dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-15--Constable: Until pandemic is under control, the eyes have it

In our new abnormal that began six months ago , when handshakes fell victim to the pandemic and masks still hide the lower half of our faces , we have been forced to take our social cues from the eyes .
As important as that seems today , we did a lot of judging based on eyes before the pandemic .
The philosophy that `` eyes are the window of the soul '' has been around for centuries .
In 43 A.D. , the great Roman orator Cicero wrote , `` Ut imago est animi voltus sic indices oculi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face is a picture of the mind as the eyes are its interpreter . ''
A French proverb proclaims , `` Les yeux sont le miroir de l'dme , '' or `` The eyes are the mirror of the soul , '' according to the Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings .
And the Bible has plenty of references to that idea , including two verses in the book of Matthew , which conclude : `` The light of the body is the eye : if therefore thine eye be single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of light .
But if thine eye be evil , thy whole body shall be full of darkness .
If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness , how great is that darkness ! ''
Lots of us can see great darkness in the eyes of society 's greatest villains .
When Charles Manson , the cult leader convicted in a string of several horrific murders , died in prison in 2017 , actor Bryan Cranston recalled a chance 1968 meeting with Manson when Cranston was a 12-year-old .
`` Hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he wrote .
`` I was within his grasp just one year before he committed brutal murder in 1969 .
Luck was with me when a cousin and I went horseback riding at the Spahn Ranch ( where Manson and his 'family ' were living ) and saw the little man with crazy eyes whom the other hippies called Charlie . ''
`` Crazy Eyes '' has become such a common expression that it was the nickname for a character in the Netflix series `` Orange is the New Black .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warning label letting us know that whatever lies behind those orbs might be under pressure .
Small , beady eyes are seen as malicious , and some people are described as having `` cold eyes . ''
A 2014 South Korean film titled `` Cold Eyes '' is a thriller featuring coldhearted bank robbers .
When I hear `` cold eyes , '' I take that literally and think back to the winter of 1977-78 , when my college campus was buried in record snow and the landscape was tundra .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high on both sides of the sidewalk and everyone wore scarves , hats and identical down coats that made us all appear as the Michelin Man tire mascot , the only part of a person you could see were the eyes .
On those rare occasions when I made eye contact with a passing blob , I 'd offer a friendly wave , not sure if it was the cute woman in my history class or the guy who worked next to me in the cafeteria 's basement dish room .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes can send us a cheery signal .
If you are in a good mood , people might call you bright-eyed .
The characters in Disney cartoons and Japanese anime often feature oversized eyes , which society deems cute .
That 's why you can buy contact lenses to make your pupils appear bigger .
Some people do n't need the help .
The flip side of Manson eyes might be the wide-open peepers of two-time Oscar-winning actress Bette Davis .
Her eyes were immortalized in the song `` Bette Davis Eyes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aurora and Batavia resident Jackie DeShannon .
Singer Kim Carnes made that song a hit in 1981 and won a Grammy for Song of the Year .
The violet eyes of actress Liz Taylor are legendary .
Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift have similar baby blues .
Emma Stone and Jesse Williams have the greens locked down .
Michael B. Jordan and Salma Hayek could walk away with brown-eyes honors .
Some religious groups that require most of the face to be covered might already gain a lot of knowledge from the eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society 's efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus probably will last well into 2021 , says Dr. Anthony S. Fauci , the nation 's top infectious diseases expert .
So we 'll continue to judge people solely on their eyes peering above masks , which is difficult to do .
But if you can see a smile , sneer or frown on the mouths of strangers in public who ignore the evidence and are not wearing masks , it 's easy to make a judgment about their character .

Constable: Until pandemic is under control, the eyes have it
In this March 12, 1971, file photo, Charles Manson walks to court in Los Angeles, during the penalty phase of the Sharon Tate trial after being convicted of murder in the deaths of Tate and six others. Associated Press
Bette Davis was known for her bewitching eyes. A song titled "Bette Davis Eyes," written by Donna Weiss and former Aurora and Batavia resident Jackie DeShannon, became a No. 1 hit for singer Kim Carnes in 1981. Associated Press
In our new abnormal that began six months ago, when handshakes fell victim to the pandemic and masks still hide the lower half of our faces, we have been forced to take our social cues from the eyes. As important as that seems today, we did a lot of judging based on eyes before the pandemic.
The philosophy that "eyes are the window of the soul" has been around for centuries. In 43 A.D., the great Roman orator Cicero wrote, "Ut imago est animi voltus sic indices oculi," which translates as, "The face is a picture of the mind as the eyes are its interpreter."
A French proverb proclaims, "Les yeux sont le miroir de l'dme," or "The eyes are the mirror of the soul," according to the Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings.
And the Bible has plenty of references to that idea, including two verses in the book of Matthew, which conclude: "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"
Lots of us can see great darkness in the eyes of society's greatest villains. When Charles Manson, the cult leader convicted in a string of several horrific murders, died in prison in 2017, actor Bryan Cranston recalled a chance 1968 meeting with Manson when Cranston was a 12-year-old.
"Hearing Charles Manson is dead, I shuddered," he wrote. "I was within his grasp just one year before he committed brutal murder in 1969. Luck was with me when a cousin and I went horseback riding at the Spahn Ranch (where Manson and his 'family' were living) and saw the little man with crazy eyes whom the other hippies called Charlie."
"Crazy Eyes" has become such a common expression that it was the nickname for a character in the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black." Crazy eyes might as well be a warning label letting us know that whatever lies behind those orbs might be under pressure.
Small, beady eyes are seen as malicious, and some people are described as having "cold eyes." A 2014 South Korean film titled "Cold Eyes" is a thriller featuring coldhearted bank robbers. When I hear "cold eyes," I take that literally and think back to the winter of 1977-78, when my college campus was buried in record snow and the landscape was tundra. In January, when the snow was piled high on both sides of the sidewalk and everyone wore scarves, hats and identical down coats that made us all appear as the Michelin Man tire mascot, the only part of a person you could see were the eyes. On those rare occasions when I made eye contact with a passing blob, I'd offer a friendly wave, not sure if it was the cute woman in my history class or the guy who worked next to me in the cafeteria's basement dish room.
Of course, as the Bible tells us, eyes can send us a cheery signal. If you are in a good mood, people might call you bright-eyed. The characters in Disney cartoons and Japanese anime often feature oversized eyes, which society deems cute. That's why you can buy contact lenses to make your pupils appear bigger.
Some people don't need the help.
The flip side of Manson eyes might be the wide-open peepers of two-time Oscar-winning actress Bette Davis. Her eyes were immortalized in the song "Bette Davis Eyes," written by Donna Weiss and former Aurora and Batavia resident Jackie DeShannon. Singer Kim Carnes made that song a hit in 1981 and won a Grammy for Song of the Year.
The violet eyes of actress Liz Taylor are legendary. Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift have similar baby blues. Emma Stone and Jesse Williams have the greens locked down. Michael B. Jordan and Salma Hayek could walk away with brown-eyes honors.
Some religious groups that require most of the face to be covered might already gain a lot of knowledge from the eyes. With or without a vaccine, society's efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus probably will last well into 2021, says Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert. So we'll continue to judge people solely on their eyes peering above masks, which is difficult to do.
But if you can see a smile, sneer or frown on the mouths of strangers in public who ignore the evidence and are not wearing masks, it's easy to make a judgment about their character.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-15--Feder: The Score's Dan McNeil under fire for sexist tweet

It does n't really matter what Dan McNeil was thinking when he posted a disparaging comment about ESPN sideline reporter @ @ @ @ @ Monday night 's NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants , Robert @ @ @ @ @ sideline reporter or a host for the AVN annual awards presentation ? ''
McNeil tweeted @ @ @ @ @ be more appropriate for the annual adult film award show .
McNeil deleted the tweet @ @ @ @ @ according to Awful Announcing , but not before it had been seen ( and archived @ @ @ @ @ comment yet from McNeil 's bosses at The Score , where the perennial bad boy @ @ @ @ @ in 28 years .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , @ @ @

Feder: The Score fires Dan McNeil for 'degrading' tweet about ESPN reporter
There won't be another second chance for Danny Mac this time, Robert Feder writes.
Dan McNeil, the mercurial and often controversial sports talk show host, was fired today for tweeting a disparaging comment about an ESPN sideline reporter and her choice of wardrobe.
Entercom Chicago bosses acted decisively in cutting McNeil from sports/talk WSCR 670-AM barely 14 hours after he questioned Maria Taylor's outfit during Monday night's NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. Her sideline role marked Taylor's first NFL game since she joined ESPN in 2014.
McNeil, 59, who co-hosted afternoons with Danny Parkins, was on his third stint at The Score since he helped launch the format in 1992. McNeil did not respond to requests for comment.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-15--Hurricane Sally slows, gathering a deluge for the Gulf Coast

WAVELAND , Miss .
-- Hurricane Sally , a plodding storm with winds of 85 mph , crept toward the northern Gulf Coast early Tuesday as forecasters warned of potentially deadly storm surges and flash floods with up to 2 feet of rain and the possibility of tornadoes .
Hurricane warnings had stretched from Grand Isle , Louisiana to Navarre , Florida , but forecasters , while stressing `` significant '' uncertainty , kept nudging the predicted track eastward , easing fears in New Orleans , which was once in Sally 's crosshairs .
On the current track , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Alabama-Mississippi state line by late Tuesday or early Wednesday .
Stacy Stewart , a senior specialist with the National Hurricane Center , said Tuesday that people should continue to take the storm seriously since `` devastating '' rainfall is expected in large areas .
People could drown in the flooding , he said .
`` This is going to be historic flooding along with the historic rainfall , '' Stewart said .
`` If people live near rivers , small streams and creeks , they need to evacuate and go somewhere else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 2 mph before dawn on Tuesday , centered about 115 miles south-southeast of Biloxi , Mississippi , and 60 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River .
Forecasters expect Sally to turn northward Tuesday afternoon , moving near the coast of southeastern Louisiana later in the day , and then travel slowly north-northeastward through Wednesday , with top winds increasing to 110 mph , nearly Category 3 , before blowing ashore .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis declared an emergency in the Panhandle 's westernmost counties , which were being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bands early Tuesday .
The threat of heavy rain and storm surge was exacerbated by the storm 's slow movement .
President Donald Trump issued emergency declarations for parts of Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama on Monday , and tweeted that residents should listen to state and local leaders .
Alabama Gov .
Kay Ivey sought the presidential declaration after the National Weather Service in Mobile , Alabama , warned of the increasing likelihood of `` dangerous and potentially historic flooding , '' with waters rising as much as 9 feet ( 2.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mobile metro area .
It all seemed a distant threat Monday afternoon in Waveland , Mississippi , as a shirtless , barefooted Trevor Claunch , of nearby Bay St. Louis , got in some last-minute beach time .
But there were signs of trouble coming .
Claunch marveled at how the Gulf waters had already crept over swaths of sandy shore and infiltrated bike paths and parking lots .
`` Without any rain , and it 's already all the way up -- I honestly want to stick around and see where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he was n't taking any chances .
`` We 're going to go inland , '' he said .
Sally achieved hurricane strength Monday and quickly intensified to a Category 2 storm with 100 mph winds .
Its maximum sustained winds dwindled to a Category 1 by early Tuesday , but forecasters expect it to grow stronger again before landfall .
While the threat to Louisiana appeared to be easing , flood control authorities remained on guard , closing gates along networks of waterways that could be pushed over their banks by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The southwestern part of the state was pummeled by Hurricane Laura on Aug. 27 and an estimated 2,000 evacuees from that storm were sheltered in New Orleans , mostly in hotels .
Monday marked only the second time on record , forecasters said , that five tropical cyclones swirled simultaneously in the Atlantic basin .
The last time that happened was in 1971 .
None of the others were expected to threaten the U.S. this week , if at all , and one was downgraded to a low pressure trough Monday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the catastrophic wildfire season on the West Coast -- has focused attention on the role of climate change .
Scientists say global warming is making the strongest of hurricanes , those with wind speeds of 110 mph or more , even stronger .
Also , warmer air holds more moisture , making storms rainier , and rising seas from global warming make storm surges higher and more damaging .
In addition , scientists have been seeing tropical storms and hurricanes slow down once they hit the United States by about 17 % since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to unload more rain over one place , as 2017 's Hurricane Harvey did in Houston .
People along the coast appeared to be taking the storm seriously even as it remained offshore .
Coastal casinos shut down under orders from the Mississippi Gaming Commission .
Motorists filled a convenience store parking lot in Ocean Springs , Mississippi , as they topped off gas tanks and stocked up on ice , beer and snacks .
`` It 's second nature to us .
It would have already been done but I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she helped her mother , Kimberly Stratakos , fill three plastic gasoline cans .
Martin reported from Marietta , Georgia .
Associated Press reporters Rebecca Santana and Janet McConnaughey in New Orleans ; Seth Borenstein in Kensington , Maryland ; Emily Wagster Pettus and Leah Willingham , in Jackson , Mississippi ; and Kim Chandler in Montgomery , Alabama , contributed to this report .

'Huge rainmaker': Hurricane Sally threatens historic floods
Waves crash Tuesday near a pier at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Hurricane Sally is crawling toward the northern Gulf Coast at just 2 mph, a pace that's enabling the storm to gather huge amounts of water to eventually dump on land. Associated Press
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- Hurricane Sally drifted in a slow crawl Tuesday toward the northern Gulf Coast, threatening dangerous storm surge and relentless rainfall that forecasters warned could trigger historic flooding as the storm was expected to hover in the area long after coming ashore.
"It's going to be a huge rainmaker," said Phil Klotzbach, a research scientist and meteorologist at Colorado State University. "It's not going to be pretty."
The National Hurricane Center expects Sally to remain a Category 1 hurricane, with top sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph) when it makes landfall late Tuesday or early Wednesday. The storm's sluggish pace made it harder to predict exactly where its center will strike, though it was expected to reach land near the Mississippi-Alabama state line.
By late morning Tuesday, hurricane warnings stretched from east of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Navarre, Florida. Rainfall of up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) was forecast near the coast. There was a chance the storm could also spawn tornadoes and dump isolated rain accumulations of 30 inches (76 centimeters).
Two large casino boats broke loose Tuesday from a dock where they were undergoing construction work in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. M.J. Bosarge, who lives near the shipyard, said at least one of the riverboats had done considerable damage to the dock.
"You really want to get them secured because with wind and rain like this, the water is constantly rising," Bosarge said. "They could end up anywhere. There's no telling where they could end up."
In Orange Beach, Alabama, towering waves crashed onshore Tuesday as Crystal Smith and her young daughter, Taylor, watched. They drove more than an hour through sheets of rain and whipping wind to take in the sight.
"It's beautiful, I love it," Crystal Smith said. "But they are high. Hardly any of the beach isn't covered."
Capt. Michael Thomas, an Orange Beach fishing guide, was outside securing boats and making other last-minute preparations. He estimated up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain had fallen in as many hours.
"I'm as prepared as I can be," Thomas said.
A couple miles away in Gulf Shores, Alabama, waves crashed over the end of the long fishing pier at Gulf State Park. Some roads in the town already were covered with water.
Stacy Stewart, a senior specialist with the National Hurricane Center, said Tuesday that people should continue to take the storm seriously since "devastating" rainfall is expected in large areas. People could drown in the flooding, he said.
"This is going to be historic flooding along with the historic rainfall," Stewart said. "If people live near rivers, small streams and creeks, they need to evacuate and go somewhere else."
Donald Jones, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Louisiana, said Sally could unleash flooding similar to what Hurricane Harvey inflicted in 2017 when it swamped the Houston metropolitan area.
As rain grew heavier Tuesday, many businesses appeared to be closed at exits along the I-10 highway that runs parallel to the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida.
In Gulfport, Mississippi, white plastic bags hung over some gas station pumps to signal they were out of fuel. Along a bayou that extended inland from the Gulf, three shrimp boats were tied up as shrimpers and others tried to protect their boats from waves and storm surge. Most boat slips at Gulfport's marina were empty, and many businesses had metal storm shutters or plywood covering the windows.
David Espinosa walked the streets of Pascagoula, Mississippi, Tuesday afternoon, drenched by the rain. He wasn't worried much about Sally, having found his pickup truck in a tree after Hurricane Katrina wrecked much of Mississippi's coast in 2005.
Espinosa had just moved back to the area a few days ago, after a long stint in Oklahoma City.
"We just didn't know there would be another hurricane when we got back," Espinosa said. "Here we go again."
In Alabama, officials closed the causeway to Dauphin Island and the commuter tunnel that runs beneath the Mobile River. An online video from Dauphin Island showed a few cars and SUVs stuck in a beachfront area, their tires sunk deep into wet sand.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey urged residents near Mobile Bay and low-lying areas near rivers to evacuate if conditions still permitted a safe escape. The National Hurricane Center predicted storm surge along Alabama's coast, including Mobile Bay, could reach 7 feet (2.1 meters) above ground.
"This is not worth risking your life," Ivey said during a news conference Tuesday.
The storm was moving at only 2 mph (4 kph) Tuesday afternoon, centered about 105 miles (165 kilometers) south of Mobile, Alabama, and 60 miles (95 kilometers) east of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Hurricane-force winds stretched 45 miles (75 kilometers) from its center.
Forecasters expected Sally to move slowly northward Tuesday, with the storm's center bypassing the coast of southeastern Louisiana.
After making landfall, Sally was forecast to cause flash floods and minor to moderate river flooding across inland portions of Mississippi, Alabama, northern Georgia and the western Carolinas through the rest of the week.
President Donald Trump issued emergency declarations for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama on Monday, and tweeted that residents should listen to state and local leaders.
The threat to Louisiana was easing as officials in some areas reversed evacuation orders that had been issued for areas that had been feared to be a risk of flooding from Sally. In New Orleans, government offices and public school operations were slated to reopen Wednesday.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared an emergency in 13 counties as rain from Sally's outer bands pummeled the Panhandle on Tuesday. The threat of heavy rain and storm surge was exacerbated by the storm's slow movement.
On the barrier island of Pensacola Beach, Florida, the Sandshaker Lounge was open Tuesday afternoon, filled with about 30 locals and tourists staying at nearby hotels.
"I think I'm the only business open," said bartender Kyra Smith. "It's pretty windy, but nobody's being knocked down. We want everybody to be safe."
Smith was serving hot dogs and pizza and planned to close late Tuesday afternoon or when the bridge to the mainland closed, whichever comes first. She said most locals have lived in the area for decades and have weathered many storms bigger than Sally.
"We're just going to ride it out," she said.
Wang reported from Pascagoula, Mississippi. Associated Press reporters Jeff Martin in Marietta, Georgia; Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia; Sophia Tulp in Atlanta; Tamara Lush in St. Petersburg, Florida; Angie Wang in Pascagoula, Mississippi; Rebecca Santana in New Orleans; and Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama, contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-15--Lamet pitches Padres over Kershaw, Dodgers 7-2

SEATTLE -- Mike Minor tossed a two-hitter , Jake Lamb doubled and homered in his first game after signing with Oakland , and the Athletics beat the Seattle Mariners 9-0 for a doubleheader split on Monday .
Seattle won the opener 6-5 , rallying from a 5-0 deficit and scoring twice in the sixth inning with two outs to stay on the heels of Houston in the AL West .
Seattle is 1Â½ games behind the Astros for second .
The games were played with a haze of smoke hovering above the field at T-Mobile Park , even with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wildfires on the West Coast have suffocated much of the Pacific Northwest with unhealthy air conditions that brought into question whether the games would even be played .
Minor ( 1-5 ) picked up his first victory of the season in his third start since being acquired by the A 's from Texas .
Jimmy Yacabonis ( 0-1 ) was charged with the loss .
Kyle Lewis had a big day for Seattle .
The rookie outfielder hit a two-run homer and reached on a bases-loaded walk that scored the winning run in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laureano of a grand slam with a spectacular catch in the first inning of the second game .
Despite giving up a season-high five earned runs , Marco Gonzales ( 6-2 ) earned the victory in the opener .
Yoshihisa Hirano pitched the seventh inning for his second save .
Marcus Semien had four RBIs for division-leading Oakland in Game 1 .
Joakim Soria ( 2-2 ) got the loss .
MIAMI -- Pablo Lopez pitched seven innings of one-run ball with some help from right fielder Matt Joyce , and Miami won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia .
The series , the majors ' longest in the regular season in 53 years , included three makeup games and two doubleheaders .
The Marlins won five of the seven games , including the final three , to move into second place in the NL East , 1 1/2 games ahead of Philadelphia .
Lopez ( 4-4 ) allowed three hits and retired his final 13 batters .
He was helped by two over-the-shoulder basket catches on the warning track by a retreating Joyce , who robbed Scott Kingery and Jean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Philadelphia .
Vince Velasquez ( 0-1 ) allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings .
CINCINNATI -- Mike Moustakas hit a big three-run homer in the fifth inning , and the Reds finished a doubleheader sweep .
Moustakas drove in Shogo Akiyama and Eugenio SuÃ¡rez with a two-out shot to center off Nik Turley ( 0-2 ) .
Pittsburgh had just taken a 4-3 lead on rookie Ke'Bryan Hayes ' two-run shot with two out in the top half of the inning .
Brian Goodwin and Joey Votto also connected for Cincinnati @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time since Aug. 28 .
Sal Romano ( 1-0 ) got the victory , retiring Gregory Polanco with the bases loaded for the final out of the fifth .
In the opener , rookie Tyler Stephenson hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the seventh inning .
Votto also went deep , and Raisel Iglesias ( 3-3 ) got two outs for the win .
Colin Moran homered for Pittsburgh in Game 1 , and Sam Howard ( 2-2 ) got the loss .
MILWAUKEE -- Keston Hiura drove in Avisail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eighth inning , giving Milwaukee the win in the opening game of a doubleheader .
The Cardinals broke a scoreless tie in the top of the eighth when Tommy Edman 's two-out single off Freddy Peralta ( 2-1 ) brought home Tyler O'Neill .
But the Brewers got to Ryan Helsley ( 1-1 ) in the bottom of the inning .
Ryan Braun doubled home the tying run , and Hiura made it 2-1 with his fly ball to left off Austin Gomber .
Milwaukee 's rally in the eighth snapped the Brewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They were no-hit by Cubs right-hander Alec Mills on Sunday .
BALTIMORE -- DJ Stewart hit the first of three Baltimore homers in a nine-run third inning , and the Orioles stopped a five-game losing streak .
After winning three of four in Washington to extend their NL East lead to a season-high 3 1/2 games , the Braves were handed their most lopsided defeat of the year , enabling second-place Miami to shave a game off the margin .
A solo home run by Freddie Freeman was the extent of Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LÃ³pez ( 2-0 ) , who entered with a 6.38 ERA .
Recalled from Atlanta 's alternate site to make his fifth start of the season , Touki Toussaint ( 0-2 ) permitted five earned runs in 2 2/3 innings .

Lamet pitches Padres over Kershaw, Dodgers 7-2
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dinelson Lamet, top, delivers to Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts in the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in San Diego. Associated Press
SAN DIEGO -- Dinelson Lamet outpitched Clayton Kershaw, and rookie Jorge Oña hit a go-ahead double in a five-run seventh inning to lead the San Diego Padres to their eighth straight win, 7-2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night in the opener of a series between the NL's top teams.
The Padres cut the Dodgers' lead in the NL West to 1½ games. Trent Grisham added some spice to the rivalry when he hit a tying home run off Kershaw in the sixth and said something to the Dodgers' dugout as he headed for home. The Padres have won 12 of 14.
Lamet (3-1) got the victory thanks to a seventh-inning outburst that chased Kershaw (5-2). Lamet matched his season high with 11 strikeouts while holding the Dodgers to one run and three hits.
WHITE SOX 3, TWINS 1
CHICAGO -- Adam Engel delivered a tiebreaking pinch-hit single in the eighth inning, and the White Sox increased their lead in the AL Central.
Chicago opened its pivotal four-game set against Minnesota with its ninth win in 10 games. The White Sox (31-16) moved two games ahead of the second-place Twins (30-19).
Twins reliever Taylor Rogers (1-3) walked Yoán Moncada and Luis Robert with no outs in the eighth. Engel then made it 2-1 with a single to center. After Nick Madrigal lined out, Tim Anderson added an RBI double off the fence in left.
Alex Colomé (2-0) got four outs for the win.
Minnesota went 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position and left 15 runners on base. It had won three in a row.
MARINERS 6, ATHLETICS 5, GAME 1
ATHLETICS 9, MARINERS 0, GAME 2
SEATTLE -- Mike Minor tossed a two-hitter, Jake Lamb doubled and homered in his first game after signing with Oakland, and the Athletics earned a doubleheader split.
Seattle erased a 5-0 deficit in its Game 1 win, scoring twice in the sixth inning with two outs to stay on the heels of Houston in the AL West. Seattle is 1½ games behind the Astros for second.
The games were played with a haze of smoke hovering above the field at T-Mobile Park, even with the retractable roof of the stadium closed. Wildfires on the West Coast have suffocated much of the Pacific Northwest with unhealthy air conditions that brought into question whether the games would even be played.
Minor (1-5) picked up his first victory of the season in his third start since being acquired by the A's from Texas. Jimmy Yacabonis (0-1) was charged with the loss.
Kyle Lewis had a big day for Seattle. The rookie outfielder hit a two-run homer and reached on a bases-loaded walk that scored the winning run in the opener. He also robbed Ramon Laureano of a grand slam with a spectacular catch in the first inning of the second game.
Despite giving up a season-high five earned runs, Marco Gonzales (6-2) earned the victory in the opener. Yoshihisa Hirano pitched the seventh inning for his second save.
Marcus Semien had four RBIs for division-leading Oakland in Game 1. Joakim Soria (2-2) got the loss.
MARLINS 6, PHILLIES 2
MIAMI -- Pablo Lopez pitched seven innings of one-run ball with some help from right fielder Matt Joyce, and Miami won Game 7 of its marathon series against Philadelphia.
The series, the majors' longest in the regular season in 53 years, included three makeup games and two doubleheaders. The Marlins won five of the seven games, including the final three, to move into second place in the NL East, 1 1/2 games ahead of Philadelphia.
Lopez (4-4) allowed three hits and retired his final 13 batters. He was helped by two over-the-shoulder basket catches on the warning track by a retreating Joyce, who robbed Scott Kingery and Jean Segura.
Kingery and Andrew McCutchen homered for Philadelphia. Vince Velasquez (0-1) allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings.
REDS 3, PIRATES 1, GAME 1
REDS 9, PIRATES 4, GAME 2
CINCINNATI -- Mike Moustakas hit a big three-run homer in the fifth inning, and the Reds finished a doubleheader sweep.
Moustakas drove in Shogo Akiyama and Eugenio Suárez with a two-out shot to center off Nik Turley (0-2). Pittsburgh had just taken a 4-3 lead on rookie Ke'Bryan Hayes' two-run shot with two out in the top half of the inning.
Brian Goodwin and Joey Votto also connected for Cincinnati, which won a third straight game for the first time since Aug. 28. Sal Romano (1-0) got the victory, retiring Gregory Polanco with the bases loaded for the final out of the fifth.
In the opener, rookie Tyler Stephenson hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the seventh inning. Votto also went deep, and Raisel Iglesias (3-3) got two outs for the win.
Colin Moran homered for Pittsburgh in Game 1, and Sam Howard (2-2) got the loss.
BREWERS 2, CARDINALS 1, 8 INNINGS, GAME 1
CARDINALS 3, BREWERS 2, 9 INNINGS, GAME 2
MILWAUKEE -- Paul DeJong knocked in the go-ahead run with a two-out single in the ninth inning as the Cardinals salvaged a doubleheader split.
Both games went to extra innings after being scheduled for seven. In the opener, Keston Hiura hit a sacrifice fly to score Avisail Garcia with the winning run in the eighth as the Brewers rallied for the win.
In the second game, DeJong hit a liner off Justin Topa (0-1) that barely eluded the reach of shortstop Orlando Arcia and went into left field to score Tommy Edman from third.
The Brewers had runners on first and second with nobody out in the bottom of the ninth, but Tyler Webb induced a double-play grounder from Luis Urias and struck out Jace Peterson to earn his first save.
Genesis Cabrera (4-1) got the win, striking out three in a scoreless eighth inning.
In the first game, St. Louis took a 1-0 lead in the top of the eighth when Edman drove in Tyler O'Neill with a two-out single off Freddy Peralta (2-1).
Ryan Braun tied it with an RBI double off the center-field wall against Ryan Helsley (1-1). Hiura won it with his bases-loaded sacrifice fly off Austin Gomber.
ORIOLES 14, BRAVES 1
BALTIMORE -- DJ Stewart hit the first of three Baltimore homers in a nine-run third inning, and the Orioles stopped a five-game losing streak.
After winning three of four in Washington to extend their NL East lead to a season-high 3 1/2 games, the Braves were handed their most lopsided defeat of the year, enabling second-place Miami to shave a game off the margin.
A solo home run by Freddie Freeman was the extent of Atlanta's offense over seven innings against Jorge López (2-0), who entered with a 6.38 ERA.
Recalled from Atlanta's alternate site to make his fifth start of the season, Touki Toussaint (0-2) permitted five earned runs in 2 2/3 innings.
___
More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Illinois records another 25 COVID-19 deaths, 2,056 more infected

State health officials announced today 25 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 , bringing the state 's death toll from the respiratory disease to 8,392 .
Meanwhile , another 2,056 new cases were diagnosed , which puts the total number of residents infected at 268,207 since the outbreak began .
Illinois Department of Public Health officials also are reporting 96 % of those who have contracted the disease are now fully recovered .
The state 's seven-day average infection rate also declined slightly to 3.6 % .
During the past week , the state is averaging 1,795 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to IDPH records .
Regionally , the average test positivity rate for Will and Kankakee counties continued it 's downward trend and is now at 6.1 % .
The region had a positivity rate in excess of 8 % weeks ago , which triggered several business and gathering restrictions that could be lifted if the region 's test results stay at or below 6.5 % positivity for the next two days .
That would mean bars and restaurants could allow indoor dining again , though many businesses have reportedly defied that edict since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Average test positivity rates for other regions in the suburbs are also trending down .
In suburban Cook County , the rate is at 5.3 % as of Monday .
A week ago , it was 6.3 % .
In the region covering DuPage and Kane counties , the average positivity rate is reported at 5.4 % .
It had peaked as high as 6.1 % on Sept. 10 .
The most recent positivity rate for the region with Lake and McHenry counties is 5.7 % .
It had been as high as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to IDPH records .
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 dipped slightly as well .
Statewide , hospitals reported 1,558 patients were admitted for treatment of the virus at the end of Wednesday .
Of those hospitalized , 359 COVID-19 patients were in intensive care beds .
Three of the five states that border Illinois remain on the IDPH travel warning list as well because of high per capita new case rates .
Missouri 's rate is the highest among border states , with 23 new cases for every 100,000 people .
Missouri is averaging 1,469 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past week , according to the IDPH travel warning site .
Wisconsin , which is averaging 1,323 new cases a day over the past week , is reporting 22 new cases a day for every 100,000 residents .
In Iowa , officials are reporting 18 new cases a day for every 100,000 residents , and is averaging 591 new cases a day for the week .
Twelve other states are on the IDPH travel warning list as well , mostly to the south .

Illinois records another 25 COVID-19 deaths, 2,056 more infected
State health officials announced today 25 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19, bringing the state's death toll from the respiratory disease to 8,392.
Meanwhile, another 2,056 new cases were diagnosed, which puts the total number of residents infected at 268,207 since the outbreak began. Illinois Department of Public Health officials also are reporting 96% of those who have contracted the disease are now fully recovered.
The state's seven-day average infection rate also declined slightly to 3.6%. During the past week, the state is averaging 1,795 new cases of the disease a day, according to IDPH records.
Regionally, the average test positivity rate for Will and Kankakee counties continued it's downward trend and is now at 6.1%. The region had a positivity rate in excess of 8% weeks ago, which triggered several business and gathering restrictions that could be lifted if the region's test results stay at or below 6.5% positivity for the next two days. That would mean bars and restaurants could allow indoor dining again, though many businesses have reportedly defied that edict since it went into effect last month.
Average test positivity rates for other regions in the suburbs are also trending down.
In suburban Cook County, the rate is at 5.3% as of Monday. A week ago, it was 6.3%.
In the region covering DuPage and Kane counties, the average positivity rate is reported at 5.4%. It had peaked as high as 6.1% on Sept. 10.
The most recent positivity rate for the region with Lake and McHenry counties is 5.7%. It had been as high as 7% a week ago, according to IDPH records.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 dipped slightly as well.
Statewide, hospitals reported 1,558 patients were admitted for treatment of the virus at the end of Wednesday. Of those hospitalized, 359 COVID-19 patients were in intensive care beds.
Three of the five states that border Illinois remain on the IDPH travel warning list as well because of high per capita new case rates. Missouri's rate is the highest among border states, with 23 new cases for every 100,000 people. Missouri is averaging 1,469 new cases of COVID-19 a day over the past week, according to the IDPH travel warning site.
Wisconsin, which is averaging 1,323 new cases a day over the past week, is reporting 22 new cases a day for every 100,000 residents. In Iowa, officials are reporting 18 new cases a day for every 100,000 residents, and is averaging 591 new cases a day for the week.
Twelve other states are on the IDPH travel warning list as well, mostly to the south.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Netflix 'Cheer' star from Naperville facing child pornography charge

Jerry Harris , the Naperville star of the Netflix series `` Cheer , '' was arrested Thursday on a federal charge accusing him of soliciting explicit images and videos from an underage teen through social media .
Harris , 21 , was charged with one count of producing child pornography .
His arrest comes after a lawsuit filed Monday in Texas against Harris and cheerleading organizations .
Harris repeatedly enticed the teen to send him sexually explicit videos and photographs , according to the criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago .
The teen , a competitive cheerleader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' informed Harris during their initial online encounter that he was 13 years old , the complaint states .
After the boy 's mother discovered the images and videos on his cellphone and confronted him , he told her that Harris solicited oral sex from him in a bathroom at a cheerleading camp both attended in February 2019 , according to the 28-page complaint .
The teen refused .
He also reported a second attempt by Harris to meet him for an in-person sexual encounter when he was at a cheer competition that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In an interview with law enforcement agents in his home Monday , Harris admitted to asking the teen to send him explicit photographs and videos via Snapchat , according to the complaint .
Harris also admitted to repeatedly requesting lewd images from the teen beginning in December 2018 and continuing through March , according to the complaint .
Federal authorities allege Harris admitted to soliciting and receiving child pornography on Snapchat from at least `` 10 to 15 other individuals '' he knew were minors .
Harris also admitted to sending Minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the complaint states .
The teen 's mother provided authorities with multiple screenshots of messages between Harris and her son .
One screenshot included in the complaint showed an exchange between Harrison and Minor 1 from this year .
`` I 'm sorry for what I 've done in the past , '' Harris allegedly wrote .
`` I do n't think it 's a good idea we be friends on Snap . ''
Harris was an instant fan favorite in the hit documentary series following the cheer squad from Navarro , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in their pursuit for a national championship .
`` Mat talk '' entered the lexicon after the show featured his vocal pep talk encouraging his Navarro teammates from the sidelines .
If convicted of producing child pornography , Harris could face up to 30 years in prison .
Harris will remain in jail until at least Monday after a judge ordered him to return for a detention hearing on Monday morning , The Associated Press reported .
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Chicago Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office in Waco , Texas , also provided assistance .
USA Today first reported Monday that the FBI criminal investigation was based on allegations brought by 14-year-old twin brothers in a lawsuit and that FBI agents conducted a raid at Harris ' Naperville home .

Netflix 'Cheer' star from Naperville facing child pornography charge
Jerry Harris, shown here at the Oscars interviewing "Little Women" director Greta Gerwig, is facing a federal charge accusing him of soliciting an underage boy to produce sexually explicit videos and photographs. Associated Press/Feb. 9, 2020
Jerry Harris, the Naperville star of the Netflix series "Cheer," was arrested Thursday on a federal charge accusing him of soliciting explicit images and videos from an underage teen through social media.
Harris, 21, was charged with one count of producing child pornography. His arrest comes after a lawsuit filed Monday in Texas against Harris and cheerleading organizations.
Harris repeatedly enticed the teen to send him sexually explicit videos and photographs, according to the criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
The teen, a competitive cheerleader identified only as "Minor 1," informed Harris during their initial online encounter that he was 13 years old, the complaint states.
After the boy's mother discovered the images and videos on his cellphone and confronted him, he told her that Harris solicited oral sex from him in a bathroom at a cheerleading camp both attended in February 2019, according to the 28-page complaint. The teen refused.
He also reported a second attempt by Harris to meet him for an in-person sexual encounter when he was at a cheer competition that Harris also attended, the complaint states.
In an interview with law enforcement agents in his home Monday, Harris admitted to asking the teen to send him explicit photographs and videos via Snapchat, according to the complaint. Harris also admitted to repeatedly requesting lewd images from the teen beginning in December 2018 and continuing through March, according to the complaint.
Federal authorities allege Harris admitted to soliciting and receiving child pornography on Snapchat from at least "10 to 15 other individuals" he knew were minors.
Harris also admitted to sending Minor 1 explicit photographs of himself over Snapchat, the complaint states.
The teen's mother provided authorities with multiple screenshots of messages between Harris and her son.
One screenshot included in the complaint showed an exchange between Harrison and Minor 1 from this year.
"I'm sorry for what I've done in the past," Harris allegedly wrote. "I don't think it's a good idea we be friends on Snap."
Harris was an instant fan favorite in the hit documentary series following the cheer squad from Navarro, a community college in Corsicana, Texas, in their pursuit for a national championship.
"Mat talk" entered the lexicon after the show featured his vocal pep talk encouraging his Navarro teammates from the sidelines.
If convicted of producing child pornography, Harris could face up to 30 years in prison.
Harris will remain in jail until at least Monday after a judge ordered him to return for a detention hearing on Monday morning, The Associated Press reported.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Chicago Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Crystal Lake police and an FBI office in Waco, Texas, also provided assistance.
USA Today first reported Monday that the FBI criminal investigation was based on allegations brought by 14-year-old twin brothers in a lawsuit and that FBI agents conducted a raid at Harris' Naperville home.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-16--Batavia dam to be removed, Fox River corridor plan to be developed

After decades of debate , plans are being made to remove the Batavia dam while preserving nearby Depot Pond with pledges of $ 75,000 apiece from the city and the Batavia Park District .
The Batavia City Council and the Park District Board participated in a special joint virtual meeting Wednesday to unanimously approve an intergovernmental agreement between the two entities to develop a Fox River corridor master plan .
The City Council vote was 10-0 , with four aldermen not in attendance .
`` Hopefully with this action tonight we 're going to send a message to those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the river and what we really continuously need to do to make sure that we keep it in the strong focus that I think this position has now taken , '' said Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke .
The first phase of the plan is removal of the dam and the pond 's preservation .
The removal of the 109-year-old Challenge Dam , which received that name because of its proximity to the former Challenge windmill factory , is a project city officials say is in the budget for the Illinois Department of Natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the popular Riverwalk built next to it , Depot Pond would dry up without the dam as it 's situated .
The city and Park District will hire Hitchcock Design , a company that worked on riverfront projects in St. Charles and Elgin , to develop and execute a plan to preserve the pond at a cost of $ 150,000 to be split by the city and Park District .
`` The intergovernmental cooperation between the city and the Park District has benefitted the community tremendously , '' said Batavia Park District Executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proposed Fox River corridor master plan will just build upon the tradition of visionary planning that we 've become so accustomed to . ''
Hitchcock Design will begin its work with in-depth analysis that includes community engagement and evaluation of options for the dam and the pond .
The company estimates completion of the project by the spring of 2021 to align with the availability of dam-removal funds from the IDNR .
For safety reasons , and because the dam 's structure has deteriorated -- in 1975 a chunk of the dam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years have sought to remove the Challenge Dam .
Some in the community , though , want to preserve the dam and prefer to reshape or repair it to make it safer and more effective .
City officials ' biggest fear has been failure of the dam , which would drain the pond .
People for and against the dam 's removal also have debated the health of the river to wildlife without the dam .
`` I definitely do support the project , '' said Batavia Ward 3 Alderman Dan Chanzit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that not the entire community is sold on the project yet , or at least has n't gotten to the place that we are yet .
It is incumbent upon us to have a great communication plan , do our best to listen to our residents and try and incorporate their ideas into this process . ''
In 2005 , Batavia 's southern dam was removed .
Fifteen years later , the days look like they 're numbered for its northern neighbor .
`` This is a long time in the making , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Batavia dam to be removed, Fox River corridor plan to be developed
After decades of debate, plans are being made to remove the Batavia dam while preserving nearby Depot Pond with pledges of $75,000 apiece from the city and the Batavia Park District.
The Batavia City Council and the Park District Board participated in a special joint virtual meeting Wednesday to unanimously approve an intergovernmental agreement between the two entities to develop a Fox River corridor master plan. The City Council vote was 10-0, with four aldermen not in attendance.
"Hopefully with this action tonight we're going to send a message to those who succeed us in government the importance of the river and what we really continuously need to do to make sure that we keep it in the strong focus that I think this position has now taken," said Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke.
The first phase of the plan is removal of the dam and the pond's preservation. The removal of the 109-year-old Challenge Dam, which received that name because of its proximity to the former Challenge windmill factory, is a project city officials say is in the budget for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Dredged in the 1990s with the popular Riverwalk built next to it, Depot Pond would dry up without the dam as it's situated. The city and Park District will hire Hitchcock Design, a company that worked on riverfront projects in St. Charles and Elgin, to develop and execute a plan to preserve the pond at a cost of $150,000 to be split by the city and Park District.
"The intergovernmental cooperation between the city and the Park District has benefitted the community tremendously," said Batavia Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela. "We believe the proposed Fox River corridor master plan will just build upon the tradition of visionary planning that we've become so accustomed to."
Hitchcock Design will begin its work with in-depth analysis that includes community engagement and evaluation of options for the dam and the pond. The company estimates completion of the project by the spring of 2021 to align with the availability of dam-removal funds from the IDNR.
For safety reasons, and because the dam's structure has deteriorated -- in 1975 a chunk of the dam washed away -- city officials through the years have sought to remove the Challenge Dam. Some in the community, though, want to preserve the dam and prefer to reshape or repair it to make it safer and more effective.
City officials' biggest fear has been failure of the dam, which would drain the pond. People for and against the dam's removal also have debated the health of the river to wildlife without the dam.
"I definitely do support the project," said Batavia Ward 3 Alderman Dan Chanzit, "but I do want to recognize that not the entire community is sold on the project yet, or at least hasn't gotten to the place that we are yet. It is incumbent upon us to have a great communication plan, do our best to listen to our residents and try and incorporate their ideas into this process."
In 2005, Batavia's southern dam was removed. Fifteen years later, the days look like they're numbered for its northern neighbor.
"This is a long time in the making," said Batavia City Administrator Laura Newman.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--DCFS supervisor in AJ Freund case pleads not guilty to felony child endangerment, reckless conduct

A former Illinois Department of Children and Family Services supervisor pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony criminal charges connected to the death of 5-year-old Andrew `` AJ '' Freund of Crystal Lake .
Through his lawyer , Andrew Polovin , 48 , of Island Lake , made his plea during a brief arraignment hearing at the McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock to charges of child endangerment to the health or life of a child causing death ; causing circumstances endangering the health or life of a child causing death ; and reckless conduct .
If convicted , he faces between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his attorney , Matthew McQuaid , said .
The charges are also punishable by probation .
McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt said Polovin also could be required to pay up to a $ 25,000 fine and serve mandatory supervised release for up to one year , if convicted .
A status date was set for 9 a.m. Thursday , Oct. 29 .
AJ was the subject of many police and child welfare checks during his short life .
He was beaten to death in April 2019 , and his remains were later found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother , JoAnn Cunningham , 37 , has since pleaded guilty and is serving a 35-year prison term .
His father , Andrew Freund Sr. , 61 , remains in custody on $ 5 million bond and is set to appear in court Friday to possibly accept a plea deal .
In what many lawyers have said is a rare move by prosecutors , Polovin and former DCFS caseworker Carlos Acosta , 54 , of Woodstock , who had been assigned to AJ 's case , were charged criminally Sept. 10 .
Acosta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Board , is set to appear for his arraignment next week .
Acosta and Polovin previously had bail set at $ 20,000 and posted the required 10 % , or $ 2,000 bond , to be released from jail while their cases are pending .
Acosta had contact with AJ about four months before prosecutors say the boy 's parents beat him to death in their Crystal Lake home and falsely reported him missing .
Polovin was Acosta 's supervisor at the time .
Official charging documents filed with the McHenry County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Acosta `` knowingly caused or permitted ( AJ ) ... to be placed in circumstances that endangered AJ 's life or health ... '' They 're also accused of recklessly performing an act that `` caused great bodily harm or permanent disability '' to a child , according to the grand jury indictment .
Outside the courtroom Thursday , McQuaid said Polovin had dedicated his life 's work to protecting and caring for children and he looks forward to seeing him exonerated .
McQuaid said he is searching for a similar case in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges .
He said he is considering filing a motion for a change of venue should the case go to trial .
`` These charges ... do not reflect the kind of person he is , his character , '' McQuaid said .
`` He has been a public servant his entire work life .
He 's worked in child protection .
Obviously these charges do not reflect that . ''
He said Polovin had known `` for a while '' the charges could be coming and he was aware of the grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never contacted or interviewed during the investigation , McQuaid said .
`` I ca n't say I 'm surprised but I 'm disappointed , '' he said .
`` If anything his career is destroyed , his name is mud and his character has been assassinated . ''

DCFS supervisor in AJ Freund case pleads not guilty to felony child endangerment, reckless conduct
Andrew Polovin, center, a former supervisor with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, walks to the podium Thursday in the McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock during his arraignment hearing on felony charges stemming from the death of 5-year-old Andrew "AJ" Freund of Crystal Lake. Polovin pleaded not guilty to the charges. Stacey Wescott/pool/Chicago Tribune
Andrew Polovin, a former supervisor with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, stands with his attorney, Matthew J. McQuaid, right, before Judge Robert Wilbrandt during Polovin's arraignment hearing Thursday at McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock. Polovin pleaded not guilty to several felonies, including child endangerment to the health or life of a child causing death, stemming from the death of 5-year-old Andrew "AJ" Freund of Crystal Lake. Stacey Wescott/pool/Chicago Tribune
Andrew Polovin, right, a former supervisor with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, walks to the podium Thursday during his arraignment hearing at McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock. Polovin pleaded not guilty to several felony charges stemming from the death of 5-year-old Andrew "AJ" Freund of Crystal Lake. Stacey Wescott/pool/Chicago Tribune
A former Illinois Department of Children and Family Services supervisor pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony criminal charges connected to the death of 5-year-old Andrew "AJ" Freund of Crystal Lake.
Through his lawyer, Andrew Polovin, 48, of Island Lake, made his plea during a brief arraignment hearing at the McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock to charges of child endangerment to the health or life of a child causing death; causing circumstances endangering the health or life of a child causing death; and reckless conduct.
If convicted, he faces between 2 and 5 years in prison, his attorney, Matthew McQuaid, said. The charges are also punishable by probation.
McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt said Polovin also could be required to pay up to a $25,000 fine and serve mandatory supervised release for up to one year, if convicted.
A status date was set for 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
AJ was the subject of many police and child welfare checks during his short life. He was beaten to death in April 2019, and his remains were later found buried in a shallow grave.
His mother, JoAnn Cunningham, 37, has since pleaded guilty and is serving a 35-year prison term. His father, Andrew Freund Sr., 61, remains in custody on $5 million bond and is set to appear in court Friday to possibly accept a plea deal.
In what many lawyers have said is a rare move by prosecutors, Polovin and former DCFS caseworker Carlos Acosta, 54, of Woodstock, who had been assigned to AJ's case, were charged criminally Sept. 10.
Acosta, who also sits on the McHenry County Board, is set to appear for his arraignment next week.
Acosta and Polovin previously had bail set at $20,000 and posted the required 10%, or $2,000 bond, to be released from jail while their cases are pending.
Acosta had contact with AJ about four months before prosecutors say the boy's parents beat him to death in their Crystal Lake home and falsely reported him missing. Polovin was Acosta's supervisor at the time.
Official charging documents filed with the McHenry County circuit clerk's office alleged Polovin and Acosta "knowingly caused or permitted (AJ) ... to be placed in circumstances that endangered AJ's life or health ..." They're also accused of recklessly performing an act that "caused great bodily harm or permanent disability" to a child, according to the grand jury indictment.
Outside the courtroom Thursday, McQuaid said Polovin had dedicated his life's work to protecting and caring for children and he looks forward to seeing him exonerated. McQuaid said he is searching for a similar case in which a public servant has faced criminal charges.
He said he is considering filing a motion for a change of venue should the case go to trial.
"These charges ... do not reflect the kind of person he is, his character," McQuaid said. "He has been a public servant his entire work life. He's worked in child protection. Obviously these charges do not reflect that."
He said Polovin had known "for a while" the charges could be coming and he was aware of the grand jury proceedings. However, Polovin was never contacted or interviewed during the investigation, McQuaid said.
"I can't say I'm surprised but I'm disappointed," he said. "If anything his career is destroyed, his name is mud and his character has been assassinated."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Civil War reenactors re-forming their regiment this weekend

The 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment will ride again , but with a slight uniform adjustment .
The Civil War reenactors are gathering Saturday at Camp Kane in St. Charles for their first event since the COVID-19 pandemic began .
While the goal is historical accuracy with their encampment , safety dictates the use of proper masks for everyone involved .
That includes the public , which is welcome to see what Civil War camps actually looked like .
Up to 50 socially distanced people at a time are allowed in the park for the event , which will take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wearing the masks is a little bit of a frustration and it feels a little wrong , but we 'll get over it , '' said Don McArthur-Self , president of the 8th Illinois Cavalry group .
`` It may not look right but at this point , it 's better than nothing . ''
McArthur-Self , who lives in Naperville and teaches history at Maine South High School in Park Ridge , became involved with the reenactment group about six years ago .
He and his colleagues are getting together for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonprofit held a business meeting and elected officers .
Little did they know the pandemic would delay their gatherings from April until now .
McArthur-Self said the group , which includes about 20 members from Illinois , Indiana , Iowa and Wisconsin , had to cancel seven events , including trips to St. Louis and the Illinois cities Galesburg , Princeton and Pittsfield .
McArthur-Self admits there 's a mix of excitement and nervousness about reforming the regiment this weekend because he 's not sure how many members will attend .
He thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with a handful of horses .
The hope is to have a cavalry ride in the park , but the main attraction will be the close-up view of camp life during the Civil War .
`` I like to demonstrate the realities and talk to people about Civil War camp life and the regimental history , '' he said .
`` We 'll have at least four of our horses there and ride them out .
We 'll do what we can but we also recognize that we 're guests and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment was formed in 1861 in St. Charles by Col. John Farnsworth and trained at Camp Kane .
The regiment fought at Gettysburg and other battles , and participated in the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after Abraham Lincoln 's assassination .
Saturday 's event is free to the public , although donations will be accepted by the regiment and the Camp Kane Foundation to restore the location .
`` It 's a chance to get out and represent the history of the time , '' McArthur-Self said @

Civil War reenactors re-forming their regiment this weekend
Civil War reenactors from the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment, seen here at a 2017 event in Wauconda, are gathering for an event Saturday at Camp Kane in St. Charles. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the participants and spectators will wear masks, be socially distanced and crowds will be limited to 50 at a time. Courtesy of 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment
Civil War reenactors from the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment, seen here at a 2017 event in Wauconda, are gathering for an event Saturday at Camp Kane in St. Charles. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the participants and spectators will wear masks, be socially distanced and crowds will be limited to 50 at a time. Courtesy of 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment
Civil War reenactors from the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment, seen here at a 2017 event in Wauconda, are gathering for an event Saturday at Camp Kane in St. Charles. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the participants and spectators will wear masks, be socially distanced and crowds will be limited to 50 at a time. Courtesy of 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment
Civil War reenactors from the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment, seen here at a 2017 event in Wauconda, are gathering for an event Saturday at Camp Kane in St. Charles. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the participants and spectators will wear masks, be socially distanced and crowds will be limited to 50 at a time. Courtesy of 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment
The 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment will ride again, but with a slight uniform adjustment.
The Civil War reenactors are gathering Saturday at Camp Kane in St. Charles for their first event since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While the goal is historical accuracy with their encampment, safety dictates the use of proper masks for everyone involved.
That includes the public, which is welcome to see what Civil War camps actually looked like. Up to 50 socially distanced people at a time are allowed in the park for the event, which will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
"Wearing the masks is a little bit of a frustration and it feels a little wrong, but we'll get over it," said Don McArthur-Self, president of the 8th Illinois Cavalry group. "It may not look right but at this point, it's better than nothing."
McArthur-Self, who lives in Naperville and teaches history at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, became involved with the reenactment group about six years ago. He and his colleagues are getting together for the first time since December, when the nonprofit held a business meeting and elected officers.
Little did they know the pandemic would delay their gatherings from April until now. McArthur-Self said the group, which includes about 20 members from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin, had to cancel seven events, including trips to St. Louis and the Illinois cities Galesburg, Princeton and Pittsfield.
McArthur-Self admits there's a mix of excitement and nervousness about reforming the regiment this weekend because he's not sure how many members will attend. He thinks about a dozen members will participate, along with a handful of horses.
The hope is to have a cavalry ride in the park, but the main attraction will be the close-up view of camp life during the Civil War.
"I like to demonstrate the realities and talk to people about Civil War camp life and the regimental history," he said. "We'll have at least four of our horses there and ride them out. We'll do what we can but we also recognize that we're guests and we want to follow all the rules."
The 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment was formed in 1861 in St. Charles by Col. John Farnsworth and trained at Camp Kane. The regiment fought at Gettysburg and other battles, and participated in the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after Abraham Lincoln's assassination.
Saturday's event is free to the public, although donations will be accepted by the regiment and the Camp Kane Foundation to restore the location.
"It's a chance to get out and represent the history of the time," McArthur-Self said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Candidates for Illinois House 45th, 56th districts debate coronavirus impact, state spending

Two incumbent state House Democrats and their Republican challengers from the Northwest and Western suburbs debated the governor 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the state budget during a recent Daily Herald Editorial Board interview .
The candidates are vying for seats in the 45th and 56th House districts Nov. 3 .
Democrat Diane Pappas of Itasca faces a challenge from Republican Seth Lewis , a Bartlett insurance agent , in the 45th District .
Democrat Michelle Mussman of Schaumburg faces Republican Scott Kegarise , the Schaumburg Township highway commissioner , in the 56th District .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ J.B. Pritzker 's initial pandemic response , but Kegarise and Lewis criticized his actions since .
`` I agree with the executive orders that occurred in May , '' Lewis said .
`` However , we 're looking now at six months later , and we have a plan that indicates whether the state 's going to be open or not open .
We know where we 're at , yet we 're still operating under executive order .
People are getting frustrated with this . ''
Lewis criticized state lawmakers for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a socially distanced session .
Legislators have not come together as a group , except for an emergency special session held in May .
`` Everyone 's still getting paid , yet we 're not doing the job that we 're elected to do by the public , '' said Lewis , adding the state should have cut spending .
Pappas said Illinois has gotten through the pandemic crisis with fewer casualties than other states because of the governor 's actions .
`` No one is immune from the economic impact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to do is look forward again , learn from what everybody else is doing and make the best decisions going forward .
I agree that the legislature does need to get involved and I 'm certain that we will .
We certainly ca n't make decisions as quickly as the governor can ... when we went into emergency session , we dealt with the emergency issues that were put before us . ''
Pappas said a recession is the worst time to cut spending , but rather the responsible thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You do n't get out of a depression by cutting government spending , and in fact , the Great Depression , what got us out of that was enhanced government spending and more government programs because the businesses were not in a position to offer employment to people and the government was , '' she said .
`` We did not cut services at a time when people needed those services the most .
The government needs to serve as a bridge ... from the current situation to a time when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widening the chasm by cutting desperately needed services . ''
The 45th District takes in parts of Addison , Bartlett , Bloomingdale , Carol Stream , Itasca , Roselle , West Chicago and Wood Dale .
Mussman responded to criticism about state legislators not gathering , saying there was no consensus in May to allow for remote sessions .
She added , there were issues with social distancing when lawmakers came together in May .
`` People had very different views about how close you could stand or whether or not you needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members were uncomfortable being together in that situation , '' she said .
Also , bringing together all 177 House and Senate members , as well as support and security staff and members of the public who need to be involved , with social distancing and safety measures in place , would increase costs , she added .
`` The governor has much more agility to meet independently and we certainly do and can consult with him and consult with his staff about what needs to be done , '' Mussman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us back and conduct a full legislative session with voting is not as easy as it may sound . ''
Mussman also opposed cutting funding for services , such as education , care for seniors , veterans , people with disabilities and abused children , at a time when they need it most , and she questioned the long-term effects of doing so .
Kegarise criticized the governor 's `` one-size-fits-all '' attitude for the entire state , for shutting down businesses for as long as he did and imposing stringent social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many small businesses that shuttered their doors , restaurants that have put people out on the street , employees who are looking for their next meal because they 've all been closed down , '' he said .
`` There 's no discussion going on , and we need to take action now , not in December . ''
The 56th District includes parts of Elk Grove Village , Hanover Park , Hoffman Estates , Palatine , Rolling Meadows , Roselle , and Schaumburg .

Candidates for Illinois House 45th, 56th districts debate coronavirus impact, state spending
Two incumbent state House Democrats and their Republican challengers from the Northwest and Western suburbs debated the governor's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the state budget during a recent Daily Herald Editorial Board interview.
The candidates are vying for seats in the 45th and 56th House districts Nov. 3.
Democrat Diane Pappas of Itasca faces a challenge from Republican Seth Lewis, a Bartlett insurance agent, in the 45th District. Democrat Michelle Mussman of Schaumburg faces Republican Scott Kegarise, the Schaumburg Township highway commissioner, in the 56th District.
All four candidates agreed with Gov. J.B. Pritzker's initial pandemic response, but Kegarise and Lewis criticized his actions since.
"I agree with the executive orders that occurred in May," Lewis said. "However, we're looking now at six months later, and we have a plan that indicates whether the state's going to be open or not open. We know where we're at, yet we're still operating under executive order. People are getting frustrated with this."
Lewis criticized state lawmakers for not pushing House Speaker Mike Madigan to call for a socially distanced session. Legislators have not come together as a group, except for an emergency special session held in May.
"Everyone's still getting paid, yet we're not doing the job that we're elected to do by the public," said Lewis, adding the state should have cut spending.
Pappas said Illinois has gotten through the pandemic crisis with fewer casualties than other states because of the governor's actions.
"No one is immune from the economic impact," she added. "What we need to do is look forward again, learn from what everybody else is doing and make the best decisions going forward. I agree that the legislature does need to get involved and I'm certain that we will. We certainly can't make decisions as quickly as the governor can ... when we went into emergency session, we dealt with the emergency issues that were put before us."
Pappas said a recession is the worst time to cut spending, but rather the responsible thing to do is keeping the state budget flat.
"You don't get out of a depression by cutting government spending, and in fact, the Great Depression, what got us out of that was enhanced government spending and more government programs because the businesses were not in a position to offer employment to people and the government was," she said. "We did not cut services at a time when people needed those services the most. The government needs to serve as a bridge ... from the current situation to a time when we're past this crisis, instead of widening the chasm by cutting desperately needed services."
The 45th District takes in parts of Addison, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Itasca, Roselle, West Chicago and Wood Dale.
Mussman responded to criticism about state legislators not gathering, saying there was no consensus in May to allow for remote sessions. She added, there were issues with social distancing when lawmakers came together in May.
"People had very different views about how close you could stand or whether or not you needed to wear the mask, and our members were uncomfortable being together in that situation," she said.
Also, bringing together all 177 House and Senate members, as well as support and security staff and members of the public who need to be involved, with social distancing and safety measures in place, would increase costs, she added.
"The governor has much more agility to meet independently and we certainly do and can consult with him and consult with his staff about what needs to be done," Mussman said. "But trying to bring all of us back and conduct a full legislative session with voting is not as easy as it may sound."
Mussman also opposed cutting funding for services, such as education, care for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and abused children, at a time when they need it most, and she questioned the long-term effects of doing so.
Kegarise criticized the governor's "one-size-fits-all" attitude for the entire state, for shutting down businesses for as long as he did and imposing stringent social distancing requirements for restaurants.
"There are many small businesses that shuttered their doors, restaurants that have put people out on the street, employees who are looking for their next meal because they've all been closed down," he said. "There's no discussion going on, and we need to take action now, not in December."
The 56th District includes parts of Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, and Schaumburg.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Woodland District 50 sues to close Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake

Gurnee-based Woodland School District 50 filed a lawsuit this week seeking the closure of Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake .
The lawsuit argues that Prairie Crossing has failed to educate at-risk students as required by the state .
The litigation also claims that , by taking state funds , the charter school diverts money away from services for low-income and underrepresented students in District 50 .
Prairie Crossing Executive Director Geoff Deigan said he has not yet seen the lawsuit .
But the district 's arguments , laid out in a news release Thursday , are the same as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the school 's charter revoked , he said .
`` They have tried to thwart the existence of our charter school since we started in 1999 , '' Deigan said .
District 50 board President Carla Little said Prairie Crossing has n't addressed the issues raised in Woodland 's previous lawsuits .
`` Ever since they 've been in existence they 've skirted the law with educating at-risk students , '' Little said .
`` That 's why we have a problem with it . ''
The Illinois State Charter School Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their charter in 2019 .
Woodland 50 officials then filed a complaint with the Illinois State Board of Education .
In their complaint , Woodland officials noted that just 4 % of Prairie Crossing students were from low-income families in the 2018-2019 school year , compared to 35 % of Woodland 50 students .
The complaint was rejected by the state board of education in June .
Deigan said Prairie Crossing 's number of low-income students has grown , but it is n't fair to compare the demographics between the charter and District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve every child within the district , while charter schools only enroll children when they have an open seat .
`` People have to make the choice to come here , '' Deigan said , noting there is a state-mandated lottery process to enroll .
`` We have over 150 families on our waitlist now and I have no idea who they are or where they come from or any of that . ''
Little said one reason low-income students do n't sign up for Prairie Crossing is because the school does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The school has been in existence since 1999 but they still have n't found a way to attract those students .
You 'd think they would have done better in over 20 years , '' she said .
Woodland officials also filed a lawsuit in 2014 , shortly after Prairie Crossing 's previous five-year charter extension .
Cook County Circuit Judge Thomas Allen sided with District 50 in March 2015 , ruling the state charter commission erred .
But his ruling was overturned by a state appeals court , a decision later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Once the dust had settled , Deigan estimated Prairie Crossing had spent about $ 150,000 in legal fees and Woodland 's estimated legal tab was $ 212,281 .
Deigan said that with the latest litigation , Woodland officials are repurposing money that should be going into classrooms .
`` Here we are again defending our right to exist , '' he said .
`` We are a high-performing school and we are going to continue to do that , be that regardless of who is trying to stand in our way . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private school with public dollars .
`` They are taking money away from poor kids at Woodland to educate rich kids at Prairie Crossing , '' she said .
`` That is hard for us , we can not allow it , we have to say something , we have to point out these inequities . ''
Prairie Crossing , which last year had an enrollment of 431 students in kindergarten through eighth grade , is within the boundaries of both District 50 and Mundelein-based Fremont Elementary District 79 .

Woodland District 50 sues to close Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake
Woodland School District 50 officials are once again taking legal action aimed at closing Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake. Daily Herald File photo, 2016
Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake is not educating low-income students as required by state law, according to a lawsuit filed this week by Gurnee-based Woodland Elementary School District 50. Daily Herald File photo, 2016
Gurnee-based Woodland School District 50 filed a lawsuit this week seeking the closure of Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake.
The lawsuit argues that Prairie Crossing has failed to educate at-risk students as required by the state. The litigation also claims that, by taking state funds, the charter school diverts money away from services for low-income and underrepresented students in District 50.
Prairie Crossing Executive Director Geoff Deigan said he has not yet seen the lawsuit. But the district's arguments, laid out in a news release Thursday, are the same as those made during unsuccessful past efforts to get the school's charter revoked, he said.
"They have tried to thwart the existence of our charter school since we started in 1999," Deigan said.
District 50 board President Carla Little said Prairie Crossing hasn't addressed the issues raised in Woodland's previous lawsuits.
"Ever since they've been in existence they've skirted the law with educating at-risk students," Little said. "That's why we have a problem with it."
The Illinois State Charter School Commission granted Prairie Crossing a five-year extension of their charter in 2019. Woodland 50 officials then filed a complaint with the Illinois State Board of Education. In their complaint, Woodland officials noted that just 4% of Prairie Crossing students were from low-income families in the 2018-2019 school year, compared to 35% of Woodland 50 students.
Prairie Crossing also enrolled fewer Black students (4% versus Woodland's 8%) and Hispanic students (6% versus Woodland's 33%).
The complaint was rejected by the state board of education in June.
Deigan said Prairie Crossing's number of low-income students has grown, but it isn't fair to compare the demographics between the charter and District 50 schools. Public schools have to serve every child within the district, while charter schools only enroll children when they have an open seat.
"People have to make the choice to come here," Deigan said, noting there is a state-mandated lottery process to enroll. "We have over 150 families on our waitlist now and I have no idea who they are or where they come from or any of that."
Little said one reason low-income students don't sign up for Prairie Crossing is because the school does not offer transportation or free food programs.
"The school has been in existence since 1999 but they still haven't found a way to attract those students. You'd think they would have done better in over 20 years," she said.
Woodland officials also filed a lawsuit in 2014, shortly after Prairie Crossing's previous five-year charter extension. Cook County Circuit Judge Thomas Allen sided with District 50 in March 2015, ruling the state charter commission erred. But his ruling was overturned by a state appeals court, a decision later upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Once the dust had settled, Deigan estimated Prairie Crossing had spent about $150,000 in legal fees and Woodland's estimated legal tab was $212,281.
Deigan said that with the latest litigation, Woodland officials are repurposing money that should be going into classrooms.
"Here we are again defending our right to exist," he said. "We are a high-performing school and we are going to continue to do that, be that regardless of who is trying to stand in our way."
Little said Prairie Crossing essentially operates as a private school with public dollars.
"They are taking money away from poor kids at Woodland to educate rich kids at Prairie Crossing," she said. "That is hard for us, we cannot allow it, we have to say something, we have to point out these inequities."
Prairie Crossing, which last year had an enrollment of 431 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, is within the boundaries of both District 50 and Mundelein-based Fremont Elementary District 79.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Naperville panel unanimously supports redevelopment plans for Little Friends property

A plan to preserve the Kroehler mansion and redevelop the Little Friends property into 45 townhouses has received unanimous support from a Naperville panel , despite resounding opposition expressed by neighbors in the city 's historic district .
After a roughly four-hour public hearing Wednesday , the planning and zoning commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional use for the controversial Heritage Place project , and code variances related to density , front-yard setbacks and building height .
The development proposal presented by contract purchaser Ram West Capital calls for constructing 11 new townhouse buildings and repurposing Kroehler mansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wright Street property .
Deemed worth saving by preservationists and city officials , the historic mansion serves as the centerpiece of the project and has been a driving force in the developer 's efforts to balance financial viability with public good , attorney Russ Whitaker said .
A public park , rear-loaded garages , landscaping and open space are among the other community requests addressed in the plan .
But a majority of the more than 30 people who spoke or submitted comments Wednesday voiced concerns over the size and density of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit with the character of the neighborhood .
If given the choice between moving forward with the townhouse proposal or tearing down the mansion in favor of a new plan , several neighbors said they 'd choose the latter .
`` We have come to what I believe represents the historic district 's Sophie 's choice , '' said resident Mark Urda , who also sits on the city 's historic preservation commission .
That panel voted 6-2 last month against the proposed conditional use and variances .
A certificate of appropriateness for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though Ram West Capital is appealing the denial .
Leaders of Naperville Preservation Inc. and the East Central Homeowners Organization also have issued statements of opposition , saying single-family houses or another housing plan with a lower density would be more suitable for the area .
If the Heritage Place proposal is not economically feasible without being awarded variances from the city , the ECHO statement said , `` the demolition of Kroehler mansion may be a better long-term solution . ''
But planning and zoning commissioners contended razing the more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its historic value .
The city council has expressed its support for the mansion , offering Little Friends a $ 450,000 incentive to sell the campus to a developer willing to save it .
Though sympathetic to neighbors ' concerns , commission Chairman Bruce Hanson said , he believes Ram West has created a `` beautiful development '' that accommodates the community 's desires and the constraints of the mansion .
To reverse course and say the structure 's preservation is no longer a priority would be inappropriate , he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Hanson said .
`` I think the developer has done a fantastic job of addressing those needs and honoring our city 's history with the mansion . ''
The conditional use and variances , and the certificate of appropriateness , now go to the city council for a final decision .
City approval of the development plans is a critical step in Little Friends ' plans to sell its legacy campus and relocate to a new facility in Warrenville .
The disability services agency has spent roughly 18 months and millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Naperville property meets the desires of the community , President and CEO Mike Briggs said .
`` ( Wednesday 's ) vote was affirmation that the spirit of compromise is still alive and well in Naperville , '' he said , `` and that responsible redevelopment plans to move the community forward can attract widespread support . ''

Naperville panel unanimously supports redevelopment plans for Little Friends property
Residential development plans proposed for the Little Friends campus include creating a rose garden at the center of the Naperville property. Courtesy of Ram West Capital
A public park is included in a developer's plans to construct 11 new townhouse buildings and repurpose the Kroehler mansion on the Little Friends property in Naperville. Courtesy of Ram West Capital
The Naperville planning and zoning commission unanimously supported plans to construct 11 townhouse buildings and repurpose the Kroehler mansion to create a total of 45 residential units on the Little Friends property. A public park, a rose garden and other open space and landscaping are also included in the plans. Courtesy of Ram West Capital
Neighbors have expressed opposition to a developer's proposal to create 45 townhouse units on the Little Friends property in Naperville. But the planning and zoning commission supported the plan Wednesday, saying it accommodates the community's requests while preserving the Kroehler mansion. Courtesy of Dan Kittilsen, DJK Custom Homes
A plan to preserve the Kroehler mansion and redevelop the Little Friends property into 45 townhouses has received unanimous support from a Naperville panel, despite resounding opposition expressed by neighbors in the city's historic district.
After a roughly four-hour public hearing Wednesday, the planning and zoning commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional use for the controversial Heritage Place project, and code variances related to density, front-yard setbacks and building height.
The development proposal presented by contract purchaser Ram West Capital calls for constructing 11 new townhouse buildings and repurposing Kroehler mansion to create 45 total residential units on the Wright Street property.
Deemed worth saving by preservationists and city officials, the historic mansion serves as the centerpiece of the project and has been a driving force in the developer's efforts to balance financial viability with public good, attorney Russ Whitaker said. A public park, rear-loaded garages, landscaping and open space are among the other community requests addressed in the plan.
But a majority of the more than 30 people who spoke or submitted comments Wednesday voiced concerns over the size and density of the development, saying it does not fit with the character of the neighborhood. If given the choice between moving forward with the townhouse proposal or tearing down the mansion in favor of a new plan, several neighbors said they'd choose the latter.
"We have come to what I believe represents the historic district's Sophie's choice," said resident Mark Urda, who also sits on the city's historic preservation commission.
That panel voted 6-2 last month against the proposed conditional use and variances. A certificate of appropriateness for the development also was shot down 5-3, though Ram West Capital is appealing the denial.
Leaders of Naperville Preservation Inc. and the East Central Homeowners Organization also have issued statements of opposition, saying single-family houses or another housing plan with a lower density would be more suitable for the area. If the Heritage Place proposal is not economically feasible without being awarded variances from the city, the ECHO statement said, "the demolition of Kroehler mansion may be a better long-term solution."
But planning and zoning commissioners contended razing the more than century-old house would rid the property of its historic value. The city council has expressed its support for the mansion, offering Little Friends a $450,000 incentive to sell the campus to a developer willing to save it.
Though sympathetic to neighbors' concerns, commission Chairman Bruce Hanson said, he believes Ram West has created a "beautiful development" that accommodates the community's desires and the constraints of the mansion. To reverse course and say the structure's preservation is no longer a priority would be inappropriate, he said.
"It can't continue that way," Hanson said. "I think the developer has done a fantastic job of addressing those needs and honoring our city's history with the mansion."
The conditional use and variances, and the certificate of appropriateness, now go to the city council for a final decision.
City approval of the development plans is a critical step in Little Friends' plans to sell its legacy campus and relocate to a new facility in Warrenville. The disability services agency has spent roughly 18 months and millions of dollars trying to ensure the future of the Naperville property meets the desires of the community, President and CEO Mike Briggs said.
"(Wednesday's) vote was affirmation that the spirit of compromise is still alive and well in Naperville," he said, "and that responsible redevelopment plans to move the community forward can attract widespread support."