dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--New year, new restaurants: 10 eateries opening in the suburbs in 2021

Restaurants weathered tough times in 2020 , and ordering from old favorites became a way of supporting neighborhood eateries during the pandemic .
Still , we all crave something new .
And a number of suburban restaurants plan to open their doors in 2021 to offer just that .
Here 's a look at 10 new restaurants opening in the new year : Cuisine : Expect contemporary Mexican with a twist .
Taco choices , for example , include duck confit , wild mushroom , Korean beef with kimchi and a Mediterranean version with shawarma meat .
Other info : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levy are opening this new restaurant with the help of chef Dudley Nieto , who has had a hand in Adobo Grill and other respected spots .
The restaurant will focus on takeout to start , with seating available when COVID-19 conditions improve .
Cuisine : The new eatery will offer a modern take on Mexican street food , including tacos , tortas , salads and margaritas .
Other info : The spot is the latest from Sam Vlahos and the team behind Fuller House in Hinsdale and Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeout window so people can order and pick up food without coming into the restaurant .
Cuisine : Yes , you 'll find roast beef and burgers at this fast-casual spot .
But , ironically , Beefaroo is known for its cheese fries and salads .
If you like the special seasoned salt they use , you can take that home , too .
Other info : The West Dundee location will be the first in the Chicago area for this Rockford-area group .
It 's run by siblings , whose parents started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owned by an investment group looking to expand .
Cuisine : Puerto Rican cuisine features lots of garlic , herbs and spices , but owner Maria Skokan says her dishes are not spicy .
Among the offerings will be roasted pork , stewed chicken , red rice and a tamale made with bananas and root vegetables .
Other info : The restaurant will be the first brick-and-mortar location for Peter and Maria Skokan , who started out by catering and serving meals from their Aurora-based food truck .
Online ordering , curbside pickup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available .
Cuisine : Owner Savio Lobo describes the aim of the menu as `` progressive . ''
Old favorites such as burgers will come with a twist , and there will be vegan options as well .
Other info : The restaurant/bar plans to feature live music in the storefront formerly occupied by Mac 's on Slade , with additional space previously used as an office and storage .
Cuisine : Two wood-burning brick ovens from Naples will fire up Neapolitan-style pizzas with a wide range of cheeses and toppings .
Favorites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bufalina and the Marinara .
The menu also includes pasta and a few entrees , including chicken piccata and veal Marsala .
Other info : This will be the 11th restaurant from the group that owns Casa Bonita in Libertyville and Pescadero in Wilmette .
Indoor seating will eventually accommodate about 110 diners , with a large outdoor patio offering space for up to 150 .
Cuisine : Owner Kris Schoenberger , the proprietor of BBQ 'd Productions in Third Lake and Lake Zurich , describes his plan for Station 51 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Diners will select dishes from six different virtual food trucks and then items will be cooked to order .
Other info : The restaurant will have a firehouse theme and gets its name in part from the stations depicted in the TV shows `` Emergency '' and `` Chicago Fire . ''
Cuisine : Island Fin offers customizable , build-your-own poke bowls created with a choice of eight proteins , more than 25 toppings , housemade sauces and specialty mix-ins .
Other info : The first location of the Hawaiian-style poke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now 10 in five states .
The Downers Grove site will be Island Fin 's first foray into the Midwest .
Cuisine : The name reflects the restaurant 's mix of Japanese cuisine and American comfort food , with a menu that emphasizes burgers , sushi and mac ' n ' cheese .
Other info : This will be the second B.A.S.H .
location .
The first is in Ottawa .
A large patio that opens to the inside will allow for open-air dining .
Carryout also will be available .
Anticipated opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brook location planned for 2022 and a possible third site later in Rosemont Cuisine : The emphasis is on drinks and tapas , but Blue Martini also will serve fish , chicken and salads .
Other info : The Schaumburg bar will be the first Midwestern franchise for a chain with locations in Florida , Las Vegas and other places .
Live music will be a focus , making it a good spot for after-dinner drinks and entertainment .

New year, new restaurants: 10 eateries opening in the suburbs in 2021
Blue Martini will serve seared tuna, plus chicken, salads, drinks and tapas when it opens later this year in Schaumburg. Courtesy of Blue Martini
The emphasis is on drinks and tapas, such as baked Brie, but Blue Martini also will serve fish, chicken and salads when it opens later this year in Schaumburg. Courtesy of Blue Martini
Island Fin Poke is looking to open a Downers Grove location in the spring. The restaurant serves customizable, build-your-own poke bowls. Courtesy of Island Fin Poke
Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar will serve up a variety of pizzas when a Northbrook location opens in the spring. Courtesy of Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Owners of Wilmette's Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar will open a new location in Northbrook this spring. Courtesy of Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar
B.A.S.H. stands for Burger and Sushi House, and you'll find both on the menu when the restaurant opens in Geneva. Courtesy of B.A.S.H.
B.A.S.H. stands for Burger and Sushi House, so expect both when the Asian fusion spot opens this year in Geneva. Owners have a location in Ottawa. Courtesy of B.A.S.H.
Restaurants weathered tough times in 2020, and ordering from old favorites became a way of supporting neighborhood eateries during the pandemic.
Still, we all crave something new. And a number of suburban restaurants plan to open their doors in 2021 to offer just that.
Here's a look at 10 new restaurants opening in the new year:
La Mula Mexican Grill
927 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich
Anticipated opening: January
Cuisine: Expect contemporary Mexican with a twist. Taco choices, for example, include duck confit, wild mushroom, Korean beef with kimchi and a Mediterranean version with shawarma meat.
Other info: Hungry Mule owners George Diskos and Jonathan Levy are opening this new restaurant with the help of chef Dudley Nieto, who has had a hand in Adobo Grill and other respected spots. The restaurant will focus on takeout to start, with seating available when COVID-19 conditions improve.
Website: lamulamexicangrill.com
Bar Chido
1012 Curtiss St., Downers Grove
Anticipated opening: Mid-January
Cuisine: The new eatery will offer a modern take on Mexican street food, including tacos, tortas, salads and margaritas.
Other info: The spot is the latest from Sam Vlahos and the team behind Fuller House in Hinsdale and Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove. Bar Chido will have a taco takeout window so people can order and pick up food without coming into the restaurant.
Website: facebook.com/BarChidoDG
Beefaroo
820 W. Main St., West Dundee
Anticipated opening: End of January
Cuisine: Yes, you'll find roast beef and burgers at this fast-casual spot. But, ironically, Beefaroo is known for its cheese fries and salads. If you like the special seasoned salt they use, you can take that home, too.
Other info: The West Dundee location will be the first in the Chicago area for this Rockford-area group. It's run by siblings, whose parents started the first Beefaroo in 1967, and owned by an investment group looking to expand.
Website: beefaroo.com
Chupacabra Puerto Rican Kitchen
31 N. Broadway, Aurora
Anticipated opening: February or March
Cuisine: Puerto Rican cuisine features lots of garlic, herbs and spices, but owner Maria Skokan says her dishes are not spicy. Among the offerings will be roasted pork, stewed chicken, red rice and a tamale made with bananas and root vegetables.
Other info: The restaurant will be the first brick-and-mortar location for Peter and Maria Skokan, who started out by catering and serving meals from their Aurora-based food truck. Online ordering, curbside pickup, delivery and outdoor seating will be available.
Website: chupacabraprkitchen.com
Madcats
117 W. Slade St., Palatine
Anticipated opening: March
Cuisine: Owner Savio Lobo describes the aim of the menu as "progressive." Old favorites such as burgers will come with a twist, and there will be vegan options as well.
Other info: The restaurant/bar plans to feature live music in the storefront formerly occupied by Mac's on Slade, with additional space previously used as an office and storage.
Website: madcatslive.com
Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar
1349 Shermer, Northbrook
Anticipated opening: Spring
Cuisine: Two wood-burning brick ovens from Naples will fire up Neapolitan-style pizzas with a wide range of cheeses and toppings. Favorites among customers at the Wilmette location include the Bufalina and the Marinara. The menu also includes pasta and a few entrees, including chicken piccata and veal Marsala.
Other info: This will be the 11th restaurant from the group that owns Casa Bonita in Libertyville and Pescadero in Wilmette. Indoor seating will eventually accommodate about 110 diners, with a large outdoor patio offering space for up to 150.
Website: napolitapizza.com
Station 51
883 Main St., Antioch
Anticipated opening: April
Cuisine: Owner Kris Schoenberger, the proprietor of BBQ'd Productions in Third Lake and Lake Zurich, describes his plan for Station 51 as a "new brand, new concept." Diners will select dishes from six different virtual food trucks and then items will be cooked to order.
Other info: The restaurant will have a firehouse theme and gets its name in part from the stations depicted in the TV shows "Emergency" and "Chicago Fire."
Island Fin Poke
Downers Grove; exact location not yet determined
Anticipated opening: April or May
Cuisine: Island Fin offers customizable, build-your-own poke bowls created with a choice of eight proteins, more than 25 toppings, housemade sauces and specialty mix-ins.
Other info: The first location of the Hawaiian-style poke restaurant opened in Florida and there are now 10 in five states. The Downers Grove site will be Island Fin's first foray into the Midwest.
Website: islandfinpoke.com
B.A.S.H. (Burger and Sushi House)
124 W. State St., Geneva
Anticipated opening: Late spring or early summer
Cuisine: The name reflects the restaurant's mix of Japanese cuisine and American comfort food, with a menu that emphasizes burgers, sushi and mac 'n' cheese.
Other info: This will be the second B.A.S.H. location. The first is in Ottawa. A large patio that opens to the inside will allow for open-air dining. Carryout also will be available.
Website: burgerandsushihouse.com
Blue Martini
1901 McConnor Parkway, Schaumburg
Anticipated opening: Early summer, with an Oak Brook location planned for 2022 and a possible third site later in Rosemont
Cuisine: The emphasis is on drinks and tapas, but Blue Martini also will serve fish, chicken and salads.
Other info: The Schaumburg bar will be the first Midwestern franchise for a chain with locations in Florida, Las Vegas and other places. Live music will be a focus, making it a good spot for after-dinner drinks and entertainment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Mayor's office releases some emails about botched raid

Mayor Lori Lightfoot 's office on Wednesday released some -- but not all -- records related to the botched raid @ @ @ @ @ that confirm Lightfoot was alerted to the search more than a year ago in an @ @ @ @ @ called it `` pretty bad . ''
The emails and other documents released Wednesday are @ @ @ @ @ not exhaustive or comprehensive of a full review of all emails surrounding the raid on @ @ @ @ @ '' the mayor 's press office said in a statement accompanying the release of the @ @ @ @ @ a flurry of emails within Lightfoot 's office about the raid and the release of @ @ @ @ @ from CBS2 said they planned to run a story about the raid .

Mayor's office releases some emails about botched raid
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks during a Dec. 17 news conference at city hall. On Wednesday, Lightfoot's office released some documents related to the botched police raid of Anjanette Young's home in 2019. Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times
Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office on Wednesday released some -- but not all -- records related to the botched raid of Anjanette Young's home that confirm Lightfoot was alerted to the search more than a year ago in an email from a staffer who called it "pretty bad."
The emails and other documents released Wednesday are from 2019 and are "not exhaustive or comprehensive of a full review of all emails surrounding the raid on Ms. Young's home," the mayor's press office said in a statement accompanying the release of the documents.
The documents show a flurry of emails within Lightfoot's office about the raid and the release of body camera footage after reporters from CBS2 said they planned to run a story about the raid.
• For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Barrington baseball community mourns Noreen's passing

Barrington 's Keith Noreen had a way of bringing his teammates together in both life and death .
Noreen , who helped lead the Broncos to their only state baseball title in 1986 , passed away Dec. 19 due to complications from a blood clot to the brain , which led to a stroke .
He was 52 .
`` He brought the guys back together again , '' former Barrington pitching coach Dave Engle said .
`` They all have been sharing emails and stories .
They all realize that they should have stayed in touch more .
Kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it is for the wrong reason . ''
Noreen was a star player on the mound , at the plate and in the field .
Noreen hit .451 in 1986 with 12 home runs and 37 RBI .
He was 7-0 on the mound with 48 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.93 .
Noreen , along with Dan Wilson , who went on to play with the Seattle Mariners and other MLB teams , were two of the main catalysts in 1986 as the Broncos went 33-5 .
Barrington rolled to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fenger 12-2 in 5 innings with Noreen named MVP of the tournament .
Noreen batted .440 during that span with an on-base percentage of .518 , a slugging percentage of .868 while compiling a 2.01 ERA .
He was an outstanding player , '' Smith said .
`` His demeanor was so low key , that you sometimes did n't realize what he was contributing .
But his stats were extra special .
But he did n't get the recognition he should have received .
He got less recognition because that team was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was well-liked by the team and the community . ''
An outstanding hitter , Noreen was also a terrific pitcher .
In what many believe was one of the best outings by a Barrington pitcher , Noreen once threw just 63 pitches in 7 innings to pick up a 1986 win .
`` He had several games like that , '' Smith said .
`` He was a fine hitter , but one of the best pitchers in the state .
His performance was of leadership caliber .
Noreen made many comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Noreen 's career took off even further when he played at the University of Iowa .
He played for the Hawkeyes for four years , and is the only University of Iowa player ever to receive all-Big 10 honors in three of those seasons .
Noreen played one season of pro ball for the Sumter Braves in the South Atlantic League before retiring from the game .
He is survived by his mother , Barbara Noreen ; and brothers Kevin , Kenneth , Kristopher and Kipp .
The family has asked that donations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stead Family Hospital in Keith 's name .

Barrington baseball community mourns Noreen's passing
Keith Noreen, in an undated photo from the University of Iowa, died earlier this month. The Barrington High School graduate was 52. COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Keith Noreen at the University of Iowa. COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Keith Noreen, who played at the University of Iowa after a stellar career at Barrington High School, died Dec. 19. He was 52. COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Keith Noreen, a member of Kirby Smith's 1986 Barrington state champion baseball team, who went on to a great career at Iowa, died Dec. 19 in Florida at 52 from a blood clot in his brain. COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Barrington's Keith Noreen had a way of bringing his teammates together in both life and death.
Noreen, who helped lead the Broncos to their only state baseball title in 1986, passed away Dec. 19 due to complications from a blood clot to the brain, which led to a stroke. He was 52.
"He brought the guys back together again," former Barrington pitching coach Dave Engle said. "They all have been sharing emails and stories. They all realize that they should have stayed in touch more. Kind of nice to see that, even if it is for the wrong reason."
Noreen was a star player on the mound, at the plate and in the field. Noreen hit .451 in 1986 with 12 home runs and 37 RBI. He was 7-0 on the mound with 48 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.93.
Noreen, along with Dan Wilson, who went on to play with the Seattle Mariners and other MLB teams, were two of the main catalysts in 1986 as the Broncos went 33-5. Barrington rolled to the state title that year by blasting Chicago Fenger 12-2 in 5 innings with Noreen named MVP of the tournament.
Noreen was a three-year starter for legendary Barrington head baseball coach Kirby Smith.
Noreen batted .440 during that span with an on-base percentage of .518, a slugging percentage of .868 while compiling a 2.01 ERA.
He was an outstanding player," Smith said. "His demeanor was so low key, that you sometimes didn't realize what he was contributing. But his stats were extra special. But he didn't get the recognition he should have received. He got less recognition because that team was getting more. His recognition came because he was well-liked by the team and the community."
An outstanding hitter, Noreen was also a terrific pitcher. In what many believe was one of the best outings by a Barrington pitcher, Noreen once threw just 63 pitches in 7 innings to pick up a 1986 win.
"He had several games like that," Smith said. "He was a fine hitter, but one of the best pitchers in the state. His performance was of leadership caliber. Noreen made many comments by the way he performed."
Noreen's career took off even further when he played at the University of Iowa. He played for the Hawkeyes for four years, and is the only University of Iowa player ever to receive all-Big Ten honors in three of those seasons.
Noreen played one season of pro ball for the Sumter Braves in the South Atlantic League before retiring from the game.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara Noreen; and brothers Kevin, Kenneth, Kristopher and Kipp. The family has asked that donations be made to the University of Iowa Stead Family Hospital in Keith's name.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Kane County officials call for resignation of treasurer

A bipartisan group of Kane County Board members on Wednesday called upon Treasurer David Rickert to either resign or quit his new job in Winnebago County .
After his narrow loss in a bid to become Kane County Board chairman , Rickert took a job as the chief financial officer of Winnebago County .
It was widely assumed by both Kane County and local GOP officials that Rickert would step down from his role as treasurer even though two years remain on his elected term .
The woman who defeated Rickert to become chairman , Democrat Corinne Pierog , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would prepare his staff for his departure and suggest ideas for how to fill his seat .
By law , if Rickert stepped down as treasurer , Pierog would have to select a Republican or at least someone who pulled a Republican ballot in the most recent primary .
That choice would be confirmed by the county board .
But this week , Pierog said her most recent conversation with Rickert indicated his resignation is `` tenuous . ''
The Kane County state 's attorney 's office already clarified that there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bipartisan group of county board members said that Rickert 's serving in both roles would be a disservice to both Kane and Winnebago counties .
`` Ethically or morally , he has an obligation to give up the job in Winnebago County or resign from this one , '' fellow Republican Bill Lenert said .
Board members also pointed to a double-dipping nature of collecting two six-figure government salaries at the same time .
`` I 'm supportive of him either fishing or cutting bait , '' Republican Jim Martin said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice between these two positions . ''
Dale Berman , who served as mayor of North Aurora before his recent election as a Democrat to the county board , said it is impossible for Rickert to do both jobs at a level he owes the taxpayers of both counties .
`` When I was working full time and being a mayor , your work has a tendency to interfere with your elected position , and your elected position tends to interfere with your work .
It 's his employees who are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't know how , if he 's working 40 hours a week , he 's going to be able to spend any time here . ''
The bipartisan group called on Rickert to make a decision as soon as possible .
Pierog suggested Rickert may step down as treasurer after the county 's tax sale in February .
Rickert has not responded to repeated requests for interviews for the last several weeks .

Kane County officials call for resignation of treasurer
A bipartisan group of Kane County Board members on Wednesday called upon Treasurer David Rickert to either resign or quit his new job in Winnebago County.
After his narrow loss in a bid to become Kane County Board chairman, Rickert took a job as the chief financial officer of Winnebago County. It was widely assumed by both Kane County and local GOP officials that Rickert would step down from his role as treasurer even though two years remain on his elected term.
The woman who defeated Rickert to become chairman, Democrat Corinne Pierog, had initial conversations with Rickert that indicated he would prepare his staff for his departure and suggest ideas for how to fill his seat.
By law, if Rickert stepped down as treasurer, Pierog would have to select a Republican or at least someone who pulled a Republican ballot in the most recent primary. That choice would be confirmed by the county board.
But this week, Pierog said her most recent conversation with Rickert indicated his resignation is "tenuous." The Kane County state's attorney's office already clarified that there is no evident legal conflict for Rickerts.
But the bipartisan group of county board members said that Rickert's serving in both roles would be a disservice to both Kane and Winnebago counties.
"Ethically or morally, he has an obligation to give up the job in Winnebago County or resign from this one," fellow Republican Bill Lenert said.
Board members also pointed to a double-dipping nature of collecting two six-figure government salaries at the same time.
"I'm supportive of him either fishing or cutting bait," Republican Jim Martin said. "There's got to be a choice between these two positions."
Dale Berman, who served as mayor of North Aurora before his recent election as a Democrat to the county board, said it is impossible for Rickert to do both jobs at a level he owes the taxpayers of both counties.
"When I was working full time and being a mayor, your work has a tendency to interfere with your elected position, and your elected position tends to interfere with your work. It's his employees who are going to suffer," Berman said. "I don't know how, if he's working 40 hours a week, he's going to be able to spend any time here."
The bipartisan group called on Rickert to make a decision as soon as possible. Pierog suggested Rickert may step down as treasurer after the county's tax sale in February.
Rickert has not responded to repeated requests for interviews for the last several weeks.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Samuel Little, America's most prolific serial killer with nearly 60 confirmed victims, has died at a

LOS ANGELES -- Samuel Little , America 's most prolific serial killer with nearly 60 confirmed victims , has died @ @ @ @ @ .

Samuel Little, America's most prolific serial killer with nearly 60 confirmed victims, has died at age 80 in California.
LOS ANGELES -- Samuel Little, America's most prolific serial killer with nearly 60 confirmed victims, has died at age 80 in California.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Fashion designer creates high-end medical gowns for Edward-Elmhurst Health

The phone call was somewhat of a last resort , and the request was certainly unconventional .
But Edward-Elmhurst Health CEO Mary Lou Mastro was growing desperate .
At the height of the initial COVID-19 outbreak in the spring , her hospital system -- like many others -- was running low on personal protective equipment , particularly medical isolation gowns .
In search of alternate sources amid a global shortage , Mastro approached her supply chain system director , Matthew Hess , with a shot-in-the-dark idea : What if they asked a high-end fashion designer for help ?
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees ) have what they need .
When we could n't get the gowns , we were devastated , '' Mastro said .
`` I was just thinking , ' I 've got to find someone . '
'' Mastro 's son had gone to school with Yuvraj Duggal , whose father , Mac Duggal , designs prom dresses , ballgowns and couture formalwear out of his Burr Ridge headquarters .
She had never met Duggal before , and Hess was a little hesitant to reach out -- `` It 'd be like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cheese , '' he said -- but health system leaders figured they had nothing to lose .
Mastro called Duggal and explained their dire situation .
She was blown away by the designer 's response .
`` This is an unusual request , '' she recalls him saying over the phone .
`` But I will do anything to help your doctors and nurses . ''
Without thinking twice , Duggal , his son and their team `` dropped everything '' and started creating a prototype , he said .
They worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care workers to understand their needs regarding fit , functionality and safety .
The gowns had to be impermeable and durable .
The thumb loops had to be sized just right , and the Velcro and tie placements were key .
And because it would be a Mac Duggal design , he said , `` we had to make sure it looks pretty . ''
`` It took a lot of thought and a lot of research , and we had to do it all really , really quickly , '' Duggal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell you it was easy , but it was worth the challenge . ''
After a few rounds of tests , adjustments and inspections , 400,000 light blue protective gowns inscribed with the `` Mac Duggal '' logo were purchased by Edward-Elmhurst Health , imported from China and delivered to the Naperville and Elmhurst hospitals from July 31 to Aug. 3 , officials said .
The breathable , high-quality disposable gowns received high praise from employees and are still being used along with equipment from other sources , Hess said .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely , leaders are confident they 'll be able to maintain adequate supplies moving forward , he said , and they would n't hesitate to seek help again from Duggal if they run into trouble .
`` We 're in a really good spot .
We 've been able to build great relationships , '' Hess said .
`` If there are any hiccups in the supply chain , I 've got people I can pick up the phone and call now .
Mac is a great example of that . ''
Duggal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to step in whenever needed .
Though not as elegant as his usual designs , he says , he believes the protective gowns are some of his best and most important work .
`` I really feel humbled and privileged to get this opportunity to serve the nation during these tough times , '' Duggal said .
`` So many people in this industry are putting their own lives at risk .
We had to step up and be of service to our medical heroes . ''

Fashion designer creates high-end medical gowns for Edward-Elmhurst Health
For months, Edward-Elmhurst Health employees have been using hundreds of thousands of high-quality isolation gowns designed and created by local fashion designer Mac Duggal. Courtesy of Edward-Elmhurst Health
The phone call was somewhat of a last resort, and the request was certainly unconventional. But Edward-Elmhurst Health CEO Mary Lou Mastro was growing desperate.
At the height of the initial COVID-19 outbreak in the spring, her hospital system -- like many others -- was running low on personal protective equipment, particularly medical isolation gowns. In search of alternate sources amid a global shortage, Mastro approached her supply chain system director, Matthew Hess, with a shot-in-the-dark idea: What if they asked a high-end fashion designer for help?
"Our responsibility is to make sure (our employees) have what they need. When we couldn't get the gowns, we were devastated," Mastro said. "I was just thinking, 'I've got to find someone.'"
Mastro's son had gone to school with Yuvraj Duggal, whose father, Mac Duggal, designs prom dresses, ballgowns and couture formalwear out of his Burr Ridge headquarters. She had never met Duggal before, and Hess was a little hesitant to reach out -- "It'd be like asking a master chef to make mac and cheese," he said -- but health system leaders figured they had nothing to lose.
Mastro called Duggal and explained their dire situation. She was blown away by the designer's response.
"This is an unusual request," she recalls him saying over the phone. "But I will do anything to help your doctors and nurses."
Without thinking twice, Duggal, his son and their team "dropped everything" and started creating a prototype, he said. They worked closely with Edward-Elmhurst infection control experts and health care workers to understand their needs regarding fit, functionality and safety.
The gowns had to be impermeable and durable. The thumb loops had to be sized just right, and the Velcro and tie placements were key. And because it would be a Mac Duggal design, he said, "we had to make sure it looks pretty."
"It took a lot of thought and a lot of research, and we had to do it all really, really quickly," Duggal said. "I'm not going to tell you it was easy, but it was worth the challenge."
After a few rounds of tests, adjustments and inspections, 400,000 light blue protective gowns inscribed with the "Mac Duggal" logo were purchased by Edward-Elmhurst Health, imported from China and delivered to the Naperville and Elmhurst hospitals from July 31 to Aug. 3, officials said.
The breathable, high-quality disposable gowns received high praise from employees and are still being used along with equipment from other sources, Hess said.
Though the hospital system is monitoring its inventory closely, leaders are confident they'll be able to maintain adequate supplies moving forward, he said, and they wouldn't hesitate to seek help again from Duggal if they run into trouble.
"We're in a really good spot. We've been able to build great relationships," Hess said. "If there are any hiccups in the supply chain, I've got people I can pick up the phone and call now. Mac is a great example of that."
Duggal said his company is ready and willing to step in whenever needed. Though not as elegant as his usual designs, he says, he believes the protective gowns are some of his best and most important work.
"I really feel humbled and privileged to get this opportunity to serve the nation during these tough times," Duggal said. "So many people in this industry are putting their own lives at risk. We had to step up and be of service to our medical heroes."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Special Olympics Illinois modifies popular Polar Plunge event for pandemic

One of the biggest annual fundraisers for Special Olympics Illinois is the Polar Plunge , where people gather to do their best impressions of penguins and walruses by taking a winter dip in a local pond or lake .
But since the COVID-19 pandemic has made gatherings unsafe , this year Special Olympics Illinois is offering a new way to participate -- Plunge At Home .
Organizers ask participants to improvise by maybe plunging into icy water in a bathtub , jumping into a pile of snow or even pouring icy water on their heads .
`` We encourage people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way they can , '' said Alexandra McMillin , communications director with Special Olympics Illinois .
`` Maybe it 's a snowball fight , maybe it 's sledding .
Anything that gets you cold . ''
Registration is available at soill.org/plunge-at-home .
The Plunge At Home season runs from February through March .
Whatever plungers choose to do , organizers hope they get it on video so they can share the footage on social media .
`` We really look forward to seeing people 's creativity , '' McMillin said .
Each year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Lake Michigan and elsewhere attract about 7,000 people and raise $ 1.8 million to $ 2 million .
McMillin said she hopes the at-home format will satisfy loyal plungers and inspire new people to join as well .
McMillin said there will still be some traditional polar plunges hosted throughout the state .
They will adhere to safety guidelines but might be canceled depending on the latest COVID-19 information .
The dates for most suburban in-person polar plunges , such as the events in Palatine , Fox Lake and Evanston , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brook Plunge will be on March 6 .

Special Olympics Illinois modifies popular Polar Plunge event for pandemic
Annual Polar Plunge fundraiser events for Special Olympics Illinois will be changed this year because of the pandemic. A new initiative called Plunge At Home will encourage people to avoid the crowd at local ponds and lakes. Daily Herald file photo, 2018
One of the biggest annual fundraisers for Special Olympics Illinois is the Polar Plunge, where people gather to do their best impressions of penguins and walruses by taking a winter dip in a local pond or lake.
But since the COVID-19 pandemic has made gatherings unsafe, this year Special Olympics Illinois is offering a new way to participate -- Plunge At Home.
Organizers ask participants to improvise by maybe plunging into icy water in a bathtub, jumping into a pile of snow or even pouring icy water on their heads.
"We encourage people to take the plunge in any meaningful way they can," said Alexandra McMillin, communications director with Special Olympics Illinois. "Maybe it's a snowball fight, maybe it's sledding. Anything that gets you cold."
Registration is available at soill.org/plunge-at-home. The Plunge At Home season runs from February through March.
Whatever plungers choose to do, organizers hope they get it on video so they can share the footage on social media.
"We really look forward to seeing people's creativity," McMillin said.
Each year, Special Olympics Illinois Polar Plunge events in Lake Michigan and elsewhere attract about 7,000 people and raise $1.8 million to $2 million. McMillin said she hopes the at-home format will satisfy loyal plungers and inspire new people to join as well.
McMillin said there will still be some traditional polar plunges hosted throughout the state. They will adhere to safety guidelines but might be canceled depending on the latest COVID-19 information.
The dates for most suburban in-person polar plunges, such as the events in Palatine, Fox Lake and Evanston, are still to be determined. The Oak Brook Plunge will be on March 6.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Darvish trade signals major shift in Cubs direction

When Jed Hoyer arrived with Theo Epstein before the 2012 season , the duo immediately began cleaning house .
It was a painful rebuild , but it paid off big .
The Cubs made the playoffs in 2015 , won the World Series the following year and advanced to the NLCS in 2017 .
The Cubs also finished first in the NL Central last season and made the playoffs in 2018 , but the championship vibe around Wrigley was not nearly as intense .
Well aware the competitive window is drawing down , Hoyer traded ace starting pitcher Yu Darvish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to the Padres Tuesday night in exchange for veteran starter Zach Davies and four prospects .
The Cubs are saving $ 56 million of the $ 59 million Darvish is owed over the next three seasons , but Hoyer , the Cubs ' new president of baseball operations , said the deal was not made for financial reasons .
`` I think we 're going to have a really competitive team next year , '' Hoyer said .
`` Davies was fifth in ERA and we have a lot of really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves with the future in mind after six years of every single move being directed on the present ?
Yes .
I think that 's the prudent thing to do .
`` It 's something we 've talked about for several years , something we have n't done .
We kept pushing and we kept trading more prospects and we kept spending more money .
We 're at that time right now .
Are we going to be competitive ?
Absolutely .
But are we going to have an eye on the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our farm system and make sure we can build a future that is as bright as the last six years we just went through ?
That 's our goal . ''
Darvish helped the Cubs win the division last season , going 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA and finishing second to Trevor Bauer in Cy Young Award voting .
He 's the latest in a long line of veterans no longer on the Cubs ' roster , and more players are approaching free agency and likely to follow in the near future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ core group , '' Hoyer said .
`` The fact we have n't been able to get these guys to sign extensions that we felt were the right value , I think we 'd be foolish not to keep that in mind as we move forward . ''
Kris Bryant and Javier Baez are two biggest names eligible for free agency at the end of the 2021 season , and Anthony Rizzo is also on the list .
`` We 've been incredibly aggressive with some of these guys and they 've made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they wanted either to wait for a better offer or test free agency , '' Hoyer said .
`` That 's 100 % their right .
I begrudge those guys zero percent for making that decision .
I 'm proud of the offers we 've made and I think we certainly did n't try to sign these guys at the bottom of the market or anything . ''
While Hoyer insists the Cubs are still going to contend for the playoffs next year , he wo n't be looking to spend big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes anytime soon .
`` Once we get back to a place where we feel like we want to step on the gas again , we will financially , '' Hoyer said .
`` We will be in that market again just as soon as we have a team that has the bones necessary to do that .
We are at this period at the end of the window where I do n't think that would make a lot of sense right now .
We just did that over the last six years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eye toward the future is really important . ''
Three of the four new prospects acquired from San Diego -- shortstop Reginald Preciado and outfielders Ismael Mena and Owen Caissie -- are teenagers .
Shortstop Yeison Santana is 20 years old .
`` I think it would be a mistake to look at the age of those players and think we viewed this as ... their ages do n't represent sort of a window or when we think we can be competitive , '' Hoyer said .
`` The focus of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player ( Darvish ) in the second half of his contract and try to acquire a lot of young talent .
We do n't have many opportunities to do that .
`` Look back on the last six years , when have we had a chance to replenish in any way ?
This was an opportunity to do that and we 're excited about what we got back . ''

Darvish trade signals major shift in Cubs direction
Yu Darvish is on his way to San Diego after being traded by the Cubs this week. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jed Hoyer, the Cubs' new president of baseball operations, thinks the team will be competitive in 2021. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Starting pitcher Zach Davies, with the Padres last year, will now be wearing a Cubs uniform after being acquired this week along with four prospects for Yu Darvish and Victor Caratini. ASSOCIATED PRESS
When Jed Hoyer arrived with Theo Epstein before the 2012 season, the duo immediately began cleaning house.
It was a painful rebuild, but it paid off big. The Cubs made the playoffs in 2015, won the World Series the following year and advanced to the NLCS in 2017.
The Cubs also finished first in the NL Central last season and made the playoffs in 2018, but the championship vibe around Wrigley was not nearly as intense.
Well aware the competitive window is drawing down, Hoyer traded ace starting pitcher Yu Darvish and his personal catcher, Victor Caratini, to the Padres Tuesday night in exchange for veteran starter Zach Davies and four prospects.
The Cubs are saving $56 million of the $59 million Darvish is owed over the next three seasons, but Hoyer, the Cubs' new president of baseball operations, said the deal was not made for financial reasons.
"I think we're going to have a really competitive team next year," Hoyer said. "Davies was fifth in ERA and we have a lot of really good players. But do we make some moves with the future in mind after six years of every single move being directed on the present? Yes. I think that's the prudent thing to do.
"It's something we've talked about for several years, something we haven't done. We kept pushing and we kept trading more prospects and we kept spending more money. We're at that time right now. Are we going to be competitive? Absolutely. But are we going to have an eye on the future and make sure we continue to bolster our farm system and make sure we can build a future that is as bright as the last six years we just went through? That's our goal."
Darvish helped the Cubs win the division last season, going 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA and finishing second to Trevor Bauer in Cy Young Award voting.
He's the latest in a long line of veterans no longer on the Cubs' roster, and more players are approaching free agency and likely to follow in the near future.
"There are contractual realities to this core group," Hoyer said. "The fact we haven't been able to get these guys to sign extensions that we felt were the right value, I think we'd be foolish not to keep that in mind as we move forward."
Kris Bryant and Javier Baez are two biggest names eligible for free agency at the end of the 2021 season, and Anthony Rizzo is also on the list.
"We've been incredibly aggressive with some of these guys and they've made the decision that it wasn't enough and they wanted either to wait for a better offer or test free agency," Hoyer said. "That's 100% their right. I begrudge those guys zero percent for making that decision. I'm proud of the offers we've made and I think we certainly didn't try to sign these guys at the bottom of the market or anything."
While Hoyer insists the Cubs are still going to contend for the playoffs next year, he won't be looking to spend big on free agents to fill multiple roster holes anytime soon.
"Once we get back to a place where we feel like we want to step on the gas again, we will financially," Hoyer said. "We will be in that market again just as soon as we have a team that has the bones necessary to do that. We are at this period at the end of the window where I don't think that would make a lot of sense right now. We just did that over the last six years. I think right now, having an eye toward the future is really important."
Three of the four new prospects acquired from San Diego -- shortstop Reginald Preciado and outfielders Ismael Mena and Owen Caissie -- are teenagers. Shortstop Yeison Santana is 20 years old.
"I think it would be a mistake to look at the age of those players and think we viewed this as ... their ages don't represent sort of a window or when we think we can be competitive," Hoyer said. "The focus of this deal was to try to move a player (Darvish) in the second half of his contract and try to acquire a lot of young talent. We don't have many opportunities to do that.
"Look back on the last six years, when have we had a chance to replenish in any way? This was an opportunity to do that and we're excited about what we got back."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Believe Project: $100 to sister who had difficult year

Today 's recipient of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Marissa Rog of Addison .
She wants @ @ @ @ @ her sister .
Here is an excerpt of her story : '' My sister started @ @ @ @ @ a heart attack and quadruple bypass .
He is now disabled .
She also has @ @ @ @ @ son with spina bifida .
`` During this year , her landlord sold the building @ @ @ @ @ .
She lost her job to the pandemic .
What money she has goes to @ @ @ @ @ • The Believe Project is awarding $ 100 each day to a different person with @ @ @ @ @ to use the money to do a good deed for someone else .
If you @ @ @ @ @ help someone , submit your idea in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

Believe Project: $100 to sister who had difficult year
Today's recipient of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Marissa Rog of Addison.
She wants to give the money to her sister. Here is an excerpt of her story:
"My sister started 2020 with her husband having a heart attack and quadruple bypass. He is now disabled. She also has to take care of her son with spina bifida.
"During this year, her landlord sold the building and she had to move. She lost her job to the pandemic. What money she has goes to food and rent."
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else. If you'd like the chance to help someone, submit your idea in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-31--Feder: 'Sanitized smooch' for Janet & Mark on ABC 7's countdown

It would n't be New Year 's Eve in Chicago without Janet Davies and Mark Giangreco .
Back for their @ @ @ @ @ duo will host `` Countdown Chicago 2021 '' live at 11:25 p.m. tonight on ABC-owned @ @ @ @ @ format adapted to realities of the pandemic , they 'll ring in the New Year @ @ @ @ @ City Live '' studio .
Returning with another elaborate dance routine to open the show @ @ @ @ @ Terrell Brown and Cheryl Scott .
The abbreviated half-hour special will conclude with a flashback @ @ @ @ @ New Year 's Eve fireworks .
But the big question is : Will Janet and @ @ @ @ @ tradition of locking lips at the stroke of midnight ?
Yes , according to Giangreco @ @ @ @ @ It 's going to be a hot steamy passionate socially-distanced sanitized smooch . ''
Get @ @ @ @ @ more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: 'Sanitized smooch' for Janet & Mark on ABC 7's countdown
Mark Giangreco and Janet Davies spent their 19th New Year's Eve together in 2020.
It wouldn't be New Year's Eve in Chicago without Janet Davies and Mark Giangreco. Back for their 20th year together, the duo will host "Countdown Chicago 2021" live at 11:25 p.m. tonight on ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7.
In a format adapted to realities of the pandemic, they'll ring in the New Year from a redecorated "Windy City Live" studio.
Returning with another elaborate dance routine to open the show will be ABC 7's Terrell Brown and Cheryl Scott.
The abbreviated half-hour special will conclude with a flashback of Chicago's grand finale New Year's Eve fireworks.
But the big question is: Will Janet and Mark keep up their annual tradition of locking lips at the stroke of midnight?
Yes, according to Giangreco, who added: "It's going to be a hot steamy passionate socially-distanced sanitized smooch."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-30--Trubisky's future with the Bears is on the line in Sunday's Packers game

There 's an energy at Halas Hall this week .
And there should be .
The Bears have played well the last month and they have an opportunity to win their way into the playoffs Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field .
Quarterback Mitch Trubisky called it `` a lot of high energy . ''
This game will be the ultimate measuring stick for the 2020 Bears .
They 've finally figured some things out offensively .
They 've scored 30 or more points in four straight games for the first time since 1965 .
Yet they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , with the season on the line , it 's time to test it against the best team in the NFC .
There 's a lot riding on this game for those working at Halas Hall .
General manager Ryan Pace , for sure .
Head coach Matt Nagy , of course .
But none bigger , perhaps , than the Bears ' starting quarterback .
`` This is what we worked for , '' Trubisky said .
`` And no matter what happened throughout the course of this year , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ups and downs -- some very high and some very low -- which we 've experienced this season , and I 've been there myself , personally . ''
Trubisky 's future hangs in the balance .
The fourth-year pro is in the final year of his contract .
A year ago , the Bears declined to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal .
For the last month , Trubisky 's play has made the argument that he might be the best quarterback option available to the Bears next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a middling first-round draft pick , the Bears are in a tough position to make a splash on the quarterback market .
So in a lot of ways it might make sense to bring back Trubisky .
Since returning to the starting lineup Nov. 29 against Green Bay , Trubisky has completed 68 % of his passes with 10 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 5 games .
He has also rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown .
A lot of teams out there would be happy to have that type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Packers was undoubtedly Trubisky 's worst game of that stretch , which is why this week 's rematch feels so important .
A quarterback decision of this magnitude never comes down to one game .
Whoever is making football decisions for the Bears this offseason -- whether it 's Pace or somebody else -- has to look at things through a wide lens .
Still , a good performance against Green Bay -- even a good performance in a loss -- might be enough to change some minds about Trubisky .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trubisky is a big part of that .
`` He 's not trying to be somebody that he 's not , '' Bears coach Matt Nagy said of Trubisky .
`` He has more confidence now .
Schematically , the [ offense ] that we 're trying to [ run ] , and [ what ] he likes and does n't like , and we like and do n't like -- it 's fitting right now . ''
Quarterback coach John DeFilippo said Trubisky ca n't worry too much about what Packers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be a coronation for Rodgers , who has become the betting favorite to win the NFL MVP award .
DeFilippo never played in the NFL , but he has orchestrated the chess match as an offensive coordinator going up against the likes of a Bill Belichick defense .
`` You have to remember that , you know what , you 're there for a reason too , '' DeFilippo said .
`` You 're pretty good at your job , too .
Stay within yourself and do n't try to do anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
Really , just play your game . ''
The playoffs matter to this Bears team .
They want to keep playing .
Turning a six-game losing streak into a playoff spot would be a remarkable story .
For Trubisky , it could literally make a difference worth millions of dollars , whether that 's in Chicago or not .
`` Everything I 've experienced this season has just made me stronger and a better person and player , '' Trubisky said .
`` What I 've had to deal with and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team , to just see where we 're at now , it gives you confidence going into it . ''
Trubisky on Wednesday won the Good Guy Award from the Pro Football Writers of America Chicago chapter .
The award is given annually to a Bears player , staff member or employee who showed great professionalism while dealing with the media .
Allen Robinson , who won the award in 2019 , finished second in the voting .

Trubisky's future with the Bears is on the line in Sunday's Packers game
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) waits for a play to start during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. Associated Press
There's an energy at Halas Hall this week.
And there should be. The Bears have played well the last month and they have an opportunity to win their way into the playoffs Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.
Quarterback Mitch Trubisky called it "a lot of high energy." This game will be the ultimate measuring stick for the 2020 Bears. They've finally figured some things out offensively. They've scored 30 or more points in four straight games for the first time since 1965.
Yet they've done it against subpar defenses. Now, with the season on the line, it's time to test it against the best team in the NFC. There's a lot riding on this game for those working at Halas Hall. General manager Ryan Pace, for sure. Head coach Matt Nagy, of course.
But none bigger, perhaps, than the Bears' starting quarterback.
"This is what we worked for," Trubisky said. "And no matter what happened throughout the course of this year, we always know there are going to be ups and downs -- some very high and some very low -- which we've experienced this season, and I've been there myself, personally."
Trubisky's future hangs in the balance. The fourth-year pro is in the final year of his contract. A year ago, the Bears declined to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
For the last month, Trubisky's play has made the argument that he might be the best quarterback option available to the Bears next year. With limited cap space in 2021 and a middling first-round draft pick, the Bears are in a tough position to make a splash on the quarterback market.
So in a lot of ways it might make sense to bring back Trubisky. Since returning to the starting lineup Nov. 29 against Green Bay, Trubisky has completed 68% of his passes with 10 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 5 games. He has also rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown.
A lot of teams out there would be happy to have that type of production. His first game back against the Packers was undoubtedly Trubisky's worst game of that stretch, which is why this week's rematch feels so important.
A quarterback decision of this magnitude never comes down to one game. Whoever is making football decisions for the Bears this offseason -- whether it's Pace or somebody else -- has to look at things through a wide lens.
Still, a good performance against Green Bay -- even a good performance in a loss -- might be enough to change some minds about Trubisky.
The offensive improvement has been a welcomed sight. Trubisky is a big part of that.
"He's not trying to be somebody that he's not," Bears coach Matt Nagy said of Trubisky. "He has more confidence now. Schematically, the [offense] that we're trying to [run], and [what] he likes and doesn't like, and we like and don't like -- it's fitting right now."
Quarterback coach John DeFilippo said Trubisky can't worry too much about what Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is doing. Sunday could be a coronation for Rodgers, who has become the betting favorite to win the NFL MVP award.
DeFilippo never played in the NFL, but he has orchestrated the chess match as an offensive coordinator going up against the likes of a Bill Belichick defense.
"You have to remember that, you know what, you're there for a reason too," DeFilippo said. "You're pretty good at your job, too. Stay within yourself and don't try to do anything different than what's called on that play. Really, just play your game."
The playoffs matter to this Bears team. They want to keep playing. Turning a six-game losing streak into a playoff spot would be a remarkable story.
For Trubisky, it could literally make a difference worth millions of dollars, whether that's in Chicago or not.
"Everything I've experienced this season has just made me stronger and a better person and player," Trubisky said. "What I've had to deal with and everything we've had to overcome as a team, to just see where we're at now, it gives you confidence going into it."
Award winner
Trubisky on Wednesday won the Good Guy Award from the Pro Football Writers of America Chicago chapter. The award is given annually to a Bears player, staff member or employee who showed great professionalism while dealing with the media. Allen Robinson, who won the award in 2019, finished second in the voting.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-31--Suburbs seeing another uptick in COVID-19 cases

Not even a week ago , DuPage County 's seven-day average COVID-19 case positivity rate was below 6 % , and lower than the rates in Chicago , suburban Cook County and the four other collar counties .
Now , it 's at 8.2 % and lower than only Kane , McHenry and Will counties .
While the case positivity rates among the seven Chicago area locations , as well as statewide , are climbing again , nowhere is that more noticeable than in DuPage County , where the rate was just at 5.9 % on Saturday , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local medical experts say they are constantly monitoring fluctuations in caseloads .
`` Edward-Elmhurst Health has a data analytics team that provides system data on positivity and COVID-19 admissions on a daily basis , '' said Dr. Ankur Singal , co-chair of the COVID-19 steering committee at DuPage-based Edward-Elmhurst Health .
`` This data is reviewed daily to better guide care teams for surge planning and resource management across the system . ''
Lake County 's seven-day average case positivity rate is the lowest at 7.5 % , but just five days ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County 's rate Thursday was 8.1 % and the city of Chicago was reporting a rate of 7.6 % .
McHenry County currently has the highest seven-day average case positivity rate at 10.6 % , followed by Will County 's 10.4 % and Kane County at 10 % .
Statewide , IDPH officials reported the seven-day average case positivity rate for all of Illinois increased for the fourth consecutive day Thursday , to 7.7 % .
The rate is a key metric health officials use to track the level of new infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling average is used to smooth any anomalies in the daily reporting of test results and new cases .
It 's unclear if the recent spike in cases is an anomaly or a dreaded surge from Thanksgiving gatherings .
Health officials warned that detecting a surge from those gatherings could take one to two gestation cycles for the virus .
A COVID-19 gestation cycle is 14 days , and this uptick in cases began four weeks after Thanksgiving weekend .
State health officials have been hesitant to relax mitigation restrictions on businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surges from holiday gatherings .
`` We know mitigation works when communities work together to follow the advice from public health experts , '' said Jordan Abudayyeh , press secretary for Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
`` Once we get through the holidays and IDPH can monitor the data for any possible surges , we will be able to move regions when they hit the metrics to move back to lower tiers . ''
Meanwhile , state health officials reported Thursday more than 8,000 new cases were diagnosed , a figure last reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials also announced 133 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 .
That brings the state 's death toll from the virus to 16,490 , while 963,389 Illinois residents have been infected since the outbreak began .
The state is averaging 121 deaths a day over the past week .
While not the most the state has seen lately , it is once again higher than what the state saw during the initial COVID-19 surge last spring .
IDPH officials reported the number of people being treated in hospitals across the state dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those hospitalized , 837 are being treated in intensive care .
Experts note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator in pandemics and that when cases increase , eventually so will hospitalizations .
In fact , earlier this week the four suburban health regions all were reporting traditional hospital bed and ICU bed availability in excess of 20 % for the first time in weeks .
Thursday , none were meeting that metric , according to IDPH records on its website , dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics .
Also on Thursday , Pritzker 's office reported that 143,924 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their first doses of the vaccine .
All residents and staff members who consented to receiving the vaccine at the state run veterans ' homes have gotten them , Abudayyeh said .

Suburbs seeing another uptick in COVID-19 cases
Not even a week ago, DuPage County's seven-day average COVID-19 case positivity rate was below 6%, and lower than the rates in Chicago, suburban Cook County and the four other collar counties.
Now, it's at 8.2% and lower than only Kane, McHenry and Will counties.
While the case positivity rates among the seven Chicago area locations, as well as statewide, are climbing again, nowhere is that more noticeable than in DuPage County, where the rate was just at 5.9% on Saturday, according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures.
Local medical experts say they are constantly monitoring fluctuations in caseloads.
"Edward-Elmhurst Health has a data analytics team that provides system data on positivity and COVID-19 admissions on a daily basis," said Dr. Ankur Singal, co-chair of the COVID-19 steering committee at DuPage-based Edward-Elmhurst Health. "This data is reviewed daily to better guide care teams for surge planning and resource management across the system."
COVID-19 case positivity rates have risen this week, after they looked promising less than a week ago. Is the Thanksgiving effect finally here? @DHJakeGriffin charted the latest numbers. https://t.co/ebxhUFjJTh pic.twitter.com/jZsSZDmlTb — Daily Herald (@dailyherald) December 31, 2020
Lake County's seven-day average case positivity rate is the lowest at 7.5%, but just five days ago it was at 6.4%. Suburban Cook County's rate Thursday was 8.1% and the city of Chicago was reporting a rate of 7.6%.
McHenry County currently has the highest seven-day average case positivity rate at 10.6%, followed by Will County's 10.4% and Kane County at 10%.
Statewide, IDPH officials reported the seven-day average case positivity rate for all of Illinois increased for the fourth consecutive day Thursday, to 7.7%. The rate is a key metric health officials use to track the level of new infections among a population group. A seven-day rolling average is used to smooth any anomalies in the daily reporting of test results and new cases.
It's unclear if the recent spike in cases is an anomaly or a dreaded surge from Thanksgiving gatherings.
Health officials warned that detecting a surge from those gatherings could take one to two gestation cycles for the virus. A COVID-19 gestation cycle is 14 days, and this uptick in cases began four weeks after Thanksgiving weekend.
State health officials have been hesitant to relax mitigation restrictions on businesses and social gatherings because of concerns about case surges from holiday gatherings.
"We know mitigation works when communities work together to follow the advice from public health experts," said Jordan Abudayyeh, press secretary for Gov. J.B. Pritzker. "Once we get through the holidays and IDPH can monitor the data for any possible surges, we will be able to move regions when they hit the metrics to move back to lower tiers."
Meanwhile, state health officials reported Thursday more than 8,000 new cases were diagnosed, a figure last reached more than two weeks ago.
IDPH officials also announced 133 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19. That brings the state's death toll from the virus to 16,490, while 963,389 Illinois residents have been infected since the outbreak began.
The state is averaging 121 deaths a day over the past week. While not the most the state has seen lately, it is once again higher than what the state saw during the initial COVID-19 surge last spring.
IDPH officials reported the number of people being treated in hospitals across the state dropped to 4,093 as of Wednesday. Of those hospitalized, 837 are being treated in intensive care.
Experts note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator in pandemics and that when cases increase, eventually so will hospitalizations.
In fact, earlier this week the four suburban health regions all were reporting traditional hospital bed and ICU bed availability in excess of 20% for the first time in weeks. Thursday, none were meeting that metric, according to IDPH records on its website, dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics.
Also on Thursday, Pritzker's office reported that 143,924 Illinoisans, including Chicagoans, have received their first doses of the vaccine. All residents and staff members who consented to receiving the vaccine at the state run veterans' homes have gotten them, Abudayyeh said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-31--The new year will arrive with another blast of winter weather, forecasters say

The suburbs will welcome in the New Year with another blast of wintry weather .
The National Weather Service issued @ @ @ @ @ forecasting up to 3 inches of snow for the region , mixed with ice accumulations @ @ @ @ @ of an inch and wind gusts up to 30 mph .
The advisory is in @ @ @ @ @ to midnight Saturday .
Drivers should expect slippery road conditions and use caution when traveling @ @ @ @ @ Weather Service .
The latest road conditions are available online at www.gettingaroundillinois.com .

The new year will arrive with another blast of winter weather, forecasters say
The suburbs will welcome in the New Year with another blast of wintry weather.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory Thursday forecasting up to 3 inches of snow for the region, mixed with ice accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch and wind gusts up to 30 mph. The advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. Friday to midnight Saturday.
Drivers should expect slippery road conditions and use caution when traveling, according to the National Weather Service.
The latest road conditions are available online at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-31--Looking back at 2020 in high school sports: A year like no other

The 2019-2020 high school sports year started off like any other .
Holiday basketball tournaments concluded , boys and girls hoops teams headed into the 2020 portion of the season knowing what they had to do to make a postseason run .
Wrestling , boys swimming , bowling and girls gymnastics were also in full swing and while those sports were fortunate enough to conclude their seasons , as did girls basketball , boys basketball and many other sports came to a halt in mid-March .
We take a look back at 2020 in high school sports -- a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports in 2020 January , February and even early March were progressing as per normal .
Girls gymnastics state finals were at Palatine High School .
Carmel , led by Clare Keane and Lyndsey Basara , finished second .
Kayla Bailey helped Lake Zurich to the third-place trophy .
Boys swimming held its state finals at Evanston High School and St. Charles North , with only one champion -- sophomore Aleksej Filipovic in the butterfly -- used its incredible balance to outscore Glenbrook South 137-128 to earn the state title .
Individual wrestling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herald City claimed 11 titles .
A week later in Bloomington , Montini was crowned a dual-team state champ , the Broncos ' third straight title and 16th in program history .
In bowling , St. Charles East and Vernon Hills took the 1-2 spots in the team standings at the boys ' state finals , while Schaumburg junior Haylie Frick was second at the girls ' state tournament .
As we rolled into March , with no thoughts of a pandemic coming , Fremd won its first state championship in girls basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Lincoln-Way West at Redbird Arena in Normal .
The Vikings of coach Dave Yates , reached the title game by beating Lake Park , a state finalist for the first time , in the semifinals .
In Class 3A , Montini finished third , the 10th time in 15 years under head coach Jason Nichols the Broncos would bring home state hardware .
Two things we did n't know March 7 -- after 17 seasons and 521 wins , Nichols would leave for the women 's basketball job at Morton College , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last state tournament of 2020 .
The day it stopped , and beyond March 12 .
The day things came to a halt that no one could have predicted would last as long as it has .
The boys basketball teams from Timothy Christian and Aurora Christian were in Peoria , getting ready to compete in the Final Four of the Class 2A and 1A state tournaments , respectively .
Ten area teams were preparing for Class 3A and 4A sectional finals .
The COVID-19 pandemic concerns had canceled or altered some conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois High School Association was forging ahead with the state finals , albeit with only 60 fans per school allowed in Carver Arena .
And then the news came .
All further winter sports state tournament activities were canceled .
Despite the boys basketball season coming to an abrupt halt , the Daily Herald named our annual girls and boys all-area teams and our team captains -- Angela Dugalic of Maine West ( who was also named Illinois Ms. Basketball ) , Darionne Rogers of Lake Park , Alyssa Crenshaw of Dundee-Crown and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Max Christie of Rolling Meadows , Markus Skeete of Waubonsie Valley , Conor Enright of Mundelein and Beau Frericks of Cary-Grove for boys .
With all Illinois schools closed until April 30 by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , the IHSA issued a statement March 21 setting May 1 as the target date to resume sports .
But on April 21 , as the pandemic raged , the IHSA canceled all spring state tournaments , prompting school districts to cancel spring activities .
Lawsuits and rallies followed as states around us continued with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some form of activity in June , but as the days wore on it was becoming obvious the pandemic was winning .
On July 14 , nine days after the IHSA issued Return to Play Guidelines , the department of public health rebuked some of those guidelines , prompting the IHSA to relinquish control and defer to the IDPH and the governor 's office for further guidelines , which is how things remain today .
Staying optimistic as summer moved into fall , that optimism waned as the pandemic continued to dominate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were postponed to spring .
Golf , girls tennis , girls swimming and cross country teams played a modified season with COVID protocols and no state finals were held .
It was clear the 2020-2021 sports year was going to be unlike any other .
The winter season was to begin Nov. 16 and run through Feb. 13 .
Pritzker announced Nov. 17 all sports were on hold until further notice .
Saluting the best of the best The Daily Herald prep sports staff did n't shut down with the pandemic , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we reported on high school sports .
Here 's a look at the early summer months : • Our athletes of the year were : Josh Methner of Hersey and Anna Mae King of Barrington for the Northwest suburbs ; Sam Tumilty of Willowbrook and Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West for DuPage County ; Juan De La Cruz of Warren and Kate Bullman of Grayslake Central for Lake County ; and Quinn Urwiler of Batavia and Kathryn Schmidt of Burlington Central for the Fox Valley .
We could n't conduct our Prep Sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor the recipients of those special awards in print and online : Heart and Soul : Naperville North 's Nick Thompson and the St. Charles East and North girls swim teams .
Beyond the Bench : Naperville North 's Barry Baldwin and Bartlett 's Brad Hunt .
We close today by remembering a few of the ones we lost during 2020 .
• Bob Frisk .
The patriarch of the Daily Herald sports department for 50 years , Bob passed away on May 16 after a long battle with cancer .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by all those he touched , not only with his words but his actions .
There was no better ambassador for high school sports than Bob .
He taught us all so much , things we carry still in our daily professional and personal lives .
• Ron Johnson .
Over 40 years , Johnson amassed 710 wins as a high school basketball coach at Kaneland and St. Charles .
The Elburn resident , No .
18 on the all-time list for most basketball wins by a boys basketball coach in Illinois , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of 87 .
• Gary Scholz , a longtime coach and athletic director at Schaumburg , where the football stadium bears his name , died Sept. 7 at 90 .
• Bob Schick spent more than 30 years as a coach and athletic director at Geneva .
He died Oct. 19 at 90 .
• Dick Smith .
Thought by many to be the greatest coach in Naperville history , Smith was 98 when he passed away earlier this month .
• Ken Snow .
Remembered as one of the best soccer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Hoffman Estates ) , Snow died June 21 from complications related to COVID-19 .
He was 50 .
• Neil Shalin and Bill Pemstein were longtime contributors to the Daily Herald prep sports pages as freelancers .
Most of Neil 's work was in DuPage County ; Bill was a staple around Lake County schools .
Neil passed Sept. 26 at 76 .
Bill , who spent several years battling ALS , died Dec. 6 at 64 .
• Keith Noreen , a member of Barrington 's 1986 state champion baseball team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52 .
Many more lost their lives in 2020 , and we remember them all fondly .
The vaccine is here but so is the pandemic .
We have a simple wish list for 2021 : Good health , focus on safety , and when the time is right , the return of high school sports .

Looking back at 2020 in high school sports: A year like no other
Neil Shalin of Naperville, who spent many years as a Daily Herald prep sports freelancer, passed away Sept. 26 at 76. DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO
Bill Pemstein -- here with wife Eileen -- was a longtime Daily Herald prep sports freelancer, who died Dec. 6 from ALS. He was 64. Courtesy of the Pemstein family
The 2019-2020 high school sports year started off like any other.
Holiday basketball tournaments concluded, boys and girls hoops teams headed into the 2020 portion of the season knowing what they had to do to make a postseason run.
Wrestling, boys swimming, bowling and girls gymnastics were also in full swing and while those sports were fortunate enough to conclude their seasons, as did girls basketball, boys basketball and many other sports came to a halt in mid-March.
We take a look back at 2020 in high school sports -- a year like no other.
The evolution of sports in 2020
January, February and even early March were progressing as per normal.
Girls gymnastics state finals were at Palatine High School. Carmel, led by Clare Keane and Lyndsey Basara, finished second. Kayla Bailey helped Lake Zurich to the third-place trophy.
Boys swimming held its state finals at Evanston High School and St. Charles North, with only one champion -- sophomore Aleksej Filipovic in the butterfly -- used its incredible balance to outscore Glenbrook South 137-128 to earn the state title.
Individual wrestling state championships were held in Champaign and Herald City claimed 11 titles. A week later in Bloomington, Montini was crowned a dual-team state champ, the Broncos' third straight title and 16th in program history.
In bowling, St. Charles East and Vernon Hills took the 1-2 spots in the team standings at the boys' state finals, while Schaumburg junior Haylie Frick was second at the girls' state tournament.
As we rolled into March, with no thoughts of a pandemic coming, Fremd won its first state championship in girls basketball, capturing the Class 4A title game over Lincoln-Way West at Redbird Arena in Normal. The Vikings of coach Dave Yates, reached the title game by beating Lake Park, a state finalist for the first time, in the semifinals.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer After 17 years and 521 wins, Jason Nichols left his job as girls basketball coach at Montini to take the women's basketball coaching job at Morton College.
In Class 3A, Montini finished third, the 10th time in 15 years under head coach Jason Nichols the Broncos would bring home state hardware.
Two things we didn't know March 7 -- after 17 seasons and 521 wins, Nichols would leave for the women's basketball job at Morton College, and that March 7 would be the last state tournament of 2020.
The day it stopped, and beyond
March 12. The day things came to a halt that no one could have predicted would last as long as it has.
The boys basketball teams from Timothy Christian and Aurora Christian were in Peoria, getting ready to compete in the Final Four of the Class 2A and 1A state tournaments, respectively. Ten area teams were preparing for Class 3A and 4A sectional finals.
The COVID-19 pandemic concerns had canceled or altered some conference tournaments in college basketball, but the Illinois High School Association was forging ahead with the state finals, albeit with only 60 fans per school allowed in Carver Arena.
And then the news came. All further winter sports state tournament activities were canceled.
Despite the boys basketball season coming to an abrupt halt, the Daily Herald named our annual girls and boys all-area teams and our team captains -- Angela Dugalic of Maine West (who was also named Illinois Ms. Basketball), Darionne Rogers of Lake Park, Alyssa Crenshaw of Dundee-Crown and Kate Bullman of Grayslake Central for girls; Max Christie of Rolling Meadows, Markus Skeete of Waubonsie Valley, Conor Enright of Mundelein and Beau Frericks of Cary-Grove for boys.
A quiet spring, summer and fall
With all Illinois schools closed until April 30 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the IHSA issued a statement March 21 setting May 1 as the target date to resume sports.
But on April 21, as the pandemic raged, the IHSA canceled all spring state tournaments, prompting school districts to cancel spring activities.
Lawsuits and rallies followed as states around us continued with sports.
Attempts were made to restart some form of activity in June, but as the days wore on it was becoming obvious the pandemic was winning.
On July 14, nine days after the IHSA issued Return to Play Guidelines, the department of public health rebuked some of those guidelines, prompting the IHSA to relinquish control and defer to the IDPH and the governor's office for further guidelines, which is how things remain today.
Staying optimistic as summer moved into fall, that optimism waned as the pandemic continued to dominate. Football, girls volleyball and boys soccer were postponed to spring. Golf, girls tennis, girls swimming and cross country teams played a modified season with COVID protocols and no state finals were held.
It was clear the 2020-2021 sports year was going to be unlike any other. The winter season was to begin Nov. 16 and run through Feb. 13.
Pritzker announced Nov. 17 all sports were on hold until further notice.
Saluting the best of the best
The Daily Herald prep sports staff didn't shut down with the pandemic, although we did reinvent much of the way we reported on high school sports.
Here's a look at the early summer months:
• Our athletes of the year were: Josh Methner of Hersey and Anna Mae King of Barrington for the Northwest suburbs; Sam Tumilty of Willowbrook and Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West for DuPage County; Juan De La Cruz of Warren and Kate Bullman of Grayslake Central for Lake County; and Quinn Urwiler of Batavia and Kathryn Schmidt of Burlington Central for the Fox Valley.
We couldn't conduct our Prep Sports Excellence Awards gala, but we did honor the recipients of those special awards in print and online:
Sweet Moment: West Chicago's boys state soccer championship and Fremd's girls basketball state title.
Heart and Soul: Naperville North's Nick Thompson and the St. Charles East and North girls swim teams.
Spirit of Sportsmanship: Stevenson boys golf coach John Rueth and Kaneland's Rachel Richtman.
Overcoming Obstacles: St. Viator's Jack Mahoney and Geneva's Jill Jackson.
Whiz Kids: Glenbard West's Joey Richmond and Barrington's Anna Mae King.
Beyond the Bench: Naperville North's Barry Baldwin and Bartlett's Brad Hunt.
Remembering the people we lost
We close today by remembering a few of the ones we lost during 2020.
Bob Frisk, who led the Daily Herald sports department for 50 years, passed away May 16 at 83. - Daily Herald File Photo
• Bob Frisk. The patriarch of the Daily Herald sports department for 50 years, Bob passed away on May 16 after a long battle with cancer. He was 83. Bob will forever be remembered by all those he touched, not only with his words but his actions. There was no better ambassador for high school sports than Bob. He taught us all so much, things we carry still in our daily professional and personal lives.
• Ron Johnson. Over 40 years, Johnson amassed 710 wins as a high school basketball coach at Kaneland and St. Charles. The Elburn resident, No. 18 on the all-time list for most basketball wins by a boys basketball coach in Illinois, passed away on Feb. 23 at the age of 87.
• Gary Scholz, a longtime coach and athletic director at Schaumburg, where the football stadium bears his name, died Sept. 7 at 90.
• Bob Schick spent more than 30 years as a coach and athletic director at Geneva. He died Oct. 19 at 90.
• Dick Smith. Thought by many to be the greatest coach in Naperville history, Smith was 98 when he passed away earlier this month.
• Ken Snow. Remembered as one of the best soccer players in Illinois history (he played at Hoffman Estates), Snow died June 21 from complications related to COVID-19. He was 50.
• Neil Shalin and Bill Pemstein were longtime contributors to the Daily Herald prep sports pages as freelancers. Most of Neil's work was in DuPage County; Bill was a staple around Lake County schools. Neil passed Sept. 26 at 76. Bill, who spent several years battling ALS, died Dec. 6 at 64.
• Keith Noreen, a member of Barrington's 1986 state champion baseball team, died Dec. 19. He was 52.
Many more lost their lives in 2020, and we remember them all fondly.
Looking ahead
The vaccine is here but so is the pandemic. We have a simple wish list for 2021: Good health, focus on safety, and when the time is right, the return of high school sports.
Happy New Year.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-31--Critic trying to knock Des Plaines mayoral candidate off ballot

A former Des Plaines political candidate has formally objected to a current mayoral hopeful 's nominating paperwork in hopes of knocking him off the April 2021 ballot .
Mike Lake , who ran for mayor in 2009 and for 2nd Ward alderman in 2003 and 2007 , is targeting Andrew Goczkowski 's candidate petitions , saying they were n't properly notarized and contain many invalid signatures .
Goczkowski is the city 's 8th Ward alderman and is making his first bid for mayor .
He said Lake 's allegations are baseless and called his petitions `` ironclad . ''
Goczkowski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Des Plaines .
The others are 6th Ward Alderman Malcolm Chester , former 4th Ward Alderman Dick Sayad and former 8th Ward Alderman Michael Charewicz .
Lake 's objection was filed Tuesday with the city clerk 's office .
He alleges Goczkowski submitted petition sheets that contain names and signatures of people who are n't registered voters in Des Plaines , contain signatures that are n't genuine , contain signatures from people who improperly signed more than one candidate 's petition , and were n't properly notarized .
Lake specifically questioned why one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by many volunteers .
He alleges the circulators did n't personally appear before the notary , which would be improper .
In response , Goczkowski said his volunteers used one notary because they came to his house to get the important task done in a single , socially distanced event .
Goczkowski and the notary visited volunteers who did n't attend to certify the petitions , the candidate said .
`` It was all completely above board , '' Goczkowski said .
As for the legitimacy of the names on the petitions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitting the paperwork .
`` I feel pretty confident about that , '' he said .
A three-member electoral board will consider Lake 's objection .
A hearing date has n't been set yet , said Lake 's attorney , Robert Porada .
Lake , who once served as chairman of the city 's consumer protection commission , has been a local activist for many years .
In 2004 , he was part of a successful referendum effort that changed Des Plaines to a council-manager form of government .
He also campaigned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2016 , Lake objected to the petitions for an advisory referendum asking if elected officials should get health and dental insurance .
The question was pulled from the ballot before a hearing was held .
Lake denied his objection to Goczkowski 's paperwork is politically motivated .
`` Hell no , '' Lake said .
`` I want to know that it was done correctly . ''
Porada is no stranger to Des Plaines politics , either .
He is a former member of the city 's zoning board of appeals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 7th Ward alderman in 2017 , Porada unsuccessfully tried to get incumbent Don Smith knocked off the ballot .
Smith eventually won reelection .
That same year , Porada represented 1st Ward candidate Mark Lysakowski when Lysakowski and fellow candidate Steven Mokry unsuccessfully tried to get each other removed from the ballot .
Lysakowski went on to win the seat .
Additionally , he was Lake 's attorney when Lake objected to the referendum petitions in 2016 .

Critic trying to knock Des Plaines mayoral candidate off ballot
A former Des Plaines political candidate has formally objected to a current mayoral hopeful's nominating paperwork in hopes of knocking him off the April 2021 ballot.
Mike Lake, who ran for mayor in 2009 and for 2nd Ward alderman in 2003 and 2007, is targeting Andrew Goczkowski's candidate petitions, saying they weren't properly notarized and contain many invalid signatures.
Goczkowski is the city's 8th Ward alderman and is making his first bid for mayor. He said Lake's allegations are baseless and called his petitions "ironclad."
Goczkowski is one of four mayoral candidates in Des Plaines. The others are 6th Ward Alderman Malcolm Chester, former 4th Ward Alderman Dick Sayad and former 8th Ward Alderman Michael Charewicz.
Term limits prevent Mayor Matthew Bogusz from running again.
Lake's objection was filed Tuesday with the city clerk's office.
He alleges Goczkowski submitted petition sheets that contain names and signatures of people who aren't registered voters in Des Plaines, contain signatures that aren't genuine, contain signatures from people who improperly signed more than one candidate's petition, and weren't properly notarized.
Lake specifically questioned why one notary was used to certify petitions circulated by many volunteers. He alleges the circulators didn't personally appear before the notary.
In response, Goczkowski said his volunteers used one notary because they came to his house to get the important task done in a single, socially distanced event. Goczkowski and the notary visited volunteers who didn't attend to certify the petitions, the candidate said.
"It was all completely aboveboard," Goczkowski said.
As for the legitimacy of the names on the petitions, Goczkowski said he checked their validity before submitting the paperwork.
"I feel pretty confident about that," he said.
A three-member electoral board will consider Lake's objection. A hearing date hasn't been set yet, said Lake's attorney, Robert Porada.
Lake, who once served as chairman of the city's consumer protection commission, has been a local activist for many years.
In 2004, he was part of a successful referendum effort that changed Des Plaines to a council-manager form of government. He also campaigned to end the city's ward system.
In 2016, Lake objected to the petitions for an advisory referendum asking if elected officials should get health and dental insurance. The question was pulled from the ballot before a hearing was held.
Lake denied his objection to Goczkowski's paperwork is politically motivated.
"Hell no," Lake said. "I want to know that it was done correctly."
Porada is no stranger to Des Plaines politics, either.
He is a former member of the city's zoning board of appeals and a former aldermanic candidate.
While running for 7th Ward alderman in 2017, Porada unsuccessfully tried to get incumbent Don Smith knocked off the ballot. Smith eventually won reelection.
That same year, Porada represented 1st Ward candidate Mark Lysakowski when Lysakowski and fellow candidate Steven Mokry unsuccessfully tried to get each other removed from the ballot. Lysakowski went on to win the seat.
Additionally, he was Lake's attorney when Lake objected to the referendum petitions in 2016.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-31--Jim O'Donnell: What to expect from Sports world in 2021

SO THIS IS New Year 's .
And who would believe ?
The sports figures still scurry around inside the giant TV screens , the stadiums empty .
Final scores are posted and bets are cashed or lost , all briefly celebrated or quickly forgotten .
America is bribed with its own tax money to remain calm and compliant .
In the end , will the new stimulus be $ 2,000 or $ 600 ?
Why not $ 20,000 or $ 6,000 ?
It 's paper money , all make believe .
A digitalized blip into an online account , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a populace in ongoing states of anxiety , disconnection and exhaustion .
And then what about the trillions -- trillions -- spent on `` national security '' since 2001 that somehow allowed a predictably deadly virus , given fatal traction by the air that the world breathes , to fragment life as new-millennium America struggled to know it ?
And inside this little corner -- this increasingly diminished little corner -- the games play on .
`` When the past no longer illuminates the future , '' Alexis de Tocqueville , the remarkably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The spirit walks in darkness . ''
There is no past to illuminate the future America faces .
Mick Jagger crowed that he wrote the lyrics to `` Living in a Ghost Town '' in 10 minutes .
Anyone who has actually listened to the words of the profitably bleak bouncer might think Sir Michael overstated his thought time .
But this is New Year 's Day .
Traditionally , a date when the world flips its Etch-a-Sketch and hope reboots .
Why should Jan. 1 , 2021 , be any different ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deceptive year when Richard Nixon became president , Joe W. Namath won a Super Bowl and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon .
Mild sports crystal balling on a most surreal New Year 's Day : The Bears -- Here 's a little nugget to munch on as the local futures of Ryan Pace , Matt Nagy and Mitch Trubisky do or do not hang in the balance vs. Green Bay Sunday ( Fox , 3:25 p.m. ) : Of the 11 Bears head coaches since George Halas retired , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) has been fired with a record better than 7-9 .
... Jack Pardee resigned after going 9-5 in 1977 to become HC of the Washington F.T .
The Blackhawks -- Say it again : ominous signs that the toxic air of Bill Wirtz is once again wafting through the corridors on West Madison Street .
... Stan Bowman is the luckiest charmed to operate out of the United Center since the Bulls finally cashiered Gar Forman .
The Bulls -- Some very wise NBA men say there will be a three-year uptick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season will be evaluate , slice and dice .
... Year two will be marked improvement .
... And the 2022-'23 season will bring the first of Donovan 's 45-win plateaus .
...
But neither he nor Arturas Karnisovas will ever overcome Jerry Reinsdorf 's `` Curse of the Breakup . ''
The College Football Playoff -- So the Rose Bowl is in Texas , the Yellow Rose of Texas presumably is in Pasadena and Ryan Day and Ohio State have superseded all as the most despised program in the land .
... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ESPN , 7 p.m. ) , the CFP orchestrators will announce that all OSU games will be played for at least four quarters or until the Buckeyes are improperly ahead .
The Cubs -- Jed Hoyer is calling it `` a reset . ''
... Civic and military experts might call it `` a conquest '' of Wrigleyville by that sneaky Ricketts clan .
...
The franchise has more than doubled in value since the family took over .
... Filthy rich ranter Joe Ricketts was even thoughtful enough to prompt days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist emails .
The 2021 Masters -- As long as Charlie Woods is in the starting field , who cares when they play it ?
... Li ' l Charlie may become the first instant celebrity to have simultaneous showcases on The Golf Channel and Nickelodeon .
... Much more `` now '' for TV if mom Elin Nordegren carries his clubs .
... Father Tiger is so `` 2019 . ''
The new NFL TV contracts -- Pandemic be damned , informed sourcing is indicating that the league will gross $ 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes : ESPN/ABC will move into the Super Bowl rotation , `` Thursday Night Football '' will likely stream to Amazon and the undervalued Bears will be the last organization still on a stadium lease into the 2030s .
The White Sox -- The only major Chicago sports franchise expected to be deep in the hunt for a championship in 2021 .
...
Meaning , Tim Anderson will leapfrog Jose Abreu for AL MVP , Brad Lidge will come out of retirement to pitch relief for the Twins in late-season games that matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with endorsement deals for the Reacher Grabber by Vive , Wham-O Bird Collars and the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener .
And to all , a blessed and fulfilling 2021 .
• Jim O'Donnell 's Sports & Media column appears Thursday and Sunday .
Reach him at jimodonnelldh @ yahoo.com .

Jim O'Donnell: What to expect from Sports world in 2021
Will the fates of Bears general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy be determined by Sunday's outcome against the Packers at Soldier Field? Daily Herald File Photo
SO THIS IS New Year's.
And who would believe?
The sports figures still scurry around inside the giant TV screens, the stadiums empty.
Final scores are posted and bets are cashed or lost, all briefly celebrated or quickly forgotten.
America is bribed with its own tax money to remain calm and compliant.
In the end, will the new stimulus be $2,000 or $600?
Why not $20,000 or $6,000?
Or $200,000?
It's paper money, all make believe.
A digitalized blip into an online account, providing a transitting "OK" to a populace in ongoing states of anxiety, disconnection and exhaustion.
And then what about the trillions -- trillions -- spent on "national security" since 2001 that somehow allowed a predictably deadly virus, given fatal traction by the air that the world breathes, to fragment life as new-millennium America struggled to know it?
And inside this little corner -- this increasingly diminished little corner -- the games play on.
"When the past no longer illuminates the future," Alexis de Tocqueville, the remarkably visioned 19th century Frenchman wrote, "The spirit walks in darkness."
There is no past to illuminate the future America faces.
Mick Jagger crowed that he wrote the lyrics to "Living in a Ghost Town" in 10 minutes.
Anyone who has actually listened to the words of the profitably bleak bouncer might think Sir Michael overstated his thought time.
But this is New Year's Day.
Traditionally, a date when the world flips its Etch-a-Sketch and hope reboots.
Why should Jan. 1, 2021, be any different?
America staggered out of 1968 into a deceptive year when Richard Nixon became president, Joe W. Namath won a Super Bowl and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon.
So in 2021?
Mild sports crystal balling on a most surreal New Year's Day:
The Bears -- Here's a little nugget to munch on as the local futures of Ryan Pace, Matt Nagy and Mitch Trubisky do or do not hang in the balance vs. Green Bay Sunday (Fox, 3:25 p.m.): Of the 11 Bears head coaches since George Halas retired, only Lovie Smith (10-6 in 2012) has been fired with a record better than 7-9. ... Jack Pardee resigned after going 9-5 in 1977 to become HC of the Washington F.T.
The Blackhawks -- Say it again: ominous signs that the toxic air of Bill Wirtz is once again wafting through the corridors on West Madison Street. ... Stan Bowman is the luckiest charmed to operate out of the United Center since the Bulls finally cashiered Gar Forman.
The Bulls -- Some very wise NBA men say there will be a three-year uptick guided by Billy Donovan. ... This season will be evaluate, slice and dice. ... Year two will be marked improvement. ... And the 2022-'23 season will bring the first of Donovan's 45-win plateaus. ... But neither he nor Arturas Karnisovas will ever overcome Jerry Reinsdorf's "Curse of the Breakup."
The College Football Playoff -- So the Rose Bowl is in Texas, the Yellow Rose of Texas presumably is in Pasadena and Ryan Day and Ohio State have superseded all as the most despised program in the land. ... Maybe before kickoff against Clemson Friday (ESPN, 7 p.m.), the CFP orchestrators will announce that all OSU games will be played for at least four quarters or until the Buckeyes are improperly ahead.
The Cubs -- Jed Hoyer is calling it "a reset." ... Civic and military experts might call it "a conquest" of Wrigleyville by that sneaky Ricketts clan. ... The franchise has more than doubled in value since the family took over. ... Filthy rich ranter Joe Ricketts was even thoughtful enough to prompt days of non-impacting media outrage last winter with his racist emails.
The 2021 Masters -- As long as Charlie Woods is in the starting field, who cares when they play it? ... Li'l Charlie may become the first instant celebrity to have simultaneous showcases on The Golf Channel and Nickelodeon. ... Much more "now" for TV if mom Elin Nordegren carries his clubs. ... Father Tiger is so "2019."
The new NFL TV contracts -- Pandemic be damned, informed sourcing is indicating that the league will gross $100 billion over 10 years. ... Only changes: ESPN/ABC will move into the Super Bowl rotation, "Thursday Night Football" will likely stream to Amazon and the undervalued Bears will be the last organization still on a stadium lease into the 2030s.
The White Sox -- The only major Chicago sports franchise expected to be deep in the hunt for a championship in 2021. ... Meaning, Tim Anderson will leapfrog Jose Abreu for AL MVP, Brad Lidge will come out of retirement to pitch relief for the Twins in late-season games that matter, and Tony La Russa will wind up with endorsement deals for the Reacher Grabber by Vive, Wham-O Bird Collars and the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener.
And to all, a blessed and fulfilling 2021.
• Jim O'Donnell's Sports & Media column appears Thursday and Sunday. Reach him at jimodonnelldh@yahoo.com.