tough decisions .
But decisions that need to be made thoughtfully with medical guidance .
And , decisions that can no longer be delayed .

Decision on high school sports needs to be made now
When Illinois High School Association executive director Craig Anderson and members of the board of directors meet with officials from the department of public health and state board of education Friday, everyone is hoping the end result will be that the wait is over.
From athletes to coaches to athletic directors to school administrators to parents, everyone has been on pins and needles to know the fate of fall sports.
It comes down to some complex decisions.
We've established throughout the COVID-19 pandemic how much we all want sports back. We've also made it clear the No. 1 priority is the safety and health of everyone.
Across the country states are rolling out plans for either forging ahead with fall sports on schedule, delaying the start of the season a couple weeks to a month, or canceling the fall season.
Those states -- and there are roughly a dozen at last check -- which have decided to push their high school sports seasons to a January start have come up with various plans how to play all three seasons. Shortened seasons and modified schedules are a part of almost every plan.
In Illinois, several models of how to play three seasons starting in January have been presented to the IHSA, and Anderson said at least a couple of those plans will be discussed Friday.
One thing that is abundantly clear: It's looking more like any official high sports practices, especially in contact sports (football, volleyball and soccer) beginning on Aug. 10, which is the scheduled day for the first practices, won't happen.
Positive COVID-19 cases are spiking in many parts of the state and across the country. Whether to play is not an easy decision. The delay in that decision has been done with health and safety at the forefront. Focus on the present and the future.
The present is that while school districts make plans to reopen, sports summer camps have proceeded with restrictions, which include no contact drills and everyone wearing face coverings indoors, as well as outdoors if they are not actively participating.
Until the state agencies lift those restrictions that's how it's going to remain.
The future is what we all wait for a decision on.
Will that decision be to lift the restrictions and forge ahead as scheduled?
Will it be to delay the start of the season until, say, October, as some states are doing, and then have shortened seasons for all sports?
Or, will it be to follow the course other states are taking and delay all sports until January? If that's the decision it would be made with the hope the spread of the virus has slowed and more progress made toward a vaccine or effective treatment, which would allow Illinois to move to Phase 5 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's reopening plan.
A January start would allow the IHSA and athletic administrators more time to do all the things they would need to do to conduct a meaningful sports year. What we do not want is a season starting then shutting down due to a spike in positive cases.
Tough decisions. But decisions that need to be made thoughtfully with medical guidance.
And, decisions that can no longer be delayed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Grandt's could become a Mariano's gas station in Arlington Heights

Over the objection of the Arlington Heights Park District , the longstanding Grandt 's Shell service station in Arlington Heights - known for its iconic rooftop rocket - could be converted into a Mariano 's gas station .
Though sympathetic to the district 's desire for more open space , members of the village 's advisory plan commission unanimously endorsed the Mariano 's proposal Wednesday night , saying previous real estate negotiations between the district and Grandt 's are out of the panel 's purview .
That ultimately leaves a final decision up to the village board next month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ property at Northwest Highway and Belmont Avenue so it could expand the footprint of neighboring Recreation Park , home to the district 's premier baseball diamond and site of the annual Frontier Days festival .
But after the district submitted `` a very low offer '' to property owner Craig Grandt last fall , he took a competing offer from Mariano 's , according to Jim Troutman of the Troutman & Dams commercial real estate firm .
Troutman & Dams has the property under contract and plans to lease the land to Mariano @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project on June 23 , the village 's advisory design commission asked Mariano 's to make every effort to preserve the rocket sign , including selling or giving it to the historical museum or arts commission .
Tim Kratz , the project manager , said officials are n't opposed to salvaging it , and they understand its historical value .
Grandt and park district officials discussed a potential sale years ago , but could n't come to terms .
Park board Commissioner Rob Nesvacil said he believes the district made a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of talks based on comparables in the area .
The more recent discussions followed negotiations years ago that ended without a deal , Nesvacil said .
After making an offer and counter-offer last October , parks officials say they did n't hear from Grandt again .
They learned about the Mariano 's redevelopment proposal late last month .
Plans call for demolition of the Grandt 's service station and removal of its four existing gas pumps - including one that still operates as a full-service pump .
Five new pumps and a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the site , located only blocks from a Mariano 's grocery store , where officials are hoping to expand on their fuel rewards points program .
Dan Farrell , vice president of real estate at Mariano 's parent company Roundy 's , said the store parking lot is too small to fit a gas station , but he believes the nearby Grandt 's site is well-suited because it 's been a gas station for some time .
Still , Mariano 's must get a special use permit that would allow an automobile service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say there 's no record of such a permit for Grandt 's , which has been in the village since 1928 .
Though the site currently hosts a gas station , Nesvacil said keeping it that way does n't fit with the park district 's Recreation Park master plan , which was developed some two decades ago .
The district has been acquiring properties adjacent to the park through the years - including single-family homes and two auto mechanic shops - but the Grandt 's site and one other home have remained elusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the properties and preserve them as open space , perhaps with flower garden plantings , Nesvacil said .
He also argued the new gas station could lead to increased traffic in the area .
Troutman called the proposal a `` positive '' for the village , since leaking underground storage tanks would be removed and the property will remain on the tax rolls , providing increased sales and motor vehicle tax revenues to local coffers .
Troutman said he 'd be willing to give the district right of first refusal to purchase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually - but only after it 's been developed .

Grandt's could become a Mariano's gas station in Arlington Heights
This sketch shows the proposed Mariano's gas station that would replace the longstanding Grandt's Shell at Northwest Highway and Belmont Avenue in Arlington Heights. But the park district, which operates nearby Recreation Park, opposes the plan. Courtesy of the village of Arlington Heights
Over the objection of the Arlington Heights Park District, the longstanding Grandt's Shell service station in Arlington Heights - known for its iconic rooftop rocket - could be converted into a Mariano's gas station.
Though sympathetic to the district's desire for more open space, members of the village's advisory plan commission unanimously endorsed the Mariano's proposal Wednesday night, saying previous real estate negotiations between the district and Grandt's are out of the panel's purview.
That ultimately leaves a final decision up to the village board next month.
The park district has long-sought the 18,150-square-foot property at Northwest Highway and Belmont Avenue so it could expand the footprint of neighboring Recreation Park, home to the district's premier baseball diamond and site of the annual Frontier Days festival.
But after the district submitted "a very low offer" to property owner Craig Grandt last fall, he took a competing offer from Mariano's, according to Jim Troutman of the Troutman & Dams commercial real estate firm. Troutman & Dams has the property under contract and plans to lease the land to Mariano's.
In its 4-1 recommendation of the project on June 23, the village's advisory design commission asked Mariano's to make every effort to preserve the rocket sign, including selling or giving it to the historical museum or arts commission. Tim Kratz, the project manager, said officials aren't opposed to salvaging it, and they understand its historical value.
Grandt and park district officials discussed a potential sale years ago, but couldn't come to terms. Park board Commissioner Rob Nesvacil said he believes the district made a "fair" offer in the latest round of talks based on comparables in the area.
The more recent discussions followed negotiations years ago that ended without a deal, Nesvacil said.
After making an offer and counter-offer last October, parks officials say they didn't hear from Grandt again. They learned about the Mariano's redevelopment proposal late last month.
Plans call for demolition of the Grandt's service station and removal of its four existing gas pumps - including one that still operates as a full-service pump.
Five new pumps and a small retail sales kiosk would be built on the site, located only blocks from a Mariano's grocery store, where officials are hoping to expand on their fuel rewards points program.
Dan Farrell, vice president of real estate at Mariano's parent company Roundy's, said the store parking lot is too small to fit a gas station, but he believes the nearby Grandt's site is well-suited because it's been a gas station for some time.
Still, Mariano's must get a special use permit that would allow an automobile service station on the property. Village officials say there's no record of such a permit for Grandt's, which has been in the village since 1928.
Though the site currently hosts a gas station, Nesvacil said keeping it that way doesn't fit with the park district's Recreation Park master plan, which was developed some two decades ago. The district has been acquiring properties adjacent to the park through the years - including single-family homes and two auto mechanic shops - but the Grandt's site and one other home have remained elusive.
The ultimate plan is to acquire the properties and preserve them as open space, perhaps with flower garden plantings, Nesvacil said.
He also argued the new gas station could lead to increased traffic in the area.
Troutman called the proposal a "positive" for the village, since leaking underground storage tanks would be removed and the property will remain on the tax rolls, providing increased sales and motor vehicle tax revenues to local coffers.
Troutman said he'd be willing to give the district right of first refusal to purchase the property if officials want to control it eventually - but only after it's been developed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Vernon Hills High School gives grads a COVID-era commencement

An unusual final year of high school was capped with an out-of-the-ordinary graduation ceremony Thursday for Vernon Hills High School 's Class of 2020 .
With music playing and a large banner containing the names of the class members hanging nearby , graduates walked across a stage at the school 's Rust-Oleum Field to receive their diplomas .
Each took a photo with Principal Jon Guillaume after his or her name was read over the stadium 's speakers .
Graduate Nicole Behling of Vernon Hills was the first to take the stage .
She had to work Thursday but was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's wonderful just for them to do anything at all in these times .
It 's just above and beyond , '' she said .
`` It 's really important , especially for my family .
I 'm the last line of Behlings , so it was really important to get that in for the family . ''
A previously recorded virtual ceremony also was released on YouTube Thursday evening .
The video contains a welcome from senior class President Cece Schumacher and senior class speech from Elisabeth Kleidon .
School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduates .

An unusual final year of high school was capped with an out-of-the-ordinary graduation ceremony Thursday for Vernon Hills High School's Class of 2020.
With music playing and a large banner containing the names of the class members hanging nearby, graduates walked across a stage at the school's Rust-Oleum Field to receive their diplomas. Each took a photo with Principal Jon Guillaume after his or her name was read over the stadium's speakers.
Graduate Nicole Behling of Vernon Hills was the first to take the stage. She had to work Thursday but was glad to participate before her shift.
"It's wonderful just for them to do anything at all in these times. It's just above and beyond," she said. "It's really important, especially for my family. I'm the last line of Behlings, so it was really important to get that in for the family."
A previously recorded virtual ceremony also was released on YouTube Thursday evening. The video contains a welcome from senior class President Cece Schumacher and senior class speech from Elisabeth Kleidon. School officials also share encouraging words for the graduates.
Libertyville High School is holding a similar event Sunday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Quest Academy's reopening plan drawing interest in Palatine

An independent school for gifted children in Palatine has a reopening plan that 's attracting interest from parents who typically send their children for public education , its officials said .
Quest Academy , which serves students in prekindergarten through eighth grade near Northwest Highway and Benton Street , will have three attendance options when classes resume , including in-person learning , Head of School Jacque Negus said .
Quest has a 17-student maximum per classroom and had an enrollment of about 230 for 2019-20 .
`` The phone is really ringing , '' Negus said Thursday .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now . ''
Negus said the three choices Quest is offering are designed to allow all students to continue their learning without interruption .
Quest 's plan comes at a time when many schools are developing reopening plans that are more restrictive .
In-person attendance at Quest will include safety protocols such as wearing masks , sanitization , small groups , frequent use of outdoor space and temperature scans upon arrival .
Officials said Quest already has intentionally smaller classroom sizes and an expansive outdoor campus with several activity areas .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those students will be part of a classroom through a video conferencing and participate as if they were there in person , following the same schedule as their peers on campus .
Negus said parents and teachers are supportive of the plan .
`` We have not had one teacher who has said they do n't want to come back ( for in-person classes ) again , '' she added .
Laura Nadeau , an upper elementary team leader , is among the teachers looking forward to seeing her students when school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that the kids who choose to stay at home are still dialing in and doing virtual attendance , '' she said .
Nadeau said she intends to hold some fifth-grade classes outside with the children keeping a social distance from each other .
Plans call for Quest 's early childhood classes to be under tents on the academy 's 2-acre west campus , which includes raised gardens maintained by the students , a soccer field , basketball court , amphitheater , nature walking path and an environmental science study section .

Quest Academy's reopening plan drawing interest in Palatine
An independent school for gifted children in Palatine has a reopening plan that's attracting interest from parents who typically send their children for public education, its officials said.
Quest Academy, which serves students in prekindergarten through eighth grade near Northwest Highway and Benton Street, will have three attendance options when classes resume, including in-person learning, Head of School Jacque Negus said.
Quest has a 17-student maximum per classroom and had an enrollment of about 230 for 2019-20.
"The phone is really ringing," Negus said Thursday. "We're really getting a lot of inquiries right now."
Negus said the three choices Quest is offering are designed to allow all students to continue their learning without interruption. Quest's plan comes at a time when many schools are developing reopening plans that are more restrictive.
In-person attendance at Quest will include safety protocols such as wearing masks, sanitization, small groups, frequent use of outdoor space and temperature scans upon arrival. Officials said Quest already has intentionally smaller classroom sizes and an expansive outdoor campus with several activity areas.
Another option parents can select is virtual attendance. Those students will be part of a classroom through a video conferencing and participate as if they were there in person, following the same schedule as their peers on campus.
Negus said parents and teachers are supportive of the plan.
"We have not had one teacher who has said they don't want to come back (for in-person classes) again," she added.
Laura Nadeau, an upper elementary team leader, is among the teachers looking forward to seeing her students when school begins Aug. 26.
"I like the fact that the kids who choose to stay at home are still dialing in and doing virtual attendance," she said.
Nadeau said she intends to hold some fifth-grade classes outside with the children keeping a social distance from each other. Plans call for Quest's early childhood classes to be under tents on the academy's 2-acre west campus, which includes raised gardens maintained by the students, a soccer field, basketball court, amphitheater, nature walking path and an environmental science study section.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Rezoning would expand possibilities for vacant restaurant sites in Schaumburg

Changes are coming to the Bar Louie and former Panera Bread and Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant buildings on the outskirts of Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg .
And a requested rezoning of the 3.7-acre property at Golf and Meacham roads could expand the possibilities beyond restaurants to a variety of retail uses , if granted by the village board next week .
However , even if that is approved , it 's likely that the Chevys and Panera sites ' next use will be as restaurants .
Last winter , village trustees approved Shabu-You Japanese restaurant , an affiliate of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8,400-square-foot building that Chevys occupied for 23 years before its sudden closing in July 2018 .
Though those plans have n't changed , no work to transform the building into Shabu-You has occurred , Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said .
Tim Gallagher , a representative of the property 's owner , told village board members this week that a breakfast and lunch restaurant has signed a letter of intent to move into the building Panera left behind when it relocated to a new Meacham Road site with a drive-through .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant , Gallagher said its owners hope to add a patio and four-season room before opening .
Gallagher said Bar Louie is in default on its payments and likely to be evicted within the next two weeks .
Its building , formerly the site of a proposed a recreational marijuana dispensary , more recently has received interest as office space for a financial advisor , Gallagher said .
Although that is permitted under the site 's current B-3 zoning , Gallagher is seeking a B-2 general business zoning .
With vacancies along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10-year high , Gallagher argued that the zoning change would allow him to fill the vacancies more quickly under his control .
His property is the only one of the 38 along the corridor zoned B-3 .
Village trustees debated the request at length this week , with some citing concerns that B-2 zoning could allow uses the village would n't want at such a prominent corner , such as a car wash. Gallagher offered to meet with village staff before next week 's vote to come up with a list of uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B-2 zoning .
Whether such a list could be prepared in time remains in question , officials said .

Changes could be coming to several restaurants outside Woodfield Mall
The Bar Louie restaurant at the southeast corner of Golf and Meacham roads in Schaumburg is likely to be evicted soon, according to a representative for the property's owner. The building has drawn interest as a potential office space for a financial adviser. Eric Peterson/epeterson@dailyherald.ocm
Changes are coming to the 3.7-acre site at the northwest gateway to Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, as the property's owner is working to fill two building vacancies and a third that's expected soon. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg
The owner of the property at the southeast corner of Golf and Meacham roads in Schaumburg is seeking rezoning to broaden his options for filling vacancies there. Even so, it seems likely that new restaurants will replace the former Chevys Fresh Mex and Panera Bread there. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg
Changes are coming to the Bar Louie and former Panera Bread and Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant buildings on the outskirts of Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
And a requested rezoning of the 3.7-acre property at Golf and Meacham roads could expand the possibilities beyond restaurants to a variety of retail uses, if granted by the village board next week.
However, even if that is approved, it's likely that the Chevys and Panera sites' next use will be as restaurants.
Last winter, village trustees approved Shabu-You Japanese restaurant, an affiliate of the Skylark Group, to move into the 8,400-square-foot building that Chevys occupied for 23 years before its sudden closing in July 2018.
Though those plans haven't changed, no work to transform the building into Shabu-You has occurred, Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said.
Tim Gallagher, a representative of the property's owner, told village board members this week that a breakfast and lunch restaurant has signed a letter of intent to move into the building Panera left behind when it relocated to a new Meacham Road site with a drive-through.
Though he didn't reveal the name of the restaurant, Gallagher said its owners hope to add a patio and four-season room before opening.
Gallagher said Bar Louie is in default on its payments and likely to be evicted within the next two weeks. Its building, formerly the site of a proposed a recreational marijuana dispensary, more recently has received interest as office space for a financial advisor, Gallagher said.
Although that is permitted under the site's current B-3 zoning, Gallagher is seeking a B-2 general business zoning.
With vacancies along Schaumburg's Golf Road corridor at a 10-year high, Gallagher argued that the zoning change would allow him to fill the vacancies more quickly under his control. His property is the only one of the 38 along the corridor zoned B-3.
Village trustees debated the request at length this week, with some citing concerns that B-2 zoning could allow uses the village wouldn't want at such a prominent corner, such as a car wash.
Gallagher offered to meet with village staff before next week's vote to come up with a list of uses that wouldn't be sought under the B-2 zoning.
Whether such a list could be prepared in time remains in question, officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--How the stars aligned for suburban, city producers to create 'Sweet Home Chicago' video


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--GOP lawmakers' calls for ComEd hearings rebuffed

SPRINGFIELD -- The chairwoman of the Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee said this week she will not hold hearings to examine what impact ComEd 's lobbying and bribery practices have had on utility ratepayers , rebuffing a request from two Republican lawmakers .
Instead , Rep. Ann Williams , a Chicago Democrat , said in a statement that she plans to introduce `` tough new amendments '' to the proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act next year `` to ensure that we hold utilities accountable and take the politics out of setting fair energy rates . ''
`` A legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate a criminal matter currently under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Attorney 's office , '' Williams said this week .
`` As was the precedent during prior corruption cases , the House Energy and Environment ( committee ) will not hold hearings that could impede and interfere with an ongoing federal investigation . ''
That statement came in response to a letter Monday from Republican Reps. David Welter , of Morris , and Keith Wheeler , of Oswego , to Williams and Rep. Larry Walsh , a Joliet Democrat and chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter requested the two committees hold joint investigative hearings .
Welter is the Republican spokesman on the Energy and Environment Committee .
Wheeler is the Republican spokesman on the Public Utilities Committee .
Their letter was in reaction to ComEd 's public admission on Friday , July 17 , that between 2011 and 2019 , it awarded lobbying jobs and subcontracts to associates of House Speaker Michael Madigan as part of an effort to gain Madigan 's support for legislation beneficial to the utility .
That admission was made in a federal court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution agreement , '' in which the U.S. attorney 's office agreed not to pursue prosecution of bribery charges against the company in exchange for ComEd paying a $ 200 million fine and agreeing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation .
Madigan has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing .
But Welter and Wheeler argued that there is more at stake in the scandal than criminal matters .
`` While the U.S. attorney 's office investigated criminal activity during the time period in question related to ComEd 's activities to influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to receive passage of legislation favorable to the utility , the issue of what impact ComEd 's activities had on ratepayers and state policy needs to be investigated , '' they stated in their letter .
According to people familiar with the investigation , federal prosecutors have focused on at least two pieces of legislation .
One of those is the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2011 , also known as the `` Smart Grid '' bill , which allowed public utilities to recover the cost of infrastructure improvements through a formula @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission .
It passed both chambers of the General Assembly over the veto of then-Gov .
Pat Quinn , a Democrat .
Also of interest is a massive energy bill passed in 2016 known as the Future Energy Jobs Act in which the state agreed to bail out two nuclear power plants owned by ComEd 's parent company Excelon by paying the company $ 235 million a year for 10 years to keep the plants open , with the money coming from a surcharge on customers ' electric bills .
More recently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Clean Energy Jobs Act -- Senate Bill 2132 and House Bill 3624 -- which is aimed at moving Illinois to 100 percent renewable energy for electricity production by 2050 .
But that bill has stalled in the General Assembly partly because , according to some observers , it could provide benefits to ComEd at a time when the company 's lobbying practices were the subject of federal investigations .
Williams , who is the lead House sponsor of the Clean Energy Jobs act , said in an open letter to her colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that bill , including one that would end the automatic , formula-generated rate increases allowed under the 2011 Smart Grid bill .
`` The era of utilities , nuclear and fossil fuel industries , and other big business groups dictating energy policy in Illinois are over , '' she said .
`` We can no longer allow corporate profits to come before efforts to create affordable and clean energy sources . ''
In a separate statement Thursday , Welter said he had spoken again with Williams in hopes of changing her mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while there is bipartisan support for working on legislation to prevent future corrupt lobbying practices , he was disappointed that Democratic leaders were not willing to investigate the impact that past practices have had on ratepayers .
`` I disagree that doing so would somehow 'impede or interfere with an ongoing federal investigation , ' because ComEd has already agreed to pay $ 200 million to defer further prosecution , '' he said .
`` The fact is , both the City of Chicago and the Illinois Commerce Commission plan to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials to testify .
Why not Mike Madigan 's House of Representatives ? ''

GOP lawmakers' calls for ComEd hearings rebuffed
SPRINGFIELD -- The chairwoman of the Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee said this week she will not hold hearings to examine what impact ComEd's lobbying and bribery practices have had on utility ratepayers, rebuffing a request from two Republican lawmakers.
Instead, Rep. Ann Williams, a Chicago Democrat, said in a statement that she plans to introduce "tough new amendments" to the proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act next year "to ensure that we hold utilities accountable and take the politics out of setting fair energy rates."
"A legislative committee is not the appropriate place to investigate a criminal matter currently under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Attorney's office," Williams said this week. "As was the precedent during prior corruption cases, the House Energy and Environment (committee) will not hold hearings that could impede and interfere with an ongoing federal investigation."
That statement came in response to a letter Monday from Republican Reps. David Welter, of Morris, and Keith Wheeler, of Oswego, to Williams and Rep. Larry Walsh, a Joliet Democrat and chair of the House Public Utilities Committee. That letter requested the two committees hold joint investigative hearings.
Welter is the Republican spokesman on the Energy and Environment Committee. Wheeler is the Republican spokesman on the Public Utilities Committee.
Their letter was in reaction to ComEd's public admission on Friday, July 17, that between 2011 and 2019, it awarded lobbying jobs and subcontracts to associates of House Speaker Michael Madigan as part of an effort to gain Madigan's support for legislation beneficial to the utility.
That admission was made in a federal court in what is called a "deferred prosecution agreement," in which the U.S. attorney's office agreed not to pursue prosecution of bribery charges against the company in exchange for ComEd paying a $200 million fine and agreeing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Madigan has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing.
But Welter and Wheeler argued that there is more at stake in the scandal than criminal matters.
"While the U.S. attorney's office investigated criminal activity during the time period in question related to ComEd's activities to influence and reward 'Public Official A' in order to receive passage of legislation favorable to the utility, the issue of what impact ComEd's activities had on ratepayers and state policy needs to be investigated," they stated in their letter.
According to people familiar with the investigation, federal prosecutors have focused on at least two pieces of legislation. One of those is the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2011, also known as the "Smart Grid" bill, which allowed public utilities to recover the cost of infrastructure improvements through a formula, without review by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
It passed both chambers of the General Assembly over the veto of then-Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat.
Also of interest is a massive energy bill passed in 2016 known as the Future Energy Jobs Act in which the state agreed to bail out two nuclear power plants owned by ComEd's parent company Excelon by paying the company $235 million a year for 10 years to keep the plants open, with the money coming from a surcharge on customers' electric bills.
More recently, lawmakers have been debating what is called the Clean Energy Jobs Act -- Senate Bill 2132 and House Bill 3624 -- which is aimed at moving Illinois to 100 percent renewable energy for electricity production by 2050. But that bill has stalled in the General Assembly partly because, according to some observers, it could provide benefits to ComEd at a time when the company's lobbying practices were the subject of federal investigations.
Williams, who is the lead House sponsor of the Clean Energy Jobs act, said in an open letter to her colleagues Thursday that she is working on amendments to that bill, including one that would end the automatic, formula-generated rate increases allowed under the 2011 Smart Grid bill.
"The era of utilities, nuclear and fossil fuel industries, and other big business groups dictating energy policy in Illinois are over," she said. "We can no longer allow corporate profits to come before efforts to create affordable and clean energy sources."
In a separate statement Thursday, Welter said he had spoken again with Williams in hopes of changing her mind about holding investigative hearings. He said that while there is bipartisan support for working on legislation to prevent future corrupt lobbying practices, he was disappointed that Democratic leaders were not willing to investigate the impact that past practices have had on ratepayers.
"I disagree that doing so would somehow 'impede or interfere with an ongoing federal investigation,' because ComEd has already agreed to pay $200 million to defer further prosecution," he said. "The fact is, both the City of Chicago and the Illinois Commerce Commission plan to hold hearings of their own and call ComEd officials to testify. Why not Mike Madigan's House of Representatives?"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Great Wolf Lodge to reopen Aug. 24

Great Wolf Lodge to reopen Aug. 24

Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee will reopen Monday , Aug. 24 , with enhanced protocols , the indoor waterpark resort announced Thursday .
Great Wolf Resorts Inc. said it has introduced a a company-wide initiative focused on family health and safety , based on guidance from health authorities and public officials .
`` The health and well being of our guests , pack members and community has long been our guiding principle at Great Wolf Lodge , '' said CEO Murray Hennessy '' We have been working to develop and implement comprehensive reopening plans based on guidance and protocols recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're excited to get families back to having fun with confidence because of the new safeguards we put into place across our resorts . ''
Safeguards across the 414-room resort , 80,000-square foot indoor water park , restaurants , lobby area and guest rooms include ; continual sanitization of frequently touched surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants ; guest room sanitization prior to check-in ; occupancy levels reduced to 50 % to provide for 6 feet of separation between traveling parties ; face coverings for guests ages 5 and older when not engaged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitizing stations , among other measures .

Great Wolf Lodge to reopen Aug. 24
Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee will reopen Aug. 24 at 50% of its capacity. Masks will be required for most guests when they are not in the water. Daily Herald file photo
Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee will reopen Monday, Aug. 24, with enhanced protocols, the indoor waterpark resort announced Thursday.
Great Wolf Resorts Inc. said it has introduced a a company-wide initiative focused on family health and safety, based on guidance from health authorities and public officials.
"The health and well being of our guests, pack members and community has long been our guiding principle at Great Wolf Lodge," said CEO Murray Hennessy
"We have been working to develop and implement comprehensive reopening plans based on guidance and protocols recommended by the government and CDC, and we're excited to get families back to having fun with confidence because of the new safeguards we put into place across our resorts."
Safeguards across the 414-room resort, 80,000-square foot indoor water park, restaurants, lobby area and guest rooms include; continual sanitization of frequently touched surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants; guest room sanitization prior to check-in; occupancy levels reduced to 50% to provide for 6 feet of separation between traveling parties; face coverings for guests ages 5 and older when not engaged with water park attractions; and increased hand sanitizing stations, among other measures.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Daily Herald experiencing technical difficulties

The Daily Herald 's computerized operating systems were the target early Tuesday of a sophisticated cyberattack .
We are working with several cyber security experts to analyze and resolve the issue , but in the meantime , today 's newspaper has fewer sections and pages compared with our standard portfolio .
I am so proud of the innovative and tireless staff that worked through myriad problems to create today 's newspaper .
Miracle truly is the right word for it .
Because of the problems , it 's possible delivery of today 's newspaper was delayed .
Those challenges required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of its normal design .
In that regard , today 's paper was condensed to two sections , with Neighbor and Food moved into the front section .
The cyberattack also shut down our phone system , including the line to our Customer Service Department .
If you need to get in touch , please email circulation @ dailyherald.com .
As always , up-to-the-minute news and advertising is available at dailyherald.com , and your print subscription provides you with complete access to it .
It is difficult to tell how long the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack .
But please be assured that our staff is working tirelessly to address the challenges .
And that we 're committed , as always , to serving you .
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience .
Thank you for reading .
Stay well .

Daily Herald experiencing technical difficulties
The Daily Herald's computerized operating systems were the target early Tuesday of a sophisticated cyberattack. We are working with several cyber security experts to analyze and resolve the issue, but in the meantime, today's newspaper has fewer sections and pages compared with our standard portfolio.
The functionality of our e-edition is also limited and readers are unable to click on individual stories at this time.
I am so proud of the innovative and tireless staff that worked through myriad problems to create today's newspaper. Miracle truly is the right word for it.
Because of the problems, it's possible delivery of today's newspaper was delayed.
Those challenges required us to streamline the newspaper and alter some of its normal design. In that regard, today's paper was condensed.
The cyberattack also shut down our phone system, including the line to our Customer Service Department. If you need to get in touch, please email circulation@dailyherald.com.
As always, up-to-the-minute news and advertising is available at dailyherald.com, and your print subscription provides you with complete access to it.
It is difficult to tell how long the newspaper will be affected by this criminal attack. But please be assured that our staff is working tirelessly to address the challenges. And that we're committed, as always, to serving you.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
Thank you for reading. Stay well.
John Lampinen
Editor


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--July 23 COVID-19 cases per county

July 23 COVID-19 cases per county

Since the outbreak began , there have been 83,563 cases in the suburbs as of Thursday , 50 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,750 deaths in the suburbs , representing almost 50.9 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Thursday , suburban Cook County had 42,715 cases and 2,067 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 58,080 cases and 2,743 fatalities .
• Top suburban Cook County counts from the county health department and medical examiner 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Des Plaines , 877 cases and 62 deaths in Wheeling , 818 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 731 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood , 714 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 682 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg , 687 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview , 664 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 561 cases and 28 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 540 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 398 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grove Village , 393 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook , 291 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 135 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 10,623 cases and 500 deaths as of Thursday .
• Top counts : 886 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 849 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago , 727 cases and 11 deaths in Glendale Heights , 642 cases and 34 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 595 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream , 500 cases and 25 deaths in Lombard , 482 cases and 39 deaths in Elmhurst , 411 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 359 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton , 296 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 278 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) , 252 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn .
• The county reported 11,163 cases and 426 deaths as of Thursday .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waukegan , 650 to 654 in Round Lake Beach , 415 to 419 in Mundelein , 350 to 354 in Gurnee , 260 to 264 in Round Lake , 225 to 229 in Lake Zurich , 220 to 224 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 200 to 204 in Vernon Hills , 175 to 179 in Wauconda , 165 to 169 in Libertyville , 130 to 134 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed 8,623 cases with 294 deaths on its website Thursday .
• Top counts : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion ) , 2,054 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 803 in Carpentersville , 419 in St. Charles , 372 in South Elgin , 236 in Geneva , 235 in North Aurora , 177 in Batavia , and 63 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
Will County • 7,864 cases and 336 deaths , as of Thursday .
• Cases per town include 509 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) and 100 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

July 23 COVID-19 cases per county
Since the outbreak began, there have been 83,563 cases in the suburbs as of Thursday, 50% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 3,750 deaths in the suburbs, representing almost 50.9% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County
• As of Thursday, suburban Cook County had 42,715 cases and 2,067 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 58,080 cases and 2,743 fatalities.
• Top suburban Cook County counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 1,891 cases and 101 deaths in Des Plaines, 877 cases and 62 deaths in Wheeling, 818 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 731 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood, 714 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 682 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg, 687 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview, 664 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 561 cases and 28 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 540 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 398 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 395 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 393 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook, 291 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 135 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County
• The county reported 10,623 cases and 500 deaths as of Thursday.
• Top counts: 886 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 849 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago, 727 cases and 11 deaths in Glendale Heights, 642 cases and 34 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 585 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 595 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 500 cases and 25 deaths in Lombard, 482 cases and 39 deaths in Elmhurst, 411 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 359 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton, 296 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 278 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion), 252 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
Lake County
• The county reported 11,163 cases and 426 deaths as of Thursday.
• Top counts: 2,895 to 2,899 in Waukegan, 650 to 654 in Round Lake Beach, 415 to 419 in Mundelein, 350 to 354 in Gurnee, 260 to 264 in Round Lake, 225 to 229 in Lake Zurich, 220 to 224 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 200 to 204 in Vernon Hills, 175 to 179 in Wauconda, 165 to 169 in Libertyville, 130 to 134 in Grayslake.
Kane County
• The county confirmed 8,623 cases with 294 deaths on its website Thursday.
• Top counts: 3,584 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,054 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 803 in Carpentersville, 419 in St. Charles, 372 in South Elgin, 236 in Geneva, 235 in North Aurora, 177 in Batavia, and 63 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County
• 2,593 cases and 111 deaths, according IDPH Thursday.
Will County
• 7,864 cases and 336 deaths, as of Thursday.
• Cases per town include 509 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 100 in Aurora (Will County portion).