dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--McHenry Outdoor Theater set to host graduation ceremonies

Thanks to the power of social media and some creativity from local schools , the McHenry Outdoor Theater will host more than movies after it opens Friday .
Theater owner Scott Dehn said the drive-in will host several stay-in-car graduation events for local schools since the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing crowds from gathering together at schools .
Drive-in theaters are among the list of approved spots for graduation ceremonies by the Illinois State Board of Education .
Dehn said a post on Facebook provided the spark for the idea .
`` If I had a nickel for every time someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ' … , '' Dehn said .
`` This got into the right hands of decision-makers at the schools , and one thing led to another and we got in contact .
I 'm like , 'This could work . '
Everyone can stay in their car and stay safe .
`` We can record the valedictorian 's speech and put it up there ( on the screen ) or senior pictures .
It 's been fun to be creative , and each school has its own unique flavor of how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McHenry Outdoor Theater is east of McHenry on Chapel Hill Road .
Dehn has procedures for movie nights on Fridays and Saturdays that will be used with school ceremonies .
While the drive-in typically can seat 750 cars , only 350 will be allowed in at one time .
That allows cars to be parked 12 to 15 feet apart , farther than normal .
The video will be played on the screen and can be heard in cars over an FM radio frequency .
Dehn is not charging the schools to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel bad .
It 's not these kids ' fault that a pandemic happened , '' he said .
`` So it would be terrible for them not to have something to commemorate their graduation .
At the very least , I 'll bet they will never forget it . ''
McHenry will combine two of its honors nights for both the East and West campuses with a ceremony at the drive-in .
McHenry will call it Distinguished Senior Honors Night and will recognize those students in the Distinguished Warrior Program and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the list for drive-in ceremonies are a group of home-schooled students and eighth grade classes from Landmark Elementary School in McHenry and Big Hollow Middle School in Ingleside .
`` We 're in the process of creating this great video to honor all the seniors , and we will show it at the drive-in and invite families , '' McHenry East principal Jeff Prickett said .
`` We wanted to do something at the drive-in and decided to combine these two great senior events and make them one . ''
Prickett said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 350-car limit .
For those who can not or do not wish to attend , the video will be shared so they can watch along at home .
`` The Distinguished Warrior Program is for those who meet certain criteria for attendance , GPA and community service hours , '' Prickett said .
`` The Senior Honors Night ( honorees ) are seniors who will be receiving scholarships from various local organizations and receiving other opportunities ( for college ) .
We will honor those kids .
`` People saw it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have it at a drive-in theater ? '
McHenry has a drive-in theater , and we thought , 'Let 's try something there . '
`` Prickett said McHenry High School District 156 hopes to have in-person graduations some time in June or July .
If it can not be in-person , there will be a digital option .
Big Hollow Middle School principal Scott Whipple said his administration started thinking outside the box about what they could do for students as the stay-at-home order kept being extended .
`` This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It kind of fell into place .
We reached out to Scott ( Dehn ) at the drive-in , and he was willing to do it for us . ''
Whipple and Superintendent Bob Gold will record messages to start their ceremony May 19 .
The school worked with Ed Clark Photography , which took photos of all the eighth-graders in caps and gowns .
`` We will display the kids ' pictures up on the big screen and have their names on there , '' Whipple said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cheer when their kid 's picture comes up .
We will do other acknowledgments and have some music .
`` We got great responses from the parents .
They were just glad we were able to do something for the kids .
That was the main goal .
We love our kids , and we wanted to do something so they could have a good experience . ''
The drive-in offers an ideal spot where people can remain in their vehicles , yet still see and hear videos .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dehn said .
`` I only show movies currently on Friday and Saturday nights .
That gives me all these week days to do these events for high schools and grade schools . ''

McHenry Outdoor Theater set to host graduation ceremonies
McHenry Outdoor Theater will host several stay-in-car graduation events for local schools since the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing crowds from gathering together at schools. John Starks | Staff Photographer
Thanks to the power of social media and some creativity from local schools, the McHenry Outdoor Theater will host more than movies after it opens Friday.
Theater owner Scott Dehn said the drive-in will host several stay-in-car graduation events for local schools since the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing crowds from gathering together at schools.
Drive-in theaters are among the list of approved spots for graduation ceremonies by the Illinois State Board of Education. Dehn said a post on Facebook provided the spark for the idea.
"If I had a nickel for every time someone sent me something, 'You should do this' …," Dehn said. "This got into the right hands of decision-makers at the schools, and one thing led to another and we got in contact. I'm like, 'This could work.' Everyone can stay in their car and stay safe.
"We can record the valedictorian's speech and put it up there (on the screen) or senior pictures. It's been fun to be creative, and each school has its own unique flavor of how they want to do things."
The McHenry Outdoor Theater is east of McHenry on Chapel Hill Road. Dehn has procedures for movie nights on Fridays and Saturdays that will be used with school ceremonies. While the drive-in typically can seat 750 cars, only 350 will be allowed in at one time. That allows cars to be parked 12 to 15 feet apart, farther than normal.
The video will be played on the screen and can be heard in cars over an FM radio frequency.
Dehn is not charging the schools to use the drive-in for their graduations.
"I feel bad. It's not these kids' fault that a pandemic happened," he said. "So it would be terrible for them not to have something to commemorate their graduation. At the very least, I'll bet they will never forget it."
McHenry will combine two of its honors nights for both the East and West campuses with a ceremony at the drive-in. McHenry will call it Distinguished Senior Honors Night and will recognize those students in the Distinguished Warrior Program and the Senior Honors Night.
Also on the list for drive-in ceremonies are a group of home-schooled students and eighth grade classes from Landmark Elementary School in McHenry and Big Hollow Middle School in Ingleside.
"We're in the process of creating this great video to honor all the seniors, and we will show it at the drive-in and invite families," McHenry East principal Jeff Prickett said. "We wanted to do something at the drive-in and decided to combine these two great senior events and make them one."
Prickett said the crowd for that night will not exceed the 350-car limit. For those who cannot or do not wish to attend, the video will be shared so they can watch along at home.
"The Distinguished Warrior Program is for those who meet certain criteria for attendance, GPA and community service hours," Prickett said. "The Senior Honors Night (honorees) are seniors who will be receiving scholarships from various local organizations and receiving other opportunities (for college). We will honor those kids.
"People saw it on Facebook and said, 'Hey, who not have it at a drive-in theater?' McHenry has a drive-in theater, and we thought, 'Let's try something there.' "
Prickett said McHenry High School District 156 hopes to have in-person graduations some time in June or July. If it cannot be in-person, there will be a digital option.
Big Hollow Middle School principal Scott Whipple said his administration started thinking outside the box about what they could do for students as the stay-at-home order kept being extended.
"This was really a team effort," Whipple said. "It kind of fell into place. We reached out to Scott (Dehn) at the drive-in, and he was willing to do it for us."
Whipple and Superintendent Bob Gold will record messages to start their ceremony May 19. The school worked with Ed Clark Photography, which took photos of all the eighth-graders in caps and gowns.
"We will display the kids' pictures up on the big screen and have their names on there," Whipple said. "We are encouraging the parents to honk and cheer when their kid's picture comes up. We will do other acknowledgments and have some music.
"We got great responses from the parents. They were just glad we were able to do something for the kids. That was the main goal. We love our kids, and we wanted to do something so they could have a good experience."
The drive-in offers an ideal spot where people can remain in their vehicles, yet still see and hear videos.
"This is why it works out so nicely," Dehn said. "I only show movies currently on Friday and Saturday nights. That gives me all these week days to do these events for high schools and grade schools."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Phil's Beach reopening on hold because of COVID-19 crisis

Initially set for Memorial Day weekend , the long-awaited opening of the newly renovated Phil 's Beach in Wauconda has been delayed indefinitely because of the COVID-19 crisis .
`` We are not sure if the facility will open this season , '' said Nancy Burton , executive director of the Wauconda Park District , which owns the site .
The beach -- a formerly privately owned attraction on the western shore of Bangs Lake -- must remain closed because of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's statewide stay-at-home order , which he recently extended until May 30 , officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to teach beach workers how to do their jobs because of that order , Burton said .
`` The earliest we would be able to open Phil 's Beach would be June 20 ( because ) staff training still needs to occur , '' Burton said .
Located north of downtown Wauconda , Phil 's Beach drew families to Bangs Lake starting in the 1920s .
Both the beach and its giant , J-shaped slide were featured in the classic 1980 film `` The Blues Brothers . ''
But the family that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the public in 1990 because of rising insurance costs .
The district bought the property and about one acre on the west side of Main Street from the family in 2016 .
The renovation , which cost an estimated $ 3 million , began in April 2019 .
A splash park , a picnic pavilion , a boardwalk and a bath house with changing rooms and showers are among the amenities that have been built .
The land on the other side of Main Street will be used for parking .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district has suspended the sale of seasonal beach passes .
If the beach opens this season , officials may consider selling only daily admission passes , Burton said .
Burton noted many aquatic facilities wo n't open this summer because of the pandemic .
District leaders are closely monitoring the COVID-19 crisis and will adhere to any directives from Pritzker , the Illinois Department of Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` The health and safety of our patrons and staff are our number one priority , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and supported the Phil 's Beach project from its inception , Burton said , and she knows people will be disappointed if the beach does n't open this summer .
But Burton is confident it will open , sooner or later .
`` Phil 's Beach will always be here , '' she said .
`` We just have to wait a little longer before we celebrate the reopening of it . ''

Phil's Beach reopening on hold because of COVID-19 crisis
The renovated Phil's Beach won't open as scheduled this month in Wauconda because of the COVID-19 crisis. Courtesy of Wauconda Park District
Initially set for Memorial Day weekend, the long-awaited opening of the newly renovated Phil's Beach in Wauconda has been delayed indefinitely because of the COVID-19 crisis.
"We are not sure if the facility will open this season," said Nancy Burton, executive director of the Wauconda Park District, which owns the site.
The beach -- a formerly privately owned attraction on the western shore of Bangs Lake -- must remain closed because of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's statewide stay-at-home order, which he recently extended until May 30, officials said.
The district hasn't even been able to teach beach workers how to do their jobs because of that order, Burton said.
"The earliest we would be able to open Phil's Beach would be June 20 (because) staff training still needs to occur," Burton said.
The master plan map for the new Phil's Beach in Wauconda, which was to open to the public this month. - Courtesy of Wauconda Park District
Located north of downtown Wauconda, Phil's Beach drew families to Bangs Lake starting in the 1920s. Both the beach and its giant, J-shaped slide were featured in the classic 1980 film "The Blues Brothers."
But the family that owned and operated the beach closed it to the public in 1990 because of rising insurance costs.
The district bought the property and about one acre on the west side of Main Street from the family in 2016. The renovation, which cost an estimated $3 million, began in April 2019.
A splash park, a picnic pavilion, a boardwalk and a bath house with changing rooms and showers are among the amenities that have been built. The land on the other side of Main Street will be used for parking.
With the beach's opening uncertain, the district has suspended the sale of seasonal beach passes. If the beach opens this season, officials may consider selling only daily admission passes, Burton said.
Burton noted many aquatic facilities won't open this summer because of the pandemic. District leaders are closely monitoring the COVID-19 crisis and will adhere to any directives from Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The health and safety of our patrons and staff are our number one priority," Burton said.
Wauconda's renovated Phil's Beach, shown here from Bangs Lake, won't open as scheduled this month because of the COVID-19 crisis. - Courtesy of Wauconda Park District
The community has embraced and supported the Phil's Beach project from its inception, Burton said, and she knows people will be disappointed if the beach doesn't open this summer.
But Burton is confident it will open, sooner or later.
"Phil's Beach will always be here," she said. "We just have to wait a little longer before we celebrate the reopening of it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--2 swans found dead in pen at Itasca business park

Two swans were killed , most likely by a coyote or fox , after they were left in an outdoor pen at an Itasca business park .
Cathy Pollack says she was walking her dog about 6:30 a.m. Friday at the Hamilton Lakes business park when she came upon the `` horrible '' scene .
The swans that had been placed in an enclosure next to one of the ponds were brutally attacked , she said .
`` I started crying , '' said Pollack , who lives in Elk Grove Village .
`` These things did n't have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their lives .
There were feathers and blood all over .
They were massacred . ''
Pollack , who works as a biologist at the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service , said she believes a coyote or fox jumped over the plastic fence and attacked the birds overnight .
Swans typically sleep in the middle of ponds for protection from predators .
But Pollack said these could n't flee to water because they were in the pen and could n't fly because their wings were clipped .
`` They had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They were like sitting ducks , which is what upsets me . ''
Calls to Hamilton Partners , which owns the business park , were not returned .
Itasca police said they received a call about the swans , but a report was n't filed .
Security personnel at the business park told police they would take care of it .
Pollack said swans were put in ponds at the business park around the end of April .
She said the two that were killed had been in the pen for three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear why .
`` With all the sadness going around in the times we have , I , nor anyone else in this community , needed to see this first thing in the morning , '' Pollack said .
She said the decision to pen the swans `` most likely ( was ) caused by someone not knowing what they are doing with these live animals . ''

2 swans found dead in pen at Itasca business park
Two swans were killed, most likely by a coyote or fox, after they were left in an outdoor pen at an Itasca business park.
Cathy Pollack says she was walking her dog about 6:30 a.m. Friday at the Hamilton Lakes business park when she came upon the "horrible" scene. The swans that had been placed in an enclosure next to one of the ponds were brutally attacked, she said.
"I started crying," said Pollack, who lives in Elk Grove Village. "These things didn't have a chance. You can tell they fought for their lives. There were feathers and blood all over. They were massacred."
Pollack, who works as a biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said she believes a coyote or fox jumped over the plastic fence and attacked the birds overnight.
Swans typically sleep in the middle of ponds for protection from predators. But Pollack said these couldn't flee to water because they were in the pen and couldn't fly because their wings were clipped.
"They had no fighting chance," she said. "They were like sitting ducks, which is what upsets me."
Calls to Hamilton Partners, which owns the business park, were not returned.
Itasca police said they received a call about the swans, but a report wasn't filed. Security personnel at the business park told police they would take care of it.
Pollack said swans were put in ponds at the business park around the end of April. She said the two that were killed had been in the pen for three or four days, although it's unclear why.
"With all the sadness going around in the times we have, I, nor anyone else in this community, needed to see this first thing in the morning," Pollack said.
She said the decision to pen the swans "most likely (was) caused by someone not knowing what they are doing with these live animals."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Arlington Heights cancels summer concerts, art show

Arlington Heights officials announced the downtown Sounds of Summer concert series and Promenade of Art event are canceled due to @ @ @ @ @ , the village will not accept any community event applications for races and other events @ @ @ @ @ for neighborhood block parties for June or July , officials said .
`` These decisions @ @ @ @ @ of many factors including the mandates of Governor Pritzker 's just published 5-Phase Restore Illinois @ @ @ @ @ the health and safety of our community , '' Mayor Tom Hayes said in a @ @ @ @ @ data we are seeing has shown that social distancing is essential to slowing the spread @ @ @ @ @ Having large-scale events that attract crowds raises concern about possibly exposing our citizens to this @ @ @ @ @ 4 of that plan would limit gatherings to 50 or fewer people .
Village officials @ @ @ @ @ scenario , that phase would extend through the summer concert and festival season .

Arlington Heights cancels summer concerts, art show
The annual Sounds of Summer concert series in Harmony Park is canceled for this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, village officials said. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights officials announced the downtown Sounds of Summer concert series and Promenade of Art event are canceled due to COVID-19 health concerns.
Also, the village will not accept any community event applications for races and other events through June, or applications for neighborhood block parties for June or July, officials said.
"These decisions were made after careful consideration of many factors including the mandates of Governor Pritzker's just published 5-Phase Restore Illinois Regional Plan, but primarily the health and safety of our community," Mayor Tom Hayes said in a news release. "The data we are seeing has shown that social distancing is essential to slowing the spread of this contagious virus. Having large-scale events that attract crowds raises concern about possibly exposing our citizens to this contagious virus."
Phase 4 of that plan would limit gatherings to 50 or fewer people. Village officials say under the best case scenario, that phase would extend through the summer concert and festival season.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Kevin Farris joins Sound Check livestream concert series at 7 p.m. Friday

The news just broke that the local live music scene looks to be on an extended hiatus well into the summer .
So now more than ever , we need our entertainment to help keep us sane .
Mount Prospect singer-songwriter Kevin Farris aims to help scratch that itch when he joins us for Chicago Sound Check 's livestream concert series on Instagram Live ( instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck ) at 7 p.m. Friday .
Friday , May 8 , sponsored by the Daily Herald , White Claw and Mike 's Hard Lemonade .
Farris , a native of Arlington Heights who some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was recently seen blasting through the blind audition rounds on NBC 's `` The Voice '' and landing a slot on Team Jonas .
Now back home , the artist and preschool music educator is facing all-too-common challenges stemming from the COVID quarantines and venue shutdowns -- a summer tour canceled , as well as some scheduled local gigs .
`` After 'The Voice , ' I wanted to do a big Chicago show for friends and family and people that may have tuned in and been interested in the excerpt done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But obviously all of that has changed . ''
Leaning into the new normal , the 33-year-old musician found different outlets for his creativity and his job .
`` My plan is just to adapt as best I can , '' he said , `` because I think you have two options : You just curl up in a ball and say 'Woe is me , ' or you kind of adapt to the situation , try to maintain as much momentum as possible now .
I 'm choosing the latter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ performances , has moved his virtual teaching online at the request of some students and is spending time recording new music in his home studio , getting it ready to send out for mixing and mastering .
He 'll share some of his music , as well as chatting about his projects and his time on `` The Voice , '' when he joins us on Instagram Live ( instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck ) at 7 p.m. Friday .

Kevin Farris joins Sound Check livestream concert series at 7 p.m. Friday
Northwest suburban singer-songwriter Kevin Farris joins us for the second episode of Chicago Sound Check's livestream concert series Friday, May 8. Courtesy of Kevin Farris
Northwest suburban singer-songwriter Kevin Farris joins us for the second episode of Chicago Sound Check's livestream concert series Friday, May 8. Courtesy of Kevin Farris
The news just broke that the local live music scene looks to be on an extended hiatus well into the summer.
So now more than ever, we need our entertainment to help keep us sane.
Mount Prospect singer-songwriter Kevin Farris aims to help scratch that itch when he joins us for Chicago Sound Check's livestream concert series on Instagram Live (instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck) at 7 p.m. Friday. Friday, May 8, sponsored by the Daily Herald, White Claw and Mike's Hard Lemonade.
Farris, a native of Arlington Heights who some may remember from the rock band Coventry, was recently seen blasting through the blind audition rounds on NBC's "The Voice" and landing a slot on Team Jonas.
Now back home, the artist and preschool music educator is facing all-too-common challenges stemming from the COVID quarantines and venue shutdowns -- a summer tour canceled, as well as some scheduled local gigs.
"After 'The Voice,' I wanted to do a big Chicago show for friends and family and people that may have tuned in and been interested in the excerpt done on me," Farris said. "But obviously all of that has changed."
Leaning into the new normal, the 33-year-old musician found different outlets for his creativity and his job.
"My plan is just to adapt as best I can," he said, "because I think you have two options: You just curl up in a ball and say 'Woe is me,' or you kind of adapt to the situation, try to maintain as much momentum as possible now. I'm choosing the latter."
Farris has taken to some livestream performances, has moved his virtual teaching online at the request of some students and is spending time recording new music in his home studio, getting it ready to send out for mixing and mastering. He'll share some of his music, as well as chatting about his projects and his time on "The Voice," when he joins us on Instagram Live (instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck) at 7 p.m. Friday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--ComEd holds surprise car parade for employee retiring after 35 years

ComEd employees held a surprise car parade this morning to celebrate employee Michael Hennessey 's retirement .
Hennessey , who works as a transmission and substation crew leader in Lombard , has worked for ComEd for 35 years .
Family , friends and colleagues gathered together , while complying with social distancing guidelines , to drive around the ComEd Glenbard Headquarters , 1N423 Swift Road in Lombard , where Hennessey .
The ComEd vehicles honked and people gave a thumbs-up in support of Hennessey and his years of service .
Over 20 cars participated in the parade , said ComEd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put this together for Michael , '' Meesenburg said , adding that a traditional send off with employees gathered together with food could n't happen because of the COID-19 pandemic .
`` It was such a creative way to honor him .
They sent an invitation to people he 's worked with in the past and on his team . ''
To close out his last day at work , Hennessey was very surprised and happy to celebrate , Meesenburg said .
`` He was n't expecting it .
The ComEd trucks turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles , there were happy retirement signs and someone even dressed up in a dinosaur costume , '' Meesenburg said .
Hennessey received a special American flag picture as a gift from ComEd 's Transmission and Substation department .
The picture , Meesenburg explained , represents a ComEd substation like the one where Hennessey worked .
For the last year , ComEd had gifted these pictures to employees who retire from this department .

ComEd holds surprise car parade for employee retiring after 35 years
ComEd employee Michael Hennessey enjoyed a retirement car parade to honor his 35 years of service to the company. Someone even dressed up as a dinosaur! Now that's a party.
ComEd employee Michael Hennessey enjoyed a retirement car parade to honor his 35 years of service to the company. Colleagues decorated their ComEd vehicles to surprise Hennessey on his last day.
ComEd employee Michael Hennessey enjoyed a retirement car parade to honor his 35 years of service to the company. This American flag picture was a retirement gift from the Transmission and Substation department at ComEd.
ComEd employees held a surprise car parade this morning to celebrate employee Michael Hennessey's retirement. Hennessey, who works as a transmission and substation crew leader in Lombard, has worked for ComEd for 35 years.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered together, while complying with social distancing guidelines, to drive around the ComEd Glenbard Headquarters, 1N423 Swift Road in Lombard, where Hennessey. The ComEd vehicles honked and people gave a thumbs-up in support of Hennessey and his years of service. Over 20 cars participated in the parade, said ComEd spokesperson Cristina Meesenburg.
"ComEd employees put this together for Michael," Meesenburg said, adding that a traditional send off with employees gathered together with food couldn't happen because of the COID-19 pandemic. "It was such a creative way to honor him. They sent an invitation to people he's worked with in the past and on his team."
To close out his last day at work, Hennessey was very surprised and happy to celebrate, Meesenburg said.
"He wasn't expecting it. The ComEd trucks turned on the lights on top of their vehicles, there were happy retirement signs and someone even dressed up in a dinosaur costume," Meesenburg said.
Hennessey received a special American flag picture as a gift from ComEd's Transmission and Substation department. The picture, Meesenburg explained, represents a ComEd substation like the one where Hennessey worked. For the last year, ComEd had gifted these pictures to employees who retire from this department.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Community rallies around Geneva nursing home hit hard by COVID-19

For the last few weeks , grief has overwhelmed the residents and employees of Bria of Geneva , one of the suburban nursing homes hit hardest by the coronavirus crisis .
A total of 114 COVID-19 cases -- 77 residents and 37 staff members -- have been reported at the long-term care facility since its first diagnosis April 17 , Administrator Patti Long said .
Though a majority of those infected have recovered or are improving , she said , 21 have died as of Friday , casting waves of sorrow over the building .
`` We 've lost a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , '' Long said .
`` It 's a challenging time .
This is something I do n't think anyone expected to go through . ''
The silver lining in an otherwise devastating storm has been the outpouring of support from families and community members , she said , some of whom have no connection to the facility at 1101 E. State St .
Among them is Jennifer Siegele , who has lived near BRIA of Geneva for 23 years and wanted `` to show that we 're thinking of them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ donated three boxes of food , as well as a poster containing positive messages from about 20 community members .
That same group is now planning to drop off flowers and cards to residents this weekend in honor of Mother 's Day , she said , and they 'll continue brainstorming new ideas in the weeks to come .
`` They 've been going through so much there , '' Siegele said .
`` I just wanted to make sure they knew that the town had their back . ''
The community assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members -- even of those who have died -- have dropped off water , Gatorade and meals for employees almost daily , Long said .
Cheerful cards , posters and emails have been hung on the walls .
An Elburn woman who read about the nursing home 's woes offered to have baked goods delivered Saturday .
With no visitors allowed during the stay-at-home order , employees also have been helping residents connect with their loved ones over FaceTime or through `` window visits . ''
In times of great sorrow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much a sweet gesture , even from a stranger , can brighten their days .
Of the residents who tested positive for COVID-19 , 39 cases have been `` resolved , '' 13 are still being monitored and a handful are in the hospital , Long said .
Sixteen of the 37 staff members who had the virus were asymptomatic , she added .
Nineteen have been cleared to return to work .

Community rallies around Geneva nursing home hit hard by COVID-19
Jennifer Siegele, a Geneva resident, is organizing efforts to support the staff and residents of Bria of Geneva, a nursing home hit hard by the coronavirus crisis. Courtesy of Jennifer Siegele
For the last few weeks, grief has overwhelmed the residents and employees of Bria of Geneva, one of the suburban nursing homes hit hardest by the coronavirus crisis.
A total of 114 COVID-19 cases -- 77 residents and 37 staff members -- have been reported at the long-term care facility since its first diagnosis April 17, Administrator Patti Long said. Though a majority of those infected have recovered or are improving, she said, 21 have died as of Friday, casting waves of sorrow over the building.
"We've lost a lot of residents here who we consider family," Long said. "It's a challenging time. This is something I don't think anyone expected to go through."
The silver lining in an otherwise devastating storm has been the outpouring of support from families and community members, she said, some of whom have no connection to the facility at 1101 E. State St.
Among them is Jennifer Siegele, who has lived near BRIA of Geneva for 23 years and wanted "to show that we're thinking of them."
This week, she collected and donated three boxes of food, as well as a poster containing positive messages from about 20 community members. That same group is now planning to drop off flowers and cards to residents this weekend in honor of Mother's Day, she said, and they'll continue brainstorming new ideas in the weeks to come.
"They've been going through so much there," Siegele said. "I just wanted to make sure they knew that the town had their back."
The community assistance doesn't end there. Residents' family members -- even of those who have died -- have dropped off water, Gatorade and meals for employees almost daily, Long said. Cheerful cards, posters and emails have been hung on the walls. An Elburn woman who read about the nursing home's woes offered to have baked goods delivered Saturday.
With no visitors allowed during the stay-at-home order, employees also have been helping residents connect with their loved ones over FaceTime or through "window visits."
In times of great sorrow, Long said, it's amazing how much a sweet gesture, even from a stranger, can brighten their days.
Of the residents who tested positive for COVID-19, 39 cases have been "resolved," 13 are still being monitored and a handful are in the hospital, Long said.
Sixteen of the 37 staff members who had the virus were asymptomatic, she added. Nineteen have been cleared to return to work.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Naperville gym owner to Pritzker: Small gyms are essential and should reopen

A Naperville gym owner is making the case to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker that his business and others like it should be considered essential and allowed to reopen .
Sean Hastings , owner of Revolution Fitness , sent Pritzker a letter Thursday outlining the reasons small fitness businesses are essential in the realm of preventive physical and mental health .
Hastings said his gym provides small-group coaching in Crossfit , Spartan SGX and functional techniques , which work to prevent illness and injury by helping clients move better and reduce pain .
Coaches and members share nutrition advice and build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strengthens mental well-being , he said .
`` The services we provide combat metabolic syndrome which leads to the kinds of comorbidities -- diabetes and hypertension -- more commonly found in hospitalized COVID-19 patients , '' Hastings said in his letter .
Hastings also started a petition on change.org called Gyms are Essential -- Illinois .
The petition has 637 signatures asking for boutique gyms to reopen .
`` As far as the small boutique gym community is concerned , we offer preventive health , '' Hastings said in a phone interview .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are an essential means to achieve it -- especially because many people do n't exercise alone .
`` A lot of people do n't know how to come up with a plan .
A lot of people do n't have the motivation to stick with it , '' he said .
Online fitness classes provide some guidance and motivation and Hastings said he offers three free classes a day on Zoom .
But many people might not undertake the high-intensity movements of Crossfit , which Hastings said `` is all about keeping your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only cardio endurance , but we also build muscle and joint health , and at the bottom of that pyramid is nutrition , '' he said .
`` It 's hard to get all that stuff online . ''
Hastings ' gym had about 120 members paying between $ 80 and $ 160 a month for memberships before the stay-at-home orders began .
He said he 's asked his members to stick with him -- and keep paying regular dues -- and he has loaned much of the gym 's equipment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 .
Still , he worries about the future of his business .
Hastings said he also has reached out to other elected officials and found a receptive ear from Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico and state Rep. Grant Wehrli .
Chirico and Wehrli both are asking for DuPage County 's reopening to be approached differently than Cook County 's or Chicago 's based on COVID-19 case counts and hospital capacity .

Naperville gym owner to Pritzker: Small gyms are essential and should reopen
A Naperville gym owner is making the case to Gov. J.B. Pritzker that his business and others like it should be considered essential and allowed to reopen.
Sean Hastings, owner of Revolution Fitness, sent Pritzker a letter Thursday outlining the reasons small fitness businesses are essential in the realm of preventive physical and mental health.
Hastings said his gym provides small-group coaching in Crossfit, Spartan SGX and functional techniques, which work to prevent illness and injury by helping clients move better and reduce pain. Coaches and members share nutrition advice and build a social connection that increases motivation and strengthens mental well-being, he said.
"The services we provide combat metabolic syndrome which leads to the kinds of comorbidities -- diabetes and hypertension -- more commonly found in hospitalized COVID-19 patients," Hastings said in his letter.
Hastings also started a petition on change.org called Gyms are Essential -- Illinois. The petition has 637 signatures asking for boutique gyms to reopen.
"As far as the small boutique gym community is concerned, we offer preventive health," Hastings said in a phone interview. He said exercise is essential and gyms are an essential means to achieve it -- especially because many people don't exercise alone.
"A lot of people don't know how to come up with a plan. A lot of people don't have the motivation to stick with it," he said.
Online fitness classes provide some guidance and motivation and Hastings said he offers three free classes a day on Zoom. But many people might not undertake the high-intensity movements of Crossfit, which Hastings said "is all about keeping your body guessing."
"We build not only cardio endurance, but we also build muscle and joint health, and at the bottom of that pyramid is nutrition," he said. "It's hard to get all that stuff online."
Hastings' gym had about 120 members paying between $80 and $160 a month for memberships before the stay-at-home orders began.
He said he's asked his members to stick with him -- and keep paying regular dues -- and he has loaned much of the gym's equipment to those who have, who number about 100. Still, he worries about the future of his business.
Hastings said he also has reached out to other elected officials and found a receptive ear from Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico and state Rep. Grant Wehrli.
Chirico and Wehrli both are asking for DuPage County's reopening to be approached differently than Cook County's or Chicago's based on COVID-19 case counts and hospital capacity.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Elinor Richoz of Elgin remembered for love of life, civic involvement

Lifelong Elgin resident Elinor Richoz , known as `` The First Lady of Elgin , '' was remembered for her civic involvement and her love of life , family and friends .
Richoz died Tuesday at age 95 at The Vines Senior Homes in Elgin , where she had enjoyed friendships and sitting by the window to watch airplanes , deer and birds , said her daughter Pam Groth of Elgin .
`` She was always happy-go-lucky , '' she said .
Richoz was born at Sherman Hospital in Elgin and graduated from Elgin High School in 1942 .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by her dad in a horse-drawn sleigh on snowy days , and seeing her grandmother 's house being destroyed by a tornado when she was a little girl .
She was married to Arthur E. Richoz , a World War II veteran , for 65 years until he died in 2008 .
Richoz received a citizenship award from Elgin 's image advisory commission in 2015 , and was recognized by the city for her work on the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park committee and the Elgin police citizen advisory committee .
The couple were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to drive by the homes of city council members to ensure they had U.S. flags in their yards before voting for them , Elgin Mayor David Kaptain said .
The Richozes regularly attended city council meetings , where they had their own chairs .
`` They were very nice people , '' Kaptain said .
`` Elinor used to call me and if I did something good or bad , she 'd let me know . ''
She attended council meetings even while using a wheelchair until a few years ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 'd ask her , 'Mom , are you sure you want to go ? '
'' her daughter said .
`` And she would say yes .
She did n't want to miss . ''
Richoz was active in the VFW and American Legion auxiliaries , the Blackhawk Homeowners Association and the Elgin Woman 's Club , and was a member of Senior Services Associates in Elgin , among others .
She was primarily a homemaker , but also held jobs at a garment factory and taught sewing at St. John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both in Elgin .
She sewed clothes for herself and her husband , and made dresses for her granddaughters and their dolls , and for her daughter 's wedding .
She loved gardening , bringing flowers to friends and making blueberry pies , and was a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir at St. John 's Lutheran Church in Elgin .
At The Vines , she listened to Immanuel Lutheran Church services on Elgin 's AM radio WRMN .
Other relatives include her son , Arthur `` Arch '' V. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four great grandchildren who gave her immense joy , her daughter said .
Visitation and funeral services will be held at a later date , possibly in June .
People can submit written condolences and memories at symondsmadison.com and video messages until June 5 for a memorial tribute at tribute.co/elinorrichoz .

Elinor Richoz of Elgin remembered for love of life, civic involvement
Lifelong Elgin resident Elinor Richoz was honored with a citizenship award by Elgin's image advisory commission in 2015. She died Tuesday at age 95. COURTESY OF AARON COSENTINO/CITY OF ELGIN
Lifelong Elgin resident Elinor Richoz, known as "The First Lady of Elgin," was remembered for her civic involvement and her love of life, family and friends.
Richoz died Tuesday at age 95 at The Vines Senior Homes in Elgin, where she had enjoyed friendships and sitting by the window to watch airplanes, deer and birds, said her daughter Pam Groth of Elgin. "She was always happy-go-lucky," she said.
Richoz was born at Sherman Hospital in Elgin and graduated from Elgin High School in 1942. She told stories of being taken to school by her dad in a horse-drawn sleigh on snowy days, and seeing her grandmother's house being destroyed by a tornado when she was a little girl.
She was married to Arthur E. Richoz, a World War II veteran, for 65 years until he died in 2008.
Richoz received a citizenship award from Elgin's image advisory commission in 2015 and was recognized by the city for her work on the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park committee and the Elgin police citizen advisory committee.
The couple were active supporters of veterans' causes and used to drive by the homes of city council members to ensure they had U.S. flags in their yards before voting for them, Elgin Mayor David Kaptain said. The Richozes regularly attended city council meetings, where they had their own chairs.
"They were very nice people," Kaptain said. "Elinor used to call me and if I did something good or bad, she'd let me know."
She attended council meetings even while using a wheelchair until a few years ago.
"It would be raining or snowing and I'd ask her, 'Mom, are you sure you want to go?'" her daughter said. "And she would say yes. She didn't want to miss."
Richoz was active in the VFW and American Legion auxiliaries, the Blackhawk Homeowners Association and the Elgin Woman's Club, and she was a member of Senior Services Associates in Elgin, among others.
She was primarily a homemaker, but she also held jobs at a garment factory and taught sewing at St. John's Lutheran School and the Singers store, both in Elgin. She sewed clothes for herself and her husband, and made dresses for her granddaughters and their dolls, and for her daughter's wedding.
She loved gardening, bringing flowers to friends and making blueberry pies, and was a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir at St. John's Lutheran Church in Elgin. At The Vines, she listened to Immanuel Lutheran Church services on Elgin's AM radio WRMN.
Other relatives include her son, Arthur "Arch" V. Richoz of DeKalb, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren who gave her immense joy, her daughter said.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at a later date, possibly in June. People can submit written condolences and memories at symondsmadison.com and video messages until June 5 for a memorial tribute at tribute.co/elinorrichoz.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Millburn students parade for teachers at Gurnee Mills

Millburn Elementary District 24 students and families followed a circuitous parade route in their cars while greeting their teachers at the Gurnee Mills mall parking lot Friday .
Teachers parked their cars with at least one space between them , then stood outside to wave to families as they drove past .
`` This is a good thing for our morale and culture , for our community to kind of come together and support each other during this time , '' said Ben Walshire , who is principal of the single-school , 1,200-student district .
Walshire , who was wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families as they entered the parking lot .
Many students held signs reading `` We miss you . ''
Third-grade teacher Meghan Konicki said students and teachers meet virtually for classroom instruction several times a week on Zoom , but it was nice that they were able to see each other in person .
`` We desperately miss them and ca n't wait to get back to school , '' Konicki said .
Because District 24 is spread out geographically , the district contacted Gurnee Mills so the event could take place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walshire said 150 to 160 staff members had RSVP 'd to participate in the event .

Millburn students parade for teachers at Gurnee Mills
Millburn Elementary District 24 students and families followed a circuitous parade route in their cars while greeting their teachers at the Gurnee Mills mall parking lot Friday.
Teachers parked their cars with at least one space between them, then stood outside to wave to families as they drove past.
"This is a good thing for our morale and culture, for our community to kind of come together and support each other during this time," said Ben Walshire, who is principal of the single-school, 1,200-student district.
Walshire, who was wearing a partial Darth Vader costume, welcomed families as they entered the parking lot.
Many students held signs reading "We miss you."
Third-grade teacher Meghan Konicki said students and teachers meet virtually for classroom instruction several times a week on Zoom, but it was nice that they were able to see each other in person.
"We desperately miss them and can't wait to get back to school," Konicki said.
Because District 24 is spread out geographically, the district contacted Gurnee Mills so the event could take place in a centralized location, Walshire said.
Walshire said 150 to 160 staff members had RSVP'd to participate in the event.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--New roof, solar panels to be installed at Woodland Intermediate as soon as June

The Woodland District 50 school board approved a $ 317,200 plan to install a new roof and solar panels atop Woodland Intermediate School in Gurnee .
The panels were originally going to be installed on the school grounds , but Chris Bobek , the district 's associate superintendent of business services , said that when the school district went to the village 's zoning board earlier in the spring , several members opposed the plan .
`` The village likes the roofing solution a lot better , '' Bobek told the school board Wednesday night at a remote meeting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the loss of fields for students under the ground-mount plan . ''
The school district has been working with Siemens Industry Inc. for about two years to install solar panels at several buildings .
The roof on Woodland Intermediate is about 20 years old and about five years from needing to be replaced , so school district and Siemens officials initially decided it would be prudent to install the panels on the school grounds .
Bobek said once Siemens officials heard there was opposition to the plan , they offered to split the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodland Intermediate with the district .
Had the panels been on the ground , the district would not have needed to pay for installation .
Under the plan , Siemens will own , operate and maintain the solar panels , while District 50 will purchase the energy at a fixed bundled rate significantly lower than what it now pays .
Officials expect the plan to save the district more than $ 4.3 million over 20 years .
`` I think this is the best possible outcome , '' board member Joe De Ross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial savings just from the solar were already going to be a really great plus , but now having half the roof taken care of by Siemens , that was eventually going to be a much greater cost for the district . ''
The solar panels will be incorporated into the curriculum .
Bobek said Wednesday that if Siemens officials are able to get the proper permits in time , the roof replacement work could start as soon as early June .

New roof, solar panels to be installed at Woodland Intermediate as soon as June
A new roof and solar panels will be installed on Woodland Intermediate School off Hunt Club Road in Gurnee this summer. Daily Herald file photo
The Woodland District 50 school board approved a $317,200 plan to install a new roof and solar panels atop Woodland Intermediate School in Gurnee.
The panels were originally going to be installed on the school grounds, but Chris Bobek, the district's associate superintendent of business services, said that when the school district went to the village's zoning board earlier in the spring, several members opposed the plan.
"The village likes the roofing solution a lot better," Bobek told the school board Wednesday night at a remote meeting. "They had concerns about safety and the loss of fields for students under the ground-mount plan."
The school district has been working with Siemens Industry Inc. for about two years to install solar panels at several buildings. The roof on Woodland Intermediate is about 20 years old and about five years from needing to be replaced, so school district and Siemens officials initially decided it would be prudent to install the panels on the school grounds.
Bobek said once Siemens officials heard there was opposition to the plan, they offered to split the cost of building a new roof on Woodland Intermediate with the district. Had the panels been on the ground, the district would not have needed to pay for installation.
Under the plan, Siemens will own, operate and maintain the solar panels, while District 50 will purchase the energy at a fixed bundled rate significantly lower than what it now pays. Officials expect the plan to save the district more than $4.3 million over 20 years.
"I think this is the best possible outcome," board member Joe De Ross said at the meeting. "The financial savings just from the solar were already going to be a really great plus, but now having half the roof taken care of by Siemens, that was eventually going to be a much greater cost for the district."
The solar panels will be incorporated into the curriculum.
Bobek said Wednesday that if Siemens officials are able to get the proper permits in time, the roof replacement work could start as soon as early June.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Three men rob Elk Grove convenience store

Three men robbed a 7-Eleven at gunpoint early Wednesday in Elk Grove Village .
According to police reports , at @ @ @ @ @ men entered the business on the 900 block of South Arlington Heights Road and a @ @ @ @ @ left with cigarettes , cash , food and drink .
Police said the value of @ @ @ @ @ 4,335 .

Three men rob Elk Grove convenience store
Three men robbed a 7-Eleven at gunpoint early Wednesday in Elk Grove Village.
According to police reports, at 4:31 a.m. Wednesday, the men entered the business on the 900 block of South Arlington Heights Road and a handgun was displayed.
They left with cigarettes, cash, food and drink. Police said the value of the items stolen was $4,335.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Girls track and field: Glenbard West's Hart, others miss out on more success

It came to this -- arguably Illinois ' best female high school distance runner ever , running a time trial on a nearly empty track in a wide-open field with no spectators .
On May 1 Glenbard West senior Katelynne Hart ran 1,600 meters in 4 minutes , 42 seconds `` for myself '' at Wheaton Academy , which owns the rare track that is not fenced-in .
With the COVID-19 pandemic ending the girls track season all training is now personal .
Headed to the University of Michigan , Hart has to stay sharp .
The senior sought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the `` triple crown '' -- titles in cross country and both the 1,600 and 3,200 -- all four years .
`` Yeah , definitely disappointing .
Again , though , safety is definitely the biggest priority , '' Hart said .
Consider that the top six finishers in the 2019 Class 3A 800-meter finals -- Hart , Lakes ' Olivia Schmitt , Downers Grove South 's Erin Riedy , Glenbard West 's Audrey Allman , Hoffman Estates ' Janae Dean , Oswego 's Ella Hale -- were returning .
So were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- Hart , Hinsdale Central 's Emma Watcke , Barrington 's Alyssa Norris , Lakes ' Brooke Stromsland , Wheaton Warrenville South 's Sam Poglitsch .
In the 3,200 , Stromsland trailed only Hart .
`` It 's definitely a bummer and I think that 's kind of why I 've done some time trials , to at least get some closure for myself .
But I definitely would have liked to get to race against them , '' Hart said .
There 's senior success denied everywhere you look .
Aurora Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Class 1A 100- and 200-meter dashes .
Top returners from last year 's Class 3A state finals included Antioch 100-meter sprinter Ayanna Tommy , Hinsdale Central shot putter Dior Nicholson and West Aurora pole vaulter Abbey Kuhn .
Hersey senior discus thrower Janine Boyan , too .
She took fourth place in Class 3A at 129-9 last season .
She 'll throw at the College of Charleston in South Carolina .
`` It 's disappointing because I worked so hard for three and a half years and now I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand why .
It 's lucky for me that I have college to look forward to , because I know some senior athletes are not as lucky to be continuing their sport in the fall , '' Boyan said .
`` I was very frustrated when they canceled everything .
At first it was just going to be two weeks with no sports , then school gets canceled and graduation gets postponed .
The seniors especially are struggling because it 's their last two months of high school and now we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with but everyone 's trying do stuff virtually and keep connected with everyone .
I guess that 's good . ''
Barrington coach Jody Gitelis has sent many emails .
One must have been painful to receive , about collecting uniforms on May 11 .
`` At least track and field got to wear them four times ( indoors ) , '' Gitelis said .
From a fourth-place Class 3A 3,200 relay she returned Molly Fitzpatrick , Kathleen Baker , Anne Berquist and the Illinois-bound Norris .
Gitelis was looking forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance mix before she runs at Brown .
Gitelis , whose 33rd year as Barrington 's coach just petered out , brought up a good point .
`` Everybody was like , the seniors , the seniors , the seniors , '' she said .
`` Yeah , I get it , but what about the juniors ? ''
The junior spring of Neuqua Valley 's Riley Ammenhauser had historic ramifications .
After winning the Class 3A triple jump her freshman and sophomore years , then recording the nation 's third-longest indoor jump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inches on Feb. 28 at Plainfield North -- she was aiming to become the state 's first four-time triple jump champion , female or male .
`` I ca n't really do anything about what 's happening , so I 'm trying to stay optimistic about everything , still trying to stay active and trying to get all my school work done since it 's online , '' said Ammenhauser , a Division I recruit hoping to compete in the Illinois Meet of Champions in June and the New Balance Nationals in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held .
`` Since I wo n't be a four-time champion anymore , I am in my head , '' she said .
`` I think positive , since I did have the highest ( Illinois ) ranking at the end of the season .
Since I could n't win it , my goal is to be a three-time ( champ ) , I guess . ''

Girls track and field: Glenbard West's Hart, others miss out on more success
It came to this -- arguably Illinois' best female high school distance runner ever, running a time trial on a nearly empty track in a wide-open field with no spectators.
On May 1 Glenbard West senior Katelynne Hart ran 1,600 meters in 4 minutes, 42 seconds "for myself" at Wheaton Academy, which owns the rare track that is not fenced-in.
With the COVID-19 pandemic ending the girls track season all training is now personal. Headed to the University of Michigan, Hart has to stay sharp.
The senior sought to be the first girl in Illinois to win the "triple crown" -- titles in cross country and both the 1,600 and 3,200 -- all four years.
"Yeah, definitely disappointing. Again, though, safety is definitely the biggest priority," Hart said.
Consider that the top six finishers in the 2019 Class 3A 800-meter finals -- Hart, Lakes' Olivia Schmitt, Downers Grove South's Erin Riedy, Glenbard West's Audrey Allman, Hoffman Estates' Janae Dean, Oswego's Ella Hale -- were returning.
So were the top five from the 1,600 finals -- Hart, Hinsdale Central's Emma Watcke, Barrington's Alyssa Norris, Lakes' Brooke Stromsland, Wheaton Warrenville South's Sam Poglitsch. In the 3,200, Stromsland trailed only Hart.
"It's definitely a bummer and I think that's kind of why I've done some time trials, to at least get some closure for myself. But I definitely would have liked to get to race against them," Hart said.
There's senior success denied everywhere you look.
Aurora Christian's Alyssa Busker was the defending champion in the Class 1A 100- and 200-meter dashes.
Top returners from last year's Class 3A state finals included Antioch 100-meter sprinter Ayanna Tommy, Hinsdale Central shot putter Dior Nicholson and West Aurora pole vaulter Abbey Kuhn.
Hersey senior discus thrower Janine Boyan, too. She took fourth place in Class 3A at 129-9 last season. She'll throw at the College of Charleston in South Carolina.
"It's disappointing because I worked so hard for three and a half years and now I don't get to do it. But I understand why. It's lucky for me that I have college to look forward to, because I know some senior athletes are not as lucky to be continuing their sport in the fall," Boyan said.
"I was very frustrated when they canceled everything. At first it was just going to be two weeks with no sports, then school gets canceled and graduation gets postponed. The seniors especially are struggling because it's their last two months of high school and now we don't have it. It's hard to deal with but everyone's trying do stuff virtually and keep connected with everyone. I guess that's good."
Barrington coach Jody Gitelis has sent many emails. One must have been painful to receive, about collecting uniforms on May 11.
"At least track and field got to wear them four times (indoors)," Gitelis said.
From a fourth-place Class 3A 3,200 relay she returned Molly Fitzpatrick, Kathleen Baker, Anne Berquist and the Illinois-bound Norris. Gitelis was looking forward to Cary-Grove transfer Allison Drage adding to the distance mix before she runs at Brown.
Gitelis, whose 33rd year as Barrington's coach just petered out, brought up a good point.
"Everybody was like, the seniors, the seniors, the seniors," she said. "Yeah, I get it, but what about the juniors?"
They also trained. Hard.
The junior spring of Neuqua Valley's Riley Ammenhauser had historic ramifications. After winning the Class 3A triple jump her freshman and sophomore years, then recording the nation's third-longest indoor jump this winter -- 41 feet, 3¾ inches on Feb. 28 at Plainfield North -- she was aiming to become the state's first four-time triple jump champion, female or male.
"I can't really do anything about what's happening, so I'm trying to stay optimistic about everything, still trying to stay active and trying to get all my school work done since it's online," said Ammenhauser, a Division I recruit hoping to compete in the Illinois Meet of Champions in June and the New Balance Nationals in July in North Carolina. If they're held.
"Since I won't be a four-time champion anymore, I am in my head," she said. "I think positive, since I did have the highest (Illinois) ranking at the end of the season. Since I couldn't win it, my goal is to be a three-time (champ), I guess."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Water polo: Cancellation of season that had begun a bitter pill to swallow

Everybody out of the pool .
That was the edict to water polo teams from the Illinois High School Association on March 12 , when all spring sports were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Water polo season for both boys and girls had begun three days earlier .
`` I think we played the most games of anybody in the state , '' said Conant girls coach Justin Bickus , whose Cougars were 2-1 .
`` We were lucky . ''
Some teams continue to work out on dry land while preparing mentally via teleconference and film study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will grant spring athletes one last chance to engage in June competition .
`` I 'm still hoping , '' Hersey boys coach Marc Popovici said .
`` Not state level but something . ''
The cancellation of the spring season was hard to swallow for those involved in the burgeoning sport , which came under the IHSA umbrella in 2002 .
It was particularly tough news for two of the state 's top programs .
The Stevenson girls team was seeking a fourth straight state title and fifth in six seasons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ known winning a state championship at the end of the year , '' said coach Jeff Wimer , leader of the program since the 1997-98 season .
`` They really wanted to prove themselves . ''
Wimer 's team has continued to train six days a week unabated , led by the seniors .
Players take turns hosting `` dry land '' workouts three afternoons a week via Zoom meetings .
Two other days are reserved for technique training .
Saturdays include a game film breakdown and book review .
Tele-meetings sometimes feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriots were joined by graduate Claire Haas , now a sophomore at Southern California .
The Kildeer native helped Stevenson win three state titles .
Continued program cohesiveness and mentorship are the overriding goals .
`` We might not be in the pool together but we are together , '' Wimer said .
`` We are still a team . ''
The Naperville Central boys water polo team had 10 returning seniors , the largest graduating class in the 19-year career of Bill Salentine , the program 's only coach .
The campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fourth in five years was nixed by the pandemic .
`` I was heartbroken that it might 've been the last time some of these guys ever played the sport they loved after they dedicated a lot of time , energy and effort into it , '' Salentine said .
How the water polo community moves forward this summer is unclear .
The summer scene is club based .
Wimer founded the Northern Illinois Polo Club for Stevenson players in 1997 .
It was the first suburban club team outside of Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 such suburban high school-based water polo clubs exist .
The Northern Illinois Polo Club offers U-12 and U-14 boys and girls teams and two high school teams for each gender .
Each is coached by former Stevenson players because Wimer is limited to 25 summer contact days by rule .
Practices are held at the high school pool , as are select tournaments .
However , this week Wimer was notified by Stevenson officials all summer camps and programs are canceled through Aug. 1 .
`` We ca n't get in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our summer coaches will have to continue what we 've been doing . ''
Vulture Water Polo Club , the summer haven for many Naperville Central players , is taking a wait-and-see approach .
`` If we can get back in the pool , we 'll get back in the pool , '' Salentine said .
`` Right now everything is on hold . ''
The St. Charles Polo Club is based out of the John B. Norris Recreational Center .
It is the summer home for players from St. Charles North and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on hold too .
`` We 're really at a standstill until we get clearance from the governor and the park district , '' said St. Charles North girls coach Chris Cloy .
`` Obviously , we 're going to have to adjust to whatever regulations get processed .
Once we know , the club is ready to start programming . ''

Water polo: Cancellation of season that had begun a bitter pill to swallow
COURTESY OF JEFF WIMERThe Stevenson girls water polo team holds a Zoom meeting with its coach Jeff Wimer, upper left. The special guest at the meeting was former Patriot Claire Haas, top row third from left, who currently plays the sport at Southern California.
Everybody out of the pool.
That was the edict to water polo teams from the Illinois High School Association on March 12, when all spring sports were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Water polo season for both boys and girls had begun three days earlier.
"I think we played the most games of anybody in the state," said Conant girls coach Justin Bickus, whose Cougars were 2-1. "We were lucky."
Some teams continue to work out on dry land while preparing mentally via teleconference and film study. They keep fingers crossed the IHSA will grant spring athletes one last chance to engage in June competition.
"I'm still hoping," Hersey boys coach Marc Popovici said. "Not state level but something."
The cancellation of the spring season was hard to swallow for those involved in the burgeoning sport, which came under the IHSA umbrella in 2002. It was particularly tough news for two of the state's top programs.
The Stevenson girls team was seeking a fourth straight state title and fifth in six seasons.
"This group of seniors has only known winning a state championship at the end of the year," said coach Jeff Wimer, leader of the program since the 1997-98 season. "They really wanted to prove themselves."
Wimer's team has continued to train six days a week unabated, led by the seniors. Players take turns hosting "dry land" workouts three afternoons a week via Zoom meetings. Two other days are reserved for technique training. Saturdays include a game film breakdown and book review.
Tele-meetings sometimes feature special guests. On Monday, the Patriots were joined by graduate Claire Haas, now a sophomore at Southern California. The Kildeer native helped Stevenson win three state titles. Continued program cohesiveness and mentorship are the overriding goals.
"We might not be in the pool together but we are together," Wimer said. "We are still a team."
The Naperville Central boys water polo team had 10 returning seniors, the largest graduating class in the 19-year career of Bill Salentine, the program's only coach. The campaign to win a third straight state title and fourth in five years was nixed by the pandemic.
"I was heartbroken that it might've been the last time some of these guys ever played the sport they loved after they dedicated a lot of time, energy and effort into it," Salentine said.
How the water polo community moves forward this summer is unclear. The summer scene is club based. Wimer founded the Northern Illinois Polo Club for Stevenson players in 1997. It was the first suburban club team outside of Chicago, he said. Today, over 20 such suburban high school-based water polo clubs exist.
The Northern Illinois Polo Club offers U-12 and U-14 boys and girls teams and two high school teams for each gender. Each is coached by former Stevenson players because Wimer is limited to 25 summer contact days by rule.
Practices are held at the high school pool, as are select tournaments. However, this week Wimer was notified by Stevenson officials all summer camps and programs are canceled through Aug. 1.
"We can't get in the water," he said. "Our summer coaches will have to continue what we've been doing."
Vulture Water Polo Club, the summer haven for many Naperville Central players, is taking a wait-and-see approach. "If we can get back in the pool, we'll get back in the pool," Salentine said. "Right now everything is on hold."
The St. Charles Polo Club is based out of the John B. Norris Recreational Center. It is the summer home for players from St. Charles North and St. Charles East. That summer program is on hold too.
"We're really at a standstill until we get clearance from the governor and the park district," said St. Charles North girls coach Chris Cloy. "Obviously, we're going to have to adjust to whatever regulations get processed. Once we know, the club is ready to start programming."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Fresh Stack Burger Co. set to open Monday in Kildeer

When he was 13 and growing up in Columbus , Ohio , Sean Thomas began mopping the floors at a local Wendys , the franchise founded by his grandfather Dave Thomas .
`` I 'd look around the restaurant and thought how cool it would be to own something like this one day , '' said Thomas , of Downers Grove .
The day has come .
He is the 33-year-old president of the Fresh Stack Burger Co. , which will open Monday in Kildeer with curbside and third-party delivery service .
Founders Thomas , chief operating officer Mookie Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new venture as a polished fast-food casual spot .
The menu was developed by the guidance of Italian born chef Fabio Viviani .
Thomas is quite aware of the meat shortage that has affected many restaurants , including Wendy 's .
`` We have a great relationship with our distributors and we 've been in daily contact , '' Thomas said .
`` It 's certainly something we are keeping a close eye on .
`` Even if we do run into a meat issue , we have other items on our menu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the customers , like chicken sandwiches , salads , desserts and some sides . ''
Initially , hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday .
`` It 's crazy times , '' said Thomas , who has a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago in addition to studying entrepreneurship at Auburn University .
`` When we started this company several months back , the business partners said we wanted to have a good , strong 'why ' as to why we are doing this .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wanted be a service to the people of northwest Chicago , mainly in this Kildeer , Palatine , Lake Zurich and Barrington area .
So we feel that staying closed right now is not necessarily doing that . ''
Thomas said safety is the top priority .
`` The safety of our employees and customers is going to come first and foremost .
We still want to be able to serve in this community and offer something to help take people 's minds off all this craziness going on . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 10 days of Monday 's opening , Thomas plans to implement a 'pop-up ' drive-through service .
A menu board will be set up , a drive-up lane will be marked and employees with iPads will take orders .
Customers also `` can call right into our restaurant and place the order , '' Thomas said .
`` We want to make sure you never have to leave the car and with limited contact as possible with anyone in these times . ''
Paying homage to his childhood favorite Wendy 's treat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will offer a version called the 'Friescream ' shake .
When allowed to open , the bar will seat 24 people and feature beer , wine and barrel-aged cocktails .

Fresh Stack Burger Co. set to open Monday in Kildeer
When he was 13 and growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Sean Thomas began mopping the floors at a local Wendys, the franchise founded by his grandfather Dave Thomas.
"I'd look around the restaurant and thought how cool it would be to own something like this one day," said Thomas, of Downers Grove.
The day has come.
He is the 33-year-old president of the Fresh Stack Burger Co., which will open Monday in Kildeer with curbside and third-party delivery service.
Founders Thomas, chief operating officer Mookie Lee and law consultant Patrick Wartan describe their new venture as a polished fast-food casual spot. The menu was developed by the guidance of Italian born chef Fabio Viviani.
Thomas is quite aware of the meat shortage that has affected many restaurants, including Wendy's.
"We have a great relationship with our distributors and we've been in daily contact," Thomas said. "It's certainly something we are keeping a close eye on.
"Even if we do run into a meat issue, we have other items on our menu that we'd be able to offer the customers, like chicken sandwiches, salads, desserts and some sides."
Initially, hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
"It's crazy times," said Thomas, who has a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago in addition to studying entrepreneurship at Auburn University.
"When we started this company several months back, the business partners said we wanted to have a good, strong 'why' as to why we are doing this.
"And the 'why' we decided is that we wanted be a service to the people of northwest Chicago, mainly in this Kildeer, Palatine, Lake Zurich and Barrington area. So we feel that staying closed right now is not necessarily doing that."
Thomas said safety is the top priority.
"The safety of our employees and customers is going to come first and foremost. We still want to be able to serve in this community and offer something to help take people's minds off all this craziness going on."
The restaurant has no drive-up window, but within 10 days of Monday's opening, Thomas plans to implement a 'pop-up' drive-through service. A menu board will be set up, a drive-up lane will be marked and employees with iPads will take orders.
Customers also "can call right into our restaurant and place the order," Thomas said. "We want to make sure you never have to leave the car and with limited contact as possible with anyone in these times."
Paying homage to his childhood favorite Wendy's treat of fries and a Frosty, Thomas will offer a version called the 'Friescream' shake.
When allowed to open, the bar will seat 24 people and feature beer, wine and barrel-aged cocktails.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Cops & Crime: Marni Yang interview on '20/20' at 8 tonight; suburbanite fights to get a coyote b

Cops & Crime: Marni Yang interview on '20/20' at 8 tonight; suburbanite fights to get a coyote back

A suburban woman 's legal fight to win back the last of four coyotes seized from her property last year suffered a setback when a state appeals court last Friday refused to grant her an injunction that would return the animal to her .
Tomi Tranchita is suing the state 's Department of Natural Resources over the April 2019 removal , alleging she had a legal property interest in the coyotes and that state authorities conducted an unconstitutional seizure when they took the animals .
The coyotes were taken from Tranchita 's Tinley Park home to the Flint Creek Wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , court documents say , three have died from what was believed to be distemper , a viral disease affecting unvaccinated animals .
The fourth , named Luna , is at the center of the lawsuit .
`` Luna really needs to come home to be able to heal from the trauma of the past year , '' Tranchita told us in an email Thursday .
`` This is the opinion of veterinarians , myself and the rescue where Luna is at today . ''
The court record makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking in coyotes like they were stray dogs found on the street .
According to the documents , she cared for abused coyotes for 13 years -- including the seized Luna , Sandy , Bella and Peyton -- and was licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture when the animals were taken .
She also held a state permit from 2011 to 2016 as a fur-bearing mammal breeder .
However , Tranchita admits she allowed that state permit to expire in 2016 by failing to pay a $ 25 renewal fee .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seizure on the grounds she was keeping them unlawfully .
She also was cited by the IDNR that day for lacking proper permits , trapping or capturing a coyote out of season , possessing a coyote without a `` hound running area permit , '' and for unlawfully retaining a coyote .
Last May , a Cook County judge denied Tranchita 's request for a preliminary injunction to return Luna .
In a 10-page decision handed down May 1 , Appellate Justice Sheldon A. Harris sided with the county judge .
`` Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plaintiff did not have a valid fur-bearing mammal breeder permit at the time the IDNR seized her coyotes .
Pursuant to the Wildlife Code , coyotes possessed without such a permit are contraband , '' Harris wrote in the unanimous ruling .
`` Without a legitimate claim of entitlement to the property , plaintiff had no right to a property interest protected by due process when her coyotes were seized . ''
Tranchita told us she 'll press on with her litigation to bring Luna home .
`` Luna is a pack animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her pack , '' she wrote .
`` Anything less than Luna coming back to being ( in ) my care for her last years is cruel and inhumane punishment for Luna and for me . ''
Tranchita has launched a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help her in the legal fight .
So far , it 's raised $ 5,731 .
She 's also urging her supporters to write Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and the head of the IDNR .
Marni Yang 's effort to win a new trial will be in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' dedicates two hours to her case tonight .
Yang , 52 , is serving a life sentence for the 2007 killings of Rhoni Reuter and Reuter 's unborn baby in a Deerfield home .
Authorities say Yang was obsessed with former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle , the father of Reuter 's baby , and killed the mother and unborn child in hopes of having a relationship with the football star .
The `` 20/20 '' program will feature an interview with Yang , as well as her three children , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mother by overzealous investigators and prosecutors .
Yang attorney Jed Stone will also appear in the report .
He filed a petition last year seeking a new trial .
In it , Stone says a host of new evidence shows Yang is innocent , including the presence of an unknown man 's DNA on five unspent bullet shells found at the crime scene .
The show airs at 8 tonight on ABC 7 .
When police departments send out news releases announcing a retirement , it 's usually about the chief or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Buffalo Grove Police Department recently announced the departure of longtime employee Beth Martin , despite the fact she 's not a sworn officer , it was a sign of how highly regarded she is around the village .
Martin stepped down last week after more than 35 years with the department , serving in roles ranging from part-time desk officer to evidence custodian to , most recently , the agency 's traffic compliance administrator .
Besides her official duties , Martin has been a big part of the BGPD 's efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 's attended dozens of those events as a volunteer and coordinator .
`` Beth 's absence leaves a gap in our agency that will be challenging to fill , '' Chief Steven Casstevens said in the announcement .
`` We wish nothing but the best for such a committed employee who continually fought to find better ways to do difficult jobs .
She will be missed . ''
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Cops & Crime: Marni Yang interview on '20/20'; suburbanite fights to get a coyote back
Tomi Tranchita said her coyote Luna was left bloodied and dazed when seized from her Tinley Park property last year. courtesy of Tomi Tranchita
Tomi Tranchita was licensed by the federal government and held a state permit to care for coyotes on her South suburban property. But state authorities seized four coyotes from her last year after she let her state permit lapse. courtesy of Tomi Tranchita
Marni Yang will appear on ABC's "20/20" Friday night when the news program takes a look at her efforts to win a new trial in the 2011 slaying of Rhoni Reuter. Courtesy of ABC News
A suburban woman's legal fight to win back the last of four coyotes seized from her property last year suffered a setback when a state appeals court last Friday refused to grant her an injunction that would return the animal to her.
Tomi Tranchita is suing the state's Department of Natural Resources over the April 2019 removal, alleging she had a legal property interest in the coyotes and that state authorities conducted an unconstitutional seizure when they took the animals.
The coyotes were taken from Tranchita's Tinley Park home to the Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation near Barrington for observation and treatment. Since then, court documents say, three have died from what was believed to be distemper, a viral disease affecting unvaccinated animals.
The fourth, named Luna, is at the center of the lawsuit.
"Luna really needs to come home to be able to heal from the trauma of the past year," Tranchita told us in an email Thursday. "This is the opinion of veterinarians, myself and the rescue where Luna is at today."
The court record makes it clear Tranchita was no misguided animal lover taking in coyotes like they were stray dogs found on the street. According to the documents, she cared for abused coyotes for 13 years -- including the seized Luna, Sandy, Bella and Peyton -- and was licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture when the animals were taken. She also held a state permit from 2011 to 2016 as a fur-bearing mammal breeder.
Tomi Tranchita of South suburban Tinley Park has been in a yearlong fight with state authorities to bring home Luna, one of four coyotes seized from her property in April 2019. - Courtesy of Tomi Tranchita
However, Tranchita admits she allowed that state permit to expire in 2016 by failing to pay a $25 renewal fee. That lapse ultimately led to the coyotes' seizure on the grounds she was keeping them unlawfully. She also was cited by the IDNR that day for lacking proper permits, trapping or capturing a coyote out of season, possessing a coyote without a "hound running area permit," and for unlawfully retaining a coyote.
Last May, a Cook County judge denied Tranchita's request for a preliminary injunction to return Luna. In a 10-page decision handed down May 1, Appellate Justice Sheldon A. Harris sided with the county judge.
"Before the trial court was the fact that plaintiff did not have a valid fur-bearing mammal breeder permit at the time the IDNR seized her coyotes. Pursuant to the Wildlife Code, coyotes possessed without such a permit are contraband," Harris wrote in the unanimous ruling. "Without a legitimate claim of entitlement to the property, plaintiff had no right to a property interest protected by due process when her coyotes were seized."
Tranchita told us she'll press on with her litigation to bring Luna home.
"Luna is a pack animal. I am what's left of her pack," she wrote. "Anything less than Luna coming back to being (in) my care for her last years is cruel and inhumane punishment for Luna and for me."
Tranchita has launched a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help her in the legal fight. So far, it's raised $5,731. She's also urging her supporters to write Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the head of the IDNR.
Suburban murder in the spotlight
Marni Yang's effort to win a new trial will be in the national spotlight when ABC's "20/20" dedicates two hours to her case tonight.
Yang, 52, is serving a life sentence for the 2007 killings of Rhoni Reuter and Reuter's unborn baby in a Deerfield home. Authorities say Yang was obsessed with former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle, the father of Reuter's baby, and killed the mother and unborn child in hopes of having a relationship with the football star.
The "20/20" program will feature an interview with Yang, as well as her three children, who now say they were forced to implicate their mother by overzealous investigators and prosecutors.
Yang attorney Jed Stone will also appear in the report. He filed a petition last year seeking a new trial. In it, Stone says a host of new evidence shows Yang is innocent, including the presence of an unknown man's DNA on five unspent bullet shells found at the crime scene.
The show airs at 8 tonight on ABC 7.
Fond farewell
When police departments send out news releases announcing a retirement, it's usually about the chief or some other high-ranking brass.
So when the Buffalo Grove Police Department recently announced the departure of longtime employee Beth Martin, despite the fact she's not a sworn officer, it was a sign of how highly regarded she is around the village.
Beth Martin has retired after more than 35 years with the Buffalo Grove Police Department, most recently as its traffic compliance administrator. - Courtesy of Buffalo Grove
Martin stepped down last week after more than 35 years with the department, serving in roles ranging from part-time desk officer to evidence custodian to, most recently, the agency's traffic compliance administrator.
Besides her official duties, Martin has been a big part of the BGPD's efforts to raise money for Special Olympics, and she's attended dozens of those events as a volunteer and coordinator.
"Beth's absence leaves a gap in our agency that will be challenging to fill," Chief Steven Casstevens said in the announcement. "We wish nothing but the best for such a committed employee who continually fought to find better ways to do difficult jobs. She will be missed."
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--A song to make you smile: 'I Saved the World Today'

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ I Saved The World Today '' by The Eurythmics , released in 1999 .

A song to make you smile: 'I Saved the World Today'
Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics perform at The Night that Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles in 2014 in Los Angeles. Associated Press File Photo
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "I Saved The World Today" by The Eurythmics, released in 1999.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-08--Illinois oil production slumps during pandemic

SPRINGFIELD -- Oil production in Illinois has been on the decline for many years , but a steep drop in demand brought on by the economic slowdown spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a big bite out of the industry .
`` Our production for the first quarter was actually a little bit stronger , quarter-over-quarter , but there 's no doubt that our production will decline in the second quarter , '' Seth Whitehead , spokesman for the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board , said during an interview this week .
`` You know , just the eyeball test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fayette County , there are a lot of shut-ins at the moment .
And right now , the price of oil is about $ 12 to $ 15 below where it needs to be for producers to turn a profit . ''
According to the industry website oilmonster.com , Illinois crude oil was trading at $ 21.25 per barrel on April 3 , well below the roughly $ 35 per barrel most producers need to turn a profit .
But as most states have asked their residents to limit nonessential travel , demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plummeted , and on Thursday , Illinois crude was down to $ 10.50 per barrel .
Although it is a relatively small part of Illinois ' overall economy , oil production remains an important industry in parts of the state , especially southeast Illinois .
Whitehead said one reason it is often overlooked is because the industry is concentrated in sparsely populated counties .
`` You know , 15 counties produce 90 percent of the oil in Illinois and 2 percent of the entire population resides in those counties , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread out over a very rural area . ''
In the early part of the 20th century , according to the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board , oil production was a major part of the state 's economy and Illinois was the nation 's third leading oil producing state .
Today , the state produces only about 9 million barrels per year , Whitehead said .
Still , he said , about 4,000 jobs in Illinois are directly tied to the industry , plus another 14,000 jobs in refineries and other industries that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry also accounts for $ 770 million in personal income in the state and it provides royalty income to more than 30,000 individuals .
It also generates about $ 330 million in tax revenue for the state , plus $ 93.4 million in property tax revenue for local governments .
Even before the pandemic hit the United States , oil prices had been falling due to overproduction in countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia and a lack of storage capacity in the United States .
It remains to be seen how long it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the oil industry in Illinois to bounce back .
But Whitehead said industry officials here remain optimistic .
`` We 'll definitely see a short-term production decline ... '' he said .
`` But if the pandemic eases and things get back to normal sooner , rather than later , the industry has a better chance of coming out of this looking in pretty good shape .
But the longer it goes on , obviously , the tougher it 'll get . ''

Illinois oil production slumps during pandemic
Gas was less than $2 per gallon in March at Huck's in downstate Christopher. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Illinois as of Friday was $2.04, according to AAA; a year ago it was $2.99. Holly Kee/Southern Illinois Local Media Group
SPRINGFIELD -- Oil production in Illinois has been on the decline for many years, but a steep drop in demand brought on by the economic slowdown spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a big bite out of the industry.
"Our production for the first quarter was actually a little bit stronger, quarter-over-quarter, but there's no doubt that our production will decline in the second quarter," Seth Whitehead, spokesman for the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board, said during an interview this week. "You know, just the eyeball test looking around, where I live in Fayette County, there are a lot of shut-ins at the moment. And right now, the price of oil is about $12 to $15 below where it needs to be for producers to turn a profit."
According to the industry website oilmonster.com, Illinois crude oil was trading at $21.25 per barrel on April 3, well below the roughly $35 per barrel most producers need to turn a profit. But as most states have asked their residents to limit nonessential travel, demand for oil in the United States has plummeted, and on Thursday, Illinois crude was down to $10.50 per barrel.
Although it is a relatively small part of Illinois' overall economy, oil production remains an important industry in parts of the state, especially southeast Illinois. Whitehead said one reason it is often overlooked is because the industry is concentrated in sparsely populated counties.
"You know, 15 counties produce 90 percent of the oil in Illinois and 2 percent of the entire population resides in those counties," he said. "So, it's very spread out over a very rural area."
In the early part of the 20th century, according to the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board, oil production was a major part of the state's economy and Illinois was the nation's third leading oil producing state.
Today, the state produces only about 9 million barrels per year, Whitehead said. Still, he said, about 4,000 jobs in Illinois are directly tied to the industry, plus another 14,000 jobs in refineries and other industries that are indirectly tied to oil production.
The industry also accounts for $770 million in personal income in the state and it provides royalty income to more than 30,000 individuals. It also generates about $330 million in tax revenue for the state, plus $93.4 million in property tax revenue for local governments.
Even before the pandemic hit the United States, oil prices had been falling due to overproduction in countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia and a lack of storage capacity in the United States. It remains to be seen how long it will take for prices to recover enough for the oil industry in Illinois to bounce back. But Whitehead said industry officials here remain optimistic.
"We'll definitely see a short-term production decline ..." he said. "But if the pandemic eases and things get back to normal sooner, rather than later, the industry has a better chance of coming out of this looking in pretty good shape. But the longer it goes on, obviously, the tougher it'll get."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-09--3,000 families show up for drive-through food giveaway at Great America

It looked like any normal weekend day as cars lined Grand Avenue in Gurnee with people waiting to get into Six Flags Great America .
The difference Saturday was that some 3,000 families were in those vehicles waiting to get food they needed .
The Northern Illinois Food Bank hosted a free drive-through Pop-Up Market food distribution in the parking lot of the Great America theme park in Gurnee as part of its ongoing COVID-19 relief response .
More than 200 volunteers from Chicago-area communities came together to help distribute the food .
Food bank Communications Manager Elizabeth Gartman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semitrailer trucks of food for distribution , but by 11 a.m. they had to bring in two more trucks full of food .
`` The need has skyrocketed , '' said Gartman .
`` Up to 35 % of our clients are new to us . ''
Each vehicle received a number of boxes that included fresh produce and dairy items .
Anyone in need of food assistance as a result of the crisis should visit the Food Bank 's website to find a nearby food pantry and listing of upcoming mobile pantry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SNAP hotline at ( 844 ) 600-7627 to speak with a member of Northern Illinois Food Bank team directly .

3,000 families show up for drive-through food giveaway at Great America
It looked like any normal weekend day as cars lined Grand Avenue in Gurnee with people waiting to get into Six Flags Great America.
The difference Saturday was that some 3,000 families were in those vehicles waiting to get food they needed.
The Northern Illinois Food Bank hosted a free drive-through Pop-Up Market food distribution in the parking lot of the Great America theme park in Gurnee as part of its ongoing COVID-19 relief response.
More than 200 volunteers from Chicago-area communities came together to help distribute the food.
Food bank Communications Manager Elizabeth Gartman said that originally the agency had prepared four semitrailer trucks of food for distribution, but by 11 a.m. they had to bring in two more trucks full of food.
"The need has skyrocketed," said Gartman. "Up to 35% of our clients are new to us."
Each vehicle received a number of boxes that included fresh produce and dairy items.
Anyone in need of food assistance as a result of the crisis should visit the Food Bank's website to find a nearby food pantry and listing of upcoming mobile pantry distributions. People can also call the SNAP hotline at (844) 600-7627 to speak with a member of Northern Illinois Food Bank team directly.