dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Hot dog, a ballgame! With a smaller crowd at Chicago Dogs opener in Rosemont

Face masks and hand sanitizer became as much a part of the baseball fan experience as peanuts and Cracker Jacks during the Chicago Dogs ' opening night Tuesday in Rosemont .
After months of uncertainty due to COVID-19 , spectators were allowed through the gates at Impact Field to see the suburban baseball team step to the plate for the start of a shortened 30-game home season .
They played the Milwaukee Milkmen .
Danny and Haley Schwartz of Bartlett brought their 4-year-old son Jackson in a full hot dog uniform .
Coming to the game `` was something we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus risk , Danny said .
`` It 's in our minds , but I appreciate the steps they 're taking to make it safer , '' he said .
Safety measures included taking temperatures of everyone entering the stadium , mask requirements , social distancing in lines and seating , and one-way aisles .
The Dogs , which play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball , initially planned to start the home portion of their 60-game schedule at the Milwaukee Milkmen 's new stadium in Franklin , Wisconsin .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials late last month that fans would be allowed in Rosemont on a limited basis .
On Tuesday night , that meant a capacity of no more than 20 % , or up to 1,300 .
It also meant cashless payments for food and beverage , and hand sanitizing stations throughout .
But there were signs of normalcy you might see at a baseball game : Acclaimed vocalist Wayne Messmer performed the national anthem , and fans received a free commemorative bobblehead -- that of Coach Mike Ditka donning sunglasses and a Dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have co-managed the Dogs alongside team skipper Butch Hobson for the home opener originally scheduled in May , but that promotion is now planned for next season , officials say .

Hot dog, a ballgame! With a smaller crowd at Chicago Dogs opener in Rosemont
Face masks and hand sanitizer became as much a part of the baseball fan experience as peanuts and Cracker Jacks during the Chicago Dogs' opening night Tuesday in Rosemont.
After months of uncertainty due to COVID-19, spectators were allowed through the gates at Impact Field to see the suburban baseball team step to the plate for the start of a shortened 30-game home season. They played the Milwaukee Milkmen.
Danny and Haley Schwartz of Bartlett brought their 4-year-old son Jackson in a full hot dog uniform. Coming to the game "was something we really wanted to do" despite the coronavirus risk, Danny said.
"It's in our minds, but I appreciate the steps they're taking to make it safer," he said.
Safety measures included taking temperatures of everyone entering the stadium, mask requirements, social distancing in lines and seating, and one-way aisles.
The Dogs, which play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, initially planned to start the home portion of their 60-game schedule at the Milwaukee Milkmen's new stadium in Franklin, Wisconsin. Then the team got word from Illinois state officials late last month that fans would be allowed in Rosemont on a limited basis.
On Tuesday night, that meant a capacity of no more than 20%, or up to 1,300. It also meant cashless payments for food and beverage, and hand sanitizing stations throughout.
But there were signs of normalcy you might see at a baseball game: Acclaimed vocalist Wayne Messmer performed the national anthem, and fans received a free commemorative bobblehead -- that of Coach Mike Ditka donning sunglasses and a Dogs sweater vest.
Da Coach was to have co-managed the Dogs alongside team skipper Butch Hobson for the home opener originally scheduled in May, but that promotion is now planned for next season, officials say.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--Classic Cinemas to close theaters again

Classic Cinemas to close theaters again

Classic Cinemas , which reopened its Illinois locations when the state entered Phase 4 of the coronavirus recovery plan in late June , will close theaters again this week .
The Downers Grove-based theater chain said in a Facebook post that it would close after Thursday 's shows .
`` Thank you to everyone for being a part of the Classic Cinemas family -- whether you patronized our theatres over the past few weeks , sent a kind note , or just thought about us .
After much deliberation and with a heavy heart , Classic Cinemas has decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of business on Thursday , July 9th , '' the post read .
`` Our team took pride in implementing the health and safety protocols and received high marks for their efforts .
Unfortunately , the lack of new movies and the extra costs have made our current business model unsustainable .
We are in this for the long term so we look forward to welcoming you back just as soon as the outlook improves and new movies are released .
Classic Cinemas has locations in Carpentersville , St. Charles , Elk Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox Lake .

Classic Cinemas to close theaters again
Classic Cinemas' Elk Grove Village theater and its locations in Carpentersville, St. Charles, Elmhurst, Downers Grove and Fox Lake will close temporarily after Thursday's shows, the company said Tuesday. File photo
Classic Cinemas, which reopened its Illinois locations when the state entered Phase 4 of the coronavirus recovery plan in late June, will close theaters again this week.
The Downers Grove-based theater chain said in a Facebook post that it would close after Thursday's shows.
"Thank you to everyone for being a part of the Classic Cinemas family -- whether you patronized our theatres over the past few weeks, sent a kind note, or just thought about us. After much deliberation and with a heavy heart, Classic Cinemas has decided to temporarily re-close our locations after the end of business on Thursday, July 9th," the post read. "Our team took pride in implementing the health and safety protocols and received high marks for their efforts. Unfortunately, the lack of new movies and the extra costs have made our current business model unsustainable. We are in this for the long term so we look forward to welcoming you back just as soon as the outlook improves and new movies are released.
Classic Cinemas has locations in Carpentersville, St. Charles, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Downers Grove and Fox Lake.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Three Lake Zurich 95 sports camps on hold after athletes test positive for COVID-19

Three Lake Zurich District 95 sports camps have been put on hold through at least the end of the week after `` a number of families '' reported that their students on the football , baseball and poms teams had tested positive for COVID-19 , according to district officials Tuesday .
In an email sent Tuesday to parents of students participating in all sports camps , District 95 Athletic Director Andrew Lambert said the district was notified by the families after the first day of sports camps on Monday .
`` From what we know , they had been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had tested positive , prompting them to get tested , and learned of the results yesterday , '' Lambert wrote .
Lambert did not say how many students had tested positive .
He said district officials immediately worked with the Lake County Health Department and jointly decided to shut down the football , baseball and poms camps for the rest of the week until the health department has an adequate opportunity to investigate all cases .
Lambert said officials indicated that the other camps were able to continue at this time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ training , our coaches did keep track of who our students were closest to but not necessarily during breaks , '' Lambert said in his letter .
`` While we did keep students clustered , they were not always with the same coach for some sports ( though we tried ) .
Additionally , when dismissing our athletes , we did have to provide continuous reminders about maintaining social distancing , as many students did not remember to follow these rules without prompting . ''
Lambert said he would be meeting with health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95 officials did not immediately reply to questions about whether that meeting took place and what recommendations health officials had for district parents .

Three Lake Zurich sports camps on hold after athletes test positive for COVID-19
Three Lake Zurich District 95 sports camps have been put on hold through at least the end of the week after "a number of families" reported that their students on the football, baseball and poms teams had tested positive for COVID-19, according to district officials Tuesday.
In an email sent Tuesday to parents of students participating in all sports camps, District 95 Athletic Director Andrew Lambert said the district was notified by the families after the first day of sports camps on Monday.
"From what we know, they had been in contact with another person(s) who had tested positive, prompting them to get tested, and learned of the results yesterday," Lambert wrote.
Lambert did not say how many students had tested positive.
He said district officials immediately worked with the Lake County Health Department and jointly decided to shut down the football, baseball and poms camps for the rest of the week until the health department has an adequate opportunity to investigate all cases.
Lambert said officials indicated that the other camps were able to continue at this time.
"Please know that while athletes are training, our coaches did keep track of who our students were closest to but not necessarily during breaks," Lambert said in his letter. "While we did keep students clustered, they were not always with the same coach for some sports (though we tried). Additionally, when dismissing our athletes, we did have to provide continuous reminders about maintaining social distancing, as many students did not remember to follow these rules without prompting."
Lambert said he would be meeting with health department officials Tuesday. Lake Zurich District 95 officials did not immediately reply to questions about whether that meeting took place and what recommendations health officials had for district parents.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--Rule on unattended horses needed? Neigh, Arlington Heights officials say

It was long considered illegal to leave your horse unattended on the streets of Arlington Heights without having it securely fastened somewhere .
The village 's lawyer found the antiquated rule on unattended equines and other `` draft animals '' when she went to update village code about negligent and distracted driving , a far more common occurrence in 21st-century suburbia than horses running loose through the streets .
`` I think this may be the last vestige of something that 's truly , truly , truly old , '' said Robin Ward , the village 's in-house counsel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ old section of municipal code because much of it had been cleaned up during a re-codification in 1995 .
Before that , the code was updated in the 1960s .
But the horse rule likely predates that , into the 1920s , Ward said .
`` I have no idea how it remained on the books for this long , '' she said .
Of course Arlington Heights is synonymous with horses -- it 's home to Arlington International Racecourse , the downtown hosts the annual Mane Event summer block party the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a caricature of a horse 's head in the shape of the letter A is part of the official village seal .
Ward does n't think there 's anything else in the code as old as the horse provision , or at least has n't come across it yet .
There are parts of the code that are routinely revised for technical language versus actual substance , she said .
`` I 'm pretty sure we 're not really worried about horses anymore , '' she said .
The old language , listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being replaced with a new section that will allow police officers to issue municipal citations for distracted driving .
That could include cellphone use , eating , reading or using in-vehicle navigation systems .
Cops already can issue drivers state-level tickets for using a cellphone while driving .
Many municipalities now have local rules on distracted driving in general on the books , and the Arlington Heights law was based on Schaumburg 's , Ward said .
The code changes were approved Monday night by the village board .

Rule on unattended horses needed? Neigh, Arlington Heights officials say
If this cowboy -- pictured in the Arlington Heights Fourth of July parade in 1978 -- ever left his horse unattended, he'd be subject to a local citation. That rule was on the books until this week, when local officials removed the outdated regulation. Daily Herald File Photo, 1978
It was long considered illegal to leave your horse unattended on the streets of Arlington Heights without having it securely fastened somewhere.
How long ago?
Until this week.
The village's lawyer found the antiquated rule on unattended equines and other "draft animals" when she went to update village code about negligent and distracted driving, a far more common occurrence in 21st-century suburbia than horses running loose through the streets.
"I think this may be the last vestige of something that's truly, truly, truly old," said Robin Ward, the village's in-house counsel.
Ward was surprised when she found the old section of municipal code because much of it had been cleaned up during a re-codification in 1995. Before that, the code was updated in the 1960s. But the horse rule likely predates that, into the 1920s, Ward said.
"I have no idea how it remained on the books for this long," she said.
Of course Arlington Heights is synonymous with horses -- it's home to Arlington International Racecourse, the downtown hosts the annual Mane Event summer block party the weekend before the Arlington Million race, and a caricature of a horse's head in the shape of the letter A is part of the official village seal.
Ward doesn't think there's anything else in the code as old as the horse provision, or at least hasn't come across it yet. There are parts of the code that are routinely revised for technical language versus actual substance, she said.
"I'm pretty sure we're not really worried about horses anymore," she said.
The old language, listed under rules governing traffic enforcement, is being replaced with a new section that will allow police officers to issue municipal citations for distracted driving. That could include cellphone use, eating, reading or using in-vehicle navigation systems.
Cops already can issue drivers state-level tickets for using a cellphone while driving. Many municipalities now have local rules on distracted driving in general on the books, and the Arlington Heights law was based on Schaumburg's, Ward said.
The code changes were approved Monday night by the village board.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--'Incident' ends peacefully at Four Lakes in Lisle

The Lisle Police Department said it responded to a `` an active critical incident '' that ended peacefully late Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ apartment complex .
In a Facebook message posted about 10 p.m. , police said authorities @ @ @ @ @ 5885 Forest View Road .
About 11:45 p.m. , authorities posted an update , saying @ @ @ @ @ Metro SWAT made entry into an apartment on the 8th floor of the apartment building @ @ @ @ @ and an investigation is ongoing . ''

'Incident' ends peacefully at Four Lakes in Lisle
The Lisle Police Department said it responded to a "an active critical incident" that ended peacefully late Tuesday night at the Four Lakes apartment complex.
In a Facebook message posted about 10 p.m., police said authorities were at the scene at 5885 Forest View Road.
About 11:45 p.m., authorities posted an update, saying "Lisle PD and DuPage Metro SWAT made entry into an apartment on the 8th floor of the apartment building. The incident ended peacefully and an investigation is ongoing."
Further details were unavailable late Tuesday night.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Feder: MeTV flags objectionable content in 'shows from another era'

Richie Cunningham , the All-American 1950s teenager played by Ron Howard on the long-running sitcom `` Happy Days , '' has a poster on his bedroom wall that bears the image of a Confederate flag , Robert Feder writes .
But you wo n't see it again as long as the show is running on MeTV .
From now on , the flag on Richie 's poster will be digitally blurred whenever it appears on the hometown network for `` Memorable Entertainment Television . ''
It 's one of numerous judgment calls they 're making as Chicago-based MeTV owner Weigel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the '60s , '70s and '80s to spot offensive stereotypes and other objectionable material in light of the times .
`` We 're being responsible , not reactionary , '' explained Neal Sabin , vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting and the driving force behind the network he created in 2008 .
`` I 'm not a fan of 'cancel culture , ' but there are certain episodes and certain things we 're taking out and other things we 're leaving in .
It 's an ongoing process . ''
In all cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're applying considers `` nuance , intent and the context in which it was done . ''
Westerns and cop shows on MeTV may deal with touchy subjects , but that does n't automatically render them unacceptable .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: MeTV flags objectionable content in 'shows from another era'
From now on, the flag on Richie Cunningham's poster in "Happy Days" will be digitally blurred whenever it appears on the hometown network for "Memorable Entertainment Television."
Richie Cunningham, the All-American 1950s teenager played by Ron Howard on the long-running sitcom "Happy Days," has a poster on his bedroom wall that bears the image of a Confederate flag, Robert Feder writes.
But you won't see it again as long as the show is running on MeTV. From now on, the flag on Richie's poster will be digitally blurred whenever it appears on the hometown network for "Memorable Entertainment Television."
It's one of numerous judgment calls they're making as Chicago-based MeTV owner Weigel Broadcasting systematically scours its library of reruns from the '60s, '70s and '80s to spot offensive stereotypes and other objectionable material in light of the times.
"We're being responsible, not reactionary," explained Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting and the driving force behind the network he created in 2008. "I'm not a fan of 'cancel culture,' but there are certain episodes and certain things we're taking out and other things we're leaving in. It's an ongoing process."
In all cases, Sabin said, the standard they're applying considers "nuance, intent and the context in which it was done." Westerns and cop shows on MeTV may deal with touchy subjects, but that doesn't automatically render them unacceptable.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--980 new cases and 36 deaths in Illinois; Pritzker calls for national mask rule

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker decried the federal response to the COVID-19 outbreak during a congressional hearing Wednesday , as state health officials announced 36 more residents died and another 980 were diagnosed in one day .
Wednesday 's test results showed 3 % resulted in new cases , the highest single-day infection rate since June 16 , when 3.3 % of the COVID-19 tests given had positive results .
The state 's death toll from the respiratory disease is now at 7,099 , and 149,432 residents have been infected .
Hospitalization figures also spiked , with 1,518 patients with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day before , according to Illinois Department of Public Health records on Wednesday .
Mobile testing programs will expand throughout the state , Pritzker announced .
The state now has 12 teams to deploy to `` hard-hit communities and visit facilities like homeless services centers and nursing homes , '' according to a news release .
Dr. Ngozi Ezike , head of the IDPH , said residents should heed safety guidelines , practice social distancing and wear face coverings whenever possible .
`` We are seeing an increase in new cases in younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events occur , '' she warned .
`` Conditions here in Illinois have improved , but I urge everyone to remain vigilant . ''
Pritzker appeared via videoconference before the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee , calling for a national mask-wearing mandate and blaming the deaths of thousands on `` inaction and late action '' by the administration of President Donald Trump .
`` There was no national plan to acquire PPE or testing supplies and as a result , people died , '' said Pritzker , a Democrat .
`` The federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The hearing focused on increasing caseloads in hot spots like Florida , Texas , Arizona and California .
`` The most important thing we can do to save lives , we need a national masking mandate , '' Pritzker said .
`` We instituted ours in Illinois on May 1 , one of the first in the nation , and it aligns with our most significant downward shifts in our infection rate .
It 's not too late for the federal government to make an impact .
In fact , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker also urged more testing and contact tracing as well as increased funding for emergency services workers .
He outlined how early in the outbreak , states were left on their own to secure safety equipment for front-line workers and often were bidding against one another for limited supplies .
He estimated Illinois received about 12 % of the supplies officials had sought from the federal government .
`` At some point the federal government just gave up , '' Pritzker said .
Illinois ' seven-day average infection rate is 2.6 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing nearly 25 % of the tests result in new cases .
But that was when tests were in short supply and only the severely ill were getting tested .
Today , the state is averaging nearly 30,000 tests a day and seeing around 750 new cases with each batch of tests .
IDPH officials estimate 94 % of those who have been diagnosed with the virus have recovered .

980 new cases and 36 deaths in Illinois; Pritzker calls for national mask rule
Gov. J.B. Pritzker decried the federal response to the COVID-19 outbreak during a congressional hearing Wednesday, as state health officials announced 36 more residents died and another 980 were diagnosed in one day.
Wednesday's test results showed 3% resulted in new cases, the highest single-day infection rate since June 16, when 3.3% of the COVID-19 tests given had positive results.
The state's death toll from the respiratory disease is now at 7,099, and 149,432 residents have been infected.
Hospitalization figures also spiked, with 1,518 patients with COVID-19 admitted statewide, up from 1,385 the day before, according to Illinois Department of Public Health records on Wednesday.
Mobile testing programs will expand throughout the state, Pritzker announced. The state now has 12 teams to deploy to "hard-hit communities and visit facilities like homeless services centers and nursing homes," according to a news release.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, head of the IDPH, said residents should heed safety guidelines, practice social distancing and wear face coverings whenever possible.
"We are seeing an increase in new cases in younger populations as more social gatherings and group events occur," she warned. "Conditions here in Illinois have improved, but I urge everyone to remain vigilant."
Pritzker appeared via videoconference before the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, calling for a national mask-wearing mandate and blaming the deaths of thousands on "inaction and late action" by the administration of President Donald Trump.
"There was no national plan to acquire PPE or testing supplies and as a result, people died," said Pritzker, a Democrat. "The federal government wasn't leading. We were."
The hearing focused on increasing caseloads in hot spots like Florida, Texas, Arizona and California.
"The most important thing we can do to save lives, we need a national masking mandate," Pritzker said. "We instituted ours in Illinois on May 1, one of the first in the nation, and it aligns with our most significant downward shifts in our infection rate. It's not too late for the federal government to make an impact. In fact, it's more important than ever."
Pritzker also urged more testing and contact tracing as well as increased funding for emergency services workers.
He outlined how early in the outbreak, states were left on their own to secure safety equipment for front-line workers and often were bidding against one another for limited supplies. He estimated Illinois received about 12% of the supplies officials had sought from the federal government.
"At some point the federal government just gave up," Pritzker said.
Illinois' seven-day average infection rate is 2.6%. In early April, the state was seeing nearly 25% of the tests result in new cases. But that was when tests were in short supply and only the severely ill were getting tested.
Today, the state is averaging nearly 30,000 tests a day and seeing around 750 new cases with each batch of tests.
IDPH officials estimate 94% of those who have been diagnosed with the virus have recovered.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Northwest Community Healthcare inks merger deal with NorthShore

Long rumored , Arlington Heights-based Northwest Community Healthcare on Wednesday announced it has inked a merger agreement that will end its independent status after 61 years .
One of the few remaining independents in the suburbs , Northwest Community is merging with Evanston-based NorthShore University HealthSystem , which operates Evanston , Glenbrook , Highland Park , Skokie and Swedish hospitals , having acquired the last earlier this year .
Each hospital system 's board of directors is set to approve the deal this week before it goes before state and federal regulators for their review and approval .
Officials hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the year .
Terms were not disclosed .
The deal follows an 18-month strategic assessment by Northwest Community 's board and years of informal discussions between CEO Steve Scogna and NorthShore President and CEO J.P. Gallagher .
Merger talks have swirled around the Arlington Heights hospital for years , amid a local and national trend aimed at cutting costs , increasing buying power , attracting more patients and expanding physician networks .
Northwest Community last publicly called off a merger hunt in April 2013 , shortly after Scogna took the helm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a point of pride on independence so much as believing independence was the way from an organizational perspective we could best serve the mission of the organization to take care of the community , '' Scogna told the Daily Herald .
`` Most of the models that were out there did n't really seem to have that kind of focus . ''
But through ensuing talks with Gallagher and NorthShore brass , Scogna said it became apparent their philosophies on community-based health care aligned .
`` This new model in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our whole purpose better , '' Scogna said .
He said the merger does n't have anything to do with Northwest Community 's finances or the effect of COVID-19 on the bottom line .
In fact , last week Standard & Poor 's reaffirmed the hospital 's A rating and its stable outlook , he said .
Together , the larger hospital network will have six hospitals , nearly 200 outpatient locations and some 17,000 employees .
Scogna said patients will have access to greater and different levels of specialty services than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Northwest Community will be able to tap into NorthShore 's research and data analytics .
Allan Baumgarten , a Minneapolis-based hospital industry analyst , said what likely appealed to NorthShore was Northwest Community 's location , allowing the Evanston-based company to expand its footprint west , in addition to a `` favorable payer mix '' with a number of patients covered by employer-sponsored insurance in the Northwest suburbs .
But Northwest Community 's outpatient assets -- 23 doctor 's offices , five immediate care centers , seven physical rehabilitation sites and 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the 509-bed Arlington Heights hospital itself , Baumgarten said .
`` To the extent they can extend their geography , pick up some new and attractive outpatient centers who will feed the more demanding cases into NorthShore inpatient facilities , I think that may have been a significant part of the appeal , '' Baumgarten said .
As the coronavirus was ramping up in April , NorthShore centralized treatment of those cases at Glenbrook .
There are n't plans to send Northwest Community COVID-19 patients there , a spokeswoman said .
Scogna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Community and its board will continue to provide oversight , while having a seat at the table of the NorthShore board .
Northwest Community 's brand and logo also will remain intact on the face of its facilities , with some new tie-in to the NorthShore system , Scogna said .
`` We really want to make sure that this community knows the 60 years that they 've invested in is certainly going to be continuing on and we 're very proud of that brand . ''
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who assured him the transition would be seamless and not diminish the services the hospital provides .
`` It 's very exciting news for them and everyone affiliated with the hospital , '' said Hayes , who noted the institution 's longtime presence in the community .
`` They of course are looking for ways to continue to provide high-quality care and treatment for the Arlington Heights community and other communities they serve .
I 'm sure it 's in the best interest of all of their customers and patients . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board and Federal Trade Commission are expected to consider the proposed merger in the coming months .

Northwest Community Healthcare inks merger deal with NorthShore
Steve Scogna, CEO of Northwest Community Healthcare in Arlington Heights, pursued merger talks even after initially putting them on hold when he first took the helm in 2013. "This new model in this marketplace we feel fits that whole (community-based) mission and our whole purpose better," Scogna said of a proposed partnership with NorthShore University HealthSystem. Daily Herald File Photo, 2014
Long rumored, Arlington Heights-based Northwest Community Healthcare on Wednesday announced it has inked a merger agreement that will end its independent status after 61 years.
One of the few remaining independents in the suburbs, Northwest Community is merging with Evanston-based NorthShore University HealthSystem, which operates Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park, Skokie and Swedish hospitals, having acquired the last earlier this year.
Each hospital system's board of directors is set to approve the deal this week before it goes before state and federal regulators for their review and approval. Officials hope to close on the transaction by the end of the year. Terms were not disclosed.
The deal follows an 18-month strategic assessment by Northwest Community's board and years of informal discussions between CEO Steve Scogna and NorthShore President and CEO J.P. Gallagher.
Merger talks have swirled around the Arlington Heights hospital for years, amid a local and national trend aimed at cutting costs, increasing buying power, attracting more patients and expanding physician networks.
Northwest Community last publicly called off a merger hunt in April 2013, shortly after Scogna took the helm.
"I don't know that it was a point of pride on independence so much as believing independence was the way from an organizational perspective we could best serve the mission of the organization to take care of the community," Scogna told the Daily Herald. "Most of the models that were out there didn't really seem to have that kind of focus."
But through ensuing talks with Gallagher and NorthShore brass, Scogna said it became apparent their philosophies on community-based health care aligned.
"This new model in this marketplace we feel fits that whole mission and our whole purpose better," Scogna said.
He said the merger doesn't have anything to do with Northwest Community's finances or the effect of COVID-19 on the bottom line. In fact, last week Standard & Poor's reaffirmed the hospital's A rating and its stable outlook, he said.
Together, the larger hospital network will have six hospitals, nearly 200 outpatient locations and some 17,000 employees.
Scogna said patients will have access to greater and different levels of specialty services than they have today. Behind the scenes, Northwest Community will be able to tap into NorthShore's research and data analytics.
Allan Baumgarten, a Minneapolis-based hospital industry analyst, said what likely appealed to NorthShore was Northwest Community's location, allowing the Evanston-based company to expand its footprint west, in addition to a "favorable payer mix" with a number of patients covered by employer-sponsored insurance in the Northwest suburbs.
But Northwest Community's outpatient assets -- 23 doctor's offices, five immediate care centers, seven physical rehabilitation sites and 13 labs -- may be just as important as the 509-bed Arlington Heights hospital itself, Baumgarten said.
"To the extent they can extend their geography, pick up some new and attractive outpatient centers who will feed the more demanding cases into NorthShore inpatient facilities, I think that may have been a significant part of the appeal," Baumgarten said.
As the coronavirus was ramping up in April, NorthShore centralized treatment of those cases at Glenbrook. There aren't plans to send Northwest Community COVID-19 patients there, a spokeswoman said.
Scogna will remain at the helm of Northwest Community and its board will continue to provide oversight, while having a seat at the table of the NorthShore board.
Northwest Community's brand and logo also will remain intact on the face of its facilities, with some new tie-in to the NorthShore system, Scogna said.
"We really want to make sure that this community knows the 60 years that they've invested in is certainly going to be continuing on and we're very proud of that brand."
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said he's been in touch with Scogna, who assured him the transition would be seamless and not diminish the services the hospital provides.
"It's very exciting news for them and everyone affiliated with the hospital," said Hayes, who noted the institution's longtime presence in the community. "They of course are looking for ways to continue to provide high-quality care and treatment for the Arlington Heights community and other communities they serve. I'm sure it's in the best interest of all of their customers and patients."
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board and Federal Trade Commission are expected to consider the proposed merger in the coming months.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Social media post hints at Tuesday opening for St. Charles Wahlburgers

A social media post featuring a winking Donnie Wahlberg hints that the long-awaited opening of his St. Charles burger restaurant is right around the corner .
Wahlburgers posted the short video clip on Facebook Tuesday with a caption saying , `` One week from today , '' indicating the eatery will begin operating July 14 .
It was shared by the St. Charles location 's page , which added , `` We 're so excited to welcome you through our doors . ''
Bringing his family 's Massachusetts-based chain to St. Charles has been a longtime goal for Wahlberg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , actress and TV personality Jenny McCarthy , and their sons .
The actor and singer founded Wahlburgers in 2011 with his two brothers , actor Mark and executive chef Paul , who have since expanded the brand nationwide .
Hundreds of people attended a ceremonial groundbreaking in the spring of 2019 to kick off construction at 825 S. Randall Road .
The restaurant was slated to begin operating in April before the COVID-19 crisis pushed back the opening .
Wahlburgers was not immune to the hardship of the pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post in April showing photos of the newly constructed St. Charles location .
But he said his team is `` fighting hard and will not give up . ''
`` I look forward to the day , in the not too distant future , when we are together in this finally 'completed ' restaurant , '' his post said .
To set it apart from other locations across the country , the establishment is expected to display memorabilia belonging to Wahlberg and McCarthy .
It also has a dining area , a full-service @ @ @ @ @ @

Social media post hints at Tuesday opening for St. Charles Wahlburgers
A social media post featuring a winking Donnie Wahlberg hints that the long-awaited opening of his St. Charles burger restaurant is right around the corner.
Wahlburgers posted the short video clip on Facebook Tuesday with a caption saying, "One week from today," indicating the eatery will begin operating July 14. It was shared by the St. Charles location's page, which added, "We're so excited to welcome you through our doors."
Bringing his family's Massachusetts-based chain to St. Charles has been a longtime goal for Wahlberg, who lives in town with his wife, actress and TV personality Jenny McCarthy, and their sons. The actor and singer founded Wahlburgers in 2011 with his two brothers, actor Mark and executive chef Paul, who have since expanded the brand nationwide.
Hundreds of people attended a ceremonial groundbreaking in the spring of 2019 to kick off construction at 825 S. Randall Road. The restaurant was slated to begin operating in April before the COVID-19 crisis pushed back the opening.
Wahlburgers was not immune to the hardship of the pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home order, Wahlberg said in an Instagram post in April showing photos of the newly constructed St. Charles location. But he said his team is "fighting hard and will not give up."
"I look forward to the day, in the not too distant future, when we are together in this finally 'completed' restaurant," his post said.
To set it apart from other locations across the country, the establishment is expected to display memorabilia belonging to Wahlberg and McCarthy. It also has a dining area, a full-service bar and an outdoor patio.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--6 shops closed but 5 new opening in downtown Naperville

A new Japanese restaurant is getting established after the pandemic shutdown .
A record store was n't really deterred in its relocation .
A shake bar is coming soon .
A coffee and tea shop awaits the completion of a new development .
And , a sports bar just got a demolition permit to begin renovations .
All of this in a downtown that also has seen six shop closings during the pandemic , one night of damage when a protest turned destructive , several businesses vandalized or looted and many more papered with colorful hearts and inspiring messages .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ March are Vom Fass , MidiCi Neapolitian Pizza , A-1 Antiques , Hanna Andersson , Edie Boutique and Sushi House , said Katie Wood , executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance .
Recently opened are Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ at 47 E. Chicago Ave. suite 108 , which was n't in business long before Gov .
J.B. Pritzker required restaurants to close in March ; and Purple Dog Records , which opened Tuesday at 231 S. Washington St. , suite 105 , after moving from a space on Center Street near the Naperville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 under the father-daughter-son ownership of Joel Sicker and his children Erin Gavin and Colin Sicker , but the shop closed at its original location March 15 because the building was sold .
The family took until May to find a new spot in town , accessible from a downtown alley just north of Jackson Avenue , then got help moving from longtime customers and began buying and selling vinyl again this week .
`` We 've got a lot more visibility , '' Sicker said of the new location .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people just see it and walk on in . ''
Coming soon to the downtown are Nutrition Hub , a shake and tea shop , at 26 W. Jefferson Ave. , which could open at the end of July ; and Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea , in the Central Park Place development at 110 S. Washington St. , on the site of the old Nichols Library .
It is targeting a Labor Day launch .
Nutrition Hub owner Sam Suleiman said he is excited to expand into Naperville with the business he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Frankfort , Mokena and New Lenox .
Nutrition Hub sells teas and coffee , as well as shakes and smoothie bowls that provide a high-protein meal with low sugar , calories and carbohydrates .
`` The bad stuff is very low and the good stuff is very high , '' Suleiman said .
In the works for the future is Heizmans , a sports bar to be run by the same ownership family behind Empire Burgers & Brew in downtown Naperville and Ballydoyle in Downers Grove and Aurora .
Owner Phil Cullen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is taking the lead to develop Heizmans after working his was up the hierarchy at the family 's other restaurants .
The COVID-19 situation is delaying plans , Cullen said , but demolition on the bar 's future space at 218 S. Washington St. has begun to turn it from the former Board & Barrel deli into a sports bar named to allude to football 's Heisman Trophy .
The Downtown Naperville Alliance maintains a list on its website of business reopenings , new hours and COVID-19-related changes .
For details , visit @ @ @ @

6 shops closed but 5 new opening in downtown Naperville
A new Japanese restaurant is getting established after the pandemic shutdown. A record store wasn't really deterred in its relocation.
A shake bar is coming soon. A coffee and tea shop awaits the completion of a new development. And, a sports bar just got a demolition permit to begin renovations.
All of this in a downtown that also has seen six shop closings during the pandemic, one night of damage when a protest turned destructive, several businesses vandalized or looted and many more papered with colorful hearts and inspiring messages.
Closed since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March are Vom Fass, MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza, A-1 Antiques, Hanna Andersson, Edie Boutique and Sushi House, said Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance.
Recently opened are Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ at 47 E. Chicago Ave. suite 108, which wasn't in business long before Gov. J.B. Pritzker required restaurants to close in March; and Purple Dog Records, which opened Tuesday at 231 S. Washington St., suite 105, after moving from a space on Center Street near the Naperville Metra station.
Purple Dog opened in 2014 under the father-daughter-son ownership of Joel Sicker and his children Erin Gavin and Colin Sicker, but the shop closed at its original location March 15 because the building was sold. The family took until May to find a new spot in town, accessible from a downtown alley just north of Jackson Avenue, then got help moving from longtime customers and began buying and selling vinyl again this week.
"We've got a lot more visibility," Sicker said of the new location. "We just put our sign out there and people just see it and walk on in."
Coming soon to the downtown are Nutrition Hub, a shake and tea shop, at 26 W. Jefferson Ave., which could open at the end of July; and Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, in the Central Park Place development at 110 S. Washington St., on the site of the old Nichols Library. It is targeting a Labor Day launch.
Nutrition Hub owner Sam Suleiman said he is excited to expand into Naperville with the business he's been running for the past three years in Frankfort, Mokena and New Lenox. Nutrition Hub sells teas and coffee, as well as shakes and smoothie bowls that provide a high-protein meal with low sugar, calories and carbohydrates.
"The bad stuff is very low and the good stuff is very high," Suleiman said.
In the works for the future is Heizmans, a sports bar to be run by the same ownership family behind Empire Burgers & Brew in downtown Naperville and Ballydoyle in Downers Grove and Aurora.
Owner Phil Cullen said his son, Will Cullen, is taking the lead to develop Heizmans after working his was up the hierarchy at the family's other restaurants. The COVID-19 situation is delaying plans, Cullen said, but demolition on the bar's future space at 218 S. Washington St. has begun to turn it from the former Board & Barrel deli into a sports bar named to allude to football's Heisman Trophy.
The Downtown Naperville Alliance maintains a list on its website of business reopenings, new hours and COVID-19-related changes. For details, visit https://downtownnaperville.com/come-on-in-we-are-open/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Carol Stream mayor, trustee face criticism for offensive social media posts

Social media posts by Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino and a village trustee have sparked controversy and led to calls for board members to receive anti-racism and implicit-bias training .
Saverino has drawn criticism from some residents , activists and students for what they say is a history of sharing Facebook memes promoting racist , Islamaphobic and homophobic views through widely circulated images and crude humor .
One meme Saverino reposted on his Facebook page two years ago used a slur offensive to people with disabilities while referring to liberals .
Saverino pushed back against the criticism during recent board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Herald , saying he was stunned by it and defending himself as a community booster and staunch supporter of law enforcement .
When asked about some of the memes , Saverino told the Daily Herald Wednesday he did n't mean to offend anyone .
`` Am I sorry I posted it ?
Well , I wo n't ever make that mistake again , I can tell you that , '' he said .
`` I did n't realize how sensitive some people were . ''
Saverino said he does n't remember sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he also announces official village business , but he has invited anyone who wants to challenge his actions to meet with him face to face .
`` To be put in the category of being a racist when some of my friends are African American , Hispanic , Puerto Rican , I 'm really confused here if they were really talking about me or if they were talking about somebody else , '' Saverino said at one board meeting .
`` Because to me , it 's very hurtful , to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do things for , it 's never based on race , color , creed .
It 's based purely on need . ''
While trustees have either come to the mayor 's defense or remained silent , his critics say his comments fail to acknowledge their concerns .
`` That statement of ' I have Black friends , ' that 's kind of a racist ideology to begin with because it stems from the fact ' I allow a person of color in my space , therefore I am absolved of anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not possibly be racist , ' '' said Meggie Hernandez-Zayas , who , after she moved to the village two years ago , started Carol Stream Community Activists , a Facebook group with about 130 members .
Stephanie Biegel , a 2019 trustee candidate , addressed a three-page letter to the board outlining about a half dozen examples of Saverino 's posts , several of which `` imply that white people are the only people that can be made fun of or discriminated against . ''
A screenshot shows Saverino shared a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make fun of a Black or Muslims lose your career -- make fun of your president , Christians or whites , get praised ! ''
`` These statements demonstrate a very callous attitude toward demographics who have been marginalized by oppression that has been occurring for hundreds of years due to their race , '' Biegel wrote .
A fake photo appearing to show former President Barack Obama kissing former British Prime Minister David Cameron also appeared on Saverino 's page in 2018 .
Facebook has since removed the image .
Arsima Araya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High School , said it was hurtful to see the posts when the content resurfaced on the Carol Stream Community Activists group .
The student , who 'll be a senior this fall , attended her first board meeting this week with five other speakers who made in-person and virtual comments about the posts and race relations in the village .
Araya , Hernandez-Zayas and others say they want the leaders of the village , where Black residents constitute about 7.5 % of the population , to participate in long-term training on identifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first step for accountability .
Trustee Mary Frusolone said the board plans to set up training sessions in August .
`` We have a lot to learn , '' she said .
`` We have a lot of listening to do , and we plan on doing that as a board . ''
Trustee John LaRocca , meanwhile , has apologized for sharing a Facebook post circulating rumors about a supposed flag-burning protest at Gettysburg on July 4 and calling Juneteenth a `` nonexistent holiday . ''
LaRocca said he made a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post and checking its validity .
One person urged him to step down , but LaRocca said he has no intention of doing so .
`` I 'm going to use all the comments by everybody to be a better trustee and to be more aware of racism that exists , '' he said .
`` I will do my very best to do that . ''
Saverino said he does n't discriminate and he points to his record of volunteerism and his work with `` physically challenged people '' through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past 25 years .
He was first elected village president in 2007 .
`` I love people .
I love this town .
The history I 've got here is loud and clear , '' said Saverino , likening Carol Stream to television 's Mayberry .
He 's also said that no matter what he posts on Facebook , `` someone will take it wrong every time . ''
`` You 've pegged me the wrong way , and that was a terrible mistake because that 's not -- what you see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Saverino said during a board meeting last month .
`` And if I gave you that impression that I 'm a bigot or homophobic or a racist , I do n't know how that possibly could have happened . ''
Hernandez-Zayas accepted LaRocca 's apology and said he set an example for taking accountability .
She also does n't deny that board members have `` done good things '' for Carol Stream .
But she and Biegel say they 've struggled to speak up about issues , with Hernandez-Zayas citing the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at meetings .
`` I think it 's time to admit that there 's a problem and take steps toward personal and community growth , '' she said .

Carol Stream mayor, trustee face criticism for offensive social media posts
Social media posts by Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino and a village trustee have sparked controversy and led to calls for board members to receive anti-racism and implicit-bias training.
Saverino has drawn criticism from some residents, activists and students for what they say is a history of sharing Facebook memes promoting racist, Islamaphobic and homophobic views through widely circulated images and crude humor. One meme Saverino reposted on his Facebook page two years ago used a slur offensive to people with disabilities while referring to liberals.
Saverino pushed back against the criticism during recent board meetings and in an interview with the Daily Herald, saying he was stunned by it and defending himself as a community booster and staunch supporter of law enforcement.
When asked about some of the memes, Saverino told the Daily Herald Wednesday he didn't mean to offend anyone.
"Am I sorry I posted it? Well, I won't ever make that mistake again, I can tell you that," he said. "I didn't realize how sensitive some people were."
Saverino said he doesn't remember sharing the content on his personal page, where he also announces official village business, but he has invited anyone who wants to challenge his actions to meet with him face to face.
"To be put in the category of being a racist when some of my friends are African American, Hispanic, Puerto Rican, I'm really confused here if they were really talking about me or if they were talking about somebody else," Saverino said at one board meeting. "Because to me, it's very hurtful, to do what I do for the people that I do things for, it's never based on race, color, creed. It's based purely on need."
While trustees have either come to the mayor's defense or remained silent, his critics say his comments fail to acknowledge their concerns.
"That statement of 'I have Black friends,' that's kind of a racist ideology to begin with because it stems from the fact 'I allow a person of color in my space, therefore I am absolved of anything that I say or do because I could not possibly be racist,'" said Meggie Hernandez-Zayas, who, after she moved to the village two years ago, started Carol Stream Community Activists, a Facebook group with about 130 members.
Stephanie Biegel, a 2019 trustee candidate, addressed a three-page letter to the board outlining about a half dozen examples of Saverino's posts, several of which "imply that white people are the only people that can be made fun of or discriminated against."
A screenshot shows Saverino shared a meme in 2018 that states, "Make fun of a Black or Muslims lose your career -- make fun of your president, Christians or whites, get praised!"
"These statements demonstrate a very callous attitude toward demographics who have been marginalized by oppression that has been occurring for hundreds of years due to their race," Biegel wrote.
A fake photo appearing to show former President Barack Obama kissing former British Prime Minister David Cameron also appeared on Saverino's page in 2018. Facebook has since removed the image.
Arsima Araya, a Black student at Glenbard North High School, said it was hurtful to see the posts when the content resurfaced on the Carol Stream Community Activists group. The student, who'll be a senior this fall, attended her first board meeting this week with five other speakers who made in-person and virtual comments about the posts and race relations in the village.
Araya, Hernandez-Zayas and others say they want the leaders of the village, where Black residents constitute about 7.5% of the population, to participate in long-term training on identifying racism and social media responsibility as a first step for accountability.
Trustee Mary Frusolone said the board plans to set up training sessions in August.
"We have a lot to learn," she said. "We have a lot of listening to do, and we plan on doing that as a board."
Trustee John LaRocca, meanwhile, has apologized for sharing a Facebook post circulating rumors about a supposed flag-burning protest at Gettysburg on July 4 and calling Juneteenth a "nonexistent holiday."
LaRocca said he made a "big mistake" by not thoroughly reading the post and checking its validity. One person urged him to step down, but LaRocca said he has no intention of doing so.
"I'm going to use all the comments by everybody to be a better trustee and to be more aware of racism that exists," he said. "I will do my very best to do that."
Saverino said he doesn't discriminate and he points to his record of volunteerism and his work with "physically challenged people" through the Italian American Sports Hall Of Fame over the past 25 years. He was first elected village president in 2007.
"I love people. I love this town. The history I've got here is loud and clear," said Saverino, likening Carol Stream to television's Mayberry.
He's also said that no matter what he posts on Facebook, "someone will take it wrong every time."
"You've pegged me the wrong way, and that was a terrible mistake because that's not -- what you see with me is what you get," Saverino said during a board meeting last month. "And if I gave you that impression that I'm a bigot or homophobic or a racist, I don't know how that possibly could have happened."
Hernandez-Zayas accepted LaRocca's apology and said he set an example for taking accountability. She also doesn't deny that board members have "done good things" for Carol Stream.
But she and Biegel say they've struggled to speak up about issues, with Hernandez-Zayas citing the mayor's "slightly passive aggressive comments" at meetings.
"I think it's time to admit that there's a problem and take steps toward personal and community growth," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Wood Dale bank robbed

Wood Dale bank robbed

The FBI is searching for the man who robbed a bank Wednesday in Wood Dale .
According to a news @ @ @ @ @ the Wood Dale Bank and Trust , at 171 E. Irving Park Road , about @ @ @ @ @ robber implied he had a weapon .
No injuries were reported .
The suspect is @ @ @ @ @ wearing a dark Chicago Bears hat , a dark face mask , sunglasses , a @ @ @ @ @ white T-shirt , light-colored shorts , and black and white sneakers with red backs .

Wood Dale bank robbed
The FBI says this man robbed a Wood Dale bank on Wednesday. courtesy of the FBI
According to the FBI, this man implied he had a weapon when he robbed a Wood Dale bank on Wednesday. courtesy of the FBI
The FBI is searching for the man who robbed a bank Wednesday in Wood Dale.
According to a news release, agents responded to the Wood Dale Bank and Trust, at 171 E. Irving Park Road, about 1 p.m. Wednesday. The robber implied he had a weapon. No injuries were reported.
The suspect is a white man who was wearing a dark Chicago Bears hat, a dark face mask, sunglasses, a green long-sleeved jacket over a white T-shirt, light-colored shorts, and black and white sneakers with red backs.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--July 8 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Interactive mapSuburbs ' portion Since the outbreak began , there have been 76,289 cases in the suburbs as of Wednesday , 51 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,623 deaths in the suburbs , representing 51 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Wednesday , suburban Cook County had 39,452 cases and 2,014 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 54,044 cases and 2,650 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Des Plaines , 841 cases and 59 deaths in Wheeling , 740 cases and 18 deaths in Palatine , 687 cases and 22 deaths in Streamwood , 675 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 619 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg , 583 cases and 32 deaths in Arlington Heights , 572 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview , 519 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 511 cases and 23 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 384 cases and 37 deaths in Elk Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northbrook , 356 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 280 cases and 7 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 131 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 9,457 cases and 476 deaths as of Wednesday .
• Top counts : 844 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 801 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago , 686 cases and 11 deaths in Glendale Heights , 556 cases and 33 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bensenville , 536 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream , 431 cases and 24 deaths in Lombard , 368 cases and 34 deaths in Elmhurst , 359 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 291 cases and 21 deaths in Wheaton , 267 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park , 258 cases and 2 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) , 181 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn .
Lake County • The county listed 10,101 cases and 405 deaths on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts : 2,730 to 2,734 in Waukegan , 620 to 624 in Round Lake Beach , 390 to 394 in Mundelein , 315 to 319 in Gurnee , 250 to 254 in Round Lake , 200 to 204 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 185 to 189 in Lake Zurich , 170 to 174 in Vernon Hills , 170 to 174 in Wauconda , 145 to 149 in Libertyville , 105 to 109 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed 7,998 cases with 280 deaths on its website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 1,928 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 765 in Carpentersville , 335 in St. Charles , 311 in South Elgin , 217 in North Aurora , 213 in Geneva , 143 in Batavia , and 54 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 2,195 cases and 101 deaths , according to the health department Wednesday .
• 7,061 cases and 322 deaths , as of Wednesday .
• Cases per town include 431 in Naperville ( Will County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will County portion ) .

July 8 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Courtesy of the CDCThis illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depicts the coronavirus as viewed through a microscope.
Interactive mapSuburbs' portion Since the outbreak began, there have been 76,289 cases in the suburbs as of Wednesday, 51% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 3,623 deaths in the suburbs, representing 51% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Wednesday, suburban Cook County had 39,452 cases and 2,014 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 54,044 cases and 2,650 fatalities.
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 1,798 cases and 99 deaths in Des Plaines, 841 cases and 59 deaths in Wheeling, 740 cases and 18 deaths in Palatine, 687 cases and 22 deaths in Streamwood, 675 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 619 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg, 583 cases and 32 deaths in Arlington Heights, 572 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview, 519 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 511 cases and 23 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 384 cases and 37 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 362 cases and 39 deaths in Northbrook, 356 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 280 cases and 7 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 131 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 9,457 cases and 476 deaths as of Wednesday.
• Top counts: 844 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 801 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago, 686 cases and 11 deaths in Glendale Heights, 556 cases and 33 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 543 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 536 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 431 cases and 24 deaths in Lombard, 368 cases and 34 deaths in Elmhurst, 359 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 291 cases and 21 deaths in Wheaton, 267 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park, 258 cases and 2 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion), 181 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
Lake County • The county listed 10,101 cases and 405 deaths on its website as of Wednesday.• Top counts: 2,730 to 2,734 in Waukegan, 620 to 624 in Round Lake Beach, 390 to 394 in Mundelein, 315 to 319 in Gurnee, 250 to 254 in Round Lake, 200 to 204 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 185 to 189 in Lake Zurich, 170 to 174 in Vernon Hills, 170 to 174 in Wauconda, 145 to 149 in Libertyville, 105 to 109 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 7,998 cases with 280 deaths on its website Wednesday.
• Top counts: 3,435 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 1,928 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 765 in Carpentersville, 335 in St. Charles, 311 in South Elgin, 217 in North Aurora, 213 in Geneva, 143 in Batavia, and 54 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County• 2,195 cases and 101 deaths, according to the health department Wednesday.
Will County
• 7,061 cases and 322 deaths, as of Wednesday.
• Cases per town include 431 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 76 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Lake Zurich District 95 suspends all sports camps after athletes test positive for COVID-19

All Lake Zurich District 95 sports camps have been suspended -- and its participants urged to quarantine -- after `` a number of families '' reported that students who participated in football , baseball and poms camps had tested positive for COVID-19 .
The district is recommending that all athletes and coaches who participated in the camps , which began Monday at Lake Zurich High School , begin self-quarantining immediately , officials said .
Officials revealed that other Lake Zurich High student-athletes failed the health screening to enter camp or indicated an illness after participating in one of the camps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in close contact with students who have tested positive for COVID-19 , according to a message signed by Superintendent Kelley Gallt and Athletic Director Andrew Lambert that was posted late Tuesday on the district 's website .
`` After careful review of all of the information collected , including the possibility of student athletes participating in large gatherings outside of the district 's sport camps , a larger circle of potential contacts with exposed individuals has been identified , '' the message from administrators said .
District officials said they worked closely with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Illinois Department of Public Health throughout the process .
In a release Wednesday , Lake County Health Department officials noted an upward trend in new COVID-19 cases among teenagers and young adults in the past two weeks while cases among other age groups have remained steady .
`` During our case investigations , we are finding that many young people who attended social gatherings with their friends have become infected with COVID-19 , '' said Dr. Sana Ahmed , medical epidemiologist for the Lake County Health Department .
`` Youth are just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread this virus , and your risk is higher if you and those you spend time with are not following social distancing , hand-washing , and masking guidelines .
`` We ask that everyone continue to take these risks seriously and contact the Health Department if you think you have been exposed .
We need your help to keep this virus under control . ''
The health department also reported it has been working with Vernon Hills High School officials after one of their students involved in a summer athletic workout group at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Libertyville High School District 128 officials said Wednesday the student tested positive after the workout group had concluded for the summer , and there is no evidence to suggest the student contracted the virus at the workout group .
While the Lake Zurich sports camps are suspended , health authorities say they will investigate and conduct contact tracing procedures .
`` We urge our students , parents , and the entire community to respond immediately if you are contacted by the Lake County Health Department , as time is very critical in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Our staff is here to provide you with guidance and support .
Your assistance in the process helps us slow the spread of COVID-19 , protecting your own household and the community . ''
Lambert said the Lake Zurich district was notified by the families about the positive COVID-19 tests after the first day of camp .
District 95 has not said how many students have tested positive .
In their message to the community , administrators said federal privacy laws prevent the district from sharing the names of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would otherwise lead to the identification of a staff member/student . ''

Lake Zurich District 95 suspends all sports camps after athletes test positive for COVID-19
All Lake Zurich District 95 sports camps have been suspended -- and its participants urged to quarantine -- after "a number of families" reported that students who participated in football, baseball and poms camps had tested positive for COVID-19.
The district is recommending that all athletes and coaches who participated in the camps, which began Monday at Lake Zurich High School, begin self-quarantining immediately, officials said.
Officials revealed that other Lake Zurich High student-athletes failed the health screening to enter camp or indicated an illness after participating in one of the camps. In addition, other student-athletes were in close contact with students who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a message signed by Superintendent Kelley Gallt and Athletic Director Andrew Lambert that was posted late Tuesday on the district's website.
"After careful review of all of the information collected, including the possibility of student athletes participating in large gatherings outside of the district's sport camps, a larger circle of potential contacts with exposed individuals has been identified," the message from administrators said.
District officials said they worked closely with officials from the Lake County Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health throughout the process.
In a release Wednesday, Lake County Health Department officials noted an upward trend in new COVID-19 cases among teenagers and young adults in the past two weeks while cases among other age groups have remained steady.
"During our case investigations, we are finding that many young people who attended social gatherings with their friends have become infected with COVID-19," said Dr. Sana Ahmed, medical epidemiologist for the Lake County Health Department. "Youth are just as likely as adults to get and spread this virus, and your risk is higher if you and those you spend time with are not following social distancing, hand-washing, and masking guidelines.
"We ask that everyone continue to take these risks seriously and contact the Health Department if you think you have been exposed. We need your help to keep this virus under control."
The health department also reported it has been working with Vernon Hills High School officials after one of their students involved in a summer athletic workout group at Vernon Hills High tested positive for COVID-19.
Libertyville High School District 128 officials said Wednesday the student tested positive after the workout group had concluded for the summer, and there is no evidence to suggest the student contracted the virus at the workout group.
While the Lake Zurich sports camps are suspended, health authorities say they will investigate and conduct contact tracing procedures.
"We urge our students, parents, and the entire community to respond immediately if you are contacted by the Lake County Health Department, as time is very critical in our contact tracing process," Ahmed said. "Our staff is here to provide you with guidance and support. Your assistance in the process helps us slow the spread of COVID-19, protecting your own household and the community."
Lambert said the Lake Zurich district was notified by the families about the positive COVID-19 tests after the first day of camp.
District 95 has not said how many students have tested positive. In their message to the community, administrators said federal privacy laws prevent the district from sharing the names of the student-athletes or providing "any information that would otherwise lead to the identification of a staff member/student."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Hot-air balloon makes emergency landing in Lake in the Hills neighborhood

An 80-year-old woman passed out during an early morning hot air balloon flight over Lake in the Hills Wednesday morning , causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in a residential neighborhood .
Huntley Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Al Schlick said the woman had regained consciousness by the time emergency workers responded to the balloon , which had landed in a residential neighborhood near the intersection of Ackman and Haligus roads at about 7:15 a.m .
The unidentified woman was transported to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital .
Schlick said her condition was nonlife-threatening .
Schlick said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that they learned the patient was inside a hot-air balloon and it still had n't landed .
`` The pilot told dispatch he thought he could make it to that intersection and he landed pretty much where he said he would , '' Schlick said .
It 's unknown how many people were aboard the balloon at the time .
The pilot told fire officials he was taking the woman on a sightseeing tour of the area .
It 's not uncommon to see hot air balloons in the area , Schlick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the district 's second call for service involving a hot-air balloon in a week .
A few days ago , a hot-air balloon had made a routine landing in a field , but nearby residents were concerned it had crashed and called 911 .

Hot-air balloon makes emergency landing in Lake in the Hills neighborhood
A hot-air balloon had to make an emergency landing near a residential neighborhood in Lake in the Hills early Wednesday morning when a passenger lost consciousness. Courtesy of the Huntley Fire Protection District
An 80-year-old woman passed out during an early morning hot air balloon flight over Lake in the Hills Wednesday morning, causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in a residential neighborhood.
Huntley Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Al Schlick said the woman had regained consciousness by the time emergency workers responded to the balloon, which had landed in a residential neighborhood near the intersection of Ackman and Haligus roads at about 7:15 a.m.
The unidentified woman was transported to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital. Schlick said her condition was nonlife-threatening.
Schlick said it wasn't until EMS workers were on their way that they learned the patient was inside a hot-air balloon and it still hadn't landed.
"The pilot told dispatch he thought he could make it to that intersection and he landed pretty much where he said he would," Schlick said.
It's unknown how many people were aboard the balloon at the time.
The pilot told fire officials he was taking the woman on a sightseeing tour of the area.
It's not uncommon to see hot air balloons in the area, Schlick said. In fact, this was the district's second call for service involving a hot-air balloon in a week. A few days ago, a hot-air balloon had made a routine landing in a field, but nearby residents were concerned it had crashed and called 911.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Buffalo Grove man accused of painting racist graffiti in Arlington Heights

A Buffalo Grove man has been charged with 14 felony counts related to racist graffiti found at multiple Arlington Heights @ @ @ @ @ Arlington Heights Police Department , 20-year-old Josiah J. Biewer of Buffalo Grove has been charged @ @ @ @ @ a hate crime and seven counts of criminal damage to government-supported property in string of @ @ @ @ @ to Tuesday .
Arlington Heights police arrested Biewer early Tuesday after staking out Lake Arlington @ @ @ @ @ struck by graffiti three previous times .
Officers noticed a blue Honda speeding away from @ @ @ @ @ off , then found fresh graffiti .
Officers traced the Honda 's vehicle registration to @ @ @ @ @ he admitted his involvement , police said .
In addition to Lake Arlington Park , @ @ @ @ @ and the Vail Street parking garage also were sprayed with graffiti , which was removed @

Buffalo Grove man accused of painting racist graffiti in Arlington Heights
A Buffalo Grove man has been charged with 14 felony counts related to racist graffiti found at multiple Arlington Heights locations.
According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, 20-year-old Josiah J. Biewer of Buffalo Grove has been charged with seven counts of committing a hate crime and seven counts of criminal damage to government-supported property in string of graffiti-related incidents from May 31 to Tuesday.
Arlington Heights police arrested Biewer early Tuesday after staking out Lake Arlington Park, which had been struck by graffiti three previous times. Officers noticed a blue Honda speeding away from the scene with its lights off, then found fresh graffiti.
Officers traced the Honda's vehicle registration to Biewer's home, and he admitted his involvement, police said.
In addition to Lake Arlington Park, the Davis Street pedestrian underpass and the Vail Street parking garage also were sprayed with graffiti, which was removed.
Biewer has a bond hearing Thursday in Rolling Meadows.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--Attorney general asks Clay County judge to rule on last issue in legislator's coronavirus lawsuit

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois attorney general 's office on Tuesday night asked a downstate judge to address the one outstanding issue in Rep. Darren Bailey 's lawsuit challenging Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Until Clay County Circuit Court Judge Michael McHaney decides whether Pritzker 's April 30 emergency declaration correctly defines COVID-19 as a disaster , the state is procedurally barred from asking a higher court to reconsider the Xenia Republican 's lawsuit .
On July 2 , the judge sided with Bailey on two of the four arguments he presented in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor 's executive orders related to the novel coronavirus pandemic since April 8 .
His ruling also declared that the Illinois Department of Public Health has the `` supreme authority '' to close businesses and restrict residents ' activities in a public health crisis .
Bailey , Pritzker 's office and legal experts disagree on the scope of the order -- some assert it applies statewide while others maintain it affects only Clay County .
In a court document filed around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday , the attorney general 's office also raised a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule in the case .
The federal court that denied the state 's request to take over the lawsuit did not formally hand the case back to the Clay County circuit court until July 6 , four days after McHaney handed down his order .
The one active issue in Bailey 's lawsuit is `` moot '' and should be dismissed , the attorney general 's office argued , because any ruling `` would not have any practical effect . ''
The points raised in the representative 's arguments were `` incorporated '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the judge 's order effectively rendered the April 30 disaster proclamation void , the attorney general 's office wrote .
McHaney denied Bailey 's request to issue a ruling without a trial that COVID-19 did not meet the definition of a disaster , but the judge never formally ruled on that matter .
This last issue could result in a full legal proceeding , depending on what the judge decides .
With McHaney having `` expressed ( his ) views on the merits of this case , '' the attorney general 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick ruling so the state has a chance to make a prompt appeal .
A hearing is set for July 17 to address the state 's request .

Attorney general asks Clay County judge to rule on last issue in legislator's coronavirus lawsuit
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois attorney general's office on Tuesday night asked a downstate judge to address the one outstanding issue in Rep. Darren Bailey's lawsuit challenging Gov. J.B. Pritzker's executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Until Clay County Circuit Court Judge Michael McHaney decides whether Pritzker's April 30 emergency declaration correctly defines COVID-19 as a disaster, the state is procedurally barred from asking a higher court to reconsider the Xenia Republican's lawsuit.
On July 2, the judge sided with Bailey on two of the four arguments he presented in his case, nullifying all of the governor's executive orders related to the novel coronavirus pandemic since April 8. His ruling also declared that the Illinois Department of Public Health has the "supreme authority" to close businesses and restrict residents' activities in a public health crisis.
Bailey, Pritzker's office and legal experts disagree on the scope of the order -- some assert it applies statewide while others maintain it affects only Clay County.
In a court document filed around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, the attorney general's office also raised a question about whether McHaney had authority to rule in the case. The federal court that denied the state's request to take over the lawsuit did not formally hand the case back to the Clay County circuit court until July 6, four days after McHaney handed down his order.
The one active issue in Bailey's lawsuit is "moot" and should be dismissed, the attorney general's office argued, because any ruling "would not have any practical effect."
The points raised in the representative's arguments were "incorporated" into the two issues he won, and the judge's order effectively rendered the April 30 disaster proclamation void, the attorney general's office wrote.
McHaney denied Bailey's request to issue a ruling without a trial that COVID-19 did not meet the definition of a disaster, but the judge never formally ruled on that matter. This last issue could result in a full legal proceeding, depending on what the judge decides.
With McHaney having "expressed (his) views on the merits of this case," the attorney general's office wrote, the governor requests a quick ruling so the state has a chance to make a prompt appeal.
A hearing is set for July 17 to address the state's request.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--'It brought me back to 40 years ago': Phil's Beach reopens in Wauconda

It was n't her plan , but Cindy Reilly was so early getting to the newly reopened Phil 's Beach in Wauconda on Wednesday morning that she became the first customer through the gates .
The Roselle resident has fond memories of going to the lakeside attraction as a kid in the 1960s , and she wanted to enjoy the site now that it 's been purchased and renovated by the Wauconda Park District .
Reilly spread out her towels and beach gear on a great spot not far from the water and a new boardwalk that curves around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the towering J-shaped waterslide that once entertained beachgoers but now is landlocked and reserved for nostalgic photographs .
`` When I look at that slide today , it does n't look as big as it did when I was younger , '' Reilly said .
Wednesday 's opening marked the first time the public was able to enjoy Phil 's Beach in 30 years .
On the western shore of Bangs Lake at 328 N. Main St. , the beach formerly was a privately owned attraction run by founder Phil Froehlke and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the Chicago area for decades .
In 1980 , the beach and its famed slide were featured in the classic film `` The Blues Brothers . ''
But the business shut down 10 years later .
The property remained private until the park district bought the roughly 2-acre site and land across the street in 2016 .
As part of the agreement , one of Froehlke 's four grandchildren , Kathy Reilly , will be allowed to continue living in a two-story house overlooking the beach .
The district subsequently launched a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this year .
The new Phil 's Beach features a splash pad , a picnic pavilion , a bath house with changing rooms and showers , a concession stand and other amenities .
On Wednesday , kids and adults frolicked in the lake , couples walked along the boardwalk , teens tossed discs and balls around , and youngsters buried each other in moist sand .
The grandchildren of original owner Phil Froehlke were on hand for the opening .
One , Wauconda resident Mary Reilly Bastien , said she was overwhelmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's beyond my wildest expectations , '' said Bastien , who is n't related to Roselle 's Cindy Reilly .
`` It 's such a happy day for all of us . ''
A grand opening bash on Memorial Day weekend initially was envisioned , but the beach remained closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The district was able to open Phil 's once Illinois entered Phase 4 of the state 's recovery plan .
Because of the pandemic , capacity is limited to 80 customers at a time on a first-come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 60 Wednesday , Burton said .
Social distancing will be enforced , too , and people should wear masks when not in the water -- although few guests did Wednesday morning .
Park district Executive Director Nancy Burton said her team will monitor the beach to ensure people do n't bunch up .
`` If we feel people are too close together , we 'll ask them to social distance a little more , '' Burton said .
Wauconda resident Dan Stephan set up a beach chair on a patch of grass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the beach as a kid from Franklin Park in the 1970s , and he 's been following newspaper reports of the renovation .
`` As soon as I sat down here , it brought me back to 40 years ago , '' he said .
`` To finally see this all come to fruition , I think it 's fantastic . ''

'It brought me back to 40 years ago': Phil's Beach reopens in Wauconda
The Bluesmobile makes its way down Phil's Beach in Wauconda during the filming of "The Blues Brothers" in 1979. Submitted Photo
It wasn't her plan, but Cindy Reilly was so early getting to the newly reopened Phil's Beach in Wauconda on Wednesday morning that she became the first customer through the gates.
The Roselle resident has fond memories of going to the lakeside attraction as a kid in the 1960s, and she wanted to enjoy the site now that it's been purchased and renovated by the Wauconda Park District.
Reilly spread out her towels and beach gear on a great spot not far from the water and a new boardwalk that curves around the sand. She also was within sight of the towering J-shaped waterslide that once entertained beachgoers but now is landlocked and reserved for nostalgic photographs.
"When I look at that slide today, it doesn't look as big as it did when I was younger," Reilly said.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Cindy Reilly of Roselle left the first opening-day footprints Wednesday at Phil's Beach in Wauconda.
Wednesday's opening marked the first time the public was able to enjoy Phil's Beach in 30 years.
On the western shore of Bangs Lake at 328 N. Main St., the beach formerly was a privately owned attraction run by founder Phil Froehlke and his family. It drew customers from across the Chicago area for decades.
In 1980, the beach and its famed slide were featured in the classic film "The Blues Brothers." But the business shut down 10 years later.
The property remained private until the park district bought the roughly 2-acre site and land across the street in 2016. As part of the agreement, one of Froehlke's four grandchildren, Kathy Reilly, will be allowed to continue living in a two-story house overlooking the beach.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer The Wauconda Park District spent about $3 million renovating the attraction before Wednesday's reopening.
The district subsequently launched a $3 million renovation that wrapped up earlier this year.
The new Phil's Beach features a splash pad, a picnic pavilion, a bath house with changing rooms and showers, a concession stand and other amenities.
On Wednesday, kids and adults frolicked in the lake, couples walked along the boardwalk, teens tossed discs and balls around, and youngsters buried each other in moist sand.
The grandchildren of original owner Phil Froehlke were on hand for the opening. One, Wauconda resident Mary Reilly Bastien, said she was overwhelmed by what she saw.
"It's beyond my wildest expectations," said Bastien, who isn't related to Roselle's Cindy Reilly. "It's such a happy day for all of us."
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Wesley Hoffman, 8, of Wauconda splashes with delight Wednesday at newly opened Phil's Beach.
A grand opening bash on Memorial Day weekend initially was envisioned, but the beach remained closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The district was able to open Phil's once Illinois entered Phase 4 of the state's recovery plan.
Because of the pandemic, capacity is limited to 80 customers at a time on a first-come, first-served basis. The crowd peaked at 60 Wednesday, Burton said.
Social distancing will be enforced, too, and people should wear masks when not in the water -- although few guests did Wednesday morning.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Families lined up before the long-awaited opening of Phil's Beach in Wauconda, which attracted people from all over the Chicago area. The beach reopened to the public Wednesday after being closed for three decades.
Park district Executive Director Nancy Burton said her team will monitor the beach to ensure people don't bunch up.
"If we feel people are too close together, we'll ask them to social distance a little more," Burton said.
Wauconda resident Dan Stephan set up a beach chair on a patch of grass near the boardwalk Wednesday. He came to the beach as a kid from Franklin Park in the 1970s, and he's been following newspaper reports of the renovation.
The master plan for the renovated Phil's Beach in Wauconda. - Source: Wauconda Park District
"As soon as I sat down here, it brought me back to 40 years ago," he said. "To finally see this all come to fruition, I think it's fantastic."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--6 shops closed but 5 new opening in downtown Naperville


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Aurora police investigating hit-and-run that killed pedestrian

A pedestrian died after being struck by two vehicles Wednesday night on the east side of Aurora .
In a @ @ @ @ @ morning , Aurora police said they responded to a report of a crash about 10 @ @ @ @ @ west of Long Grove Drive and found a man lying in the roadway .
Paramedics @ @ @ @ @ , but the man , whose name has not been released , was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ Avenue was between closed between South Frontenac Street and Village Green Drive while investigators reconstructed @ @ @ @ @ police at least two vehicles struck the man .
The driver of the first vehicle @ @ @ @ @ lot and waited to speak to officers , but the other driver fled .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ should call Aurora police at ( 630 ) 256-5330 .
Tipsters who want to remain @ @ @

Aurora police investigating hit-and-run that killed pedestrian
A pedestrian died after being struck by two vehicles Wednesday night on the east side of Aurora.
In a news release issued early Thursday morning, Aurora police said they responded to a report of a crash about 10 p.m. on Ogden Avenue just west of Long Grove Drive and found a man lying in the roadway. Paramedics attempted to perform lifesaving measures, but the man, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ogden Avenue was between closed between South Frontenac Street and Village Green Drive while investigators reconstructed the crash.
Witnesses told police at least two vehicles struck the man. The driver of the first vehicle pulled into a nearby parking lot and waited to speak to officers, but the other driver fled.
Anyone with information about the crash should call Aurora police at (630) 256-5330. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous can call
Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-08--New Gary Avenue bike trail taking shape in Carol Stream

A bike and pedestrian trail under construction in Carol Stream will provide an accessible link to a commercial corridor and the 12-mile Great Western Trail when it opens this fall , DuPage County officials said .
The village secured $ 1.875 million in grant funding for the project in December 2011 .
It then turned over the federal aid to the county , the lead agency for the engineering and construction of the 2.2-mile trail .
The asphalt path will run on the west side of Gary Avenue between the Great Western Trail and Army Trail Road .
The county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and resurfacing of Gary Avenue completed about three years ago because the latter roadwork was not funded by federal dollars and did not require the additional oversight of other agencies .
But crews laid the groundwork for the bike trail -- setting up grading , ADA-accessible ramps , traffic signals and push buttons , for instance -- during the Gary Avenue improvements , said Christopher Snyder , DuPage director of transportation .
Pedestrians previously made a `` beaten path , '' not a sidewalk , a well-established route along Gary Avenue , Snyder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the village expect the trail will be heavily used for access to Stratford Square Mall and other businesses .
An exercise amenity , the trail will complement access to the Fountain View Recreation Center and the Town Center as well as provide a continuous connection to Pace bus shelters , Snyder said .
Bicyclists on Gary will be able to continue west on a popular Lies Road trail all the way to Fair Oaks Road and the West Branch Forest Preserve , said Bill Cleveland , the village 's engineering services director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real nice benefit to just be able to walk safely up and down Gary Avenue , '' he said .
As crews make `` good progress , '' Snyder said October is a realistic time frame for completion of the project , weather permitting .
Contractors are now focusing on the middle section of the trail from North Avenue to Stark Drive and preparing to put stone in place and pave the path .
While the federal funds will contribute $ 1.875 million , the county 's share amounts to about $ 623,000 @

New Gary Avenue bike trail taking shape in Carol Stream
A bike and pedestrian trail under construction in Carol Stream will provide an accessible link to a commercial corridor and the 12-mile Great Western Trail when it opens this fall, DuPage County officials said.
The village secured $1.875 million in grant funding for the project in December 2011. It then turned over the federal aid to the county, the lead agency for the engineering and construction of the 2.2-mile trail.
The asphalt path will run on the west side of Gary Avenue between the Great Western Trail and Army Trail Road.
The county tackled the project separately from a widening and resurfacing of Gary Avenue completed about three years ago because the latter roadwork was not funded by federal dollars and did not require the additional oversight of other agencies.
But crews laid the groundwork for the bike trail -- setting up grading, ADA-accessible ramps, traffic signals and push buttons, for instance -- during the Gary Avenue improvements, said Christopher Snyder, DuPage director of transportation.
Pedestrians previously made a "beaten path," not a sidewalk, a well-established route along Gary Avenue, Snyder said. That's why the county and the village expect the trail will be heavily used for access to Stratford Square Mall and other businesses.
An exercise amenity, the trail will complement access to the Fountain View Recreation Center and the Town Center as well as provide a continuous connection to Pace bus shelters, Snyder said.
Bicyclists on Gary will be able to continue west on a popular Lies Road trail all the way to Fair Oaks Road and the West Branch Forest Preserve, said Bill Cleveland, the village's engineering services director.
"It will just be a real nice benefit to just be able to walk safely up and down Gary Avenue," he said.
As crews make "good progress," Snyder said October is a realistic time frame for completion of the project, weather permitting.
Contractors are now focusing on the middle section of the trail from North Avenue to Stark Drive and preparing to put stone in place and pave the path.
While the federal funds will contribute $1.875 million, the county's share amounts to about $623,000.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-09--Feder: The Drive's Bob Stroud on Radio Hall of Fame ballot

Bob Stroud , one of Chicago radio 's most knowledgeable and respected authorities on rock music for 40 years , @ @ @ @ @ in the Radio Hall of Fame , Robert Feder writes .
The top-rated midday star @ @ @ @ @ `` Rock ' n Roll Roots '' on Hubbard Radio classic WDRV 97.1-FM is one @ @ @ @ @ categories announced today .
Chicago 's only other nominee is `` Wait Wait ... Do @ @ @ @ @ '' the NPR comedy-quiz show produced by Chicago Public Media WBEZ 91.5-FM .
Get the @ @ @ @ @ Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: The Drive's Bob Stroud on Radio Hall of Fame ballot
Photo courtesy Todd RosenbergBob Stroud, the legendary musicologist who's been celebrating the roots of rock 'n' roll on Chicago radio for four decades, has been nominated for induction in the Radio Hall of Fame.
Bob Stroud, one of Chicago radio's most knowledgeable and respected authorities on rock music for 40 years, has been nominated for induction in the Radio Hall of Fame, Robert Feder writes.
The top-rated midday star and host of the long-running "Rock 'n Roll Roots" on Hubbard Radio classic WDRV 97.1-FM is one of 24 nominees in six categories announced today.
Chicago's only other nominee is "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!," the NPR comedy-quiz show produced by Chicago Public Media WBEZ 91.5-FM.
Winners will be announced August 17.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.