dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-11--Amid legislative push to eliminate them, Palatine seeks new red-light camera contract

Despite attempts by some lawmakers to ban red-light cameras , the village of Palatine -- like others across the suburbs -- plans to continue using them , although it has solicited proposals from vendors rather than automatically extending its latest contract .
The cameras have worked well for the village , lowering traffic crashes and increasing safety , Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen said .
They 've also brought in millions of dollars in revenues earmarked for the police department , particularly its traffic unit .
The village has no complaints about its vendor since 2008 , RedSpeed Illinois , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking other proposals , Ottesen said .
The latest contract ended in July and is continuing on a month-to-month basis .
`` The industry has evolved ... '' he said .
`` I really felt we should look far and wide to see what 's out there .
Are we getting the best value ?
Are we getting the best equipment ?
Those are the things I wanted to look at . ''
RedSpeed , based in Lombard , and two other vendors , Conduent State & Local Solutions , Inc. , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inc. , of Orlando , Florida , submitted proposals to Palatine , according to information obtained via the Freedom of Information Act .
The proposals are being reviewed by the police department and the village council is expected to discuss them by the end of the year , Ottesen said .
Among opponents of red-light cameras is Republican state Rep. David McSweeney of Barrington Hills , who 's been trying to get them banned across the state and succeeded in getting the House to approve a partial ban for non-home rule communities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Close examination of crash data at red-light intersections often does n't show a need , McSweeney said .
`` I think it 's a corrupt program .
I think it 's all about revenue , '' he said .
Palatine has two red-light cameras at the intersection of Rand at Dundee roads , and one each at Rand at Hicks roads , Northwest Highway and Palatine Road , and Illinois Avenue at Plum Grove Road .
Data compiled in July by RedSpeed , which did n't reply to a request for comment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cameras were installed , although with great variation .
The largest decrease was at Rand at Dundee roads , which had 28.9 average crashes per year from 2010 to 2018 , less than half the 62.3 average crashes from 2006 to 2008 .
That includes decreases in all crash categories : rear-end , angle , turn and `` other . ''
But the intersection of Plum Grove Road and Illinois Avenue shows very little change , from an average 3.7 crashes per year from 2005 to 2007 to a 3.1 average from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only in angle crashes and slight increases in the other three categories .
Citations in Palatine are issued in a two-step approach , said Kurt Schroeder , a retired police commander who works part-time as management analyst for the police department .
RedSpeed screens all video triggered by sensors and sends to the village the video it deems showing drivers at fault , he said .
The video then is reviewed by village staff , mostly Schroeder , who decide whether to issue $ 100 citations .
`` The law says there should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop for a red light .
The biggest misconception is people think there should be a 'no turn on red ' sign , '' he said .
Still , one ca n't be punitive , particularly when the weather conditions are bad , Schroeder said .
On a recent Friday morning , he had a list of 212 videos to look at , and began by dismissing four of the first 10 .
`` You have to look at the overall safety , '' he said .
`` You give ( drivers ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vehicle owners can contest citations through an adjudication process .
After adjudication , 7,146 citations were issued and 1,265 were dismissed from 2008 through June , data shows .
Palatine received $ 607,669 in red-light camera revenues in 2019 , $ 706,999 in 2018 and $ 699,946 in 2017 , Ottesen said .
The fluctuations are due to cameras temporarily being taken out of service for construction or other reasons .
Revenues are estimated at about $ 500,000 for 2020 and $ 421,000 for 2021 , because two cameras are offline during construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kennedy Drive , Ottesen said .
The Illinois Department of Transportation project started in July and is expected to last through October 2021 .
The contract also is lucrative for RedSpeed .
The company earned about $ 207,000 through late September this year , $ 432,343 in 2019 and $ 453,525 in 2018 , as a result of its contract with Palatine , Police Chief David Daigle said .
That includes a $ 1,499 monthly lease per camera , a percentage of money from citations , and fees for calls to customer service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latter is done when police investigate a crash , Ottesen explained .
`` No one likes to get a red-light camera citation , but the village does it fairly , he said .
`` It 's a revenue source for the village , but it 's done for public safety . ''

Amid legislative push to eliminate them, Palatine seeks new red-light camera contract
Despite attempts by some lawmakers to ban red-light cameras, the village of Palatine -- like others across the suburbs -- plans to continue using them, although it has solicited proposals from vendors rather than automatically extending its latest contract.
The cameras have worked well for the village, lowering traffic crashes and increasing safety, Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen said. They've also brought in millions of dollars in revenues earmarked for the police department, particularly its traffic unit.
The village has no complaints about its vendor since 2008, RedSpeed Illinois, but it's doing due diligence by seeking other proposals, Ottesen said. The latest contract ended in July and is continuing on a month-to-month basis.
"The industry has evolved ..." he said. "I really felt we should look far and wide to see what's out there. Are we getting the best value? Are we getting the best equipment? Those are the things I wanted to look at."
RedSpeed, based in Lombard, and two other vendors, Conduent State & Local Solutions, Inc., of Washington, D.C., and NovoaGlobal, Inc., of Orlando, Florida, submitted proposals to Palatine, according to information obtained via the Freedom of Information Act. The proposals are being reviewed by the police department and the village council is expected to discuss them by the end of the year, Ottesen said.
Among opponents of red-light cameras is Republican state Rep. David McSweeney of Barrington Hills, who's been trying to get them banned across the state and succeeded in getting the House to approve a partial ban for non-home rule communities, which doesn't apply to Palatine.
Close examination of crash data at red-light intersections often doesn't show a need, McSweeney said. "I think it's a corrupt program. I think it's all about revenue," he said.
The data
Palatine has two red-light cameras at the intersection of Rand at Dundee roads, and one each at Rand at Hicks roads, Northwest Highway and Palatine Road, and Illinois Avenue at Plum Grove Road. Data compiled in July by RedSpeed, which didn't reply to a request for comment, shows fewer crashes at all intersections after the cameras were installed, although with great variation.
The largest decrease was at Rand at Dundee roads, which had 28.9 average crashes per year from 2010 to 2018, less than half the 62.3 average crashes from 2006 to 2008. That includes decreases in all crash categories: rear-end, angle, turn and "other."
But the intersection of Plum Grove Road and Illinois Avenue shows very little change, from an average 3.7 crashes per year from 2005 to 2007 to a 3.1 average from 2009 to 2018, with a decrease only in angle crashes and slight increases in the other three categories.
$100 citations
Citations in Palatine are issued in a two-step approach, said Kurt Schroeder, a retired police commander who works part-time as management analyst for the police department. RedSpeed screens all video triggered by sensors and sends to the village the video it deems showing drivers at fault, he said. The video then is reviewed by village staff, mostly Schroeder, who decide whether to issue $100 citations.
"The law says there should be a complete cessation of movement to stop for a red light. The biggest misconception is people think there should be a 'no turn on red' sign," he said.
Still, one can't be punitive, particularly when the weather conditions are bad, Schroeder said. On a recent Friday morning, he had a list of 212 videos to look at, and began by dismissing four of the first 10.
"You have to look at the overall safety," he said. "You give (drivers) the benefit of the doubt."
Vehicle owners can contest citations through an adjudication process. After adjudication, 7,146 citations were issued and 1,265 were dismissed from 2008 through June, data shows.
The money
Palatine received $607,669 in red-light camera revenues in 2019, $706,999 in 2018 and $699,946 in 2017, Ottesen said.
The fluctuations are due to cameras temporarily being taken out of service for construction or other reasons.
Revenues are estimated at about $500,000 for 2020 and $421,000 for 2021, because two cameras are offline during construction along Dundee Road from Rand Road to Kennedy Drive, Ottesen said.
The Illinois Department of Transportation project started in July and is expected to last through October 2021.
The contract also is lucrative for RedSpeed. The company earned about $207,000 through late September this year, $432,343 in 2019 and $453,525 in 2018, as a result of its contract with Palatine, Police Chief David Daigle said.
That includes a $1,499 monthly lease per camera, a percentage of money from citations, and fees for calls to customer service, payment processing and video archiving. The latter is done when police investigate a crash, Ottesen explained.
"No one likes to get a red-light camera citation, but the village does it fairly, he said. "It's a revenue source for the village, but it's done for public safety."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-11--'It was pretty amazing': LGBTQ community recalls importance of Elk Grove bar

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

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


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-11--Buffalo Grove parks board member replaces Link in Illinois Senate

Adriane Johnson , a Buffalo Grove Park District board member with a long history of community involvement , will fill the seat of disgraced former state Sen. Terry Link , local Democratic leaders announced Sunday night .
Johnson , who also serves as board president for the Buffalo Grove-Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce , was sworn in Sunday and will hold Link 's former 30th District seat through the 2022 election .
She is the first Black state senator from Lake County , according to Lake County Democratic Party Chair Lauren Beth Gash .
`` What stood out about Adriane is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairing a statewide advocacy organization , business knowledge , and proven commitment to public service , '' Gash said in an announcement of the appointment .
`` The feedback from people in the 30th District was universally positive and compelling , '' Gash and state Rep. Mark Walker of Arlington Heights , in his role as Wheeling Township Democratic Committeeperson , made the decision to appoint Johnson .
Link resigned his senate seat last month in the wake of a federal income tax evasion charge .
The Indian Creek resident , a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 as part of a plea deal in which federal prosecutors agreed to seek a sentence of probation rather than a prison term of up to three years .
According to court documents , Link falsified his federal tax return for 2016 , reporting his total income that year was $ 264,450 , even though prosecutors say he earned at least $ 358,309 .
Gash said Johnson was chosen from a field of nearly 50 people who applied for the post .
`` With Adriane in office , I am confident we found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 30th District will have exceptional representation for the rest of the term , '' she said .
Johnson , a Buffalo Grove parks board member since 2011 , also serves as chair of the Illinois Association of Park Districts ' Board of Trustees .
The longtime Buffalo Grove resident is a member of the village 's board of fire and police commissioners and the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove .
`` Serving the public is something I have prioritized for my entire life , and I am eager to continue my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Johnson said in Sunday 's announcement .
`` I care deeply about racial equality , protecting open spaces and our environment , supporting small business , and ethics reforms .
I was so honored this summer to speak at the Black Lives Matter peaceful protest on Juneteenth , and I believe it is critically important that we work toward eradicating systemic racism and restoring the soul of our nation . ''
Johnson indicated that she would not seek election to the seat in 2022 , an important consideration , according to Gash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created this vacancy , and that petitions to run for this seat in the next election will be available less than a year from now , many preferred appointing someone not planning to run for the seat , then allowing the voters to decide in a primary who should be the Democratic candidate going forward , '' she said .
The 30th District includes all or part of Waukegan , North Chicago , Park City , Gurnee , Wadsworth , Buffalo Grove , Vernon Hills , Mundelein , Wheeling , Riverwoods , Lincolnshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ View , and Mettawa .

Buffalo Grove parks board member replaces Link in Illinois Senate
Adriane Johnson, a Buffalo Grove Park District board member with a long history of community involvement, will fill the seat of disgraced former state Sen. Terry Link, local Democratic leaders announced Sunday night.
Johnson, who also serves as board president for the Buffalo Grove-Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, was sworn in Sunday and will hold Link's former 30th District seat through the 2022 election. She is the first Black state senator from Lake County, according to Lake County Democratic Party Chair Lauren Beth Gash.
"What stood out about Adriane is her service in local government, experience chairing a statewide advocacy organization, business knowledge, and proven commitment to public service," Gash said in an announcement of the appointment. "The feedback from people in the 30th District was universally positive and compelling,"
Gash and state Rep. Mark Walker of Arlington Heights, in his role as Wheeling Township Democratic Committeeperson, made the decision to appoint Johnson.
Link resigned his senate seat last month in the wake of a federal income tax evasion charge. The Indian Creek resident, a state senator since 1997, admitted guilt Sept. 16 as part of a plea deal in which federal prosecutors agreed to seek a sentence of probation rather than a prison term of up to three years.
According to court documents, Link falsified his federal tax return for 2016, reporting his total income that year was $264,450, even though prosecutors say he earned at least $358,309.
Gash said Johnson was chosen from a field of nearly 50 people who applied for the post.
"With Adriane in office, I am confident we found the right person and that the residents of the 30th District will have exceptional representation for the rest of the term," she said.
Johnson, a Buffalo Grove parks board member since 2011, also serves as chair of the Illinois Association of Park Districts' Board of Trustees. The longtime Buffalo Grove resident is a member of the village's board of fire and police commissioners and the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove.
"Serving the public is something I have prioritized for my entire life, and I am eager to continue my public service as a state senator," Johnson said in Sunday's announcement. "I care deeply about racial equality, protecting open spaces and our environment, supporting small business, and ethics reforms. I was so honored this summer to speak at the Black Lives Matter peaceful protest on Juneteenth, and I believe it is critically important that we work toward eradicating systemic racism and restoring the soul of our nation."
Johnson indicated that she would not seek election to the seat in 2022, an important consideration, according to Gash.
"Given the unusual circumstances that created this vacancy, and that petitions to run for this seat in the next election will be available less than a year from now, many preferred appointing someone not planning to run for the seat, then allowing the voters to decide in a primary who should be the Democratic candidate going forward," she said.
The 30th District includes all or part of Waukegan, North Chicago, Park City, Gurnee, Wadsworth, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Wheeling, Riverwoods, Lincolnshire, Indian Creek, Northbrook, Prairie View, and Mettawa.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Feder: Ready or not, Lite FM starts talking up Christmas

Halloween is still almost three weeks away , but they 're already thinking about Christmas at iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT @ @ @ @ @ .
Listeners again are being invited to guess the exact day and time Lite FM @ @ @ @ @ year , with the winning entry eligible for a $ 1,000 prize .
`` Ca @ @ @ @ @ day yet .
.
.
but I can say that Christmas music starts in less @ @ @ @ @ LITEFMChicago ! ''
program director and afternoon host Mick Lee wrote on Facebook .
Get @ @ @ @ @ more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Ready or not, Lite FM starts talking up Christmas
Halloween is still almost three weeks away, but they're already thinking about Christmas at iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT 93.9-FM.
Halloween is still almost three weeks away, but they're already thinking about Christmas at iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT 93.9-FM, Robert Feder writes.
Listeners again are being invited to guess the exact day and time Lite FM flips to Christmas music this year, with the winning entry eligible for a $1,000 prize.
"Can't give you the exact day yet . . . but I can say that Christmas music starts in less than 40 days on @LITEFMChicago!" program director and afternoon host Mick Lee wrote on Facebook.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-11--Lake County forest district tries new approach to upgrade unique preserve

In a sign of the times , when every penny is being pinched and money for new projects is scarce , a new approach is underway to improve a Lake County forest preserve .
Rather than the traditional method of budgeting funds and then creating a master plan , Lake County Forest Preserve District officials are first creating a new vision for Oriole Grove , a uniquely situated area straddling Lake Forest and Lake Bluff , and then seeking to fund it solely through donations and grants .
`` An approved plan and cost estimates provides our Preservation Foundation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and generate interest , '' said Randy Seebach , director of planning and land preservation .
This is the first time development of a forest preserve has been approached this way .
Because there appears to be interest in private investment for Oriole Grove , it 's a route worth pursuing , district officials say .
`` We want to test that out , '' Executive Director Ty Kovach said .
Oriole Grove is the site 's official name , but locals refer to it as Jensen Woods , after a renowned landscape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1917 , Jens Jensen designed and created the 4.4-acre kidney-shaped pond that remains a notable feature on what was then part of a private estate stretching from Green Bay Road to the Skokie River .
Today , visitors hike on trails of bare earth , grass or sections of decomposing asphalt in the 86-acre preserve .
While volunteers and contractors have restored portions of the site , there is no formal system or public improvements .
In a sense , the property has remained offline since 1980 .
However , since the district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , actions have been taken to change that .
Sandwiched between high-quality natural areas along the river corridor , Oriole Grove is considered a `` keystone '' property .
The idea is to restore the land to its original state , improve access and enhance connections with adjoining properties .
The public can comment and offer suggestions as part of the master planning process .
If or when anything will be built depends on donations and grants .
In its 10-year capital plan , the district approved staff time to create a master @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have the funds to build or maintain anything at the site .
`` It 's really about raising money for it because we do n't have the capital dollars , '' Kovach said .
Two master plan concepts were shared at an in-person open house Sept. 22 .
For those who did n't attend , a virtual session for comment and feedback is set for Monday , Oct. 26 .
Visit https : //www.lcfpd.org/ .
Both concepts call for old drain pipes to be disabled , invasive species removed , wetlands reestablished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vitt , the district 's manager of restoration ecology , estimates that will cost about $ 1.4 million , including engineering .
That does n't include the cost of building a formal trail system or potential associated elements , such as boardwalks , she added .
A main decision is whether the trail would go out and back or be built as a loop .
`` We 're looking for input from the public of how they would like to use the preserve and what their preferences are , '' Vitt said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ link among a much larger collection of properties : 35 acres to the north managed by the Lake Bluff Open Lands Association ; 119 acres to the south managed by Lake Forest Open Lands Association ; and 42 acres of private property dedicated as Illinois State Natural Areas .
`` Oriole Grove provided a real unique opportunity to become a high-quality connector between two existing natural areas that are of high-quality , '' Vitt said .
The quality is such that a no-bicycle policy on all trails will continue .
The property that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning in the 1840s .
It later was purchased by William V. Kelley , a wealthy manufacturer and financier , as 130-acre Stonebridge estate .
In 1980 , the Oriole Grove acreage was acquired by the forest district and the Illinois Department of Transportation for potential stormwater storage .
The area proved unsuitable and has remained unimproved .
`` It has essentially been tied up in sort of a dual ownership for decades , '' Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart of Lake Bluff , said during a recent discussion .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought to my attention when I came on the board in 2012 , '' she added .

Lake County forest district tries new approach to upgrade unique preserve
A trail at Oriole Grove Forest Preserve between Lake Bluff and Lake Forest. Public input is being sought on a master plan to include trail upgrades. Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserve District
A master plan is being crafted for the Oriole Grove Forest Preserve in Lake County. A meeting to gather public comment will be held virtually on Oct. 26. Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserve District
Jensen Pond at the Oriole Grove Forest Preserve between Lake Bluff and Lake Forest was designed by visionary landscape architect Jens Jensen. Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserve District
In a sign of the times, when every penny is being pinched and money for new projects is scarce, a new approach is underway to improve a Lake County forest preserve.
Rather than the traditional method of budgeting funds and then creating a master plan, Lake County Forest Preserve District officials are first creating a new vision for Oriole Grove, a uniquely situated area straddling Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, and then seeking to fund it solely through donations and grants.
"An approved plan and cost estimates provides our Preservation Foundation with the tools needed to promote the project and generate interest," said Randy Seebach, director of planning and land preservation.
This is the first time development of a forest preserve has been approached this way. Because there appears to be interest in private investment for Oriole Grove, it's a route worth pursuing, district officials say.
"We want to test that out," Executive Director Ty Kovach said.
Oriole Grove is the site's official name, but locals refer to it as Jensen Woods, after a renowned landscape architect from a century ago. In 1917, Jens Jensen designed and created the 4.4-acre kidney-shaped pond that remains a notable feature on what was then part of a private estate stretching from Green Bay Road to the Skokie River.
Today, visitors hike on trails of bare earth, grass or sections of decomposing asphalt in the 86-acre preserve.
While volunteers and contractors have restored portions of the site, there is no formal system or public improvements.
In a sense, the property has remained offline since 1980. However, since the district assumed full ownership about a year ago, actions have been taken to change that.
Sandwiched between high-quality natural areas along the river corridor, Oriole Grove is considered a "keystone" property. The idea is to restore the land to its original state, improve access and enhance connections with adjoining properties.
The public can comment and offer suggestions as part of the master planning process. If or when anything will be built depends on donations and grants.
In its 10-year capital plan, the district approved staff time to create a master plan for Oriole Grove, but doesn't have the funds to build or maintain anything at the site.
"It's really about raising money for it because we don't have the capital dollars," Kovach said.
Two master plan concepts were shared at an in-person open house Sept. 22. For those who didn't attend, a virtual session for comment and feedback is set for Monday, Oct. 26. Visit https://www.lcfpd.org/.
Both concepts call for old drain pipes to be disabled, invasive species removed, wetlands reestablished and native plant seeds sown. Pati Vitt, the district's manager of restoration ecology, estimates that will cost about $1.4 million, including engineering.
That doesn't include the cost of building a formal trail system or potential associated elements, such as boardwalks, she added.
A main decision is whether the trail would go out and back or be built as a loop.
"We're looking for input from the public of how they would like to use the preserve and what their preferences are," Vitt said.
Oriole Grove is regarded as a central link among a much larger collection of properties: 35 acres to the north managed by the Lake Bluff Open Lands Association; 119 acres to the south managed by Lake Forest Open Lands Association; and 42 acres of private property dedicated as Illinois State Natural Areas.
"Oriole Grove provided a real unique opportunity to become a high-quality connector between two existing natural areas that are of high-quality," Vitt said.
The quality is such that a no-bicycle policy on all trails will continue.
The property that includes Oriole Grove was settled and farmed beginning in the 1840s. It later was purchased by William V. Kelley, a wealthy manufacturer and financier, as 130-acre Stonebridge estate.
In 1980, the Oriole Grove acreage was acquired by the forest district and the Illinois Department of Transportation for potential stormwater storage. The area proved unsuitable and has remained unimproved.
"It has essentially been tied up in sort of a dual ownership for decades," Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart of Lake Bluff, said during a recent discussion.
"It was one of the first things people brought to my attention when I came on the board in 2012," she added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-11--Democrat Schneider says abolish electoral college; GOP challenger disagrees

Unhappy with President Donald Trump 's win four years ago , Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of Deerfield believes Americans should elect the president with a popular vote and not the Electoral College , and he supports changing the Constitution to make that happen .
Republican challenger Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee of Northbrook believes the Electoral College should remain in place , saying a straight vote would give population-heavy states like California or New York too much power .
Schneider and Ramirez Mukherjee debated the merits of the presidential electoral system and other issues last week in an online forum hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Women Voters .
The Electoral College system was created because the Founding Fathers feared political or geographical factions ruling the nation .
When Americans vote for president , they 're actually voting for the electors who 've vowed to cast their ballots for that candidate in the Electoral College .
The number of electors in each state is based on population .
The total , 538 , equals the number of senators and representatives in Congress , plus three for Washington , D.C .
The first candidate to get 270 electoral votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their electoral votes to go to the candidates who receives the plurality in that state .
The Electoral College is constitutionally mandated , so abolishing it would require a constitutional amendment .
Amendments must be approved by at least two-thirds of each chamber of Congress and ratified by at least three-fourths of the state legislatures .
Donald Trump was the fifth president to win the White House despite losing the popular vote , and it was his election that sparked the current debate about whether the Electoral College should be abandoned .
George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2000 despite losing the popular vote , too , as did Benjamin Harrison in 1888 , Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876 and John Quincy Adams in 1824 .
Schneider , who is seeking a fourth term in Congress , supports the president being chosen by popular vote , or what he called a `` simple raise of hands . ''
Schneider described how a president 's impact can be felt long after leaving office .
`` If Amy Coney Barrett is approved as a Supreme Court justice , five of the nine justices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ( presidents ) who did not win the popular vote , '' Schneider said .
Bush named two justices to the court .
Barrett could be Trump 's third appointment .
When asked if she favored abolishing the Electoral College , Ramirez Mukherjee said `` absolutely not . ''
`` We have to preserve it , '' she said .
Ramirez Mukherjee , who is making her first bid for public office , expressed concern that smaller or more rural states would `` be dominated by others '' if the president was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the whole intention of this a long time ago , '' said Ramirez-Mukherjee , a former resident of both California and New York , as well as other states .
Ramirez Mukherjee said Schneider would n't support switching systems if his preferred candidates were losing popular vote counts .
The 10th District includes parts of Cook and Lake counties .

Democrat Schneider says abolish electoral college; GOP challenger disagrees
Unhappy with President Donald Trump's win four years ago, Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of Deerfield believes Americans should elect the president with a popular vote and not the Electoral College, and he supports changing the Constitution to make that happen.
Republican challenger Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee of Northbrook believes the Electoral College should remain in place, saying a straight vote would give population-heavy states like California or New York too much power.
Schneider and Ramirez Mukherjee debated the merits of the presidential electoral system and other issues last week in an online forum hosted by several suburban chapters of the League of Women Voters.
The Electoral College system was created because the Founding Fathers feared political or geographical factions ruling the nation.
When Americans vote for president, they're actually voting for the electors who've vowed to cast their ballots for that candidate in the Electoral College. The number of electors in each state is based on population. The total, 538, equals the number of senators and representatives in Congress, plus three for Washington, D.C.
The first candidate to get 270 electoral votes wins.
All but two states require their electoral votes to go to the candidate who receives the plurality in that state.
The Electoral College is constitutionally mandated, so abolishing it would require a constitutional amendment. Amendments must be approved by at least two-thirds of each chamber of Congress and ratified by at least three-fourths of the state legislatures.
Donald Trump was the fifth president to win the White House despite losing the popular vote, and it was his election that sparked the current debate about whether the Electoral College should be abandoned. George W. Bush took the White House in 2000 despite losing the popular vote, too, as did Benjamin Harrison in 1888, Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876 and John Quincy Adams in 1824.
Schneider, who is seeking a fourth term in Congress, supports choosing the president by popular vote, or what he called a "simple raise of hands."
Schneider described how a president's impact can be felt long after leaving office.
"If Amy Coney Barrett is approved as a Supreme Court justice, five of the nine justices on the court will have been appointed by (presidents) who did not win the popular vote," Schneider said.
Bush named two justices to the court. Barrett could be Trump's third appointment.
Schneider called the current electoral system "simply untenable."
When asked if she favored abolishing the Electoral College, Ramirez Mukherjee said "absolutely not."
"We have to preserve it," she said.
Ramirez Mukherjee, who is making her first bid for public office, expressed concern that smaller or more rural states would "be dominated by others" if the president were chosen by popular vote.
"That was the whole intention of this a long time ago," said Ramirez-Mukherjee, a former resident of both California and New York, as well as other states.
Ramirez Mukherjee said Schneider wouldn't support switching systems if his preferred candidates were losing popular vote counts.
The 10th District includes parts of Cook and Lake counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-11--Casten, Ives spar over COVID-19 relief, climate change in debate

The Democratic and Republican candidates for Illinois ' 6th Congressional District seat argued about COVID-19 relief efforts , climate change and other issues over the weekend in their only televised debate .
Incumbent Democrat Sean Casten of Downers Grove and Republican challenger Jeanne Ives of Wheaton agreed on little during the nearly hourlong session , which aired Friday night on WGN-TV .
Long-delayed financial relief for the people and businesses struggling during the pandemic was the first issue discussed .
The House has passed several new relief packages since the initial ones in March , but none have been debated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by President Donald Trump .
Ives argued that too much money in the relief proposals would go to projects `` completely unrelated to COVID relief . ''
She also criticized what she called `` massive bailouts for people '' and noted that many industries have been deeply affected by the crisis .
`` Are we going to bail out all of them ? ''
asked Ives , a former state legislator who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2018 .
`` Or are we going to open up the market ( and ) let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Casten , who is seeking a second term , called the coronavirus crisis `` avoidable '' and said it happened because `` we 've politicized science . ''
The first relief bill bought the nation `` six months of runway '' that Trump has exhausted , said Casten , the former CEO of an energy recycling company .
Testing and contact tracing are needed , he said .
In response , Ives said Democrats want to keep the economy shut down and noted that other states have allowed schools and businesses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ word and said coronavirus cases are spiking in Wisconsin and other states where people `` are not following public health measures . ''
He pleaded that the governmental response to the issue `` can not be partisan . ''
Later , when asked if Congress should make a law mandating people wear masks to stop the spread of the virus , Casten pointed to the success of nations with mask mandates in beating the virus .
`` We know what has to be done , '' Casten said .
`` We just have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure we put facts and science first . ''
On the other hand , Ives called such a mandate `` outrageous '' and supported the right of people to make their own decisions .
`` You are telling adults how to live their lives , '' she said .
Additionally , Ives denied there 's `` definitive proof '' masks prevent spread of the virus `` in every situation . ''
When asked about his support for stricter gun laws and a national gun buyback program , Casten expressed amazement about the recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gretchen Whitmer , as well as the heavily armed protesters who occupied the Michigan Capitol in May .
`` In what other country in the world would somebody show up in the statehouse with guns and we would n't say these are either terrorists or the beginning of a military coup , '' he said .
`` Somehow we 've accepted that as being American .
Part of why that happens is because we live in a country with more guns than people . ''
Ives said the U.S. needs to enforce gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ives also disagreed on whether climate change is man-made .
Ives said mankind is n't to blame as much as factors `` in the solar system '' and in the oceans , as well as volcanic activity .
Casten said the science pointing to man-made climate change is clear .
`` That 's like not believing in gravity , '' Casten said of Ives ' stance .
`` It 's still real . ''
Rare agreement between the candidates came when both Casten and Ives said they support people voting by mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also opposed movements to defund police departments .
A video of the debate can be viewed at wgntv.com/news/watch-live-6th-congressional-district-debate-between-sean-casten-jeanne-ives .
Libertarian candidate Bill Redpath of West Dundee also is running in the Nov. 3 election .
He did not participate in the debate .
The 6th District includes parts of Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake and McHenry counties .

Casten, Ives spar over COVID-19 relief, climate change in debate
Sean Casten, left, and Jeanne Ives, right, are candidates for the 6th Congressional District race.
The Democratic and Republican candidates for Illinois' 6th Congressional District seat argued about COVID-19 relief efforts, climate change and other issues over the weekend in their only televised debate.
Incumbent Democrat Sean Casten of Downers Grove and Republican challenger Jeanne Ives of Wheaton agreed on little during the nearly hourlong session, which aired Friday night on WGN-TV.
Long-delayed financial relief for the people and businesses struggling during the pandemic was the first issue discussed. The House has passed several new relief packages since the initial ones in March, but none have been debated by the Senate or signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Ives argued that too much money in the relief proposals would go to projects "completely unrelated to COVID relief." She also criticized what she called "massive bailouts for people" and noted that many industries have been deeply affected by the crisis.
"Are we going to bail out all of them?" asked Ives, a former state legislator who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2018. "Or are we going to open up the market (and) let our private sector figure this out?"
Casten, who is seeking a second term, called the coronavirus crisis "avoidable" and said it happened because "we've politicized science."
The first relief bill bought the nation "six months of runway" that Trump has exhausted, said Casten, the former CEO of an energy recycling company. Testing and contact tracing are needed, he said.
In response, Ives said Democrats want to keep the economy shut down and noted that other states have allowed schools and businesses to reopen.
Casten was given the last word and said coronavirus cases are spiking in Wisconsin and other states where people "are not following public health measures." He pleaded that the governmental response to the issue "cannot be partisan."
Later, when asked if Congress should make a law mandating people wear masks to stop the spread of the virus, Casten pointed to the success of nations with mask mandates in beating the virus.
"We know what has to be done," Casten said. "We just have to defer to the experts and make sure we put facts and science first."
On the other hand, Ives called such a mandate "outrageous" and supported the right of people to make their own decisions.
"You are telling adults how to live their lives," she said.
Additionally, Ives denied there's "definitive proof" masks prevent spread of the virus "in every situation."
When asked about his support for stricter gun laws and a national gun buyback program, Casten expressed amazement about the recently uncovered plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as well as the heavily armed protesters who occupied the Michigan Capitol in May.
"In what other country in the world would somebody show up in the statehouse with guns and we wouldn't say these are either terrorists or the beginning of a military coup," he said. "Somehow we've accepted that as being American. Part of why that happens is because we live in a country with more guns than people."
Ives said the U.S. needs to enforce gun laws already on the books.
Casten and Ives also disagreed on whether climate change is man-made.
Ives said mankind isn't to blame as much as factors "in the solar system" and in the oceans, as well as volcanic activity. Casten said the science pointing to man-made climate change is clear.
"That's like not believing in gravity," Casten said of Ives' stance. "It's still real."
Rare agreement between the candidates came when both Casten and Ives said they support people voting by mail or any other available option. Both also opposed movements to defund police departments.
A video of the debate can be viewed at wgntv.com/news/watch-live-6th-congressional-district-debate-between-sean-casten-jeanne-ives.
Libertarian candidate Bill Redpath of West Dundee also is running in the Nov. 3 election. He did not participate in the debate.
The 6th District includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-11--Santos and Monteiro score, propel Union past Impact 2-1

CHESTER , Pa. -- Jamiro Monteiro and Sergio Santos scored in a nine-minute span and the Philadelphia Union beat the Montreal Impact 2-1 on Sunday night .
Monteiro took a well-placed lead pass from Ilsinho on the right side and just beat the keeper on the near post in the 39th minute .
Santos - also set up by Ilsinho - took a cross and tapped it in a largely untended net .
Amar Sejdic got Montreal on the board at the 65th minute .
With the win , Philadelphia ( 10-3-4 ) trails Eastern Conference-leading Toronto by three points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in eighth place in the East .
NEW YORK -- Lee Nguyen had a goal and an assist to make New England history in the Revolution 's win over New York .
With the assist , the 34-year-old Nguyen became the first player with at least 50 goals and 50 assists for New England ( 6-6-4 ) .
He had 51 goals and 49 assists with the Revolution from 2012-2018 , then returned Sept. 8 in a trade with Inter Miami .
New England 's Matt Turner had seven saves .
CHICAGO -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start in nearly three months , Boris Sekulic had his first MLS goal and Chicago ( 5-8-4 ) beat D.C. United .
An own goal by Chicago 's Jonathan Bornstein capped the scoring in the 56th minute .
D.C. ( 2-10-5 ) has lost five games in a row and is winless since a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 2 .
Chad Ashton , who took over as interim manager of United when Ben Olsen was fired this week , lost his first game at the helm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair of goals and Los Angeles edged Seattle for its third win in four games .
Musovski scored on a header from left of the goal mouth off a set piece to give LAFC ( 7-6-3 ) a 1-0 lead at the 15th minute and capped the scoring in the 84th minute .
NicolÃ¡s Lodeiro scored for the Sounders ( 9-4-3 ) , who had their three-match winning streak snapped .
CINCINNATI -- Patrick Mullins scored his first goal of the season and Toronto extended its winning streak to five games with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 29th minute for Toronto ( 12-2-4 ) , which has not lost since Sept. 5 , when Vancouver notched a 3-2 win .
Cincinnati ( 3-11-4 ) has lost four in a row and has n't won since a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 19 .
KANSAS CITY , Kan. -- Gerso Fernandes and Erik Hurtado scored and Kansas City rallied to beat Nashville .
Hurtado scored the winner in the 79th minute for Kansas City ( 9-5-2 ) , which has won three straight .
Walker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season opener on Feb. 29 , giving Nashville a short-lived 1-0 lead in the 15th minute .

Santos and Monteiro score, propel Union past Impact 2-1
Rudy Camacho, center, of the Montreal Impact heads the ball in front of Kacper Przybylko of the Philadelphia Union in the second half. The Philadelphia Union becomes the first Philadelphia-area team to allow fans in the stands for their game against Montreal on Oct. 11, 2020, in Chester, Pa. (Charles Fox/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Associated Press
CHESTER, Pa. -- Jamiro Monteiro and Sergio Santos scored in a nine-minute span and the Philadelphia Union beat the Montreal Impact 2-1 on Sunday night.
Monteiro took a well-placed lead pass from Ilsinho on the right side and just beat the keeper on the near post in the 39th minute. Santos - also set up by Ilsinho - took a cross and tapped it in a largely untended net.
Amar Sejdic got Montreal on the board at the 65th minute.
With the win, Philadelphia (10-3-4) trails Eastern Conference-leading Toronto by three points. The Impact (6-9-2) are in eighth place in the East.
REVOLUTION 2, NYCFC 1
NEW YORK -- Lee Nguyen had a goal and an assist to make New England history in the Revolution's win over New York.
With the assist, the 34-year-old Nguyen became the first player with at least 50 goals and 50 assists for New England (6-6-4). He had 51 goals and 49 assists with the Revolution from 2012-2018, then returned Sept. 8 in a trade with Inter Miami.
Alexander Callens scored for New York City (8-7-2).
New England's Matt Turner had seven saves.
FIRE 2, DC UNITED 1
CHICAGO -- C.J. Sapong scored in his first start in nearly three months, Boris Sekulic had his first MLS goal and Chicago (5-8-4) beat D.C. United.
An own goal by Chicago's Jonathan Bornstein capped the scoring in the 56th minute.
D.C. (2-10-5) has lost five games in a row and is winless since a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 2.
Chad Ashton, who took over as interim manager of United when Ben Olsen was fired this week, lost his first game at the helm.
LAFC 3, SOUNDERS 1
LOS ANGELES -- Danny Muskovski scored a pair of goals and Los Angeles edged Seattle for its third win in four games.
Musovski scored on a header from left of the goal mouth off a set piece to give LAFC (7-6-3) a 1-0 lead at the 15th minute and capped the scoring in the 84th minute.
Nicolás Lodeiro scored for the Sounders (9-4-3), who had their three-match winning streak snapped.
TORONTO FC 1, FC CINCINNATI 0
CINCINNATI -- Patrick Mullins scored his first goal of the season and Toronto extended its winning streak to five games with a win over Cincinnati.
Mullins scored in the 29th minute for Toronto (12-2-4),which has not lost since Sept. 5, when Vancouver notched a 3-2 win.
Cincinnati (3-11-4) has lost four in a row and hasn't won since a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 19.
SPORTING KC 2, NASHVILLE SC 1
KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Gerso Fernandes and Erik Hurtado scored and Kansas City rallied to beat Nashville.
Hurtado scored the winner in the 79th minute for Kansas City (9-5-2), which has won three straight.
Walker Zimmerman scored his first goal since the season opener on Feb. 29, giving Nashville a short-lived 1-0 lead in the 15th minute.
Nashville (4-6-6) had its four-game unbeaten streak snapped.
TIMBERS 3, EARTHQUAKES 0
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Jaroslaw Niezgoda scored two goals and Portland won its fifth straight match with a win over San Jose.
Felipe Mora also scored for Portland (9-4-3), which is tied with the defending champion Seattle Sounders with 30 points atop the Western Conference.
Vancouver's Tanner Beason appeared to score in the 71st minute but he was ruled offside after a video review. Shea Salinas' attempt in the 81st minute went just wide to the right.
The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Earthquakes.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Truck collides with tram in Zurich, 14 people injured

BERLIN -- A truck collided with a tram in the Swiss city of Zurich on Monday , injuring 14 people @ @ @ @ @ said .
The accident happened near the Letzigrund soccer stadium in Switzerland 's biggest city @ @ @ @ @ driver apparently was reversing out of a construction site and collided with the passing tram @ @ @ @ @ roughly 13-meter ( 42-foot ) gash in the side of the tram .
Most of @ @ @ @ @ including cuts and bruises .

Truck collides with tram in Zurich, 14 people injured
BERLIN -- A truck collided with a tram in the Swiss city of Zurich on Monday, injuring 14 people aboard the tram, police said.
The accident happened near the Letzigrund soccer stadium in Switzerland's biggest city. Police said the truck driver apparently was reversing out of a construction site and collided with the passing tram.
The collision ripped a roughly 13-meter (42-foot) gash in the side of the tram. Most of the injuries were light, including cuts and bruises.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Poland evacuates 750 people as WWII Tallboy bomb is defused

WARSAW , Poland -- Hundreds of people in northwest Poland have been evacuated for a few days to allow Navy sappers to neutralize a British World War II giant Tallboy bomb resting under a waterway leading to the port of Szczecin .
The 5.4 ton bomb was found in Sept. 2019 during work to deepen the waterway .
It 's located on the southern edge of a popular Baltic Sea resort of Swinoujscie , that , like Szczecin , was a busy Nazi Germany military port during the war .
In a defusing project that began Monday and is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be seeking to neutralize the Tallboy underwater by causing its explosives to burn out in a controlled way .
It is believed to be the first such underwater operation on a Tallboy , which have previously been neutralized on land in Germany , Norway and France .
Because of the risk to their lives , over 750 residents within 2.5 kilometers ( 1.6 miles ) of the bomb had to evacuate for the duration of the operation and a nearby ferry service was suspended .
The Tallboy bomb was designed by British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Royal Air Force to destroy large Nazi-controlled objects though underground shocks .
The one in Swinoujscie was probably used in April 1945 on the Nazi German battleship Luetzow .
Experts from the 12 Division of Balers in Wolin have currently no explanation of why it did not explode then .

Poland evacuates 750 people as WWII Tallboy bomb is defused
WARSAW, Poland -- Hundreds of people in northwest Poland have been evacuated for a few days to allow Navy sappers to neutralize a British World War II giant Tallboy bomb resting under a waterway leading to the port of Szczecin.
The 5.4 ton bomb was found in Sept. 2019 during work to deepen the waterway. It's located on the southern edge of a popular Baltic Sea resort of Swinoujscie, that, like Szczecin, was a busy Nazi Germany military port during the war.
In a defusing project that began Monday and is expected to last for five days, experts will be seeking to neutralize the Tallboy underwater by causing its explosives to burn out in a controlled way.
It is believed to be the first such underwater operation on a Tallboy, which have previously been neutralized on land in Germany, Norway and France.
Because of the risk to their lives, over 750 residents within 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) of the bomb had to evacuate for the duration of the operation and a nearby ferry service was suspended.
The Tallboy bomb was designed by British aeronautical engineer Barnes Wallis and was used by the Royal Air Force to destroy large Nazi-controlled objects though underground shocks.
The one in Swinoujscie was probably used in April 1945 on the Nazi German battleship Luetzow. Experts from the 12 Division of Balers in Wolin have currently no explanation of why it did not explode then.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Illinois reports highest 7-day COVID-19 average, 2,643 cases a day, as restaurateurs brace

New cases of COVID-19 totaled 2,742 Monday and 13 more people died of the respiratory disease , officials said , as some key health metrics ticked in the wrong direction with case numbers escalating .
The seven-day average of new cases was 2,643 -- the highest weekly tally since the pandemic started , although that also reflects a groundswell in testing compared to the spring .
In May , when virus infections were spiraling , the average daily caseload was 2,156.5 , and from May 1 to May 7 , it was 2,565 .
The virus test positivity rate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in contrast with 3.4 % a week ago on Oct. 5 .
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Illinois was 1,764 as of Sunday night .
The seven-day average for hospitalizations is 1,752 -- a 9.8 % increase from the average a week ago of 1,595 , from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 .
Meanwhile , suburban restaurant and bar owners are bracing themselves as cold days start outnumbering warm ones .
To reduce the spread of COVID-19 , Illinois requires tables indoors to be spaced 6 feet apart along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity and resulted in myriad businesses offering al fresco dining .
This week , heaters are keeping patrons warm at the beer garden outside Cortland 's Garage Tavern & Grill in Arlington Heights .
Owner Brian Roginski plans to erect a tent soon at his patio and install a hospital-grade HVAC filter inside .
`` We 're keeping our fingers crossed and hopefully everything will work out and people will still keep coming in and enjoying it , '' he said .
If the weather stays mild , Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but `` we know it 's going to be impossible with January and February .
It 's just going to be cold , '' he said .
`` That 's how it is in Illinois . ''
George Kastanis , owner of The Original Granny 's restaurant in Wheeling , has 10 tables seating 30 people outside .
The additional customers will be missed once temperatures dive , Kastanis said .
`` We 're lucky to have this ( mild ) weather , '' Kastanis said .
`` People still like to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in carryout orders is helping compensate for reduced seating , he said .
Inside , `` we were able to put glass between the booths and occupy half the restaurant .
People love it .
For now , we 're surviving .
We can pay the bills on time . ''
Other businesses , however , are on the brink and winter could push them over , Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia said .
`` It 's been devastating for the restaurant industry -- the last seven months , '' Toia said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % to 80 % sales .
Not good .
We thought there would be another stimulus bill passed . ''
Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans in Congress have stalled on an aid package .
The National Restaurant Assocation warns that up to 20 % of eateries could go under , which would mean 5,000 out of more than 25,000 restaurants in Illinois close their doors , affecting about 120,000 workers , Toia said .
Illinois labs processed 47,579 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours for a total of 6.36 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The state 's recovery rate is 96 % , which refers to the percentage of people who tested positive for the virus and have not died in 42 days since infection .
The state 's COVID-19 caseload has grown to 321,892 since the pandemic started with 8,997 deaths , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
Among the Illinoisans succumbing to the disease are a Will County man in his 70s , and four Cook County residents -- a woman in her 50s , two men in their 60s and a @ @ @ @ @

Illinois reports highest 7-day COVID-19 average, 2,643 cases a day, as restaurateurs brace
New cases of COVID-19 totaled 2,742 Monday and 13 more people died of the respiratory disease, officials said, as some key health metrics ticked in the wrong direction with case numbers escalating.
The seven-day average of new cases was 2,643 -- the highest weekly tally since the pandemic started, although that also reflects a groundswell in testing compared to the spring.
In May, when virus infections were spiraling, the average daily caseload was 2,156.5, and from May 1 to May 7, it was 2,565.
The virus test positivity rate is 4.3% based on a seven-day average, in contrast with 3.4% a week ago on Oct. 5.
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Illinois was 1,764 as of Sunday night. The seven-day average for hospitalizations is 1,752 -- a 9.8% increase from the average a week ago of 1,595, from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4.
Meanwhile, suburban restaurant and bar owners are bracing themselves as cold days start outnumbering warm ones. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, Illinois requires tables indoors to be spaced 6 feet apart along with other rules, which has reduced capacity and resulted in myriad businesses offering al fresco dining.
This week, heaters are keeping patrons warm at the beer garden outside Cortland's Garage Tavern & Grill in Arlington Heights.
Owner Brian Roginski plans to erect a tent soon at his patio and install a hospital-grade HVAC filter inside.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed and hopefully everything will work out and people will still keep coming in and enjoying it," he said. If the weather stays mild, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays may bring a bounce in outdoor business, but "we know it's going to be impossible with January and February. It's just going to be cold," he said. "That's how it is in Illinois."
George Kastanis, owner of The Original Granny's restaurant in Wheeling, has 10 tables seating 30 people outside.
The additional customers will be missed once temperatures dive, Kastanis said.
"We're lucky to have this (mild) weather," Kastanis said. "People still like to sit outside."
Fortunately, a boom in carryout orders is helping compensate for reduced seating, he said. Inside, "we were able to put glass between the booths and occupy half the restaurant. People love it. For now, we're surviving. We can pay the bills on time."
Other businesses, however, are on the brink and winter could push them over, Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia said.
"It's been devastating for the restaurant industry -- the last seven months," Toia said. "We're down anywhere from 50% to 80% sales. Not good. We thought there would be another stimulus bill passed."
Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans in Congress have stalled on an aid package. The National Restaurant Assocation warns that up to 20% of eateries could go under, which would mean 5,000 out of more than 25,000 restaurants in Illinois close their doors, affecting about 120,000 workers, Toia said.
Illinois labs processed 47,579 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours for a total of 6.36 million, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
The state's recovery rate is 96%, which refers to the percentage of people who tested positive for the virus and have not died in 42 days since infection.
The state's COVID-19 caseload has grown to 321,892 since the pandemic started with 8,997 deaths, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
Among the Illinoisans succumbing to the disease are a Will County man in his 70s, and four Cook County residents -- a woman in her 50s, two men in their 60s and a woman in her 70s.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Southwest Airlines to start flights from O'Hare in 2021

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

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


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Accused in fatal St. Charles hit-and-run crash was ticketed for 3 crashes, had a DUI in recent years

Bail was set at $ 500,000 Monday for a St. Charles man who 's charged in the hit-and-run crash that killed a woman in a wheelchair on Friday and who was charged in three crashes and a DUI from 2015 to 2018 .
Andrew J. Jensen , 23 , of the 100 block of South 13th Street , faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury or death and failure to report an accident or death -- both felonies -- as well as failure to yield at a crosswalk .
If convicted of the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probation or up to 15 years in prison .
Helen Radnoti , 88 , of Chicago was fatally struck by Jensen 's pickup truck about 4 p.m. Friday at Third Street and West Main Street in St. Charles , police said .
Radnoti was crossing the street with her adult son when she was hit by the truck , which was turning right from southbound Third on to westbound Main , police said .
The pickup truck did n't stop , police said .
Radnoti later was pronounced dead at an area hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late Friday night .
Charges were approved Sunday by the Kane County state 's attorney 's office .
In 2015 , 2016 and 2018 , Jensen was convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident , according to the prosecution and Kane County court records .
In 2017 , he received court supervision on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol .
If Jensen is convicted of the latest allegation , a prosecutor said , the state would have to revoke his license @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jason Kunowski , argued Monday for a bail of no more than $ 10,000 .
He said Jensen lives with his mother and sister and works as a service technician for a machine automation company in Hanover Park .
Since his father died in August , Jensen has been helping to pay household bills , according to Kunowski .
`` Obviously this is a tragic situation , '' said Donald Ramsell , another of Jensen 's attorneys .
Ramsell said neither drugs nor alcohol were involved .
`` We are sifting through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what exactly unfolded .
...
He ( Jensen ) considers it a tragic situation . ''
Jensen was being held at the Kane County jail .
He would need to post $ 50,000 to be released .
If he makes bail , Judge Petersen ordered that Jensen not drive .
Jensen 's car and cellphone remain with the St. Charles police .
His next court date is Oct. 20 .

Accused in fatal St. Charles hit-and-run crash was ticketed for 3 crashes, had a DUI in recent years
Bail was set at $500,000 Monday for a St. Charles man who's charged in the hit-and-run crash that killed a woman in a wheelchair on Friday and who was charged in three crashes and a DUI from 2015 to 2018.
Andrew J. Jensen, 23, of the 100 block of South 13th Street, faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury or death and failure to report an accident or death -- both felonies -- as well as failure to yield at a crosswalk. If convicted of the top charge, he could be sentenced to probation or up to 15 years in prison.
Helen Radnoti, 88, of Chicago was fatally struck by Jensen's pickup truck about 4 p.m. Friday at Third Street and West Main Street in St. Charles, police said. Radnoti was crossing the street with her adult son when she was hit by the truck, which was turning right from southbound Third on to westbound Main, police said. The pickup truck didn't stop, police said.
Radnoti later was pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Jensen surrendered at the police station late Friday night. Charges were approved Sunday by the Kane County state's attorney's office.
In 2015, 2016 and 2018, Jensen was convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, according to the prosecution and Kane County court records. In 2017, he received court supervision on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.
If Jensen is convicted of the latest allegation, a prosecutor said, the state would have to revoke his license.
One of Jensen's attorneys, Jason Kunowski, argued Monday for a bail of no more than $10,000. He said Jensen lives with his mother and sister and works as a service technician for a machine automation company in Hanover Park. Since his father died in August, Jensen has been helping to pay household bills, according to Kunowski.
"Obviously this is a tragic situation," said Donald Ramsell, another of Jensen's attorneys. Ramsell said neither drugs nor alcohol were involved. "We are sifting through the facts to make a determination as to what exactly unfolded. ... He (Jensen) considers it a tragic situation."
Jensen was being held at the Kane County jail. He would need to post $50,000 to be released. If he makes bail, Judge Petersen ordered that Jensen not drive.
Jensen's car and cellphone remain with the St. Charles police.
His next court date is Oct. 20.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Rozner: White Sox firing Renteria hardly a shock

When last week went by and there was no postseason media availability with White Sox general manager Rick Hahn , I texted a front office employee on the South Side .
`` Any chance you guys are trying to figure out what to do with the manager ? ''
I asked .
It was unusual to not wrap the season as quickly as possible , was my thinking .
No reply .
Radio silence all weekend .
The guess was it was bad news for Rick Renteria , but it was only a guess .
It became official Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two sides had parted ways , but make no mistake about what occurred .
Renteria was fired because he is not good at managing a baseball game , especially handling a pitching staff late in the game .
It 's a shame because Renteria was loved by his players and admired by the front office , just as decent a man as you could ever have in a major league manager .
This will be tough on the players who have grown to think of Renteria as a father figure , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are new to America , new to Chicago and new to the majors .
The painful reality is Renteria is a Point A to Point B guy and we knew that when he took over for Robin Ventura .
He got the job just as the rebuild began and when I said on the radio that he will probably get whacked just as the Sox are about to compete for a title , I was n't kidding .
It 's incredibly cruel that it happened to him with the Cubs when Joe Maddon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened again .
Rick Renteria deserved a better fate , but baseball -- like life -- is rarely fair and if the White Sox go on to win a World Series under the next manager , Renteria 's picture will always be associated with the definition of a guy who could n't catch a break .
But in the words of Will Munny , `` Deserve 's got nothing to do with it . ''
It 's time for a manager to take them to Point C and Renteria is not that guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired , more evidence that the Sox are trying to get younger and modernize every aspect of the organization , suggesting a move to Alex Cora or A.J .
Hinch -- or someone like that -- in the weeks to come .
Joe Girardi has a contract with Philadelphia and is less analytically driven than the others , but he fits the bill as a guy who has won and is great at working with young players .
As for Renteria , Hahn was genuine Monday in expressing his respect for Renteria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped develop , teach and hold accountable this fabulous young core of players .
Still , you had to know this was coming .
Renteria probably knew it was coming .
When I spoke to Renteria at SoxFest in 2017 , fresh off watching the Cubs win the 2016 World Series , Renteria insisted there were no hard feelings .
`` I think you learn really early in your career that certain things happen in the game that are out of your control , and you can only worry about the things you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was a first-round pick of the Pirates at age 18 and played parts of five years in the big leagues .
`` So you look in the mirror .
If you can say you did everything you could to enhance the organization during the time you were there , that 's where you leave it .
`` You reflect on it and you try to figure out if there was something you fell short on .
I 'm not perfect .
No one is .
`` But I do n't think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about how that could have been my team .
I just take it as an experience , a great opportunity .
Try to take advantage of it from a learning standpoint and move on . ''
A class act at all times , Renteria would not express any disappointment about watching his team -- what a normal person would think of as his team -- win without him .
`` It 's like Rocky Balboa , '' Renteria said .
`` How hard can you get hit and get up again and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're supposed to do .
That 's what life is about .
I 'm an optimistic person by nature . ''
When asked about being put in charge of another rebuild , Renteria said , `` There have been five or six clubs over the last five or six years that have gone this route , so it 's not unheard of for this model to work .
It would be foolish of me to say I did n't learn from my experiences on the other side of town . ''
If he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timing of this ending was always a possibility , that he would suffer through the worst of it and then be sent packing just at a moment when it was all starting to come together .
Cruel .
Just incredibly cruel .
But that 's life .

Rozner: White Sox firing Renteria hardly a shock
When last week went by and there was no postseason media availability with White Sox general manager Rick Hahn, I texted a front office employee on the South Side.
"Any chance you guys are trying to figure out what to do with the manager?" I asked.
It was unusual to not wrap the season as quickly as possible, was my thinking. No reply. Radio silence all weekend. The guess was it was bad news for Rick Renteria, but it was only a guess.
It became official Monday morning when the Sox issued a release saying the two sides had parted ways, but make no mistake about what occurred. Renteria was fired because he is not good at managing a baseball game, especially handling a pitching staff late in the game.
It's a shame because Renteria was loved by his players and admired by the front office, just as decent a man as you could ever have in a major league manager.
This will be tough on the players who have grown to think of Renteria as a father figure, especially with so many young Latin players who are new to America, new to Chicago and new to the majors.
The painful reality is Renteria is a Point A to Point B guy and we knew that when he took over for Robin Ventura. He got the job just as the rebuild began and when I said on the radio that he will probably get whacked just as the Sox are about to compete for a title, I wasn't kidding.
It's incredibly cruel that it happened to him with the Cubs when Joe Maddon became available, and now it has happened again.
Incredibly cruel.
Rick Renteria deserved a better fate, but baseball -- like life -- is rarely fair and if the White Sox go on to win a World Series under the next manager, Renteria's picture will always be associated with the definition of a guy who couldn't catch a break.
But in the words of Will Munny, "Deserve's got nothing to do with it."
It's time for a manager to take them to Point C and Renteria is not that guy. Pitching coach Don Cooper was also fired, more evidence that the Sox are trying to get younger and modernize every aspect of the organization, suggesting a move to Alex Cora or A.J. Hinch -- or someone like that -- in the weeks to come.
Joe Girardi has a contract with Philadelphia and is less analytically driven than the others, but he fits the bill as a guy who has won and is great at working with young players.
As for Renteria, Hahn was genuine Monday in expressing his respect for Renteria, who did what he was asked and helped develop, teach and hold accountable this fabulous young core of players.
Still, you had to know this was coming. Renteria probably knew it was coming.
When I spoke to Renteria at SoxFest in 2017, fresh off watching the Cubs win the 2016 World Series, Renteria insisted there were no hard feelings.
"I think you learn really early in your career that certain things happen in the game that are out of your control, and you can only worry about the things you can control," said Renteria, who was a first-round pick of the Pirates at age 18 and played parts of five years in the big leagues. "So you look in the mirror. If you can say you did everything you could to enhance the organization during the time you were there, that's where you leave it.
"You reflect on it and you try to figure out if there was something you fell short on. I'm not perfect. No one is.
"But I don't think about it too much. I don't think about how that could have been my team. I just take it as an experience, a great opportunity. Try to take advantage of it from a learning standpoint and move on."
A class act at all times, Renteria would not express any disappointment about watching his team -- what a normal person would think of as his team -- win without him.
"It's like Rocky Balboa," Renteria said. "How hard can you get hit and get up again and keep moving? That's what you're supposed to do. That's what life is about. I'm an optimistic person by nature."
When asked about being put in charge of another rebuild, Renteria said, "There have been five or six clubs over the last five or six years that have gone this route, so it's not unheard of for this model to work. It would be foolish of me to say I didn't learn from my experiences on the other side of town."
If he truly did, Renteria knew that the timing of this ending was always a possibility, that he would suffer through the worst of it and then be sent packing just at a moment when it was all starting to come together.
Cruel. Just incredibly cruel. But that's life.
And that's baseball.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--South Elgin makes a skateboarding a crime -- in a few limited places

`` Skateboarding is not a crime '' has been a rallying cry for years among skaters , but now South Elgin says it is in some places .
The village board passed an ordinance last week allowing skateboard and inline skate use only in the village 's two skate parks or `` as permitted on sidewalks , trails , paths , parking lots and rights of way . ''
It is enforceable `` whether or not the specific area of the Park System has signage reminding the public of this prohibition , '' according to the ordinance .
Kim Wascher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreation , said during the meeting that it 's a matter of safety .
`` Skaters are welcome on our sidewalks and paths in all parks .
And we have a skate park at Stowell-Peddy open to residents .
However , we want to keep skaters off handrails and stairs in public places . ''
Wascher said there has been a sign prohibiting skateboarding at the municipal annex building , but it was n't legally enforceable until now .
With the new ordinance in place , South Elgin police will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We established the ordinance for the safety of those skateboarding and inline skating , '' Washcer said .
`` We have had many near misses at the municipal annex and outside village hall . ''
The village also plans to install signs prohibiting skateboarding and inline skating around the new stage area and stairs at Panton Mill Park , she added .
The village has another skate park at Sperry Park but it is closed for repairs until next year .

South Elgin makes a skateboarding a crime -- in a few limited places
"Skateboarding is not a crime" has been a rallying cry for years among skaters, but now South Elgin says it is in some places.
The village board passed an ordinance last week allowing skateboard and inline skate use only in the village's two skate parks or "as permitted on sidewalks, trails, paths, parking lots and rights of way." It is enforceable "whether or not the specific area of the Park System has signage reminding the public of this prohibition," according to the ordinance.
Kim Wascher, the village's director parks and recreation, said during the meeting that it's a matter of safety.
"Skaters are welcome on our sidewalks and paths in all parks. And we have a skate park at Stowell-Peddy open to residents. However, we want to keep skaters off handrails and stairs in public places."
Wascher said there has been a sign prohibiting skateboarding at the municipal annex building, but it wasn't legally enforceable until now. With the new ordinance in place, South Elgin police will be able to cite anyone who violates it.
"We established the ordinance for the safety of those skateboarding and inline skating," Washcer said. "We have had many near misses at the municipal annex and outside village hall."
The village also plans to install signs prohibiting skateboarding and inline skating around the new stage area and stairs at Panton Mill Park, she added.
The village has another skate park at Sperry Park but it is closed for repairs until next year.