dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Do Batavia residents want a second Fox River bridge? City leaders want to find out.

If you were one of the 3,000 Batavia residents randomly selected to respond to a community survey , you might have noticed a question asking if you would support paying more in taxes to help fund a second Fox River bridge .
City leaders say no plan is imminent and officials are trying to gauge the pulse of the community as part of their survey , which mainly centers on core services such as trash collection .
Residents rejected a plan in November 2000 to borrow $ 8 million another downtown bridge , south of the current Wilson Street Bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is whether people want to have it , '' Mayor Jeff Schielke said .
`` My opinion is I do n't think we can build another bridge for that amount . ''
The survey question reads : `` The city is exploring the option to build a second bridge .
To cover costs , the city would issue approximately $ 20 million in municipal bonds ( a lump sum , like a mortgage ) , which would require homeowners to pay an additional $ 230 in property taxes per year on a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How much would you support or oppose the city increasing property taxes to build a second bridge ? ''
The survey gives five choices : strongly support ; somewhat support ; somewhat oppose ; strongly oppose ; and do n't know .
Schielke noted the dearth of state and federal funding available due to sagging tax revenues from the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` It 's a long way off , either way you look at it , '' said Schielke , who noted residents rejected a plan to borrow $ 8 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Street to Webster Street .
`` I certainly would support another bridge , but I 'm not optimistic taxpayers would want to pay for it .
The biggest barrier at the moment is where the money is going to come from unless it comes from Batavia taxpayers . ''
First Ward Alderwoman Jennifer Baerren said the survey is to get a `` pulse of the community . ''
`` Do I think we need another bridge immediately at this point ?
No , I do n't , '' Baerren said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a view , take the survey and be heard . ''
The city will close the survey July 15 , and city leaders expect results in August .
To complete the survey , visit cityofbatavia.net or call ( 630 ) 454-2000 .

Do Batavia residents want a second Fox River bridge? City leaders want to find out.
The Wilson Street Bridge in Batavia during its reconstruction in 2008. Batavia city leaders are seeking resident opinions on if they would support borrowing $20 million for a possible, second bridge over the Fox River. DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO
If you were one of the 3,000 Batavia residents randomly selected to respond to a community survey, you might have noticed a question asking if you would support paying more in taxes to help fund a second Fox River bridge.
City leaders say no plan is imminent and officials are trying to gauge the pulse of the community as part of their survey, which mainly centers on core services such as trash collection.
Residents rejected a plan in November 2000 to borrow $8 million another downtown bridge, south of the current Wilson Street Bridge.
"What we're looking for is whether people want to have it," Mayor Jeff Schielke said. "My opinion is I don't think we can build another bridge for that amount."
The survey question reads: "The city is exploring the option to build a second bridge. To cover costs, the city would issue approximately $20 million in municipal bonds (a lump sum, like a mortgage), which would require homeowners to pay an additional $230 in property taxes per year on a $300,000 home for the next 20 years. How much would you support or oppose the city increasing property taxes to build a second bridge?"
The survey gives five choices: strongly support; somewhat support; somewhat oppose; strongly oppose; and don't know.
Schielke noted the dearth of state and federal funding available due to sagging tax revenues from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's a long way off, either way you look at it," said Schielke, who noted residents rejected a plan to borrow $8 million in November 2000 for a bridge from First Street to Webster Street. "I certainly would support another bridge, but I'm not optimistic taxpayers would want to pay for it. The biggest barrier at the moment is where the money is going to come from unless it comes from Batavia taxpayers."
First Ward Alderwoman Jennifer Baerren said the survey is to get a "pulse of the community."
"Do I think we need another bridge immediately at this point? No, I don't," Baerren said. "It's important that if citizens have a view, take the survey and be heard."
The city will close the survey July 15, and city leaders expect results in August. To complete the survey, visit cityofbatavia.net or call (630) 454-2000.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Group says local governments' hands tied in COVID-19 economic crisis

SPRINGFIELD -- Local government officials in Illinois have their hands `` tied behind their back '' when responding to COVID-19-related economic struggles , three community and business advocacy groups argued Thursday .
`` Burdensome , unnecessary '' state rules dictating how federal CARES Act funds are allocated to local authorities will `` likely '' make fewer dollars available to officials to use as they deem appropriate , Brad Cole , executive director of the Illinois Municipal League , said at an outdoor event in Springfield .
Instead , the state will `` reallocate '' that money to other areas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
But representative of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said that assertion is `` simply false '' and the situation is more complex than the Municipal League , Retail Merchants Association and Manufacturers ' Association are portraying .
Congress approved just over $ 4.9 billion for Illinois based on its population .
That money is required to be used toward costs related to the public health emergency .
Chicago and counties with more than 500,000 residents -- Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake and Will -- received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The rest , around $ 3.5 billion , was sent to the state to allocate .
In May , when the General Assembly met in Springfield for a truncated special session , legislators approved a budget plan that specified how those funds were to be disbursed by several entities -- the Departments of Commerce and Economic Development , Revenue , Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services , as well as the Emergency Management Agency .
Their priority , the lawmakers wrote , was to `` assist our communities most in need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds were to `` empower historically and presently disproportionately impacted areas . ''
That budget implementation bill created two programs to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Economic Development .
One , the Local CURE Support Program -- Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency -- was designed to use $ 250 million to reimburse local governments for COVID-19 costs since March .
The other , called the Business Interruption Grant Program , allows companies to apply for money to assist with expenses related to closures .
That initiative was allocated $ 316 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday that Illinois ' rules restrict local government 's ability to financially assist businesses and stimulate local economies .
Chicago and the collar counties were permitted to use their direct funding toward priorities identified by officials there -- other communities should have that authority as well , he argued .
`` It 's disappointing the state wants to take away ( local governments ' ) ability to decide how federal dollars are spent to support economic development , especially as they watch shops , restaurants and other businesses close around them at an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This decision undermines federal efforts to keep local economies afloat during the pandemic and demonstrates how out of touch state officials are with the needs of communities across Illinois . ''
A Department of Commerce and Economic Development representative said rules it proposed are designed to best operate the programs created by the General Assembly .
Officials there are working with local governments to assist them in identifying COVID-19 costs eligible for federal reimbursement .
Any reallocation of those CARES Act funds would be made if local communities can not determine expenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money included in Illinois ' Local CURE program was intended to be given to local officials to then distribute to businesses in their district -- the BIG Program was designed for that purpose .
Cole also took issue with the department 's rule moving the application deadline up 60 days .
The agency representative said officials took that step , allowed in federal guidelines , to ensure the state could distribute funds where they are most needed .

Group says local governments' hands tied in COVID-19 economic crisis
Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Brad Cole tells reporters Thursday in Springfield that state rules governing how federal coronvirus relief is allocated will "limit economic recovery in communities across the state." Blueroomstream.com
SPRINGFIELD -- Local government officials in Illinois have their hands "tied behind their back" when responding to COVID-19-related economic struggles, three community and business advocacy groups argued Thursday.
"Burdensome, unnecessary" state rules dictating how federal CARES Act funds are allocated to local authorities will "likely" make fewer dollars available to officials to use as they deem appropriate, said Brad Cole, executive director of the Illinois Municipal League.
Instead, the state will "reallocate" that money to other areas and "limit economic recovery in communities," he added.
But a representative of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said that assertion is "simply false" and the situation is more complex than the Municipal League, Retail Merchants Association and Manufacturers' Association are portraying.
Congress approved just over $4.9 billion for Illinois based on its population. That money is required to be used toward costs related to the public health emergency.
Chicago and counties with more than 500,000 residents -- Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will -- received direct payments totaling about $1.39 billion. The rest, around $3.5 billion, was sent to the state to allocate.
In May, when the General Assembly met in Springfield for a truncated special session, legislators approved a budget plan that specified how those funds were to be disbursed by several entities -- the Departments of Commerce and Economic Development, Revenue, Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services, as well as the Emergency Management Agency.
Their priority, the lawmakers wrote, was to "assist our communities most in need," and they specified the federal funds were to "empower historically and presently disproportionately impacted areas."
That budget implementation bill created two programs to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. One, the Local CURE Support Program -- Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency -- was designed to use $250 million to reimburse local governments for COVID-19 costs since March.
The other, called the Business Interruption Grant Program, allows companies to apply for money to assist with expenses related to closures. That initiative was allocated $316 million.
Cole said at a news event Thursday that Illinois' rules restrict local government's ability to financially assist businesses and stimulate local economies. Chicago and the collar counties were permitted to use their direct funding toward priorities identified by officials there -- other communities should have that authority as well, he argued.
"It's disappointing the state wants to take away (local governments') ability to decide how federal dollars are spent to support economic development, especially as they watch shops, restaurants and other businesses close around them at an alarming rate," Cole said. "This decision undermines federal efforts to keep local economies afloat during the pandemic and demonstrates how out of touch state officials are with the needs of communities across Illinois."
A Department of Commerce and Economic Development representative said rules it proposed are designed to best operate the programs created by the General Assembly. Officials there are working with local governments to assist them in identifying COVID-19 costs eligible for federal reimbursement.
Any reallocation of those CARES Act funds would be made if local communities cannot determine expenses that qualify for reimbursement. None of the money included in Illinois' Local CURE program was intended to be given to local officials to then distribute to businesses in their district -- the BIG Program was designed for that purpose.
Cole also took issue with the department's rule moving the application deadline up 60 days. The agency representative said officials took that step, allowed in federal guidelines, to ensure the state could distribute funds where they are most needed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--39,000 more file jobless claims in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- The state of Illinois saw slight decreases in the number of people filing first-time unemployment claims as well as the number of people receiving continuing benefits during the week that ended July 4 .
But those gains were more than offset by increases in the number of people applying for and receiving benefits under another program designed for people who do n't qualify for traditional unemployment benefits .
The Illinois Department of Employment Security said Thursday that it processed 39,015 initial unemployment claims during the week , which was shortened by the Independence Day holiday weekend .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous week , a decline of 11 % .
At the same time , however , the U.S. Department of Labor reported a sharp increase in first-time claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance , the federally funded program for independent contractors and others who do n't qualify for traditional unemployment insurance .
Initial filings under that program rose 31 percent to 42,785 .
That brought the total number of people filing first-time claims under both programs to 87,682 , up from 78,339 the week before .
Those numbers mirrored national trends as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening their economies .
Nationwide , initial claims for traditional unemployment benefits fell 2 % , to 1.4 million , while initial PUA claims rose more than 4 percent to just over 1 million .
Meanwhile , the number of Illinois workers receiving continuing benefits under traditional unemployment insurance fell to 667,460 , a decline of about 1.4 % from the previous week .
Nationally , the number of people receiving continuing benefits fell 3.6 % to 16.8 million .
Data on continuing benefits in the pandemic assistance program lags behind that of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Department of Labor said 108,112 people in Illinois were receiving continuing pandemic assistance during the week that ended June 20 , up 15 % from the prior week .
Effective Thursday , the Illinois Department of Employment Security also implemented a `` callback only '' model for assisting applicants with unemployment questions or issues .
On its website , the department called it a `` temporary solution to effectively honor the order in which callers attempt to reach the call center for assistance . ''
The new model will be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 800-244-5631 ) , IllinoisJobLink.com ( 877-342-7533 ) , Benefit Payment Control ( 800-814-0513 ) and the Employer Hotline ( 800-247-4984 ) .
As complaints about an inability to reach the employment agency about issues with claims continue to mount , the new system aims to return calls in the order they were received , rather than forcing callers to wait on hold or call multiple times .
Callbacks will occur Monday through Friday .
Claimant Services Center hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. , while IllinoisJobLink.com , Benefit Payment Control and Employer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Only one pending callback can be scheduled in the system at a time .
The call from the employment agency should display on Caller ID as ( 800 ) 244-5631 , but in certain cases , this number could be blocked phone carriers .
If a callback is missed , the agency staff will attempt to leave a voicemail and will call again shortly after the first attempt , according to a news release .
Those who miss both calls will be required to contact the call center to schedule another callback @

39,000 more file jobless claims in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Employment Security said Thursday that it processed 39,015 initial unemployment claims during the last business week, which was shortened by the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
SPRINGFIELD -- The state of Illinois saw slight decreases in the number of people filing first-time unemployment claims as well as the number of people receiving continuing benefits during the week that ended July 4.
But those gains were more than offset by increases in the number of people applying for and receiving benefits under another program designed for people who don't qualify for traditional unemployment benefits.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security said Thursday that it processed 39,015 initial unemployment claims during the week, which was shortened by the Independence Day holiday weekend. That was down from 43,934 initial claims filed the previous week, a decline of 11%.
At the same time, however, the U.S. Department of Labor reported a sharp increase in first-time claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, the federally funded program for independent contractors and others who don't qualify for traditional unemployment insurance. Initial filings under that program rose 31 percent to 42,785.
That brought the total number of people filing first-time claims under both programs to 87,682, up from 78,339 the week before.
Those numbers mirrored national trends as many states, including Illinois, have started reopening their economies. Nationwide, initial claims for traditional unemployment benefits fell 2%, to 1.4 million, while initial PUA claims rose more than 4 percent to just over 1 million.
Meanwhile, the number of Illinois workers receiving continuing benefits under traditional unemployment insurance fell to 667,460, a decline of about 1.4% from the previous week.
Nationally, the number of people receiving continuing benefits fell 3.6% to 16.8 million.
Data on continuing benefits in the pandemic assistance program lags behind that of the traditional unemployment program by two weeks. The Department of Labor said 108,112 people in Illinois were receiving continuing pandemic assistance during the week that ended June 20, up 15% from the prior week.
Effective Thursday, the Illinois Department of Employment Security also implemented a "callback only" model for assisting applicants with unemployment questions or issues. On its website, the department called it a "temporary solution to effectively honor the order in which callers attempt to reach the call center for assistance."
The new model will be in effect for the Claimant Services Center (800-244-5631), IllinoisJobLink.com (877-342-7533), Benefit Payment Control (800-814-0513) and the Employer Hotline (800-247-4984).
As complaints about an inability to reach the employment agency about issues with claims continue to mount, the new system aims to return calls in the order they were received, rather than forcing callers to wait on hold or call multiple times.
Callbacks will occur Monday through Friday. Claimant Services Center hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., while IllinoisJobLink.com, Benefit Payment Control and Employer Hotline hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Only one pending callback can be scheduled in the system at a time. The call from the employment agency should display on Caller ID as (800) 244-5631, but in certain cases, this number could be blocked phone carriers.
If a callback is missed, the agency staff will attempt to leave a voicemail and will call again shortly after the first attempt, according to a news release. Those who miss both calls will be required to contact the call center to schedule another callback.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Old Blackwell landfill near Warrenville could be deleted from Superfund list

Thirty years after being designated a Superfund site , a former DuPage County landfill in Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville could be removed from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 's National Priorities List .
EPA officials say the cleanup of the old Mount Hoy landfill is complete and no further remediation is necessary to protect human health and the environment .
`` This administration continues to make good on its commitment to pick up the pace of Superfund cleanups , '' EPA Regional Administrator Kurt Thiede said in a statement released Thursday .
`` Now that this cleanup is done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreation at the Blackwell Forest Preserve . ''
The agency is taking public comment on the proposed deletion until Aug. 7 .
The Mount Hoy landfill operated on roughly 40 acres at Blackwell and accepted waste from 1965 to 1973 .
It contains roughly 1.5 million cubic yards of refuse .
Even though the dump was closed in 1973 , toxins were discovered leaking from it a decade later .
The EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List in 1990 .
Millions of dollars have been spent to clean up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EPA repaired the landfill cap , installed an extraction system , treated and disposed of the landfill leachate , and installed additional landfill gas vents .
The agency continues to monitor the natural breakdown of groundwater contamination , officials said .
Close cooperation between the state and federal EPA allowed the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County `` to address potential risks while maintaining public access to recreation and conservation activities , '' officials said .
The National Priorities List tracks the nation 's most contaminated sites that threaten human health or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the list are eligible for cleanup under the Superfund program .
The EPA removes sites or parts of sites from the list once all the remedies are successfully implemented and no further cleanup -- other than operation and maintenance , monitoring and five-year reviews -- is required .
Federal officials said the EPA deleted all or part of 27 sites from the National Priorities List in fiscal year 2019 , the largest number of deletions in one year since 2001 .
To submit a public comment about the proposed deletion of Mount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //bit.ly/blackwellfeedback .

Old Blackwell landfill near Warrenville could be deleted from Superfund list
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on its proposal to delete Mount Hoy in Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville from the National Priorities List. Courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Thirty years after being designated a Superfund site, a former DuPage County landfill in Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville could be removed from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List.
EPA officials say the cleanup of the old Mount Hoy landfill is complete and no further remediation is necessary to protect human health and the environment.
"This administration continues to make good on its commitment to pick up the pace of Superfund cleanups," EPA Regional Administrator Kurt Thiede said in a statement released Thursday. "Now that this cleanup is done, visitors can better enjoy nature and recreation at the Blackwell Forest Preserve."
The agency is taking public comment on the proposed deletion until Aug. 7.
The Mount Hoy landfill operated on roughly 40 acres at Blackwell and accepted waste from 1965 to 1973. It contains roughly 1.5 million cubic yards of refuse.
Even though the dump was closed in 1973, toxins were discovered leaking from it a decade later. The EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List in 1990.
Millions of dollars have been spent to clean up and monitor the site.
Federal officials said the EPA repaired the landfill cap, installed an extraction system, treated and disposed of the landfill leachate, and installed additional landfill gas vents. The agency continues to monitor the natural breakdown of groundwater contamination, officials said.
Close cooperation between the state and federal EPA allowed the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County "to address potential risks while maintaining public access to recreation and conservation activities," officials said.
The National Priorities List tracks the nation's most contaminated sites that threaten human health or the environment, officials said. Sites on the list are eligible for cleanup under the Superfund program.
The EPA removes sites or parts of sites from the list once all the remedies are successfully implemented and no further cleanup -- other than operation and maintenance, monitoring and five-year reviews -- is required.
Federal officials said the EPA deleted all or part of 27 sites from the National Priorities List in fiscal year 2019, the largest number of deletions in one year since 2001.
To submit a public comment about the proposed deletion of Mount Hoy from the list, visit https://bit.ly/blackwellfeedback.
Visit https://bit.ly/blackwellinfo for more information.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Aurora police seek help finding missing woman

Editor 's note : In a news release issued about 7:15 p.m. Thursday , authorities said Micaela Flores had been @ @ @ @ @ activated an Endangered Missing Person Advisory Thursday for a missing 69-year-old woman at the request @ @ @ @ @ are asking for the public 's help in locating Micaela Flores , who has a @ @ @ @ @ danger , Aurora police said .
The Hispanic woman is 5-foot-2 and weighs 120 pounds @ @ @ @ @ and brown eyes .
Flores was last seen at 3:54 p.m. Thursday at Harbor Freight @ @ @ @ @ .
She was wearing a pink shirt and green pants .
She was driving a @ @ @ @ @ license plate Q434710 .
Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts should call police at ( @ @ @ @ @ 911 .

Aurora police seek help finding missing woman
Editor's note: In a news release issued about 7:15 p.m. Thursday, authorities said Micaela Flores had been located.
Illinois State Police activated an Endangered Missing Person Advisory Thursday for a missing 69-year-old woman at the request of Aurora police.
Police are asking for the public's help in locating Micaela Flores, who has a condition that places her in danger, Aurora police said.
The Hispanic woman is 5-foot-2 and weighs 120 pounds. She has blonde hair and brown eyes.
Flores was last seen at 3:54 p.m. Thursday at Harbor Freight on Route 59 in Aurora. She was wearing a pink shirt and green pants.
She was driving a 2016 Nissan Juke with Illinois license plate Q434710.
Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts should call police at (630) 256-5526 or dial 911.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-10--Police quiet on Roselle shooting, fueling rumors and speculation

Nearly two weeks after one person was killed and others injured in a shooting at a Roselle home , police continue to say they have nothing more to tell the public about their investigation .
How many were shot at the Picton Road residence June 27 ?
What was occurring there that night ?
Do investigators have suspects ?
Police wo n't say .
`` Once we have more details to release , we will provide a press release with that information , '' Chief Steve Herron wrote Tuesday in response to one of several Daily Herald inquiries since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no further press releases to provide .
This remains an active and ongoing investigation . ''
The department offered little more to the community in a Facebook post Wednesday .
`` All of the Roselle investigators have been and are assigned to investigate this complex case , '' the post reads .
`` Our department is being assisted by investigators from MERIT of DuPage and the DuPage County State 's Attorney 's Office .
We are actively pursuing all leads in this case to bring those responsible for this incident to justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was said on the 27th , this is an isolated incident , and does not present any danger to the residents of Roselle . ''
MERIT is the regional major crimes task force .
The post so far garnered 85 comments in response as of 8:30 p.m. Thursday , including one reading , `` There is no new info in this release .
Why bother ?
Rumors are out there and no way to know what really happened . ''
Roselle residents have said , on social media and at a village board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house was being used as a short-term rental , advertised on VRBO and Airbnb .
Others say it was being used by a musician filming a video , and the same group held a party there the night of the shooting .
It 's been nearly two weeks since one person was killed and several others injured in a shooting at a Roselle residence , but police still are n't releasing basic details about what happened , including exactly where the shooting occurred , how many people were hurt or whether there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police remain largely silent , we 've confirmed through fire officials that four people were taken to hospitals for treatment of unspecified conditions after the shooting .
And the DuPage County coroner , with the permission of DuPage County State 's Attorney Robert Berlin , identified the man killed as 29-year-old Jamez Elem of Maywood .
When we took our questions to village hall , Village President Andy Maglio also would n't provide details of the investigation .
He said Roselle has been told by the DuPage County state 's attorney 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuted by the office 's public information officer .
Asked why stating the number of victims would hurt the investigation , Maglio asked instead why residents need to know .
`` What 's the matter if it is 1 or 10,000 ? ''
he said .
`` Really and truthfully , '' Maglio insisted , there is no threat to Roselle residents .
It 's just not the public and media saying police should be transparent in situations like these .
A 2018 report from the International Association of Chiefs of Police says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is key to building trust between a police department and its community .
When police ca n't provide information , they should at least explain exactly why , according to the association .
`` In these three pillars -- transparency , accountability , and communication -- we find the building blocks for trust building , '' the IACP 's Trust Initiative report states .
`` In times of crisis or a critical incident , communication must happen quickly , frequently , and honestly .
Quality communication requires that police leaders fully engage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and take responsibility for actions that might have contributed to issues or incidents of concern . ''
We also asked retired Chicago police officer David Franco for some insight into the benefits of police transparency versus keeping things under wraps .
The 30-year law enforcement officer told us transparency eases residents ' fears and reduces rumors .
`` The longer you keep it under wraps , the more people are going to speculate , '' said Franco , who teaches criminal justice at Wright College in Chicago and is a law enforcement consultant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit in not giving out some type of information .
It looks like somebody is trying to hide something if you 're not giving anything out . ''
Keep your cool ( and your cash ) As we head into another week with temperatures most days forecast in the upper 80s and above , just about the last thing any of us needs is an air conditioner on the fritz .
But if that does happen , be careful not to compound your woes by falling prey to unscrupulous contractors .
`` Scammers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a fast decision , and hot weather can not only be uncomfortable , in some cases it can pose a health threat , '' said Steve Bernas , president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois .
`` Scammers impersonating air conditioning repair experts are looking to steal some cold cash , and in worst case scenarios gain entry to a victim 's home to steal additional property . ''
How to keep your cool and your cash if AC problems arise ?
Here are some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open your door to strangers or accept unsolicited offers to inspect your air conditioning .
Scammers will find expensive repairs and demand immediate payment .
• Research a company 's background and licensing before bringing it into your home .
Always confirm that the company is licensed and insured .
• Always get at least two estimates for any air conditioning repair or maintenance work .
All bids should be in writing and provide a full description of the services to be provided and the materials to be used .
• Find out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warranty or guarantee .
Make certain you understand the terms and conditions of the coverage .
Also , be sure to check the warranty on your current air conditioning unit to determine whether any repairs or replacements might be covered .
• Never make any immediate payment using cash , a prepaid money card or wire transfer .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Police quiet on Roselle shooting, fueling rumors and speculation
Nearly two weeks after one person was killed and others injured in a shooting at a Roselle home, police continue to say they have nothing more to tell the public about their investigation.
How many were shot at the Picton Road residence June 27? What was occurring there that night? Do investigators have suspects? Police won't say.
"Once we have more details to release, we will provide a press release with that information," Chief Steve Herron wrote Tuesday in response to one of several Daily Herald inquiries since the shooting. "At this time we have no further press releases to provide. This remains an active and ongoing investigation."
The department offered little more to the community in a Facebook post Wednesday.
"All of the Roselle investigators have been and are assigned to investigate this complex case," the post reads. "Our department is being assisted by investigators from MERIT of DuPage and the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. We are actively pursuing all leads in this case to bring those responsible for this incident to justice. We would like to reiterate what was said on the 27th, this is an isolated incident, and does not present any danger to the residents of Roselle." MERIT is the regional major crimes task force.
The post so far garnered 85 comments in response as of 8:30 p.m. Thursday, including one reading, "There is no new info in this release. Why bother? Rumors are out there and no way to know what really happened."
Roselle residents have said, on social media and at a village board meeting last week, they believe the house was being used as a short-term rental, advertised on VRBO and Airbnb. Others say it was being used by a musician filming a video, and the same group held a party there the night of the shooting.
It's been nearly two weeks since one person was killed and several others injured in a shooting at a Roselle residence, but police still aren't releasing basic details about what happened, including exactly where the shooting occurred, how many people were hurt or whether there is a suspect. - Courtesy of ABC 7
While police remain largely silent, we've confirmed through fire officials that four people were taken to hospitals for treatment of unspecified conditions after the shooting. And the DuPage County coroner, with the permission of DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, identified the man killed as 29-year-old Jamez Elem of Maywood.
When we took our questions to village hall, Village President Andy Maglio also wouldn't provide details of the investigation. He said Roselle has been told by the DuPage County state's attorney's office not to release information, a claim refuted by the office's public information officer.
Andy Maglio, Roselle village president
Asked why stating the number of victims would hurt the investigation, Maglio asked instead why residents need to know.
"What's the matter if it is 1 or 10,000?" he said.
"Really and truthfully," Maglio insisted, there is no threat to Roselle residents.
Transparency builds trust
It's just not the public and media saying police should be transparent in situations like these.
A 2018 report from the International Association of Chiefs of Police says transparency in the wake of major events is key to building trust between a police department and its community. When police can't provide information, they should at least explain exactly why, according to the association.
"In these three pillars -- transparency, accountability, and communication -- we find the building blocks for trust building," the IACP's Trust Initiative report states. "In times of crisis or a critical incident, communication must happen quickly, frequently, and honestly. Quality communication requires that police leaders fully engage, give as much information as possible, and take responsibility for actions that might have contributed to issues or incidents of concern."
We also asked retired Chicago police officer David Franco for some insight into the benefits of police transparency versus keeping things under wraps. The 30-year law enforcement officer told us transparency eases residents' fears and reduces rumors.
"The longer you keep it under wraps, the more people are going to speculate," said Franco, who teaches criminal justice at Wright College in Chicago and is a law enforcement consultant. "I don't see any benefit in not giving out some type of information. It looks like somebody is trying to hide something if you're not giving anything out."
Keep your cool (and your cash)
As we head into another week with temperatures most days forecast in the upper 80s and above, just about the last thing any of us needs is an air conditioner on the fritz. But if that does happen, be careful not to compound your woes by falling prey to unscrupulous contractors.
"Scammers love to strike when people feel pressured to make a fast decision, and hot weather cannot only be uncomfortable, in some cases it can pose a health threat," said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. "Scammers impersonating air conditioning repair experts are looking to steal some cold cash, and in worst case scenarios gain entry to a victim's home to steal additional property."
How to keep your cool and your cash if AC problems arise? Here are some tips from the BBB:
• Never open your door to strangers or accept unsolicited offers to inspect your air conditioning. Scammers will find expensive repairs and demand immediate payment. • Research a company's background and licensing before bringing it into your home. Always confirm that the company is licensed and insured.
• Always get at least two estimates for any air conditioning repair or maintenance work. All bids should be in writing and provide a full description of the services to be provided and the materials to be used.
• Find out if the company offers any type of warranty or guarantee. Make certain you understand the terms and conditions of the coverage. Also, be sure to check the warranty on your current air conditioning unit to determine whether any repairs or replacements might be covered.
• Never make any immediate payment using cash, a prepaid money card or wire transfer.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-10--Elgin police report 'pretty bad' downed wires, trees after Thursday storm

Multiple suburbs were battered by storms that blew through the area Thursday night , and Elgin was hit particularly hard .
`` It 's pretty bad , '' Elgin Fire Battalion Chief Joe VanDorpe said .
`` We got hit very heavy with these winds and the storm .
We 've got a large area of the town , in particular the center part of the town near the Fox River running all the way out to McLean Boulevard on the west side and probably from about Route 20 all the way up to Highland Avenue , that 's devastated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There are hundreds of trees down and associated wires with them .
It 's a lot .
That whole end of town right now is pretty much without power with a few exceptions .
Then the near-east side of the river is also in the same shape . ''
ComEd reported about 25,000 households without power across the region Thursday night , particularly in and around Elgin , Libertyville , Grayslake and Mundelein .
`` We just had trees down pretty much throughout the town here on top of multiple electrical lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire Department Lieutenant Steve Holtz .
`` No big damage to anything or house-related or anything like that .
Trees on power lines are pretty much our biggest calls . ''
The damage was relatively minor in Grayslake compared to Elgin .
`` We just had supervisory alarms and one wire down , nothing to note , really , '' said Grayslake Fire Battalion Chief Michael Higgins .
Hoffman Estates was not hit particularly hard , according to a battalion chief .
Louise Berkshire 's property on the 1000 block of Cobble Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toppled a 40-year-old spruce tree that stood less than 10 feet from the front-left corner of the home she has lived in for 52 years .
The tree did not impact the structure .
`` I heard a crack and I did n't know it was anything because the windows had so much rainwater running down them you could n't see very much , '' said Berkshire , 86 .
`` I had to go around and shut any windows I left open and I saw this big tree .
I thought someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yard at first , but I guess the winds just gusted between mine and my neighbor 's homes and continued on its way . ''
South Elgin residents also posted on social media images of trees down .

Elgin police report 'pretty bad' downed wires, trees after Thursday storm
Louise Berkshire, 86, of Hoffman Estates stands next to a 40-year-old spruce that was uprooted when a storm blew through Thursday evening. Courtesy of Mary Sobie
This tree fell Thursday night on the 300 block of Jefferson Avenue in Elgin. Courtesy of Bruce Shipyor
Multiple suburbs were battered by storms that blew through the area Thursday night, and Elgin was hit particularly hard.
"It's pretty bad," Elgin Fire Battalion Chief Joe VanDorpe said. "We got hit very heavy with these winds and the storm. We've got a large area of the town, in particular the center part of the town near the Fox River running all the way out to McLean Boulevard on the west side and probably from about Route 20 all the way up to Highland Avenue, that's devastated with trees down and wires down.
"There are hundreds of trees down and associated wires with them. It's a lot. That whole end of town right now is pretty much without power with a few exceptions. Then the near-east side of the river is also in the same shape."
ComEd reported about 25,000 households without power across the region Thursday night, particularly in and around Elgin, Libertyville, Grayslake and Mundelein.
"We just had trees down pretty much throughout the town here on top of multiple electrical lines that are down," said Libertyville Fire Department Lieutenant Steve Holtz. "No big damage to anything or house-related or anything like that. Trees on power lines are pretty much our biggest calls."
The damage was relatively minor in Grayslake compared to Elgin.
"We just had supervisory alarms and one wire down, nothing to note, really," said Grayslake Fire Battalion Chief Michael Higgins.
Hoffman Estates was not hit particularly hard, according to a battalion chief. Louise Berkshire's property on the 1000 block of Cobble Hill Court was an exception.
The storm toppled a 40-year-old spruce tree that stood less than 10 feet from the front-left corner of the home she has lived in for 52 years. The tree did not impact the structure.
"I heard a crack and I didn't know it was anything because the windows had so much rainwater running down them you couldn't see very much," said Berkshire, 86. "I had to go around and shut any windows I left open and I saw this big tree. I thought someone else's tree had fallen in my yard at first, but I guess the winds just gusted between mine and my neighbor's homes and continued on its way."
South Elgin residents also posted on social media images of trees down.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--If Trump withholds funds from schools that don't open, how bad will they be hit?

Federal funding , which President Donald Trump threatened to take away from schools that do n't reopen in the fall , represents an average 7 % of revenue for the 852 public school districts in Illinois .
Nearly 27 % came from state funding and nearly 66 % from local funding in fiscal year 2018 , the latest data available from the Illinois State Board of Education , said spokeswoman Jackie Matthews .
The federal funding comes in the form of different grant programs , such as for low-income students , special education , nutrition , after-school programs and parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is also funding specifically for rural school districts and for districts with students or parents who are migrant workers .
As for Trump 's comments Wednesday to pull funding if schools do n't bring students back , `` I think schools are primarily focused on developing their reopening plans and coming up with plans that keep students , teachers and families safe , and maximize their instruction , '' Matthews said .
Chicago Public Schools , the largest school district in the state , got the most federal grant money at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Elgin Area School District U-46 , the state 's second-largest , received $ 31.6 million , according to ISBE 's information .
U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders said federal funding accounted for about 6 % of the district 's $ 594 million budget for the 2019-20 school year .
He said the total figure was more than $ 34 million through May 31 , of which $ 8 million funded Title 1 programs for low-income students , $ 7.9 million went to the National School Lunch Program , and $ 6.2 million was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments will not affect plans in U-46 because `` the president does not have the authority to withhold those funds , '' Sanders said .
`` We are opening either way , '' he said .
`` It ca n't stop ... what we are planning for next school year . ''
Sanders said the district still must abide by guidance provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , as well as state and local health departments .
`` If ( Trump 's ) requirement is to have every kid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would be advice I would have to go against based on the CDC regulations , state health department , local health department , all of whom say that we must really work to provide that 6 feet of space , and also wearing of face masks and all the protections , '' Sanders said .
In the suburbs , others that got large sums include East Aurora School District 131 , which got $ 13 million , Palatine School District 15 , which got $ 5.9 million , and Round Lake School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , according to the ISBE .
Rondout School District 72 , a K-8 school district in Lake County , got the least in the state -- $ 1,187 .
Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 received nearly $ 221,000 in federal funds last year , according to ISBE .
The full figure is about $ 600,000 including Medicaid reimbursement , mostly for special education , said Dan Stanley , the district 's assistant superintendent of business .
`` With federal funding representing less than 1 % of District 128 , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affecting our reopening plans .
Even if special education funding is cut , it does not remove the requirement for the district to provide those services , '' Stanley said .
Township High School District 214 , headquartered in Arlington Heights , will follow the guidance of state and local authorities and will be releasing its reopening plans later this month , district spokesman Dave Beery said .
The district got nearly $ 1.7 million in federal grant funding last year , according to ISBE 's data .
`` While the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts already have been working with a landscape that shifts in one way or another almost daily .
This is one more element that we will work with in crafting our reopening guidelines , '' Beery said .
ISBE encourages in-person instruction , because that 's the best way that students can learn , but the guidance of science and data regarding the COVID-19 spread is crucial , Matthews said .
`` We are working very closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health , which has a team of epidemiologists , infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information on the guidance . ''

If Trump withholds funds from schools that don't open, how bad will they be hit?
President Donald Trump listens during a "National Dialogue on Safely Reopening America's Schools," event in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, July 7, 2020, in Washington. Associated Press
Federal funding, which President Donald Trump threatened to take away from schools that don't reopen in the fall, represents an average 7% of revenue for the 852 public school districts in Illinois.
Nearly 27% came from state funding and nearly 66% from local funding in fiscal year 2018, the latest data available from the Illinois State Board of Education, said spokeswoman Jackie Matthews.
The federal funding comes in the form of different grant programs, such as for low-income students, special education, nutrition, after-school programs and parent activities tied to children's education. There is also funding specifically for rural school districts and for districts with students or parents who are migrant workers.
As for Trump's comments Wednesday to pull funding if schools don't bring students back, "I think schools are primarily focused on developing their reopening plans and coming up with plans that keep students, teachers and families safe, and maximize their instruction," Matthews said.
Chicago Public Schools, the largest school district in the state, got the most federal grant money at $448.1 million in fiscal year 2019-20, and Elgin Area School District U-46, the state's second-largest, received $31.6 million, according to ISBE's information.
U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders said federal funding accounted for about 6% of the district's $594 million budget for the 2019-20 school year. He said the total figure was more than $34 million through May 31, of which $8 million funded Title 1 programs for low-income students, $7.9 million went to the National School Lunch Program, and $6.2 million was allocated for special education.
Trump's comments will not affect plans in U-46 because "the president does not have the authority to withhold those funds," Sanders said.
"We are opening either way," he said. "It can't stop ... what we are planning for next school year."
Sanders said the district still must abide by guidance provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local health departments.
"If (Trump's) requirement is to have every kid, every day in person, then that would be advice I would have to go against based on the CDC regulations, state health department, local health department, all of whom say that we must really work to provide that 6 feet of space, and also wearing of face masks and all the protections," Sanders said.
In the suburbs, others that got large sums include East Aurora School District 131, which got $13 million, Palatine School District 15, which got $5.9 million, and Round Lake School District 116, which got $4.5 million, according to the ISBE.
Rondout School District 72, a K-8 school district in Lake County, got the least in the state -- $1,187.
Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 received nearly $221,000 in federal funds last year, according to ISBE. The full figure is about $600,000 including Medicaid reimbursement, mostly for special education, said Dan Stanley, the district's assistant superintendent of business.
"With federal funding representing less than 1% of District 128, I do not foresee the loss of funding affecting our reopening plans. Even if special education funding is cut, it does not remove the requirement for the district to provide those services," Stanley said.
Township High School District 214, headquartered in Arlington Heights, will follow the guidance of state and local authorities and will be releasing its reopening plans later this month, district spokesman Dave Beery said. The district got nearly $1.7 million in federal grant funding last year, according to ISBE's data.
"While the White House comments add one new dimension, school districts already have been working with a landscape that shifts in one way or another almost daily. This is one more element that we will work with in crafting our reopening guidelines," Beery said.
ISBE encourages in-person instruction, because that's the best way that students can learn, but the guidance of science and data regarding the COVID-19 spread is crucial, Matthews said.
"We are working very closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, which has a team of epidemiologists, infection preventionists and medical experts who are providing information on the guidance."
• Daily Herald staff writer Madhu Krishnamurthy contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Opening soon, Mall of India will be Naperville's first indoor mall

Naperville 's first indoor shopping mall is coming soon .
Mall of India at 776 S. Route 59 aims to be a convenient destination offering groceries , kids activities , a food court and a wide range of shops .
Some of the first businesses are set to open by the end of the month , with more to follow in August and September , co-owner Vinoz Chanamolu said .
The first phase of stores includes an INDIACO grocery store , Best Brains learning center , Sweet Night mattress store , StemShala robotics center and Confidentlee kids personal development center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ martial arts studio and a business lounge .
Next up , four of an eventual eight restaurants in the food court are set to open in August , including The Port of Peri Peri , Wraps N More , Hyderabad House and a yet-to-be-named Gujarati restaurant .
Chanamolu said he and co-owner Anil Sunkara are looking forward to offering lifestyle , fashion , food and entertainment amenities all in one place .
The idea is that shoppers can bring their kids to one of the activity centers , such as dance or robotics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done or buy gifts or necessities .
Then , the family can reconvene for a meal or quick snack at the food court .
`` This is a unique experience to have , '' Chanamolu said .
`` Everything is under one roof . ''
Construction on the Mall of India has been under way since January 2019 .
Crews have turned a former Walmart that sat vacant for five years into spaces for roughly 25 separate shops as well as the food court .
Led by Purohit Architects in Schaumburg , workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into what Chanamolu said is the first indoor mall in Naperville .
Fox Valley Mall is right across the Route 59 border in Aurora , and the Super H Mart on the city 's north side has a bit of a food court or plaza inside the facility .
But Christine Jeffries , president and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership , said the Mall of India will be Naperville 's first true shopping mall with a wide variety of small shops under one roof .
`` It 's row upon row of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , praising the design as `` really well done '' with a `` great layout . ''
`` It 's going to be a great gathering place for families .
I think it 'll be very popular , '' she said .
Mall of India owners are in the process of seeking a liquor license for a bar they plan to open in the food court .
Other eventual food court tenants are expected to include a south Indian vegetarian restaurant , an Indochinese restaurant , a Greek restaurant , a coffee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinks and a fresh juice and ice cream stall .
Also set to join the mall beginning around September are a meat shop , jewelry store , spa and beauty parlor , cricket simulator , clothing stores , electronics store , gift shop , flower shop , wedding decor shop , candy store , attorney 's offices , a travel agency , an insurance agency and an adult day care facility .
A third phase of the mall planned for next year is expected to build a 20,000-square-foot children 's day care center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said day cares with pools are a rarity across the region , with the only other one he knows of located in Schaumburg and always in high demand .

Opening soon, Mall of India will be Naperville's first indoor mall
Naperville's first indoor shopping mall is coming soon.
Mall of India at 776 S. Route 59 aims to be a convenient destination offering groceries, kids activities, a food court and a wide range of shops. Some of the first businesses are set to open by the end of the month, with more to follow in August and September, co-owner Vinoz Chanamolu said.
The first phase of stores includes an INDIACO grocery store, Best Brains learning center, Sweet Night mattress store, StemShala robotics center and Confidentlee kids personal development center, as well as a dance and martial arts studio and a business lounge.
Next up, four of an eventual eight restaurants in the food court are set to open in August, including The Port of Peri Peri, Wraps N More, Hyderabad House and a yet-to-be-named Gujarati restaurant.
Chanamolu said he and co-owner Anil Sunkara are looking forward to offering lifestyle, fashion, food and entertainment amenities all in one place. The idea is that shoppers can bring their kids to one of the activity centers, such as dance or robotics, while they get their grocery shopping done or buy gifts or necessities. Then, the family can reconvene for a meal or quick snack at the food court.
"This is a unique experience to have," Chanamolu said. "Everything is under one roof."
- John Starks | Staff Photographer The INDIACO grocery store has six check out lanes and is attached to the Mall of India, but has its own separate entrance. It will be among the first phase of stores to open.
Construction on the Mall of India has been under way since January 2019. Crews have turned a former Walmart that sat vacant for five years into spaces for roughly 25 separate shops as well as the food court.
Led by Purohit Architects in Schaumburg, workers gutted the 116,000-square-foot Walmart and revived it into what Chanamolu said is the first indoor mall in Naperville.
Fox Valley Mall is right across the Route 59 border in Aurora, and the Super H Mart on the city's north side has a bit of a food court or plaza inside the facility. But Christine Jeffries, president and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership, said the Mall of India will be Naperville's first true shopping mall with a wide variety of small shops under one roof.
"It's row upon row of different businesses and stores," Jeffries said, praising the design as "really well done" with a "great layout."
"It's going to be a great gathering place for families. I think it'll be very popular," she said.
Mall of India owners are in the process of seeking a liquor license for a bar they plan to open in the food court. Other eventual food court tenants are expected to include a south Indian vegetarian restaurant, an Indochinese restaurant, a Greek restaurant, a coffee and tea shop with 100 varieties of drinks and a fresh juice and ice cream stall.
Also set to join the mall beginning around September are a meat shop, jewelry store, spa and beauty parlor, cricket simulator, clothing stores, electronics store, gift shop, flower shop, wedding decor shop, candy store, attorney's offices, a travel agency, an insurance agency and an adult day care facility.
A third phase of the mall planned for next year is expected to build a 20,000-square-foot children's day care center complete with a swimming pool. Chanamolu said day cares with pools are a rarity across the region, with the only other one he knows of located in Schaumburg and always in high demand.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Arlington Heights to reconsider ban on recreational pot sales

With the state raking in millions of dollars from legalized recreational marijuana and towns starting to collect local taxes this month , the Arlington Heights village board is set to reconsider the suburb 's ban on sales .
The majority of the nine-member elected panel favors `` at least exploring the possibility of revisiting our prior vote , '' said Mayor Tom Hayes , who remains staunchly opposed to recreational pot sales in town .
The mayor and trustees will have a discussion during a virtual committee-of-the-whole meeting at 7 p.m. Monday .
The session can be viewed live on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and members of the public will be able to participate .
The board voted 5-3 to ban pot sales in November , and with all members present during an October committee meeting , it took a 6-3 early-preference vote against pot sales .
But at least two trustees who supported the ban were on the fence , having initially expressed a willingness to allow sales , then skepticism that annual tax revenue projections of up to $ 500,000 would come to fruition .
One of the swing votes is Trustee John Scaletta , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be willing to reconsider the issue .
`` I think I was never an adamant 'no . '
I just wanted to understand what the impact would be to communities that allowed recreational marijuana , '' Scaletta said .
`` I think some time has gone by for us to reevaluate our position . ''
While some suburbs were ready to flip the switch on pot sales when legalization took effect Jan. 1 , others have taken steps only in recent weeks to allow dispensaries .
Last month , the Prospect Heights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval of Zen Leaf 's application to operate a dispensary at 1434 N. Rand Road .
In Rosemont , village officials set up zoning rules governing where shops could go , and that could include the prominent Parkway Bank Park entertainment district .
Arlington Heights is already home to a medical marijuana dispensary -- Verilife , at 1816 S. Arlington Heights Road -- which was among the dozens of medical shops given first shot by the state to add recreational sales .
But state law allowed Arlington Heights ' board to overrule that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to a request for comment , Hayes said they have asked the village board to reconsider its prior vote based on new developments , including the financial impact of recreational sales for government coffers .
The state has reaped $ 52.7 million in taxes in the first five months marijuana sales have been legal , far above the $ 28 million estimated .
Collections of a local 3 % tax that towns and counties could tack on began July 1 .

Arlington Heights to reconsider ban on recreational pot sales
The Arlington Heights village board on Monday will hold discussions about reversing its ban on recreational marijuana sales in town. The board enacted the ban in November. Associated Press
With the state raking in millions of dollars from legalized recreational marijuana and towns starting to collect local taxes this month, the Arlington Heights village board is set to reconsider the suburb's ban on sales.
The majority of the nine-member elected panel favors "at least exploring the possibility of revisiting our prior vote," said Mayor Tom Hayes, who remains staunchly opposed to recreational pot sales in town.
The mayor and trustees will have a discussion during a virtual committee-of-the-whole meeting at 7 p.m. Monday. The session can be viewed live on the village's website, vah.com, and members of the public will be able to participate.
The board voted 5-3 to ban pot sales in November, and with all members present during an October committee meeting, it took a 6-3 early-preference vote against pot sales.
But at least two trustees who supported the ban were on the fence, having initially expressed a willingness to allow sales, then skepticism that annual tax revenue projections of up to $500,000 would come to fruition.
One of the swing votes is Trustee John Scaletta, who told Village Manager Randy Recklaus he would be willing to reconsider the issue.
"I think I was never an adamant 'no.' I just wanted to understand what the impact would be to communities that allowed recreational marijuana," Scaletta said. "I think some time has gone by for us to reevaluate our position."
While some suburbs were ready to flip the switch on pot sales when legalization took effect Jan. 1, others have taken steps only in recent weeks to allow dispensaries.
Last month, the Prospect Heights planning and zoning board of appeals recommended approval of Zen Leaf's application to operate a dispensary at 1434 N. Rand Road.
In Rosemont, village officials set up zoning rules governing where shops could go, and that could include the prominent Parkway Bank Park entertainment district.
Arlington Heights is already home to a medical marijuana dispensary -- Verilife, at 1816 S. Arlington Heights Road -- which was among the dozens of medical shops given first shot by the state to add recreational sales. But state law allowed Arlington Heights' board to overrule that approval.
While Verilife officials didn't respond to a request for comment, Hayes said they have asked the village board to reconsider its prior vote based on new developments, including the financial impact of recreational sales for government coffers.
The state has reaped $52.7 million in taxes in the first five months marijuana sales have been legal, far above the $28 million estimated.
Collections of a local 3% tax that towns and counties could tack on began July 1.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-10--Feder: Will a new morning show wake up ESPN 1000's ratings?

All we know for sure is that Mike Golic and Trey Wingo are going away .
Beyond that it 's @ @ @ @ @ who 'll be hosting mornings on Good Karma Brands sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM after this month @ @ @ @ @ ESPN Network announced a new lineup this week that includes Keyshawn Johnson , Jay Williams @ @ @ @ @ to 9 a.m. weekdays .
Although Williams is a former Chicago Bulls player , there @ @ @ @ @ show will be picked up here by ESPN 1000 .
No matter what market manager @ @ @ @ @ ca n't do much worse .
In the latest Nielsen Audio survey , ESPN 1000 @ @ @ @ @ with a 1.4 percent audience share .
Entercom arch rival WSCR 670-AM tied for 17th @ @ @ @ @ share for Mike Mulligan and David Haugh .
Get the full report , and more @ @ @ @ @ robertfeder.com .

Feder: Will a new morning show wake up ESPN 1000's ratings?
All we know for sure is that Mike Golic and Trey Wingo are going away. Beyond that it's anyone's guess as to who'll be hosting mornings on Good Karma Brands sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM after this month, Robert Feder writes.
ESPN Network announced a new lineup this week that includes Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Zubin Mehenti from 5 to 9 a.m. weekdays.
Although Williams is a former Chicago Bulls player, there's no assurance the new show will be picked up here by ESPN 1000.
No matter what market manager Mike Thomas decides, he can't do much worse.
In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, ESPN 1000 tied for 20th in mornings with a 1.4 percent audience share.
Entercom arch rival WSCR 670-AM tied for 17th in mornings with a 1.7 share for Mike Mulligan and David Haugh.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Island Lake won't allow backyard chickens

Despite their popularity in some other towns , backyard chicken coops will remain forbidden in Island Lake .
Trustees on Thursday informally agreed not to pursue an ordinance that would allow homeowners to keep live chickens .
Under current village rules , chickens are allowed only on properties zoned for farming .
No such properties exist in Island Lake , said Joe Zeinz , chair of the village 's planning and zoning commission .
In recent years , residents in several suburbs have requested permission to keep chickens at their homes .
Wauconda , Elgin and Naperville are among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mundelein and Arlington Heights are among the towns that do not .
Proponents want to raise hens -- not roosters -- for their eggs .
Critics usually cite concerns about noise , odor and property appearance .
During Thursday 's village board meeting , Island Lake Trustee Will Ziegler said he thinks chickens could create an unpleasant smell on hot days like those we 've experienced recently .
He also voiced concern about rodents .
`` I personally would n't want to see that around my home , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ backyard coops .
Trustees also briefly discussed whether to allow beekeeping in town but took no action on that topic .
It 'll come up again at the July 23 meeting .

Island Lake won't allow backyard chickens
Despite their popularity in some other towns, backyard chicken coops will remain forbidden in Island Lake.
Trustees on Thursday informally agreed not to pursue an ordinance that would allow homeowners to keep live chickens.
Under current village rules, chickens are allowed only on properties zoned for farming. No such properties exist in Island Lake, said Joe Zeinz, chair of the village's planning and zoning commission.
Pigs, horses and cattle are similarly restricted.
In recent years, residents in several suburbs have requested permission to keep chickens at their homes.
Wauconda, Elgin and Naperville are among the towns that allow backyard coops. Libertyville, Mundelein and Arlington Heights are among the towns that do not.
Proponents want to raise hens -- not roosters -- for their eggs. Critics usually cite concerns about noise, odor and property appearance.
During Thursday's village board meeting, Island Lake Trustee Will Ziegler said he thinks chickens could create an unpleasant smell on hot days like those we've experienced recently. He also voiced concern about rodents.
"I personally wouldn't want to see that around my home," he said.
No trustees spoke in favor of allowing backyard coops.
Trustees also briefly discussed whether to allow beekeeping in town but took no action on that topic. It'll come up again at the July 23 meeting.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Ravinia Festival names new president/CEO

Jeffrey P. Haydon , who led the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in New York , has been named the new president and CEO of Ravinia Festival in Highland Park .
`` Ravinia 's reputation for presenting outstanding performances by the world 's greatest artists means that we can attract top talent not just to our stages but also to our staff and leadership , '' Civgin said in a news release .
`` Jeff 's successful career in the arts reflects Ravinia 's values and shows he can lead an organization through growth and change . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving in September after 20 years with the popular summer concert venue .
`` I am honored to be asked to lead the Ravinia Festival , '' Haydon said in a news release .
`` Ravinia 's international artistic reputation , legendary live-music experience , beautiful park , training of the next generation of artists , and local community impact with children provide an ideal opportunity to further inspire the world through music . ''
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of Ravinia 's 2020 concert season , but RaviniaTV shares performances every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more information .

Ravinia Festival names new president/CEO
Jeffrey P. Haydon, who led the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in New York, has been named the new president and CEO of Ravinia Festival in Highland Park.
Ravinia Chairman Don Civgin made the announcement Friday morning.
"Ravinia's reputation for presenting outstanding performances by the world's greatest artists means that we can attract top talent not just to our stages but also to our staff and leadership," Civgin said in a news release. "Jeff's successful career in the arts reflects Ravinia's values and shows he can lead an organization through growth and change."
Haydon will replace Welz Kauffman who is leaving in September after 20 years with the popular summer concert venue.
"I am honored to be asked to lead the Ravinia Festival," Haydon said in a news release. "Ravinia's international artistic reputation, legendary live-music experience, beautiful park, training of the next generation of artists, and local community impact with children provide an ideal opportunity to further inspire the world through music."
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of Ravinia's 2020 concert season, but RaviniaTV shares performances every Friday online at YouTube. Visit ravinia.org for more information.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-10--Japan braces for more heavy rain as death toll rises to 66

TOKYO -- Parts of Japan still searching for missing people and evacuating those stranded by deadly floods and mudslides were bracing for more pounding rains through the weekend .
The death toll has risen to 66 as of Friday morning , with 16 others still missing , the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said .
Most of them are in prefectures on Kyushu , Japan 's third-largest main island .
The damage has spread beyond Kyushu into central Japan 's scenic mountain villages known for hot springs and hiking .
Search and rescue work continued in Kuma village , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been delayed by deep floodwater and the risk of more mudslides .
People isolated by the flooding are still being airlifted to safety .
In the famous hot springs town of Yufuin in Oita prefecture , an innkeeper was found dead , and rescuers were searching for three of her family members still missing .
Nearly 2,000 people were still stranded in 70 places , Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said .
Rescue workers and the authorities have been in touch with most of those areas , though the extent of damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meteorological Agency has issued evacuation advisories in Nagasaki and other areas on the Kyushu region due to continuing downpours .
In all , more than 1.2 million people have been urged to evacuate , though it is not compulsory .
The agency predicted up to 300 millimeters ( 11 inches ) of rain on the southern island through Saturday .
Suga urged residents in the affected regions to evacuate to designated facilities early and assured people that adequate virus safety measures are being used .

Japan braces for more heavy rain as death toll rises to 66
Workers attempt to restore a collapsed road as it was hit by heavy rains in Takayama, Gifu prefecture, southern Japan Thursday, July 9, 2020. Flooding and mudslides have stranded hundreds of people in scenic hot springs and hiking areas in central Japan in the disaster that already has killed dozens of people in a southern region.(Kyodo News via AP) Associated Press
Police officers carry earth and sand by buckets as they search for the missing in Tsunagi town, Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan Friday, July 10, 2020. Parts of Japan still searching for missing people and trying to repair damages from deadly floods and mudslides were bracing for more pounding rains through the weekend. (Kyodo News via AP) Associated Press
People walk on a road damaged by water following a heavy rain in Takayama, Gifu prefecture, central Japan Friday, July 10, 2020. Parts of Nagano and Gifu, including areas known for scenic mountain trails and hot springs, have been flooded by massive downpours that have lasted for nearly a week. (Kyodo News via AP) Associated Press
TOKYO -- Parts of Japan still searching for missing people and evacuating those stranded by deadly floods and mudslides were bracing for more pounding rains through the weekend.
The death toll has risen to 66 as of Friday morning, with 16 others still missing, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said. Most of them are in prefectures on Kyushu, Japan's third-largest main island.
The damage has spread beyond Kyushu into central Japan's scenic mountain villages known for hot springs and hiking.
Search and rescue work continued in Kuma village, where nine people are missing and the effort has been delayed by deep floodwater and the risk of more mudslides. People isolated by the flooding are still being airlifted to safety.
In the famous hot springs town of Yufuin in Oita prefecture, an innkeeper was found dead, and rescuers were searching for three of her family members still missing.
Nearly 2,000 people were still stranded in 70 places, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. Rescue workers and the authorities have been in touch with most of those areas, though the extent of damage has not been fully known.
The Meteorological Agency has issued evacuation advisories in Nagasaki and other areas on the Kyushu region due to continuing downpours. In all, more than 1.2 million people have been urged to evacuate, though it is not compulsory.
The agency predicted up to 300 millimeters (11 inches) of rain on the southern island through Saturday.
Suga urged residents in the affected regions to evacuate to designated facilities early and assured people that adequate virus safety measures are being used.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-10--Free COVID-19 testing site outside Rolling Meadows High to close Aug. 9

The state 's drive-through COVID-19 testing facility in the Rolling Meadows High School parking lot will cease operations Aug. 9 , Northwest Suburban High District 214 officials said this week .
Pat Mogge , the district 's director of community engagement and outreach , said District 214 's contract with the state is set to expire Aug. 9 , just before the scheduled return of students on Aug. 12 .
Calls and emails to state officials about whether there are plans to relocate the testing facility were not returned Friday .
The facility , which provides free COVID-19 tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 22 .
Friday was no exception .
Erik Lozano of Des Plaines said he waited in line just over 3½ hours for a test .
`` I 've heard you might need an appointment or a doctor 's referral , and I 've heard it can be expensive , '' Lozano said .
`` Free is good , you know ?
If you want me to wait 3½ hours , I 'll wait 3½ hours for free testing . ''
When the facility opened , it was the 10th such testing site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated by the Illinois National Guard .
Recently , the governor 's office announced the state would transition to using contractors to run testing facilities , allowing officials to expand testing opportunities .
On Friday , employees from California-based HR Support ran the Rolling Meadows operation , donning the protective equipment and conducting the swab tests .
Pritzker announced an increase in mobile testing programs Wednesday .
The state now has 12 teams to deploy to `` hard-hit communities and visit facilities like homeless services centers and nursing homes , '' according to @ @ @ @

Free COVID-19 testing site outside Rolling Meadows High to close Aug. 9
The state's drive-through COVID-19 testing facility in the Rolling Meadows High School parking lot will cease operations Aug. 9, Northwest Suburban High District 214 officials said this week.
Pat Mogge, the district's director of community engagement and outreach, said District 214's contract with the state is set to expire Aug. 9, just before the scheduled return of students on Aug. 12.
Calls and emails to state officials about whether there are plans to relocate the testing facility were not returned Friday.
The facility, which provides free COVID-19 tests, has been highly trafficked since it opened May 22.
Friday was no exception. Erik Lozano of Des Plaines said he waited in line just over 3½ hours for a test.
"I've heard you might need an appointment or a doctor's referral, and I've heard it can be expensive," Lozano said. "Free is good, you know? If you want me to wait 3½ hours, I'll wait 3½ hours for free testing."
When the facility opened, it was the 10th such testing site in the state, and it was operated by the Illinois National Guard. Recently, the governor's office announced the state would transition to using contractors to run testing facilities, allowing officials to expand testing opportunities.
On Friday, employees from California-based HR Support ran the Rolling Meadows operation, donning the protective equipment and conducting the swab tests.
Pritzker announced an increase in mobile testing programs Wednesday. The state now has 12 teams to deploy to "hard-hit communities and visit facilities like homeless services centers and nursing homes," according to a news release.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-10--COVID-19 infection rate spikes with 1,317 new cases, 25 additional deaths

With 1,317 new COVID-19 cases Friday , the state 's seven-day average infection rate spiked to 2.9 % .
That 's up from 2.6 % , where it had hovered since the end of June .
The new cases were from a batch of 32,987 tests , which results in a single-day infection rate of 4 % , the highest one-day rate since early June .
`` I am concerned about the increase in cases , but I do n't think you can put a lot of stock in a one-day snapshot , '' said Dr. Jonathan Pinsky , medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edward Hospital in Naperville .
`` You 're going to see variability from day to day , so you have to look at trends over a week , at least . ''
According to metrics the state uses to determine restrictions on gatherings and business operations , Chicago and the suburbs are still well within Phase 4 , which is the least restrictive phase before unrestricted reopening .
Illinois is still doing better than hot spot states across the South that have seen an explosion in cases and hospitalizations , Pinsky noted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing very well in Illinois , '' he said .
`` I am concerned that there is more potential for exposure and I 'm concerned that people are not being as careful as they used to be .
`` There 's been an increase in the cases of people in younger age groups and this could potentially have a downstream effect on our vulnerable seniors . ''
He remains concerned about travel to and from hot spot states .
Chicago has ordered anyone coming from 15 states , including Arizona , California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 days .
No other municipality has issued a similar decree , and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has said he will leave it to local officials to enact those regulations .
`` The story in other states -- where hospitalizations and positivity rates are reaching record highs -- does n't have to be the story in Illinois , '' Pritzker told residents on Twitter earlier in the day .
`` Our future is in your hands . ''
The state also announced 25 more Illinois residents had died from the respiratory disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases a day over the past week while also averaging 30,158 tests per day , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The last time Illinois was averaging this many new cases each day was exactly a month ago , when the state was also averaging about 9,000 fewer tests per day .
The state 's death toll from COVID-19 now stands at 7,144 , with 151,767 confirmed cases of the disease .
IDPH is reporting 1,436 COVID-19 patients hospitalized throughout the state , with 306 in intensive care .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day before .

COVID-19 infection rate spikes with 1,317 new cases, 25 additional deaths
With 1,317 new COVID-19 cases Friday, the state's seven-day average infection rate spiked to 2.9%.
That's up from 2.6%, where it had hovered since the end of June.
The new cases were from a batch of 32,987 tests, which results in a single-day infection rate of 4%, the highest one-day rate since early June.
"I am concerned about the increase in cases, but I don't think you can put a lot of stock in a one-day snapshot," said Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, medical director for infection control and prevention at Edward Hospital in Naperville. "You're going to see variability from day to day, so you have to look at trends over a week, at least."
According to metrics the state uses to determine restrictions on gatherings and business operations, Chicago and the suburbs are still well within Phase 4, which is the least restrictive phase before unrestricted reopening.
Illinois is still doing better than hot spot states across the South that have seen an explosion in cases and hospitalizations, Pinsky noted.
"The big picture is we're doing very well in Illinois," he said. "I am concerned that there is more potential for exposure and I'm concerned that people are not being as careful as they used to be.
"There's been an increase in the cases of people in younger age groups and this could potentially have a downstream effect on our vulnerable seniors."
He remains concerned about travel to and from hot spot states. Chicago has ordered anyone coming from 15 states, including Arizona, California, Florida and Texas, to self-quarantine for 14 days. No other municipality has issued a similar decree, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said he will leave it to local officials to enact those regulations.
"The story in other states -- where hospitalizations and positivity rates are reaching record highs -- doesn't have to be the story in Illinois," Pritzker told residents on Twitter earlier in the day. "Our future is in your hands."
The state also announced 25 more Illinois residents had died from the respiratory disease.
The state is now averaging 860 new cases a day over the past week while also averaging 30,158 tests per day, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The last time Illinois was averaging this many new cases each day was exactly a month ago, when the state was also averaging about 9,000 fewer tests per day.
The state's death toll from COVID-19 now stands at 7,144, with 151,767 confirmed cases of the disease.
IDPH is reporting 1,436 COVID-19 patients hospitalized throughout the state, with 306 in intensive care. That's 71 fewer patients statewide than the day before.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-10--District 54 offers students choice between classroom, virtual learning

Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 will offer families a choice between in-person classroom instruction and virtual learning during the 2020-21 school year .
The district announced its instructional plan Friday and is giving parents until next Friday , July 17 , to decide on an option for their children for at least the first trimester from Aug. 17 to Nov. 6 .
Specific health-related issues may allow for some exceptions to be made , but District 54 is making its staffing plans based on how many students choose each option one trimester at a time , spokeswoman Terri McHugh said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest on both sides , '' McHugh said .
`` Our main priority is focusing on the health of our students and staff . ''
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends students physically return to the classroom , but it also said Friday decisions should be made by health experts and local leaders .
District 54 's reopening plan sets no limits on how many students may choose either option .
Students of all ages will be required to wear a face covering while inside the building , except when they 're eating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individualized options for students with disabilities that may interfere with their ability to wear a face covering , McHugh said .
Students eating lunch in their elementary school classrooms or junior high cafeterias will be socially distanced .
Face coverings also may be removed for outdoor gym or recess as long as social distancing is observed .
All aspects of District 54 's reopening plan are based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics , the Illinois Department of Public Health , Illinois Board of Education and the Centers for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after-school activities , such as band and orchestra , will be available , McHugh said .
Teachers are also being offered the opportunity to request their selection for the district 's virtual learning staff .
Reaction to District 54 's announcement was largely positive on the Everything Schaumburg Facebook page Friday afternoon .
But one person expressed disappoinment over the lack of a hybrid option breaking the week up between remote and classroom learning , while another was frustrated by the dilemma between sending kids into an environment she did n't feel comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face in staying home .
Some on the School District 54 - Uncensored Facebook page criticized what they felt was a lack of detail on maximum classroom sizes , while others stated that a week might be too soon for some families to make a decision .
Others responded that more details were likely when the district knew how many students had chosen each option .

District 54 offers students choice between classroom, virtual learning
Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 will offer families a choice between in-person classroom instruction and virtual learning during the 2020-21 school year.
The district announced its instructional plan Friday and is giving parents until next Friday, July 17, to decide on an option for their children for at least the first trimester from Aug. 17 to Nov. 6.
Specific health-related issues may allow for some exceptions to be made, but District 54 is making its staffing plans based on how many students choose each option one trimester at a time, spokeswoman Terri McHugh said.
"We know that there's interest on both sides," McHugh said. "Our main priority is focusing on the health of our students and staff."
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends students physically return to the classroom, but it also said Friday decisions should be made by health experts and local leaders. District 54's reopening plan sets no limits on how many students may choose either option.
Students of all ages will be required to wear a face covering while inside the building, except when they're eating lunch. The district will work on individualized options for students with disabilities that may interfere with their ability to wear a face covering, McHugh said.
Students eating lunch in their elementary school classrooms or junior high cafeterias will be socially distanced. Face coverings also may be removed for outdoor gym or recess as long as social distancing is observed.
All aspects of District 54's reopening plan are based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Board of Education and the Centers for Disease Control.
The district is still assessing whether after-school activities, such as band and orchestra, will be available, McHugh said.
Teachers are also being offered the opportunity to request their selection for the district's virtual learning staff.
Reaction to District 54's announcement was largely positive on the Everything Schaumburg Facebook page Friday afternoon. But one person expressed disappoinment over the lack of a hybrid option breaking the week up between remote and classroom learning, while another was frustrated by the dilemma between sending kids into an environment she didn't feel comfortable with yet and the difficulty some parents face in staying home.
Some on the School District 54 - Uncensored Facebook page criticized what they felt was a lack of detail on maximum classroom sizes, while others stated that a week might be too soon for some families to make a decision. Others responded that more details were likely when the district knew how many students had chosen each option.