dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Lake County police dog helps track down Round Lake man who fled crash site

Lake County sheriff 's office police dog Boomer is being credited for helping Gurnee police sniff out a 22-year-old Round Lake man charged with fleeing the scene of a two-car crash .
Boomer found the man , identified by Gurnee police as Matthew Horvath , hiding under farm equipment Friday about a quarter-mile from the crash , according to Lake County sheriff 's Sgt .
Christopher Covelli .
Horvath was charged with three misdemeanors -- leaving the scene of an accident , driving on a suspended license and not having vehicle insurance -- Gurnee police officer Shawn Gaylor said Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
Gaylor said the crash happened at about 11:30 a.m. Friday near the intersection of Washington Street and Hunt Club Road in Gurnee .
Gaylor said Horvath fled the scene on foot and Gurnee police called the sheriff 's office for police dog assistance .
Covelli said Monday that Boomer and his human partner Deputy Brian Kilpatrick were nearby and responded to the call .
Horvath 's record includes pleading guilty in 2017 to a misdemeanor DUI charge from Grayslake and in 2018 to an aggravated DUI from Mundelein .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 90 days in jail and 100 hours of community service on the Grayslake case .
He was sentenced to 30 months of probation , eight months of periodic imprisonment and 150 hours of community service on the Mundelein case , according to court records .
`` It is certainly not an easy task for K-9s and their handlers to successfully locate individuals , '' Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said .
`` Due to the continued comprehensive training of K-9 Boomer and our K-9 teams , we 've had tremendous success locating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Boomer 's tracking ability has won him praise in the past .
In 2018 , the Chicago Crime Commission awarded Boomer and Kilpatrick with the Paws of Distinction Award in part for his recent wins at a police dog competition .
Boomer is so named because he is trained to detect explosives .

Lake County police dog helps track down Round Lake man who they say fled crash site
Courtesy pf Deputy Brian Kilpatrick, Lake County sheriff's officeBoomer, a Lake County sheriff's office police dog, aided Gurnee police on Friday by sniffing out a man who fled the scene of a two-car crash.
Lake County sheriff's office police dog Boomer is being credited for helping Gurnee police sniff out a 22-year-old Round Lake man charged with fleeing the scene of a two-car crash.
Boomer found the man, identified by Gurnee police as Matthew Horvath, hiding under farm equipment Friday about a quarter-mile from the crash, according to Lake County sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli.
Horvath was charged with three misdemeanors -- leaving the scene of an accident, driving on a suspended license and not having vehicle insurance -- Gurnee police officer Shawn Gaylor said Monday. Horvath was charged and released at the scene.
Gaylor said the crash happened at about 11:30 a.m. Friday near the intersection of Washington Street and Hunt Club Road in Gurnee. Gaylor said Horvath fled the scene on foot and Gurnee police called the sheriff's office for police dog assistance.
Covelli said Monday that Boomer and his human partner Deputy Brian Kilpatrick were nearby and responded to the call.
Horvath's record includes pleading guilty in 2017 to a misdemeanor DUI charge from Grayslake and in 2018 to an aggravated DUI from Mundelein. He was sentenced to two years of probation, 90 days in jail and 100 hours of community service on the Grayslake case. He was sentenced to 30 months of probation, eight months of periodic imprisonment and 150 hours of community service on the Mundelein case, according to court records.
"It is certainly not an easy task for K-9s and their handlers to successfully locate individuals," Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said. "Due to the continued comprehensive training of K-9 Boomer and our K-9 teams, we've had tremendous success locating fleeing offenders and missing endangered people."
Boomer's tracking ability has won him praise in the past. In 2018, the Chicago Crime Commission awarded Boomer and Kilpatrick with the Paws of Distinction Award in part for his recent wins at a police dog competition. Boomer is so named because he is trained to detect explosives.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--20 years for man who ran over ex-girlfriend in Yorktown mall parking lot

Jose Aguirre believed that if he could not have Yesenia Rodriguez , no one should .
When she broke off their seven-year relationship for the second time , he repeatedly texted her and sent threatening Facebook messages .
He went so far as to call their 7-year-old son Aug. 26 , 2018 , and tell him , `` Your mother will die tomorrow . ''
The next day , he tried to make that happen by running her over in the Yorktown Center shopping mall parking lot in Lombard .
For that , he was sentenced Monday to 20 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts need to send a message to people who think 'if I ca n't have her no one will . '
This conduct can not and should not be tolerated by this society , '' DuPage County Judge Brian Telander said in court .
Aguirre pleaded guilty to attempted murder in October , in a deal where prosecutors agreed to not ask for more than 23 years in prison .
Attempted murder has a sentence range of 6 to 30 years .
Aguirre must serve 85 % of his sentence but will receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in jail .
Rodriguez , of Cicero , spoke of the effect the crime has had on her .
She suffered broken ribs , a broken jaw , internal bleeding , five broken vertebrae and four pelvic fractures .
She spent almost a month in the hospital , undergoing three surgeries , and still takes medication related to the blood loss she suffered , she said .
She could not return to work as a housekeeper at a Lombard apartment building , so she lost her job .
Her son is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentioned , she said .
`` The trauma of what I have lived will remain with me , '' Rodriguez said .
Aguirre , 49 , also of Cicero , cried quietly during Rodriguez 's testimony , and that of two police detectives .
He refused to look at a store-security video showing the attack and photographs of Rodriguez in the emergency department .
He turned away when she testified .
Aguirre had a woman read a statement for him .
In it , he repeatedly said he regretted the `` error '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand why he did it , that `` I am the type of person who has never had any problems '' with other people , and he has changed while in jail , including attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings .
`` I will never leave that program , '' he said .
Telander said the crime was not an error or mistake .
`` It is a cold , calculated , planned-out criminal act , '' he said .
`` I am having a little trouble with the defendant 's statement .
...
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of regret for the suffering the young lady endured . ''
Rodriguez was hit about 7:30 a.m. as she walked near the Carson Pirie Scott store from a Pace bus stop to her job at the apartments .
She recognized Aguirre 's Ford Explorer and tried to avoid him .
She testified she saw him laughing before he struck her .
Later , police said , Aguirre went to his adult daughter 's house , told her he had killed Rodriguez and he would flee to Mexico .
His truck was spotted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the next day at a gasoline station there , where he was arrested .
A Lombard detective testified Monday they found a GPS navigation device on the passenger seat , with an address in Ocala , Florida , programmed .
That was the house of one of his cousins , who told police Aguirre had called to say he was coming to visit .

20 years for man who ran over ex-girlfriend in Yorktown mall parking lot
Jose Aguirre believed that if he could not have Yesenia Rodriguez, no one should.
When she broke off their seven-year relationship for the second time, he repeatedly texted her and sent threatening Facebook messages.
He went so far as to call their 7-year-old son Aug. 26, 2018, and tell him, "Your mother will die tomorrow."
The next day, he tried to make that happen by running her over in the Yorktown Center shopping mall parking lot in Lombard.
For that, he was sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison.
"I think the courts need to send a message to people who think 'if I can't have her no one will.' This conduct cannot and should not be tolerated by this society," DuPage County Judge Brian Telander said in court.
Aguirre pleaded guilty to attempted murder in October, in a deal where prosecutors agreed to not ask for more than 23 years in prison. Attempted murder has a sentence range of 6 to 30 years.
Aguirre must serve 85% of his sentence but will receive credit for 532 days he has been held in jail.
Rodriguez, of Cicero, spoke of the effect the crime has had on her. She suffered broken ribs, a broken jaw, internal bleeding, five broken vertebrae and four pelvic fractures. She spent almost a month in the hospital, undergoing three surgeries, and still takes medication related to the blood loss she suffered, she said. She could not return to work as a housekeeper at a Lombard apartment building, so she lost her job.
Her son is still scared to hear his father's name mentioned, she said.
"The trauma of what I have lived will remain with me," Rodriguez said.
Aguirre, 49, also of Cicero, cried quietly during Rodriguez's testimony, and that of two police detectives. He refused to look at a store-security video showing the attack and photographs of Rodriguez in the emergency department. He turned away when she testified.
Aguirre had a woman read a statement for him. In it, he repeatedly said he regretted the "error" he made, said he doesn't understand why he did it, that "I am the type of person who has never had any problems" with other people, and he has changed while in jail, including attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
"I will never leave that program," he said.
Telander said the crime was not an error or mistake. "It is a cold, calculated, planned-out criminal act," he said.
"I am having a little trouble with the defendant's statement. ... I don't think I heard one word of regret for the suffering the young lady endured."
Rodriguez was hit about 7:30 a.m. as she walked near the Carson Pirie Scott store from a Pace bus stop to her job at the apartments. She recognized Aguirre's Ford Explorer and tried to avoid him. She testified she saw him laughing before he struck her.
Later, police said, Aguirre went to his adult daughter's house, told her he had killed Rodriguez and he would flee to Mexico.
His truck was spotted in a Walmart parking lot in Northlake, and the next day at a gasoline station there, where he was arrested. A Lombard detective testified Monday they found a GPS navigation device on the passenger seat, with an address in Ocala, Florida, programmed. That was the house of one of his cousins, who told police Aguirre had called to say he was coming to visit.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Palatine weighs proposal for charity Queen of Hearts drawing at Tap House Grill

Palatine officials plan to do more research before revisiting a charitable organization 's request to hold a Queen of Hearts fundraising raffle at Tap House Grill in the village 's downtown .
Nonprofit St. Mary 's Services in Palatine would use the Queen of Hearts revenue to benefit its Hopeful Beginnings program , which in part provides free counseling to women faced with an unplanned pregnancy , as well as teen parenting education .
Tap House Grill would not benefit from the raffle , but serve just as the drawing venue with limited ticket sales , according to the proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in charge of the drawing , tickets and money .
While an amended state law no longer requires that such a raffle be held at a nonprofit organization , Palatine still has restrictions .
That 's why St. Mary 's Services is seeking a waiver from village ordinance so its drawing could occur this year at Tap House Grill , 56 W. Wilson St. Council members agreed to refer the matter back to Palatine 's administrators for more research on the issue .
Village Manager Reid Ottesen , who complimented the thoroughness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the waiver , said last week he expects to have the additional information in March .
Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz said the raffle would be different from one-time casino nights for charities in the village because it could run a maximum 26 weeks .
`` We want to help not-for-profits , '' Schwantz said .
`` I do n't think there 's any doubt here .
This is just kind of uncharted territory for us .
We 're looking at ... the global aspect of this . ''
St. Mary 's administration manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held at Rolling Meadows and Arlington Heights establishments .
Rep 's Place sports bar and restaurant in Rolling Meadows hosted Queen of Hearts raffles for St. Colette Catholic School before the Archdiocese of Chicago in January announced it will close .
Cortland 's Garage in Arlington Heights has been hosting Queen of Hearts drawings for the village 's Lions Club .
Schwantz asked Paglia if St. Mary 's Services considered the nonprofit American Legion Post 690 hall as host .
`` We have n't , only because we know that they have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawings ) , so we were n't sure if they would want to do that , '' Paglia said .
`` It would be like competition in the same building for them .
That 's the only reason we have n't . ''

Palatine weighs proposal for charity Queen of Hearts drawing at Tap House Grill
Palatine officials plan to do more research before revisiting a charitable organization's request to hold a Queen of Hearts fundraising raffle at Tap House Grill in the village's downtown.
Nonprofit St. Mary's Services in Palatine would use the Queen of Hearts revenue to benefit its Hopeful Beginnings program, which in part provides free counseling to women faced with an unplanned pregnancy, as well as teen parenting education.
Tap House Grill would not benefit from the raffle, but serve just as the drawing venue with limited ticket sales, according to the proposal. St. Mary's Services would be in charge of the drawing, tickets and money.
While an amended state law no longer requires that such a raffle be held at a nonprofit organization, Palatine still has restrictions. That's why St. Mary's Services is seeking a waiver from village ordinance so its drawing could occur this year at Tap House Grill, 56 W. Wilson St.
Council members agreed to refer the matter back to Palatine's administrators for more research on the issue. Village Manager Reid Ottesen, who complimented the thoroughness of St. Mary's Services' application for the waiver, said last week he expects to have the additional information in March.
Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz said the raffle would be different from one-time casino nights for charities in the village because it could run a maximum 26 weeks.
"We want to help not-for-profits," Schwantz said. "I don't think there's any doubt here. This is just kind of uncharted territory for us. We're looking at ... the global aspect of this."
St. Mary's administration manager Cathy Paglia said similar drawings have been held at Rolling Meadows and Arlington Heights establishments.
Rep's Place sports bar and restaurant in Rolling Meadows hosted Queen of Hearts raffles for St. Colette Catholic School before the Archdiocese of Chicago in January announced it will close. Cortland's Garage in Arlington Heights has been hosting Queen of Hearts drawings for the village's Lions Club.
Schwantz asked Paglia if St. Mary's Services considered the nonprofit American Legion Post 690 hall as host.
"We haven't, only because we know that they have one of their own (Queen of Hearts drawings), so we weren't sure if they would want to do that," Paglia said. "It would be like competition in the same building for them. That's the only reason we haven't."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Attorney: Aurora man charged with soliciting murder over Snapchat had 'zero intent' of following thr

The defense attorney for a 23-year-old Aurora man charged in late January with soliciting a murder for $ 1,000 in a social media post says his client did n't have the means or intent to go forward .
Andy Lopez is charged with felony solicitation of murder , which carries a sentence ranging from probation to up to five years in prison if convicted .
`` He had zero intent of following through , '' defense attorney Fred Morelli said .
`` I do n't think he 's guilty of what he 's charged with . ''
Prosecutors say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lopez posted on his Snapchat `` story '' the names and addresses of two witnesses who were involved in a misdemeanor battery case against Lopez from 2019 out of West Chicago , and the message with it said `` 1000 $ if u wack this dude . ''
According to a search warrant , Aurora police had been monitoring Lopez for possible drug sales , and an investigator saw the post and responded around 4:30 a.m. Jan. 23 with , `` Ehhh , I 'd do it for $ 2k if u serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 a.m. that day but did not respond or remove his initial post , according to a search warrant for his phone and Snapchat activity .
Officers warned the two people in Lopez 's post and arrested him at his parents ' home on the 600 block of Watson Street on Jan. 24 .
Morelli said Lopez lives with his parents , works a fast-food job and would not be able to come up with $ 1,000 .
Morelli said people say `` I 'm going to kill you '' in all sorts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's like ( someone saying ) , 'If you do that , I 'll kill you . '
It was a meaningless , empty threat , if it 's even a threat at all , '' Morelli said .
`` The chances of him getting $ 1,000 are the same as me buying the Brooklyn Bridge . ''
Lopez , who has been released from the Kane County jail after his parents posted $ 10,000 bail , is next due in court March 23 .

Attorney: Aurora man charged with soliciting murder over Snapchat had 'zero intent' of following through
The defense attorney for a 23-year-old Aurora man charged in late January with soliciting a murder for $1,000 in a social media post says his client didn't have the means or intent to go forward.
Andy Lopez is charged with felony solicitation of murder, which carries a sentence ranging from probation to up to five years in prison if convicted.
"He had zero intent of following through," defense attorney Fred Morelli said. "I don't think he's guilty of what he's charged with."
Prosecutors say that on the night of Jan. 22, Lopez posted on his Snapchat "story" the names and addresses of two witnesses who were involved in a misdemeanor battery case against Lopez from 2019 out of West Chicago, and the message with it said "1000$ if u wack this dude."
According to a search warrant, Aurora police had been monitoring Lopez for possible drug sales, and an investigator saw the post and responded around 4:30 a.m. Jan. 23 with, "Ehhh, I'd do it for $2k if u serious."
Lopez opened the reply at 11 a.m. that day but did not respond or remove his initial post, according to a search warrant for his phone and Snapchat activity. Officers warned the two people in Lopez's post and arrested him at his parents' home on the 600 block of Watson Street on Jan. 24.
Morelli said Lopez lives with his parents, works a fast-food job and would not be able to come up with $1,000. Morelli said people say "I'm going to kill you" in all sorts of situations but don't mean it.
"It's like (someone saying), 'If you do that, I'll kill you.' It was a meaningless, empty threat, if it's even a threat at all," Morelli said. "The chances of him getting $1,000 are the same as me buying the Brooklyn Bridge."
Lopez, who has been released from the Kane County jail after his parents posted $10,000 bail, is next due in court March 23.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd headlining Aurora's Blues on the Fox

Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd will be the headliners at the 24th annual Blues on the Fox Festival June 19-20 at Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora .
Shepherd will be the Friday night headliner with Southern Avenue opening what organizers say is the suburbs ' largest summer blues festival .
Gates will open at 6 p.m. Southern Avenue starts at 7 p.m. at the outdoor venue along the Fox River at 360 N. Broadway St .
Buddy Guy is Saturday 's top act , with Billy Branch , Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers and Melody Angel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of live blues .
Gates open at 2 p.m. and Melody Angel opens Saturday 's bill an hour later .
Shepherd and Guy both are scheduled to take the stage at 9 p.m. on their respective nights .
Tickets are on sale online only at RiverEdgeAurora.com .
Phone and in-person sales start at 10 a.m. Monday , Feb. 24 .
Tickets are $ 15 a day through May 31 and $ 25 a day starting June 1 and at the gate .
For details , visit RiverEdgeAurora.com ; call ( 630 ) 896-6666 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the Paramount Theatre , 23 E. Galena Blvd .
All tickets are general admission .
There is limited bench seating and standing room only in front of the stage that 's available on a first-come , first-served basis .
Children 12 and younger are free , but must be accompanied by an adult .

Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd headlining Aurora's Blues on the Fox
Kenny Wayne Shepherd will be the star attraction on opening night of Aurora's Blues on the Fox Festival. AP file photo
Buddy Guy will headline the second night of this summer's Blues on the Fox Festival in downtown Aurora. AP file photo
Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd will be the headliners at the 24th annual Blues on the Fox Festival June 19-20 at Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora.
Shepherd will be the Friday night headliner with Southern Avenue opening what organizers say is the suburbs' largest summer blues festival. Gates will open at 6 p.m. Southern Avenue starts at 7 p.m. at the outdoor venue along the Fox River at 360 N. Broadway St.
Buddy Guy is Saturday's top act, with Billy Branch, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers and Melody Angel paving the way for a full day of live blues. Gates open at 2 p.m. and Melody Angel opens Saturday's bill an hour later.
Shepherd and Guy both are scheduled to take the stage at 9 p.m. on their respective nights.
Tickets are on sale online only at RiverEdgeAurora.com. Phone and in-person sales start at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24.
Tickets are $15 a day through May 31 and $25 a day starting June 1 and at the gate. For details, visit RiverEdgeAurora.com; call (630) 896-6666 or visit the satellite box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd.
All tickets are general admission. There is limited bench seating and standing room only in front of the stage that's available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children 12 and younger are free, but must be accompanied by an adult.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Panel upholds dismissal of lawsuit against Elgin school after 11-year-old dies of seizure

An appellate court panel has upheld a Kane County judge 's decision to dismiss a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against Highland Elementary School in Elgin after an 11-year-old student died in 2017 from a seizure while playing tag .
The mother of Marcus M. Price , a fifth-grader , sued staff members at the Elgin Area School District U-46 school , seeking unspecified damages .
The lawsuit argued staff members knew the boy was asthmatic , had a severe seizure disorder and carried an inhaler when he was playing a game of tag , also known as `` statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 19 , 2017 .
Marcus began to shake , fell and hit his head , according to the suit .
School personnel were called , but the lawsuit argued they failed to provide appropriate medical care , supervise the classroom , find or use the inhaler , promptly call 911 or perform CPR .
A Kane County judge dismissed the case in May 2019 , ruling the lawsuit failed to state a claim for `` willful and wanton conduct '' and that the school was protected under the Local Governmental and Governmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20-page ruling late last week , the appellate panel confirmed the decision .
`` Willful and wanton conduct goes beyond mere negligence in that it requires a conscious choice by a defendant to either cause harm or to engage in a course of action with knowledge that it involves a risk of serious danger to another , '' read part of the ruling .
`` It is well settled that a teacher 's mere act of leaving students unsupervised , without more , is not sufficient to establish willful and wanton conduct .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not allege there were previous instances of rough physical activity that caused Marcus to have an asthma attack or seizure .
The panel also noted school personnel immediately called paramedics , who arrived in seven minutes .
`` There are no allegations that the decedent exhibited signs of these conditions when his class was left unsupervised , or that any planned activity in the classroom had previously resulted in the decedent suffering either a seizure or asthma attack , '' the panel wrote .

Panel upholds dismissal of lawsuit against Elgin school after 11-year-old dies of seizure
An appellate court panel has upheld a Kane County judge's decision to dismiss a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against Highland Elementary School in Elgin after an 11-year-old student died in 2017 from a seizure while playing tag.
The mother of Marcus M. Price, a fifth-grader, sued staff members at the Elgin Area School District U-46 school, seeking unspecified damages.
The lawsuit argued staff members knew the boy was asthmatic, had a severe seizure disorder and carried an inhaler when he was playing a game of tag, also known as "statue," in an unsupervised classroom on May 19, 2017.
Marcus began to shake, fell and hit his head, according to the suit.
School personnel were called, but the lawsuit argued they failed to provide appropriate medical care, supervise the classroom, find or use the inhaler, promptly call 911 or perform CPR.
A Kane County judge dismissed the case in May 2019, ruling the lawsuit failed to state a claim for "willful and wanton conduct" and that the school was protected under the Local Governmental and Governmental Entity Tort Immunity Act.
In a 20-page ruling late last week, the appellate panel confirmed the decision.
"Willful and wanton conduct goes beyond mere negligence in that it requires a conscious choice by a defendant to either cause harm or to engage in a course of action with knowledge that it involves a risk of serious danger to another," read part of the ruling. "It is well settled that a teacher's mere act of leaving students unsupervised, without more, is not sufficient to establish willful and wanton conduct."
The appellate panel noted the lawsuit did not allege there were previous instances of rough physical activity that caused Marcus to have an asthma attack or seizure. The panel also noted school personnel immediately called paramedics, who arrived in seven minutes.
"There are no allegations that the decedent exhibited signs of these conditions when his class was left unsupervised, or that any planned activity in the classroom had previously resulted in the decedent suffering either a seizure or asthma attack," the panel wrote.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--McHenry police release report on Starbucks crash

When police responded to a crash Jan. 16 at the Starbucks in McHenry , they tried to clear everyone from the building because of the `` frailty of the structure and the smell of gas . ''
But one employee , a 23-year-old woman from Carpentersville , did n't move .
`` The female appeared to be in shock and was continuing to work , '' an officer wrote in the police report , received by the Northwest Herald via a Freedom of Information Act request .
`` Her back was to me , and I began to yell at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female either did n't hear me or was in shock and could not register what was going on , but she would not turn around and acknowledge me . ''
The report detailed how 53-year-old Michael Kuti of Wonder Lake crashed his pickup truck into the Starbucks about 4:40 p.m. Jan. 16 , but it did not reveal the medical issue that caused Kuti to lose control of his vehicle and crash into the building .
The McHenry Fire Department had to extricate Kuti from his vehicle .
He was not charged or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and McHenry police have refused to release the medical cause .
The report also included details from witnesses at the scene as they dealt with what had just happened .
One witness said he saw the truck `` out of the corner of his eye '' traveling in the same direction as him before it veered across both eastbound lanes of traffic and jumped the curb .
The witness said it appeared Kuti was `` slumped over the wheel '' as the truck was headed toward Starbucks .
The truck then went through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slow down before crashing into the northeast corner of the building .
Officers were dispatched to the scene with knowledge that a person was trapped under debris .
During the investigation , an officer met with Youth Pastor Tim Meister and Matthew Marshall , 19 , of Wonder Lake , who had been trying to help an injured 21-year-old employee from Ingleside who was trapped under the truck .
Marshall told the Northwest Herald in January they could n't see the employee and only heard his screams for help .
After some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report , the fire department found and extricated the employee from under the debris .
The employee was conscious and breathing at the time , but he was flown by Flight for Life to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville .
Others injured in the crash were released at the scene or taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital .
The employee who had been trapped has since taken to Facebook to announce he was doing better but declined an interview request regarding the crash .
The McHenry Fire Department retrieved another employee from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought the female to me , '' the report said .
`` I observed her to have lacerations to her face , but she was unable to communicate with me . ''
One officer circled the building and found others who had been inside Starbucks at the time of the crash .
They were surrounding a woman lying on the ground who was believed to be a 36-year-old from McHenry .
`` This woman appeared to have lacerations to her face and was also in extreme pain , '' according to the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer at the drive-through when the vehicle crashed through the building said she saw the maroon truck heading west on the grassy area directly east of the Starbucks .
`` ( She ) stated it took her a minute to figure out what was going on , '' an officer wrote in the report .
`` But then she understood the truck was not going to stop .
She began to yell and ran from the drive-through area . ''

McHenry police release report on Starbucks crash
When police responded to a crash Jan. 16 at the Starbucks in McHenry, they tried to clear everyone from the building because of the "frailty of the structure and the smell of gas."
But one employee, a 23-year-old woman from Carpentersville, didn't move.
"The female appeared to be in shock and was continuing to work," an officer wrote in the police report, received by the Northwest Herald via a Freedom of Information Act request. "Her back was to me, and I began to yell at her to exit the building. The female either didn't hear me or was in shock and could not register what was going on, but she would not turn around and acknowledge me."
The report detailed how 53-year-old Michael Kuti of Wonder Lake crashed his pickup truck into the Starbucks about 4:40 p.m. Jan. 16, but it did not reveal the medical issue that caused Kuti to lose control of his vehicle and crash into the building.
The McHenry Fire Department had to extricate Kuti from his vehicle. He was not charged or ticketed in connection with the crash, and McHenry police have refused to release the medical cause.
The report also included details from witnesses at the scene as they dealt with what had just happened.
One witness said he saw the truck "out of the corner of his eye" traveling in the same direction as him before it veered across both eastbound lanes of traffic and jumped the curb.
The witness said it appeared Kuti was "slumped over the wheel" as the truck was headed toward Starbucks.
The truck then went through a grassy area and did not appear to slow down before crashing into the northeast corner of the building.
Officers were dispatched to the scene with knowledge that a person was trapped under debris.
During the investigation, an officer met with Youth Pastor Tim Meister and Matthew Marshall, 19, of Wonder Lake, who had been trying to help an injured 21-year-old employee from Ingleside who was trapped under the truck.
Marshall told the Northwest Herald in January they couldn't see the employee and only heard his screams for help.
After some time, an officer wrote in the report, the fire department found and extricated the employee from under the debris. The employee was conscious and breathing at the time, but he was flown by Flight for Life to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Others injured in the crash were released at the scene or taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital.
The employee who had been trapped has since taken to Facebook to announce he was doing better but declined an interview request regarding the crash.
The McHenry Fire Department retrieved another employee from inside the restaurant.
"The fireman brought the female to me," the report said. "I observed her to have lacerations to her face, but she was unable to communicate with me."
One officer circled the building and found others who had been inside Starbucks at the time of the crash. They were surrounding a woman lying on the ground who was believed to be a 36-year-old from McHenry.
"This woman appeared to have lacerations to her face and was also in extreme pain," according to the report.
An employee who was serving a customer at the drive-through when the vehicle crashed through the building said she saw the maroon truck heading west on the grassy area directly east of the Starbucks.
"(She) stated it took her a minute to figure out what was going on," an officer wrote in the report. "But then she understood the truck was not going to stop. She began to yell and ran from the drive-through area."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Pheasant Run online auction open until Wednesday

An online auction for the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles opened Monday , with the starting bid set at $ 2 million .
The 18.3-acre property at 4051 E. Main St. has been marketed for sale since November , shortly after resort management announced plans to restructure operations and lay off 75 % of its staff .
The 42 remaining employees were notified last month their jobs also are in jeopardy .
Facilitated through the Ten-X Commercial real estate website , the auction will be conducted in a live bid format with a $ 25,000 participation deposit and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auction will remain open until Wednesday afternoon .
Potential buyers were required to conduct their due diligence and register ahead of time to be approved to make offers .
Sellers can review all activity and interest in their property .
Ahead of the auction , the seller typically sets a reserve price establishing the minimum that would be accepted .
As of Monday afternoon , Pheasant Run 's undisclosed reserve price had not been met , according to the Ten-X Commercial website .
The resort is listed as an `` extraordinary lodging investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rebranding opportunities .
Pheasant Run has 293 hotel rooms and suites , seven restaurants and 31,930 square feet of banquet and meeting space .
It also operates a comedy club , theater , indoor/outdoor pool and an 18-hole golf course that it leases from the DuPage Airport .

Pheasant Run online auction open until Wednesday
An online auction for the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles opened Monday, with the starting bid set at $2 million.
The 18.3-acre property at 4051 E. Main St. has been marketed for sale since November, shortly after resort management announced plans to restructure operations and lay off 75% of its staff. The 42 remaining employees were notified last month their jobs also are in jeopardy.
Facilitated through the Ten-X Commercial real estate website, the auction will be conducted in a live bid format with a $25,000 participation deposit and a bid increment of $500,000. The auction will remain open until Wednesday afternoon.
Potential buyers were required to conduct their due diligence and register ahead of time to be approved to make offers. Sellers can review all activity and interest in their property.
Ahead of the auction, the seller typically sets a reserve price establishing the minimum that would be accepted. As of Monday afternoon, Pheasant Run's undisclosed reserve price had not been met, according to the Ten-X Commercial website.
The resort is listed as an "extraordinary lodging investment opportunity" with the potential for redevelopment and rebranding opportunities.
Pheasant Run has 293 hotel rooms and suites, seven restaurants and 31,930 square feet of banquet and meeting space. It also operates a comedy club, theater, indoor/outdoor pool and an 18-hole golf course that it leases from the DuPage Airport.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Bob Thomas, first chief judge from DuPage County, retiring from Illinois Supreme Court

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert R. Thomas , who became the first DuPage County jurist to serve as the court 's chief justice , will retire at the end of the month .
Thomas , elected to the high court in 2000 , served as chief justice from 2005 to 2008 , during which he established the Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism , required mandatory continuing education for attorneys and embraced technology as a way to make the court 's proceedings more public and transparent .
`` It has been a great honor and privilege to have served on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appellate and circuit courts over the past 32 years , '' Thomas , 67 , said Monday in an announcement of his retirement .
`` While I will miss the collegial atmosphere with my colleagues on the court , I am ready to return to the practice of law and help clients achieve justice . ''
Thomas will join the Power Rogers law firm in Chicago , where he will practice with his son , Jonathan .
He was represented by firm co-founder Joe Power in a successful 2006 defamation case against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his legal career , Thomas spent 12 years as an NFL placekicker , 10 of them with the Chicago Bears .
He remains the fourth leading scorer in Bears history .
The Supreme Court already has appointed Appellate Court Justice Michael J. Burke to fill Justice Thomas ' seat through Dec. 5 , 2022 .
Burke has been a member of the Elgin-based Second District Appellate Court since 2008 , and previous to that served as judge in DuPage County and an assistant DuPage County state 's attorney .
DuPage County Judge Liam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appellate court , effective March 2 through Dec. 5 , 2022 .
Thomas , a Rochester , New York native , attended the University of Notre Dame before joining the Bears in 1975 .
While playing for the Bears , he attended the Loyola University School of Law and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1981 , while still an NFL kicker .
After retiring from football , Thomas was elected in 1988 to serve as a DuPage County judge .
Six years later , he was elected to the Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a great colleague and , although we did not always agree on every issue that came before the court , we became and remained good friends who respected each other and our differing perspectives , '' Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier said in Monday 's announcement .
`` His departure will be a great loss for the court , for the people of Illinois , and for me , personally .
Members of the bar will remember him for his clear thinking , insightful analysis and forceful writing .
Those of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his good humor , collegiality , and intellectual thinking . ''
Notable opinions authored by Thomas during his years on the court include People v. Lerma ( 2016 ) , which held that expert testimony concerning the reliability of eyewitness identifications is appropriate in certain cases ; DeHart v. DeHart ( 2013 ) , which for the first time recognized the theory of equitable adoption in Illinois ; Ryan v. The Board of Trustees of the General Assembly Retirement System ( 2010 ) , which held that , as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
George H. Ryan had forfeited the pensions he earned while serving in the General Assembly and as lieutenant governor ; and People ex rel .
Madigan v. Snyder ( 2005 ) , which affirmed the constitutionality of former Gov .
Ryan 's grant of `` blanket clemency '' to all 167 of Illinois ' death row inmates .

Bob Thomas, first chief judge from DuPage County, retiring from Illinois Supreme Court
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert R. Thomas, who became the first DuPage County jurist to serve as the court's chief justice, will retire at the end of the month.
Thomas, elected to the high court in 2000, served as chief justice from 2005 to 2008, during which he established the Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, required mandatory continuing education for attorneys and embraced technology as a way to make the court's proceedings more public and transparent.
"It has been a great honor and privilege to have served on the Illinois Supreme Court as well as on the appellate and circuit courts over the past 32 years," Thomas, 67, said Monday in an announcement of his retirement. "While I will miss the collegial atmosphere with my colleagues on the court, I am ready to return to the practice of law and help clients achieve justice."
Thomas will join the Power Rogers law firm in Chicago, where he will practice with his son, Jonathan. He was represented by firm co-founder Joe Power in a successful 2006 defamation case against the Kane County Chronicle newspaper.
Before his legal career, Thomas spent 12 years as an NFL placekicker, 10 of them with the Chicago Bears. He remains the fourth leading scorer in Bears history.
The Supreme Court already has appointed Appellate Court Justice Michael J. Burke to fill Justice Thomas' seat through Dec. 5, 2022. Burke has been a member of the Elgin-based Second District Appellate Court since 2008, and previous to that served as judge in DuPage County and an assistant DuPage County state's attorney.
DuPage County Judge Liam Brennan will fill Burke's seat on the appellate court, effective March 2 through Dec. 5, 2022.
Thomas, a Rochester, New York native, attended the University of Notre Dame before joining the Bears in 1975. While playing for the Bears, he attended the Loyola University School of Law and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1981, while still an NFL kicker.
After retiring from football, Thomas was elected in 1988 to serve as a DuPage County judge. Six years later, he was elected to the Second District Appellate Court.
"Justice Thomas has been a great colleague and, although we did not always agree on every issue that came before the court, we became and remained good friends who respected each other and our differing perspectives," Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier said in Monday's announcement. "His departure will be a great loss for the court, for the people of Illinois, and for me, personally. Members of the bar will remember him for his clear thinking, insightful analysis and forceful writing. Those of us who served with him will miss him for his good humor, collegiality, and intellectual thinking."
Notable opinions authored by Thomas during his years on the court include People v. Lerma (2016), which held that expert testimony concerning the reliability of eyewitness identifications is appropriate in certain cases; DeHart v. DeHart (2013), which for the first time recognized the theory of equitable adoption in Illinois; Ryan v. The Board of Trustees of the General Assembly Retirement System (2010), which held that, as a result of his multiple federal felony convictions, former Gov. George H. Ryan had forfeited the pensions he earned while serving in the General Assembly and as lieutenant governor; and People ex rel. Madigan v. Snyder (2005), which affirmed the constitutionality of former Gov. Ryan's grant of "blanket clemency" to all 167 of Illinois' death row inmates.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Tollway director has hired 9 Chicago Housing Authority alums. That concerns some lawmakers.

The tally of former Chicago Housing Authority employees in positions paying $ 85,000 to $ 195,000 at the Illinois tollway is growing , and that concerns some lawmakers given the top tollway executive also is a CHA alumnus .
Tollway leaders dismissed questions of nepotism when asked about nine ex-CHA staffers who were hired from August through December and are paid more than $ 1.3 million collectively , state records show .
Executive Director Jose Alvarez , the former CHA chief operating officer , joined the tollway in April .
`` Taken together , all nine of these employees have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different organizations in human resources , talent recruitment , procurement and compliance , '' tollway spokesman Dan Rozek said .
Some lawmakers on a commission tasked with ethics reform are dubious .
`` It 's unusual .
It 's not good business practices for government , '' Republican state Rep. Grant Wehrli of Naperville said .
The new tollway team members `` understand and agree with my leadership style .
I trust them to do the right thing for the tollway , '' Alvarez told the Daily Herald Dec. 5 for a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Herald subsequently learned the total now is nine .
Six of the employees work in the procurement department , which Alvarez said he is revamping and improving .
The agency is consolidating procurement duties and has created a `` new comprehensive contract compliance department to ensure the tollway and everyone we do business with is meeting the highest ethical standards , '' Rozek said in a statement .
In 2019 , the General Assembly ousted the former tollway board after the Daily Herald reported about cronyism in contracts and hiring at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacements and called for a new era of transparency at the agency .
`` Getting all these employees from the Chicago Housing Authority is starting to get really strange , '' said Republican state Rep. David McSweeney of Barrington Hills , adding that , in his opinion , `` the CHA is not regarded as a highly efficient entity . ''
Democratic state Sen. Laura Murphy of Des Plaines , a tollway reform advocate , said , `` I find this information troubling .
I am interested in getting a full and complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees worked at the CHA for three months before moving to the tollway , but he previously was a colleague of the tollway 's new chief administrative officer , Kimberly Ross , at City Colleges of Chicago .
The tollway is bringing in `` individuals with a breadth of experience from diverse backgrounds who will ensure the tollway earns the trust of those we serve , '' Rozek said .
In addition , the agency 's new compliance division will allow the agency to keep better tabs on contracts and replaces consultants who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those services , he said .
Democratic state Sen. Cristina Castro of Elgin and Republican Sen. Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods also are on the ethics commission , called the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform .
`` In general , I believe that having full-time employees who are subject to state ethics laws is better than having people on contract , '' Castro said .
`` It increases transparency and accountability . ''
`` I understand the need to hire people you trust , but I hope that Mr. Alvarez will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees in the future , '' Castro added .
McConchie called the situation `` quite concerning , especially after the governor stated in his state of the State address last week that the old patronage system 'needs to die ... finally and completely . '
'' `` The tollway 's effort to consolidate operations is laudable , '' McConchie said , `` but transparency and accountability must be at the forefront given the tollway 's checkered past . ''
Leslie Murray of Prospect Heights wants to kick the tires of SUVs such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Infinity mid-size SUV '' at the Chicago Auto Show , which runs through Feb. 17 .
`` This may be the year that I will have to bite the bullet and purchase a new car , '' Murray wrote .
`` The car I am currently driving is a 1999 Ford Expedition with 150,000 miles on it .
That is not a typo -- my car legally can purchase a can of beer with how old it is !
The car has been great , but I do not want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am constantly having to make repairs on it . ''
Metra Union Pacific West passengers should be prepared for delays through Feb. 23 as the railroad fixes some of its bridges .
Metra workers will be repairing a bridge over the Des Plaines River between Maywood and River Forest , which could slow trains by up to 10 minutes .

Tollway director has hired 9 Chicago Housing Authority alums. That concerns some lawmakers.
A posse of Chicago Housing Authority former employees has been recruited to the Illinois tollway, which is led by former CHA chief operating officer Jose Alvarez. Daily Herald File Photo
The tally of former Chicago Housing Authority employees in positions paying $85,000 to $195,000 at the Illinois tollway is growing, and that concerns some lawmakers given the top tollway executive also is a CHA alumnus.
Tollway leaders dismissed questions of nepotism when asked about nine ex-CHA staffers who were hired from August through December and are paid more than $1.3 million collectively, state records show. Executive Director Jose Alvarez, the former CHA chief operating officer, joined the tollway in April.
"Taken together, all nine of these employees have decades of experience at a number of different organizations in human resources, talent recruitment, procurement and compliance," tollway spokesman Dan Rozek said.
Some lawmakers on a commission tasked with ethics reform are dubious.
"It's unusual. It's not good business practices for government," Republican state Rep. Grant Wehrli of Naperville said.
The new tollway team members "understand and agree with my leadership style. I trust them to do the right thing for the tollway," Alvarez told the Daily Herald Dec. 5 for a story about five ex-colleagues he recruited.
The Daily Herald subsequently learned the total now is nine.
Six of the employees work in the procurement department, which Alvarez said he is revamping and improving.
The agency is consolidating procurement duties and has created a "new comprehensive contract compliance department to ensure the tollway and everyone we do business with is meeting the highest ethical standards," Rozek said in a statement.
In 2019, the General Assembly ousted the former tollway board after the Daily Herald reported about cronyism in contracts and hiring at the agency. Gov. J.B. Pritzker appointed replacements and called for a new era of transparency at the agency.
"Getting all these employees from the Chicago Housing Authority is starting to get really strange," said Republican state Rep. David McSweeney of Barrington Hills, adding that, in his opinion, "the CHA is not regarded as a highly efficient entity."
Democratic state Sen. Laura Murphy of Des Plaines, a tollway reform advocate, said, "I find this information troubling. I am interested in getting a full and complete explanation."
One of the nine employees worked at the CHA for three months before moving to the tollway, but he previously was a colleague of the tollway's new chief administrative officer, Kimberly Ross, at City Colleges of Chicago.
The tollway is bringing in "individuals with a breadth of experience from diverse backgrounds who will ensure the tollway earns the trust of those we serve," Rozek said.
In addition, the agency's new compliance division will allow the agency to keep better tabs on contracts and replaces consultants who were paid $1 million to perform those services, he said.
Democratic state Sen. Cristina Castro of Elgin and Republican Sen. Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods also are on the ethics commission, called the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform.
"In general, I believe that having full-time employees who are subject to state ethics laws is better than having people on contract," Castro said. "It increases transparency and accountability."
"I understand the need to hire people you trust, but I hope that Mr. Alvarez will cast a wider net when looking for employees in the future," Castro added.
McConchie called the situation "quite concerning, especially after the governor stated in his state of the State address last week that the old patronage system 'needs to die ... finally and completely.'"
"The tollway's effort to consolidate operations is laudable," McConchie said, "but transparency and accountability must be at the forefront given the tollway's checkered past."
Your voice
Leslie Murray of Prospect Heights wants to kick the tires of SUVs such as the "Ford Explorer, Lexus 350 and the Infinity mid-size SUV" at the Chicago Auto Show, which runs through Feb. 17.
"This may be the year that I will have to bite the bullet and purchase a new car," Murray wrote. "The car I am currently driving is a 1999 Ford Expedition with 150,000 miles on it. That is not a typo -- my car legally can purchase a can of beer with how old it is! The car has been great, but I do not want to end up in a position where I am constantly having to make repairs on it."
Commuter pain, bridge gain
Metra Union Pacific West passengers should be prepared for delays through Feb. 23 as the railroad fixes some of its bridges.
Metra workers will be repairing a bridge over the Des Plaines River between Maywood and River Forest, which could slow trains by up to 10 minutes.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--AP Source: Canadiens prospect Struble out for rest of season

Montreal Canadiens prospect Jayden Struble is out for the rest of the season with a lower-body injury , according to @ @ @ @ @ of the situation .
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity @ @ @ @ @ not been announced by his college team .
Struble is a freshman at Northeastern University @ @ @ @ @ Northeastern 's game Friday against Maine and missed the Beanpot championship game Monday night against @ @ @ @ @ a second-round pick of the Canadiens , 46th overall , in the 2019 draft .
@ @ @ @ @ goals and seven assists for 10 points in 21 games this season for Northeastern .
@ @ @ @ @ Island native is considered a strong skater and puck mover on the blue line .

AP Source: Canadiens prospect Struble out for rest of season
Harvard forward Casey Dornbach (47) is checked against the boards by Northeastern defenseman Jayden Struble (3) during the second period of the NCAA hockey Beanpot Tournament in Boston, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. Associated Press
Montreal Canadiens prospect Jayden Struble is out for the rest of the season with a lower-body injury, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Struble's prognosis had not been announced by his college team. Struble is a freshman at Northeastern University.
He was injured in Northeastern's game Friday against Maine and missed the Beanpot championship game Monday night against Boston University.
Struble was a second-round pick of the Canadiens, 46th overall, in the 2019 draft. The 18-year-old defenseman has three goals and seven assists for 10 points in 21 games this season for Northeastern.
The 6-foot, 205-pound Rhode Island native is considered a strong skater and puck mover on the blue line.
___
Follow AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SWhyno
___
More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-11--5 suburban spots that are now on the National Register of Historic Places

Lombard 's lilacs have some serious flower power .
Back in 1996 , a shoutout to Lilacia Park on Oprah 's talk show added national exposure to the village 's crown jewel .
But a new honor may have more lasting influence than even the `` Oprah effect . ''
State officials on Monday formally recognized the Lilacia Park Historic District as one of only five suburban sites added to the National Register of Historic Places in the past year .
The park officially landed on the list during the height of Lilac Time .
Which is to say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by all the hoopla around the blooming purple bushes , a spring ritual celebrated with a parade , concerts , plant sales and the coronation of the `` Lilac Queen . ''
So there 's no better time than the dead of winter to revisit why the village 's stunning collection of lilacs made the national roster .
Here 's a closer look at Lilacia Park and the four other registered sites in the suburbs .
A 4.8-acre section of Lilacia Park ( pronounced `` Lie-lay-sh'uh '' ) deserves the recognition because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaping the village 's identity , said Rita Schneider , the chairwoman of the Lombard Historic Preservation Commission .
`` It 's really a beautiful spot in the middle of the downtown of a suburban village that has been around since 1929 , '' Schneider said Monday .
`` It is Lombard .
We are the Lilac Village .
Lilacia Park is the basis for that . ''
The horticultural display is the former estate of Colonel William R. Plum , a Civil War veteran and attorney who became enamored with lilacs while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1927 , Plum bequeathed his lilac collection to Lombard .
In 1929 , the property was redesigned by renowned Danish landscape architect Jens Jensen , who also left his mark on the Chicago parks system .
The park now maintains around 700 species of lilacs and about 25,000 species of tulips .
Other staggering numbers : The 8,000 visitors that turn out for Lilac Time in May and the 60-page application for the national designation .
As part of the nomination process , the historic preservation commission secured a grant to hire a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lilacia Park and other landmarks in Lombard .
`` It 's always been such a part of Lombard that you ca n't help but just absolutely love it all times of the year , '' Schneider said .
The listing comes as a development group plans to convert the long dormant hospital site into senior housing , residences for adults with disabilities and medical offices .
It does n't place any obligations on private owners , state officials say , but it does make the property eligible for some financial incentives .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement with Fox Valley Developers LLC , a group of local investors behind the project .
`` This designation is vital to our ability to reinvigorate the Bardwell neighborhood through a complete adaptive reuse of the historic campus , '' spokesman Patrick Skarr said in a statement Monday .
`` This is a once-in-a-century opportunity and we thank all of our partners , including those guiding our historic preservation efforts at the property .
We are focused on returning the property to a source of pride and prosperity for Aurora . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 1990 .
On behalf of the 150-year-old congregation , local historian Brian Wolf submitted a formal nomination to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council .
Its members unanimously recommended that the National Park Service name the church to the register .
`` I think it 's just important to recognize that there are a lot of beautiful places in Des Plaines .
I think it will get people to take a step back and notice things , '' Wolf said at the time of the church 's selection .
Construction of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became the congregation 's home less than a year later .
The architecture firm Pond & Pond , Martin and Lloyd designed the building in the arts and crafts style , characterized by a steeply pitched roof and little ornamentation .
`` There were few high-style , prewar buildings designed by recognized architects in the area , which was just developing as an attractive commuter suburb , '' Wolf 's application notes .
`` Early significant buildings included schools , a library , a theater , a masonic temple , and banks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Crafts , and none were as good examples as First Congregational Church . ''
Built in 1957 , the former residence of interior designer Louis Fredrick was one of about 60 `` Usonian '' homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright .
The famed architect created the homes , usually one-story structures , for `` the typical American family , '' according to the nominating application for the Frederick House .
The original owner actually rejected Wright 's concepts for his `` dream home '' until finally approving a modified version of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan .
The privately owned home recently underwent a meticulous restoration .
Sitting on 10 acres , nestled into a hillside , the house features Wright 's distinctive use of natural materials and glass panels to provide a connection to the natural world .
THE LEANING TOWER OF NILES is a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa .
It was completed in 1934 by Robert Ilg .
THE LEANING TOWER OF NILES is a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa .
It was completed in 1934 by Robert Ilg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This suburban oddity is the only replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the world .
Robert Ilgair , owner of ILG Electric Ventilating Co. in neighboring Chicago , commissioned its construction as the centerpiece of a park for his employees .
At 94 feet tall , it 's about half the size of the original in Italy .
It 's set to reopen to the public this spring after renovations .

5 suburban spots that are now on the National Register of Historic Places
LILACIA PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT, Lombard: An archway marks the northeast entrance to Lilacia Park in Lombard. A 4.8-acre swath of the park has joined the National Register of Historic Places. Daily Herald file photo
Lombard's lilacs have some serious flower power.
Back in 1996, a shoutout to Lilacia Park on Oprah's talk show added national exposure to the village's crown jewel.
But a new honor may have more lasting influence than even the "Oprah effect."
State officials on Monday formally recognized the Lilacia Park Historic District as one of only five suburban sites added to the National Register of Historic Places in the past year.
The park officially landed on the list during the height of Lilac Time. Which is to say, the designation could easily have been overshadowed by all the hoopla around the blooming purple bushes, a spring ritual celebrated with a parade, concerts, plant sales and the coronation of the "Lilac Queen."
So there's no better time than the dead of winter to revisit why the village's stunning collection of lilacs made the national roster. Here's a closer look at Lilacia Park and the four other registered sites in the suburbs.
Lilacia Park Historic District
A 4.8-acre section of Lilacia Park (pronounced "Lie-lay-sh'uh") deserves the recognition because of its national prominence and its role in shaping the village's identity, said Rita Schneider, the chairwoman of the Lombard Historic Preservation Commission.
"It's really a beautiful spot in the middle of the downtown of a suburban village that has been around since 1929," Schneider said Monday. "It is Lombard. We are the Lilac Village. Lilacia Park is the basis for that."
The horticultural display is the former estate of Colonel William R. Plum, a Civil War veteran and attorney who became enamored with lilacs while visiting Europe. Upon his death in 1927, Plum bequeathed his lilac collection to Lombard.
Lombard's LILACIA PARK is the setting for Lilac Time, a 17-day celebration returning May 1. - Daily Herald file photo
In 1929, the property was redesigned by renowned Danish landscape architect Jens Jensen, who also left his mark on the Chicago parks system.
The park now maintains around 700 species of lilacs and about 25,000 species of tulips. Other staggering numbers: The 8,000 visitors that turn out for Lilac Time in May and the 60-page application for the national designation.
As part of the nomination process, the historic preservation commission secured a grant to hire a consultant to complete a historic survey of Lilacia Park and other landmarks in Lombard.
"It's always been such a part of Lombard that you can't help but just absolutely love it all times of the year," Schneider said.
Copley Hospital, Aurora
The listing comes as a development group plans to convert the long dormant hospital site into senior housing, residences for adults with disabilities and medical offices.
It doesn't place any obligations on private owners, state officials say, but it does make the property eligible for some financial incentives.
The long dormant site of the FORMER COPLEY HOSPITAL in Aurora could be converted into senior housing, residences for adults with disabilities and medical offices. - Daily Herald file photo
Last fall, the city approved a redevelopment agreement with Fox Valley Developers LLC, a group of local investors behind the project.
"This designation is vital to our ability to reinvigorate the Bardwell neighborhood through a complete adaptive reuse of the historic campus," spokesman Patrick Skarr said in a statement Monday. "This is a once-in-a-century opportunity and we thank all of our partners, including those guiding our historic preservation efforts at the property. We are focused on returning the property to a source of pride and prosperity for Aurora."
The campus remained the only hospital in Aurora until 1990.
First Congregational Church, Des Plaines
On behalf of the 150-year-old congregation, local historian Brian Wolf submitted a formal nomination to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council. Its members unanimously recommended that the National Park Service name the church to the register.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer The First Congregational Church in Des Plaines features one of the few prewar architectural styles in the 'burbs.
"I think it's just important to recognize that there are a lot of beautiful places in Des Plaines. I think it will get people to take a step back and notice things," Wolf said at the time of the church's selection.
Construction of the church began in 1928, and it became the congregation's home less than a year later.
The architecture firm Pond & Pond, Martin and Lloyd designed the building in the arts and crafts style, characterized by a steeply pitched roof and little ornamentation.
"There were few high-style, prewar buildings designed by recognized architects in the area, which was just developing as an attractive commuter suburb," Wolf's application notes. "Early significant buildings included schools, a library, a theater, a masonic temple, and banks. None of the surviving buildings are Arts & Crafts, and none were as good examples as First Congregational Church."
Louis Fredrick House, Barrington Hills
Built in 1957, the former residence of interior designer Louis Fredrick was one of about 60 "Usonian" homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Louis Fredrick House, in Barrington Hills, has recently been restored and is called "in excellent condition," according to its nomination for a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. - Illinois Department of Natural Resources
The famed architect created the homes, usually one-story structures, for "the typical American family," according to the nominating application for the Frederick House.
The original owner actually rejected Wright's concepts for his "dream home" until finally approving a modified version of a house designed for an unbuilt project in Michigan.
The privately owned home recently underwent a meticulous restoration. Sitting on 10 acres, nestled into a hillside, the house features Wright's distinctive use of natural materials and glass panels to provide a connection to the natural world.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer THE LEANING TOWER OF NILES is a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was completed in 1934 by Robert Ilg.
This suburban oddity is the only replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the world.
Robert Ilgair, owner of ILG Electric Ventilating Co. in neighboring Chicago, commissioned its construction as the centerpiece of a park for his employees.
At 94 feet tall, it's about half the size of the original in Italy. It's set to reopen to the public this spring after renovations.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Why Golden Apple is offering 50 students a full ride to earn a teaching certificate

Barbara Cataldo felt her `` heart was n't being fulfilled '' working in the business world .
The Naperville resident switched careers , earned a master 's degree and became a teacher instead .
`` And I never looked back , '' said Cataldo , who taught kindergarten through second grade for many years at a Woodridge elementary school and earned a Golden Apple Award .
Now , Cataldo will mentor people like herself who want to switch careers and become teachers through a new Golden Apple initiative .
Starting this summer , Golden Apple Illinois is giving 50 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack the resources , a full ride to earn a teaching certificate through its new Accelerators Program .
The one-year program aims to tackle the state 's teacher shortage .
It is targeted at college seniors not enrolled in a teacher preparation program or people with bachelor 's degrees who are not certified to teach .
It will start in the rural areas where the teacher shortage is more acute , with the goal of eventually expanding it to the suburbs `` wherever there are districts that are needy , '' Golden Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to partner with some of the suburban areas outside of Chicago that have the same trouble in finding teachers in special education , bilingual education and STEM fields , '' Mather said .
The school districts that are struggling the most to find teachers have high minority student enrollment , large populations of low-income students and severe funding problems , according to the state board of education .
Golden Apple is known for its 35-year-old awards program recognizing excellence in teaching and leadership , as well as its Scholars program providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparation for high school seniors and first- and second-year Illinois college students who commit to working in schools with the highest need .
`` We have just under 800 students who are preparing to be teachers in schools with need , '' Mather said .
Last May , Illinois lawmakers authorized $ 750,000 in funding for the new Accelerators Program .
The first batch of students is limited to 50 people who will begin classes this summer with instruction from Golden Apple Award-winning educators .
Mentors will be matched based on students ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Palatine , a recently retired Palatine Township Elementary District 15 teacher and Golden Apple fellow who will help guide program participants this summer .
Charles said the program is `` hugely important '' because of the severe teacher shortage statewide .
In suburban Cook County , 42 % of district superintendents said there were significantly fewer qualified applicants for teaching jobs in 2018 compared to 2013 , according to a survey conducted by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools .
In southern Illinois , that rate was 92 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to have hundreds and hundreds of people who are retiring this year , '' Charles said .
Selected Accelerator Program participants will receive a $ 30,000 stipend covering the cost of completing coursework and credits leading to licensure or a master 's degree in teaching as part of a one-year training and residency program through two partner universities -- Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and Blackburn College in Carlinville .
`` They will have a one-year residency in a targeted district in southern , central or western Illinois , '' Mather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional offices of education .
They have a number of Tier 1 schools , those that are the neediest . ''
Participants will complete much of their coursework online and be placed in schools this fall for the residency portion of the program .
They will begin teaching full time in fall 2021 and receive mentoring in the first years of teaching .
Golden Apple Accelerators commit to teaching at least four years at a school-of-need in targeted communities .
Anyone can apply for the program .
Applications are being accepted through Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 238 applications had been received .
`` We have a significant pool , '' Mather said .
`` People who have applied this year may not get in this year .
For us to be able to sustain and grow ( the program ) , we are asking the legislature this year ( 2020-21 ) for $ 5 million . ''
Additional funding will allow Golden Apple to expand the program and support more teaching candidates , he said .

Why Golden Apple is offering 50 students a full ride to earn a teaching certificate
Barbara Cataldo, of Naperville, who taught first grade at Sipley Elementary School in Woodridge and won a Golden Apple award in 2009, will mentor participants in Golden Apple's new Accelerators Program this summer.
Kristie Charles, a retired Palatine Township Elementary District 15 third grade teacher and Golden Apple recipient, will mentor participants in a new Golden Apple program for people changing careers to become teachers this summer.
Barbara Cataldo, of Naperville, who taught first grade at Sipley Elementary School in Woodridge and won a Golden Apple award in 2009, will mentor participants in Golden Apple's new Accelerators Program this summer. Daily Herald File Photo, 2009
Kristie Charles, a retired Palatine Township Elementary District 15 third grade teacher and Golden Apple recipient, will mentor participants in a new Golden Apple program for people changing careers to become teachers this summer. Daily Herald File Photo, 2006
Barbara Cataldo felt her "heart wasn't being fulfilled" working in the business world.
The Naperville resident switched careers, earned a master's degree and became a teacher instead.
"And I never looked back," said Cataldo, who taught kindergarten through second grade for many years at a Woodridge elementary school and earned a Golden Apple Award.
Now, Cataldo will mentor people like herself who want to switch careers and become teachers through a new Golden Apple initiative.
Starting this summer, Golden Apple Illinois is giving 50 people who want to switch careers, but lack the resources, a full ride to earn a teaching certificate through its new Accelerators Program.
The one-year program aims to tackle the state's teacher shortage. It is targeted at college seniors not enrolled in a teacher preparation program or people with bachelor's degrees who are not certified to teach.
It will start in the rural areas where the teacher shortage is more acute, with the goal of eventually expanding it to the suburbs "wherever there are districts that are needy," Golden Apple President Alan Mather said.
"We would like to partner with some of the suburban areas outside of Chicago that have the same trouble in finding teachers in special education, bilingual education and STEM fields," Mather said.
The school districts that are struggling the most to find teachers have high minority student enrollment, large populations of low-income students and severe funding problems, according to the state board of education.
Golden Apple is known for its 35-year-old awards program recognizing excellence in teaching and leadership, as well as its Scholars program providing $23,000 in tuition assistance and teacher preparation for high school seniors and first- and second-year Illinois college students who commit to working in schools with the highest need.
"We have just under 800 students who are preparing to be teachers in schools with need," Mather said.
Last May, Illinois lawmakers authorized $750,000 in funding for the new Accelerators Program.
The first batch of students is limited to 50 people who will begin classes this summer with instruction from Golden Apple Award-winning educators.
Mentors will be matched based on students' areas of interest, said Kristie Charles of Palatine, a recently retired Palatine Township Elementary District 15 teacher and Golden Apple fellow who will help guide program participants this summer.
Charles said the program is "hugely important" because of the severe teacher shortage statewide.
In suburban Cook County, 42% of district superintendents said there were significantly fewer qualified applicants for teaching jobs in 2018 compared to 2013, according to a survey conducted by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools. In southern Illinois, that rate was 92%.
"Just in my district, we are going to have hundreds and hundreds of people who are retiring this year," Charles said.
Selected Accelerator Program participants will receive a $30,000 stipend covering the cost of completing coursework and credits leading to licensure or a master's degree in teaching as part of a one-year training and residency program through two partner universities -- Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and Blackburn College in Carlinville.
"They will have a one-year residency in a targeted district in southern, central or western Illinois," Mather said. "We are partnering with regional offices of education. They have a number of Tier 1 schools, those that are the neediest."
Participants will complete much of their coursework online and be placed in schools this fall for the residency portion of the program.
They will begin teaching full time in fall 2021 and receive mentoring in the first years of teaching. Golden Apple Accelerators commit to teaching at least four years at a school-of-need in targeted communities.
Anyone can apply for the program. Applications are being accepted through Feb. 20 at goldenapple.org/accelerators.
So far, 238 applications had been received.
"We have a significant pool," Mather said. "People who have applied this year may not get in this year. For us to be able to sustain and grow (the program), we are asking the legislature this year (2020-21) for $5 million."
Additional funding will allow Golden Apple to expand the program and support more teaching candidates, he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Elk Grove Twp. schools to borrow $30 million to fix leaky roofs, replace HVAC units

Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 will borrow up to $ 30.6 million -- resulting in property tax hikes -- to help pay for an estimated $ 38.1 million in building projects that would fix leaky roofs and replace old heating and cooling systems in the next three years .
The school board voted 5-0 Monday night -- some members casting their `` aye '' votes begrudgingly -- to issue the school fire prevention and safety bonds .
The balance of the capital work at all school buildings would be funded by dipping into the district 's $ 88 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of both , officials said .
`` Nobody wants to spend it , but nobody likes leaky roofs , '' said board Secretary Patti Petrielli .
`` I know this is tough , '' added board President Janice Krinsky .
`` Nobody wants to spend this much money , but that 's what it 's gon na cost . ''
But Krinsky said it was an opportune time to issue bonds in light of low interest rates -- 1.34 % , by one estimate -- and ahead of an anticipated $ 31 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the district would have to fund through reserves and cuts .
For the owner of a $ 250,000 home , the proposed bond issue would result in an estimated property tax increase , above the 2018 taxes , of $ 34 in 2019 taxes paid this year , $ 39 in the 2020 taxes , $ 115 in each year 's taxes from 2021 through 2025 , and $ 103 in 2026 's taxes .
Initial plans called for issuing as much as $ 39 million in bonds .
But Illinois State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects , including parking lot asphalt and secured building entrance vestibules , could n't be deemed health , life or safety projects for which debt could be issued .
What has n't changed , district officials say , is the amount of projects that need to be done , though cost estimates have lowered from $ 42.8 million in November to $ 38.1 million today .
That includes spending about $ 8 million next summer for roof replacements at Devonshire , Byrd and Grove schools , and less than $ 3 million for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boilers and pumps at Byrd .
The secure entrances at Brentwood , Clearmont and Low schools -- where visitors would be buzzed into the school office before going into the rest of the school -- could cost some $ 2.5 million .
The other 12 district schools have such vestibules .
The board also approved a performance-based contract with Control Technology & Solutions LLC to oversee the work .

Elk Grove Twp. schools to borrow $30 million to fix leaky roofs, replace HVAC units
Admiral Byrd Elementary School in Elk Grove Village is set to get a new roof and upgrades to its heating and cooling systems, including boilers and pumps, as part of summer capital projects in Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59. Daily Herald File Photo 2017
Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 will borrow up to $30.6 million -- resulting in property tax hikes -- to help pay for an estimated $38.1 million in building projects that would fix leaky roofs and replace old heating and cooling systems in the next three years.
The school board voted 5-0 Monday night -- some members casting their "aye" votes begrudgingly -- to issue the school fire prevention and safety bonds.
The balance of the capital work at all school buildings would be funded by dipping into the district's $88 million reserve fund, cuts or a combination of both, officials said.
"Nobody wants to spend it, but nobody likes leaky roofs," said board Secretary Patti Petrielli.
"I know this is tough," added board President Janice Krinsky. "Nobody wants to spend this much money, but that's what it's gonna cost."
But Krinsky said it was an opportune time to issue bonds in light of low interest rates -- 1.34%, by one estimate -- and ahead of an anticipated $31 million in additional projects over the next decade that the district would have to fund through reserves and cuts.
For the owner of a $250,000 home, the proposed bond issue would result in an estimated property tax increase, above the 2018 taxes, of $34 in 2019 taxes paid this year, $39 in the 2020 taxes, $115 in each year's taxes from 2021 through 2025, and $103 in 2026's taxes.
Initial plans called for issuing as much as $39 million in bonds. But Illinois State Board of Education regulators later determined certain projects, including parking lot asphalt and secured building entrance vestibules, couldn't be deemed health, life or safety projects for which debt could be issued.
What hasn't changed, district officials say, is the amount of projects that need to be done, though cost estimates have lowered from $42.8 million in November to $38.1 million today.
That includes spending about $8 million next summer for roof replacements at Devonshire, Byrd and Grove schools, and less than $3 million for heating and cooling system upgrades such as boilers and pumps at Byrd.
The secure entrances at Brentwood, Clearmont and Low schools -- where visitors would be buzzed into the school office before going into the rest of the school -- could cost some $2.5 million. The other 12 district schools have such vestibules.
The board also approved a performance-based contract with Control Technology & Solutions LLC to oversee the work.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--St. Charles plans to offer incentives to help Mediterranean restaurant build screened-in patio

St. Charles is poised to award $ 45,000 in grant funding to help a downtown restaurant enhance its outdoor dining space .
Owners of Eden on the River are hoping to make better and more frequent use of their deck along the Fox River by removing a portion of the existing patio and replacing it with a screened-in structure , said Russell Colby , the city 's assistant community and economic development director .
Three garage doors opening to the outdoor dining area also will be installed .
The planning and development committee voted unanimously Monday to support requests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Mediterranean restaurant , which is located at the southeast corner of the Fox Island Square , 1 Illinois St .
The first would reimburse Eden on the River for up to $ 20,000 in eligible facade improvement costs .
The city 's historic preservation committee determined the project qualified for such funding , saying the proposed updates would be visible from various angles , increase the deck 's usability and complement the architecture of the building , city documents show .
The second grant , a maximum $ 25,000 , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridor and downtown economic incentive program , which aims to encourage the renovation and investment of properties in the downtown area .
Eden on the River plans to put roughly $ 301,200 into its new 1,800-square-foot covered patio , which will have removable screens , according to a contractor 's statement .
Though the deck wo n't be usable year-round , it would provide a more flexible option for outdoor dining and events in varying weather conditions , Colby said .
`` From the city 's standpoint , they 're bringing more activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that property , '' he said .
`` That 's in our interest . ''
The structure 's location along the river and its potential impact to the floodplain may limit how it is built , Colby said .
The project is under building and stormwater review as part of the permitting process .
The city council is expected to formally vote on whether to award the grants at an upcoming meeting .
The project likely would be completed by this spring , Colby said .

St. Charles plans to offer incentives to help Mediterranean restaurant build screened-in patio
St. Charles is poised to award $45,000 in grant funding to help a downtown restaurant enhance its outdoor dining space.
Owners of Eden on the River are hoping to make better and more frequent use of their deck along the Fox River by removing a portion of the existing patio and replacing it with a screened-in structure, said Russell Colby, the city's assistant community and economic development director. Three garage doors opening to the outdoor dining area also will be installed.
The planning and development committee voted unanimously Monday to support requests for two grants to help cover project expenses at the Mediterranean restaurant, which is located at the southeast corner of the Fox Island Square, 1 Illinois St.
The first would reimburse Eden on the River for up to $20,000 in eligible facade improvement costs. The city's historic preservation committee determined the project qualified for such funding, saying the proposed updates would be visible from various angles, increase the deck's usability and complement the architecture of the building, city documents show.
The second grant, a maximum $25,000, would be awarded through the city's commercial corridor and downtown economic incentive program, which aims to encourage the renovation and investment of properties in the downtown area.
Eden on the River plans to put roughly $301,200 into its new 1,800-square-foot covered patio, which will have removable screens, according to a contractor's statement.
Though the deck won't be usable year-round, it would provide a more flexible option for outdoor dining and events in varying weather conditions, Colby said.
"From the city's standpoint, they're bringing more activity onto the riverfront and making better utilization of that property," he said. "That's in our interest."
The structure's location along the river and its potential impact to the floodplain may limit how it is built, Colby said. The project is under building and stormwater review as part of the permitting process.
The city council is expected to formally vote on whether to award the grants at an upcoming meeting. The project likely would be completed by this spring, Colby said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Developer renews request of tax break for Hoffman Estates technology park

Due to delays to both its planned land purchase and construction of a multi-building `` Hoffman Technology Park '' in Hoffman Estates , a developer is seeking a renewal of the village 's recommendation for a Cook County property tax incentive .
The planning , building & zoning committee Monday endorsed the village board 's making such a formal recommendation again in a week .
Officials said the delays experienced by Hoffman Technology Park LLC were caused by negotiations with its neighboring property owner to the west , Meijer , in coordinating access to the site .
When the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentive last June , the developer expressed hope that the first building could be completed by late summer 2020 .
But not even the closing of the land purchase has yet occurred .
One of Cook County 's criteria for the incentive is that work begin within a year of the local municipality 's recommendation .
The 53-acre site lies just north of the pending Bell Works redevelopment of the former AT & T campus along Lakewood Boulevard .
The plans were originally presented last spring by BK Equities , a development firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International .
But the legal entity overseeing this specific project is now known as Hoffman Technology Park LLC .
The three or four buildings of the park would provide a maximum of 800,000 square feet of space suitable for such uses as manufacturing , service , warehousing , showrooms , offices and research and development for multiple companies .
Representatives of the developer last year emphasized the project 's compatibility with neighboring Bell Works , which will feature a mixture of multifamily homes , offices , stores , restaurants and a hotel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ share the same leasing broker .
The Cook County incentive the technology park developers seek essentially cuts property taxes in half for 10 years , and then gradually increases them during the 11th and 12th years before returning to normal .
This tax break is made available by the Cook County Board as a way of making approved industrial developments competitive with those in collar counties .

Developer renews request of tax break for Hoffman Estates technology park
Former leaders of Rosemont-based Colliers International are renewing their request for a Cook County Class 6B tax incentive for a multi-building, 800,000-square-foot "Hoffman Technology Park" directly north of the imminent Bell Works mixed-use development in Hoffman Estates. Courtesy of Village of Hoffman Estates
Due to delays to both its planned land purchase and construction of a multi-building "Hoffman Technology Park" in Hoffman Estates, a developer is seeking a renewal of the village's recommendation for a Cook County property tax incentive.
The planning, building & zoning committee Monday endorsed the village board's making such a formal recommendation again in a week. Officials said the delays experienced by Hoffman Technology Park LLC were caused by negotiations with its neighboring property owner to the west, Meijer, in coordinating access to the site.
When the village board originally recommended the Class 6B tax incentive last June, the developer expressed hope that the first building could be completed by late summer 2020. But not even the closing of the land purchase has yet occurred.
One of Cook County's criteria for the incentive is that work begin within a year of the local municipality's recommendation.
The 53-acre site lies just north of the pending Bell Works redevelopment of the former AT&T campus along Lakewood Boulevard.
The plans were originally presented last spring by BK Equities, a development firm led by former executives of Rosemont-based Colliers International. But the legal entity overseeing this specific project is now known as Hoffman Technology Park LLC.
The three or four buildings of the park would provide a maximum of 800,000 square feet of space suitable for such uses as manufacturing, service, warehousing, showrooms, offices and research and development for multiple companies.
Representatives of the developer last year emphasized the project's compatibility with neighboring Bell Works, which will feature a mixture of multifamily homes, offices, stores, restaurants and a hotel. In fact, the two developments would share the same leasing broker.
The Cook County incentive the technology park developers seek essentially cuts property taxes in half for 10 years, and then gradually increases them during the 11th and 12th years before returning to normal.
This tax break is made available by the Cook County Board as a way of making approved industrial developments competitive with those in collar counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-10--Park plan kaput at Diamond Lake; Mundelein trustees now seek only environmental improvements

With plans to build a new municipal park at Diamond Lake in the trash bin , Mundelein trustees on Monday voted to set aside an unspecified amount of cash for environmental improvements there .
Funds will be included in the 2021 fiscal year 's budget for site grading , lake dredging , shoreline stabilization and stormwater management efforts on the property , on the lake 's northeast shore near Route 45 and Allanson Road .
Officials also expect to install landscaping elements that would screen nearby residents from light and noise that had been blocked by buildings the village tore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park plan .
The Mundelein board bought the roughly 3-acre site in 2018 , intending to create a lakeside park featuring benches , paths , public art and more .
It was championed by Mayor Steve Lentz , who that summer said it would `` better the whole vibe of the area . ''
The site occupies about 260 feet of Diamond Lake 's shoreline .
Aside from a few Mundelein Park District sites , most of the land around the 153-acre lake is privately owned .
The board hired Kimley-Horn and Associates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to craft the redevelopment plan .
But opposition among the trustees grew after the April 2019 municipal election .
Late last month , a divided board rejected Kimley-Horn 's $ 1.7 million redevelopment proposal .
Some trustees have said they support stabilizing the property 's shoreline and implementing the other proposed landscaping improvements -- but nothing more .
Another , Dawn Abernathy , opposes the park project entirely .
A cost estimate for the environmental work will be determined after engineering designs are completed , according to documents .
Trustees voted 4-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Abernathy cast the lone `` no '' vote .
Trustee Ray Semple was absent .
Village Administrator John Lobaito said officials will seek government grants to help pay for the project .
Mundelein 's 2021 fiscal year begins May 1 .
The budget typically is approved each April , following a series of public planning discussions .

Park plan kaput at Diamond Lake; Mundelein trustees now seek only environmental improvements
With plans to build a new municipal park at Diamond Lake in the trash bin, Mundelein trustees on Monday voted to set aside an unspecified amount of cash for environmental improvements there.
Funds will be included in the 2021 fiscal year's budget for site grading, lake dredging, shoreline stabilization and stormwater management efforts on the property, on the lake's northeast shore near Route 45 and Allanson Road.
Officials also expect to install landscaping elements that would screen nearby residents from light and noise that had been blocked by buildings the village tore down to make way for the now-jettisoned park plan.
The Mundelein board bought the roughly 3-acre site in 2018, intending to create a lakeside park featuring benches, paths, public art and more. It was championed by Mayor Steve Lentz, who that summer said it would "better the whole vibe of the area."
The site occupies about 260 feet of Diamond Lake's shoreline. Aside from a few Mundelein Park District sites, most of the land around the 153-acre lake is privately owned.
The board hired Kimley-Horn and Associates, a Lisle engineering and design firm, to craft the redevelopment plan.
But opposition among the trustees grew after the April 2019 municipal election. Late last month, a divided board rejected Kimley-Horn's $1.7 million redevelopment proposal.
Some trustees have said they support stabilizing the property's shoreline and implementing the other proposed landscaping improvements -- but nothing more. Another, Dawn Abernathy, opposes the park project entirely.
A cost estimate for the environmental work will be determined after engineering designs are completed, according to documents.
Trustees voted 4-1 to set aside funds for the project. Abernathy cast the lone "no" vote. Trustee Ray Semple was absent.
Village Administrator John Lobaito said officials will seek government grants to help pay for the project.
Mundelein's 2021 fiscal year begins May 1. The budget typically is approved each April, following a series of public planning discussions.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-11--Johnson edges Tennys Sandgren in 1st round of New York Open

UNIONDALE , N.Y. -- Steve Johnson edged fellow American Tennys Sandgren 6-7 ( 5 ) , 6-3 , 7-6 ( @ @ @ @ @ in the first round of the New York Open .
It was Sandgren 's first @ @ @ @ @ Federer in the Australian Open quarterfinals .
Sandgren had seven match points but could n't @ @ @ @ @ Slam champion in Melbourne .
The No .
5 seed in this tournament , Sandgren @ @ @ @ @ to victory in this one , as Johnson controlled the decisive tiebreaker .
Johnson had @ @ @ @ @ first round at the Australian Open and earned his first ATP Tour win of the @ @ @ @ @ Monday , No .
6 seed Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia beat American Tommy Paul 6-4 @ @ @ @ @ 's Andreas Seppi outlasted Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina 6-3 , 1-6 , 7-6 ( 6 @ @

Johnson edges Tennys Sandgren in 1st round of New York Open
UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Steve Johnson edged fellow American Tennys Sandgren 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6 (3) on Monday night in the first round of the New York Open.
It was Sandgren's first match since falling to Roger Federer in the Australian Open quarterfinals. Sandgren had seven match points but couldn't put away the 20-time Grand Slam champion in Melbourne.
The No. 5 seed in this tournament, Sandgren didn't get as close to victory in this one, as Johnson controlled the decisive tiebreaker.
Johnson had fallen to Federer in the first round at the Australian Open and earned his first ATP Tour win of the season on Monday.
In another all-American matchup, Jack Sock, once ranked as high as No. 8 but now unranked after an injury-plagued 2019, lost to Marcos Giron 6-3, 6-4 in his first singles match on tour this season.
Also Monday, No. 6 seed Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia beat American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-2; and Italy's Andreas Seppi outlasted Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (6).
___
More AP Tennis: https://www.apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports