dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Constable: Harvesting a bit of guilt as I break the family farming streak

We all agree Monday was a holiday , or at least a day without mail .
My calendar said it was Christopher Columbus Day , in honor of the 15th-century explorer .
It also said it was Indigenous Peoples Day , in honor of the first humans to live in North America .
And my expanded calendar said Oct. 12 was Farmers Day , which is a personal holiday for me .
My dad was a farmer .
My grandfather was a farmer .
My great-grandfather was a farmer .
My great-great grandfather was a farmer .
Their ancestors back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
I broke that streak .
I would have been the fifth-generation farmer on our Indiana family farm since the 19th century , if I had n't become a first-generation newspaper guy .
Part of me feels guilty about that .
The family part of most family businesses does n't make it to a fifth generation .
The pandemic hardships have forced some family businesses to give up plans for a new generation to take over .
But my dad , who died in 2003 , told me he knew early on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his footsteps .
He spoke with pride about how he took a man 's spot on our farm 's threshing team when he was 12 years old , feeding shocks of wheat into a steam-powered threshing machine to separate the wheat from the chaff , and then throwing the bales onto a hay wagon .
When I was 12 , it was all I could do to lift a single bale of hay .
I helped Dad as best I could around the farm , delivering silage to hungry cows , driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fences , hauling grain to the elevator , changing tires , mowing , shoveling corn and soybeans , and even planting the corn one year when he hurt his back .
But when something broke , I did n't possess my dad 's ability to fix it .
He could tell my head and heart were n't in farming .
My dad loved farming .
Being his own boss , he made all the decisions about how and when to work .
He 'd work late into the night at times , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on some days to catch one of my baseball , basketball or football games .
He loved `` driving the acres '' just to catch the first day that his corn or soybeans popped through the surface of the black dirt .
I miss the smell of dirt and diesel fuel .
I miss watching the storms roll in from the west and figuring out if I had time to do one more round in the tractor before the rain arrived .
I drove to the farm last weekend , during harvest season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our land , which we rent to our nearest neighbors .
It brought back memories of when I drove the combine that cut the cornstalks , ripped off the ears , created incredible amounts of dust and noise , and left me with a hopper of golden corn .
One of my favorite parts of the harvest was watching the ring-necked pheasants , often more than a dozen , run between the rows ahead of my slow-moving combine .
The best feeling for my dad was knowing he created all of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , using his know-how , science , skill and a little luck to work with nature to create a bumper crop .
We talked long ago about how I do something similar by taking a few facts and anecdotes and turn them into a column , but it 's not the same .
I appreciate my farming roots , even if they did n't take root in me .
But I take some comfort in knowing that our three sons will never feel a touch of guilt about breaking the one-generation newspaper lineage @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Constable: Harvesting a bit of guilt as I break the family farming streak
Wilson and Lois Constable lived in the farmhouse behind them in the distance. A fourth-generation farmer who was born and died in the same room of that house, he knew his kids were not going to be the next generation of farmers. Courtesy of Bill Constable
We all agree Monday was a holiday, or at least a day without mail. My calendar said it was Christopher Columbus Day, in honor of the 15th-century explorer. It also said it was Indigenous Peoples Day, in honor of the first humans to live in North America.
And my expanded calendar said Oct. 12 was Farmers Day, which is a personal holiday for me. My dad was a farmer. My grandfather was a farmer. My great-grandfather was a farmer. My great-great grandfather was a farmer. Their ancestors back in Europe might have been farmers, too.
I broke that streak. I would have been the fifth-generation farmer on our Indiana family farm since the 19th century, if I hadn't become a first-generation newspaper guy.
Part of me feels guilty about that. The family part of most family businesses doesn't make it to a fifth generation. The pandemic hardships have forced some family businesses to give up plans for a new generation to take over.
But my dad, who died in 2003, told me he knew early on that I wasn't going to follow in his footsteps.
He spoke with pride about how he took a man's spot on our farm's threshing team when he was 12 years old, feeding shocks of wheat into a steam-powered threshing machine to separate the wheat from the chaff, and then throwing the bales onto a hay wagon. When I was 12, it was all I could do to lift a single bale of hay.
I helped Dad as best I could around the farm, delivering silage to hungry cows, driving tractors, picking up rocks, mending fences, hauling grain to the elevator, changing tires, mowing, shoveling corn and soybeans, and even planting the corn one year when he hurt his back. But when something broke, I didn't possess my dad's ability to fix it. He could tell my head and heart weren't in farming.
My dad loved farming. Being his own boss, he made all the decisions about how and when to work. He'd work late into the night at times, and he also took off in the afternoon on some days to catch one of my baseball, basketball or football games. He loved "driving the acres" just to catch the first day that his corn or soybeans popped through the surface of the black dirt.
I miss the smell of dirt and diesel fuel. I miss watching the storms roll in from the west and figuring out if I had time to do one more round in the tractor before the rain arrived.
I drove to the farm last weekend, during harvest season, and walked out into a cornfield on our land, which we rent to our nearest neighbors. It brought back memories of when I drove the combine that cut the cornstalks, ripped off the ears, created incredible amounts of dust and noise, and left me with a hopper of golden corn.
One of my favorite parts of the harvest was watching the ring-necked pheasants, often more than a dozen, run between the rows ahead of my slow-moving combine. The best feeling for my dad was knowing he created all of it out of a few bags of seeds, using his know-how, science, skill and a little luck to work with nature to create a bumper crop.
We talked long ago about how I do something similar by taking a few facts and anecdotes and turn them into a column, but it's not the same. I appreciate my farming roots, even if they didn't take root in me.
But I take some comfort in knowing that our three sons will never feel a touch of guilt about breaking the one-generation newspaper lineage established by their mom and dad.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Amy Coney Barrett vows to interpret laws 'as they are written'

WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett declared Monday that Americans `` deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written , '' encapsulating her conservative approach to the law that has Republicans excited about the prospect of her taking the place of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsbur g before Election Day .
Barrett spoke about her judicial philosophy , her experience and her large family at the end of the first day of her fast-tracked confirmation hearings that Senate Democrats are using to try and brand her a threat to Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After sitting in silence through nearly four hours of opening statements from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee , the 48-year-old federal appeals court judge laid out her approach to the bench , which she has likened to that of her conservative mentor , the late Justice Antonin Scalia .
`` Courts have a vital responsibility to the rule of rule of law , which is critical to a free society .
But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life , '' Barrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removing the protective mask she wore most of the day .
`` The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the people .
The public should not expect courts to do so , and courts should not try , . ''
She told senators that she is `` forever grateful '' for Ginsburg 's trailblazing path as a woman on the court .
Yet Sen. Kamala Harris , Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden 's running mate , said the court is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice '' and a Barrett nomination puts in jeopardy everything Ginsburg fought to protect .
Testifying from her office because of the pandemic , Harris said that not only health care but voting rights , workers ' rights , abortion rights and the very idea of justice are at stake .
Barring a dramatic development , Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm her to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court .
If she is confirmed quickly , she could be on the court when it hears the latest challenge to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the election .
One after another , Democrats sought to tie her nomination to the upcoming court case .
`` Health care coverage for millions of Americans is at stake with this nomination , '' said Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California , the committee 's senior Democrat .
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , D-R.I. , said the nomination is a `` judicial torpedo aimed '' at the law 's protection for people with preexisting health conditions among its provisions .
The Trump administration wants the court to strike down the entire law popularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
Barrett has criticized the court 's two earlier major rulings supporting the law .
Among Republicans , Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , dismissed warnings Barrett will undo the Obama-era health care law as `` outrageous . ''
Trump himself seemed to be watching , tweeting several times about the hearing .
In one message , he tweeted that he 'd have a `` FAR BETTER '' health care plan , with lower costs and protections for preexisting conditions .
But he has not , as yet , discussed an actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against making Barrett 's Catholicism an issue in the confirmation debate , especially in regard to her stance on abortion , with Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri lambasting what he called a `` pattern and practice of religious bigotry '' by Democrats .
However , Democratic senators made clear in advance of the hearing that they did n't plan to question the judge on the specifics of her religious faith .
Democratic presidential nominee Biden , also a practicing Catholic , told reporters ahead of a campaign trip to Ohio that he does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about her faith . ''
Barrett 's religious views and past leadership role in a Catholic faith community pose a challenge for Democrats as they try to probe her judicial approach to abortion , same-sex marriage and other social issues without veering into inappropriate questions of her faith .
The Senate Judiciary Committee , meeting on a federal holiday , kicked off four days of statements and testimony in an environment that has been altered by the coronavirus pandemic .
Some senators were taking part remotely , and the hearing room itself was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , opened the hearing acknowledging `` the COVID problem in America is real . ''
But he said , `` We do have a country that needs to move forward safely . ''
Graham acknowledged the obvious : `` This is going to be a long , contentious week . ''
Protesters rallied outside the Senate buildings with the hearing room largely closed to the public .
Capitol Police said 22 people were arrested and charged on suspicion of crowding , obstructing or other violations .
Republicans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett before the Nov. 3 election to secure Trump 's pick , which would put her on the bench for any election-related challenges .
Democrats are trying in vain to delay the fast-track confirmation by raising fresh concerns about the safety of meeting during the pandemic after two GOP senators on the panel tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
Sen. Mike Lee , R-Utah , one of those who tested positive , was in the hearing room Monday after his spokesman said he was symptom-free .
The other affected senator , Thom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remotely , though he too is symptom-free , his spokesman said .
Both tested positive 10 days ago .
Trump chose Barrett after the death last month of Ginsburg , a liberal icon .
It 's the opportunity to entrench a conservative majority on the court for years to come with his third justice .
Outside groups are pushing Democrats to make a strong case against what they call an illegitimate confirmation , when people are already voting in some states , saying the winner of the presidency should make the pick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed so close to a presidential contest .
The country is getting an extended look at Barrett this week in hearings like none other during the heated election environment and the pandemic limiting public access .
Faith and family punctuated her testimony , and she said she would bring `` a few new perspectives '' as the first mother of school-age children on the nine-member court .
Barrett said she uses her children as a test when deciding cases , asking herself how she would view the decision if one of her seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against .
`` Even though I would not like the result , would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law ? ''
she said .
The hearing followed a White House event announcing her nomination just over two weeks ago , in which most of the audience did not wear masks .
The event has been labeled a `` superspreader '' for the coronavirus .
More than two dozen people linked to the Sept. 26 Rose Garden event , including the two GOP senators , have contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family went maskless at the event .
She and her husband , Jesse , tested positive for the virus earlier this year and recovered , two administration officials have said .
Democrats already were enraged that Republicans are moving so quickly having refused to consider President Barack Obama nominee after Scalia 's death in February 2016 , well before that year 's election .
Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Michael Balsamo in Washington , Elana Schor in New York and Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento , California , contributed to this report .

Amy Coney Barrett vows to interpret laws 'as they are written'
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett listens Monday during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett declared Monday that Americans "deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written," encapsulating her conservative approach to the law that has Republicans excited about the prospect of her taking the place of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsbur g before Election Day.
Barrett spoke about her judicial philosophy, her experience and her large family at the end of the first day of her fast-tracked confirmation hearings that Senate Democrats are using to try and brand her a threat to Americans' health care during the coronavirus pandemic.
After sitting in silence through nearly four hours of opening statements from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the 48-year-old federal appeals court judge laid out her approach to the bench, which she has likened to that of her conservative mentor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
"Courts have a vital responsibility to the rule of rule of law, which is critical to a free society. But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life," Barrett said in a statement she delivered after removing the protective mask she wore most of the day.
"The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the people. The public should not expect courts to do so, and courts should not try,."
She told senators that she is "forever grateful" for Ginsburg's trailblazing path as a woman on the court.
Yet Sen. Kamala Harris, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's running mate, said the court is "often the last refuge for equal justice" and a Barrett nomination puts in jeopardy everything Ginsburg fought to protect.
Testifying from her office because of the pandemic, Harris said that not only health care but voting rights, workers' rights, abortion rights and the very idea of justice are at stake.
Republicans called Barrett a thoughtful judge with impeccable credentials.
Barring a dramatic development, Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm her to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court. If she is confirmed quickly, she could be on the court when it hears the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act, a week after the election.
One after another, Democrats sought to tie her nomination to the upcoming court case.
"Health care coverage for millions of Americans is at stake with this nomination," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the committee's senior Democrat.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said the nomination is a "judicial torpedo aimed" at the law's protection for people with preexisting health conditions among its provisions. The Trump administration wants the court to strike down the entire law popularly known as "Obamacare" on Nov. 10. Barrett has criticized the court's two earlier major rulings supporting the law.
Among Republicans, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, dismissed warnings Barrett will undo the Obama-era health care law as "outrageous."
Trump himself seemed to be watching, tweeting several times about the hearing. In one message, he tweeted that he'd have a "FAR BETTER" health care plan, with lower costs and protections for preexisting conditions. But he has not, as yet, discussed an actual health care plan.
Republicans also warned against making Barrett's Catholicism an issue in the confirmation debate, especially in regard to her stance on abortion, with Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri lambasting what he called a "pattern and practice of religious bigotry" by Democrats. However, Democratic senators made clear in advance of the hearing that they didn't plan to question the judge on the specifics of her religious faith.
Democratic presidential nominee Biden, also a practicing Catholic, told reporters ahead of a campaign trip to Ohio that he doesn't think "there's any question about her faith."
Barrett's religious views and past leadership role in a Catholic faith community pose a challenge for Democrats as they try to probe her judicial approach to abortion, same-sex marriage and other social issues without veering into inappropriate questions of her faith.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, meeting on a federal holiday, kicked off four days of statements and testimony in an environment that has been altered by the coronavirus pandemic. Some senators were taking part remotely, and the hearing room itself was arranged with health concerns in mind.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., opened the hearing acknowledging "the COVID problem in America is real." But he said, "We do have a country that needs to move forward safely."
Graham acknowledged the obvious: "This is going to be a long, contentious week."
Protesters rallied outside the Senate buildings with the hearing room largely closed to the public. Capitol Police said 22 people were arrested and charged on suspicion of crowding, obstructing or other violations.
Republicans are moving at a breakneck pace to seat Barrett before the Nov. 3 election to secure Trump's pick, which would put her on the bench for any election-related challenges.
Democrats are trying in vain to delay the fast-track confirmation by raising fresh concerns about the safety of meeting during the pandemic after two GOP senators on the panel tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, one of those who tested positive, was in the hearing room Monday after his spokesman said he was symptom-free. The other affected senator, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, was participating remotely, though he too is symptom-free, his spokesman said. Both tested positive 10 days ago.
Trump chose Barrett after the death last month of Ginsburg, a liberal icon. It's the opportunity to entrench a conservative majority on the court for years to come with his third justice.
Outside groups are pushing Democrats to make a strong case against what they call an illegitimate confirmation, when people are already voting in some states, saying the winner of the presidency should make the pick. No Supreme Court justice has ever been confirmed so close to a presidential contest.
The country is getting an extended look at Barrett this week in hearings like none other during the heated election environment and the pandemic limiting public access.
Faith and family punctuated her testimony, and she said she would bring "a few new perspectives" as the first mother of school-age children on the nine-member court.
Barrett said she uses her children as a test when deciding cases, asking herself how she would view the decision if one of her seven children were the party she was ruling against.
"Even though I would not like the result, would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law?" she said.
The hearing followed a White House event announcing her nomination just over two weeks ago, in which most of the audience did not wear masks. The event has been labeled a "superspreader" for the coronavirus.
More than two dozen people linked to the Sept. 26 Rose Garden event, including the two GOP senators, have contracted COVID-19 since then. Barrett and her family went maskless at the event. She and her husband, Jesse, tested positive for the virus earlier this year and recovered, two administration officials have said.
Democrats already were enraged that Republicans are moving so quickly having refused to consider President Barack Obama nominee after Scalia's death in February 2016, well before that year's election.
Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Michael Balsamo in Washington, Elana Schor in New York and Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--'It was pretty amazing': LGBTQ community recalls importance of Elk Grove bar

At a time when Chicago 's Boystown neighborhood was developing into the cultural mecca for the city 's gay community in the 1980s , there were few places for LGBTQ people to socialize in the suburbs .
Most that did exist were small , hidden and lasted only a few years .
Mark Hunter , then a professional ballroom dance teacher and competitor for Fred Astaire Dance Studios , changed that when he quit his job and opened a bar that would cater to members of the suburban LGBTQ community who did n't want to go into the city .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nice place to go , '' said Hunter , who grew up a self-described suburban kid .
In the shadow of the Northwest Tollway , he and his wife Marion found a shuttered Beef ' N ' Barrel restaurant along a dusty strip of Higgins Road in unincorporated Elk Grove Township .
They inked a lease for the building in October 1982 with the Hyatt Corp. , which owned the neighboring motel .
For the next 31 years , Hunters nightclub at 1932 E. Higgins Road operated as the go-to social gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It continued as Phoenix Bar & Nightclub for another six years under two different owners until its abrupt closure last November .
Hunter , now 68 and living in Florida , grew nostalgic amid news that the old building that housed his first nightclub will face the wrecking ball -- perhaps as early as today -- to make way for future development .
Hunter , longtime patrons and former employees shared memories of love , love lost and lasting friendships at what became the most prominent gay bar in the suburbs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers that say they were n't really out , '' Hunter said .
`` They 'd drive to Hunters , sit in their car , and were nervous .
They did n't wan na go in because they were scared and so forth and so on .
But they eventually made it in the bar and they were comforted and felt safe there .
That was their coming out . ''
From the beginning , the bar 's motto was `` fun and friendly , '' welcoming the likes of police officers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter said .
Patrons say the nightclub was known for its lavish New Year 's Eve parties , with a humongous buffet , champagne fountains and midnight balloon drop .
Halloween and the day before Thanksgiving were also big nights , as were most Wednesdays in the early days , with a 25-cent draft beer special .
Many of the parties were orchestrated by Marion Hunter , who died in 1995 .
Mark Hunter said there were few problems over the years or any outward discrimination from the community .
Backed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually bought the 1.5-acre property from the company .
One of the hoteliers ' big wigs even came in for a drink one time .
`` Hunters Elk Grove was big and obvious , and it was notorious , '' Hunter said .
`` Everyone knew it was a gay bar . ''
It also became a second home for many patrons .
Hunters hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for those who were alone or rejected by family .
`` For him to have the belief that this ( bar ) could make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps run into a lot of opposition -- gives a lot of credit to who Mark is , '' said a longtime Elk Grove Village patron who only identified herself as Lori .
`` Mark had more than a business going there .
He had a vision .
He knew there was a need .
He knew that people needed a place to go just to be comfortable . ''
And like all families have a Grandma , so did Hunters .
It 's the nickname patrons affectionately gave to Emil Benak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who became known for his sage advice .
`` We can talk to our gay families about things we ca n't talk to our blood families about , '' Benak said .
Another regular , Gary Niemiec of Hoffman Estates , said when he started going to the bar in 1984 , there were few other places in the suburbs where gay men could go and feel welcome .
`` Many people spent their day hiding who they were , and to be able to be yourself was really important , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2013 when he moved to Florida and opened a club in Fort Lauderdale .
He also operates a club in California .
The Elk Grove bar 's last owner , Sam Cecola , the Barrington businessman who also owns the Admiral Theatre strip club in Chicago , sold the property to village officials for $ 1.35 million last June .
The village annexed the property and hired a demolition company to knock down the building -- which they say is in disrepair -- and prepare the site for future commercial development .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the building itself go -- he says it 's been in bad shape for years -- but he suggested a marker be placed there to signify its importance in LGBTQ history .
`` People were coming from Elgin , Cary , Wisconsin , everywhere to come to Hunters , '' he said .
`` It was pretty amazing . ''

'It was pretty amazing': LGBTQ community recalls importance of Elk Grove bar
For those looking to get away from the busy dance floor at Hunters nightclub in Elk Grove Township, the pool table and darts room was a quieter spot. Courtesy of Mark Hunter
Hunters nightclub in Elk Grove Township had a large bar, in addition to an expansive dance floor, pool table and darts room, and outdoor patio. Courtesy of Mark Hunter
Patrons were known to dress to impress for parties at Hunters nightclub in Elk Grove Township, including on New Year's Eve in 1999. Courtesy of Mark Hunter
Hunters nightclub in Elk Grove Township hosted popular Halloween costume parties from its early days in the 1980s. Courtesy of Mark Hunter
Hunters nightclub was known for its lavish New Year's Eve parties, like this one in 1999. The Elk Grove Township bar was a destination for the suburban LGBTQ community for more than three decades, until its closure last year. Courtesy of Mark Hunter
At a time when Chicago's Boystown neighborhood was developing into the cultural mecca for the city's gay community in the 1980s, there were few places for LGBTQ people to socialize in the suburbs. Most that did exist were small, hidden and lasted only a few years.
Mark Hunter, then a professional ballroom dance teacher and competitor for Fred Astaire Dance Studios, changed that when he quit his job and opened a bar that would cater to members of the suburban LGBTQ community who didn't want to go into the city.
"I thought the LGBT community needed a nice place to go," said Hunter, who grew up a self-described suburban kid.
In the shadow of the Northwest Tollway, he and his wife Marion found a shuttered Beef 'N' Barrel restaurant along a dusty strip of Higgins Road in unincorporated Elk Grove Township. They inked a lease for the building in October 1982 with the Hyatt Corp., which owned the neighboring motel.
For the next 31 years, Hunters nightclub at 1932 E. Higgins Road operated as the go-to social gathering spot for the suburban LGBTQ community. It continued as Phoenix Bar & Nightclub for another six years under two different owners until its abrupt closure last November.
Hunter, now 68 and living in Florida, grew nostalgic amid news that the old building that housed his first nightclub will face the wrecking ball -- perhaps as early as today -- to make way for future development.
Hunter, longtime patrons and former employees shared memories of love, love lost and lasting friendships at what became the most prominent gay bar in the suburbs.
"There's a lot of stories from customers that say they weren't really out," Hunter said. "They'd drive to Hunters, sit in their car, and were nervous. They didn't wanna go in because they were scared and so forth and so on. But they eventually made it in the bar and they were comforted and felt safe there. That was their coming out."
From the beginning, the bar's motto was "fun and friendly," welcoming the likes of police officers, drag queens and everyone in between, Hunter said.
Patrons say the nightclub was known for its lavish New Year's Eve parties, with a humongous buffet, champagne fountains and midnight balloon drop. Halloween and the day before Thanksgiving were also big nights, as were most Wednesdays in the early days, with a 25-cent draft beer special. Many of the parties were orchestrated by Marion Hunter, who died in 1995.
Marion and Mark Hunter, bottom row, middle and right, gather with their staff in the late 1980s at their nightclub, which became a destination for the suburban LGBTQ community. - Courtesy of Mark Hunter
Mark Hunter said there were few problems over the years or any outward discrimination from the community. Backed by the Hyatt Corp. from the beginning, Hunter eventually bought the 1.5-acre property from the company. One of the hoteliers' big wigs even came in for a drink one time.
"Hunters Elk Grove was big and obvious, and it was notorious," Hunter said. "Everyone knew it was a gay bar."
It also became a second home for many patrons. Hunters hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for those who were alone or rejected by family.
"For him to have the belief that this (bar) could make it out in the suburbs -- and perhaps run into a lot of opposition -- gives a lot of credit to who Mark is," said a longtime Elk Grove Village patron who only identified herself as Lori. "Mark had more than a business going there. He had a vision. He knew there was a need. He knew that people needed a place to go just to be comfortable."
And like all families have a Grandma, so did Hunters. It's the nickname patrons affectionately gave to Emil Benak, one of the original and longtime bartenders, who became known for his sage advice.
"We can talk to our gay families about things we can't talk to our blood families about," Benak said.
Another regular, Gary Niemiec of Hoffman Estates, said when he started going to the bar in 1984, there were few other places in the suburbs where gay men could go and feel welcome.
"Many people spent their day hiding who they were, and to be able to be yourself was really important," he said.
Hunter sold the nightclub in 2013 when he moved to Florida and opened a club in Fort Lauderdale. He also operates a club in California.
The Elk Grove bar's last owner, Sam Cecola, the Barrington businessman who also owns the Admiral Theatre strip club in Chicago, sold the property to village officials for $1.35 million last June. The village annexed the property and hired a demolition company to knock down the building -- which they say is in disrepair -- and prepare the site for future commercial development.
Hunter said he isn't sad to see the building itself go -- he says it's been in bad shape for years -- but he suggested a marker be placed there to signify its importance in LGBTQ history.
"People were coming from Elgin, Cary, Wisconsin, everywhere to come to Hunters," he said. "It was pretty amazing."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Holocaust survivor from Northbrook recalls her escape to China in PBS special

Uprooted from her Berlin home , Doris Fogel had one thing working on her behalf as her family struggled to survive in a Shanghai ghetto during World War II .
`` I was a child , '' she said .
They say ignorance is bliss .
In no way could this be called bliss -- sharing one room with four other people for five years , going without tap water for nearly a decade , using a bucket as a lavatory .
Still , that youthful bubble , plus the kindness of others and her family 's determination , enabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trauma and live to tell about it in the documentary `` Harbor from the Holocaust '' on WTTW-Channel 11 and streaming on PBS.org .
The show details the somewhat hidden story of about 20,000 Jewish people from Germany and Austria who relocated 5,200 miles to a Chinese internment camp , related through the words and memories of Fogel and seven of the other `` Shanghai Jews . ''
At 86 , she is president of her building 's residents association at the Pheasant Creek condominium development tucked behind the southeast corner of Landwehr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Holocaust , '' which included her contributions filmed over several days in New York City in October 2019 , is only her latest assignment before the camera .
Fogel has done PBS panel discussions in Chicago , Hawaii and Pittsburgh .
She speaks in churches , schools and periodically at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie .
She conducts services for Yom HaShoah , the day that commemorates victims of the Holocaust .
On May 1 , 2014 , she presented `` A Survivor 's Remembrance '' from the old Illinois state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm old , but I try to keep busy , '' Fogel said .
Staying busy also served her well in Shanghai .
`` I did sports , I was a gymnast , I danced , '' she said .
`` We did n't know . ''
Fortunately , Fogel and the other children there did n't realize the extent of the Nazi horrors .
In January 1939 , at age 4 , she traveled to China with her mother , Edith ( her father , Alfons , had died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` Aunt and Uncle , '' and their 9-year-old son .
They bore only the clothes on their backs and `` what you could carry in one bag , '' Fogel said .
China 's doors were open to displaced Jews when other countries , including the United States , had closed theirs .
Three of her four grandparents had died in concentration camps back in Germany .
Many of the German emigrants were aided by benefactors inside and outside of China .
A Chinese delegate in Vienna issued visas to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It became a fail-safe to the Jews in Germany , '' said the daughter of that delegate , Manli Ho , in `` Harbor from the Holocaust . ''
After a monthlong boat ride via the Panama Canal , they arrived to find assistance from established and well-off Jewish people who helped them restore some sense of community with housing , shops and schools , such as the Kadoorie School .
Fogel learned French there and `` the King 's English . ''
After being liberated and resettled in the United States when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sophomore in high school based on what she 'd learned at the Kadoorie School , though she was placed in the eighth grade .
In the ghetto of Hongkau , the German and Austrian Jews made friends with the Chinese .
`` We played with the kids ; we were friends , '' Fogel said .
`` They did n't have anything and we did n't have anything .
So , together , we did n't have much but we took care of each other . ''
After the Japanese attacked Pearl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more pressure to Chinese and Jewish residents alike in Hongkau .
It was `` the poorest , poorest part of Shanghai , '' said Fogel .
`` It made me tough , made me street smart , '' Fogel said .
`` It made me learn how to take care of myself . ''
Even the war 's end caused strife , as the United States bombed the area a little more than a month before declaring victory over Japan on Aug. 15 , 1945 .
Fogel maintained a positive attitude toward the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little Hershey bars they handed out .
Finally , in 1947 -- after nine years in China -- she was able to leave , turning 13 during the boat passage initially to Hawaii , then to San Francisco .
From there they traveled to Peoria , where a family sponsored Fogel and her mother .
`` The day that we were leaving Shanghai , I thought that my bed was going to walk out by itself because it was so infested with bedbugs , '' she said .
Eventually they made it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sam , an attorney from Fort Wayne , Indiana , and they had three children .
They lived there for 52 years , with Doris managing her husband 's legal practice for 45 of them .
She served as president and executive director of the Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne , was a Rotarian , and served two separate terms as president of Congregation Achduth Vesholom in Fort Wayne .
Sam Fogel died in 2008 , and on Oct. 1 , 2013 , Doris moved to Northbrook .
She said that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aired on television , she heard from friends she had n't spoken to in 50 years .
`` So it 's been very effective , '' she said .
She maintains a positive view of humanity despite ghastly experiences and deprivation .
She received charity , but mainly Fogel forged her own path .
`` I always tell people , as you heard me say in the movie , 'Why me ? '
Because I was chosen .
I 'm here .
I believe in God .
Many times I could have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Fogel said .
`` I 've worked hard all my life , but the opportunities -- one way or another , if you go out and search for them here in America , there are things for you to do . ''

Holocaust survivor from Northbrook recalls her escape to China in PBS special
Uprooted from her Berlin home, Doris Fogel had one thing working on her behalf as her family struggled to survive in a Shanghai ghetto during World War II.
"I was a child," she said.
They say ignorance is bliss. In no way could this be called bliss -- sharing one room with four other people for five years, going without tap water for nearly a decade, using a bucket as a lavatory.
Still, that youthful bubble, plus the kindness of others and her family's determination, enabled the Northbrook resident to shrug off the trauma and live to tell about it in the documentary "Harbor from the Holocaust" on WTTW-Channel 11 and streaming on PBS.org.
The show details the somewhat hidden story of about 20,000 Jewish people from Germany and Austria who relocated 5,200 miles to a Chinese internment camp, related through the words and memories of Fogel and seven of the other "Shanghai Jews."
Spoiler alert: Today Fogel is doing great.
At 86, she is president of her building's residents association at the Pheasant Creek condominium development tucked behind the southeast corner of Landwehr and Dundee roads.
"Harbor from the Holocaust," which included her contributions filmed over several days in New York City in October 2019, is only her latest assignment before the camera. Fogel has done PBS panel discussions in Chicago, Hawaii and Pittsburgh.
She speaks in churches, schools and periodically at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie. She conducts services for Yom HaShoah, the day that commemorates victims of the Holocaust. On May 1, 2014, she presented "A Survivor's Remembrance" from the old Illinois state capitol's Hall of Representatives in Springfield.
"I'm old, but I try to keep busy," Fogel said.
Staying busy also served her well in Shanghai.
"I did sports, I was a gymnast, I danced," she said. "We didn't know."
Fortunately, Fogel and the other children there didn't realize the extent of the Nazi horrors. In January 1939, at age 4, she traveled to China with her mother, Edith (her father, Alfons, had died), a Berlin couple Fogel knew as "Aunt and Uncle," and their 9-year-old son.
They bore only the clothes on their backs and "what you could carry in one bag," Fogel said. China's doors were open to displaced Jews when other countries, including the United States, had closed theirs.
Three of her four grandparents had died in concentration camps back in Germany.
Many of the German emigrants were aided by benefactors inside and outside of China. A Chinese delegate in Vienna issued visas to allow many of them into Shanghai.
"It became a fail-safe to the Jews in Germany," said the daughter of that delegate, Manli Ho, in "Harbor from the Holocaust."
After a monthlong boat ride via the Panama Canal, they arrived to find assistance from established and well-off Jewish people who helped them restore some sense of community with housing, shops and schools, such as the Kadoorie School.
Fogel learned French there and "the King's English." After being liberated and resettled in the United States when she was 13, she tested as a sophomore in high school based on what she'd learned at the Kadoorie School, though she was placed in the eighth grade.
In the ghetto of Hongkau, the German and Austrian Jews made friends with the Chinese.
"We played with the kids; we were friends," Fogel said. "They didn't have anything and we didn't have anything. So, together, we didn't have much but we took care of each other."
After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, they applied even more pressure to Chinese and Jewish residents alike in Hongkau. It was "the poorest, poorest part of Shanghai," said Fogel.
"It made me tough, made me street smart," Fogel said. "It made me learn how to take care of myself."
Even the war's end caused strife, as the United States bombed the area a little more than a month before declaring victory over Japan on Aug. 15, 1945. Fogel maintained a positive attitude toward the American soldiers -- especially due to the little Hershey bars they handed out.
Finally, in 1947 -- after nine years in China -- she was able to leave, turning 13 during the boat passage initially to Hawaii, then to San Francisco. From there they traveled to Peoria, where a family sponsored Fogel and her mother.
"The day that we were leaving Shanghai, I thought that my bed was going to walk out by itself because it was so infested with bedbugs," she said.
Eventually they made it to Chicago, where Fogel met her husband, Sam, an attorney from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and they had three children. They lived there for 52 years, with Doris managing her husband's legal practice for 45 of them.
She served as president and executive director of the Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne, was a Rotarian, and served two separate terms as president of Congregation Achduth Vesholom in Fort Wayne.
Sam Fogel died in 2008, and on Oct. 1, 2013, Doris moved to Northbrook.
She said that, after "Harbor from the Holocaust" aired on television, she heard from friends she hadn't spoken to in 50 years. "So it's been very effective," she said.
She maintains a positive view of humanity despite ghastly experiences and deprivation. She received charity, but mainly Fogel forged her own path.
"I always tell people, as you heard me say in the movie, 'Why me?' Because I was chosen. I'm here. I believe in God. Many times I could have died easily, but I didn't," Fogel said.
"I've worked hard all my life, but the opportunities -- one way or another, if you go out and search for them here in America, there are things for you to do."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Boys golf: CL South's Stewart, Kaneland take 2A sectional titles

FREEPORT -- A little luck went a long way Monday for Crystal Lake South 's Will Stewart .
Three-hundred and forty yards to be exact .
On his last high school hole , the Gators ' senior got a favorable bounce when his drive hit a tree and landed safely on the right side of the fairway , sitting about 170 yards from the par-5 No .
18 green at Park Hills West Golf Course .
Stewart 's next shot landed about 15 feet of the pin , and after leaving an eagle chance just inches short , he tapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 and capture the individual title at the Class 2A Freeport Sectional .
Stewart held off Boylan 's Cooper Watt ( 74 ) by two shots for the top spot .
Kaneland 's Cody Ganzon took third with a 75 , leading the Knights to their first sectional championship in program history .
Kaneland recorded a 314 to win the team title , followed by South ( 322 ) and Prairie Ridge ( 331 ) .
Marmion finished fourth with a 332 , followed by Vernon Hills ( 334 ) , Ottawa ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Princeton ( 347 ) .
Stewart , who won medalist honors at regionals last week with a 73 , became the second straight Gators golfer to win Fox Valley Conference points , regional and sectional titles in the same year .
Stewart did n't know where his drive on No .
18 landed until his dad let him know .
`` That 's close to my longest drive in high school , '' said Stewart , who shot a 34 on the front nine and 38 on the back , ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was insane .
I 'm just going to tell everyone that I stepped up to my last tee shot as a senior and ripped it 340 ( yards ) , no tree involved .
`` I 'm happy for four our team , '' said Stewart , a four-year varsity golfer .
`` Just to get some of these guys the sectional experience , it 's too bad they do n't get state but it is what it is .
... All four great years . ''
Instead , it was Kaneland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing one of its top golfers .
Kaneland senior Ryan Milton , a co-medalist at regionals , was not with the team Monday because a family member was sick , Knights coach Mark Meyer said .
Following Ganzon 's 75 , Josh Pehl carded a 78 , Lucas Pehl shot 80 and Hagen Rank added an 81 to round out the scoring for the Knights .
`` I think this is probably the best team that Kaneland has ever had , '' said Lucas Pehl , a senior .
`` It meant a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had to play well because it 's my last high school round .
Coming in with an 80 , I did shoot better than last year 's sectionals . ''
In a year unlike any other because of COVID-19 , Kaneland finished the year as Interstate Eight Conference , regional and conference champions .
`` It 's been a tough year , a lot of unknowns with COVID , '' Josh Pehl said .
`` ( Winning sectionals ) is the cherry on top of everything . ''
`` It means a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It was tough conditions today .
20 mph winds ; it was raining ; it was just tough .
Pulling it off feels good .
I think all of us have a special drive to do anything we desire .
We 'll fight through and keep fighting until it 's over . ''
Marmion was led by Charlie Burke , who tied for fifth individually with a 78 .
The Cadets ' three other scorers Monday were Anthony Sleezer ( 81 ) , Barry O'Neill ( 85 ) and Aaron Munson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paced by Gavin Gilfrand ( 81 ) , Dylan Josephson ( 83 ) , Kartik Vasudeva ( 85 ) and Luke Brann ( 85 ) .
Dominic Lucchesi led Grayslake Central with an 83 .
Keegan Fitzgerald posted a 85 , Thomas Bolin had an 86 and Nolan Mussay shot 89 to round out the scoring for the Rams .
Carmel 's Clint Bailes , who won a regional title last week , tied for 13th with an 81 .
Also for the Corsairs , Alex Streit had an 83 and Luke Zimmer @ @ @

Boys golf: CL South's Stewart, Kaneland take 2A sectional titles
Vernon Hills' AJ Kaprosy watches his ball on hole 12 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Vernon Hills' AJ Kaprosy hits out of a sand trap on hole 12 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Vernon Hills' Dylan Josephson reacts after teeing off on hole 11 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Vernon Hills' Gavin Gilfand tees off on hole 10 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Marmion Academy's Anthony Sleezer checks out the putting green on hole 10 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Marmion Academy's Aaron Munson tees off on hole 12 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Marmion Academy's Carlie Burke putts on hole 11 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Carmel's Luke Zimmer putts on hole 14 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Carmel's Alex Streit tees off on hole 13 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Antioch's Donald Barnett tees off on hole 13 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Antioch's Donald Barnett checks out the putting green on hole 13 during the Freeport 2A Sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Crystal Lake South golfer Ricky Falbohits out of a bunker on the ninth hole in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Crystal Lake South golfer Ricky Falbo places his ball on No. 8 green in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Crystal Lake South golfer Will Stewart hits an approach shot off the fourth fairway in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Carmel's Clint Bailes places his ball on the No. 4 green in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Carmel's Clint Bailes hits off the fourth fairway in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Burlington Central's Tyson Malak hits off the first tee in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Crystal Lake South golfer Will Stewart tees off the first hole in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Crystal Lake South golfer Ricky Falbo tees off the first hole in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
Kaneland's Cody Ganzon hits off the first tee in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional golf tournament on Monday. Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media
FREEPORT -- A little luck went a long way Monday for Crystal Lake South's Will Stewart.
Three-hundred and forty yards to be exact.
On his last high school hole, the Gators' senior got a favorable bounce when his drive hit a tree and landed safely on the right side of the fairway, sitting about 170 yards from the par-5 No. 18 green at Park Hills West Golf Course.
Stewart's next shot landed about 15 feet of the pin, and after leaving an eagle chance just inches short, he tapped in for birdie to end at even-par 72 and capture the individual title at the Class 2A Freeport Sectional.
Stewart held off Boylan's Cooper Watt (74) by two shots for the top spot. Kaneland's Cody Ganzon took third with a 75, leading the Knights to their first sectional championship in program history.
Kaneland recorded a 314 to win the team title, followed by South (322) and Prairie Ridge (331).
Marmion finished fourth with a 332, followed by Vernon Hills (334), Ottawa (335), Grayslake Central (343) and Princeton (347).
Stewart, who won medalist honors at regionals last week with a 73, became the second straight Gators golfer to win Fox Valley Conference points, regional and sectional titles in the same year.
Stewart didn't know where his drive on No. 18 landed until his dad let him know.
"That's close to my longest drive in high school," said Stewart, who shot a 34 on the front nine and 38 on the back, ending the day with five birdies. "That was insane. I'm just going to tell everyone that I stepped up to my last tee shot as a senior and ripped it 340 (yards), no tree involved.
"I'm happy for four our team," said Stewart, a four-year varsity golfer. "Just to get some of these guys the sectional experience, it's too bad they don't get state but it is what it is. ... All four great years."
Instead, it was Kaneland that took the top spot, despite missing one of its top golfers. Kaneland senior Ryan Milton, a co-medalist at regionals, was not with the team Monday because a family member was sick, Knights coach Mark Meyer said.
Following Ganzon's 75, Josh Pehl carded a 78, Lucas Pehl shot 80 and Hagen Rank added an 81 to round out the scoring for the Knights.
"I think this is probably the best team that Kaneland has ever had," said Lucas Pehl, a senior. "It meant a lot. I knew coming in, I had to play well because it's my last high school round. Coming in with an 80, I did shoot better than last year's sectionals."
In a year unlike any other because of COVID-19, Kaneland finished the year as Interstate Eight Conference, regional and conference champions.
"It's been a tough year, a lot of unknowns with COVID," Josh Pehl said. "(Winning sectionals) is the cherry on top of everything."
"It means a lot to us," Ganzon added. "It was tough conditions today. 20 mph winds; it was raining; it was just tough. Pulling it off feels good. I think all of us have a special drive to do anything we desire. We'll fight through and keep fighting until it's over."
Marmion was led by Charlie Burke, who tied for fifth individually with a 78. The Cadets' three other scorers Monday were Anthony Sleezer (81), Barry O'Neill (85) and Aaron Munson (88).
Vernon Hills was paced by Gavin Gilfrand (81), Dylan Josephson (83), Kartik Vasudeva (85) and Luke Brann (85).
Dominic Lucchesi led Grayslake Central with an 83. Keegan Fitzgerald posted a 85, Thomas Bolin had an 86 and Nolan Mussay shot 89 to round out the scoring for the Rams.
Carmel's Clint Bailes, who won a regional title last week, tied for 13th with an 81. Also for the Corsairs, Alex Streit had an 83 and Luke Zimmer shot 86.
Antioch's Donald Bennett shot 84, Burlington Central's Tyson Malak posted a 90, and Marian Central's Owen Jager carded a 95.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--'Not an education': Stevenson parents, students blast remote learning, call for hybrid model

Maria Newhouse moved to Long Grove so her daughter could attend Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire because of its reputation for academic excellence .
But attending classes in a pandemic through Zoom video conferencing is n't the ideal learning environment Newhouse , and other parents , had envisioned .
`` Remote learning is not an education , '' Newhouse said .
`` Zoom ( is ) for conference calls .
You do n't educate children via Zoom . ''
Newhouse was among a group of Stevenson High School parents and students who rallied Monday outside the school demanding the district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put pressure on the school board , which meets Monday , Oct. 19 .
Stevenson High School District 125 , which has about 4,300 students and more than 700 faculty members , was among the first suburban districts to switch to only remote learning at the beginning of the fall semester .
At the time , Superintendent Eric Twadell said it was more palatable than the alternative of mandatory , 14-day quarantines for students or employees who contract the coronavirus in school , as well as for people who come in prolonged contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hybrid model in which families that do n't want their students to attend in-person can continue remotely , while other students have the option of learning in a classroom , each with their own dedicated teachers .
In a statement released Monday , district officials said if and when the school transitions to hybrid learning , `` the quality of the teaching and learning experience that we can provide all students will drop significantly . ''
Another factor giving officials pause is the severity of COVID-19 transmission in Lake County -- one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a warning level for an increased risk of contracting the virus on Friday .
The county averaged 90 new cases of the virus for every 100,000 residents over the past week , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The state target is an average 50 new cases or fewer , which Lake County has exceeded since the beginning of July .
Stevenson will be testing a new `` Patriot Pods '' program designed for students who would like to come together and study in small groups on campus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will be bringing students back to campus for specific and purposeful lab-based teaching and learning experiences that are better suited for in-person instruction , including courses in science and fine arts , '' the statement read .
Newhouse said the pods idea is an effort to placate parents .
She questioned why a wealthy district like Stevenson ca n't manage in-person learning when its feeder elementary districts have switched to hybrid models .
`` Stevenson is supposed to be a leader and has n't quite figured out in-person yet , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with over 1 million square feet of space .
There are so many schools that have managed to come up with an option that worked for those parents and students who want in-person learning .
We want a choice .
Teachers need to be in the classroom . ''
Among those at the rally Monday was Paul Vallas , former CEO of Chicago Public Schools as well as the Philadelphia school system , and superintendent of others .
`` Stevenson has the resources to go back .
There 's no excuse , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the science .
The damage that 's being done is severe . ''
Isolation from peers has been the hardest part of remote learning , said parent Christina George of Hawthorn Woods , whose son C.J .
is a freshman .
`` He is definitely struggling , '' she said .
`` He has no social experiences .
He started a new high school with no friends and no opportunity to make those personal connections . ''
George said C.J .
had been looking forward to participating in marching band in high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school offering some students contact days for athletics .
`` For many kids , when they go to high school , they are looking to meet new people , get involved with things , '' George said .
`` These kids they are struggling mentally . ''
Dr. Marina Shakhman , a clinical psychologist and mother of three Stevenson graduates who was at the rally , echoed the concerns .
`` There are massive costs to keeping kids at home , '' Shakhman said .
`` SHS owes it to these kids to @ @ @ @ @

'Not an education': Stevenson parents, students blast remote learning, call for hybrid model
Maria Newhouse moved to Long Grove so her daughter could attend Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire because of its reputation for academic excellence.
But attending classes in a pandemic through Zoom video conferencing isn't the ideal learning environment Newhouse, and other parents, had envisioned.
"Remote learning is not an education," Newhouse said. "Zoom (is) for conference calls. You don't educate children via Zoom."
Newhouse was among a group of Stevenson High School parents and students who rallied Monday outside the school demanding the district resume in-person classes. They sought to put pressure on the school board, which meets Monday, Oct. 19.
Stevenson High School District 125, which has about 4,300 students and more than 700 faculty members, was among the first suburban districts to switch to only remote learning at the beginning of the fall semester.
At the time, Superintendent Eric Twadell said it was more palatable than the alternative of mandatory, 14-day quarantines for students or employees who contract the coronavirus in school, as well as for people who come in prolonged contact with them.
Parents called for a hybrid model in which families that don't want their students to attend in-person can continue remotely, while other students have the option of learning in a classroom, each with their own dedicated teachers.
In a statement released Monday, district officials said if and when the school transitions to hybrid learning, "the quality of the teaching and learning experience that we can provide all students will drop significantly."
Another factor giving officials pause is the severity of COVID-19 transmission in Lake County -- one of 26 Illinois counties state health officials placed at a warning level for an increased risk of contracting the virus on Friday.
The county averaged 90 new cases of the virus for every 100,000 residents over the past week, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The state target is an average 50 new cases or fewer, which Lake County has exceeded since the beginning of July.
Stevenson will be testing a new "Patriot Pods" program designed for students who would like to come together and study in small groups on campus.
"Over the next two weeks, we will be bringing students back to campus for specific and purposeful lab-based teaching and learning experiences that are better suited for in-person instruction, including courses in science and fine arts," the statement read.
Newhouse said the pods idea is an effort to placate parents. She questioned why a wealthy district like Stevenson can't manage in-person learning when its feeder elementary districts have switched to hybrid models.
"Stevenson is supposed to be a leader and hasn't quite figured out in-person yet," she said. "It's a building with over 1 million square feet of space. There are so many schools that have managed to come up with an option that worked for those parents and students who want in-person learning. We want a choice. Teachers need to be in the classroom."
Among those at the rally Monday was Paul Vallas, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools as well as the Philadelphia school system, and superintendent of others.
"Stevenson has the resources to go back. There's no excuse," Vallas said.
"... It defies the science. The damage that's being done is severe."
Isolation from peers has been the hardest part of remote learning, said parent Christina George of Hawthorn Woods, whose son C.J. is a freshman.
"He is definitely struggling," she said. "He has no social experiences. He started a new high school with no friends and no opportunity to make those personal connections."
George said C.J. had been looking forward to participating in marching band in high school, which hasn't resumed despite the school offering some students contact days for athletics.
"For many kids, when they go to high school, they are looking to meet new people, get involved with things," George said. "These kids they are struggling mentally."
Dr. Marina Shakhman, a clinical psychologist and mother of three Stevenson graduates who was at the rally, echoed the concerns.
"There are massive costs to keeping kids at home," Shakhman said. "SHS owes it to these kids to have them here."
• Daily Herald staff photographer John Starks contributed to this story.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Hoffman Estates business moving to Elgin, embracing city's diversity

Last winter , Brain Casey was sitting in his Hoffman Estates office at the Thomas Engineering company founded by his father when he looked out the window at I-90 and Roselle Road and saw a survey crew taking notes .
`` It was about a month later that I got a notice from the ( Illinois State Toll Highway Authority ) saying we had to get out , '' Casey recalled .
`` It was kind of shocking . ''
Casey said he received a fair price for his 15 acres and 77,000-square-foot building to make way for the tollway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location , even as the COVID-19 pandemic sent most of his employees home to work , that seemed more daunting -- Vernon Hills , Mount Prospect , Wheeling and Cary all seemed like possible destinations .
But when he looked at the population of Elgin and spoke to some Elgin business owners , he said he knew it would be the right place for the pharmaceutical equipment manufacturer to relocate .
`` Elgin 's diversity matches our diversity as a company , '' Casey said .
`` I was impressed with that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a community that reflects us .
`` I talked to a number of people I know in the business community who are already located in Elgin .
Everybody I spoke to spoke really highly of the business orientation that the city council has . ''
Thomas Engineering employs about 75 people with an average salary of $ 75,000 a year .
And even though the company had recently branched out to do business in China and India , Casey knew his Hoffman Estates location was larger than necessary .
So when city officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in building permit fees , and a permitting process that was approved in one day , Casey jumped at the chance to take over one of the more visible industrial properties in Elgin .
After the city council 's unanimous approval of the incentive package , Casey closed on a 3.17-acre property at 200 Airport Road formerly occupied by the Swiss manufacturer Bystronic .
It 's only about 10 minutes from Casey 's current location .
`` It gives us great visibility right on the tollway and Route 31 , '' Casey said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice building . ''
Casey plans to put about $ 1 million in interior renovations into the 48,300-square-foot building .
Most of it involves creating laboratory environments that mimic those used by clients such as Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb .
Once complete , the business will pay local gas , electric and telecommunications taxes to the city , as well as water and sewer fees .
The property generates more than $ 110,000 in property taxes that go to the city , local schools and other local taxing bodies .
Casey said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the Elgin community .
In particular , he said he 's paying attention to the importance of the city 's discussions about the use of city police in local schools .
`` The relevance and importance of that discussion and the ramifications that go behind the decision are immense right now , '' Casey said .
`` We 're a community-oriented business .
And we look forward to contributing in Elgin as well . ''

Hoffman Estates business moving to Elgin, embracing city's diversity
Last winter, Brain Casey was sitting in his Hoffman Estates office at the Thomas Engineering company founded by his father when he looked out the window at I-90 and Roselle Road and saw a survey crew taking notes.
"It was about a month later that I got a notice from the (Illinois State Toll Highway Authority) saying we had to get out," Casey recalled. "It was kind of shocking."
Casey said he received a fair price for his 15 acres and 77,000-square-foot building to make way for the tollway expansion. It was finding a new location, even as the COVID-19 pandemic sent most of his employees home to work, that seemed more daunting -- Vernon Hills, Mount Prospect, Wheeling and Cary all seemed like possible destinations.
But when he looked at the population of Elgin and spoke to some Elgin business owners, he said he knew it would be the right place for the pharmaceutical equipment manufacturer to relocate.
"Elgin's diversity matches our diversity as a company," Casey said. "I was impressed with that and pleased to see we could move to a community that reflects us.
"I talked to a number of people I know in the business community who are already located in Elgin. Everybody I spoke to spoke really highly of the business orientation that the city council has."
Thomas Engineering employs about 75 people with an average salary of $75,000 a year. And even though the company had recently branched out to do business in China and India, Casey knew his Hoffman Estates location was larger than necessary.
So when city officials proposed a one-time waiver of $50,000 in building permit fees, and a permitting process that was approved in one day, Casey jumped at the chance to take over one of the more visible industrial properties in Elgin.
After the city council's unanimous approval of the incentive package, Casey closed on a 3.17-acre property at 200 Airport Road formerly occupied by the Swiss manufacturer Bystronic. It's only about 10 minutes from Casey's current location.
"It gives us great visibility right on the tollway and Route 31," Casey said. "And it's a very nice building."
Casey plans to put about $1 million in interior renovations into the 48,300-square-foot building. Most of it involves creating laboratory environments that mimic those used by clients such as Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Once complete, the business will pay local gas, electric and telecommunications taxes to the city, as well as water and sewer fees. The property generates more than $110,000 in property taxes that go to the city, local schools and other local taxing bodies.
Casey said he's looking forward to becoming an active member of the Elgin community. In particular, he said he's paying attention to the importance of the city's discussions about the use of city police in local schools.
"The relevance and importance of that discussion and the ramifications that go behind the decision are immense right now," Casey said. "We're a community-oriented business. And we look forward to contributing in Elgin as well."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Southwest Airlines to start flights from O'Hare in 2021

Southwest Airlines is landing at O'Hare International Airport in 2021 , a seismic move that keeps the existing hub at Midway International Airport but is expected to add new destinations and give travelers more choices .
`` We anticipate there 'll be some overlap of markets but there could also be additional destinations , '' Southwest spokesman Dan Landson said .
`` These decisions are in the works now and we will have more information in the coming weeks .
`` We want to make sure we 're giving customers a choice of airports and serving the airport that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reductions in Southwest flights at Midway are anticipated , officials said , adding that it remains one of the busiest airports in the airline 's network .
Where will Southwest flights at O'Hare travel to ?
`` Expect Southwest to focus on mid-distance routes , particularly those linking O'Hare to the East Coast , Texas and Florida , '' said DePaul University aviation expert Joseph Schwieterman .
`` I expect more travelers to drive to Chicago to catch Southwest flights on account of the O'Hare strategic location at the intersection of several major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the region 's larger employers with 4,800 workers in the area , began flying out of Midway in 1985 .
`` Chicago is one of the strongest and most competitive airport markets in the world , and we are always eager to work with our existing airlines and new entrants on enhancing the service they offer to travelers , '' Chicago Department of Aviation spokesman Matthew McGrath said .
`` This is a vote of confidence in our city and in O'Hare , and we 're excited to build on 35 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southwest is also expanding in Houston .
`` Southwest owes decades of success to our employees and customers who have supported our business in Chicago and Houston , '' CEO Gary Kelly said in a statement .
`` Today 's announcement furthers our commitment to both cities as we add service to share Southwest 's value and hospitality with more leisure and business travelers . ''
Southwest expects to continue using its fleet of Boeing 737s at O'Hare .
Officials would not say if international flights were on the menu although `` from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Caribbean and Latin America , '' Landson said .
The change will also add to O'Hare 's stature as the nation 's busiest airport .
`` This provides a great opportunity for travelers in the Chicago region , as well as those originating from ancillary Southwest gateways and connecting through Chicago , '' AAA spokeswoman Molly Hart said .
It also pushes Southwest , known for its discount fare sales , into turf traditionally dominated by United and American airlines at O'Hare .
`` Southwest provides competition and more options for consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` having Southwest part of O'Hare 's competitive mix will affect the airport 's competitive landscape , and require adjustments by both American and United . ''
The announcement comes at a time when air traffic has dropped because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` It gives passenger demand at O'Hare a real shot in the arm at a time when the outlook is so unclear , '' said Schwieterman , director of the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development .
`` Southwest is arguably throwing caution to the wind by announcing large-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still uncertain . ''
Where at O'Hare will Southwest 's orange and blue fleet nest ?
Long-term , it 's up for grabs as the city is currently embarked on a massive improvement plan that includes a new global terminal .
In the meantime , Schwieterman suggested Southwest planes may be gated at Terminal 5 but `` that 's only a hunch , '' he added .
`` That would also be preferred by American Airlines and United Airlines , having Southwest separated from their hubs . ''

Southwest Airlines to start flights from O'Hare in 2021
Southwest Airlines is expanding its service to O'Hare International Airport but will remain at Midway International Airport also. Associated Press
Southwest Airlines is landing at O'Hare International Airport in 2021, a seismic move that keeps the existing hub at Midway International Airport but is expected to add new destinations and give travelers more choices.
"We anticipate there'll be some overlap of markets but there could also be additional destinations," Southwest spokesman Dan Landson said. "These decisions are in the works now and we will have more information in the coming weeks.
"We want to make sure we're giving customers a choice of airports and serving the airport that's most convenient for them."
No reductions in Southwest flights at Midway are anticipated, officials said, adding that it remains one of the busiest airports in the airline's network.
Where will Southwest flights at O'Hare travel to?
"Expect Southwest to focus on mid-distance routes, particularly those linking O'Hare to the East Coast, Texas and Florida," said DePaul University aviation expert Joseph Schwieterman.
"I expect more travelers to drive to Chicago to catch Southwest flights on account of the O'Hare strategic location at the intersection of several major interstate expressways."
Southwest, one of the region's larger employers with 4,800 workers in the area, began flying out of Midway in 1985.
"Chicago is one of the strongest and most competitive airport markets in the world, and we are always eager to work with our existing airlines and new entrants on enhancing the service they offer to travelers," Chicago Department of Aviation spokesman Matthew McGrath said.
"This is a vote of confidence in our city and in O'Hare, and we're excited to build on 35 years of partnership with Southwest Airlines."
Southwest is also expanding in Houston.
"Southwest owes decades of success to our employees and customers who have supported our business in Chicago and Houston," CEO Gary Kelly said in a statement.
"Today's announcement furthers our commitment to both cities as we add service to share Southwest's value and hospitality with more leisure and business travelers."
Southwest expects to continue using its fleet of Boeing 737s at O'Hare. Officials would not say if international flights were on the menu although "from Midway, we do offer flights to the Caribbean and Latin America," Landson said.
The change will also add to O'Hare's stature as the nation's busiest airport.
"This provides a great opportunity for travelers in the Chicago region, as well as those originating from ancillary Southwest gateways and connecting through Chicago," AAA spokeswoman Molly Hart said.
It also pushes Southwest, known for its discount fare sales, into turf traditionally dominated by United and American airlines at O'Hare.
"Southwest provides competition and more options for consumers," Hart said.
Schwieterman thinks, "having Southwest part of O'Hare's competitive mix will affect the airport's competitive landscape, and require adjustments by both American and United."
The announcement comes at a time when air traffic has dropped because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It gives passenger demand at O'Hare a real shot in the arm at a time when the outlook is so unclear," said Schwieterman, director of the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development. "Southwest is arguably throwing caution to the wind by announcing large-scale expansion while the pandemic's long-term effects are still uncertain."
Where at O'Hare will Southwest's orange and blue fleet nest? Long-term, it's up for grabs as the city is currently embarked on a massive improvement plan that includes a new global terminal.
In the meantime, Schwieterman suggested Southwest planes may be gated at Terminal 5 but "that's only a hunch," he added. "That would also be preferred by American Airlines and United Airlines, having Southwest separated from their hubs."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Homeowners say Udall Park in Elk Grove Village is wrong spot for dog park

Elk Grove Park District Executive Director Ben Curcio says neighborhood opposition to plans for a dog park now , as in the past , have been proverbial `` not in my backyard '' concerns about noise , smell , parking and property values .
Except now , the district 's latest proposal for a fenced-in play area for man 's best friend literally would be just feet from the backyards of homeowners , who already have threatened legal action to try to block it .
The district has proposed installation of fencing and an electronic key card system for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a residential area just south of the new Elk Grove Technology Park on Oakton Street .
Plans call for two plays areas -- one for big dogs and the other for small dogs -- on what is currently open recreation space on the south side of the park , which is bordered by single-family homes , and condominium and apartment buildings .
Curcio said the district staff picked that location because it seemed to be the best out of all the parks evaluated over the years and would be `` least impactful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But homeowners on Fleetwood Lane , whose backyards would border the west side of the dog park , say it 's the wrong spot .
`` Three generations of my family played in that park , '' Leonard Vanderweel told park board commissioners at their meeting last Thursday .
`` Now you 're taking it away and giving it all to the dogs . ''
Vanderweel -- who has lived on Fleetwood with his wife , Nanci , the former Elk Grove Township supervisor , for more than 50 years -- said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but does n't think they should be in an area surrounded by homes .
He and other residents say they fear parking and traffic problems , owners who might not pick up after their dogs , noise , and a decline in property values .
`` There 's going to be 100 dogs behind my house barking from dawn to dusk , '' Vanderweel said .
`` I do n't think you want that .
I enjoy my backyard as much as I can . ''
His neighbor , Simon Malek , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two law firms to represent residents should plans progress through the Elk Grove plan commission and village board .
`` I 'm a dog person .
But the location is the wrong location .
It 's in the middle of residential , '' Malek said .
Similar public outcry defeated plans for a dog park at Powell Park in 2007 , while a village ordinance prohibiting fencing in a flood-prone area led the park district to shut down construction of a dog park at Morton Park near Salt Creek .
Curcio and park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to collect comments from Udall Park neighbors and may solicit additional feedback during an upcoming town hall meeting .
They said a Sept. 28 plan commission meeting , where a number of residents first expressed their concerns , was just the first step in the process .
The district 's request for a special use permit to allow the dog park and an associated parking lot was continued by plan commissioners , while the district refines its proposal .
The village board would have final say .
And while $ 550,000 has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to approve and pay for the final project .
`` We were never going to have a shovel in the ground until we made sure that we knew exactly what those residents want , '' O'Malley said .
`` We know that the Elk Grove community wants a dog park .
We 've done focus groups , surveys and plenty of meetings .
But you 're right , nobody wants it in their backyard . ''

Homeowners say Udall Park in Elk Grove Village is wrong spot for dog park
Elk Grove Park District Executive Director Ben Curcio says neighborhood opposition to plans for a dog park now, as in the past, have been proverbial "not in my backyard" concerns about noise, smell, parking and property values.
Except now, the district's latest proposal for a fenced-in play area for man's best friend literally would be just feet from the backyards of homeowners, who already have threatened legal action to try to block it.
The district has proposed installation of fencing and an electronic key card system for the fee-based dog park at Udall Park, in a residential area just south of the new Elk Grove Technology Park on Oakton Street.
Plans call for two plays areas -- one for big dogs and the other for small dogs -- on what is currently open recreation space on the south side of the park, which is bordered by single-family homes, and condominium and apartment buildings.
Curcio said the district staff picked that location because it seemed to be the best out of all the parks evaluated over the years and would be "least impactful" with only a few homes nearby.
But homeowners on Fleetwood Lane, whose backyards would border the west side of the dog park, say it's the wrong spot.
"Three generations of my family played in that park," Leonard Vanderweel told park board commissioners at their meeting last Thursday. "Now you're taking it away and giving it all to the dogs."
Vanderweel -- who has lived on Fleetwood with his wife, Nanci, the former Elk Grove Township supervisor, for more than 50 years -- said he favors the concept of dog parks but doesn't think they should be in an area surrounded by homes. He and other residents say they fear parking and traffic problems, owners who might not pick up after their dogs, noise, and a decline in property values.
"There's going to be 100 dogs behind my house barking from dawn to dusk," Vanderweel said. "I don't think you want that. I enjoy my backyard as much as I can."
His neighbor, Simon Malek, is coordinating a petition drive and has retained two law firms to represent residents should plans progress through the Elk Grove plan commission and village board.
"I'm a dog person. But the location is the wrong location. It's in the middle of residential," Malek said.
Similar public outcry defeated plans for a dog park at Powell Park in 2007, while a village ordinance prohibiting fencing in a flood-prone area led the park district to shut down construction of a dog park at Morton Park near Salt Creek.
Curcio and park board President Bill O'Malley said they will continue to collect comments from Udall Park neighbors and may solicit additional feedback during an upcoming town hall meeting. They said a Sept. 28 plan commission meeting, where a number of residents first expressed their concerns, was just the first step in the process.
The district's request for a special use permit to allow the dog park and an associated parking lot was continued by plan commissioners, while the district refines its proposal. The village board would have final say.
And while $550,000 has been budgeted, the park board ultimately would have to approve and pay for the final project.
"We were never going to have a shovel in the ground until we made sure that we knew exactly what those residents want," O'Malley said. "We know that the Elk Grove community wants a dog park. We've done focus groups, surveys and plenty of meetings. But you're right, nobody wants it in their backyard."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Itasca developer proposes South Maple Street downtown shopping area

A developer wants to establish a new commercial area in the downtown Itasca called the South Maple Marketplace .
Itasca Golf Investors President Larry Swets , who is overseeing the project , laid out the framework during a public hearing last week as part of his `` Vision4Itasca '' project to build the marketplace on West Grove and South Maple streets , near the site of Wine With Me and Helix Camera .
He also detailed his proposal to build a data center on the Itasca Country Club property he owns .
The marketplace is a proposed new 35,700-square-foot commercial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community park , a bookstore and solar charging stations for electric vehicles .
The intended restaurants would include a vegan fine dining establishment , a sake distillery and a Mexican restaurant .
Swets said chefs and vendors who will operate the restaurants have yet to be determined .
`` This is a great opportunity to invest in the village , '' he said .
`` It will keep to the historical feel to the village and increase social interaction . ''
Swets purchased the downtown properties in 2015 and 2019 , with part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial .
The proposal needs village board approval .
Swets hopes to begin construction in the spring with the goal of opening South Maple Marketplace by next fall .
Mayor Jeff Pruyn said he is excited to see added economic investment in downtown development .
`` We 're excited he 's considering putting into developing downtown , '' Pruyn said .
`` The concept in general is wonderful . ''
This week , Swets said , he plans to build a walking path at the marketplace site that would allow residents to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fold under the `` Vision4Itasca '' project , which include a controversial proposal to use part of the Itasca Country Club to build a data center .
The golf course and its restaurant would continue to operate , but some residents who live along the course are upset the project would be built on 34 acres -- roughly a quarter of the club 's property -- along North Prospect Road .
The building 's actual size is yet to be determined .
Swets believes a data center is in the best interest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 2 million in annual revenue it would generate for the village amid declining golf revenue .
`` The business of golf has been evolving rapidly , '' Swets said .
`` We could not turn a bigger profit by doing anything different than what we 're already doing with golf .
We need these kinds of opportunities . ''
Plans for the data center were submitted to the village Aug. 14 , and a public hearing is set for Nov. 18 .
Pruyn would not comment on the proposal .

Itasca developer proposes South Maple Street downtown shopping area
Rendering for the proposed South Maple Marketplace new commercial area in downtown Itasca. The 35,700-square-foot commercial center would include restaurants, a community park, a bookstore and solar charging stations for electric vehicles. Courtesy of Vision4Itasca
A developer wants to establish a new commercial area in the downtown Itasca called the South Maple Marketplace.
Itasca Golf Investors President Larry Swets, who is overseeing the project, laid out the framework during a public hearing last week as part of his "Vision4Itasca" project to build the marketplace on West Grove and South Maple streets, near the site of Wine With Me and Helix Camera. He also detailed his proposal to build a data center on the Itasca Country Club property he owns.
The marketplace is a proposed new 35,700-square-foot commercial center that would include restaurants, a community park, a bookstore and solar charging stations for electric vehicles. The intended restaurants would include a vegan fine dining establishment, a sake distillery and a Mexican restaurant. Swets said chefs and vendors who will operate the restaurants have yet to be determined.
"This is a great opportunity to invest in the village," he said. "It will keep to the historical feel to the village and increase social interaction."
Swets purchased the downtown properties in 2015 and 2019, with part of the area already being zoned as commercial.
The proposal needs village board approval. Swets hopes to begin construction in the spring with the goal of opening South Maple Marketplace by next fall.
Mayor Jeff Pruyn said he is excited to see added economic investment in downtown development.
"We're excited he's considering putting into developing downtown," Pruyn said. "The concept in general is wonderful."
This week, Swets said, he plans to build a walking path at the marketplace site that would allow residents to see the property.
Swets' plans all fold under the "Vision4Itasca" project, which include a controversial proposal to use part of the Itasca Country Club to build a data center. The golf course and its restaurant would continue to operate, but some residents who live along the course are upset the project would be built on 34 acres -- roughly a quarter of the club's property -- along North Prospect Road. The building's actual size is yet to be determined.
Swets believes a data center is in the best interest of the village and the country club because of $2 million in annual revenue it would generate for the village amid declining golf revenue.
"The business of golf has been evolving rapidly," Swets said. "We could not turn a bigger profit by doing anything different than what we're already doing with golf. We need these kinds of opportunities."
Plans for the data center were submitted to the village Aug. 14, and a public hearing is set for Nov. 18.
Pruyn would not comment on the proposal.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Mundelein launches grant program to help local restaurants, bars during cold months of pandemic

With the hospitality business struggling because of the COVID-19 crisis , Mundelein is launching a program to help local restaurants and bars this winter .
The village 's winter outdoor dining grant program will give money to local restaurateurs and tavern owners buying tents , heating equipment and other gear to facilitate outdoor service .
Business owners would be reimbursed half their costs , up to $ 5,000 each .
As is the case across the Chicago area , Mundelein 's restaurants and bars have been hurt by the COVID-19 crisis .
People are eating out less often , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent spread of the virus .
Improvised outdoor dining areas have been created at many restaurants , but they could be adversely affected by the snow , ice and freezing temperatures that accompany Midwestern winters .
`` ( I 've had ) conversations with owners about how hard hit they were during the early restrictions and their fear that colder weather and limited capacity will hurt the bottom line , '' Village Administrator Eric Guenther said before Monday 's meeting .
Mundelein 's new program provides money for purchases designed to counter those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also can be used to purchase or rent barriers , light fixtures or furniture to be used outdoors .
Restaurateurs who already have made such purchases can be reimbursed as long as they provide receipts , officials said .
The program will have a $ 150,000 budget .
That 's double the annual budget for the village 's Business Incentive Grant program , which helps fund physical improvements at local businesses .
Funding will come from the federal coronavirus relief package Congress and President Donald Trump approved in March .
Government agencies recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how money from that program -- dubbed the CARES Act -- can be spent , Guenther said .
`` We anticipate receiving a great deal of money from the CARES Act , '' Guenther said .
`` This new information provides an additional opportunity to lessen the negative impact that the pandemic has on our current budget . ''
Businesses should be able to start applying for grants at mundelein.org by the end of this week or early next week , Guenther said .

With the hospitality business struggling because of the COVID-19 crisis, Mundelein is launching a program to help local restaurants and bars this winter.
The village's winter outdoor dining grant program will give money to local restaurateurs and tavern owners buying tents, heating equipment and other gear to facilitate outdoor service. Business owners would be reimbursed half their costs, up to $5,000 each.
The village board unanimously approved the program Monday night.
As is the case across the Chicago area, Mundelein's restaurants and bars have been hurt by the COVID-19 crisis. People are eating out less often, and occupancy is limited more than usual to prevent spread of the virus.
Improvised outdoor dining areas have been created at many restaurants, but they could be adversely affected by the snow, ice and freezing temperatures that accompany Midwestern winters.
"(I've had) conversations with owners about how hard hit they were during the early restrictions and their fear that colder weather and limited capacity will hurt the bottom line," Village Administrator Eric Guenther said before Monday's meeting.
Mundelein's new program provides money for purchases designed to counter those inhospitable conditions. Additionally, the funds also can be used to purchase or rent barriers, light fixtures or furniture to be used outdoors.
Restaurateurs who already have made such purchases can be reimbursed as long as they provide receipts, officials said.
The program will have a $150,000 budget. That's double the annual budget for the village's Business Incentive Grant program, which helps fund physical improvements at local businesses.
Funding will come from the federal coronavirus relief package Congress and President Donald Trump approved in March. Government agencies recently received revised guidance that clarifies and expands how money from that program -- dubbed the CARES Act -- can be spent, Guenther said.
"We anticipate receiving a great deal of money from the CARES Act," Guenther said. "This new information provides an additional opportunity to lessen the negative impact that the pandemic has on our current budget."
Businesses should be able to start applying for grants at mundelein.org by the end of this week or early next week, Guenther said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Feder: Whitney Reynolds brings 'voice of hope' to PBS stations nationwide

Ten years after Whitney Reynolds began hosting and producing a weekly inspirational talk show from Chicago , her dream of @ @ @ @ @ , Robert Feder writes .
Starting January 6 , `` The Whitney Reynolds Show '' @ @ @ @ @ stations nationwide through the National Educational Telecommunications Association program distribution service .
From her home @ @ @ @ @ 56 , where her show airs at 6:30 p.m. Mondays , Reynolds currently appears on @ @ @ @ @ Amazon Prime Video .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , @ @ @

Feder: Whitney Reynolds brings 'voice of hope' to PBS stations nationwide
Ten years after Whitney Reynolds began hosting and producing a weekly inspirational talk show from Chicago, her dream of going national just came true, Robert Feder writes.
Starting January 6, "The Whitney Reynolds Show" will be offered to PBS stations nationwide through the National Educational Telecommunications Association program distribution service.
From her home base on Lakeshore PBS WYIN-Channel 56, where her show airs at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Reynolds currently appears on five other PBS stations and Amazon Prime Video.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.