dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Seasoned traveler says listen to the experts, avoid hot spots and keep traveling

Editor ’ s note : The Facebook page of Doug Picirillo of Arlington Heights is replete with photos of exotic places and airport check-ins .
As an information technology consultant , he visits a lot of clients in person , to the tune of more than 100,000 air miles a year .
So he knows a bit about air travel both before and now in the era of the coronavirus .
I 'm following the news about the coronavirus because I travel a lot .
I work in information technology providing management consulting and enterprise software development .
Our customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ software team in India .
With all our family on the coasts , seeing them involves somebody getting on a plane .
We like to explore .
`` Staycation '' is n't a thing for us .
We visited Israel in February on a study trip with our church .
The COVID-19 virus outbreak was already in the news when I left for India in January .
I did n't see much change in O'Hare , London or Chennai .
You always see a few people wearing masks in international airports .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pictures that make it look like everybody is wearing a mask are misleading .
On a recent flight only one of about 160 passengers was wearing one .
Masks are not among the CDC 's top tips .
If you 're like me , you ca n't find any hand sanitizer in the stores .
I think American Airlines bought it all .
Every counter has a bottle for employees and passengers .
Use it .
If you 're desperate , hand sanitizer is easy to make .
Search for `` homemade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not encountered any extra airport screening , but I have not been to the most affected areas .
A week after we returned from Israel , both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority started locking things down , banning flights from affected countries and closing a lot of tourist sites .
Timing is everything .
You wo n't see any medical screening on U.S. domestic flights .
It 's both unnecessary and impractical .
I have noticed some extra care on the airplanes , though .
Flight attendants are wiping down controls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down their seats , arm rests , and tray tables .
Flight attendants wear gloves during meal and beverage service .
American , Delta , and United have information on their websites about refunds and waived change fees .
They say they always clean their planes well , but they are enhancing their procedures .
American says most of their planes are equipped with HEPA filters that completely change cabin air once every two to four minutes .
This is similar to the hospital standard .
Planes are n't as dirty as some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected fellow passenger .
I trust the airlines to clean their planes more than I trust other travelers to stay home if they 're sick .
Hotel room cleanliness varies a lot .
Newer and pricier hotels are likely to be cleaner than older and cheaper ones .
I recently stayed in a `` pure room '' certified by a company called Pure Wellness .
They work with several hotel brands to provide in-room air purifiers , hypoallergenic linens and other things .
I 'll stay there again even after the current crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to carry disinfectant wipes to wipe down remote controls , doorknobs and anything else touched by every guest .
Some people carry their own pillowcases .
I think that 's a bit much .
Most rental car companies clean their vehicles pretty well after each rental .
But just like in a hotel room , it would n't hurt to wipe down the surfaces people touch the most .
You do n't have much choice about avoiding the hot spots .
All the flights are canceled .
You just ca n't get there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's possible that you ca n't leave for a while .
If you 're like me , you 're not really affected by the travel restrictions .
I do n't go to the big conventions .
I do n't do business in China or the other hot spots .
I will , however , choose domestic-only airports like John Wayne-Orange County instead of trans-Pacific gateways like Los Angeles International .
Some of those whose business travel is disrupted are really hurting .
Some of my frequent flyer friends , especially the entrepreneurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ca n't do their jobs .
My suggestions for everybody , whether you 're a frequent flyer , an occasional flyer or getting ready for your first trip ever , is to listen to the experts .
Follow the simple CDC recommendations .
Above all else , wash your hands often .
Use hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes .
Avoid touching your face .
Avoid close contact with sick people .
Keep calm , take sensible precautions , and -- unless it gets a lot worse -- keep traveling .

Coronavirus: Seasoned traveler says listen to the experts, avoid hot spots and keep traveling
Doug Picirillo of Arlington Heights travels more than 100,000 miles a year and has no intention of slowing down. Courtesy of Doug Picirillo
Editor's note: The Facebook page of Doug Picirillo of Arlington Heights is replete with photos of exotic places and airport check-ins. As an information technology consultant, he visits a lot of clients in person, to the tune of more than 100,000 air miles a year. So he knows a bit about air travel both before and now in the era of the coronavirus.
I'm following the news about the coronavirus because I travel a lot. I work in information technology providing management consulting and enterprise software development.
Our customers can be anywhere. I manage a software team in India.
With all our family on the coasts, seeing them involves somebody getting on a plane.
We like to explore. "Staycation" isn't a thing for us. We visited Israel in February on a study trip with our church.
The COVID-19 virus outbreak was already in the news when I left for India in January. I didn't see much change in O'Hare, London or Chennai. You always see a few people wearing masks in international airports. I saw only a few more than usual.
Pictures that make it look like everybody is wearing a mask are misleading. On a recent flight only one of about 160 passengers was wearing one. Masks are not among the CDC's top tips.
If you're like me, you can't find any hand sanitizer in the stores. I think American Airlines bought it all. Every counter has a bottle for employees and passengers.
Use it. If you're desperate, hand sanitizer is easy to make. Search for "homemade hand sanitizer" online.
I have not encountered any extra airport screening, but I have not been to the most affected areas. A week after we returned from Israel, both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority started locking things down, banning flights from affected countries and closing a lot of tourist sites. Timing is everything.
You won't see any medical screening on U.S. domestic flights. It's both unnecessary and impractical.
I have noticed some extra care on the airplanes, though. Flight attendants are wiping down controls and work surfaces; passengers are wiping down their seats, arm rests, and tray tables. Flight attendants wear gloves during meal and beverage service.
American, Delta, and United have information on their websites about refunds and waived change fees.
They say they always clean their planes well, but they are enhancing their procedures. American says most of their planes are equipped with HEPA filters that completely change cabin air once every two to four minutes. This is similar to the hospital standard.
Planes aren't as dirty as some think. The bigger problem is the infected fellow passenger. I trust the airlines to clean their planes more than I trust other travelers to stay home if they're sick.
Hotel room cleanliness varies a lot. Newer and pricier hotels are likely to be cleaner than older and cheaper ones.
I recently stayed in a "pure room" certified by a company called Pure Wellness. They work with several hotel brands to provide in-room air purifiers, hypoallergenic linens and other things. I'll stay there again even after the current crisis recedes.
It's easy and smart to carry disinfectant wipes to wipe down remote controls, doorknobs and anything else touched by every guest. Some people carry their own pillowcases. I think that's a bit much.
Most rental car companies clean their vehicles pretty well after each rental. But just like in a hotel room, it wouldn't hurt to wipe down the surfaces people touch the most.
You don't have much choice about avoiding the hot spots. All the flights are canceled. You just can't get there. If you're already there, it's possible that you can't leave for a while.
If you're like me, you're not really affected by the travel restrictions. I don't go to the big conventions. I don't do business in China or the other hot spots.
I will, however, choose domestic-only airports like John Wayne-Orange County instead of trans-Pacific gateways like Los Angeles International.
Some of those whose business travel is disrupted are really hurting. Some of my frequent flyer friends, especially the entrepreneurs, are losing money every day because they can't do their jobs.
My suggestions for everybody, whether you're a frequent flyer, an occasional flyer or getting ready for your first trip ever, is to listen to the experts. Follow the simple CDC recommendations.
Above all else, wash your hands often. Use hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Avoid touching your face. Avoid close contact with sick people.
Keep calm, take sensible precautions, and -- unless it gets a lot worse -- keep traveling.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-09--11 years later, Naperville reconsiders Nichols Library garage construction

An idea for a parking garage at Nichols Library in downtown Naperville that fell out of consideration around the time of the Great Recession could be coming back in style .
City officials recently convened a group to discuss the possibility of building a garage at the library at 200 W. Jefferson Ave. following a design approved in the late 2000s .
The idea is to use the design for a three-story , 500-space garage to apply for state funding that soon will be available because of the increased motor fuel tax .
As a predesigned project , city officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the grant application process .
`` This would be the only shovel-ready public project that Naperville would have , '' Mayor Stave Chirico said .
`` That ( grant money ) really could go a long way to making that affordable for us . ''
The city plans to schedule an open house in the next several weeks to show the garage design to the public .
Early word from the officials , downtown leaders and neighbors who reviewed the plan is that it could work -- even 11 years after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to hold off on construction .
`` The group as a whole validated that the deck design is still a really , really good design for that site , '' said Jennifer Louden , deputy director of transportation , engineering and development .
The design calls for an L-shaped garage wrapped around the library with a brick facade and a plaza at the southeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Eagle Street , where `` The Cat In The Hat '' sculpture stands .
Louden said the garage would cost roughly $ 23.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hill on the site , so from Jackson Avenue it would be three stories tall , but from Jefferson -- at the library 's main entrance -- it would appear two stories tall .
The garage would replace the 130 surface spots in the library lot now .
So it would add a total of 370 spaces to the roughly 3,000 public spots available in the entire downtown .
Chris Finck lives right next to where the garage could be built .
He said the project was thoroughly vetted in the late 2000s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders , neighbors and the downtown business community all supported .
`` What we ended up with is something that would fit as best as it can in a residential area in kind of an entry point for Naperville , '' Finck said .
`` I think when people see the drawing , they 're going to say , 'Wow , that actually looks pretty good .
It ties in with the library . '
'' He said building the garage could help with traffic congestion because it would locate hundreds of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so people driving in from the west would not have to circle seeking street spaces .
A garage at Nichols Library would give the city one parking deck in each direction of the downtown , with public garages already open on Chicago Avenue to the east , Water and Webster streets to the south and Van Buren Avenue to the north .
`` You park , then walk , which is what we want people to do -- whether you 're going to the library or to the Riverwalk or going shopping or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The idea with reconsidering the garage now is to use the previously approved design -- which cost roughly $ 1 million to create at the end of a multiyear process -- not to reinvent the garage 's size or what it could look like , Louden said .
The city plans to create a webpage soon to display garage drawings and details .

11 years later, Naperville reconsiders Nichols Library garage construction
An idea for a parking garage at Nichols Library in downtown Naperville that fell out of consideration around the time of the Great Recession could be coming back in style.
City officials recently convened a group to discuss the possibility of building a garage at the library at 200 W. Jefferson Ave. following a design approved in the late 2000s.
The idea is to use the design for a three-story, 500-space garage to apply for state funding that soon will be available because of the increased motor fuel tax. As a predesigned project, city officials say, the garage could fare well in the grant application process.
"This would be the only shovel-ready public project that Naperville would have," Mayor Stave Chirico said. "That (grant money) really could go a long way to making that affordable for us."
The city plans to schedule an open house in the next several weeks to show the garage design to the public. Early word from the officials, downtown leaders and neighbors who reviewed the plan is that it could work -- even 11 years after the city council decided not to seek bids and to hold off on construction.
"The group as a whole validated that the deck design is still a really, really good design for that site," said Jennifer Louden, deputy director of transportation, engineering and development.
The design calls for an L-shaped garage wrapped around the library with a brick facade and a plaza at the southeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Eagle Street, where "The Cat In The Hat" sculpture stands. Louden said the garage would cost roughly $23.5 million and would be built into the hill on the site, so from Jackson Avenue it would be three stories tall, but from Jefferson -- at the library's main entrance -- it would appear two stories tall.
The garage would replace the 130 surface spots in the library lot now. So it would add a total of 370 spaces to the roughly 3,000 public spots available in the entire downtown.
Chris Finck lives right next to where the garage could be built. He said the project was thoroughly vetted in the late 2000s to arrive at a final design city leaders, neighbors and the downtown business community all supported.
"What we ended up with is something that would fit as best as it can in a residential area in kind of an entry point for Naperville," Finck said. "I think when people see the drawing, they're going to say, 'Wow, that actually looks pretty good. It ties in with the library.'"
He said building the garage could help with traffic congestion because it would locate hundreds of new spots on the west side of downtown so people driving in from the west would not have to circle seeking street spaces. A garage at Nichols Library would give the city one parking deck in each direction of the downtown, with public garages already open on Chicago Avenue to the east, Water and Webster streets to the south and Van Buren Avenue to the north.
"You park, then walk, which is what we want people to do -- whether you're going to the library or to the Riverwalk or going shopping or getting something to eat," Finck said.
The idea with reconsidering the garage now is to use the previously approved design -- which cost roughly $1 million to create at the end of a multiyear process -- not to reinvent the garage's size or what it could look like, Louden said.
The city plans to create a webpage soon to display garage drawings and details.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-09--Constable: Activists seek 'medical aid in dying' law for Illinois

The weekend sun has melted the snow and is encouraging the green grass .
Fish are swimming lazily around the large backyard koi pond at his Elgin home .
And Ralph McFadden looks good and feels good .
None of which is ideal for a serious column about the suburban Compassion & Choices group he 's working with to pass a `` medical aid in dying '' law in Illinois .
`` For your interview , I really ought to be dying , '' McFadden , 87 , says .
`` But I guess I will hold off on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former pastor and hospice chaplain , says he 's pretty sure there will come a day when his multiple myeloma , a rare blood cancer that manifests in the bones and killed his father , will cause such distress and pain that he 'll want to end his life .
He 's seen dozens of people die in agony during his career .
`` Hospice was a huge point of my learning curve , '' says McFadden , who got his chaplaincy training at Rush Medical Center in Chicago and worked as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Northwest suburbs .
`` It was not unusual for me to see an old man sitting in a wheelchair , unable to talk , wearing a diaper , needing someone to feed him .
I did n't want that . ''
He remembers a patient at a hospice in Denver , who was angry at God `` because she could n't die . ''
`` It made me think : 'How do I want to die ? '
'' Eight states and the District of Columbia have Death With Dignity statutes modeled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1997 .
It 's not physician-assisted suicide , which remains illegal in every state ; the Compassion & Choices legislation would require patients to administer the fatal dose themselves without help from a doctor or loved one .
Those patients would have to be terminally ill , older than 18 , in sound mind , and likely to die within six months .
The patients would need written approval from two doctors and a lethal dose of medication prescribed by a physician for that purpose .
Citing the `` sanctity of human life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religions oppose medical aid in dying .
Even in states where it is legal , doctors and institutions with an ethical objection can refuse to take part .
During 2019 in Oregon , 290 people received prescriptions for lethal doses of medications and 188 died from taking those drugs .
Since the law passed in 1997 , 2,518 people have received prescriptions and 1,657 people died from ingesting the medications .
In 2019 , the American Medical Association voted to uphold the existing guidance in the Code of Medical Ethics when it came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized `` differences in moral perspective between thoughtful , morally admirable individuals who oppose physician-assisted suicide and equally thoughtful and morally admirable individuals who support it , '' said Dr. , Barbara A. McAneny , immediate past president of the group .
`` How each individual understands and acts on physicians ' common goals of relieving suffering , respecting autonomy , and maintaining dignity at the end of life is directed by their individual deeply held beliefs . ''
A Gallup poll in 2018 found that 72 % of Americans agree that doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the patient 's life by some painless means if the patient and his or her family request it . ''
That idea spanned political divides by winning support from 62 % of Republicans , 80 % of Democrats and 73 % of Independents , as well as from 69 % of regular churchgoers .
`` I understand and I 'm OK with it , '' Dr. Stan Nabrinsky , McFadden 's hematologist-oncologist , says as he monitors McFadden 's intravenous immunoglobulin treatment to boost his immune system at Illinois Cancer Specialists in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to say , ' I 've fought enough .
Let it go , ' '' Nabrinsky says .
Many health care professionals say giving people the option to take their own lives is the right thing to do .
`` One of the terrible things about working in the emergency room is that you had to save their life even if they were begging you not to , '' says Molly Miceli , 69 , a Compassion & Choices leader from Elgin .
A certified nursing assistant at 16 , Miceli went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in emergency rooms and intensive care units at hospitals in Arlington Heights , Elk Grove Village and Hoffman Estates before launching a company that provided private-duty care , mostly to seniors , to let them stay home instead of moving to a facility .
She discovered Compassion & Choices after she sold her company and was looking to volunteer for a good cause .
`` This is exactly what I believe in , '' Miceli says .
The group is showing the award-winning documentary `` How to Die in Oregon '' and hosting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ libraries .
Seventeen more states are considering such a law this year , according to the Death With Dignity organization .
`` And Illinois is not one of them , '' says McFadden , a former executive with the Church of the Brethren who has written several books , include `` Dignity : In Living & In Dying . ''
Married for 38 years to his wife , Barbara , with whom he has two children , McFadden has spent the last 20 years as a gay man with his partner , Keo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about dignity , integrity , openness , compassion , reconciliation and justice when I decided to come out as a gay man to my family , friends and to the church , '' McFadden writes in his book about dignity .
His wife has died , but their son Joel and his wife , Laura , and their daughter Jill and her partner , Anne , support McFadden 's wishes , as does Xayavongvane , McFadden says .
While he says he `` wants to be around '' now for his family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Brethren , and granddaughter , Emma , he expects to reach a point when he does n't .
Some nursing facilities allow patients to refuse food and water .
`` I do n't know how painful that is , '' says McFadden , who hopes to be in Illinois when he decides to end his life .
`` I have to take the pill and I have to be conscious enough to do that . ''
He 's certainly in no hurry to get there , but when the time comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind .
`` I 'm 87 .
I 've had an excellent life , '' says McFadden .
`` I think I may leave the party early . ''

Constable: Activists seek 'medical aid in dying' law for Illinois
By Burt Constable
The weekend sun has melted the snow and is encouraging the green grass. Fish are swimming lazily around the large backyard koi pond at his Elgin home. And Ralph McFadden looks good and feels good.
None of which is ideal for a serious column about the suburban Compassion & Choices group he's working with to pass a "medical aid in dying" law in Illinois.
"For your interview, I really ought to be dying," McFadden, 87, says. "But I guess I will hold off on that for a while."
McFadden, a former pastor and hospice chaplain, says he's pretty sure there will come a day when his multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer that manifests in the bones and killed his father, will cause such distress and pain that he'll want to end his life. He's seen dozens of people die in agony during his career.
"Hospice was a huge point of my learning curve," says McFadden, who got his chaplaincy training at Rush Medical Center in Chicago and worked as a hospice chaplain in Colorado and in the Northwest suburbs. "It was not unusual for me to see an old man sitting in a wheelchair, unable to talk, wearing a diaper, needing someone to feed him. I didn't want that."
He remembers a patient at a hospice in Denver, who was angry at God "because she couldn't die."
"It made me think: 'How do I want to die?'"
Nine states and the District of Columbia have Death With Dignity statutes modeled after the original enacted in Oregon in 1997. It's not euthanasia, which remains illegal in every state; the Compassion & Choices legislation would require patients to administer the fatal dose themselves without help from a doctor or loved one. Those patients would have to be terminally ill, older than 18, in sound mind, and likely to die within six months. The patients would need written approval from two doctors and a lethal dose of medication prescribed by a physician for that purpose.
Citing the "sanctity of human life," Catholic hospitals and most organized religions oppose medical aid in dying. Even in states where it is legal, doctors and institutions with an ethical objection can refuse to take part. During 2019 in Oregon, 290 people received prescriptions for lethal doses of medications and 188 died from taking those drugs. Since the law passed in 1997, 2,518 people have received prescriptions and 1,657 people died from ingesting the medications.
In 2019, the American Medical Association voted to uphold the existing guidance in the Code of Medical Ethics when it came to medical aid in dying, which recognized "differences in moral perspective between thoughtful, morally admirable individuals who oppose physician-assisted suicide and equally thoughtful and morally admirable individuals who support it," said Dr., Barbara A. McAneny, immediate past president of the group. "How each individual understands and acts on physicians' common goals of relieving suffering, respecting autonomy, and maintaining dignity at the end of life is directed by their individual deeply held beliefs."
A Gallup poll in 2018 found that 72% of Americans agree that doctors "should be allowed by law to end the patient's life by some painless means if the patient and his or her family request it." That idea spanned political divides by winning support from 62% of Republicans, 80% of Democrats and 73% of Independents, as well as from 69% of regular churchgoers.
"I understand and I'm OK with it," Dr. Stan Nabrinsky, McFadden's hematologist-oncologist, says as he monitors McFadden's intravenous immunoglobulin treatment to boost his immune system at Illinois Cancer Specialists in Elgin.
"The patient has a right to say, 'I've fought enough. Let it go,'" Nabrinsky says.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Enjoying his daily ritual of looking upon his beautiful backyard with a waterfall and koi pond, 87-year-old Ralph McFadden says he has had a good life. But he is working with activists from Compassion & Choices for the right to decide when his life is over.
Many health care professionals say giving people the option to take their own lives is the right thing to do.
"One of the terrible things about working in the emergency room is that you had to save their life even if they were begging you not to," says Molly Miceli, 69, a Compassion & Choices leader from Elgin. A certified nursing assistant at 16, Miceli went on to work as a registered nurse in emergency rooms and intensive care units at hospitals in Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village and Hoffman Estates before launching a company that provided private-duty care, mostly to seniors, to let them stay home instead of moving to a facility.
She discovered Compassion & Choices after she sold her company and was looking to volunteer for a good cause. "This is exactly what I believe in," Miceli says. The group is showing the award-winning documentary "How to Die in Oregon" and hosting discussions on the topic at several suburban libraries.
Nineteen more states are considering such a law this year, according to the Death With Dignity organization. "And Illinois is not one of them," says McFadden, a former executive with the Church of the Brethren who has written several books, include "Dignity: In Living & In Dying."
Married for 38 years to his wife, Barbara, with whom he has two children, McFadden has spent the last 20 years as a gay man with his partner, Keo Xayavongvane.
"I especially learned something about dignity, integrity, openness, compassion, reconciliation and justice when I decided to come out as a gay man to my family, friends and to the church," McFadden writes in his book about dignity. His wife has died, but their son Joel and his wife, Laura, and their daughter Jill and her partner, Anne, support McFadden's wishes, as does Xayavongvane, McFadden says.
While he says he "wants to be around" now for his family, partner, friends at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, and granddaughter, Emma, he expects to reach a point when he doesn't. Some nursing facilities allow patients to refuse food and water. "I don't know how painful that is," says McFadden, who hopes to be in Illinois when he decides to end his life. "I have to take the pill and I have to be conscious enough to do that."
He's certainly in no hurry to get there, but when the time comes McFadden says he's made up his mind.
"I'm 87. I've had an excellent life," says McFadden. "I think I may leave the party early."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-09--Mundelein officials say they'll end ban on certain types of signs

With public complaints from residents and local business owners growing , Mundelein officials on Monday said they intend to eliminate a 5-year-old ban on pole and cabinet-style wall signs .
Businesses with such signs no longer would have to remove those displays by an April deadline .
Such signs would be allowed to remain until the business changes or is significantly remodeled , officials said .
Sign maintenance -- such as ensuring light bulbs work and rust is covered -- will be stepped up , however , trustees agreed .
The board 's informal decision to make those changes came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing-room-only crowd of about 60 people .
A formal vote could happen as soon as the board 's next meeting on March 23 , Village Administrator John Lobaito said .
About 20 audience members urged officials to change the rules during about an hour of public comments at the start of Monday 's meeting .
Only one audience member spoke in favor of the restrictions .
The sign ordinance was created in 2015 to improve the look of the village and reduce safety hazards .
The regulations ban several types of signs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cabinet-style , wall-mounted displays .
Officials gave business owners five years to change nonconforming signs or request exemptions .
About 80 % of the village 's roughly 800 businesses are in compliance with the rules , officials said .
The sign ordinance came under public criticism in December after the board voted not to allow the popular Franks for the Memories restaurant to keep the iconic pole sign that 's stood outside its Hawley Street building for more than 30 years .
The restaurant 's owners argued the tall , yellow sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has historical value and has become an important feature of the restaurant , but a majority of trustees disagreed .
`` This is the outcome I was hoping to get , '' he told the Daily Herald after the meeting .
`` We think it 's fair . ''
Trustee Erich Schwenk asked if repealing the ban on pole and cabinet signs would be fair to businesses that replaced signs to comply with the rules .
In response , Trustee Robin Meier said any entrepreneurs who replaced signs enhanced their businesses by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualms about changing the rules .
`` Ordinances change all the time , '' Meier said .
`` Building codes change all the time . ''

Mundelein officials say they'll end ban on certain types of signs
Editor's note: The story has been updated to indicate prohibitions on several types of signs aren’t being eliminated, including signs that are inflated, use message boards with type that can be changed, have video displays or use strobe lights or spotlights.
With public complaints from residents and local business owners growing, Mundelein officials on Monday said they intend to eliminate a 5-year-old ban on pole and cabinet-style wall signs.
Businesses with such signs no longer would have to remove those displays by an April deadline. Such signs would be allowed to remain until the business changes or is significantly remodeled, officials said.
Sign maintenance -- such as ensuring light bulbs work and rust is covered -- will be stepped up, however, trustees agreed.
The board's informal decision to make those changes came during a special committee-of-the-whole meeting before a standing-room-only crowd of about 60 people.
A formal vote could happen as soon as the board's next meeting on March 23, Village Administrator John Lobaito said.
About 20 audience members urged officials to change the rules during about an hour of public comments at the start of Monday's meeting. Only one audience member spoke in favor of the restrictions.
The sign ordinance was created in 2015 to improve the look of the village and reduce safety hazards.
The regulations ban several types of signs, including those on poles or those consisting of cabinet-style, wall-mounted displays.
Officials gave business owners five years to change nonconforming signs or request exemptions. About 80% of the village's roughly 800 businesses are in compliance with the rules, officials said.
The sign ordinance came under public criticism in December after the board voted not to allow the popular Franks for the Memories restaurant to keep the iconic pole sign that's stood outside its Hawley Street building for more than 30 years.
The restaurant's owners argued the tall, yellow sign should be exempted from the rules because it has historical value and has become an important feature of the restaurant, but a board majority disagreed.
Franks' co-owner, Jim Schultz Jr., said the board's reversal "feels awesome."
"This is the outcome I was hoping to get," he told the Daily Herald after the meeting. "We think it's fair."
Trustee Erich Schwenk asked if repealing the ban on pole and cabinet signs would be fair to businesses that replaced signs to comply with the rules.
In response, Trustee Robin Meier said any entrepreneurs who replaced signs enhanced their businesses by taking that action. She had no qualms about changing the rules.
"Ordinances change all the time," Meier said. "Building codes change all the time."
Prohibitions on several types of signs aren't being eliminated, including signs that are inflated, use message boards with type that can be changed, have video displays or use strobe lights or spotlights.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-09--Prospect Heights approves plan for Chicago Executive Airport that would eliminate a runway

Prospect Heights City Council members Monday night narrowly approved a controversial new layout plan for Chicago Executive Airport that includes eliminating one of the facility 's runways .
By a 3-2 vote , Prospect Heights joined the Wheeling village board in giving the layout proposal a thumbs-up .
Chicago Executive is co-owned by Wheeling and Prospect Heights , which is why the elected officials in those towns needed to vote on the airport 's proposal before it goes through federal and state channels .
Controversy has swirled since several small-plane pilots began speaking at public meetings this year , citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east-west runway to remain -- the same reason airport officials say it should be closed .
Members of the Chicago Executive Pilots Association Pilots and others contended Runway 6/24 allows them to avoid dangerous crosswinds .
However , Chicago Executive infrastructure consultant Crawford , Murphy and Tilly Inc. of Aurora states in a report that the Federal Aviation Administration considers the area where Runway 6/24 meets the airport 's other two runways to be a confusing `` hot spot '' that should be eliminated .
Officials also said the runway accounts for only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily takeoffs and landings at the facility .
Airport Executive Director Jamie Abbott said after Monday 's vote that Runway 6/24 can not be shut immediately .
He said the layout proposal will now go before the FAA and the Illinois Department of Transportation .
`` It 'll go through a review process , '' Abbott said .
`` The FAA , they do a very thorough job , so it could be several months before we get any comments back and get that document finally approved .
But since it 's in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead and work with the state of Illinois on scheduling projects associated with the ( plan ) . ''
The plan also calls for about 1 million square feet of new hangars , an area dedicated to stormwater management improvements and no expansion beyond the current borders of Hintz Road on the north , Milwaukee Avenue to the east , Palatine Road and on the south and Wolf Road on the west .
An environmental review will be part of the process .
Prospect Heights Aldermen Kathleen Quinn and Michelle Cameron were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women said Chicago Executive could have done a better job in taking public feedback .
`` I think it 's our job to listen to the people who are using the airport , '' Quinn said to Chicago Executive officials at Monday 's meeting .
`` And I understand that you 've had open houses and you 've had stakeholder meetings so that you 're in compliance with the rules and regulations that are out there .
But that 's not meeting and sitting down with your customers . ''
Rhett Dennerline , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been flying from Chicago Executive for 32 years , was among those to reiterate the safety concerns and opposition to the elimination of the Runway 6/24 to the Prospect Heights council .
`` And I 'm proud that I fly for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and fly patrols out of the airport , '' Dennerline said .
`` I 'm actually a member of the Department of Homeland Security in that role , and we go through a lot of training on safety .
It 's a No .
1 priority @ @ @ @

Prospect Heights approves plan for Chicago Executive Airport that would eliminate a runway
Prospect Heights City Council members Monday night narrowly approved a controversial new layout plan for Chicago Executive Airport that includes eliminating one of the facility's runways.
By a 3-2 vote, Prospect Heights joined the Wheeling village board in giving the layout proposal a thumbs-up. Chicago Executive is co-owned by Wheeling and Prospect Heights, which is why the elected officials in those towns needed to vote on the airport's proposal before it goes through federal and state channels.
Controversy has swirled since several small-plane pilots began speaking at public meetings this year, citing safety in wanting the facility's only east-west runway to remain -- the same reason airport officials say it should be closed.
Members of the Chicago Executive Pilots Association Pilots and others contended Runway 6/24 allows them to avoid dangerous crosswinds.
However, Chicago Executive infrastructure consultant Crawford, Murphy and Tilly Inc. of Aurora states in a report that the Federal Aviation Administration considers the area where Runway 6/24 meets the airport's other two runways to be a confusing "hot spot" that should be eliminated. Officials also said the runway accounts for only about 2% of an average 211 daily takeoffs and landings at the facility.
Airport Executive Director Jamie Abbott said after Monday's vote that Runway 6/24 cannot be shut immediately. He said the layout proposal will now go before the FAA and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
"It'll go through a review process," Abbott said. "The FAA, they do a very thorough job, so it could be several months before we get any comments back and get that document finally approved. But since it's in that pending-approval process, we can go ahead and work with the state of Illinois on scheduling projects associated with the (plan)."
The plan also calls for about 1 million square feet of new hangars, an area dedicated to stormwater management improvements and no expansion beyond the current borders of Hintz Road on the north, Milwaukee Avenue to the east, Palatine Road and on the south and Wolf Road on the west. An environmental review will be part of the process.
Prospect Heights Aldermen Kathleen Quinn and Michelle Cameron were the dissenters in the 3-2 vote. Both women said Chicago Executive could have done a better job in taking public feedback.
"I think it's our job to listen to the people who are using the airport," Quinn said to Chicago Executive officials at Monday's meeting. "And I understand that you've had open houses and you've had stakeholder meetings so that you're in compliance with the rules and regulations that are out there. But that's not meeting and sitting down with your customers."
Rhett Dennerline, a commercial pilot who advises aviation companies and has been flying from Chicago Executive for 32 years, was among those to reiterate the safety concerns and opposition to the elimination of the Runway 6/24 to the Prospect Heights council.
"And I'm proud that I fly for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and fly patrols out of the airport," Dennerline said. "I'm actually a member of the Department of Homeland Security in that role, and we go through a lot of training on safety. It's a No. 1 priority for us."
Wheeling village board members approved Chicago Executive's layout plan in January.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Feder: WCKG rebrands as 'Sportsbook Radio'

WCKG 1530-AM , the DuPage Radio sports/talk station that 's been calling itself `` Fox Sports Radio , '' this @ @ @ @ @ `` Sportsbook Radio , '' Robert Feder writes .
The move capitalizes on the legalization @ @ @ @ @ in Illinois .
No word yet on any new programming at the west suburban Elmhurst @ @ @ @ @ for Rich Eisen , whose syndicated midday show will be dropped by Premiere Networks , @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're planning to develop long-form and short-form 'Sportsbook Radio ' content on WCKG @ @ @ @ @ media partners to be announced , '' station manager Matt Dubiel said .
Get the @ @ @ @ @ Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: WCKG rebrands as 'Sportsbook Radio'
WCKG 1530-AM, the DuPage Radio sports/talk station that's been calling itself "Fox Sports Radio," this week is being rebranded as "Sportsbook Radio," Robert Feder writes.
The move capitalizes on the legalization of sports wagering at casinos in Illinois.
No word yet on any new programming at the west suburban Elmhurst station or on a replacement for Rich Eisen, whose syndicated midday show will be dropped by Premiere Networks, as of April 7.
"We're planning to develop long-form and short-form 'Sportsbook Radio' content on WCKG, with local casino and media partners to be announced," station manager Matt Dubiel said.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-09--Wood Dale fire district: More tax revenue needed to 'keep the status quo'

The Wood Dale Fire Protection District is seeking a property tax rate increase to maintain staffing levels , replace aging vehicles , repair its stations and pay for rising administrative costs .
Voters will decide March 17 whether to adopt the proposal , which , if approved , would generate roughly $ 1.5 million a year in additional revenue for the district that covers Wood Dale and a small part of Itasca .
Fire officials said the decision to pursue the ballot measure was made when it became clear that -- despite budget cuts , using reserve money , getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce costs -- the district 's operating expenses are going to outpace its ability to generate revenue .
`` We 're just trying to keep the status quo , '' Chief James F. Burke Jr. said .
`` We 're not looking to build a new station .
We 're not looking add more vehicles to the fleet . ''
The district , which is a separate taxing body from the city of Wood Dale , get roughly 95 % of its revenue from property taxes , with the rest coming from ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved , the district 's annual property tax revenue will increase to roughly $ 7.2 million from about $ 5.7 million .
The owner of a $ 250,000 home now pays roughly $ 700 in property taxes to the district .
If the tax rate hike is approved , that amount will increase by an estimated $ 200 .
Burke said the district last had a referendum 2002 .
He said the proposed tax increase would ensure the district has the revenue it needs for another decade .
`` The number is probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liked it to be , '' Burke said .
`` But we did n't want to come back ( to the voters ) in three or five years . ''
If approved , the additional money would allow the district to have eight firefighters working during each of its three shifts .
More than 90 % of the time , the district has had a `` minimum '' staffing level of six firefighters per shift between its two fire stations .
Fire officials also would be able to replace aging vehicles .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 11 years old , and the district is experiencing more breakdowns .
The district has two fire stations that were built in the early 1970s .
Both are needed to properly respond to all areas of the district , officials said .
But Station 69 at 411 Park Lane needs an estimated $ 450,000 in repairs .
`` That system was designed with the station , '' Burke said .
`` It is completely obsolete . ''
Extra revenue also will help the district pay for rising administrative costs , including insurance @ @ @ @

Wood Dale fire district: More tax revenue needed to 'keep the status quo'
The Wood Dale Fire Protection District is seeking a property tax rate increase to maintain staffing levels, replace aging vehicles, repair its stations and pay for rising administrative costs.
Voters will decide March 17 whether to adopt the proposal, which, if approved, would generate roughly $1.5 million a year in additional revenue for the district that covers Wood Dale and a small part of Itasca.
Fire officials said the decision to pursue the ballot measure was made when it became clear that -- despite budget cuts, using reserve money, getting grants and partnering with neighboring districts to reduce costs -- the district's operating expenses are going to outpace its ability to generate revenue.
"We're just trying to keep the status quo," Chief James F. Burke Jr. said. "We're not looking to build a new station. We're not looking add more vehicles to the fleet."
The district, which is a separate taxing body from the city of Wood Dale, get roughly 95% of its revenue from property taxes, with the rest coming from ambulance fees.
If the ballot measure is approved, the district's annual property tax revenue will increase to roughly $7.2 million from about $5.7 million.
The owner of a $250,000 home now pays roughly $700 in property taxes to the district. If the tax rate hike is approved, that amount will increase by an estimated $200.
Burke said the district last had a referendum 2002. He said the proposed tax increase would ensure the district has the revenue it needs for another decade.
"The number is probably a tick higher than we would have liked it to be," Burke said. "But we didn't want to come back (to the voters) in three or five years."
If approved, the additional money would allow the district to have eight firefighters working during each of its three shifts. More than 90% of the time, the district has had a "minimum" staffing level of six firefighters per shift between its two fire stations.
Fire officials also would be able to replace aging vehicles. The average age of the fleet is more than 11 years old, and the district is experiencing more breakdowns.
The district has two fire stations that were built in the early 1970s. Both are needed to properly respond to all areas of the district, officials said. But Station 69 at 411 Park Lane needs an estimated $450,000 in repairs.
"That system was designed with the station," Burke said. "It is completely obsolete."
Extra revenue also will help the district pay for rising administrative costs, including insurance and pension contributions.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-09--GOP legislators want answers from Oberweis

Six state representatives issued a statement Monday seeking more complete answers from fellow Republican Jim Oberweis in response to a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission .
State Sen. Sue Rezin , a Morris Republican , filed a complaint against Oberweis , a state senator from Sugar Grove , last week that essentially accused him of money laundering his campaign funds by lobbying Republicans for donations to his 14th Congressional District campaign and then sending them donations from his state campaign fund .
Oberweis and Rezin are among seven candidates in the March 17 primary vying for the GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Naperville Democrat , in November .
State Reps. Mark Batinic of Plainfield , Tom Demmer of Dixon , Jeff Keicher of Sycamore , Dan Ugaste of Geneva , Steve Reick of Woodstock and Grant Wehrli of Naperville issued the statement Monday .
`` As state legislators who represent portions of Illinois ' 14th Congressional District , we have chosen to remain neutral in the Republican congressional nomination , but the latest allegations surrounding the questionable fundraising practices by Sen. Jim Oberweis are too concerning to ignore , '' according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on Feb. 6 , Oberweis spoke on the phone with the LaSalle County State 's Attorney Karen Donnelly , who is running for reelection .
According to an affidavit , Donnelly said she would donate $ 500 to the Jim 2020 Committee and he said he would donate to hers .
On Feb. 10 , The Friends of Karen Donnelly received a $ 1,000 check from Friends of Jim Oberweis , signed by Oberweis , according to the affidavit from Donnelly , who produced a copy of the check .
Oberweis campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record of a $ 500 donation from Donnelly .
Oberweis 's response to Rezin 's allegations last week was to dismiss them as `` smear tactics . ''
On Monday , Oberweis said he reached out to Donnelly at the request of a friend who told him she was a good conservative and needed some fundraising help .
`` At no point was there any quid pro quo that Donnelly would contribute to my campaign .
I have donated to Republican candidates my entire adult life and the donation to Donnelly was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I would not be a good candidate if I did not ask others to help our campaign .
It is a shame that something that was done as a favor to help a fellow Republican win has been so greatly distorted . ''
The other Republicans in the 14th Congressional District race are Anthony Catella of St. Charles , Ted Gradel of Naperville , Jerry Evans of Warrenville , Catalina Lauf of Woodstock and James Marter of Oswego .

GOP legislators want answers from Oberweis
The Republicans running for their party's nomination in the 14th Congressional District primary are, from top left, Anthony Catella, Ted Gradel, Jerry Evans and Catalina Lauf and, from bottom left, James Marter, Jim Oberweis and Sue Rezin.
Six state representatives issued a statement Monday seeking more complete answers from fellow Republican Jim Oberweis in response to a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, a Morris Republican, filed a complaint against Oberweis, a state senator from Sugar Grove, last week that essentially accused him of money laundering his campaign funds by lobbying Republicans for donations to his 14th Congressional District campaign and then sending them donations from his state campaign fund.
Oberweis and Rezin are among seven candidates in the March 17 primary vying for the GOP nomination to run against incumbent Lauren Underwood, a Naperville Democrat, in November.
State Reps. Mark Batinic of Plainfield, Tom Demmer of Dixon, Jeff Keicher of Sycamore, Dan Ugaste of Geneva, Steve Reick of Woodstock and Grant Wehrli of Naperville issued the statement Monday.
"As state legislators who represent portions of Illinois' 14th Congressional District, we have chosen to remain neutral in the Republican congressional nomination, but the latest allegations surrounding the questionable fundraising practices by Sen. Jim Oberweis are too concerning to ignore," according to the statement.
According to Rezin's complaint, on Feb. 6, Oberweis spoke on the phone with the LaSalle County State's Attorney Karen Donnelly, who is running for reelection.
According to an affidavit, Donnelly said she would donate $500 to the Jim 2020 Committee and he said he would donate to hers. On Feb. 10, The Friends of Karen Donnelly received a $1,000 check from Friends of Jim Oberweis, signed by Oberweis, according to the affidavit from Donnelly, who produced a copy of the check.
Oberweis campaign spokesman Travis Akin said there is no record of a $500 donation from Donnelly.
Oberweis's response to Rezin's allegations last week was to dismiss them as "smear tactics."
On Monday, Oberweis said he reached out to Donnelly at the request of a friend who told him she was a good conservative and needed some fundraising help.
"At no point was there any quid pro quo that Donnelly would contribute to my campaign. I have donated to Republican candidates my entire adult life and the donation to Donnelly was no exception," the statement read.
"I would not be a good candidate if I did not ask others to help our campaign. It is a shame that something that was done as a favor to help a fellow Republican win has been so greatly distorted."
The other Republicans in the 14th Congressional District race are Anthony Catella of St. Charles, Ted Gradel of Naperville, Jerry Evans of Warrenville, Catalina Lauf of Woodstock and James Marter of Oswego.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Mom, son safe after 52 hours trapped in China hotel rubble

BEIJING -- A 10-year-old boy and his mother have been rescued 52 hours after being trapped in the collapse of a virus quarantine site in southeastern China .
Video released by rescuers showed the two being pulled from the debris of the hotel that collapsed on Saturday .
The location of the boy and woman was discovered late Monday night and they were freed around midnight after three hours of painstaking digging .
The hotel in the city of Quanzhou had been a quarantine site for people exposed to the new coronavirus .
The death toll in the collapse rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people missing .
A total of 71 people had been inside the hotel when it crumbled in mere seconds .
The cause is still under investigation , although structural work being done on the lower level is suspected .
Most parts of China are quarantining people from high-risk areas or even those who traveled abroad or simply outside their home regions areas for 14 days .
Construction on the building began in 2013 and it was converted into an express hotel in 2018 .
Two supermarkets on the first floor were being remodeled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few minutes prior to the collapse , the official Xinhua News Agency said Sunday , quoting a district official .

Mom, son safe after 52 hours trapped in China hotel rubble
In this March 8, 2020, photo, rescuers pull a young child out from the rubbles of a collapsed hotel on a stretcher in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. Several have been killed and others trapped when in the collapsed Chinese hotel that was being used to isolate people who had arrived from other parts of China hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, authorities said Sunday. (Chinatopix Via AP) Associated Press
In this March 9, 2020, photo released by Xinhua News Agency, rescuers carry a woman pulled from the rubbles of a collapsed hotel to an ambulance in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. Several have been killed and others trapped when in the collapsed Chinese hotel that was being used to isolate people who had arrived from other parts of China hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, authorities said Sunday. (Zeng Demeng/Xinhua via AP) Associated Press
In this March 9, 2020 photo released by Xinhua News Agency, rescuers place a boy pulled from the rubbles of a collapsed hotel on a stretcher in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. Several have been killed and others trapped when in the collapsed Chinese hotel that was being used to isolate people who had arrived from other parts of China hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, authorities said Sunday. (Zeng Demeng/Xinhua via AP) Associated Press
BEIJING -- A 10-year-old boy and his mother have been rescued 52 hours after being trapped in the collapse of a virus quarantine site in southeastern China where 20 people have died.
Video released by rescuers showed the two being pulled from the debris of the hotel that collapsed on Saturday. The woman and boy were discovered late Monday night and they were freed around midnight after three hours of painstaking digging.
The hotel in the city of Quanzhou had been a quarantine site for people exposed to the new coronavirus, which for most people causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The death toll in the collapse rose to 20 on Tuesday, with 10 people missing. A total of 71 people had been inside the hotel when it crumbled in mere seconds.
The building had been illegally reconstructed several times, the official Xinhua News Agency quoted an unidentified senior official saying Tuesday. Shang Yong, deputy head of the Ministry of Emergency Management, told reporters a comprehensive accident investigation will be launched to identify the cause of the collapse, and any official found responsible would be held to account.
Construction of the building began in 2013 and it was converted into an express hotel in 2018.
Two supermarkets on the first floor were being remodeled, and a pillar reportedly deformed a few minutes before the collapse, Xinhua said Sunday, quoting a district official.
Rescuers have been issued protective gear and disinfectant to minimize exposure to the virus.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and nearly 60,000 have so far recovered.
Most parts of China are quarantining people from high-risk areas or even those who traveled abroad or simply outside their home regions areas for 14 days.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Barcelona to host Napoli in empty stadium because of virus

BARCELONA , Spain -- Barcelona 's Champions League match against Napoli will be played in an empty stadium because of the coronavirus outbreak , the club said Tuesday .
The Spanish club said no fans will be allowed in to watch the match at Camp Nou on March 18 .
The teams drew 1-1 in the first leg in Italy .
Tuesday 's Champions League game between Valencia and Atalanta in Spain also will be played in an empty stadium .
Two Europa League matches in the country also have been affected - Sevilla vs. Roma on Thursday and Getafe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain 's health minister on Monday announced a sharp spike in coronavirus cases in and around Madrid , and said all schools in the region will close for two weeks from Wednesday .
There were more than 1,200 confirmed cases in Spain on Monday , with 28 deaths and 74 people in intensive care .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe @ @ @ @ @

Barcelona to host Napoli in empty stadium because of virus
A Barcelona fan wears a face mask in an attempt to protect there self from the coronavirus uses his mobile prior a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, March 7, 2020. Associated Press
Barcelona fans wear face masks in an attempt to protect there self from the coronavirus, prior a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, March 7, 2020. Associated Press
BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona's Champions League match against Napoli will be played in an empty stadium because of the coronavirus outbreak, the club said Tuesday.
The Spanish club said no fans will be allowed in to watch the match at Camp Nou on March 18. The teams drew 1-1 in the first leg in Italy.
Tuesday's Champions League game between Valencia and Atalanta in Spain also will be played in an empty stadium. Two Europa League matches in the country also have been affected - Sevilla vs. Roma on Thursday and Getafe vs. Inter Milan on March 19.
Spain's health minister on Monday announced a sharp spike in coronavirus cases in and around Madrid, and said all schools in the region will close for two weeks from Wednesday. There were more than 1,200 confirmed cases in Spain on Monday, with 28 deaths and 74 people in intensive care.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Illinois up to 19 COVID-19 cases; first cases outside Cook County reported

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker says the total number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has now reached 19 , including the first from outside Cook County .
Officials said one of the new cases involves a man in his late teens who lives in McHenry County and has ties to both Lake and McHenry counties .
The other involves a woman in her 60s from Kane County .
They are not related and have no known history nor contact with known cases , Pritzker said during a press briefing Tuesday afternoon .
County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen earlier in the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's county board meeting .
Lauzen said Pritzker informed him of the case Monday .
He urged residents to keep up with common-sense preventive measures , such as washing hands .
`` We 've got to keep our heads , '' said Lauzen , noting that most cases of the disease are mild .
A spokesperson for Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington said Tuesday the hospital is treating a patient with COVID-19 illness .
`` The patient is in stable condition and is being treated in isolation in accordance with our strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement read .
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experts have advised that the highest risk of falling seriously ill from the coronavirus is in people older than 80 or those with serious underlying health conditions .
Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for Illinois , enabling it to receive federal funding and resources to fight the respiratory disease .
By Monday , Illinois had 11 confirmed novel coronavirus cases -- up from seven on the weekend .
The four new cases were identified in Chicago , two related to a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School in Chicago , who fell ill. A woman in her 40s who had traveled to California and a woman in her 70s who recently had been on an Egyptian cruise are the other two new cases .
All four people are in good condition , according to Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady .
A man in his 60s , infected with the seventh confirmed case of coronavirus in Illinois , remains hospitalized in serious condition .
All of those cases except one were connected to another confirmed case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as travel to China , where the disease originated .
The exception is the hospitalized man .
DuPage County Health Department officials say they have monitored hundreds of people who may have been exposed to a COVID-19 case .
Dozens of those individuals were tested after developing symptoms .
But so far , there have been no cases of COVID-19 in DuPage .
• Daily Herald staff writers Marni Pyke and Bob Sanchez contributed to this report .

First COVID-19 cases in Kane, McHenry counties; Illinois up to 19
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the total number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has now reached 19, including the first two from outside Cook County. Associated Press
The first two COVID-19 cases have surfaced in the suburbs outside Cook County, bringing the total number in Illinois to 19, officials said Tuesday.
One new case involves a man in his late teens who lives in McHenry County and has ties to Lake County, while the other involves a Kane County woman in her 60s, officials said.
Each likely reflects community transmission of the virus, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said during a press briefing. The two individuals are not related and have no known history of traveling to countries affected by outbreaks of the disease, nor contact with other known cases.
"We have been in contact with officials from all of the impacted counties, directly, about the next steps in containment and protecting our most vulnerable residents," Pritzker said.
Earlier in the day, Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen announced during a county board meeting the county's first COVID-19 case. Lauzen said Pritzker informed him about it Monday. He urged residents to embrace common-sense preventive measures, such as washing hands.
"We've got to keep our heads," Lauzen said, noting most cases of the disease are mild.
A spokesperson for Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington said the hospital is treating a patient with the illness.
"The patient is in stable condition and is being treated in isolation in accordance with our strong infection prevention protocols," a hospital statement read.
Among the 19 cases, one person is in serious condition. The others are stable or have been discharged from the hospital, officials said.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a disaster proclamation for the county, enabling it to receive federal funding and resources to fight the respiratory disease. Pritzker has issued a similar proclamation for the state.
COVID-19 tests are being conducted by state health officials in Chicago, Springfield and Carbondale, and commercial availability is anticipated "in the near future," Pritzker said.
He blasted the federal government, saying officials should have acted sooner in getting testing for the U.S. population. "I have personally reached out to senior federal officials to demand that we get more tests as soon as possible," he said.
Organizers of Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade are planning an announcement Wednesday, Pritzker said.
And people are being encouraged to vote by mail, he said. State officials are talking to local boards of elections to see if the mail-in deadline can be extended, but it's up to each local entity, he said.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experts have advised that the highest risk of falling seriously ill from the coronavirus is in people older than 80 or those with serious underlying health conditions.
The state has issued new guidelines for nursing homes, veterans homes and long-term care facilities, such as recommending restricting visits from people under 18 and anyone showing obvious signs of a cold, the flu or COVID-19, said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Employees of these facilities should be screened for symptoms of a fever, she said.
"We know this is going to spread. We are probably not at the peak now. Everything that we do now will help determine how high that peak gets," Ezike said.
She declined to divulge more details about the individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, citing concerns about their privacy and stigmatization. Results are pending for testing on 63 individuals, while another 244 people tested negative, according to state data.
Allison Arwady, commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, said the recommendation is people over age 60 and those with heart and lung conditions, diabetes, immune system problems and those undergoing cancer treatment avoid large gatherings. People also should check in on the elderly.
People with medical conditions should be proactive about their health: Check in with their doctors, ensure they have adequate medication, possibly set up prescription delivery, and take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating healthy and drinking plenty of water.
"This is not thinking about causing panic," she said, but about being proactive. "Now is the time."
• Daily Herald Staff Writer Marni Pyke contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--9 reasons doctors say you should stay calm as coronavirus spreads

The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is here , but there 's no need to hoard bottled water or buy extra toilet paper , suburban infectious disease experts say .
While the coronavirus is causing infections in the region , doctors say several facts about the illness and the public response can provide reassurance .
Among those urging preparedness over panic are Dr. David Beezhold , medical director of infection control and prevention at Elmhurst Hospital ; Dr. Irfan Hafiz , infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry , Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge .
Here are nine reasons they give to stay calm .
1 .
The number of cases is 'not huge . '
The number of worldwide cases of COVID-19 is roughly 113,700 , according to the World Health Organization 's situation tracker , since the virus began spreading in late December in Wuhan , China .
In the U.S. , the number of cases was 647 as of Tuesday afternoon .
Worldwide there have been 4,012 deaths , and in the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero deaths , as of Tuesday afternoon .
But context matters , Beezhold said .
And when put in context , the number of coronavirus cases is relatively low , doctors say .
Example : the flu .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 34 million illnesses , 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from influenza this season .
This is not to say it 's time to panic about the flu , but public service announcement courtesy of Hafiz : Get your flu shot .
It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the vaccine provides to help stop the spread of the flu .
Another point of context , the H1N1 , or `` swine flu '' outbreak in 2009 and 2010 caused an estimated 60.8 million cases and 12,469 deaths in the U.S. alone .
`` To constantly say it 's inevitable that it 's going to skyrocket is just not true , '' Beezhold said .
`` It 's not necessarily inevitable with good infection control measures . ''
Remember those two cases of the new coronavirus treated at Amita St. Alexius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago woman in her 60s who had traveled to China and her husband ?
Those cases were identified Jan. 25 and 31 .
Then a month went by until the region 's next cases were identified in early March .
`` That was two positive cases in that area over a month ago and we have n't seen a significant rise , '' Beezhold said .
News of the illness ' spread slowing at its epicenter in China began as long as a week ago , and the number of new cases discovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fall .
Citronberg and Hafiz said looking to China , Italy and other affected countries can give clues as to what might happen here .
The new coronavirus spreads two ways : From respiratory droplets in the air and from contact with items contaminated by droplets .
When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes , droplets can travel up to 6 feet .
Staying farther than 6 feet away from others -- a strategy called `` social distancing '' in infectious disease lingo -- helps prevent future virus spread from airborne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future spread from contact .
Momentum has turned toward social distancing with organizers canceling conventions and other large gatherings , which doctors say is a smart precaution .
`` We need to prepare , not panic , '' Hafiz said .
The new coronavirus typically causes mild symptoms such as coughing and fever in people who are young and otherwise healthy , though they still can transmit it to others .
Doctors estimate that between 80 % and 85 % of all COVID-19 cases involve no symptoms or mild symptoms from which people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease has an estimated 3 % mortality rate , but that likely could decline as more cases are identified .
`` It 's not going to be the end of civilization , '' Citronberg said .
People 70 or older , or who have chronic conditions or compromised immune systems , are at a higher risk .
`` For young healthy people , the risk of get seriously ill or dying -- while it 's not zero -- it 's pretty low , '' he said .
7 .
A phone call is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have coronavirus hotlines set up or special phone triage protocols to help determine whether someone 's symptoms and travel history indicate they could have contracted the COVID-19 virus .
Even with suspected exposure , if a patient is younger than 70 and otherwise healthy , Hafiz said , the advice likely will be to isolate at home and use the same remedies that help with any other virus .
If symptoms worsen , a call to the doctor remains the first step , as they can coordinate whether testing , treatment or hospitalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they 're doing .
Toss aside the constant legislative fight about how to pay for health insurance .
Doctors agree , the actual care provided in the U.S. is the best in the world .
Hospitals in the suburbs have infectious disease experts on staff and are coordinating with county health departments , the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC to manage response to the new coronavirus and control spread .
This new coronavirus is a member of a family of viruses that can affect people and animals and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or more severe illnesses .
In general , this class of viruses does n't like the heat .
With time , temperature rise and preventive measures , doctors say , the illness could ease .
`` We are hopeful it will follow the trend of the other coronaviruses and start to dissipate when the weather gets warmer and more humid , '' Citronberg said .

9 reasons doctors say you should stay calm as coronavirus spreads
Dr. Irfan Hafiz, infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry, Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock, advises people to get their flu shot and wash their hands frequently, but otherwise to go about life as usual and stay calm in light of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Dr. Robert Citronberg, director of infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, says transmission activity of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 remains low. There have been 19 cases in Illinois as of Tuesday afternoon. Courtesy of Advocate Aurora Health
The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is here, but there's no need to hoard bottled water or buy extra toilet paper, suburban infectious disease experts say.
While the coronavirus is causing infections in the region, doctors say several facts about the illness and the public response can provide reassurance.
Among those urging preparedness over panic are Dr. David Beezhold, medical director of infection control and prevention at Elmhurst Hospital; Dr. Irfan Hafiz, infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry, Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock; and Dr. Robert Citronberg, director of infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
Here are nine reasons they give to stay calm.
1. The number of cases is 'not huge.'
The number of confirmed worldwide cases of COVID-19 is roughly 118,000, according to the World Health Organization's situation tracker, since the virus began spreading in late December in Wuhan, China. In the U.S., the number of confirmed cases was 1,629 as of Friday afternoon. Worldwide there have been 4,291 deaths, and in the U.S., 41.
Illinois has reported 46 confirmed cases and zero deaths, as of Friday afternoon.
But context matters, Beezhold said. And when put in context, the number of coronavirus cases is relatively low, doctors say.
Example: the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 34 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from influenza this season.
This is not to say it's time to panic about the flu, but public service announcement courtesy of Hafiz: Get your flu shot. It's not too late for the "herd immunity" the vaccine provides to help stop the spread of the flu.
Another point of context, the H1N1, or "swine flu" outbreak in 2009 and 2010 caused an estimated 60.8 million cases and 12,469 deaths in the U.S. alone.
2. A dramatic rise in cases isn't a given.
"To constantly say it's inevitable that it's going to skyrocket is just not true," Beezhold said. "It's not necessarily inevitable with good infection control measures."
3. Containment is possible.
Remember those two cases of the new coronavirus treated at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates? A Chicago woman in her 60s who had traveled to China and her husband? Those cases were identified Jan. 25 and 31. Then a month went by until the region's next cases were identified in early March.
"That was two positive cases in that area over a month ago and we haven't seen a significant rise," Beezhold said.
4. Spread is slowing in China.
News of the illness' spread slowing at its epicenter in China began as long as a week ago, and the number of new cases discovered each day in the country has continued to fall. Citronberg and Hafiz said looking to China, Italy and other affected countries can give clues as to what might happen here.
5. Basic prevention measures work.
The new coronavirus spreads two ways: From respiratory droplets in the air and from contact with items contaminated by droplets. When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, droplets can travel up to 6 feet.
Staying farther than 6 feet away from others -- a strategy called "social distancing" in infectious disease lingo -- helps prevent future virus spread from airborne droplets. And frequent hand-washing helps prevent future spread from contact.
Momentum has turned toward social distancing with organizers canceling conventions and other large gatherings, which doctors say is a smart precaution.
"We need to prepare, not panic," Hafiz said.
6. It's not a death sentence.
The new coronavirus typically causes mild symptoms such as coughing and fever in people who are young and otherwise healthy, though they still can transmit it to others.
Doctors estimate that between 80% and 85% of all COVID-19 cases involve no symptoms or mild symptoms from which people can recover on their own. The disease has an estimated 3% mortality rate, but that likely could decline as more cases are identified.
"It's not going to be the end of civilization," Citronberg said.
People 70 or older, or who have chronic conditions or compromised immune systems, are at a higher risk.
"For young healthy people, the risk of get seriously ill or dying -- while it's not zero -- it's pretty low," he said.
7. A phone call is all it takes.
Feeling sick? Pick up the phone.
Many area hospitals have coronavirus hotlines set up or special phone triage protocols to help determine whether someone's symptoms and travel history indicate they could have contracted the COVID-19 virus.
Even with suspected exposure, if a patient is younger than 70 and otherwise healthy, Hafiz said, the advice likely will be to isolate at home and use the same remedies that help with any other virus.
If symptoms worsen, a call to the doctor remains the first step, as they can coordinate whether testing, treatment or hospitalization is necessary.
8. Hospitals know what they're doing.
Toss aside the constant legislative fight about how to pay for health insurance. Doctors agree, the actual care provided in the U.S. is the best in the world. Hospitals in the suburbs have infectious disease experts on staff and are coordinating with county health departments, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC to manage response to the new coronavirus and control spread.
9. Coronaviruses don't like summer.
This new coronavirus is a member of a family of viruses that can affect people and animals and can cause mild illnesses such as colds, or more severe illnesses. In general, this class of viruses doesn't like the heat. With time, temperature rise and preventive measures, doctors say, the illness could ease.
"We are hopeful it will follow the trend of the other coronaviruses and start to dissipate when the weather gets warmer and more humid," Citronberg said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--To fly or not? What coronavirus-related travel waivers airlines are offering

One side effect of COVID-19 is travel anxiety among people unsure whether to cancel or forge ahead with March break trips .
As of Tuesday , most major carriers are allowing passengers to change flights without fees as coronavirus cases become more widespread in the U.S. On Tuesday , for example , United Airlines announced customers can change tickets issued March 3-31 without fees to a `` flight of equal or lesser value '' up to a year from the original purchase .
The airline was already waiving fees for changing flights on tickets issued on or before March 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 through April 30 . ''
Smaller carriers are also making concessions to the epidemic .
At Spirit Airlines , `` guests who have travel concerns due to COVID-19 are eligible to make a one-time free modification by contacting Spirit Guest Care , '' senior media relations specialist Field Sutton said .
As for outright cancellations , airlines are offering options , but it does n't mean a refund .
Many carriers are allowing flyers to cancel tickets without penalties but the value of the ticket must be used for another flight within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule reductions are expected as travelers hunker down at home and airlines react .
And that 's not without economic fallout , experts say .
`` The decision of the 'big three ' -- American , Delta , and United -- to waive fees for cancellations and issue flexible travel vouchers exposes them to huge financial losses , '' DePaul University aviation expert Joseph Schwieterman said .
`` They had no choice , but it is going to mean cancellations by many travelers who are 'on the fence . '
'' On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce international capacity for the summer peak by 10 % '' and decrease domestic flights in April by 7.5 % to match demand .
`` The past month has been likely nothing I 've previously seen in global aviation , '' said Schwieterman , director of DePaul 's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development .
`` Demand has fallen off a cliff , and the recovery could be painfully slow .
Airlines do n't have a formula for dealing with all the uncertainty .
They have little choice but to ground planes and continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently began conducting enhanced health screenings at 11 airports , including O'Hare , for travelers who have been in Iran or China .
Travel bans are in effect for both countries , which have high caseloads of COVID-19 .
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin , on Tuesday , asked the federal government to clarify why it is not conducting enhanced screening of passengers from South Korea and Italy , which also are coronavirus hot spots .

To fly or not? What coronavirus-related travel waivers airlines are offering
Major airlines are reducing flights at Chicago at O'Hare International Airport and across the country as cases of the coronavirus spread. Associated press
One side effect of COVID-19 is travel anxiety among people unsure whether to cancel or forge ahead with March break trips.
As of Tuesday, most major carriers are allowing passengers to change flights without fees as coronavirus cases become more widespread in the U.S.
On Tuesday, for example, United Airlines announced customers can change tickets issued March 3-31 without fees to a "flight of equal or lesser value" up to a year from the original purchase. The airline was already waiving fees for changing flights on tickets issued on or before March 2 with "original travel dates of March 9 through April 30."
Smaller carriers are also making concessions to the epidemic.
At Spirit Airlines, "guests who have travel concerns due to COVID-19 are eligible to make a one-time free modification by contacting Spirit Guest Care," senior media relations specialist Field Sutton said.
As for outright cancellations, airlines are offering options, but it doesn't mean a refund. Many carriers are allowing flyers to cancel tickets without penalties but the value of the ticket must be used for another flight within one year.
Meanwhile, more flight schedule reductions are expected as travelers hunker down at home and airlines react. And that's not without economic fallout, experts say.
"The decision of the 'big three' -- American, Delta, and United -- to waive fees for cancellations and issue flexible travel vouchers exposes them to huge financial losses," DePaul University aviation expert Joseph Schwieterman said. "They had no choice, but it is going to mean cancellations by many travelers who are 'on the fence.'"
On Tuesday, American Airlines said it would "reduce international capacity for the summer peak by 10%" and decrease domestic flights in April by 7.5% to match demand.
"The past month has been likely nothing I've previously seen in global aviation," said Schwieterman, director of DePaul's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development.
"Demand has fallen off a cliff, and the recovery could be painfully slow. Airlines don't have a formula for dealing with all the uncertainty. They have little choice but to ground planes and continuing to improvise."
The federal government recently began conducting enhanced health screenings at 11 airports, including O'Hare, for travelers who have been in Iran or China. Travel bans are in effect for both countries, which have high caseloads of COVID-19.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, on Tuesday, asked the federal government to clarify why it is not conducting enhanced screening of passengers from South Korea and Italy, which also are coronavirus hot spots.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Enormous athletic center with two ice rinks, restaurant coming to Lincolnshire

A preliminary development plan for an enormous , privately owned athletic facility in Lincolnshire was approved by the village board Monday night .
Dubbed The St. James , the facility is set to be built on 43 acres north of Half Day Road and west of the Tri-State Tollway .
The site now is a mostly unused office campus .
The 435,488-square-foot facility will have an indoor athletic field , a swimming pool , an indoor splash park , two NHL-sized ice rinks , basketball and volleyball courts , locker rooms , batting cages , an area for gymnastics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a restaurant and other amenities .
The facility will be the second St. James athletic center .
The first is in Virginia .
`` The St. James is very excited to become part of the Lincolnshire community , '' Michael Kerin , the company 's development director , told the village board Monday .
`` We believe this site ... is something all residents will be proud to have in their village . ''
First publicly proposed in late 2017 , the plan has been slowly moving through the development process .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rezone the property so the St. James could be built there .
That same year , trustees approved a special use permit to allow the development , which also could include a hotel , a restaurant and other businesses .
The St. James is proposed to be open to members 24 hours a day , although not all of its amenities will be available around the clock .
Construction is expected to bring up to 600 jobs to Lincolnshire .
Once open , the facility will need up to 300 full-time workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicate .
In response to questions about the environmental sustainability of the center , architect Andrew Jacobs said The St. James will be equipped with motion-sensitive lights and light fixtures that use LED bulbs .
Additionally , the building will be equipped with multiple electricity meters so employees can track usage and improve performance , he said .
Solar panels are being considered , too , Kerin said , as are charging stations for electric automobiles .
In response to a previous query from Trustee Julie Harms Muth , Kerin said Lincolnshire residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join the facility .
The St. James is expected to generate between $ 59,000 and $ 69,000 of sales tax revenue for the village during its first full year of operation , and that figure is expected to grow over time , documents indicate .
The property tax revenue for the village from the site could be $ 70,000 annually , documents indicate .
Those figures do n't include revenue generated by St. James customers at nearby restaurants and hotels , Mayor Elizabeth Brandt said .
Approval of the final development plan will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Village officials expect to receive it by mid-April .

Enormous athletic center with two ice rinks, restaurant coming to Lincolnshire
An enormous, privately owned athletic facility is planned for a 41-acre site in Lincolnshire. Seen in this architectural rendering, it'll be called The St. James. Courtesy of Lincolnshire
A preliminary development plan for an enormous, privately owned athletic facility in Lincolnshire was approved by the village board Monday night.
Dubbed The St. James, the facility is set to be built on 41 acres north of Half Day Road and west of the Tri-State Tollway. The site now is a mostly unused office campus.
The 435,488-square-foot facility will have an indoor athletic field, a swimming pool, an indoor splash park, two NHL-sized ice rinks, basketball and volleyball courts, locker rooms, batting cages, an area for gymnastics, a fitness center, a spa, a restaurant and other amenities.
The facility will be the second St. James athletic center. The first is in Virginia.
"The St. James is very excited to become part of the Lincolnshire community," Michael Kerin, the company's development director, told the village board Monday. "We believe this site ... is something all residents will be proud to have in their village."
First publicly proposed in late 2017, the plan has been slowly moving through the development process. In 2018, the village board voted to rezone the property so the St. James could be built there. That same year, trustees approved a special use permit to allow the development, which also could include a hotel, a restaurant and other businesses.
The St. James is proposed to be open to members 24 hours a day, although not all of its amenities will be available around the clock.
Construction is expected to bring up to 600 jobs to Lincolnshire. Once open, the facility will need up to 300 full-time workers and up to 400 part-time workers, documents indicate.
In response to questions about the environmental sustainability of the center, architect Andrew Jacobs said The St. James will be equipped with motion-sensitive lights and light fixtures that use LED bulbs. Additionally, the building will be equipped with multiple electricity meters so employees can track usage and improve performance, he said.
Solar panels are being considered, too, Kerin said, as are charging stations for electric automobiles.
In response to a previous query from Trustee Julie Harms Muth, Kerin said Lincolnshire residents won't be offered a discount to join the facility.
The St. James is expected to generate between $59,000 and $69,000 of sales tax revenue for the village during its first full year of operation, and that figure is expected to grow over time, documents indicate. The property tax revenue for the village from the site could be $70,000 annually, documents indicate.
Those figures don't include revenue generated by St. James customers at nearby restaurants and hotels, Mayor Elizabeth Brandt said.
A projected groundbreaking date wasn't announced. A 2022 opening is planned, Lincolnshire officials said.
Approval of the final development plan will be needed before construction can begin. Village officials expect to receive it by mid-April.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Fresh Stack Burger Co. opening its first location in Kildeer

Fresh Stack Burger Co. , described as a modern-day American burger restaurant serving the classics while being mindful to dietary restrictions and the environment , expects to open its first location early next month in Kildeer .
The new eatery will fill a vacant 3,000-square-foot space in the Kildeer Village Square shopping center , 20413 North Rand Road .
The space previously was home to Anthony 's Pizza .
Along with burgers , the restaurant will serve chicken sandwiches , chef-driven salads , fries , and stacked shakes , beer , wine and specialty cocktails .
Operators say the interior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midwest aesthetic , a four-season patio and playful injections of local culture .
The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays : 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays ; and 1 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays .
The company is seeking to fill approximately 20 new positions for both front of the house and back of the house operations , including cashiers , prep cooks , line cooks , bartenders , managers , dishwashers and shift supervisors .
Interested candidates can apply by emailing jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our first location , we are searching for team members who share our passion for great food , amazing service and good old-fashioned Midwest hospitality , '' Sean Thomas , the brand 's co-founder and president , said Tuesday in an announcement of the new restaurant .

Fresh Stack Burger Co. opening its first location in Kildeer
Fresh Stack Burger Co. will open its first location next month in the Kildeer Village Square shopping center in Kildeer. Courtesy of Fare Concepts
Fresh Stack Burger Co., described as a modern-day American burger restaurant serving the classics while being mindful to dietary restrictions and the environment, expects to open its first location early next month in Kildeer.
The new eatery will fill a vacant 3,000-square-foot space in the Kildeer Village Square shopping center, 20413 North Rand Road. The space previously was home to Anthony's Pizza.
Along with burgers, the restaurant will serve chicken sandwiches, chef-driven salads, fries, and stacked shakes, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
Operators say the interior will feature a mix of modern and Midwest aesthetic, a four-season patio and playful injections of local culture.
The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays: 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays; and 1 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.
The company is seeking to fill approximately 20 new positions for both front of the house and back of the house operations, including cashiers, prep cooks, line cooks, bartenders, managers, dishwashers and shift supervisors. Interested candidates can apply by emailing jobs@freshstackburger.com.
"As this will be our first location, we are searching for team members who share our passion for great food, amazing service and good old-fashioned Midwest hospitality," Sean Thomas, the brand's co-founder and president, said Tuesday in an announcement of the new restaurant.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Lake Zurich's Flightless Honor Flight canceled amid coronavirus concerns

Organizers have canceled the Flightless Honor Flight set for this Sunday in Lake Zurich because of coronavirus concerns .
The event , which was to be held at Lake Zurich High School , was created to give military veterans unable to experience the traditional Honor Flight to Washington , D.C. , a special experience of their own .
The event was organized by JourneyCare , Lake Zurich Area School District 95 and Lake County Honor Flight .
About 70 veterans ranging in age from 70 to 105 had signed up for the event , said Linda Rockwell , JourneyCare 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will try to reschedule as soon as possible .
`` It 's very , very sad but we ca n't risk people 's health , '' Rockwell said .
`` Our heroes are precious , we ca n't put them in jeopardy . ''
According to the Centers for Disease Control , older adults and people with underlying health conditions are at an increased risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19 .
Each veteran at the event was to have a guardian , and Rockwell said family members of veterans have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more guests along .
The veterans were to receive thank you cards submitted by community members .
Rockwell said any letters addressed to specific veterans will be sent before the event is rescheduled .
`` At least they 'll have the letters , '' Rockwell said .
Rockwell said organizers have begun reaching out to notify veterans the event has been canceled .
For area veterans to take part in the Flightless Honor Flight , they must be 65 or older , have served in any war or peacetime era and have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. , before .
They can be either unable or unwilling to fly because of health .
For more information on the event , visit journeycare.org/honor or call Rockwell at ( 847 ) 556-1778 .

Lake Zurich's Flightless Honor Flight canceled amid coronavirus concerns
World War II veteran Walt Hermann, 95 of Wonder Lake, was welcomed home after a traditional Honor Flight in 2015. The area's first Flightless Honor Flight, which was to be held at Lake Zurich High School on Sunday, was canceled over coronavirus fears. Daily Herald File Photo, 2015
Organizers have canceled the Flightless Honor Flight set for this Sunday in Lake Zurich because of coronavirus concerns.
The event, which was to be held at Lake Zurich High School, was created to give military veterans unable to experience the traditional Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a special experience of their own. The event was organized by JourneyCare, Lake Zurich Area School District 95 and Lake County Honor Flight.
About 70 veterans ranging in age from 70 to 105 had signed up for the event, said Linda Rockwell, JourneyCare's veterans program manager. She said organizers will try to reschedule as soon as possible.
"It's very, very sad but we can't risk people's health," Rockwell said. "Our heroes are precious, we can't put them in jeopardy."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, older adults and people with underlying health conditions are at an increased risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19.
Each veteran at the event was to have a guardian, and Rockwell said family members of veterans have been calling to ask if they could bring more guests along.
The veterans were to receive thank you cards submitted by community members. Rockwell said any letters addressed to specific veterans will be sent before the event is rescheduled.
"At least they'll have the letters," Rockwell said.
Rockwell said organizers have begun reaching out to notify veterans the event has been canceled.
For area veterans to take part in the Flightless Honor Flight, they must be 65 or older, have served in any war or peacetime era and have not taken an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., before. They can be either unable or unwilling to fly because of health.
For more information on the event, visit journeycare.org/honor or call Rockwell at (847) 556-1778.