dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-27--Revised ballpark lease would 'work for both of us,' Schaumburg and Boomers say

Three months after becoming sole owners of Schaumburg Boomers Stadium , village officials are poised tonight to enact revisions to the baseball team 's lease agreement they say are in the best interests of both parties .
`` It continues the relationship , and we like the direction the Boomers are heading , '' Mayor Tom Dailly said .
`` General Manager Michael Larson is doing a good job of hyping the team .
The goal was for this ( agreement ) to work for both of us . ''
`` It 's a long-term commitment that smooths things out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're looking forward to the stability that it presents . ''
The proposed changes would make some alterations to each side 's responsibilities and share of revenue , with the aim that when the team does better , the village will do better as well , Dailly said .
While the agreement still seeks 10 % of the team 's gross revenue as rent , with a minimum of $ 75,000 per year , it would set a cap of $ 110,000 if the team makes less than $ 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in rent in 2018 .
But that cap would be raised to $ 132,000 if the team 's gross revenue exceeds $ 3 million , and up to $ 176,000 if revenues were greater than $ 4 million .
On the other hand , the agreement asks the team to take on the cost of traffic control at the stadium and deduct that from its rent .
The village may still be the party contracted to provide those services .
Dailly said he believes baseball games at the stadium remain one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the excitement of kids at the ballpark make its value to the community clear .
`` We 're well aware that baseball is n't riding as high as it was , back in the ; 90s , '' Dailly said .
`` But it 's still a beautiful thing .
...
It 's an investment well worth it from the village 's side . ''
Village Manager Brian Townsend said that while the agreement needed to be revised anyway after the Schaumburg Park District ceded its half-ownership of the stadium along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village last October , it also presented an opportunity to address some of the financial relief the 8-season-old team had asked for .
The goal of the negotiations , he said , was to create an atmosphere in which the Boomers can grow their attendance and revenue .
The Boomers already boast the highest attendance in the 10-team Frontier League , which includes the Joliet Slammers .
Attendance rose from 142,185 in 2018 to 156,383 in 2019 .
Still under discussion are a possible facility fee on tickets that would support capital improvements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which such projects would be done in the next four years .
The proposed revision would extend the lease -- due to expire at the end of the 2020 season -- through the 2024 season , with five-year extensions possible after that .
As the Schaumburg Boomers consider the revenue potential of video gambling at the stadium , the proposed lease agreement states that both the village and the team would evenly divide post-tax profits from any machines .
The village board meeting will start at 7 p.m. today at the municipal @ @ @ @ @ @

Revised ballpark lease would 'work for both of us,' Schaumburg and Boomers say
Three months after becoming sole owners of Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, village officials are poised tonight to enact revisions to the baseball team's lease agreement they say are in the best interests of both parties.
"It continues the relationship, and we like the direction the Boomers are heading," Mayor Tom Dailly said. "General Manager Michael Larson is doing a good job of hyping the team. The goal was for this (agreement) to work for both of us."
Larson agreed.
"It's a long-term commitment that smooths things out for both parties," he said. "We're looking forward to the stability that it presents."
The proposed changes would make some alterations to each side's responsibilities and share of revenue, with the aim that when the team does better, the village will do better as well, Dailly said.
While the agreement still seeks 10% of the team's gross revenue as rent, with a minimum of $75,000 per year, it would set a cap of $110,000 if the team makes less than $3 million. The village received $121,181 in rent in 2018.
But that cap would be raised to $132,000 if the team's gross revenue exceeds $3 million, and up to $176,000 if revenues were greater than $4 million.
On the other hand, the agreement asks the team to take on the cost of traffic control at the stadium and deduct that from its rent. The village may still be the party contracted to provide those services.
Dailly said he believes baseball games at the stadium remain one of the best entertainment deals in the area, and the excitement of kids at the ballpark make its value to the community clear.
"We're well aware that baseball isn't riding as high as it was, back in the; 90s," Dailly said. "But it's still a beautiful thing. ... It's an investment well worth it from the village's side."
Village Manager Brian Townsend said that while the agreement needed to be revised anyway after the Schaumburg Park District ceded its half-ownership of the stadium along with a $1 million payment to the village last October, it also presented an opportunity to address some of the financial relief the 8-season-old team had asked for.
The goal of the negotiations, he said, was to create an atmosphere in which the Boomers can grow their attendance and revenue.
The Boomers already boast the highest attendance in the 10-team Frontier League, which includes the Joliet Slammers.
Attendance rose from 142,185 in 2018 to 156,383 in 2019.
Still under discussion are a possible facility fee on tickets that would support capital improvements at the ballpark, and a list of which such projects would be done in the next four years.
The proposed revision would extend the lease -- due to expire at the end of the 2020 season -- through the 2024 season, with five-year extensions possible after that.
As the Schaumburg Boomers consider the revenue potential of video gambling at the stadium, the proposed lease agreement states that both the village and the team would evenly divide post-tax profits from any machines.
The village board meeting will start at 7 p.m. today at the municipal center, 101 Schaumburg Court.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-27--Barrington first responders honored for saving infant's life

She 's only 4 months old , but Scarlett Soeder was the star of the show at Monday night 's Barrington village board meeting .
It was just two months ago that Barrington firefighters and police rushed to Scarlett 's home when her mother , Claudia Del Fiacco , called 911 to report Scarlett did n't have a pulse and was not breathing .
The first responders who saved Scarlett were honored at the village board session .
Scarlett 's father , Jon Soeder , thanked everyone involved in saving Scarlett on behalf of his wife and two other children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He held Scarlett while he spoke in the packed board room .
`` I get a call from my wife , she 's not breathing , '' Soeder said .
`` And I do n't even remember that morning .
I just remember showing up to the hospital and seeing every one of you guys in there like it was your own baby .
And I hear her crying .
And I swear , I started dancing .
I started high-fiving random people . ''
Reading from an account by the Northwest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire Chief Jim Arie said a police officer started CPR on Scarlett just before firefighters arrived Nov , 20 .
The officer , John McGowan , then handed Scarlett to Assistant Fire Chief Bruce Peterson , who continued chest compressions .
In the ambulance to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington , firefighters continued the chest compressions and performed other lifesaving measures , according to the emergency medical services system .
Once she arrived at the hospital , Scarlett , who did n't have any previous medical problems , was moving all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soeder said his daughter underwent emergency surgery for a heart defect and she 's now healthy .
He said told the three police officers , five firefighters and a regional dispatcher who handled the call that they did n't save only Scarlett .
`` You saved my wife Claudia 's life , '' he said .
`` You saved my two boys ' lives , Cristian and Luca .
And you saved my life . ''
Arie said the outcome was an example of how Barrington firefighters and police -- both headquartered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- work well together .
He said the firefighters and police interact daily in the same complex , sometimes sharing meals or just chatting .
`` When we go to a call as this , there 's no ego , there 's no rank , there 's no titles attached to what we need to do and who needs to do what when , '' he said .
`` I 'm here to tell you -- and I hope the public appreciates this -- the relationship that we have between fire and police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that way everywhere .
It could not be better here . ''

Barrington first responders honored for saving infant's life
She's only 4 months old, but Scarlett Soeder was the star of the show at Monday night's Barrington village board meeting.
It was just two months ago that Barrington firefighters and police rushed to Scarlett's home when her mother, Claudia Del Fiacco, called 911 to report Scarlett didn't have a pulse and was not breathing. The first responders who saved Scarlett were honored at the village board session.
Scarlett's father, Jon Soeder, thanked everyone involved in saving Scarlett on behalf of his wife and two other children, 10-year-old Luca and Cristian, 6. He held Scarlett while he spoke in the packed board room.
"I get a call from my wife, she's not breathing," Soeder said. "And I don't even remember that morning. I just remember showing up to the hospital and seeing every one of you guys in there like it was your own baby. And I hear her crying. And I swear, I started dancing. I started high-fiving random people."
Reading from an account by the Northwest Community Emergency Medical Services System, Barrington Fire Chief Jim Arie said a police officer started CPR on Scarlett just before firefighters arrived Nov, 20. The officer, John McGowan, then handed Scarlett to Assistant Fire Chief Bruce Peterson, who continued chest compressions.
In the ambulance to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington, firefighters continued the chest compressions and performed other lifesaving measures, according to the emergency medical services system.
Once she arrived at the hospital, Scarlett, who didn't have any previous medical problems, was moving all her limbs and breathing without assistance.
Soeder said his daughter underwent emergency surgery for a heart defect and she's now healthy. He said told the three police officers, five firefighters and a regional dispatcher who handled the call that they didn't save only Scarlett.
"You saved my wife Claudia's life," he said. "You saved my two boys' lives, Cristian and Luca. And you saved my life."
Arie said the outcome was an example of how Barrington firefighters and police -- both headquartered in a public safety building on Northwest Highway -- work well together. He said the firefighters and police interact daily in the same complex, sometimes sharing meals or just chatting.
"When we go to a call as this, there's no ego, there's no rank, there's no titles attached to what we need to do and who needs to do what when," he said. "I'm here to tell you -- and I hope the public appreciates this -- the relationship that we have between fire and police is optimum. And it's not that way everywhere. It could not be better here."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-27--Not many direct ties, but Bulls have plenty of Kobe memories

The Bulls do n't have a lot of direct connections to Kobe Bryant .
It 's mostly from the former Bulls players and coaches who spent time with the Lakers .
Most of the Bulls ' championship coaching staff joined the Lakers for the 1999-2000 season , including head coach Phil Jackson , along with assistants Frank Hamblen , Jim Cleamons and Tex Winter .
Ron Harper , Horace Grant and Pau Gasol won championships with Bryant and the Lakers , while Dennis Rodman spent 23 games with the Lakers in the '99 season .
`` I did text Phil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and I do n't expect to , but he was one of the first people on my mind because of his relationship with Kobe , '' Bulls VP of basketball operations John Paxson said Monday .
`` We have a guy on our staff ( director of performance health ) Chip Schaefer who spent 12 years with Kobe .
I 've talked to him , and it 's just hard for people . ''
Bulls coach Jim Boylen , who has two daughters of his own , choked up when talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter Gianna in a helicopter accident .
Two of Gianna 's basketball teammates and five others died in the crash .
`` It 's tough , we talked about it ( as a team ) .
We handled it together , '' Boylen said at the morning shootaround .
`` Thad ( Young ) wears his shoe , I think always has , and has played against him .
Shaq ( Harrison ) , with his competitive nature , is a guy that I know he idolized .
Hutch ( Chandler Hutchison ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , that was his guy .
My guys were Bird and Magic when I was these guys ' age .
Every generation has their guy .
To Hutch , Kobe was his guy and Hutch was a Lakers fan .
`` ( Bulls assistant ) Roy Rogers was in his draft class ( in 1996 ) .
We just watched a video of that draft and Roy 's sitting in the same row with Kobe and David Stern 's going by shaking everyone 's hands .
So it hit Roy in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Archie ( Ryan Arcidiacono ) is an East Coast , Philadelphia guy ( Bryant 's hometown ) .
It just touches you .
And if you have children , many of us do , it 's really ... it 's painful . ''
A very somber San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich talked about having to play a game Sunday afternoon , just hours after everyone learned the tragic news about Kobe Bryant .
The Spurs lost to Toronto 110-106 .
`` I think everybody was in a little bit of a fog , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will still take some time , especially for the guys that knew him the best , to get back whole just mentally and psychologically -- emotionally , more than anything , '' Popovich said .
`` It 's a tough thing . ''
The Bulls did n't play many meaningful games against Bryant .
They never matched up in the playoffs , and during the Lakers ' championship years with Bryant , the Bulls were usually bad .
Popovich has a very different history , with the Spurs and Lakers locking up several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it 's pretty obvious what Kobe 's impact was on the league , on millions of people , '' Popovich said .
`` On each team , the young kids on your team idolized him and looked up to him .
The older ones knew him and talked to him and had relationships .
So no matter which one of those groups you belonged to , it was a tragic shock obviously because it was so unexpected .
You do n't dream of things like that .
`` We all have special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter whether you knew him a little bit or not at all .
Even the millions who admired and cherished just knowing they could watch a game with him in it .
You feel like he was your own .
That 's what happens when you 're iconic and you 're basically a superhero . ''
Zach LaVine 's most significant connection to Kobe Bryant was committing a foul that led to the 2 Bryant free throws that sent him past Michael Jordan on the NBA 's all-time scoring list .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game at Minnesota on Dec. 14 , 2014 .
Thaddeus Young was also with the Timberwolves back then .
`` I heard so many different stories from former players that have coached me , where if he had a bad game he would stay all night , or during the summer times he would n't take time off , '' LaVine said .
`` I just try and take that mindset of working hard and being in the gym , and his mindset of coming in to just kill every game . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's sneakers in purple for Monday 's game .
`` The first thing , we come in and we talked about it over breakfast , just how saddening it is , how devastating it is for us as a basketball community , '' Young said .
`` And like I said , these are not the things that you want to talk about , but right now it 's hard to bear , it just makes us all numb and it 's just a very , very sad situation . ''
Otto Porter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court during Monday 's shootaround .
He still has n't done any running and has been out since Nov. 6 with a broken foot .
... Coach Jim Boylen said both Daniel Gafford ( thumb ) and Wendell Carter Jr. ( ankle ) are feeling better , but no word yet on when they 'll return .
`` I can tell they 're both getting anxious to come back , '' Boylen said .

'It just touches you': Bulls have plenty of Kobe memories
Players and fans stand for 24 seconds to honor Kobe Bryant before an NBA basketball game between the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
The Michael Jordan statue is illuminated in purple to honor Kobe Bryant before an NBA basketball game between the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
The Bulls don't have a lot of direct connections to Kobe Bryant. It's mostly from the former Bulls players and coaches who spent time with the Lakers.
Most of the Bulls' championship coaching staff joined the Lakers for the 1999-2000 season, including head coach Phil Jackson, along with assistants Frank Hamblen, Jim Cleamons and Tex Winter. Ron Harper, Horace Grant and Pau Gasol won championships with Bryant and the Lakers, while Dennis Rodman spent 23 games with the Lakers in the '99 season.
"I did text Phil, I've not heard back from him and I don't expect to, but he was one of the first people on my mind because of his relationship with Kobe," Bulls VP of basketball operations John Paxson said Monday. "We have a guy on our staff (director of performance health) Chip Schaefer who spent 12 years with Kobe. I've talked to him, and it's just hard for people."
Bulls coach Jim Boylen, who has two daughters of his own, choked up when talking about the deaths of Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a helicopter accident. Two of Gianna's basketball teammates and five others died in the crash.
"It's tough, we talked about it (as a team). We handled it together," Boylen said at the morning shootaround. "Thad (Young) wears his shoe, I think always has, and has played against him. Shaq (Harrison), with his competitive nature, is a guy that I know he idolized. Hutch (Chandler Hutchison) is an Orange County kid and grew up, that was his guy. My guys were Bird and Magic when I was these guys' age. Every generation has their guy. To Hutch, Kobe was his guy and Hutch was a Lakers fan.
"(Bulls assistant) Roy Rogers was in his draft class (in 1996). We just watched a video of that draft and Roy's sitting in the same row with Kobe and David Stern's going by shaking everyone's hands. So it hit Roy in a different place and a different way. Archie (Ryan Arcidiacono) is an East Coast, Philadelphia guy (Bryant's hometown). It just touches you. And if you have children, many of us do, it's really ... it's painful."
Pop remembers Kobe:
A very somber San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich talked about having to play a game Sunday afternoon, just hours after everyone learned the tragic news about Kobe Bryant. The Spurs lost to Toronto 110-106.
"I think everybody was in a little bit of a fog, which is expected and I think it will still take some time, especially for the guys that knew him the best, to get back whole just mentally and psychologically -- emotionally, more than anything," Popovich said. "It's a tough thing."
The Bulls didn't play many meaningful games against Bryant. They never matched up in the playoffs, and during the Lakers' championship years with Bryant, the Bulls were usually bad. Popovich has a very different history, with the Spurs and Lakers locking up several times in the playoffs.
"I think it's pretty obvious what Kobe's impact was on the league, on millions of people," Popovich said. "On each team, the young kids on your team idolized him and looked up to him. The older ones knew him and talked to him and had relationships. So no matter which one of those groups you belonged to, it was a tragic shock obviously because it was so unexpected. You don't dream of things like that.
"We all have special thoughts of him to varying degrees, no matter whether you knew him a little bit or not at all. Even the millions who admired and cherished just knowing they could watch a game with him in it. You feel like he was your own. That's what happens when you're iconic and you're basically a superhero."
LaVine's memorable foul:
Zach LaVine's most significant connection to Kobe Bryant was committing a foul that led to the 2 Bryant free throws that sent him past Michael Jordan on the NBA's all-time scoring list. That happened in the second quarter of a game at Minnesota on Dec. 14, 2014. Thaddeus Young was also with the Timberwolves back then.
"I heard so many different stories from former players that have coached me, where if he had a bad game he would stay all night, or during the summer times he wouldn't take time off," LaVine said. "I just try and take that mindset of working hard and being in the gym, and his mindset of coming in to just kill every game."
Young broke out a pair of Kobe's sneakers in purple for Monday's game.
"The first thing, we come in and we talked about it over breakfast, just how saddening it is, how devastating it is for us as a basketball community," Young said. "And like I said, these are not the things that you want to talk about, but right now it's hard to bear, it just makes us all numb and it's just a very, very sad situation."
Injury updates:
Otto Porter did some walking and skipping on the court during Monday's shootaround. He still hasn't done any running and has been out since Nov. 6 with a broken foot. ... Coach Jim Boylen said both Daniel Gafford (thumb) and Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) are feeling better, but no word yet on when they'll return. "I can tell they're both getting anxious to come back," Boylen said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-27--Rafer Weigel: 'Fox 32 let me go' after revenge porn allegations

Rafer Weigel , the Chicago television news anchor who got caught up in a tawdry scandal involving texts of nude @ @ @ @ @ porn , said he was fired Monday from Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32 .
Weigel , 50 @ @ @ @ @ suspension as anchor of `` Good Day Chicago '' since October when three-way allegations of @ @ @ @ @ involving a woman from Valparaiso , Indiana , with whom he was having an affair @ @ @ @ @ • Robert Feder has the complete story at robertfeder.com .

Rafer Weigel: 'Fox 32 let me go' after revenge porn allegations
Rafer Weigel, the Chicago television news anchor who got caught up in a tawdry scandal involving texts of nude photos and allegations of revenge porn, said he was fired Monday from Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32.
Rafer Weigel, the Chicago television news anchor who got caught up in a tawdry scandal involving texts of nude photos and allegations of revenge porn, said he was fired Monday from Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32.
Weigel, 50, had been on unpaid suspension as anchor of "Good Day Chicago" since October when three-way allegations of harassment and revenge porn surfaced involving a woman from Valparaiso, Indiana, with whom he was having an affair and a former fiancee.
• Robert Feder has the complete story at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-27--Funeral for 'unclaimed veteran' Wednesday in Elgin

Vietnam veteran John James Murphy was kind to fellow residents of River View Rehab Center in Elgin , calling nurses when they needed help and gifting them spare cigarettes whenever asked .
Murphy died at age 71 on Dec. 18 at Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin .
For weeks authorities tried to get in contact with his relatives -- reportedly a brother , two sisters , one child and grandchildren -- without success .
In the absence of family , a funeral home in Elgin hopes others will attend services Wednesday for Murphy , followed by his burial at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Ortiz , activity director at River View , said she 's glad Murphy will be buried with military honors , which the funeral home worked on .
`` John was very friendly .
He was polite .
He was always making little jokes and he got along well with others .
He was very helpful with other residents , '' she said .
`` It 's well deserved for him . ''
Funeral home owners Dan and Joy Symonds said people are welcome to come , whether they knew Murphy or simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran .
`` It 's very important to us that no veteran is left behind , that they are properly taken care of , '' Joy Symonds said .
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides some reimbursement to funeral homes if veterans have been honorably discharged .
Kane County Coroner Rob Russell said when his office was unable to find next of kin , he contacted the VA , which in turn directed him to the funeral home in Elgin .
`` We look for phone numbers on the fridge , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet searches and we have our special ( database ) system .
We even talk to neighbors and friends , '' he said .
`` We do everything we can do to try to find a next of kin .
Not even just for veterans , for people who are n't veterans , too . ''
The Symonds said it took lots of phone calls and paperwork to get the military burial approved .
The funeral home is getting about $ 3,200 , a `` partial reimbursement , '' but the effort is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I hope this is not the last time that I do this for a veteran , an unclaimed veteran , '' said Dan Symonds , also a veteran .
`` To me it 's important .
Everybody deserves a decent burial and these guys , it does n't matter where they served , even if they did n't see combat , they deserve to be honored . ''
Murphy was born Jan. 15 , 1948 , in Chicago and was a jet engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Defense Service Medal , Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal , Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnam Service Medal .
He worked as a welder and a store manager at the former Dominick 's grocery store chain and spent his later years in Elgin .
He moved to River View in August 2017 .
Visitation starts at 10 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home , 305 Park St. in Elgin .
A procession will leave about noon from Elgin for interment with military honors at 2 p.m. at Abraham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rd.
, Elwood .
The Symonds said the funeral home will keep Murphy 's flag for his relatives , should they come forward in the future .
For more information , call the funeral home at ( 847 ) 741-1128 or visit symondsmadisonfuneralhome.com .

Funeral for 'unclaimed veteran' Wednesday in Elgin
"Unclaimed veteran" John James Murphy will be honored Wednesday with visitation and a service at a funeral home in Elgin followed by burial with military hours at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Symonds-Madison Funeral Home
Vietnam veteran John James Murphy was kind to fellow residents of River View Rehab Center in Elgin, calling nurses when they needed help and gifting them spare cigarettes whenever asked.
Murphy died at age 71 on Dec. 18 at Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin. For weeks authorities tried to get in contact with his relatives -- reportedly a brother, two sisters, one child and grandchildren -- without success.
In the absence of family, a funeral home in Elgin hopes others will attend services Wednesday for Murphy, followed by his burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
Maria Ortiz, activity director at River View, said she's glad Murphy will be buried with military honors, which the funeral home worked on.
"John was very friendly. He was polite. He was always making little jokes and he got along well with others. He was very helpful with other residents," she said. "It's well deserved for him."
Funeral home owners Dan and Joy Symonds said people are welcome to come, whether they knew Murphy or simply want to pay their respects to a veteran.
"It's very important to us that no veteran is left behind, that they are properly taken care of," Joy Symonds said.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides some reimbursement to funeral homes if veterans have been honorably discharged. Kane County Coroner Rob Russell said when his office was unable to find next of kin, he contacted the VA, which in turn directed him to the funeral home in Elgin.
"We look for phone numbers on the fridge, we look for address books. We do internet searches and we have our special (database) system. We even talk to neighbors and friends," he said. "We do everything we can do to try to find a next of kin. Not even just for veterans, for people who aren't veterans, too."
The Symonds said it took lots of phone calls and paperwork to get the military burial approved. The funeral home is getting about $3,200, a "partial reimbursement," but the effort is well worth it, they said.
"I hope this is not the last time that I do this for a veteran, an unclaimed veteran," said Dan Symonds, also a veteran. "To me it's important. Everybody deserves a decent burial and these guys, it doesn't matter where they served, even if they didn't see combat, they deserve to be honored."
Murphy was born Jan. 15, 1948, in Chicago and was a jet engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1969. He earned several awards: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnam Service Medal.
He worked as a welder and a store manager at the former Dominick's grocery store chain and spent his later years in Elgin. He moved to River View in August 2017.
Visitation starts at 10 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park St. in Elgin. A procession will leave about noon from Elgin for interment with military honors at 2 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood.
The Symonds said the funeral home will keep Murphy's flag for his relatives, should they come forward in the future.
For more information, call the funeral home at (847) 741-1128 or visit symondsmadisonfuneralhome.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-27--Pride parade, Juneteenth festival planned in Elgin; iFest, Fox Trot on chopping block

Community members are organizing two events in June in Elgin : the city 's first LGBTQ+ pride parade and festival , and a Juneteenth festival , which last took place about a decade ago .
Meanwhile , city council members confirmed the city is planning to cut four events this year : International Festival , or iFest ; the Elgin Valley Fox Trot ; the Elgin Civil War Experience ; and Art & Soul on the Fox .
It 's unclear whether new city events will be added this year and whether the cuts are permanent .
City spokeswoman Molly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan will be presented by staff members to the city council in February .
The city has held 20 events per year , including the Daddy Daughter Dance , Summer Movies in the Park , Nightmare on Chicago Street and the Veterans Day ceremony .
The four events being cut were described as `` underperforming '' by city staff members in November and would save an estimated $ 100,000 out of a $ 595,000 total expense .
Council members Rose Martinez and Tish Powell said they support not having the four events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iFest and the Civil War re-enactment , Martinez said .
`` The Fox Trot , that one is a tough one because there are people that look forward to it .
But around here we are being saturated with that .
Everybody is doing a run for something . ''
Powell said she understands some people will be disappointed .
`` Once you explain to them we 're using this as a rebuilding year , it 's easier .
We 're not saying it 's never coming back ... but unless you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and keep it fresh , it can get pretty stale over time . ''
The pride parade and festival will take place June 6 , followed by a community interfaith service and lunch on June 7 , co-organizer Danise Habun said .
Locations have n't been determined .
There are also plans for a movie screening , possibly at the library , and dancing at Medusa 's club in downtown Elgin , she said .
The event `` truly reflects grass-roots planning , '' Habun said .
It started when resident Kayla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chicago had pride parades and Elgin did n't , Habun said .
About 25 people showed up at the first planning meeting in the fall .
`` The majority were members of the LGBTQ community and very few of them knew one another .
It was most amazing . ''
The city is not sponsoring the event , but it has support from the cultural arts and human relations commissions , Habun said .
The Elgin Police Department , which has an LGBTQ liaison officer , is involved in planning , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show will take place March 7 at Martini Room , 161 E. Chicago St. in downtown Elgin .
Visit elginpride.com or facebook.com/ELGbtq .
The festival is being organized by the African American Coalition of Kane County , which was established in 2004 and was revived recently , said group President Shirley Bassett .
The plan is to hold the festival June 13 with food , music , dance and art at Festival Park , provided the city approves the permits , she said .
Juneteenth , short for June 19 , commemorates June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation , effectively ending slavery .
`` We want to continue to bring big awareness to the African culture and maybe get the community to understand why we do what we do with music , dance and a lot of different things , '' Bassett said .
`` We want to try to educate some people , besides ourselves .
We need to get our younger generation as well . ''
Elgin 's cultural arts commission is co-sponsoring the event with a $ 5,000 or so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping with organizing .
The city used to co-sponsor several festivals , including Juneteenth and Fiesta Salsa , until about a decade ago .
Then , community groups found themselves unable to continue holding the events , Powell said .
`` Juneteenth is something that people in the community have said , 'You know what , we should bring that back , ' '' she said .
`` I do n't think many people know the history of Juneteenth or what it stands for . ''

The African American Coalition of Kane County is planning to hold a Juneteenth Festival in Elgin on June 13 at Festival Park, provided the city approves the permits. This would be the first Juneteenth Festival in Elgin in about a decade. Daily Herald file photo, 2006
This story has been updated to correct a name.
Community members are organizing two events in June in Elgin: the city's first LGBTQ+ pride parade and festival, and a Juneteenth festival, which last took place about a decade ago.
Meanwhile, city council members confirmed the city is planning to cut four events this year: International Festival, or iFest; the Elgin Valley Fox Trot; the Elgin Civil War Experience; and Art & Soul on the Fox. It's unclear whether new city events will be added this year and whether the cuts are permanent.
City spokeswoman Molly Gillespie declined to answer questions, saying a plan will be presented by staff members to the city council in February.
The city has held 20 events per year, including the Daddy Daughter Dance, Summer Movies in the Park, Nightmare on Chicago Street and the Veterans Day ceremony. The four events being cut were described as "underperforming" by city staff members in November and would save an estimated $100,000 out of a $595,000 total expense.
Council members Rose Martinez and Tish Powell said they support not having the four events this year.
Bad weather has plagued iFest and the Civil War re-enactment, Martinez said. "The Fox Trot, that one is a tough one because there are people that look forward to it. But around here we are being saturated with that. Everybody is doing a run for something."
Powell said she understands some people will be disappointed. "Once you explain to them we're using this as a rebuilding year, it's easier. We're not saying it's never coming back ... but unless you're making a strong effort to change it up and keep it fresh, it can get pretty stale over time."
Pride parade, festival
The pride parade and festival will take place June 6, followed by a community interfaith service and lunch on June 7, co-organizer Danise Habun said. Locations haven't been determined. There are also plans for a movie screening, possibly at the library, and dancing at Medusa's club in downtown Elgin, she said.
The event "truly reflects grass-roots planning," Habun said.
It started when resident Kayla Bates posted on Facebook wondering why Aurora and Chicago had pride parades and Elgin didn't, Habun said. About 25 people showed up at the first planning meeting in the fall.
"The majority were members of the LGBTQ community and very few of them knew one another. It was most amazing."
The city is not sponsoring the event, but it has support from the cultural arts and human relations commissions, Habun said. The Elgin Police Department, which has an LGBTQ liaison officer, is involved in planning, she said.
A fundraiser with a variety/drag show will take place March 7 at Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago St. in downtown Elgin. Visit elginpride.com or facebook.com/ELGbtq.
Juneteenth festival
The festival is being organized by the African American Coalition of Kane County, which was established in 2004 and was revived recently, said group President Shirley Bassett. The plan is to hold the festival June 13 with food, music, dance and art at Festival Park, provided the city approves the permits, she said.
Juneteenth, short for June 19, commemorates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, effectively ending slavery.
"We want to continue to bring big awareness to the African culture and maybe get the community to understand why we do what we do with music, dance and a lot of different things," Bassett said. "We want to try to educate some people, besides ourselves. We need to get our younger generation as well."
Elgin's cultural arts commission is co-sponsoring the event with a $5,000 or so contribution, said Powell, who is helping with organizing. The city used to co-sponsor several festivals, including Juneteenth and Fiesta Salsa, until about a decade ago. Then, community groups found themselves unable to continue holding the events, Powell said.
"Juneteenth is something that people in the community have said, 'You know what, we should bring that back,'" she said.
"I don't think many people know the history of Juneteenth or what it stands for."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Killer wrote 'I hate you' beside trooper's name; recording reveals police finding 'multiple injured'

The woman who shot and killed retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves Friday night in Lisle had written his name on a wall at her Chicago home , next to a message that read `` I hate you ... hope you two die ! ''
Lisle police made the message public on Monday afternoon as they continued their probe into the case in which the woman also shot and wounded two other men before taking her own life .
There was a second name on the wall .
Police said they have contacted that man , who was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cigar lounge where Rieves , 51 , was fatally shot .
Lisa V. McMullan , 51 , of Chicago , shot Rieves in the back of the head , authorities said .
She also shot and wounded another retired trooper and a current trooper before shooting and killing herself .
Police said McMullan used a Smith & Wesson M & P Shield 9 mm pistol .
She had a concealed-carry permit issued by the state police .
Police say they have not yet found a clear motive but the message on the wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two men who were wounded remain hospitalized .
Police also released a condensed version of police radio traffic in which a dispatcher reports a call of `` shots fired within the store . ''
In the recording , an officer can be heard calling for additional officers , from Woodridge and Downers Grove , as he designated the event a `` mass casualty '' with `` an unknown shooter possibly in the building . ''
A countywide joint investigations team is activated , and an officer says `` I need all officers inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , `` I have multiple injured . ''
`` We have an unknown female , possible shooter , '' the officer says .
Then he urgently requests more officers .
`` Any officer who is not currently doing anything right now with a task or something needs to come to the front door at the main entrance of 1600 Ogden , '' he says , passing on the order to another person on the radio .
He details how the building is being cleared of a further threat .
But soon the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he seeks an officer to go to Edward Hospital in Naperville and another to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove .
`` We have no active threat at this point , '' he says .
`` Again , we have no suspect at large .
At this point the scene is contained .
I need no further units here .
...
The situation is contained .
All patients have been transported to either Good Sam or Edward Hospital .
At this point the scene is being locked down for evidentiary purposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard saying the injured were state troopers .
Rieves retired in 2019 after serving 25 years with the Illinois State Police .
A Facebook page that Lisle police say appears to belong to McMullan showed she was a cigar aficionado , posting pictures of cigars she liked .
It also listed her as either `` liking '' or `` following '' several gun clubs , the Chicago Guns Matter organization and a Bolingbrook gun range and store .

Killer wrote 'I hate you' beside trooper's name; recording reveals police finding 'multiple injured' at lounge
Gregory Rieves, a retired state trooper who died in a shooting late Friday, aimed to enjoy retirement in warmer weather with cigars, friends say. Provided photo via Chicago Sun-Times
Retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves, 51, was killed in the shooting at a Lisle cigar lounge Friday night. Courtesy of Illinois State Police
The woman who shot and killed retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves Friday night in Lisle had written his name on a wall at her Chicago home, next to a message that read "I hate you ... hope you two die!"
Lisle police made the message public on Monday afternoon as they continued their probe into the case in which the woman also shot and wounded two other men before taking her own life.
There was a second name on the wall. Police said they have contacted that man, who was not at the Humidor of Lisle, the cigar lounge where Rieves, 51, was fatally shot.
Lisa V. McMullan, 51, of Chicago, shot Rieves in the back of the head, authorities said. She also shot and wounded another retired trooper and a current trooper before shooting and killing herself.
Police said McMullan used a Smith & Wesson M & P Shield 9 mm pistol. She had a concealed-carry permit issued by the state police.
Police say they have not yet found a clear motive but the message on the wall indicates the victim was targeted.
The two men who were wounded remain hospitalized.
Police also released a condensed version of police radio traffic in which a dispatcher reports a call of "shots fired within the store." In the recording, an officer can be heard calling for additional officers, from Woodridge and Downers Grove, as he designated the event a "mass casualty" with "an unknown shooter possibly in the building."
A countywide joint investigations team is activated, and an officer says "I need all officers inside" and requests four ambulances, soon saying, "I have multiple injured."
"We have an unknown female, possible shooter," the officer says. Then he urgently requests more officers.
"Any officer who is not currently doing anything right now with a task or something needs to come to the front door at the main entrance of 1600 Ogden," he says, passing on the order to another person on the radio. He details how the building is being cleared of a further threat.
But soon the officer says he has enough manpower, and he seeks an officer to go to Edward Hospital in Naperville and another to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.
"We have no active threat at this point," he says. "Again, we have no suspect at large. At this point the scene is contained. I need no further units here. ... The situation is contained. All patients have been transported to either Good Sam or Edward Hospital. At this point the scene is being locked down for evidentiary purposes."
Nobody on the radio is heard saying the injured were state troopers.
Rieves retired in 2019 after serving 25 years with the Illinois State Police.
A Facebook page that Lisle police say appears to belong to McMullan showed she was a cigar aficionado, posting pictures of cigars she liked. It also listed her as either "liking" or "following" several gun clubs, the Chicago Guns Matter organization and a Bolingbrook gun range and store.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Prospect Heights delays vote on controversial plan to remove  runway

The Prospect Heights City Council on Monday indefinitely postponed its vote on a controversial new layout plan for Chicago Executive Airport that calls for the elimination of a runway .
Some pilots who regularly use the airport say removing the airstrip could make takeoffs and landings more dangerous , but airport officials say the runway creates a safety risk and its elimination would allow them to dedicate resources to more pressing needs .
The village board in Wheeling , which co-owns the airport with Prospect Heights , approved the layout plan last week .
It is part of the airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process that cost $ 1.5 million .
1st Ward Prospect Heights Alderman Michelle Cameron moved to delay the vote with no date set for when the plan will be considered again .
The council approved the move unanimously .
The plan calls for the removal of Runway 6/24 , which , at 3,677 feet , is the shortest and narrowest at the airport .
The airstrip , which runs east-west and bisects the airport 's primary and secondary runways , is used for just 2 % of operations at the airport .
Airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` hot spots '' are on Runway 6/24 .
The Federal Aviation Administration defines a hot spot as an area with a potential risk of collision or runway incursion .
But some members of the Chicago Executive Pilots Association have raised concerns about the airport 's plan .
They say pilots need Runway 6/24 to avoid crosswinds when taking off and landing , and removing it would create a safety risk .
Eight pilots from the association spoke out Monday against the runway 's closure .
`` The airport is not telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create an even bigger safety problem than the one they 're trying to fix , '' said Rob Mark , the group 's treasurer and a flight instructor .
`` They 're playing with our lives , not theirs . ''
`` The proposed redesign of the taxiway intersections is simpler .
We like that better , '' pilot Andrew Warrington added .
`` However , it does n't require the closure of ( Runway 6/24 ) . ''
Airport Executive Director Jamie Abbott insisted that the airport 's plan is safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what they do , maintaining the airport , '' he said .
`` To say that we do n't care about safety , that 's just not true .
We value all of our tenants . ''
Airport officials also say Runway 6/24 will need full rehabilitation by 2024 , which would cost about $ 1.5 million and have to be funded solely by the facility .
They say those funds are better spent improving safety on the other runways .
But city aldermen were skeptical , with Cameron asking for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others peppering airport officials with questions .
`` It seemed to me that the hot spots seemed to be an issue of intersecting taxiways , '' 5th Ward Alderman Matthew Dolick said .
Mayor Nicholas Helmer , himself a pilot , argued the safety of the plane ultimately rests with the person at the controls .
`` I do n't understand the safety issue , '' 4th Ward Alderman Patrick Ludvigsen added .
`` If you 're unable to land the plane because winds are gusting , do n't land the plane .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said airport officials have no intention of dropping the runway removal from their layout plan .
Their next step is to work with the city to get to proposal back on the city council agenda .
If Prospect Heights eventually approves the plan , the next step in the process is an FAA environmental review , which will include a public hearing .

Prospect Heights delays vote on controversial plan to remove runway
Prospect Heights alderman postponed their vote on a controversial plan that calls for the elimination of one of the three runways at Chicago Executive Airport. Pilots and airport officials disagree on whether the move would increase safety or create more risk. Daily Herald File Photo
The Prospect Heights City Council on Monday indefinitely postponed its vote on a controversial new layout plan for Chicago Executive Airport that calls for the elimination of a runway.
Some pilots say removing the airstrip could make takeoffs and landings more dangerous, but airport officials say the runway creates a safety risk and its elimination would allow them to dedicate resources to more pressing needs.
The village board in Wheeling, which co-owns the airport with Prospect Heights, approved the layout plan last week. It is part of the airport's updated master plan, a six-year process that cost $1.5 million.
1st Ward Prospect Heights Alderman Michelle Cameron moved to delay the vote, with no date set for when the plan will be considered again. The council approved the move unanimously.
The plan calls for the removal of Runway 6/24, which, at 3,677 feet, is the shortest and narrowest at the airport. The airstrip, which runs east-west and bisects the airport's primary and secondary runways, is used for just 2% of operations at the airport.
Airport officials say all three of Chicago Executive's "hot spots" are on Runway 6/24. The Federal Aviation Administration defines a hot spot as an area with a potential risk of collision or runway incursion.
But some members of the Chicago Executive Pilots Association have raised concerns about the airport's plan. They say pilots need Runway 6/24 to avoid crosswinds when taking off and landing.
Eight pilots from the association spoke out Monday against the runway's closure.
"The airport is not telling you that closing this runway is going to create an even bigger safety problem than the one they're trying to fix," said Rob Mark, the group's treasurer and a flight instructor. "They're playing with our lives, not theirs."
Airport Executive Director Jamie Abbott insisted that the airport's plan is safe.
"My crews are very proud of what they do, maintaining the airport," he said. "To say that we don't care about safety, that's just not true. We value all of our tenants."
Airport officials also say Runway 6/24 will need full rehabilitation by 2024, which would cost about $1.5 million and have to be funded solely by the facility. They say those funds are better spent improving safety on the other runways.
But city aldermen were skeptical. Cameron asked for a copy of the updated master plan. and others peppered airport officials with questions.
"It seemed to me that the hot spots seemed to be an issue of intersecting taxiways," 5th Ward Alderman Matthew Dolick said.
Mayor Nicholas Helmer, himself a pilot, argued the safety of the plane ultimately rests with the person at the controls.
4th Ward Alderman Patrick Ludvigsen added, "I don't understand the safety issue. If you're unable to land the plane because winds are gusting, don't land the plane."
Abbott said airport officials have no intention of dropping the runway removal from their layout plan. Their next step is to work with the city to get to proposal back on the city council agenda.
If Prospect Heights eventually approves the plan, the next step in the process is an FAA environmental review, which will include a public hearing.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Raising Cane's targets spring opening in Glen Ellyn

If the opening of the Raising Cane 's in Glen Ellyn looks anything like the one in Batavia , be prepared to wait in line to order chicken tenders .
It 's not that chicken tenders are the most-popular menu item .
Chicken tenders are really the only menu item .
You can , of course , order dipping sauces and fries , but that 's not what brings patrons to Raising Cane 's .
It 's the cooked-to-order tenders -- and the chance to win free Cane 's for a year -- that brought about 150 people to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The company expects a similar crowd when its new Glen Ellyn restaurant opens this spring .
`` We 've heard a lot of positive feedback in the community , '' said Dakota Strange , Raising Cane 's Chicago area leader of marketing .
`` And we expect great turnout . ''
Raising Cane 's initially floated February for a potential opening date , but now plans to start serving Glen Ellyn customers sometime in spring .
Strange said it 's not a delay necessarily , but that the company is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shape on the 3,707-square-foot restaurant at Roosevelt Road and Main Street .
`` We 're not going to rush anything , '' he said .
The Louisiana-based chain has embarked on a suburban Chicago expansion with new restaurants recently opening in Westmont and Schaumburg .
`` Here in Chicago , we 've been opening up in the suburbs , and we 've been spacing it out properly , '' Strange said .
Like the other openings , the Glen Ellyn restaurant will hold a `` Lucky 20 '' drawing to award 20 customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new restaurants typically accept entries from 8:30 to 9 a.m. , with the Lucky 20 drawing between 9 and 10 a.m .
The first 100 customers also will receive a free T-shirt with the purchase of a combo meal and free box meal on their next visit .
The Batavia High School drum line and dance team regaled crowds at the Randall Road location , and Glen Ellyn `` Caniacs '' can expect their own source of entertainment at the opening .
`` We 're working on trying to get some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Strange said .
Raising Cane 's founder Todd Graves wrote a business plan for the concept in college , but his professor gave him a failing grade .
Graves eventually raised enough capital and got a small business loan to open his first restaurant in 1996 at Louisiana State University .
And since chicken fingers are a staple of the college student diet , the chain went on to open restaurants near or on the campuses of Boston University , Ohio State , Texas A & M and Loyola University .
Graves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog .
He kept the menu simple : Patrons have their pick of three sides -- coleslaw , crinkle-cut fries and Texas toast -- to accompany chicken fingers .
And for anyone counting , one chicken finger , breaded and fried , has 140 calories .
`` Cane 's does not use microwaves or heat lamps to cook or heat its meals , '' Development Manager LuAron McCormack wrote in a 2019 letter to Glen Ellyn officials .
Nearly a year ago , Raising Cane 's won village board approval to build the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacant buildings formerly occupied by an Arby 's restaurant and Caribou Coffee .

Raising Cane's targets spring opening in Glen Ellyn
Chicken fingers are the main attraction at Raising Cane's. Courtesy of Raising Cane's
The interior of the Raising Cane's in Glen Ellyn will resemble this image of a front counter at the chicken fingers restaurant. Courtesy of Raising Cane's
If the opening of the Raising Cane's in Glen Ellyn looks anything like the one in Batavia, be prepared to wait in line to order chicken tenders.
It's not that chicken tenders are the most-popular menu item. Chicken tenders are really the only menu item.
You can, of course, order dipping sauces and fries, but that's not what brings patrons to Raising Cane's.
It's the cooked-to-order tenders -- and the chance to win free Cane's for a year -- that brought about 150 people to the chain's new restaurant in Batavia last week. The company expects a similar crowd when its new Glen Ellyn restaurant opens this spring.
"We've heard a lot of positive feedback in the community," said Dakota Strange, Raising Cane's Chicago area leader of marketing. "And we expect great turnout."
Raising Cane's initially floated February for a potential opening date, but it now plans to start serving Glen Ellyn customers sometime in the spring. Strange said it's not a delay necessarily but that the company is now working on hiring employees as construction takes shape on the 3,707-square-foot restaurant at Roosevelt Road and Main Street.
"We're not going to rush anything," he said.
- Katlyn Smith | Staff Photographer Construction is taking shape on the new Raising Cane's in Glen Ellyn. A drive-through lane will accommodate up to 10 stacked vehicles.
The Louisiana-based chain has embarked on a suburban Chicago expansion with new restaurants recently opening in Westmont and Schaumburg.
"Here in Chicago, we've been opening up in the suburbs, and we've been spacing it out properly," Strange said.
Like the other openings, the Glen Ellyn restaurant will hold a "Lucky 20" drawing to award 20 customers with free Cane's for a year. The new restaurants typically accept entries from 8:30 to 9 a.m., with the Lucky 20 drawing between 9 and 10 a.m.
The new Raising Cane's in Glen Ellyn will have a footprint of more than 3,700 square feet, looking like this. - Courtesy of Raising Cane's
The first 100 customers also will receive a free T-shirt with the purchase of a combo meal and free box meal on their next visit.
The Batavia High School drum line and dance team regaled crowds at the Randall Road location, and Glen Ellyn "Caniacs" can expect their own source of entertainment at the opening.
"We're working on trying to get some of that local community flair there," Strange said.
Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves wrote a business plan for the concept in college, but his professor gave him a failing grade. Graves eventually raised enough capital and got a small business loan to open his first restaurant in 1996 at Louisiana State University.
The original Raising Cane's opened at Louisiana State University in 1996. And true to those beginnings, the restaurant's menu offers tailgate packages. - Courtesy of Raising Cane's
And since chicken fingers are a staple of the college student diet, the chain went on to open restaurants near or on the campuses of Boston University, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Loyola University.
Graves named the restaurant after his yellow Labrador dog. He kept the menu simple: Patrons have their pick of three sides -- coleslaw, crinkle-cut fries and Texas toast -- to accompany chicken fingers. And for anyone counting, one chicken finger, breaded and fried, has 140 calories.
"Cane's does not use microwaves or heat lamps to cook or heat its meals," Development Manager LuAron McCormack wrote in a 2019 letter to Glen Ellyn officials.
Nearly a year ago, Raising Cane's won village board approval to build the restaurant and the drive-through after demolishing two vacant buildings formerly occupied by an Arby's restaurant and Caribou Coffee.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Libertyville Bakers Square closes as result of corporate reorganization

Bakers Square , a longtime local favorite for pies and other fare , has closed its Libertyville location as a result of a corporate reorganization .
The business at 1195 S. Milwaukee Ave. on the village 's southern border closed last Friday , according to a notice on the door from American Blue Ribbon Holdings LLC , of Nashville , Tennessee , which operates Bakers Square .
`` After very careful consideration , we have made the tough but necessary decision to discontinue operations at the Libertyville location , '' the message reads .
`` This is never an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many business factors . ''
American Blue Ribbon also operates Village Inn restaurants , which has 75 company-owned locations and 84 franchised locations .
It also operates Legendary Baking LLC , which produces 25 million pies a year at two facilities .
Citing declining sales , American Blue Ribbon on Wednesday announced it had filed for voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Delaware , Nine Bakers Square and 24 Village Inn stores were closed .
Twenty-two Bakers Square restaurants , including locations in Gurnee , Palatine , Naperville and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company website .
The most recent announcement follows Bakers Square closings last year in Illinois that included Wilmette , Willowbrook and Joliet , said Heather Rowe , Libertyville 's economic development coordinator .
`` We 're very sorry to see Bakers Square close , '' she said .
`` They 've served the community many hearty meals and pies over the years and also supported organizations through fundraising and for that we are grateful . ''
Bakers Square began in the early 1970s as an independent restaurant in Des Moines serving soups , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible pies anyone in the area had ever tasted , '' according to American Blue Ribbon .
Its reputation for fresh baked pies spread and Pillsbury bought the restaurant and opened more like it .
The free-standing Libertyville facility was built in 1975 and opened as a Poppin ' Fresh .
`` I remember as a kid , it being Poppin ' Fresh , '' said Jim Moran , a Green Oaks resident and former Libertyville village trustee .
`` I used to love to collect the pie tins and take them back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing generated dozens of comments on a community Facebook page .
Lincolnshire resident John McCrae frequented the restaurant for decades and would still visit a few times a month in memory of his late wife .
`` My wife used to like to come here on pie nights , '' he said .
`` I 'll really miss the place -- this was nostalgia .
I 'm shocked . ''
American Blue Ribbon said all employees were relocated or offered severance packages .
The company said the reorganization will facilitate Bakers Square and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy core of restaurants . ''

Libertyville Bakers Square closes as result of corporate reorganization
Bakers Square, a longtime local favorite for pies and other fare, has closed its Libertyville location as a result of a corporate reorganization.
The business at 1195 S. Milwaukee Ave. on the village's southern border closed last Friday, according to a notice on the door from American Blue Ribbon Holdings LLC, of Nashville, Tennessee, which operates Bakers Square.
"After very careful consideration, we have made the tough but necessary decision to discontinue operations at the Libertyville location," the message reads. "This is never an easy decision to make and one driven by many business factors."
American Blue Ribbon also operates Village Inn restaurants, which has 75 company-owned locations and 84 franchised locations. It also operates Legendary Baking LLC, which produces 25 million pies a year at two facilities.
Citing declining sales, American Blue Ribbon on Wednesday announced it had filed for voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Delaware. Nine Bakers Square and 24 Village Inn stores were closed.
Twenty-two Bakers Square restaurants, including locations in Gurnee, Palatine, Naperville and Woodridge remain open, according to the company website.
The most recent announcement follows Bakers Square closings last year in Illinois that included Wilmette, Willowbrook and Joliet, said Heather Rowe, Libertyville's economic development coordinator.
"We're very sorry to see Bakers Square close," she said. "They've served the community many hearty meals and pies over the years and also supported organizations through fundraising and for that we are grateful."
Bakers Square began in the early 1970s as an independent restaurant in Des Moines serving soups, sandwiches and "some of the most incredible pies anyone in the area had ever tasted," according to American Blue Ribbon.
Its reputation for fresh baked pies spread and Pillsbury bought the restaurant and opened more like it. The free-standing Libertyville facility was built in 1975 and opened as a Poppin' Fresh.
"I remember as a kid, it being Poppin' Fresh," said Jim Moran, a Green Oaks resident and former Libertyville village trustee. "I used to love to collect the pie tins and take them back for our deposit."
The sudden closing generated dozens of comments on a community Facebook page.
Lincolnshire resident John McCrae frequented the restaurant for decades and would still visit a few times a month in memory of his late wife.
"My wife used to like to come here on pie nights," he said. "I'll really miss the place -- this was nostalgia. I'm shocked."
American Blue Ribbon said all employees were relocated or offered severance packages.
The company said the reorganization will facilitate Bakers Square and Village Inn's evolution to a "healthy core of restaurants."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Naval Station Great Lakes cancels 2020 4th of July Celebration

Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago is calling off its popular 4th of July Celebration this year due to a large number of other events scheduled to take place at the base the same week .
Commanding officer Capt .
Ray Leung announced the cancellation Tuesday , stating that the other events -- including a recruit graduation and a Navy ROTC graduation -- made it hard to plan the event while maintaining the same high level of safety festivalgoers expect .
Rather than hosting a downgraded event , Leung decided to cancel it for this year .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know that it is a centerpiece of many area residents ' summer , '' Leung said in the announcement .
`` Although we do n't know for certain , we hope that we can bring the event back bigger and better in 2021 . ''
The free festival traditionally has drawn thousands of visitors and naval station sailors and recruits to the base 's Ross Field to celebrate the country 's independence .
Highlighted by a huge fireworks show , the fest also has featured live music , kids activities , midway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Naval Station Great Lakes cancels 2020 4th of July Celebration
The Clocktower at Naval Station Great Lakes is lit up in patriotic colors for a previous Fourth of July Celebration at the base. The station's commanding officer announced Tuesday that this year's festival has been canceled due to the large number of other events scheduled to take place at the base the same week. Courtesy of Naval Station Great Lakes
Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago is calling off its popular Fourth of July Celebration this year due to a large number of other events scheduled to take place at the base the same week.
Commanding officer Capt. Ray Leung announced the cancellation Tuesday, stating that the other events -- including a recruit graduation and a Navy ROTC graduation -- made it hard to plan the event while maintaining the same high level of safety festivalgoers expect.
Rather than hosting a downgraded event, Leung decided to cancel it for this year.
"We regret having to cancel this celebration. We know that it is a centerpiece of many area residents' summer," Leung said in the announcement. "Although we don't know for certain, we hope that we can bring the event back bigger and better in 2021."
The free festival traditionally has drawn thousands of visitors and naval station sailors and recruits to the base's Ross Field to celebrate the country's independence. Highlighted by a huge fireworks show, the fest also has featured live music, kids activities, midway games and plenty of food and beverages.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Wake, funeral set for retired state trooper slain in Lisle

A wake for retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves is planned for Friday at his high school alma mater , Proviso East .
Rieves , 51 , was shot and killed Jan. 24 by a 51-year-old Chicago woman , Lisa McMullan , at a cigar store and lounge in Lisle .
His wake will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the high school at 807 S. First Ave. , Maywood .
His funeral service is at noon Saturday at Rock of Ages Baptist Church , 1309 Madison St. in Maywood .
Arrangements are being handled by Wallace Broadview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state police for 25 years before retiring last year .
Lisle Deputy Chief Ron Wilke said Tuesday police finished interviewing the two other men the woman shot .
The men -- one an off-duty trooper and the other a retired trooper -- said Rieves and the shooter knew each other from the cigar lounge but could not give much more detail , Wilke said .
On Monday , police announced that when they searched the killer 's Hyde Park residence , they found a message written on the wall indicating the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying `` I hope you two die ! ''

Wake, funeral set for retired state trooper slain in Lisle
A wake for retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves is planned for Friday at his high school alma mater, Proviso East.
Rieves, 51, was shot and killed Jan. 24 by a 51-year-old Chicago woman, Lisa McMullan, at a cigar store and lounge in Lisle.
His wake will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the high school at 807 S. First Ave., Maywood.
His funeral service is at noon Saturday at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 1309 Madison St. in Maywood.
Arrangements are being handled by Wallace Broadview Funeral Home.
Rieves had worked for the state police for 25 years before retiring last year.
Lisle Deputy Chief Ron Wilke said Tuesday police finished interviewing the two other men the woman shot. The men -- one an off-duty trooper and the other a retired trooper -- said Rieves and the shooter knew each other from the cigar lounge but could not give much more detail, Wilke said.
On Monday, police announced that when they searched the killer's Hyde Park residence, they found a message written on the wall indicating the woman hated Rieves and another man, and saying "I hope you two die!"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Two teens charged in West Chicago shooting that injured three

Two teens face robbery charges in connection with an apparent drug deal gone bad that resulted in three people being shot four days ago in West Chicago .
Police announced Friday night they had arrested one person in connection with the shooting that afternoon and two others were hospitalized .
But they remained tight-lipped about details until announcing charges Tuesday .
A 17-year-old from Batavia has been charged with attempted armed robbery and aggravated battery .
A 16-year-old from Geneva also has been charged with attempted armed robbery .
The pair are not being identified by name because they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still receiving medical care with possible charges pending , according to a city news release .
He is being treated for injuries sustained during the shooting and is listed in critical but stable condition .
When asked for his age , police said they would not release any further information about the man because he has not been charged .
Police also would not respond to questions about the drug deal and the number of shots fired , citing the ongoing investigation .
Officers responded to the area of Hawthorne Lane and Rosewood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 12:58 p.m. Friday for a report of shots fired .
Officers were told a vehicle was seen fleeing east on Hawthorne Lane .
While West Chicago officers were on scene , Winfield police found the vehicle at a nearby hospital .
Upon seeing the officer , the driver drove away and a chase ensued , police said .
The vehicle was involved in a minor crash in front of the DuPage County Courthouse , where the driver then ran away , police said .
Police said it appears a drug deal had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ randomly chosen location .
During the transaction , several people produced weapons and multiple shots were fired , injuring three , police said .

Two teens charged in West Chicago shooting that injured three
Two teens face robbery charges in connection with an apparent drug deal gone bad that resulted in three people being shot four days ago in West Chicago.
Police announced Friday night they had arrested one person in connection with the shooting that afternoon and two others were hospitalized. But they remained tight-lipped about details until announcing charges Tuesday.
A 17-year-old from Batavia has been charged with attempted armed robbery and aggravated battery. A 16-year-old from Geneva also has been charged with attempted armed robbery. The pair are not being identified by name because they are juveniles.
A man from Elgin is still receiving medical care with possible charges pending, according to a city news release. He is being treated for injuries sustained during the shooting and is listed in critical but stable condition.
When asked for his age, police said they would not release any further information about the man because he has not been charged. Police also would not respond to questions about the drug deal and the number of shots fired, citing the ongoing investigation.
Officers responded to the area of Hawthorne Lane and Rosewood Drive on the city's northeast side at 12:58 p.m. Friday for a report of shots fired. Officers were told a vehicle was seen fleeing east on Hawthorne Lane.
While West Chicago officers were on scene, Winfield police found the vehicle at a nearby hospital. Upon seeing the officer, the driver drove away and a chase ensued, police said.
The vehicle was involved in a minor crash in front of the DuPage County Courthouse, where the driver then ran away, police said.
Winfield police and DuPage County sheriff's deputies quickly apprehended the driver.
Police said it appears a drug deal had been arranged for that day at a randomly chosen location. During the transaction, several people produced weapons and multiple shots were fired, injuring three, police said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Car hits, seriously injures two pedestrians near Lake Villa

Two pedestrians suffered serious injuries Monday night when hit by a car as they ran across a road in the @ @ @ @ @ of Lake Villa , Lake County sheriff 's police said .
Sheriff 's deputies found @ @ @ @ @ 45-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman , both from Lake Villa Township -- when called @ @ @ @ @ Engle Drive and North Wildwood Drive at about 7:40 p.m. Monday , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ and the man suffered a head injury and internal injuries , according to the sheriff @ @ @ @ @ taken by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville .
A preliminary investigation indicates @ @ @ @ @ by a 19-year-old Round Lake Park man was eastbound on Engle when the pedestrians ran @ @ @ @ @ the road directly in front of the car .
Sheriff 's Sgt .
Christopher Covelli @ @ @ @ @ pedestrians appeared to be involved in an argument when they moved into the roadway .
@ @ @ @ @ by the Lake County Sheriff 's Office Technical Crash Investigations Unit .

Car hits, seriously injures two pedestrians near Lake Villa
Two pedestrians suffered serious injuries Monday night when hit by a car as they ran across a road in the residential Venetian Village area south of Lake Villa, Lake County sheriff's police said.
Sheriff's deputies found the injured pedestrians -- a 45-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, both from Lake Villa Township -- when called to the area of West Engle Drive and North Wildwood Drive at about 7:40 p.m. Monday, authorities said.
The woman sustained broken bones and the man suffered a head injury and internal injuries, according to the sheriff's office. Both were taken by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
A preliminary investigation indicates a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 driven by a 19-year-old Round Lake Park man was eastbound on Engle when the pedestrians ran from the north side of the road directly in front of the car.
Sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli said witnesses indicated that the pedestrians appeared to be involved in an argument when they moved into the roadway.
The crash remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff's Office Technical Crash Investigations Unit.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Bail set for Streamwood man whose convictions were overturned

A Streamwood man whose 2015 convictions on charges including armed violence and being an habitual criminal were overturned last year was ordered held Tuesday on $ 250,000 bail .
James Utley , 42 , who represented himself during Tuesday 's hearing in Rolling Meadows , argued that his bond should be set at $ 30,000 , the same amount set at a bond hearing following his Feb. 28 , 2014 , arrest by state parole agents and Streamwood police officers .
On that date , officers arrived at Utley 's home to arrest him on a parole violation , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Runk .
After entering the home , officers found cocaine , heroin and marijuana along with a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol , a .38-caliber revolver and more than 100 rounds of ammunition , said Runk , who argued Tuesday that Utley should be held without bail because he faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted as an habitual criminal .
A jury found Utley guilty of armed violence , manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance , unlawful use of a weapon and being an habitual criminal .
However , Utley was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rolling Meadows courthouse during deliberations and was arrested in Bartlett the following day .
His convictions were overturned after the appellate court concluded his private attorney 's `` performance was ineffective . ''
After Cook County Judge Steven Goebel set bond , he advised Utley to accept the appointment of a public defender , saying he was putting himself at a disadvantage by turning down legal assistance .
Goebel suggested Utley was mistaken if he thought he , on his own , would be able to `` out-lawyer '' an experienced prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this building are highly qualified , '' Goebel said .
`` They 're talented trial attorneys .
... Not availing yourself of these resources is a mistake . ''
After some consideration , Utley agreed .
He next appears in court on Feb. 11 .

Bail set for Streamwood man whose convictions were overturned
A Streamwood man whose 2015 convictions on charges including armed violence and being an habitual criminal were overturned last year was ordered held Tuesday on $250,000 bail.
James Utley, 42, who represented himself during Tuesday's hearing in Rolling Meadows, argued that his bond should be set at $30,000, the same amount set at a bond hearing following his Feb. 28, 2014, arrest by state parole agents and Streamwood police officers.
On that date, officers arrived at Utley's home to arrest him on a parole violation, said Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Glendon Runk. After entering the home, officers found cocaine, heroin and marijuana along with a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, a .38-caliber revolver and more than 100 rounds of ammunition, said Runk, who argued Tuesday that Utley should be held without bail because he faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted as an habitual criminal.
A jury found Utley guilty of armed violence, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon and being an habitual criminal. However, Utley was not present for the verdict. He left the Rolling Meadows courthouse during deliberations and was arrested in Bartlett the following day.
His convictions were overturned after the appellate court concluded his private attorney's "performance was ineffective."
After Cook County Judge Steven Goebel set bond, he advised Utley to accept the appointment of a public defender, saying he was putting himself at a disadvantage by turning down legal assistance.
Goebel suggested Utley was mistaken if he thought he, on his own, would be able to "out-lawyer" an experienced prosecutor.
"The felony public defenders in this building are highly qualified," Goebel said. "They're talented trial attorneys. ... Not availing yourself of these resources is a mistake."
After some consideration, Utley agreed. He next appears in court on Feb. 11.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Report: Cubs sign Jeffress to one-year contract

At least this relief pitcher has name recognition .
Strapped for cash , the Cubs have spent the better part of the off-season restocking their depleted bullpen with obscure arms like Ryan Tepera , Trevor Megill , Jharel Cotton , Dan Winkler and CD Pelham .
They also took another chance on injury-prone Brandon Morrow , signing the former closer to a minor league contract .
On Tuesday , the Cubs reportedly signed Jeremy Jeffress to a one-year contract .
According to ESPN 's Jeff Passan , the deal is worth $ 850,000 and includes incentives .
Jeffress must pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the 32-year-old righty was limited to 48 games with the Brewers last season while dealing with shoulder and hip injuries .
The 32-year-old Jeffress was 3-4 with a 5.02 ERA while blowing 3 saves in 4 opportunities .
Jeffress was healthy in 2018 and he was 8-1 with a 1.29 ERA and 15 saves in 73 appearances for Milwaukee while being named a National League all-star .
Over a 10-year career with the Brewers , Royals , Rangers and Blue Jays , Jeffress is 28-11 with a 3.16 ERA , 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cubs pitchers and catchers report to spring training Feb. 11 in Mesa , Ariz .

Report: Cubs sign Jeffress to one-year contract
The Cubs have reportedly signed former Milwaukee reliever Jeremy Jeffress. Associated Press
At least this relief pitcher has name recognition.
Strapped for cash, the Cubs have spent the better part of the off-season restocking their depleted bullpen with obscure arms like Ryan Tepera, Trevor Megill, Jharel Cotton, Dan Winkler and CD Pelham.
They also took another chance on injury-prone Brandon Morrow, signing the former closer to a minor league contract.
On Tuesday, the Cubs reportedly signed Jeremy Jeffress to a one-year contract. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the deal is worth $850,000 and includes incentives.
Jeffress must pass a physical before the contract becomes official, and the 32-year-old righty was limited to 48 games with the Brewers last season while dealing with shoulder and hip injuries.
The 32-year-old Jeffress was 3-4 with a 5.02 ERA while blowing 3 saves in 4 opportunities.
Jeffress was healthy in 2018 and he was 8-1 with a 1.29 ERA and 15 saves in 73 appearances for Milwaukee while being named a National League all-star.
Over a 10-year career with the Brewers, Royals, Rangers and Blue Jays, Jeffress is 28-11 with a 3.16 ERA, 44 saves and 370 strikeouts in 401 innings.
Cubs pitchers and catchers report to spring training Feb. 11 in Mesa, Ariz.
Signing day:
A day after Nick Castellanos joined the Reds on a four-year, $64 million contract, the Cubs filled the outfield void with Steven Souza Jr.
A 30-year-old outfielder, Souza agreed to a one-year contract worth $1 million plus incentives on Tuesday.
Souza is a career .233 hitter with 68 doubles, 70 home runs, 198 RBI and 41 stolen bases in 471 games with the Nationals (2014), Rays (2015-17) and Diamondbacks.
Health has been a major issue the last two years.
Souza didn't play a game last season after suffering a serious left knee injury in a March 25 Cactus League game. He was limited to 72 games in 2018 with a right pectoral injury.
A 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-handed hitter, Souza's best year was in 2017 with Tampa Bay. He hit .239/.351/.459 with 30 home runs and 78 RBI in 148 games.
Acquired in a July 31 trade from the Tigers last season, Castellanos slashed .321/.356/.646 with 16 homers and 36 RBI in 51 games for the Cubs before becoming a free agent.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Former North Aurora mayor was about family, teaching and service

Mark Ruby , the former mayor of North Aurora , was remembered as a family man who dedicated his life to teaching and serving others .
Ruby died Sunday at age 86 .
He 'd lived at a senior facility since suffering a brainstem hemorrhage in 2013 , his wife Marilyn said .
`` This last couple of months , he had been slowly , we think , just ready to go .
It was natural -- no disease , no big thing that happened .
He just slowly slipped away peacefully . ''
The couple was married for 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was the perfect husband and dad , '' his wife said , recalling his even-keeled temperament , his readiness to help his children and his love of traveling with family .
Ruby served with the Army in Germany and retired after 38 years of teaching social studies , including history , at Jefferson Middle School in Aurora and West Aurora High School .
He was elected trustee for North Aurora in 1993 and was mayor from 1997 to 2004 .
Ruby was a consensus-builder , skilled at communicating , and always mindful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people 's opinions , said Kevin Drendel , who 's worked as village attorney for North Aurora since the 1990s .
`` He was a well-educated man who was thoughtful and circumspect , and always a gentleman , '' Drendel said .
Ruby also served on the executive committee of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission , as president of the DuKane Valley Council and on the Kane County bike/pedestrian committee .
He played piano with big bands in Yorkville and Elk Grove Village and was a model train hobbyist who loved geography .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy , '' his wife said .
`` He knew everything about everything , '' she said .
The couple moved from North Aurora to the Mill Creek subdivision in Blackberry Township to be closer to one of their sons .
Ruby was on the Mill Creek Water Reclamation District Committee and he and his wife helped take care of the grandkids .
`` He took them to baseball games .
We watched them play basketball and baseball , '' Marilyn Ruby said .
His brainstem hemorrhage in 2013 did n't affect his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to understand and confined him to a wheelchair , his wife said .
His physical condition deteriorated over the years , and friends always gathered to visit him on New Year 's Eve , his wife said .
`` We would drink a toast and he was part of that , '' she said .
In lieu of flowers , memorials can be made to Michael J .
Fox Foundation at michaeljfox.org or the Illinois Railway Museum at irm.org .
Visitation is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at The Healy Chapel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Burial will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery .

Former North Aurora mayor was about family, teaching and service
This story has been edited to correct the date for visitation.
Mark Ruby, the former mayor of North Aurora, was remembered as a family man who dedicated his life to teaching and serving others.
Ruby died Sunday at age 86. He'd lived at a senior facility since suffering a brainstem hemorrhage in 2013, his wife Marilyn said. "This last couple of months, he had been slowly, we think, just ready to go. It was natural -- no disease, no big thing that happened. He just slowly slipped away peacefully."
The couple was married for 44 years and raised two sons. "He was the perfect husband and dad," his wife said, recalling his even-keeled temperament, his readiness to help his children and his love of traveling with family.
Ruby served with the Army in Germany and retired after 38 years of teaching social studies, including history, at Jefferson Middle School in Aurora and West Aurora High School. He was elected trustee for North Aurora in 1993 and was mayor from 1997 to 2004.
Ruby was a consensus-builder, skilled at communicating, and always mindful of asking questions and listening to other people's opinions, said Kevin Drendel, who's worked as village attorney for North Aurora since the 1990s.
"He was a well-educated man who was thoughtful and circumspect, and always a gentleman," Drendel said.
Ruby also served on the executive committee of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, as president of the DuKane Valley Council and on the Kane County bike/pedestrian committee.
He played piano with big bands in Yorkville and Elk Grove Village and was a model train hobbyist who loved geography. He was known as "the trivia guy," his wife said. "He knew everything about everything," she said.
The couple moved from North Aurora to the Mill Creek subdivision in Blackberry Township to be closer to one of their sons. Ruby was on the Mill Creek Water Reclamation District Committee and he and his wife helped take care of the grandkids. "He took them to baseball games. We watched them play basketball and baseball," Marilyn Ruby said.
The brainstem hemorrhage in 2013 didn't affect his mental capacity but made his speech somewhat difficult to understand and confined him to a wheelchair, his wife said. His physical condition deteriorated over the years, and friends always gathered to visit him on New Year's Eve, his wife said. "We would drink a toast and he was part of that," she said.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation at michaeljfox.org or the Illinois Railway Museum at irm.org.
Visitation is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Place in Aurora. Burial will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Feder: Chicago Tribune cuts David Haugh as sports columnist

David Haugh may be riding high in the ratings as morning co-host on Entercom sports/talk WSCR 670-AM , but his @ @ @ @ @ sports columnist are over , reports Robert Feder .
Haugh , 51 , disclosed on @ @ @ @ @ was his final day after 17 years with the Tribune -- including the last 10 @ @ @ @ @ his `` dream job '' as a star sports columnist .

Feder: Chicago Tribune cuts David Haugh as sports columnist
David Haugh may be riding high in the ratings as morning co-host on Entercom sports/talk WSCR 670-AM, but his days as a Chicago Tribune sports columnist are over, reports Robert Feder.
Haugh, 51, disclosed on social media Tuesday that it was his final day after 17 years with the Tribune -- including the last 10 years in what he called his "dream job" as a star sports columnist.
Read the full story here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Senate bill would outlaw using live animals as carnival prizes

It is a mainstay of fairs and carnivals around the country : Sink a Ping-Pong ball into a fish bowl and win the goldfish swimming inside .
But if a bill in the Illinois Senate becomes law , carnivals no longer would be allowed to award live animals such as fish , reptiles and hermit crabs as prizes .
Illinois ' Humane Care for Animals Act already prohibits giving rabbits , ducklings and chicks as carnival prizes , but Senate Bill 2472 would expand the law 's protections to all animals .
Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton , a Democrat from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backing from the Humane Society of the United States .
`` This is n't just a 'goldfish bill , ' '' she said .
`` Carnivals across the country give out other animals as prizes , specifically iguanas and other exotic reptiles . ''
Hilton said these reptiles can grow up to six feet long and become a burden to people who did not consider the specialized care the animals need .
`` Many are simply abandoned and wreak havoc on our natural wildlife , or are turned into local animal control centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
Cook County already has banned using live animals as prizes , as have Kane and McHenry counties and the city of St. Charles .
Hilton 's bill would apply only to carnivals .
She plans to add an amendment to expand it to fairs .
Ken Tyrrell , president of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs , says SB 2472 could affect the $ 170 million the Illinois fair industry contributes yearly to the state economy .
`` That 's how these people make their money , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' 104 county fairs , its two state fairs and hundreds of vendors .
`` It affects the people that bring those games to fairs and it affects the fairs if they do n't have that , '' he said .
Tyrell also says the bill erases the nostalgia of taking home a small pet from the local carnival .
`` I 've been in the fair business all my life , and people have a tendency to go back and play the same games every year , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going and playing the game where you have the possibility of winning a goldfish , they 're going to be very disappointed . ''
Hilton included a workaround in her bill , though .
Carnivals can offer a coupon or voucher to winners so they can buy the animal from a licensed pet store .
`` ( SB 2472 ) will allow prize winners to go into a pet shop and fully understand the animal that they are going to be caring for , '' she said .
Tyrrell , however , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for carnival workers who are constantly on the road .
SB 2472 was assigned to the Senate agriculture committee on Tuesday .
If it passes committee , the bill will go to the full Senate for a vote .

Senate bill would outlaw using live animals as carnival prizes
Under legislation proposed by state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, a Western Springs Democrat, carnivals would no longer be allowed to award goldish or any other live animals as prizes. Getty Images
It is a mainstay of fairs and carnivals around the country: Sink a Ping-Pong ball into a fish bowl and win the goldfish swimming inside.
But if a bill in the Illinois Senate becomes law, carnivals no longer would be allowed to award live animals such as fish, reptiles and hermit crabs as prizes.
Illinois' Humane Care for Animals Act already prohibits giving rabbits, ducklings and chicks as carnival prizes, but Senate Bill 2472 would expand the law's protections to all animals.
Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, a Democrat from Western Springs, introduced the bill with backing from the Humane Society of the United States.
"This isn't just a 'goldfish bill,'" she said. "Carnivals across the country give out other animals as prizes, specifically iguanas and other exotic reptiles."
Hilton said these reptiles can grow up to six feet long and become a burden to people who did not consider the specialized care the animals need.
"Many are simply abandoned and wreak havoc on our natural wildlife, or are turned into local animal control centers which are not equipped to handle them," she said.
Cook County already has banned using live animals as prizes, as have Kane and McHenry counties and the city of St. Charles.
Hilton's bill would apply only to carnivals. She plans to add an amendment to expand it to fairs.
Ken Tyrrell, president of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs, says SB 2472 could affect the $170 million the Illinois fair industry contributes yearly to the state economy.
"That's how these people make their money," said Tyrrell, whose organization represents Illinois' 104 county fairs, its two state fairs and hundreds of vendors.
"It affects the people that bring those games to fairs and it affects the fairs if they don't have that," he said.
Tyrell also says the bill erases the nostalgia of taking home a small pet from the local carnival.
"I've been in the fair business all my life, and people have a tendency to go back and play the same games every year," he said. "If your small children look forward to going and playing the game where you have the possibility of winning a goldfish, they're going to be very disappointed."
Hilton included a workaround in her bill, though. Carnivals can offer a coupon or voucher to winners so they can buy the animal from a licensed pet store.
"(SB 2472) will allow prize winners to go into a pet shop and fully understand the animal that they are going to be caring for," she said.
Tyrrell, however, said teaming up with pet stores is unrealistic for carnival workers who are constantly on the road.
SB 2472 was assigned to the Senate agriculture committee on Tuesday. If it passes committee, the bill will go to the full Senate for a vote.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits between Cuba and Jamaica

HAVANA ( AP ) -- The U.S. Geological Survey says a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica on Tuesday .
It was centered 139 kilometers ( 86 miles ) northwest of Montego Bay , Jamaica , and 140 kilometers ( 87 miles ) west-southwest of Niquero , Cuba .
It hit at 2:10 p.m. ( 1910 GMT ) and the epicenter was a relatively shallow 10 kilometers ( 6 miles ) beneath the surface .
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries .
The quake could be felt strongly in Santiago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belkis Guerrero , who works in a Catholic cultural center in the center of Santiago '' We were all sitting and we felt the chairs move , '' she said .
`` We heard the noise of everything moving around . ''
She said there was no apparent damage in the heart of the colonial city .
`` It felt very strong but it does n't look like anything happened , '' she told The Associated Press .
The quake also hit the Cayman Islands , leaving cracked roads and what appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were no immediate reports of deaths , injuries or more severe damage , said Kevin Morales , editor-in-chief of the Cayman Compass newspaper .
The islands see so few earthquakes that newsroom staff were puzzled when it hit , he said .
`` 'It was just like a big dump truck was rolling past , '' ' Morales said .
`` Then it continued and got more intense . ''
The USGS initially reported the magnitude at 7.3 .

Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits between Cuba and Jamaica
HAVANA (AP) -- The U.S. Geological Survey says a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica on Tuesday.
It was centered 139 kilometers (86 miles) northwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and 140 kilometers (87 miles) west-southwest of Niquero, Cuba. It hit at 2:10 p.m. (1910 GMT) and the epicenter was a relatively shallow 10 kilometers (6 miles) beneath the surface.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The quake could be felt strongly in Santiago, the largest far-eastern Cuban city, said Belkis Guerrero, who works in a Catholic cultural center in the center of Santiago
"We were all sitting and we felt the chairs move," she said. "We heard the noise of everything moving around."
She said there was no apparent damage in the heart of the colonial city.
"It felt very strong but it doesn't look like anything happened,'' she told The Associated Press.
The quake also hit the Cayman Islands, leaving cracked roads and what appeared to be sewage spilling from cracked mains. There were no immediate reports of deaths, injuries or more severe damage, said Kevin Morales, editor-in-chief of the Cayman Compass newspaper.
The islands see so few earthquakes that newsroom staff were puzzled when it hit, he said.
"'It was just like a big dump truck was rolling past,"' Morales said. "Then it continued and got more intense."
The USGS initially reported the magnitude at 7.3.