dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-01--Recount after 75-vote difference doesn't stop DuPage auditor's office from changing hands

A new DuPage County auditor took office Tuesday for the first time in 12 years , but his election opponent says the historically close race is n't over yet .
Downers Grove Democrat William `` Bill '' White assumed the role as the county 's top financial watchdog even as his predecessor , Bob Grogan , prepares for `` double overtime '' in one of the tightest contests in the suburbs .
Grogan has asked for a partial recount of the election results after coming up just 75 votes shy of victory out of more than 466,000 ballots cast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ held the position for three terms , filed for a discovery recount in up to 25 % of the precincts countywide .
Wheaton Republican Tim Whelan also has requested a partial recount after falling short in his reelection bid for a seat on the forest preserve district board .
Official results from last month 's election show Democratic challenger Jeff Gahris defeating Whelan by 718 votes .
The recount proceedings are set to begin at 9 a.m. Monday , Dec. 7 , in the county administration building in Wheaton .
Both Grogan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The exploratory process leaves some uncertainty over races that add to historic gains for Democrats in DuPage .
In a partial recount , the county clerk 's office will make election materials available for scrutiny to help candidates determine if there are enough voter discrepancies to seek a court order for a complete recount .
Pat Bond , the attorney for the county clerk 's office , said county election officials have had roughly 30 discovery recounts over the past 20 years , but none resulted in a full recount .
Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done by Wednesday , Dec. 9 , at the earliest , Bond said .
Grogan already has put out an appeal for donations if he should decide to forge ahead with a legal challenge .
`` I have confidence that assuming that we find a critical mass of differences that we 'll be able to fund the full recount if we can get there past the judge , '' Grogan said .
He 's cautiously hopeful as he prepares for an examination of ballots next week .
`` Auditors know what to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the results are of what they look for until they 've done it , '' Grogan said Tuesday .
`` So I 'm objective .
I have an open mind .
I am hopeful , but honestly , mistakes go both directions . ''
White began the job Tuesday with a `` highly qualified , motivated , professional '' staff .
The attorney said he 's confident the election totals announced will be upheld , but he fully respects Grogan 's decision to work through the evidence-gathering process given the narrow margin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every right to ask for that under the law , '' White said .
On election night , Grogan held the advantage .
But White gained ground as the county clerk 's office continued tabulating mail-in ballots .
White ended up with 233,121 votes to Grogan 's 233,046 .
Grogan said he requested a partial recount after talking to election experts around the state and due to `` unprecedented circumstances '' under which people voted in the pandemic .
`` I 'm grateful for the honor of having served 12 years and whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'll sort of see at the end of this double overtime , '' Grogan said .
In other countywide offices , Democrat Candice Adams began her tenure Tuesday as circuit court clerk after ousting four-term GOP incumbent Chris Kachiroubas .
Democrat Kathleen Carrier also started her term as county recorder .

Recount after 75-vote difference doesn't stop DuPage auditor's office from changing hands
A new DuPage County auditor took office Tuesday for the first time in 12 years, but his election opponent says the historically close race isn't over yet.
Downers Grove Democrat William "Bill" White assumed the role as the county's top financial watchdog even as his predecessor, Bob Grogan, prepares for "double overtime" in one of the tightest contests in the suburbs.
Grogan has asked for a partial recount of the election results after coming up just 75 votes shy of victory out of more than 466,000 ballots cast.
Grogan, a Downers Grove Republican who held the position for three terms, filed for a discovery recount in up to 25% of the precincts countywide.
Wheaton Republican Tim Whelan also has requested a partial recount after falling short in his reelection bid for a seat on the forest preserve district board. Official results from last month's election show Democratic challenger Jeff Gahris defeating Whelan by 718 votes.
The recount proceedings are set to begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, in the county administration building in Wheaton. Both Grogan and Whelan are represented by attorney Phillip Luetkehans.
The exploratory process leaves some uncertainty over races that add to historic gains for Democrats in DuPage.
In a partial recount, the county clerk's office will make election materials available for scrutiny to help candidates determine if there are enough voter discrepancies to seek a court order for a complete recount.
Pat Bond, the attorney for the county clerk's office, said county election officials have had roughly 30 discovery recounts over the past 20 years, but none resulted in a full recount.
Election authorities anticipate the partial recounts could be done by Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the earliest, Bond said.
Grogan already has put out an appeal for donations if he should decide to forge ahead with a legal challenge.
"I have confidence that assuming that we find a critical mass of differences that we'll be able to fund the full recount if we can get there past the judge," Grogan said.
He's cautiously hopeful as he prepares for an examination of ballots next week.
"Auditors know what to look for, but they don't know what the results are of what they look for until they've done it," Grogan said Tuesday. "So I'm objective. I have an open mind. I am hopeful, but honestly, mistakes go both directions."
White began the job Tuesday with a "highly qualified, motivated, professional" staff. The attorney said he's confident the election totals announced will be upheld, but he fully respects Grogan's decision to work through the evidence-gathering process given the narrow margin separating the candidates.
"He has every right to ask for that under the law," White said.
On election night, Grogan held the advantage. But White gained ground as the county clerk's office continued tabulating mail-in ballots. White ended up with 233,121 votes to Grogan's 233,046.
Grogan said he requested a partial recount after talking to election experts around the state and due to "unprecedented circumstances" under which people voted in the pandemic.
"I'm grateful for the honor of having served 12 years and whether it ends up being four more, we'll sort of see at the end of this double overtime," Grogan said.
In other countywide offices, Democrat Candice Adams began her tenure Tuesday as circuit court clerk after ousting four-term GOP incumbent Chris Kachiroubas. Democrat Kathleen Carrier also started her term as county recorder.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Pritzker: Illinois' first COVID-19 vaccine allotment will stretch further than expected

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday the state 's initial 109,000-dose COVID-19 vaccine allotment will actually go to that many residents instead of half that amount as originally planned .
`` In contrast to something that I said yesterday , we will not need to divide the number of doses that we receive in two , holding back half of them to give as the second dose for each person , '' Pritzker said Wednesday .
`` We do n't have to hold back because of the speed at which we will be receiving vaccines . ''
The news came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the respiratory disease Monday , along with 9,757 new cases .
Wednesday 's death figures are the most the state has reported in a single day .
The spike is due to underreporting from county agencies during the four-day Thanksgiving holiday , Illinois Department of Public Health officials said .
In all , 60 of the state 's 102 counties reported COVID-19 deaths Wednesday .
That brings the state 's death toll to 12,639 since the outbreak began .
There have been a total of 748,603 residents infected during the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first batch of vaccine vials from Pfizer sometime between Dec. 13 and Dec. 19 .
The vaccine requires two injections given 21 to 28 days apart to be effective .
Hospital employees , along with residents and workers at congregate care facilities , will be first in line for the vaccines , he said .
`` The recommendation , which came yesterday , is to include in the same category the congregate care facility , long-term care facility , residents and the workers there , with health care workers in hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doses come in , '' he added .
Earlier in the day , national and state leaders in the long-term care industry urged governors throughout the country to prioritize nursing home residents and staff in the vaccination process , as those individuals have borne the brunt of the disease 's effects .
In Illinois , nearly 48 % of the state 's deaths have been residents of long-term , congregate care facilities .
`` Given the asymptomatic and presymptomatic spread of this virus , combined with the explosion of community spread across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this vaccine will literally be a lifesaver for thousands of residents and expedite the reopening of our facilities to family members and loved ones , '' said Mark Parkinson , president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living .
`` The long-term care industry , including nursing homes and assisted living communities , now call on governors from all 50 states to ensure long-term care residents and staff are the first group to receive the vaccine within this initial phase . ''
The Pfizer vaccine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit below zero .
The vaccine will be directly delivered to providers in special containers with 975 vials , with each vial containing five doses .
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the vials will be thawed and diluted with an inert substance to reduce the viscosity of the vaccine before being injected into a patient .
The new vaccine details come as the state 's infection rate climbed for the second consecutive day .
With the new cases added Wednesday , the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10.6 % .
Meanwhile , hospitals throughout the state reported treating 5,764 COVID-19 patients Tuesday , down 71 patients from Monday .
However , health officials believe the decline in patients is a temporary one .
Pritzker announced Monday that no region of the state would have mitigation restrictions reduced for several weeks out of fear of another resurgence due to many who ignored warnings about Thanksgiving travel and gatherings .

Pritzker: Illinois' first COVID-19 vaccine allotment will stretch further than expected
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Monday that no region of the state would have mitigation restrictions reduced for several weeks out of fear of another resurgence due to many who ignored warnings about Thanksgiving travel and gatherings. Associated Press File Photo/Nov. 20
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday the state's initial 109,000-dose COVID-19 vaccine allotment will actually go to that many residents instead of half that amount as originally planned.
"In contrast to something that I said yesterday, we will not need to divide the number of doses that we receive in two, holding back half of them to give as the second dose for each person," Pritzker said Wednesday. "We don't have to hold back because of the speed at which we will be receiving vaccines."
The news came as the state reported 238 more deaths from the respiratory disease Monday, along with 9,757 new cases.
Wednesday's death figures are the most the state has reported in a single day. The spike is due to underreporting from county agencies during the four-day Thanksgiving holiday, Illinois Department of Public Health officials said.
In all, 60 of the state's 102 counties reported COVID-19 deaths Wednesday.
That brings the state's death toll to 12,639 since the outbreak began. There have been a total of 748,603 residents infected during the pandemic.
Pritzker said the state expects to receive the first batch of vaccine vials from Pfizer sometime between Dec. 13 and Dec. 19. The vaccine requires two injections given 21 to 28 days apart to be effective.
Hospital employees, along with residents and workers at congregate care facilities, will be first in line for the vaccines, he said.
"The recommendation, which came yesterday, is to include in the same category the congregate care facility, long-term care facility, residents and the workers there, with health care workers in hospitals, so they'll get it simultaneously as the doses come in," he added.
Earlier in the day, national and state leaders in the long-term care industry urged governors throughout the country to prioritize nursing home residents and staff in the vaccination process, as those individuals have borne the brunt of the disease's effects.
In Illinois, nearly 48% of the state's deaths have been residents of long-term, congregate care facilities.
"Given the asymptomatic and presymptomatic spread of this virus, combined with the explosion of community spread across the U.S., we are extremely hopeful this vaccine will literally be a lifesaver for thousands of residents and expedite the reopening of our facilities to family members and loved ones," said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. "The long-term care industry, including nursing homes and assisted living communities, now call on governors from all 50 states to ensure long-term care residents and staff are the first group to receive the vaccine within this initial phase."
The Pfizer vaccine is fairly temperamental and requires special storage requirements of nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit below zero. The vaccine will be directly delivered to providers in special containers with 975 vials, with each vial containing five doses. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vials will be thawed and diluted with an inert substance to reduce the viscosity of the vaccine before being injected into a patient.
The new vaccine details come as the state's infection rate climbed for the second consecutive day. With the new cases added Wednesday, the state's seven-day average infection rate stands at 10.6%.
Meanwhile, hospitals throughout the state reported treating 5,764 COVID-19 patients Tuesday, down 71 patients from Monday. However, health officials believe the decline in patients is a temporary one.
Pritzker announced Monday that no region of the state would have mitigation restrictions reduced for several weeks out of fear of another resurgence due to many who ignored warnings about Thanksgiving travel and gatherings.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Teen employee starts initiative to save beloved Palatine ice cream shop

Just a few years in business , Daisy 's Malt Shoppe has established itself as a beloved go-to spot among the Palatine community , particularly teenagers .
So when 17-year-old employee Ellie Roy started a GoFundMe to help the year-round ice cream shop weather the COVID-19 pandemic , she had no doubt the response would be positive .
But the outpouring of support -- with nearly $ 7,000 raised in just two weeks -- surprised both her and owner Brian Wallers , who initially was reluctant to give his consent for the online fundraiser .
Besides the impressive monetary donation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of customers , they said .
`` They were buying ice cream for the whole family , stocking up , giving big tips , just being very generous , '' said Ellie , a senior at Palatine High School .
`` It was unbelievable . ''
Wallers said he was shocked and grateful .
`` It made us feel like everything we 've been doing is worthwhile , if people care that much about it . ''
Wallers opened Daisy 's Malt Shoppe in 2015 at 807 N. Quentin Road , a space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ice Cream .
The 40-year-old said he 'd worked at bars and restaurants , rising up from bouncer and server to manager , and wanted to open a business that would appeal to the widest audience .
`` Ice cream is something that kind of crosses all boundaries , '' he said .
Wallers named his shop after his childhood beagle Daisy , of whom a portrait hangs above the 1950s-style glossy white tables with chrome trim , red chairs and black-and-white checkered floors .
The shop sells `` super-premium ice cream '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madison , Wisconsin .
`` It has the lowest air content that you 're going to find in an ice cream before it becomes a custard .
It 's very rich , very dense , all organic , '' Wallers said .
Other offerings include handmade cones , cookie bowls , vintage sodas and , the latest addition , ice cream cakes .
Wallers said his business philosophy derives from everything he learned during his years in hospitality .
`` Generally , it 's profit first , customer second and staff third , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am looking at it is , customer first , staff second and profit third .
If you do it that way , you do it the right way , the genuine way , and people feel appreciated and respected .
`` I got ta make money , too , '' he added , `` but for me it 's more than starting a business .
I wanted to start something that becomes part of people 's lives , part of the community , and something generational that perhaps will be there after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haddad , who has four teenage children , said what 's made a real difference is that Wallers employs local youths and partners with charitable causes such as local PTAs to raise money with a portion of ice cream sales .
Daisy 's has become a community hangout for families , and especially teenagers , many of whom have contributed to the GoFundMe , Haddad said .
`` The energy inside is always vibrant and hopping .
There is always music playing .
It 's just a fun place , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normally there is a line out the door in summer , also is really fun -- and Wallers is an `` amazing '' boss , Ellie said .
`` Me and my friends joke about it all the time .
We do n't know how we 're going to have another boss in the future because he 's so great . ''
While the pandemic has been rough on all small businesses , it 's been particularly difficult for Daisy 's .
Wallers has been dealing with health issues since last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work at the shop every day like he did for the first four years .
A few of his employees came down with COVID-19 this summer , so he closed for a month -- even longer than advised by health authorities , he said -- during what normally would be peak sales time .
He obtained a $ 10,000 forgivable loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program early on , but other funding opportunities did n't come through , he said .
Wallers said he 's optimistic that Daisy 's can make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pick up after the winter lull .
The GoFundMe has made it likely he can stay in business through January , and it 's a short jaunt after that , he said .
`` That girl just melted my heart , '' he said of Ellie 's initiative .
`` What she did was not just for me , but for us as a staff ... but more importantly , for the community . ''

Teen employee starts initiative to save beloved Palatine ice cream shop
Just a few years in business, Daisy's Malt Shoppe has established itself as a beloved go-to spot among the Palatine community, particularly teenagers.
So when 17-year-old employee Ellie Roy started a GoFundMe to help the year-round ice cream shop weather the COVID-19 pandemic, she had no doubt the response would be positive.
But the outpouring of support -- with nearly $7,000 raised in just two weeks -- surprised both her and owner Brian Wallers, who initially was reluctant to give his consent for the online fundraiser. Besides the impressive monetary donation, the initiative also prompted a flood of customers, they said.
"They were buying ice cream for the whole family, stocking up, giving big tips, just being very generous," said Ellie, a senior at Palatine High School. "It was unbelievable."
Wallers said he was shocked and grateful. "It made us feel like everything we've been doing is worthwhile, if people care that much about it."
Wallers opened Daisy's Malt Shoppe in 2015 at 807 N. Quentin Road, a space previously occupied by Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. The 40-year-old said he'd worked at bars and restaurants, rising up from bouncer and server to manager, and wanted to open a business that would appeal to the widest audience.
"Ice cream is something that kind of crosses all boundaries," he said.
Wallers named his shop after his childhood beagle Daisy, of whom a portrait hangs above the 1950s-style glossy white tables with chrome trim, red chairs and black-and-white checkered floors.
The shop sells "super-premium ice cream" from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co. of Madison, Wisconsin.
"It has the lowest air content that you're going to find in an ice cream before it becomes a custard. It's very rich, very dense, all organic," Wallers said.
Other offerings include handmade cones, cookie bowls, vintage sodas and, the latest addition, ice cream cakes.
Wallers said his business philosophy derives from everything he learned during his years in hospitality.
"Generally, it's profit first, customer second and staff third," he said. "The way I am looking at it is, customer first, staff second and profit third. If you do it that way, you do it the right way, the genuine way, and people feel appreciated and respected.
"I gotta make money, too," he added, "but for me it's more than starting a business. I wanted to start something that becomes part of people's lives, part of the community, and something generational that perhaps will be there after I'm gone."
Resident Meghan Haddad, who has four teenage children, said what's made a real difference is that Wallers employs local youths and partners with charitable causes such as local PTAs to raise money with a portion of ice cream sales.
Daisy's has become a community hangout for families, and especially teenagers, many of whom have contributed to the GoFundMe, Haddad said.
"The energy inside is always vibrant and hopping. There is always music playing. It's just a fun place," she said.
Working at Daisy's, where normally there is a line out the door in summer, also is really fun -- and Wallers is an "amazing" boss, Ellie said. "Me and my friends joke about it all the time. We don't know how we're going to have another boss in the future because he's so great."
While the pandemic has been rough on all small businesses, it's been particularly difficult for Daisy's.
Wallers has been dealing with health issues since last year, so he hasn't been able to work at the shop every day like he did for the first four years. A few of his employees came down with COVID-19 this summer, so he closed for a month -- even longer than advised by health authorities, he said -- during what normally would be peak sales time.
He obtained a $10,000 forgivable loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program early on, but other funding opportunities didn't come through, he said.
Wallers said he's optimistic that Daisy's can make it through March, when he expects sales to pick up after the winter lull. The GoFundMe has made it likely he can stay in business through January, and it's a short jaunt after that, he said.
"That girl just melted my heart," he said of Ellie's initiative. "What she did was not just for me, but for us as a staff ... but more importantly, for the community."
Visit the online fundraising page at www.gofundme.com/f/help-keep-daisys-malt-shoppe-afloat.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Naperville council rejects mask mandate, passes resolution encouraging face coverings

The Naperville City Council narrowly shot down enacting a local mask mandate , opting instead to pass a less restrictive resolution encouraging the wearing of face coverings in public .
The controversial concept was brought forward last month by Mayor Steve Chirico , who said at the time he would consider more strictly enforcing the state 's mask requirement at the municipal level if it meant curbing the community spread of the COVID-19 virus .
But after recently attending his daughter 's wedding in Florida , Chirico changed his tune ahead of a failed 5-4 vote Tuesday , saying he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compliance without taking a heavy-handed approach .
`` I did n't run for mayor to impose restrictive mandates on our community and in our citizens ' daily lives .
And now , having just visited a state with an open economy and no mask mandate , I have witnessed firsthand that less regulation can be just as safe and lead to better results , '' he said .
`` For that reason , I do n't believe the mask mandate is a wise public policy that should be instituted in Naperville at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required face coverings in businesses and other public areas when social distancing is not possible .
Community service and police officers likely would have been tasked with enforcing the mandate , which included a fine structure for violators , according to city documents .
Chirico said he believes such a rule would be duplicative of regulations `` best handled by the state and national government . ''
Instead , he supported a second option on the council 's agenda : a resolution that outlines expectations for community compliance and directs staff members to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign promoting mask-wearing .
The measure , approved in an 8-1 vote , includes suggestions such as placing signage along downtown entrances and issuing positive reinforcement for compliance .
The council heard overwhelming opposition among the several speakers and 138 comments read into the record during Tuesday 's meeting .
Many called the proposed mandate `` unconstitutional '' or an abuse of power , saying the decision to wear a mask should be up to the individual .
`` Instituting a universal mask mandate -- worse off , a fine for noncompliance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our local government , '' resident Brett Neumann said in a written comment .
However , some community members expressed concerns over a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and said requiring face coverings in public could help protect residents and health care workers .
That sentiment was echoed by council members Judith Brodhead , Benny White , Theresa Sullivan and Patrick Kelly , who voted in favor of the mask mandate .
`` I can tell you for a fact there are many , many people not wearing masks downtown , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action to help improve those odds and help our seniors , help our disabled residents , help our health care workers and our struggling small businesses , I think we have almost an obligation to do so . ''
Dissenting votes were cast by Chirico and council members Paul Hinterlong , John Krummen , Kevin Coyne and Patti Gustin .
They agreed face coverings are an important tool to combat the virus , but said they do n't believe a mandate would be an effective approach .
Krummen also expressed concerns over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement issues .
Coyne , who also voted against the subsequent resolution , said he believes more regulations would only create more drama and further divide the community .
`` In my view , it 's very unfortunate that we put this on our agenda , '' he said .
`` I do n't know how anyone up here could believe that our passing either of these options would lead to more people wearing masks in public . ''
Kelly and Sullivan also voiced frustration over adding the topic to the agenda , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
But they said failing to take a stance would be irresponsible amid the public discord .
Amid `` intense national debate '' about how communities should handle the pandemic , Chirico said his goal was to initiate an open discussion about potential mitigation efforts in Naperville .
The mayor , a vocal supporter of mask compliance , was under fire last week after a woman identifying herself as his niece called him out on Twitter for attending his daughter 's Florida wedding .
A photo circulating on social media showed Chirico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , children and a grandchild , none of whom were wearing masks .
Chirico responded in a statement and again Tuesday , saying he and his family tested negative for the virus before the trip and followed all travel guidelines .
Social distancing regulations were enforced throughout the 53-guest wedding , he said , and they quarantined and were tested again upon returning to Illinois .
Though he knows some people do n't believe their actions were enough , he said , immediate family members were cautious and remained in their `` COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking steps to protect ourselves , our family and our neighbors , '' he said .
`` Together , we are united by shared sacrifice so we can overcome the horror and damage of this public health crisis . ''

Naperville council rejects mask mandate, passes resolution encouraging face coverings
Naperville Councilman Benny White was featured in the town's promotional video encouraging residents to wear masks to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. White voted Tuesday in support of a local mask mandate, which was shot down in a failed 5-4 vote. YouTube Video Screenshot
The Naperville City Council narrowly shot down enacting a local mask mandate, opting instead to pass a less restrictive resolution encouraging the wearing of face coverings in public.
The controversial concept was brought forward last month by Mayor Steve Chirico, who said at the time he would consider more strictly enforcing the state's mask requirement at the municipal level if it meant curbing the community spread of the COVID-19 virus.
But after recently attending his daughter's wedding in Florida, Chirico changed his tune ahead of a failed 5-4 vote Tuesday, saying he believes the city can promote and achieve compliance without taking a heavy-handed approach.
"I didn't run for mayor to impose restrictive mandates on our community and in our citizens' daily lives. And now, having just visited a state with an open economy and no mask mandate, I have witnessed firsthand that less regulation can be just as safe and lead to better results," he said.
"For that reason, I don't believe the mask mandate is a wise public policy that should be instituted in Naperville at this time."
The proposal would have required face coverings in businesses and other public areas when social distancing is not possible. Community service and police officers likely would have been tasked with enforcing the mandate, which included a fine structure for violators, according to city documents.
Chirico said he believes such a rule would be duplicative of regulations "best handled by the state and national government."
Instead, he supported a second option on the council's agenda: a resolution that outlines expectations for community compliance and directs staff members to increase the city's ongoing public awareness campaign promoting mask-wearing. The measure, approved in an 8-1 vote, includes suggestions such as placing signage along downtown entrances and issuing positive reinforcement for compliance.
The council heard overwhelming opposition among the several speakers and 138 comments read into the record during Tuesday's meeting. Many called the proposed mandate "unconstitutional" or an abuse of power, saying the decision to wear a mask should be up to the individual.
"Instituting a universal mask mandate -- worse off, a fine for noncompliance of said mandate -- would represent dramatic overstep of our local government," resident Brett Neumann said in a written comment.
However, some community members expressed concerns over a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and said requiring face coverings in public could help protect residents and health care workers. That sentiment was echoed by council members Judith Brodhead, Benny White, Theresa Sullivan and Patrick Kelly, who voted in favor of the mask mandate.
"I can tell you for a fact there are many, many people not wearing masks downtown," Kelly said. "If we can take action to help improve those odds and help our seniors, help our disabled residents, help our health care workers and our struggling small businesses, I think we have almost an obligation to do so."
Dissenting votes were cast by Chirico and council members Paul Hinterlong, John Krummen, Kevin Coyne and Patti Gustin. They agreed face coverings are an important tool to combat the virus, but said they don't believe a mandate would be an effective approach.
Krummen also expressed concerns over the clarity of the rules and possible enforcement issues.
Coyne, who also voted against the subsequent resolution, said he believes more regulations would only create more drama and further divide the community.
"In my view, it's very unfortunate that we put this on our agenda," he said. "I don't know how anyone up here could believe that our passing either of these options would lead to more people wearing masks in public."
Kelly and Sullivan also voiced frustration over adding the topic to the agenda, which Kelly said ignited a "firestorm." But they said failing to take a stance would be irresponsible amid the public discord.
Amid "intense national debate" about how communities should handle the pandemic, Chirico said his goal was to initiate an open discussion about potential mitigation efforts in Naperville.
The mayor, a vocal supporter of mask compliance, was under fire last week after a woman identifying herself as his niece called him out on Twitter for attending his daughter's Florida wedding. A photo circulating on social media showed Chirico at the outdoor event with his wife, children and a grandchild, none of whom were wearing masks.
Chirico responded in a statement and again Tuesday, saying he and his family tested negative for the virus before the trip and followed all travel guidelines. Social distancing regulations were enforced throughout the 53-guest wedding, he said, and they quarantined and were tested again upon returning to Illinois.
Though he knows some people don't believe their actions were enough, he said, immediate family members were cautious and remained in their "COVID bubble."
"We're all taking steps to protect ourselves, our family and our neighbors," he said. "Together, we are united by shared sacrifice so we can overcome the horror and damage of this public health crisis."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--South Elgin shelter could win $25,000 with your help

With some help from the voting public , Anderson Animal Shelter hopes to have a holiday wish come true to the tune of $ 25,000 .
A pair of local adopters from the South Elgin shelter who submitted stories about how a pet has changed their lives were selected among 50 national winners this year by the Petco Foundation in its annual Holiday Wishes campaign .
Now , the public gets to vote on their favorite entries , with the adopting agency of the top five People 's Choice winners receiving cash grants from the foundation .
`` We encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Anderson 's stories , '' Anderson CEO Beth Foster said in a news release .
`` If 2020 has shown us anything it 's that pets change our lives for the better .
Your vote can help us earn lifesaving funds so we can bring more pets in need together with loving families . ''
The two winning entries came from Don Johnson , an Arlington Heights man who adopted his dog Helena 10 years ago , and T.P .
Mulrooney of St. Charles and the cat Murry that his family adopted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife of 54 years to cancer .
Johnson 's entry ends by saying : `` Without her in my life , I would have been lost and lonely .
Helena is my companion and source of joy .
I am thankful that I found her and made the decision to bring her into my life . ''
The Mulrooney family adopted the 26-pound cat after someone at the shelter promised to show them `` the nicest cat here . ''
Ten months after bringing the cat home , T.P .
Mulrooney was diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I lost 55 of my 178 pounds and looked really bad , ghostly gray and emaciated , '' Mulrooney wrote .
`` The worse I looked , the more affection Murry gave me , and the more he gave me his `` gon na be alright '' expression . ''
Murry was right and Mulrooney recovered .
Voting is open until noon Dec. 16 , at petcofoundation.org/vote , and winners will be chosen in mid-December .
The first place vote-getter will receive $ 25,000 , with $ 10,000 going to each of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two third-place winners .
The contest has been around since 2013 and has received more than 20,000 entries from adopters in its history .

South Elgin shelter could win $25,000 with your help
Murry the cat, an adoptee from Anderson Animal Shelter, jumps high to touch a magnet at the top of the refrigerator door to get a dental treat reward. Murry's story of his adoption by the Mulrooney family of St. Charles was among 50 winners nationally in the Petco Foundation's Holiday Wishes contest. COURTESY OF ANDERSON ANIMAL SHELTER
With some help from the voting public, Anderson Animal Shelter hopes to have a holiday wish come true to the tune of $25,000.
A pair of local adopters from the South Elgin shelter who submitted stories about how a pet has changed their lives were selected among 50 national winners this year by the Petco Foundation in its annual Holiday Wishes campaign.
Now, the public gets to vote on their favorite entries, with the adopting agency of the top five People's Choice winners receiving cash grants from the foundation.
"We encourage our community of animal lovers to vote for Anderson's stories," Anderson CEO Beth Foster said in a news release. "If 2020 has shown us anything it's that pets change our lives for the better. Your vote can help us earn lifesaving funds so we can bring more pets in need together with loving families."
The two winning entries came from Don Johnson, an Arlington Heights man who adopted his dog Helena 10 years ago, and T.P. Mulrooney of St. Charles and the cat Murry that his family adopted.
Johnson adopted Helena after losing his wife of 54 years to cancer. Johnson's entry ends by saying: "Without her in my life, I would have been lost and lonely. Helena is my companion and source of joy. I am thankful that I found her and made the decision to bring her into my life."
The Mulrooney family adopted the 26-pound cat after someone at the shelter promised to show them "the nicest cat here." Ten months after bringing the cat home, T.P. Mulrooney was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. "I lost 55 of my 178 pounds and looked really bad, ghostly gray and emaciated," Mulrooney wrote. "The worse I looked, the more affection Murry gave me, and the more he gave me his "gonna be alright" expression." Murry was right and Mulrooney recovered.
Voting is open until noon Dec. 16, at petcofoundation.org/vote, and winners will be chosen in mid-December. The first place vote-getter will receive $25,000, with $10,000 going to each of two second-place winners and $5,000 to each of two third-place winners. The contest has been around since 2013 and has received more than 20,000 entries from adopters in its history.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Palatine's Dave Seiffert remembered for community spirit, love of local sports

Dave Seiffert , a former Palatine Township School District 15 board member , is being remembered for his gregarious personality , and his love of local sports and the community at large .
Seiffert , 58 , died suddenly at his Palatine home Nov. 28 of what his family suspects was a heart attack , said his daughter Grace , 20 .
`` He was the loudest guy in any room .
He had the ability to make everybody laugh and had those classic dad jokes , '' Grace said .
`` He was just a personable guy . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father 's personality was caught perfectly on camera earlier this year , during a basketball game at Palatine High School , where Luke plays .
While watching the postgame film , the team saw that as the clock ran down , his father screamed a cheer so loud that the camera shook .
`` Everyone was like , 'That 's Mr. Seiffert , ' '' Luke said .
Seiffert recently was divorced from Beth Poyner Seiffert .
She and the family started a GoFundMe fundraiser in his honor to benefit the baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High School .
Luke and Grace played those sports and their father said he planned to make a donation to the programs after Luke 's graduation , the siblings said .
The fundraiser had a goal of $ 3,000 , but already has yielded $ 23,000 -- and counting .
`` It is incredible and it has blown my family away , '' Grace said .
Seiffert graduated from Deerfield High School and Western Illinois University .
He worked for Vitners -- Snak King after working for Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known for bringing ice cream and potato chips home and to meetings .
He served on the District 15 school board from 2011 to 2017 , after previously volunteering as chairman of the Palatine Township District 15 Educational Foundation .
`` He was a very warmhearted person , '' said District 15 board member Zubair Khan , who especially appreciated Seiffert 's welcoming attitude when Khan was first elected .
People always felt comfortable talking to Seiffert , who focused on things like contracting local vendors , Khan said .
`` He used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community . ''
TerrieAnn Jones , co-president of the Palatine High School Pirate Booster Club , said Seiffert always found ways to support the cause -- from emceeing at dinner auctions to helping out impromptu at a `` Chuck-A-Duck '' fundraiser during a basketball game .
`` It 's so sad that he 's gone , '' she said .
Seiffert also served on the boards of the Palatine Youth Baseball Softball Association and the Palatine Amateur Football Association , and on the plan commission for the village of Palatine .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you could see through his involvement with sports , the schools and his service to the village , '' Village Manager Reid Ottesen said .
`` He was a valued member of the plan commission and over his years of service , contributed to making Palatine the community it is today with the many projects he was able to help shape .
All of Palatine will feel his loss . ''
To contribute to the Dave Seiffert Memorial Fund , visit gofundme.com and search for `` Dave Seiffert Memorial Fund for Palatine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reserved for a visitation Thursday .
A service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday and broadcast via Zoom ; the link can be found at kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com .
For more information , call Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at ( 847 ) 831-4260 .

Palatine's Dave Seiffert remembered for community spirit, love of local sports
Dave Seiffert of Palatine died suddenly Nov. 28. He is a former Palatine Township District 15 member who loved local sports.
Dave Seiffert of Palatine, pictured here with his children Luke, 18, left, and Grace, 20, right, died suddenly Nov. 28 at age 58. He was a former Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 board member and community booster. Courtesy of Grace Seiffert
Dave Seiffert, a former Palatine Township School District 15 board member, is being remembered for his gregarious personality, and his love of local sports and the community at large.
Seiffert, 58, died suddenly at his Palatine home Nov. 28 of what his family suspects was a heart attack, said his daughter Grace, 20.
"He was the loudest guy in any room. He had the ability to make everybody laugh and had those classic dad jokes," Grace said. "He was just a personable guy."
His son Luke, 18, said his father's personality was caught perfectly on camera earlier this year, during a basketball game at Palatine High School, where Luke plays. While watching the postgame film, the team saw that as the clock ran down, his father screamed a cheer so loud that the camera shook.
"Everyone was like, 'That's Mr. Seiffert,'" Luke said.
Seiffert recently was divorced from Beth Poyner Seiffert. She and the family started a GoFundMe fundraiser in his honor to benefit the baseball, softball and basketball programs at Palatine High School. Luke and Grace played those sports and their father said he planned to make a donation to the programs after Luke's graduation, the siblings said.
The fundraiser had a goal of $3,000, but already has yielded $23,000 -- and counting. "It is incredible and it has blown my family away," Grace said.
Seiffert graduated from Deerfield High School and Western Illinois University. He worked for Vitners -- Snak King after working for Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream and Good Humor ice cream, and was known for bringing ice cream and potato chips home and to meetings.
He served on the District 15 school board from 2011 to 2017, after previously volunteering as chairman of the Palatine Township District 15 Educational Foundation.
"He was a very warmhearted person," said District 15 board member Zubair Khan, who especially appreciated Seiffert's welcoming attitude when Khan was first elected.
People always felt comfortable talking to Seiffert, who focused on things like contracting local vendors, Khan said. "He used to really care about taking care of the community."
TerrieAnn Jones, co-president of the Palatine High School Pirate Booster Club, said Seiffert always found ways to support the cause -- from emceeing at dinner auctions to helping out impromptu at a "Chuck-A-Duck" fundraiser during a basketball game.
"It's so sad that he's gone," she said.
Seiffert also served on the boards of the Palatine Youth Baseball Softball Association and the Palatine Amateur Football Association, and on the plan commission for the village of Palatine.
"Dave had a passion for the community that you could see through his involvement with sports, the schools and his service to the village," Village Manager Reid Ottesen said. "He was a valued member of the plan commission and over his years of service, contributed to making Palatine the community it is today with the many projects he was able to help shape. All of Palatine will feel his loss."
To contribute to the Dave Seiffert Memorial Fund, visit gofundme.com and search for "Dave Seiffert Memorial Fund for Palatine Sports."
All time slots have been reserved for a visitation Thursday. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday and broadcast via Zoom; the link can be found at kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com. For more information, call Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at (847) 831-4260.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Hoffman Estates hiring River Forest official as town's new village manager

Hoffman Estates officials on Wednesday announced the hiring of Eric Palm as the town 's next village manager , citing his broad experience in economic development , municipal finance , communications and leadership .
Palm , a Mount Prospect resident , will come to Hoffman Estates after serving for the past decade as village administrator of West suburban River Forest .
Before that , he was the first full-time village administrator of Hampshire and an assistant to the city administrator in Des Plaines .
`` We are excited to welcome Mr. Palm as the next village manager , '' Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the hire .
`` His background in municipal government and his exceptional track record of successes as a village administrator for Village of River Forest and Village of Hampshire cemented our decision to hire him .
We are confident Hoffman Estates will experience efficiency and growth under his leadership . ''
The Hoffman Estates village board is scheduled to formally appoint Palm on Dec. 7 , and he 's expected to start work in early 2021 .
When he begins , he will oversee a village staff of more than 400 full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norris , who served in the post for 22 years and was the longest-serving manager in the village 's 60-year history .
Norris , who retired in August , helped steer the village through the development of the Prairie Stone Business Park -- including construction of the publicly owned NOW Arena -- and more recently the redevelopment of the former AT & T campus into the $ 200 million Bell Works `` metroburb . ''
According to Hoffman Estates officials , Palm has a Master of Public Administration degree from Northern Illinois University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Michigan University .
`` I am honored and humbled to be appointed the next village manager for Hoffman Estates and am grateful for the trust and confidence the mayor and board of trustees have placed in me , '' Palm said in the hiring announcement .
`` I look forward to working in partnership with the village board , the outstanding staff , and members of the community . ''

Hoffman Estates hiring River Forest official as town's new village manager
Hoffman Estates officials on Wednesday announced the hiring of Eric Palm as the town's next village manager, citing his broad experience in economic development, municipal finance, communications and leadership.
Palm, a Mount Prospect resident, will come to Hoffman Estates after serving for the past decade as village administrator of West suburban River Forest. Before that, he was the first full-time village administrator of Hampshire and an assistant to the city administrator in Des Plaines.
"We are excited to welcome Mr. Palm as the next village manager," Mayor Bill McLeod said Wednesday in the announcement of the hire. "His background in municipal government and his exceptional track record of successes as a village administrator for Village of River Forest and Village of Hampshire cemented our decision to hire him. We are confident Hoffman Estates will experience efficiency and growth under his leadership."
The Hoffman Estates village board is scheduled to formally appoint Palm on Dec. 7, and he's expected to start work in early 2021. When he begins, he will oversee a village staff of more than 400 full and part-time employees.
Palm replaces Jim Norris, who served in the post for 22 years and was the longest-serving manager in the village's 60-year history. Norris, who retired in August, helped steer the village through the development of the Prairie Stone Business Park -- including construction of the publicly owned NOW Arena -- and more recently the redevelopment of the former AT&T campus into the $200 million Bell Works "metroburb."
According to Hoffman Estates officials, Palm has a Master of Public Administration degree from Northern Illinois University and a Masters in Broadcast Journalism from Central Michigan University.
"I am honored and humbled to be appointed the next village manager for Hoffman Estates and am grateful for the trust and confidence the mayor and board of trustees have placed in me," Palm said in the hiring announcement. "I look forward to working in partnership with the village board, the outstanding staff, and members of the community."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Already on leave, Rosemont top cop Stephens III resigns

Rosemont Public Safety Department Superintendent Donald E. Stephens III has formally resigned from his post , his uncle , Mayor Brad Stephens , confirmed Wednesday .
Crews could be seen moving items out of the top cop 's office to trucks in front of village hall on Wednesday morning , at the same time Rosemont 's monthly village board meeting was taking place on the second floor .
The mayor said Stephens III , who has been on leave since Sept. 23 for unspecified personal reasons , handed in a resignation letter Nov. 12 , and also asked for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the calendar year .
`` I 'm sure I 'll get an understanding about what 's going on before then , '' said Stephens , who said he has n't spoken to his nephew since he went on leave in September .
The mayor did not provide additional details about the absence or resignation , only saying that Stephens III still lives in town .
Stephens III has been Rosemont 's top cop for six years following the retirement of his father , Donald E. Stephens II , the mayor 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22-year veteran of the force , Stephens III oversaw a department of 70 sworn employees , who are cross-trained in police and fire service , and another 300 auxiliary officers .
William Anderson , general manager of the Rosemont Convention & Tourism Bureau , has been overseeing the department in a civilian role as acting superintendent .
He previously served as a deputy chief before taking his job in the convention bureau .
The mayor said there would likely be a reorganization of the department 's command staff in the new year .

Already on leave, Rosemont top cop Stephens III resigns
Rosemont Public Safety Department Superintendent Donald E. Stephens III has formally resigned from his post, his uncle, Mayor Brad Stephens, confirmed Wednesday.
Crews could be seen moving items out of the top cop's office to trucks in front of village hall on Wednesday morning, at the same time Rosemont's monthly village board meeting was taking place on the second floor.
The mayor said Stephens III, who has been on leave since Sept. 23 for unspecified personal reasons, handed in a resignation letter Nov. 12, and also asked for his paid leave to be extended through the end of the calendar year.
"I'm sure I'll get an understanding about what's going on before then," said Stephens, who said he hasn't spoken to his nephew since he went on leave in September.
The mayor did not provide additional details about the absence or resignation, only saying that Stephens III still lives in town.
Stephens III has been Rosemont's top cop for six years following the retirement of his father, Donald E. Stephens II, the mayor's brother who died in 2016. A 22-year veteran of the force, Stephens III oversaw a department of 70 sworn employees, who are cross-trained in police and fire service, and another 300 auxiliary officers.
William Anderson, general manager of the Rosemont Convention & Tourism Bureau, has been overseeing the department in a civilian role as acting superintendent. He previously served as a deputy chief before taking his job in the convention bureau.
The mayor said there would likely be a reorganization of the department's command staff in the new year.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Carpentersville man faces guns, explosives charges

A Carpentersville man has been charged with several weapons and explosives-related crimes , authorities said .
Nicholas High , 22 , of the 4300 block of Northgate Drive , is charged with : aggravated discharge of a firearm ; reckless discharge of a firearm ; illegal possession , sale , or manufacture of bombs ; and possession of a firearm and ammunition without firearm owners identification .
Carpentersville police say they were called to a report of a man with a weapon at 4:49 p.m. Nov. 15 on the 4300 block of Northgate .
They said they learned High had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They also said they were given a 9 mm handgun someone had taken away from High .
Police said they were told High had more guns and ammunition in his residence .
Police said they found and arrested him in a house on Northgate .
They also said they saw and confiscated a handgun in a house next door to which High had access .
After obtaining a search warrant , they searched his house and found more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition , and jars of gunpowder , police said .
High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He is free on a cash bond and is next due in court Dec. 10 .

Carpentersville man faces guns, explosives charges
A Carpentersville man has been charged with several weapons and explosives-related crimes, authorities said.
Nicholas High, 22, of the 4300 block of Northgate Drive, is charged with: aggravated discharge of a firearm; reckless discharge of a firearm; illegal possession, sale, or manufacture of bombs; and possession of a firearm and ammunition without firearm owners identification.
Carpentersville police say they were called to a report of a man with a weapon at 4:49 p.m. Nov. 15 on the 4300 block of Northgate. They said they learned High had fired a weapon in a backyard. They also said they were given a 9 mm handgun someone had taken away from High.
Police said they were told High had more guns and ammunition in his residence. Police said they found and arrested him in a house on Northgate. They also said they saw and confiscated a handgun in a house next door to which High had access.
After obtaining a search warrant, they searched his house and found more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition, and jars of gunpowder, police said.
High's FOID had been revoked, police said.
He is free on a cash bond and is next due in court Dec. 10.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--From pianos to pot, Rosemont entertainment district site will become dispensary

Shuttered only months after playing its first song , a dueling piano bar in Rosemont 's entertainment district is being converted into a recreational marijuana dispensary in hopes of reaping the benefits of a new industry growing despite the pandemic .
Village trustees voted 5-0 Wednesday morning to grant a special use authorizing the pot shop and sign code variances for Verilife , which takes over the single-story , 4,800-square-foot brick building shell in Parkway Bank Park .
Despite the family-friendly daytime image of the park -- now host to its annual winter ice skating season -- Mayor Brad Stephens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theater and iFly indoor sky diving venue is `` in the open , but discreet enough . ''
`` I think when you look at the outside of the building , I do n't think it screams , 'Come get high , ' '' he said .
`` The world has evolved to the point of having it be acceptable . ''
Pete 's Dueling Piano Bar opened in the space a little over a year ago , closed in March due to state COVID-19 orders , and briefly reopened for outdoor dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was the same month the village board signed off on new zoning rules that opened up the possibility of a marijuana dispensary within the prominent 200,000-square-foot complex east of the Tri-State Tollway .
It followed an advisory referendum in March in which 59 % of Rosemont voters said they were OK with pot sales in the village .
By the fall , Stephens announced the piano bar likely would n't be coming back , while the board approved a $ 225,000 sale of the land to a development partnership led by Braden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar owner Kevin Killerman .
A closing on that purchase is scheduled for Thursday .
The buyers , in turn , inked a long-term lease with Verilife parent company PharmaCann Inc. , company officials confirmed .
The Rosemont board 's unanimous vote Wednesday morning did n't include Trustee Jack Dorgan , a registered lobbyist for PharmaCann , who was absent from the meeting .
The village stands to make at least $ 600,000 a year from its 3 % local tax on Verilife 's sales , according to a company estimate .
Similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marijuana shop , EarthMed at 10441 W. Touhy Ave. , which the board granted special use approval in August and is now doing interior renovations .
The entertainment district shop will be the fifth in Illinois for PharmaCann , which operates 14 dispensaries and has about another dozen under development in six states .
The firm also operates five cultivation centers , including one in downstate Dwight , which ships product to its stores in Arlington Heights , North Aurora , Ottawa and Romeoville .
Other shops proposed for Chicago 's River North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Rosemont store will only sell to recreational -- not medical -- users , as the location will serve as a state-permitted secondary site to an existing medical dispensary .
Customers will be required to make online reservations for pickup , in an effort to avoid the lines seen at competing pot shops , officials say .
Company officials consider the new Rosemont shop to be their flagship suburban location .
`` We love the robust business community that you all folks have developed here , '' Jeremy Unruh , PharmaCann 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs , said during a Rosemont zoning board meeting Tuesday afternoon .
`` We very much believe that there is a synergy between what we do and what you all folks are doing , '' he added .
After a planned $ 700,000 interior build out , the store could be open as soon as February .

From pianos to pot, Rosemont entertainment district site will become dispensary
Shuttered only months after playing its first song, a dueling piano bar in Rosemont's entertainment district is being converted into a recreational marijuana dispensary in hopes of reaping the benefits of a new industry growing despite the pandemic.
Village trustees voted 5-0 Wednesday morning to grant a special use authorizing the pot shop and sign code variances for Verilife, which takes over the single-story, 4,800-square-foot brick building shell in Parkway Bank Park.
Despite the family-friendly daytime image of the park -- now host to its annual winter ice skating season -- Mayor Brad Stephens said the location between the AMC movie theater and iFly indoor sky diving venue is "in the open, but discreet enough."
"I think when you look at the outside of the building, I don't think it screams, 'Come get high,'" he said. "The world has evolved to the point of having it be acceptable."
Pete's Dueling Piano Bar opened in the space a little over a year ago, closed in March due to state COVID-19 orders, and briefly reopened for outdoor dining and limited indoor seating in June.
That was the same month the village board signed off on new zoning rules that opened up the possibility of a marijuana dispensary within the prominent 200,000-square-foot complex east of the Tri-State Tollway. It followed an advisory referendum in March in which 59% of Rosemont voters said they were OK with pot sales in the village.
By the fall, Stephens announced the piano bar likely wouldn't be coming back, while the board approved a $225,000 sale of the land to a development partnership led by Braden Real Estate Chairman/CEO Marc Offit and Chicago bar owner Kevin Killerman. A closing on that purchase is scheduled for Thursday.
The buyers, in turn, inked a long-term lease with Verilife parent company PharmaCann Inc., company officials confirmed.
The Rosemont board's unanimous vote Wednesday morning didn't include Trustee Jack Dorgan, a registered lobbyist for PharmaCann, who was absent from the meeting.
The village stands to make at least $600,000 a year from its 3% local tax on Verilife's sales, according to a company estimate. Similar revenues could be seen from another recreational marijuana shop, EarthMed at 10441 W. Touhy Ave., which the board granted special use approval in August and is now doing interior renovations.
The entertainment district shop will be the fifth in Illinois for PharmaCann, which operates 14 dispensaries and has about another dozen under development in six states. The firm also operates five cultivation centers, including one in downstate Dwight, which ships product to its stores in Arlington Heights, North Aurora, Ottawa and Romeoville. Other shops proposed for Chicago's River North neighborhood and Galena have received zoning approvals.
The Rosemont store will only sell to recreational -- not medical -- users, as the location will serve as a state-permitted secondary site to an existing medical dispensary. Customers will be required to make online reservations for pickup, in an effort to avoid the lines seen at competing pot shops, officials say.
Company officials consider the new Rosemont shop to be their flagship suburban location.
"We love the robust business community that you all folks have developed here," Jeremy Unruh, PharmaCann's senior vice president of public and regulatory affairs, said during a Rosemont zoning board meeting Tuesday afternoon.
"We very much believe that there is a synergy between what we do and what you all folks are doing," he added.
After a planned $700,000 interior build out, the store could be open as soon as February.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Don't expect sports before January, IHSA board says

The Illinois High School Association 's board of directors Wednesday said to expect all sports to be sidelined until at @ @ @ @ @ Given Gov .
( J.B. ) Pritzker 's current mitigations , the board has no @ @ @ @ @ sports prior to January , '' IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ IHSA staff will continue to monitor the Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation .
When there is @ @ @ @ @ to emerge from these restrictions , the board is prepared to restart lower risk winter @ @ @ @ @ board hopes to re-establish contact days in January for any winter sports that can not @ @ @ @ @ spring and summer sports .
The introduction of the contact days will be based on @ @ @ @ @ the Illinois Department of Public Health at that time .
Further guidance on contact days @ @ @ @ @ future board meeting . ''
Anderson 's statement did not specifically address basketball , which @ @ @ @ @ postponed until spring .
The board is scheduled to meet again Dec. 14 .

Don't expect high school sports before January, IHSA board says
The Illinois High School Association's board of directors Wednesday said to expect all sports to be sidelined until at least next month.
"Given Gov. (J.B.) Pritzker's current mitigations, the board has no expectation of starting low-risk winter sports prior to January," IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said in a statement.
"The board and IHSA staff will continue to monitor the Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation. When there is a timeline for the state to emerge from these restrictions, the board is prepared to restart lower risk winter sports quickly.
"The board hopes to re-establish contact days in January for any winter sports that cannot begin, as well as spring and summer sports. The introduction of the contact days will be based on mitigations from the governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health at that time. Further guidance on contact days will be established at a future board meeting."
Anderson's statement did not specifically address basketball, which Pritzker has said should be postponed until spring.
The board is scheduled to meet again Dec. 14.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Elgin man receives probation for 2019 attack on woman

An Elgin man was sentenced Wednesday to 30 months of probation for attacking a woman in Elgin last year .
Damian A. Failla , who is homeless , faced up to 10 years in prison after his Oct. 1 conviction on a charge of aggravated battery in a public way .
Assistant Kane County State 's Attorney Mark Stajdohar requested an eight-year term .
According to authorities , Failla and the woman , who also was homeless , were in a dispute Sept. 24 , 2019 , in Elgin .
Failla saw the woman later that day , followed her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , and then struck her several times in the head with an unknown metal object .
Failla , 36 , has been held in jail since then .
Judge John Barsanti also ordered that Failla undergo anger management , substance abuse and psychiatric evaluations , and comply with any treatment recommended .
Assistant Public Defender Britt Hawkins told the judge Failla has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder .
The victim submitted a written statement to the court in which she said the attack has left her unable to trust people , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to get me , '' she wrote .
`` I hope you get a big sentence from the judge . ''
Hawkins argued that while Failla has prior convictions for burglary , robbery and retail theft , he 'd held a job since he was released from prison in 2014 .
He had one other criminal conviction in that time , on a misdemeanor charge of resisting a peace officer .

Elgin man receives probation for 2019 attack on woman
An Elgin man was sentenced Wednesday to 30 months of probation for attacking a woman in Elgin last year.
Damian A. Failla, who is homeless, faced up to 10 years in prison after his Oct. 1 conviction on a charge of aggravated battery in a public way. Assistant Kane County State's Attorney Mark Stajdohar requested an eight-year term.
According to authorities, Failla and the woman, who also was homeless, were in a dispute Sept. 24, 2019, in Elgin. Failla saw the woman later that day, followed her after she told him to leave her alone, and then struck her several times in the head with an unknown metal object.
Failla, 36, has been held in jail since then.
Judge John Barsanti also ordered that Failla undergo anger management, substance abuse and psychiatric evaluations, and comply with any treatment recommended. Assistant Public Defender Britt Hawkins told the judge Failla has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The victim submitted a written statement to the court in which she said the attack has left her unable to trust people, especially men.
"I feel anyone is out to get me," she wrote. "I hope you get a big sentence from the judge."
Hawkins argued that while Failla has prior convictions for burglary, robbery and retail theft, he'd held a job since he was released from prison in 2014. He had one other criminal conviction in that time, on a misdemeanor charge of resisting a peace officer.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--One last political squabble for Lauzen throws Kane County newsletter into limbo

Kane County government 's main tool for communicating with local taxpayers is on indefinite hiatus as the dismissal of the employee who built the email newsletter sparked one last public battle Wednesday over Chairman Chris Lauzen 's management before new leadership takes over .
Kane County Connects grew to more than 20,000 readers under the direction of Rick Nagel , who came to the county six years ago as a veteran Fox Valley journalist .
But Nagel clashed with Lauzen in May when the chairman took exception to the inclusion of Coroner Rob Russell 's COVID-19 death stats in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of those reported by the county 's public health department .
That helped fuel confusion among county board members and residents who were skeptical about statistics that evolved with the medical community 's understanding of the virus .
Lauzen initially pushed Nagel to remove the coroner 's stats but decided it would be better to have the county board make that call .
Nagel expressed concerns that removing the data would lead to further confusion stemming from a lack of transparency .
He also publicly said Lauzen 's push was a personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even backing candidates from both major parties running against Russell in multiple elections .
`` If you disagree with him you are the black knight , which must be defeated at all costs , '' Nagel said at the time .
`` You can stand with Chris ( Lauzen ) or with the open and honest sharing of information . ''
In the end , the public battle resulted in the coroner 's continuing to publish his data through his own methods .
The county health department started linking to those stats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lauzen proposed a county budget that eliminated Nagel 's position at the end of the 2020 fiscal year , which for Kane County was Monday .
The county 's IT staff was tasked with taking over newsletter production , but there has n't been an issue since Nagel 's departure .
That absence pushed board member Drew Frasz to question Lauzen about Nagel during Wednesday 's county board executive committee .
`` The funding on that program ran out , '' Lauzen responded .
`` We 're going in a different direction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing , but dismissing somebody is another , '' Frasz said .
`` I think that firing should be suspended until the new board can take it up .
I do n't want to get into another situation where we have a lawsuit from a person who was dismissed . ''
Lauzen suggested Frasz 's questioning was fueled by a childhood relationship between Frasz and Nagel .
But Frasz 's reference to a potential lawsuit recalled a six-figure severance package for the county 's former director of human resources after she filed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pattern of `` harassment , intimidation and demotion . ''
Lauzen denied those charges at the time and denied any political or personal motivation involving Nagel 's dismissal .
Lauzen said the change saves taxpayers $ 100,000 in salary and benefits .
The position was partially funded with $ 50,000 from Kane County riverboat gambling proceeds .
In comparison , the chief communications officer for the DuPage County Board receives a salary of $ 163,000 .
Frasz called for reconsideration of Nagel 's dismissal when the new county board takes over next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment , Nagel would n't say if he 'd welcome a return to the county .
He said the newsletter built `` a level of engagement you rarely see in government communications . ''
`` I just want to publicly thank Chris Lauzen and the county board for providing the opportunity to serve , '' Nagel said .
`` I truly believe we 've been able to build something special .
I 'm proud of the work we 've done .
• Daily Herald Senior Writer James Fuller and Editor John Lampinen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois Newspaper Association board .

One last political squabble for Lauzen throws Kane County newsletter into limbo
Kane County government's main tool for communicating with local taxpayers is on indefinite hiatus as the dismissal of the employee who built the email newsletter sparked one last public battle Wednesday over Chairman Chris Lauzen's management before new leadership takes over.
Kane County Connects grew to more than 20,000 readers under the direction of Rick Nagel, who came to the county six years ago as a veteran Fox Valley journalist. But Nagel clashed with Lauzen in May when the chairman took exception to the inclusion of Coroner Rob Russell's COVID-19 death stats in the newsletter.
The numbers were often days ahead of those reported by the county's public health department. That helped fuel confusion among county board members and residents who were skeptical about statistics that evolved with the medical community's understanding of the virus.
Lauzen initially pushed Nagel to remove the coroner's stats but decided it would be better to have the county board make that call. Nagel expressed concerns that removing the data would lead to further confusion stemming from a lack of transparency. He also publicly said Lauzen's push was a personal vendetta.
Lauzen often clashed with Russell, even backing candidates from both major parties running against Russell in multiple elections.
"If you disagree with him you are the black knight, which must be defeated at all costs," Nagel said at the time. "You can stand with Chris (Lauzen) or with the open and honest sharing of information."
In the end, the public battle resulted in the coroner's continuing to publish his data through his own methods. The county health department started linking to those stats on its website.
Shortly after, Lauzen proposed a county budget that eliminated Nagel's position at the end of the 2020 fiscal year, which for Kane County was Monday. The county's IT staff was tasked with taking over newsletter production, but there hasn't been an issue since Nagel's departure.
That absence pushed board member Drew Frasz to question Lauzen about Nagel during Wednesday's county board executive committee.
"He was terminated?" Frasz asked.
"The funding on that program ran out," Lauzen responded. "We're going in a different direction."
"Ending a program is one thing, but dismissing somebody is another," Frasz said. "I think that firing should be suspended until the new board can take it up. I don't want to get into another situation where we have a lawsuit from a person who was dismissed."
Lauzen suggested Frasz's questioning was fueled by a childhood relationship between Frasz and Nagel. But Frasz's reference to a potential lawsuit recalled a six-figure severance package for the county's former director of human resources after she filed a federal complaint claiming Lauzen engaged in a pattern of "harassment, intimidation and demotion."
Lauzen denied those charges at the time and denied any political or personal motivation involving Nagel's dismissal. Lauzen said the change saves taxpayers $100,000 in salary and benefits. The position was partially funded with $50,000 from Kane County riverboat gambling proceeds.
In comparison, the chief communications officer for the DuPage County Board receives a salary of $163,000.
Frasz called for reconsideration of Nagel's dismissal when the new county board takes over next week with Corinne Pierog as chair.
Reached for comment, Nagel wouldn't say if he'd welcome a return to the county. He said the newsletter built "a level of engagement you rarely see in government communications."
"I just want to publicly thank Chris Lauzen and the county board for providing the opportunity to serve," Nagel said. "I truly believe we've been able to build something special. I'm proud of the work we've done.
• Daily Herald Senior Writer James Fuller and Editor John Lampinen both serve with Nagel on the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association board.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Report: State energy laws created 'profit machine' for ComEd

SPRINGFIELD -- State energy laws passed in 2011 and 2013 allowed ComEd to earn huge profits while the utility giant failed to fulfill its promise of consumer savings and benefits , according to a new report issued by an independent public interest group this week .
The report from the Illinois Public Interest Research Group describes the energy laws as a `` profit machine '' for ComEd , the largest utility company in the state .
The laws established a formula rate `` that guaranteed revenue and profits , '' weakening the regulatory role of the Illinois Commerce Commission .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Modernization Act in 2011 over the veto of then-Gov .
Pat Quinn .
The law required ComEd to spend at least $ 2.6 billion on infrastructure improvements -- up to $ 3 billion -- over a period of five to 10 years and created a formula for raising consumer rates based on those expenditures .
The `` performance-based formula rate '' included a mechanism for the utility to increase its service rates and recover the costs of delivering its services `` prudently incurred and reasonable in amount . ''
The Illinois Commerce Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can prevent a utility from recovering costs that the commission finds are not prudent or reasonable .
Two years later , the General Assembly passed a related law that overruled the Illinois Commerce Commission 's adverse regulatory decisions against ComEd and made changes to the formula rate that further diminished the commission 's oversight .
ComEd is also the focus of an ongoing federal investigation that revealed the company engaged in a bribery scheme , from 2011 to 2019 , seeking to influence House Speaker Michael Madigan to pass favorable legislation , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Future Energy Jobs Act , which passed in 2016 .
Federal prosecutors in Chicago entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with ComEd this summer that allows the company to avoid being prosecuted for crimes in exchange for paying a $ 200 million fine and agreeing to cooperate in the federal probe .
Last month , four people -- including former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and former ComEd executive turned lobbyist John Hooker -- were indicted on charges of bribing Madigan by awarding no-work jobs , internships and contracts to Madigan associates in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company .
Madigan has not been charged , and he denies any wrongdoing .
The Public Interest Research Group report , released on Tuesday , outlines how ComEd increased its base rate -- or the value of its assets used to calculate the utility 's level of return -- by about $ 5.1 billion , from $ 6.2 billion in 2011 to $ 11.4 billion in 2019 .
ComEd 's profits increased by 47 % from 2011 to 2019 , according to the report , as customers saw a 37 % increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time period .
During the six years after the follow-up legislation to the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act passed , ComEd 's profits increased by $ 1 billion , compared to its profits over each of the two previous six-year periods going back to 2001 , according to the report .
Abe Scarr , director of the Illinois Public Interest Research Group and coauthor of the report , said the information in the report should dispel the company 's claim that while politicians may have acted corruptly to secure the legislation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We think very clearly that there has been a harm that consumers are paying much more than they would have otherwise for their delivery service , and that we were promised all types of customer benefits from the law , and those have fallen short , '' Scarr said .
`` In the wake of all this , not only should we allow the federal prosecutors in the legal system to work its way through the process , but legislators need to take action and right some of these wrongs from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overpaying for years to come . ''
Although ComEd customers have seen their utility bills remain relatively flat in the past decade , Scarr said this is because costs on the supply side have decreased and distribution costs have increased .
`` But we think that the distribution side should n't have gone up as much and customers should have seen more savings in their bills than they have , '' he said .
ComEd serves 4 million customers across northern Illinois , according to the company 's website .
It 's service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Wisconsin border to the north , the Iowa border to the west and the Indiana border to the east .
The 111-page report explains how the 2011 and 2013 energy laws altered the existing process , which was in place for nearly a century , used by the Illinois Commerce Commission to set a utility 's electricity rates and determine the investment costs the company can recover .
`` As part of the traditional rate case process , the Commission would set the return on equity , the profit margin applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk profile of the company .
Under EIMA 's formula rates , the Commission has no such authority , '' the report states .
The law `` strips the Commission of the tools and mechanisms traditionally used to investigate and hold utilities accountable in an effort to promote the public interest , '' according to the report .
Scarr said the two energy laws have allowed ComEd to recover almost all of its roughly $ 5 billion in investments .
In fact , only $ 23 million of that amount was disallowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged to customers , by the Illinois Commerce Commission since 2011 .
`` That 's why we call it a profit machine , '' Scarr said .
`` Because they spend the money and put it through this formula , and out comes their guaranteed revenue and their guaranteed profits . ''
In an emailed statement , a ComEd representative denied that the energy laws harmed consumers or that they changed the way ComEd can recover its investment costs .
`` The Deferred Prosecution Agreement does not contain any allegations that consumers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , the bipartisan legislation that was passed -- EIMA and ( Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 ) -- resulted in substantial benefits for ComEd 's customers , including reliability that has improved more than 70 percent since 2012 to record levels , '' the statement from Shannon Breymaier , ComEd communications director , read in part .
`` The standards for which investments ComEd can recover today are the same as they were before EIMA created the formula rate . ''

Report: State energy laws created 'profit machine' for ComEd
SPRINGFIELD -- State energy laws passed in 2011 and 2013 allowed ComEd to earn huge profits while the utility giant failed to fulfill its promise of consumer savings and benefits, according to a new report issued by an independent public interest group this week.
The report from the Illinois Public Interest Research Group describes the energy laws as a "profit machine" for ComEd, the largest utility company in the state. The laws established a formula rate "that guaranteed revenue and profits," weakening the regulatory role of the Illinois Commerce Commission.
The General Assembly passed the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act in 2011 over the veto of then-Gov. Pat Quinn. The law required ComEd to spend at least $2.6 billion on infrastructure improvements -- up to $3 billion -- over a period of five to 10 years and created a formula for raising consumer rates based on those expenditures.
The "performance-based formula rate" included a mechanism for the utility to increase its service rates and recover the costs of delivering its services "prudently incurred and reasonable in amount." The Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates utilities including ComEd, can prevent a utility from recovering costs that the commission finds are not prudent or reasonable.
Two years later, the General Assembly passed a related law that overruled the Illinois Commerce Commission's adverse regulatory decisions against ComEd and made changes to the formula rate that further diminished the commission's oversight.
ComEd is also the focus of an ongoing federal investigation that revealed the company engaged in a bribery scheme, from 2011 to 2019, seeking to influence House Speaker Michael Madigan to pass favorable legislation, including the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act and the Future Energy Jobs Act, which passed in 2016.
Federal prosecutors in Chicago entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with ComEd this summer that allows the company to avoid being prosecuted for crimes in exchange for paying a $200 million fine and agreeing to cooperate in the federal probe.
Last month, four people -- including former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and former ComEd executive turned lobbyist John Hooker -- were indicted on charges of bribing Madigan by awarding no-work jobs, internships and contracts to Madigan associates in order to win his favor for legislation benefitting the company. Madigan has not been charged, and he denies any wrongdoing.
The Public Interest Research Group report, released on Tuesday, outlines how ComEd increased its base rate -- or the value of its assets used to calculate the utility's level of return -- by about $5.1 billion, from $6.2 billion in 2011 to $11.4 billion in 2019.
ComEd's profits increased by 47% from 2011 to 2019, according to the report, as customers saw a 37% increase in the company's delivery services over the same time period.
During the six years after the follow-up legislation to the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act passed, ComEd's profits increased by $1 billion, compared to its profits over each of the two previous six-year periods going back to 2001, according to the report.
Abe Scarr, director of the Illinois Public Interest Research Group and coauthor of the report, said the information in the report should dispel the company's claim that while politicians may have acted corruptly to secure the legislation, the legislation itself does not harm consumers.
"We think very clearly that there has been a harm that consumers are paying much more than they would have otherwise for their delivery service, and that we were promised all types of customer benefits from the law, and those have fallen short," Scarr said. "In the wake of all this, not only should we allow the federal prosecutors in the legal system to work its way through the process, but legislators need to take action and right some of these wrongs from the past decade because customers could be overpaying for years to come."
Although ComEd customers have seen their utility bills remain relatively flat in the past decade, Scarr said this is because costs on the supply side have decreased and distribution costs have increased.
"But we think that the distribution side shouldn't have gone up as much and customers should have seen more savings in their bills than they have," he said.
ComEd serves 4 million customers across northern Illinois, according to the company's website. It's service territory borders Iroquois County to the south, the Wisconsin border to the north, the Iowa border to the west and the Indiana border to the east.
The 111-page report explains how the 2011 and 2013 energy laws altered the existing process, which was in place for nearly a century, used by the Illinois Commerce Commission to set a utility's electricity rates and determine the investment costs the company can recover.
"As part of the traditional rate case process, the Commission would set the return on equity, the profit margin applied to the rate base, after evaluating the risk profile of the company. Under EIMA's formula rates, the Commission has no such authority," the report states.
The law "strips the Commission of the tools and mechanisms traditionally used to investigate and hold utilities accountable in an effort to promote the public interest," according to the report.
Scarr said the two energy laws have allowed ComEd to recover almost all of its roughly $5 billion in investments. In fact, only $23 million of that amount was disallowed, or determined it should not be charged to customers, by the Illinois Commerce Commission since 2011.
"That's why we call it a profit machine," Scarr said. "Because they spend the money and put it through this formula, and out comes their guaranteed revenue and their guaranteed profits."
In an emailed statement, a ComEd representative denied that the energy laws harmed consumers or that they changed the way ComEd can recover its investment costs.
"The Deferred Prosecution Agreement does not contain any allegations that consumers were harmed by legislation passed in Illinois. In fact, the bipartisan legislation that was passed -- EIMA and (Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016) -- resulted in substantial benefits for ComEd's customers, including reliability that has improved more than 70 percent since 2012 to record levels," the statement from Shannon Breymaier, ComEd communications director, read in part. "The standards for which investments ComEd can recover today are the same as they were before EIMA created the formula rate."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--Ricky Rockets gas station likely coming to Itasca

Itasca village officials confirmed they are finalizing plans to build a Ricky Rockets gas station as part of ongoing development in the village .
The proposed location is on the east side of Rohlwing Road between Devon Avenue and Route 390 , one of three commercial developments proposed at the former site of the WBBM-780 AM radio tower .
The others are for a Holiday Inn Express and an undisclosed restaurant .
`` It 'll be nice if we can pull all of these things off , '' Mayor Jeff Pruyn said during Tuesday night 's village board meeting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ uses , but I know that it 's going to take a while to develop . ''
The original gas station proposal was meant to be a Thornton 's but that was withdrawn after developer Bridge Itasca LLC and commercial partner Bluestone said Thornton 's proposed 2022 completion time was not ideal .
The proposed Ricky Rockets will provide an approximately 8,400-square-foot convenience store with an outdoor seating area , 20 gas station pumps for passenger vehicles , and four truck fueling stations .
Bluestone managing partner Rick Claes said Ricky Rockets could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the beginning of 2021 .
`` Ricky Rockets is a first-class developer with a lot of great plans for the Chicagoland market , '' Claes said .
The village board is expected to vote on finalizing the deal for the gas station Dec. 15 .
The site on the southeast corner of Route 53 and Devon Avenue in Itasca , near I-290/Elgin-O'Hare Expressway , was home to a WBBM-AM 780 radio tower for 77 years before it was torn down and operations moved to Bloomingdale in June 2019 .
The other sizable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 54,233-square-foot Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel , which would provide 93 rooms , a business center , fitness center , pool and other amenities .

Ricky Rockets gas station likely coming to Itasca
Itasca village officials confirmed they are finalizing plans to build a Ricky Rockets gas station as part of ongoing development in the village.
The proposed location is on the east side of Rohlwing Road between Devon Avenue and Route 390, one of three commercial developments proposed at the former site of the WBBM-780 AM radio tower. The others are for a Holiday Inn Express and an undisclosed restaurant.
"It'll be nice if we can pull all of these things off," Mayor Jeff Pruyn said during Tuesday night's village board meeting. "I like the three proposed property uses, but I know that it's going to take a while to develop."
The original gas station proposal was meant to be a Thornton's but that was withdrawn after developer Bridge Itasca LLC and commercial partner Bluestone said Thornton's proposed 2022 completion time was not ideal.
The proposed Ricky Rockets will provide an approximately 8,400-square-foot convenience store with an outdoor seating area, 20 gas station pumps for passenger vehicles, and four truck fueling stations.
Bluestone managing partner Rick Claes said Ricky Rockets could begin development sooner, by as early as the beginning of 2021.
"Ricky Rockets is a first-class developer with a lot of great plans for the Chicagoland market," Claes said.
The village board is expected to vote on finalizing the deal for the gas station Dec. 15.
The site on the southeast corner of Route 53 and Devon Avenue in Itasca, near I-290/Elgin-O'Hare Expressway, was home to a WBBM-AM 780 radio tower for 77 years before it was torn down and operations moved to Bloomingdale in June 2019.
The other sizable development proposed in the area is for a 54,233-square-foot Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel, which would provide 93 rooms, a business center, fitness center, pool and other amenities.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-02--In a year of loss, Oct. 12 was a win in Vernon Hills. Here's why.

During the pandemic , good days have been harder to come by , which is why Vernon Hills Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Chuck Smith said it was important to recognize nine area first responders who worked to save the life of a Vernon Hills woman in October .
A Vernon Hills police officer , two Countryside Fire dispatchers and six Countryside firefighters and paramedics were going to be recognized on Nov. 19 before the Countryside Fire Protection District board meeting .
But warnings about public gatherings in the face of a sharp upturn in COVID-19 cases dashed that plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Daniel Ogurek presented recognitions to members of the team at several smaller gatherings .
`` We 're a group of people who do n't always recognize ourselves for doing good things out there , '' Smith said of first responders .
`` It is important in these times when we 've seen so much sadness in society right now to celebrate the good things that happen . ''
On Oct. 12 , Countryside Fire dispatchers received a 911 call reporting that a 50-year-old woman was unresponsive .
Smith said the dispatchers -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the woman probably had suffered a cardiac arrest .
They instructed family members to do CPR as they sent help to the home .
The first person to arrive was Vernon Hills police officer Haley Lemmer , who took over performing CPR on the woman from a family member .
Soon after , six members of the Countryside Fire Protection District -- Lt. John Sherwood , firefighter Mark Speckan and firemedics Rob Elkins , Michael Garza , Nicholas McDowell and Avery Cielek -- arrived .
Smith said each of the six had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued CPR on the woman while another prepared the automatic CPR machine to take over .
Others pumped air into her lungs , inserted an IV line so medication could be administered , monitored her vital signs and gathered more information from her family .
Because patients often remain unconscious on route to the hospital , first responders usually do n't see the outcome of their work , Smith said .
But this time , the woman regained consciousness in the ambulance .
`` We have to celebrate the wins because we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Smith said .

In a year of loss, Oct. 12 was a win in Vernon Hills. Here's why.
Vernon Hills Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Chuck Smith, center, presents dispatchers Jason Palo and Tanya Skjoldager with commendations for their efforts to save an unresponsive Vernon Hills woman in October. Courtesy of Vernon Hills Countryside Fire Protection District
During the pandemic, good days have been harder to come by, which is why Vernon Hills Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Chuck Smith said it was important to recognize nine area first responders who worked to save the life of a Vernon Hills woman in October.
A Vernon Hills police officer, two Countryside Fire dispatchers and six Countryside firefighters and paramedics were going to be recognized on Nov. 19 before the Countryside Fire Protection District board meeting.
But warnings about public gatherings in the face of a sharp upturn in COVID-19 cases dashed that plan. Instead, Smith and Countryside Battalion Chief Daniel Ogurek presented recognitions to members of the team at several smaller gatherings.
"We're a group of people who don't always recognize ourselves for doing good things out there," Smith said of first responders. "It is important in these times when we've seen so much sadness in society right now to celebrate the good things that happen."
On Oct. 12, Countryside Fire dispatchers received a 911 call reporting that a 50-year-old woman was unresponsive. Smith said the dispatchers -- Tanya Skjoldager and Jason Palo -- concluded that the woman probably had suffered a cardiac arrest. They instructed family members to do CPR as they sent help to the home.
The first person to arrive was Vernon Hills police officer Haley Lemmer, who took over performing CPR on the woman from a family member.
Soon after, six members of the Countryside Fire Protection District -- Lt. John Sherwood, firefighter Mark Speckan and firemedics Rob Elkins, Michael Garza, Nicholas McDowell and Avery Cielek -- arrived.
Smith said each of the six had an important job to do. One continued CPR on the woman while another prepared the automatic CPR machine to take over.
Others pumped air into her lungs, inserted an IV line so medication could be administered, monitored her vital signs and gathered more information from her family.
Because patients often remain unconscious on route to the hospital, first responders usually don't see the outcome of their work, Smith said.
But this time, the woman regained consciousness in the ambulance.
"We have to celebrate the wins because we haven't had as many wins lately," Smith said.