dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Rozner: Why Joe Maddon is trying to revise Cubs history just a bit

You can like the Cubs ' decision to move on from Joe Maddon .
You can agree with their call to end the relationship after five years .
You can understand wanting a fresh voice and a new vibe .
What is n't in dispute is that Cubs management took the high road last fall and continues to do so , even after Maddon took a swipe at Theo Epstein in an ESPN interview a few days ago .
`` Philosophically , Theo needed to do what he needed to do separately , '' Maddon said .
`` At some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his train of thought a little bit .
And it 's not that I 'm hardheaded .
I 'm inclusive .
`` But when I started there -- '15 , '16 , '17 -- it was pretty much my methods .
And then all of a sudden , after '18 going into '19 , they wanted to change everything . ''
In other words , when the Cubs were really good for three years , it was because of Maddon , and the last two years that did n't produce a single playoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There was just , you can say , philosophical differences , '' Maddon told ESPN .
`` But he and I are still good friends .
And I like the man a lot .
It was just time for him to get someone else and time for me to work somewhere else .
`` That 's all .
A five-year shelf life in Chicago is almost equivalent to five to 10 somewhere else .
At the end of the day , man , there 's nothing to lament there .
That was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have ever had . ''
There is no arguing that .
But Maddon 's thoughts are an indication of where he truly sees his place in baseball history , the key ingredient to the Cubs ending a 108-year drought .
So why say it now ?
The answer is Maddon ca n't help himself .
A qualifier is necessary here because Maddon did a spectacular job managing the Cubs in 2015 , absolutely the best of his seasons in Chicago .
He took a young , inexperienced team and really would n't let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily pleasure .
And he had a great regular season in 2016 .
To suggest the team was so good that he did n't have to do anything is disrespectful .
Maddon was terrific again .
For the most part , his regular seasons were very good in Chicago .
Some might suggest he checked out at times the last two years , but 2018 was no picnic with injuries and pitching issues , and 2019 is difficult to explain on many levels .
Still , it was n't on Maddon .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But his postseason managing was as bad as anything you will ever see -- at any time , at any level , in any sport .
The Cubs won the World Series in 2016 despite Maddon , not because of him .
His mismanagement of the pitching staff beginning in the 2016 NLCS and throughout the World Series was staggering , especially Games 5 , 6 and 7 .
Maybe it 's easy to look past the debacle now , but there are so many examples from the 2016 and 2017 postseasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recount all of Maddon 's inexplicable decisions .
Suffice it to say Maddon pulled Kyle Hendricks ( 63 pitches ) too early in Game 7 in Cleveland .
Jon Lester was brilliant in relief , but Maddon yanked him in the eighth after Addison Russell probably should have ended the inning on a hard-hit groundball .
That 's when Maddon went to Chapman to get 4 outs after Chapman had thrown 42 pitches in Game 5 and 20 more in Game 6 with a big lead .
You know the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it , resting on his ring and taking credit for the victory , even though he certainly knew that the famous Jason Heyward , rain-delay pep talk was less about cheerleading and more about insisting they not lose a title the players had earned , and Maddon had given away .
But never did Maddon thank them for saving the World Series and maybe even his job .
Think back to that moment .
Do you believe the Cubs could have brought Maddon back for 2017 if they had not rallied in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were thinking at that moment ?
It would have been the worst defeat in the history of a club that had cornered the market on horrific defeats .
This would have been the Super Volcano of Cubs disasters .
The Cubs would not have been able to salvage Maddon that winter because the conversation about all he had done wrong would have never quieted .
Yeah , do the math .
Every game in 2017 and beyond would have been played with a backdrop of that World Series collapse .
We would still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drought in sports history , still discussing the way in which Maddon gave it away .
But if you listened to him postgame that night -- and every night since -- never was there a time that he confessed .
Contrast that with Joe Girardi during the 2017 postseason when the Yankees manager said , of failing to request a replay , `` I take responsibility for everything , and I feel horrible about it .
I screwed up ... and it 's hard .
It 's a hard day for me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It 's possible he lost some players wondering why they should be held accountable in the shadow of a manager who would not accept responsibility for nearly giving away the World Series .
Again , Joe Maddon is a great manager -- a Hall of Famer if he manages another five years -- and his regular seasons in Chicago were fantastic , but he 's revising history these days .
Epstein takes responsibility for every season that does n't end in a title .
He 's far from perfect and has made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago .
It 's rather human to admit when you foul up , as we are all fallible .
It 's just a little surprising to hear Maddon tell his tale today .
If not for ego , it would also be unnecessary .

Rozner: Why Joe Maddon is trying to revise Cubs history just a bit
Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon wasn't too happy about his departure from the Cubs. Associated Press
You can like the Cubs' decision to move on from Joe Maddon.
Or not.
You can agree with their call to end the relationship after five years.
Or not.
You can understand wanting a fresh voice and a new vibe.
Or not.
What isn't in dispute is that Cubs management took the high road last fall and continues to do so, even after Maddon took a swipe at Theo Epstein in an ESPN interview a few days ago.
"Philosophically, Theo needed to do what he needed to do separately," Maddon said. "At some point, I began to interfere with his train of thought a little bit. And it's not that I'm hardheaded. I'm inclusive.
"But when I started there -- '15, '16, '17 -- it was pretty much my methods. And then all of a sudden, after '18 going into '19, they wanted to change everything."
In other words, when the Cubs were really good for three years, it was because of Maddon, and the last two years that didn't produce a single playoff victory were because of Epstein.
It's a convenient timeline.
"There was just, you can say, philosophical differences," Maddon told ESPN. "But he and I are still good friends. And I like the man a lot. It was just time for him to get someone else and time for me to work somewhere else.
"That's all. A five-year shelf life in Chicago is almost equivalent to five to 10 somewhere else. At the end of the day, man, there's nothing to lament there. That was the most successful five years that the Cubs have ever had."
There is no arguing that.
But Maddon's thoughts are an indication of where he truly sees his place in baseball history, the key ingredient to the Cubs ending a 108-year drought.
Interesting point of view.
So why say it now? The answer is Maddon can't help himself.
A qualifier is necessary here because Maddon did a spectacular job managing the Cubs in 2015, absolutely the best of his seasons in Chicago.
He took a young, inexperienced team and really wouldn't let the pressure on the players exceed their daily pleasure.
And he had a great regular season in 2016. To suggest the team was so good that he didn't have to do anything is disrespectful. Maddon was terrific again.
For the most part, his regular seasons were very good in Chicago. Some might suggest he checked out at times the last two years, but 2018 was no picnic with injuries and pitching issues, and 2019 is difficult to explain on many levels.
Still, it wasn't on Maddon. He did his job and did it well.
But his postseason managing was as bad as anything you will ever see -- at any time, at any level, in any sport.
The Cubs won the World Series in 2016 despite Maddon, not because of him.
His mismanagement of the pitching staff beginning in the 2016 NLCS and throughout the World Series was staggering, especially Games 5, 6 and 7.
Maybe it's easy to look past the debacle now, but there are so many examples from the 2016 and 2017 postseasons that there isn't enough space to recount all of Maddon's inexplicable decisions.
Ask Aroldis Chapman and Wade Davis.
Suffice it to say Maddon pulled Kyle Hendricks (63 pitches) too early in Game 7 in Cleveland. Jon Lester was brilliant in relief, but Maddon yanked him in the eighth after Addison Russell probably should have ended the inning on a hard-hit groundball.
That's when Maddon went to Chapman to get 4 outs after Chapman had thrown 42 pitches in Game 5 and 20 more in Game 6 with a big lead.
You know the rest of the story.
Maddon never apologized for any of it, resting on his ring and taking credit for the victory, even though he certainly knew that the famous Jason Heyward, rain-delay pep talk was less about cheerleading and more about insisting they not lose a title the players had earned, and Maddon had given away.
But never did Maddon thank them for saving the World Series and maybe even his job.
Think back to that moment. Do you believe the Cubs could have brought Maddon back for 2017 if they had not rallied in extras?
Do you remember what you were thinking at that moment? It would have been the worst defeat in the history of a club that had cornered the market on horrific defeats.
This would have been the Super Volcano of Cubs disasters.
The Cubs would not have been able to salvage Maddon that winter because the conversation about all he had done wrong would have never quieted.
Yeah, do the math. Every game in 2017 and beyond would have been played with a backdrop of that World Series collapse.
We would still be here today talking about the longest drought in sports history, still discussing the way in which Maddon gave it away.
But if you listened to him postgame that night -- and every night since -- never was there a time that he confessed.
Contrast that with Joe Girardi during the 2017 postseason when the Yankees manager said, of failing to request a replay, "I take responsibility for everything, and I feel horrible about it. I screwed up ... and it's hard. It's a hard day for me."
Can you imagine Maddon saying that?
It's possible he lost some players wondering why they should be held accountable in the shadow of a manager who would not accept responsibility for nearly giving away the World Series.
Again, Joe Maddon is a great manager -- a Hall of Famer if he manages another five years -- and his regular seasons in Chicago were fantastic, but he's revising history these days.
Epstein takes responsibility for every season that doesn't end in a title. He's far from perfect and has made plenty of mistakes since he arrived in Chicago.
It's rather human to admit when you foul up, as we are all fallible.
It's just a little surprising to hear Maddon tell his tale today. If not for ego, it would also be unnecessary.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Recreational pot licenses granted to Addison, Rolling Meadows shops

Two more medical marijuana dispensaries in the suburbs have earned state licenses to begin recreational sales to adult-use customers .
Mindful Dispensary in Addison and Nature 's Care Company in Rolling Meadows gained licenses Friday from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to sell to customers 21 and older under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act .
The issuances bring the total number of state-licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries to 10 in the Northwest and West suburbs and 50 statewide .
Forty-eight of the licenses across the state , including all 10 in the suburbs , have gone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nature 's Care both have local zoning permission to begin sales to adult-use customers .
So do the three suburban dispensaries that began recreational sales Jan. 1 : EarthMed in Addison , Verilife in North Aurora and Rise Mundelein .
But three stores in the suburbs do n't have local zoning permission to sell to nonmedical customers , including Verilife in Arlington Heights , New Age Care in Mount Prospect and 3C Compassionate Care Center in Naperville .
Two others are sorting out location issues .
Sunnyside in Buffalo Grove was granted permission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open a combination medical/recreational dispensary along Milwaukee Avenue , but so far it remains open only for medical patients at its shop on Barclay Boulevard .
Zen Leaf in St. Charles has sought city permission to sell to recreational customers from its existing medical shop at , 3714 Illinois St. , but discussions have been delayed until March 9 .

Recreational pot licenses granted to Addison, Rolling Meadows shops
Two more medical marijuana dispensaries in the suburbs have earned state licenses to begin recreational sales to adult-use customers.
Mindful Dispensary in Addison and Nature's Care Company in Rolling Meadows gained licenses Friday from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to sell to customers 21 and older under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
The issuances bring the total number of state-licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries to 10 in the Northwest and West suburbs and 50 statewide. Forty-eight of the licenses across the state, including all 10 in the suburbs, have gone to existing medical cannabis dispensaries.
Mindful and Nature's Care both have local zoning permission to begin sales to adult-use customers. So do the three suburban dispensaries that began recreational sales Jan. 1: EarthMed in Addison, Verilife in North Aurora and Rise Mundelein.
But three stores in the suburbs don't have local zoning permission to sell to nonmedical customers: Verilife in Arlington Heights, New Age Care in Mount Prospect and 3C Compassionate Care Center in Naperville.
Two others are sorting out location issues.
Sunnyside in Buffalo Grove was granted permission from the village board last month to open a combination medical/recreational dispensary along Milwaukee Avenue, but so far it remains open only for medical patients at its shop on Barclay Boulevard.
Zen Leaf in St. Charles has sought city permission to sell to recreational customers from its existing medical shop at 3714 Illinois St., but discussions have been delayed until March 9.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Wauconda's Green Goat restaurant closing after three years

Wauconda 's Green Goat restaurant is shutting down after nearly three years , management has announced .
The restaurant at 203 S. Main St. will serve its final meals Friday , Feb. 21 .
`` It is with great sadness that we tell you next week will be our last at the Green Goat , '' the restaurant announced on its Facebook page .
`` It has been a great run , but life has a few too many distractions for us to do justice to this great concept . ''
Co-owner Aaron Aggarwal said the need to balance work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We decided to say goodbye while things were still good , '' said Aggarwal , who co-owns several other businesses in town .
`` We will miss the Goat and our customers immensely . ''
The Green Goat opened in spring 2017 .
The menu offers hot and cold gourmet sandwiches , soups , salads and smoothies .
The restaurant also hosted cooking classes and other culinary events .
The folks behind the Green Goat -- Aggarwal , Joe Kafka , Jeff Middleton and Brian Middleton -- are the co-owners of Middleton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Kafka and Aggarwal also own Bulldogs Grill , a more casual restaurant at 122 S. Main St. Aggarwal had a soft spot for the Green Goat .
`` With all the other restaurants , the Goat was the one that always got the creative juices flowing for me -- and kept me fairly healthy , '' he said .
`` Our customers allowed us to make it our culinary playground . ''
After the closing was announced , Green Goat fans shared their love of the restaurant on Facebook .
`` ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for good food , '' one customer said .
`` Sorry to see you go !
Your food was always fresh and amazing , '' another wrote .
Wauconda resident Heather Moran thanked the Green Goat team `` for all the yumminess . ''

Wauconda's Green Goat restaurant closing after three years
Wauconda's Green Goat restaurant is shutting down after nearly three years, management has announced.
The restaurant at 203 S. Main St. will serve its final meals Friday, Feb. 21.
"It is with great sadness that we tell you next week will be our last at the Green Goat," the restaurant announced on its Facebook page. "It has been a great run, but life has a few too many distractions for us to do justice to this great concept."
Co-owner Aaron Aggarwal said the need to balance work with family time was a factor.
"We decided to say goodbye while things were still good," said Aggarwal, who co-owns several other businesses in town. "We will miss the Goat and our customers immensely."
The Green Goat opened in spring 2017. The menu offers hot and cold gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads and smoothies.
The restaurant also hosted cooking classes and other culinary events.
The folks behind the Green Goat -- Aggarwal, Joe Kafka, Jeff Middleton and Brian Middleton -- are the co-owners of Middleton's on Main, 110 S. Main St.
Kafka and Aggarwal also own Bulldogs Grill, a more casual restaurant at 122 S. Main St.
Aggarwal co-owns Wauconda's Urban Roots Hemp at 210 W. Liberty St., too.
Aggarwal had a soft spot for the Green Goat.
"With all the other restaurants, the Goat was the one that always got the creative juices flowing for me -- and kept me fairly healthy," he said. "Our customers allowed us to make it our culinary playground."
After the closing was announced, Green Goat fans shared their love of the restaurant on Facebook.
"(It) was always an enjoyable place for good food," one customer said.
"Sorry to see you go! Your food was always fresh and amazing," another wrote.
Wauconda resident Heather Moran thanked the Green Goat team "for all the yumminess."
"I loved every Green Goat minute I had," Moran wrote.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Antioch man wanted by police arrested after escape, chase and crash

An Antioch man wanted for aggravated battery with a firearm and other charges , was arrested Thursday after a brief police chase and a crash , authorities said Friday .
Jayvion C. Scott , 21 , of the 300 block of Birchwood Drive now faces additional felony charges of resisting a peace officer causing injury , criminal damage to government property , aggravated fleeing and eluding and several traffic citations after being arrested Thursday afternoon in Zion Township , according to a news release .
The Lake County Sheriff 's Office Warrants Team , working with the U.S .
Marshals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force , determined Scott was at a residence in the 2300 block of North Lewis Avenue in Zion .
Deputies conducted surveillance and saw Scott leaving in a vehicle about 1:15 p.m. and surrounded it , the release stated .
Scott rammed a squad car and drove through a front yard to escape .
During the crash , his vehicle sustained a punctured tire , which caused it to deflate .
Scott lost control of the vehicle in the area of Lewis Avenue near Russell Road and struck a guard rail .
Deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fleeting but Scott refused to get out and had to be extracted , according to the release .
One member of the U.S .
Marshals Service suffered a cut on his arm while extracting Scott during the arrest .
He was treated at a hospital , received several stitches and was release .
Scott was taken to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan , where he was evaluated and released into police custody .
`` While all of our staff face potential danger every day , our warrants deputies risk their lives apprehending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is an example of someone accused of violent crimes who did everything he could to avoid apprehension .
His unacceptable actions ultimately caused injuries to a task force officer , and he will be held accountable , '' Sheriff John Idleburg said in the release .
Scott 's initial $ 2 million arrest warrant stems from a Zion Police Department investigation .
The charges on that warrant were : aggravated battery with a firearm , two counts aggravate discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery , the news release stated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Friday and he 's held in the Lake County jail .
He is next due in court Feb. 28 .

Antioch man wanted by police arrested after escape, chase and crash
An Antioch man wanted on charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and other crimes was arrested Thursday after a brief police chase and a crash, authorities said Friday.
Jayvion C. Scott, 21, of the 300 block of Birchwood Drive now faces additional felony charges of resisting a peace officer causing injury, criminal damage to government property, aggravated fleeing and eluding and several traffic citations after being arrested Thursday afternoon in Zion Township, according to a news release.
The Lake County sheriff's warrants team, working with federal marshals, determined Scott was at a residence on the 2300 block of North Lewis Avenue in Zion. Deputies saw Scott leaving in a vehicle about 1:15 p.m. and surrounded it, the release stated.
Scott rammed a squad car and drove through a front yard to escape, authorities said. He lost control of the vehicle in the area of Lewis Avenue near Russell Road and struck a guard rail.
One federal marshal suffered a cut on his arm during the arrest and needed several stitches. Scott was taken to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan, where he was evaluated and released into police custody.
"While all of our staff face potential danger every day, our warrants deputies risk their lives apprehending some of the most violent wanted subjects," Sheriff John Idleburg said. "This is an example of someone accused of violent crimes who did everything he could to avoid apprehension. His unacceptable actions ultimately caused injuries to a task force officer, and he will be held accountable."
Scott's initial $2 million arrest warrant stems from a Zion Police Department investigation. The charges on that warrant were: aggravated battery with a firearm, two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated battery
Scott's bail was set at $2 million Friday, and he's being held in the Lake County jail. He is next due in court Feb. 28.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--State lawmakers renew push to let college athletes profit

SPRINGFIELD -- One month ahead of the tipoff of March Madness , Illinois lawmakers -- backed by a pair of NBA brothers -- are renewing a push to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name and likeness .
Rep. Emanuel `` Chris '' Welch called a Chicago news conference Friday to push for his Student Athlete Endorsement Act , or House Bill 3904 , which is awaiting a vote in the state Senate .
`` In a little over a month , the NCAA is going to see its cash cow start -- March Madness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students wo n't see a dime from March Madness .
And all we 're saying is let 's be equitable and let 's be fair .
Let 's let students profit off their own name , likeness and image . ''
The bill would allow collegiate athletes to be paid for the use of their name and likeness and would prohibit the NCAA -- the association which oversees major college athletics -- from punishing students who take part in the payment or the universities they attend .
It would not allow for payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it requires any endorsement contract to be disclosed to universities and allows students to sign with agents who must be licensed with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations .
It would take effect in 2023 .
The reason for the grace period is to allow for an expected legal challenge , Welch said in October .
The bill passed the House with bipartisan support in October during the fall veto session , but failed to reach a vote in the Senate .
He said the chamber 's change in leadership at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is backed by Gov .
JB Pritzker , but he believes `` the time is right '' to move it forward once again with a new Senate president installed .
Sen. Elgie Sims , a Chicago Democrat and sponsor of the bill in the Senate , was unable to take a call Friday , but his office said he `` plans to continue working with his colleagues in an effort to get the bill passed this spring . ''
On Friday , Welch was joined by brothers Shannon and Sterling Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maywood , graduated from the Proviso Township High School District and played basketball at Proviso East High School before entering the NBA .
Shannon Brown , the elder of the brothers , played three years at Michigan State University and went on to a nine-year NBA career that included two championship rings .
Sterling plays for the Milwaukee Bucks after having played four years at Southern Methodist University in Dallas , Texas .
The pair founded the Brown Brothers SALUTE foundation which provides `` events , programs , services and resources to underserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The elder Brown said while he considered the possibility that endorsement deals for athletes could `` detour them from actually going out and pursuing their dreams and their goals , '' he believes the level of sacrifice made by college athletes deserves compensation .
`` I want to see them and their families thrive on the work that they put in , '' he said .
`` I feel like enough hard work is put in that these kids should definitely be able to benefit from it in a way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Chicago Democrat who co-sponsors the bill in the House , played football at the University of Illinois , went to law school and concentrated on sports and entertainment law .
`` What I saw firsthand is that the window to profit from skillset and likeness is very short and finite for the majority of these women and men , '' he said .
Sterling Brown agreed and said sacrifices players make for college basketball include late nights and time away from family .
`` Those who got the bigger names are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to the NBA and fulfill their dreams financially and on the basketball side , '' the younger Brown said .
`` And some who got big names on campus are not really going to get that shot all the time , so if they can get a little something while they 're in college and while they got that hype and that buzz around their name and everybody is buying their jersey , everybody is watching them and following them , and they can help their family , why not ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the collegiate level could provide a valuable learning experience for college athletes , some of whom get to the NBA without any education on the `` financial and business side of things . ''
While the NCAA announced in October , just before the bill 's House passage , that the association would `` start the process '' of changing its rules to allow athletes to profit from their name and likeness , Welch said at the time the move was a public relations stunt and pressure from states was still necessary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call it into action .
It 's time to put this bill on the floor , call it for a vote , and let 's get it on the governor 's desk and keep the pressure on the NCAA to do the right thing , '' he said Friday .
This week , The Associated Press reported that NCAA President Mark Emmert urged Congress to `` put restrictions on college athletes ' ability to earn money from endorsements , telling a Senate committee Tuesday that federal action is needed to 'maintain uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws approved in California and under consideration in other states . ''
The NCAA opposed the California bill , which Illinois ' legislation mirrors .
In October House debate , Rep. Anthony DeLuca , a Chicago Heights Democrat , called the bill `` a dagger in the heart of amateur athletics . ''
Republicans at the time also questioned how it would impact smaller schools , whether bigger name players would have an advantage and whether endorsements could be performance-based .
But Welch responded in floor debate , saying small-school athletes could pair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sponsored and players ' contracts with their schools would address performance-based incentives .
He also said he was open to follow-up legislation .

State lawmakers renew push to let college athletes profit
Former NBA player Shannon Brown gives his support to an Illinois bill that would allow college athletes to collect endorsement deals. Brown was joined at a Friday news conference by younger brother Sterling Brown, at right, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, and state Rep. Kambium Buckner, a Chicago Democrat who is a cosponsor of the bill. blueroomstream.com
SPRINGFIELD -- One month ahead of the tipoff of March Madness, Illinois lawmakers -- backed by a pair of NBA brothers -- are renewing a push to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name and likeness.
Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch called a Chicago news conference Friday to push for his Student Athlete Endorsement Act, or House Bill 3904, which is awaiting a vote in the state Senate.
"In a little over a month, the NCAA is going to see its cash cow start -- March Madness," he said. "And the students won't see a dime from March Madness. And all we're saying is let's be equitable and let's be fair. Let's let students profit off their own name, likeness and image."
The bill would allow collegiate athletes to be paid for the use of their name and likeness and would prohibit the NCAA -- the association which oversees major college athletics -- from punishing students who take part in the payment or the universities they attend. It would not allow for payment of salaries by universities.
Welch said it requires any endorsement contract to be disclosed to universities and allows students to sign with agents who must be licensed with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations.
It would take effect in 2023. The reason for the grace period is to allow for an expected legal challenge, Welch said in October.
The bill passed the House with bipartisan support in October during the fall veto session, but failed to reach a vote in the Senate. He said the chamber's change in leadership at the time could have stalled the proposal, which is backed by Gov. JB Pritzker, but he believes "the time is right" to move it forward once again with a new Senate president installed.
Sen. Elgie Sims, a Chicago Democrat and sponsor of the bill in the Senate, was unable to take a call Friday, but his office said he "plans to continue working with his colleagues in an effort to get the bill passed this spring."
On Friday, Welch was joined by brothers Shannon and Sterling Brown, who both grew up in suburban Maywood, graduated from the Proviso Township High School District and played basketball at Proviso East High School before entering the NBA.
Shannon Brown, the elder of the brothers, played three years at Michigan State University and went on to a nine-year NBA career that included two championship rings. Sterling plays for the Milwaukee Bucks after having played four years at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
The pair founded the Brown Brothers SALUTE foundation which provides "events, programs, services and resources to underserved youth and adults within low income neighborhoods."
The elder Brown said while he considered the possibility that endorsement deals for athletes could "detour them from actually going out and pursuing their dreams and their goals," he believes the level of sacrifice made by college athletes deserves compensation.
"I want to see them and their families thrive on the work that they put in," he said. "I feel like enough hard work is put in that these kids should definitely be able to benefit from it in a way that is positive."
Rep. Kambium Buckner, a Chicago Democrat who co-sponsors the bill in the House, played football at the University of Illinois, went to law school and concentrated on sports and entertainment law.
"What I saw firsthand is that the window to profit from skillset and likeness is very short and finite for the majority of these women and men," he said.
Sterling Brown agreed and said sacrifices players make for college basketball include late nights and time away from family.
"Those who got the bigger names are going to have a bigger chance to go to the NBA and fulfill their dreams financially and on the basketball side," the younger Brown said. "And some who got big names on campus are not really going to get that shot all the time, so if they can get a little something while they're in college and while they got that hype and that buzz around their name and everybody is buying their jersey, everybody is watching them and following them, and they can help their family, why not?"
He also said that receiving endorsements at the collegiate level could provide a valuable learning experience for college athletes, some of whom get to the NBA without any education on the "financial and business side of things."
While the NCAA announced in October, just before the bill's House passage, that the association would "start the process" of changing its rules to allow athletes to profit from their name and likeness, Welch said at the time the move was a public relations stunt and pressure from states was still necessary.
"We believe the time is right to call it into action. It's time to put this bill on the floor, call it for a vote, and let's get it on the governor's desk and keep the pressure on the NCAA to do the right thing," he said Friday.
This week, The Associated Press reported that NCAA President Mark Emmert urged Congress to "put restrictions on college athletes' ability to earn money from endorsements, telling a Senate committee Tuesday that federal action is needed to 'maintain uniform standards in college sports' amid player-friendly laws approved in California and under consideration in other states."
The NCAA opposed the California bill, which Illinois' legislation mirrors.
In October House debate, Rep. Anthony DeLuca, a Chicago Heights Democrat, called the bill "a dagger in the heart of amateur athletics."
Republicans at the time also questioned how it would impact smaller schools, whether bigger name players would have an advantage and whether endorsements could be performance-based.
But Welch responded in floor debate, saying small-school athletes could pair with local businesses, entire teams could be sponsored and players' contracts with their schools would address performance-based incentives.
He also said he was open to follow-up legislation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Ahead of budget address, Pritzker touts $225 million in efficiencies

SPRINGFIELD -- Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Friday his administration has already identified $ 225 million in budget savings for the upcoming fiscal year , and as much as $ 750 million through the end of his first term .
During a news conference in Chicago just days ahead of his annual budget address to the General Assembly , Pritzker tried to draw a sharp contrast between his administration and those of previous governors .
`` In the past , irresponsible management of state revenue and a failure to invest in the long-term health of our state and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
The biggest share of the savings , according to Pritzker 's office , came from reduced health care costs for state employees , accounting for $ 175 million in the upcoming year , and an estimated $ 650 million over the next three years .
Those are the result of new labor contracts the administration negotiated with various public employee labor unions .
`` My predecessor treated them with scorn .
He belittled their contributions , he aimed to undermine them at every turn , '' Pritzker said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What he neglected to understand was that when both parties come to the bargaining table in good faith , there 's an opportunity for both sides to win . ''
Under those contracts , employees who had gone four years without a pay raise will receive cost of living raises of about 11.5 percent over eight years .
But they will also pick up a greater share of their own health care costs in the form of higher premiums and copays .
Other efficiencies Pritzker cited included paying down past-due medical bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late-payment interest costs during the current fiscal year and an estimated $ 25 million in the upcoming year .
He also cited `` enhanced '' tax collections at the Department of Revenue , generating as much as $ 15 million .
Pritzker said he also is exploring consolidating a number of state agencies , merging the Department of Labor and the Department of Employment Security into a single unit , combining anti-fraud units at the Workers ' Compensation Commission and the Department of Insurance , and merging the Coroner Training Board with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news conference , however , representative of the Joint Employers -- which is composed of the Associated General Contractors of Illinois , Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce , Illinois Chamber of Commerce , Illinois Manufacturers ' Association , Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the National Federation of Independent Business -- said the group is `` disappointed with '' the potential consolidation of the Department of Labor and the Department of Employment Security .
`` Such a proposal suggests a lack of understanding of the need for IDES to act as a stand-alone agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any , benefits would come from a merger , '' the group said in a statement .
In highlighting those savings , Pritzker appeared to be laying the groundwork for his budget address , which is scheduled for noon Wednesday , Feb. 19 .
Last year , lawmakers approved a $ 40 billion spending plan , the largest in state history .
But the budget for the upcoming year , which begins July 1 , is expected to be larger still due to mandatory increases in public school funding and pension contributions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved in 2017 , state funding for public schools is supposed to increase by at least $ 350 million .
Meanwhile the state 's mandated pension costs , including the cost of paying down pension obligation bonds that were issued in 2003 , are scheduled to increase nearly $ 460 million , to a total of $ 10.4 billion .

Ahead of budget address, Pritzker touts $225 million in efficiencies
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his next budget address to the General Assembly on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Blueroomstream.com
SPRINGFIELD -- Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Friday his administration has already identified $225 million in budget savings for the upcoming fiscal year, and as much as $750 million through the end of his first term.
During a news conference in Chicago just days ahead of his annual budget address to the General Assembly, Pritzker tried to draw a sharp contrast between his administration and those of previous governors.
"In the past, irresponsible management of state revenue and a failure to invest in the long-term health of our state and its people put us in a challenging position," he said.
The biggest share of the savings, according to Pritzker's office, came from reduced health care costs for state employees, accounting for $175 million in the upcoming year, and an estimated $650 million over the next three years. Those are the result of new labor contracts the administration negotiated with various public employee labor unions.
"My predecessor treated them with scorn. He belittled their contributions, he aimed to undermine them at every turn," Pritzker said, referring to Republican Bruce Rauner. "What he neglected to understand was that when both parties come to the bargaining table in good faith, there's an opportunity for both sides to win."
Under those contracts, employees who had gone four years without a pay raise will receive cost of living raises of about 11.5 percent over eight years. But they will also pick up a greater share of their own health care costs in the form of higher premiums and copays.
Other efficiencies Pritzker cited included paying down past-due medical bills, saving the state $15.7 million in late-payment interest costs during the current fiscal year and an estimated $25 million in the upcoming year.
He also cited "enhanced" tax collections at the Department of Revenue, generating as much as $15 million.
Pritzker said he also is exploring consolidating a number of state agencies, merging the Department of Labor and the Department of Employment Security into a single unit, combining anti-fraud units at the Workers' Compensation Commission and the Department of Insurance, and merging the Coroner Training Board with the Department of Public Health.
After the news conference, however, representative of the Joint Employers -- which is composed of the Associated General Contractors of Illinois, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Manufacturers' Association, Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the National Federation of Independent Business -- said the group is "disappointed with" the potential consolidation of the Department of Labor and the Department of Employment Security.
"Such a proposal suggests a lack of understanding of the need for IDES to act as a stand-alone agency and raises questions about what, if any, benefits would come from a merger," the group said in a statement.
In highlighting those savings, Pritzker appeared to be laying the groundwork for his budget address, which is scheduled for noon Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Last year, lawmakers approved a $40 billion spending plan, the largest in state history. But the budget for the upcoming year, which begins July 1, is expected to be larger still due to mandatory increases in public school funding and pension contributions.
Under the evidence-based funding formula that lawmakers approved in 2017, state funding for public schools is supposed to increase by at least $350 million.
Meanwhile the state's mandated pension costs, including the cost of paying down pension obligation bonds that were issued in 2003, are scheduled to increase nearly $460 million, to a total of $10.4 billion.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--McHenry Township votes to become a gun sanctuary

McHenry Township board trustees voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a resolution to make the township border a sanctuary for gun owners .
A gun sanctuary prohibits or impedes the enforcement of certain gun-control measures perceived as violative of the Second Amendment .
The reason for the vote at the township level , Trustee Steve Verr said , is because McHenry County wo n't take a vote on the resolution .
`` When so many counties are adopting it , there 's no need for township to adopt it .
It 's only when things get stagnated at the county level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we 're doing that right here and now , and we 're making a statement to the county board to let this thing come up for a vote , '' Verr said .
While Board Supervisor Craig Adams was not against the gun sanctuary resolution , he said it should 've been done at the county level instead .
`` If we pass this , we have no agreements with the sheriffs in the township areas .
It has no teeth , '' he said .
`` I would refer to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sue Rose , of Wonder Lake , agreed with Adams that at the township level , the resolution is `` pointless . ''
Some residents tore up the resolution , showing opposition to the pro-gun measure .
McHenry County Board member Chuck Wheeler was there to gain support from the township .
Wheeler said more than 60 counties in Illinois have become gun sanctuaries .
`` It 's something that 's not out in left field , it 's something that 's very mainstream .
It 's something that 's also you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this and basically do both , '' Wheeler said .
Verr pointed out that a `` number of townships '' also have done this because of particular inaction in counties , including Plainfield Township .
During eight months of hearings , meetings and talks , the resolution has not made it onto the county agenda , Wheeler said .
`` We appreciate any support we can get from our township , '' he said .
Wheeler is seeking to turn over the issue to the people .
He needs more than 9,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisory referendum to protect gun rights on the general election ballot in November .
Verr added to the discussion House Bill 961 in Virginia , which prohibits sale , transport , etc.
, of assault firearms , certain firearm magazines , silencers and trigger activators .
`` I think there are number of bills floating in Springfield to do the same thing here , '' he said .
`` This is a message .
You can call it symbolic if you want . ''

Board votes for McHenry Twp. to become a gun sanctuary
McHenry Township board trustees voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a resolution to make the township a sanctuary for gun owners.
A gun sanctuary prohibits or impedes the enforcement of certain gun-control measures perceived as violative of the Second Amendment.
The reason for the vote at the township level, Trustee Steve Verr said, is because the McHenry County Board won't take a vote on the resolution.
"When so many counties are adopting it, there's no need for township to adopt it. It's only when things get stagnated at the county level where the townships can take action, so we're doing that right here and now, and we're making a statement to the county board to let this thing come up for a vote," Verr said.
While Board Supervisor Craig Adams was not against the gun sanctuary resolution, he said it should've been done at the county level instead.
"If we pass this, we have no agreements with the sheriffs in the township areas. It has no teeth," he said. "I would refer to the county because they have law enforcement."
Wonder Lake resident Sue Rose agreed with Adams that at the township level, the resolution is "pointless." Some residents tore up the resolution in opposition.
McHenry County Board member Chuck Wheeler was there to gain support from the township. He said more than 60 counties in Illinois have become gun sanctuaries.
"It's something that's not out in left field, it's something that's very mainstream. It's something that's also you as the township can strengthen the efforts of this and basically do both," Wheeler said.
Verr pointed out that a "number of townships" also have done this because of particular inaction in counties, including Plainfield Township.
During eight months of hearings, meetings and talks, the resolution has not made it onto the county agenda, Wheeler said.
"We appreciate any support we can get from our township," he said.
Wheeler is seeking to turn over the issue to the people. He needs more than 9,000 signatures by Aug. 3 to put an advisory referendum on the ballot in November.
Verr added to the discussion House Bill 961 in Virginia, which prohibits sale, transport, etc., of assault firearms, certain firearm magazines, silencers and trigger activators.
"I think there are number of bills floating in Springfield to do the same thing here," he said. "This is a message. You can call it symbolic if you want."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--'We will always remember': Aurora exhibit honors victims of Pratt shooting

Mary Clark Ormond wonders what will happen after the collection of teddy bears , candles , cards and photographs goes back into storage .
She knows those material things will last , but she does n't want the human stories from yet another mass shooting to get lost to history .
So she thinks about her successors at the Aurora Historical Society : `` How will they know what it meant to us ? ''
She 's been pondering those things in front of a display of five white crosses -- the emotional core of a new exhibit at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anniversary of the Henry Pratt shooting in Aurora .
A year ago , those crosses stood outside the manufacturing warehouse as part of a makeshift memorial to the five victims : Russell Beyer , Vicente Juarez , Clayton Parks , Josh Pinkard and Trevor Wehner .
The mementos haphazardly left behind by mourners have been cataloged , organized and put back on display by the history center , but the exhibit remains a shrine to the five co-workers who lost their lives and the five Aurora police officers who were wounded .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crosses over and over again and thought about them and thought about their families , '' said Ormond , the historical society 's president .
She knows you have to spend some time there to absorb all the heartbreaking details .
Wehner , a 21-year-old from Sheridan , was just three months away from his college graduation when he was killed on the first day of his internship at Henry Pratt .
On his cross , his parents wrote `` I love you forever !
XOXO Mom '' and `` Love you always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 54 , is still wrapped in the string of a deflated balloon .
Attached to the cross for Beyer , 47 , is an `` Aurora Strong '' wristband in a nod to a movement started by the city to help the families and the community grieve .
The laminated pictures on the crosses for Parks , 32 , and Pinkard , 37 , show two young dads .
`` We 're looking at a lot of mementos here that represent people who actually lived and had families and went to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Historical Society Executive Director John Jaros said .
The other gallery walls show the outpouring of support for Aurora police .
The department received hundreds of cards from students , scout groups and law enforcement .
Ormond was struck by a message from a fourth-grader : `` Live in peace . ''
`` We want , first of all , for people to come out of this and remember the victims , but also to remember and appreciate our first responders who went and took fire and took the gunman down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Since the exhibit opened a week ago , Ormond has met with visitors , but she 's sometimes at a loss for words .
`` When we were putting this exhibit together , '' she said , `` we were asking ourselves , is this what we should be doing ?
Is this what people want ? ''
The historical society has tried to set a respectful tone .
It invited relatives of the victims to privately tour the collection outside of museum hours .
The exhibit will run until at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wehner 's mom already have visited .
`` From what I heard , they appreciated that these things were saved and that we were doing this , but again it 's very strong emotions , '' Jaros said .
So Ormond likes to give visitors their space .
One man told her something that helped dispel some of those questions , at least for now , about the future and how people will remember the shooting .
`` You 've said it all here , '' he told Ormond .
On Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a memorial ceremony at the history center , 20 E. Downer Place .
Students from Holy Angels Catholic School , a campus about a half mile away from the Pratt warehouse , will pass out flowers .
And at 1:24 p.m. , the gathering will hold a moment of silence to mark the time the first emergency call was received .
Karen Fullett-Christensen , Aurora 's poet laureate , also has written a poem , one example of the art created for the anniversary .
It 's called `` Hearts and Flowers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Day hearts and fragrant flowers are on display but this year is different While others bask in the warmth of their lovers ' sweet surprises some of us sit with empty arms and broken spirits Longing to turn back the clock to the day before life was shattered Condolence cards and songs of mourning have done their work but the hole never closes Yes , we will go on , we will keep walking but we 'll never forget , we 'll never stop loving in visions and prayers we will always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always belong to dreams of you .

'We will always remember': Aurora exhibit honors victims of Pratt shooting
Mary Clark Ormond wonders what will happen after the collection of teddy bears, candles, cards and photographs goes back into storage.
She knows those material things will last, but she doesn't want the human stories from yet another mass shooting to get lost to history.
So she thinks about her successors at the Aurora Historical Society: "How will they know what it meant to us?"
She's been pondering those things in front of a display of five white crosses -- the emotional core of a new exhibit at the Pierce Art and History Center commemorating the anniversary of the Henry Pratt shooting in Aurora.
A year ago, those crosses stood outside the manufacturing warehouse as part of a makeshift memorial to the five victims: Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Josh Pinkard and Trevor Wehner.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer A collection of teddy bears, candles, cards and photographs left at the shooting site is part of the exhibit.
The mementos haphazardly left behind by mourners have been cataloged, organized and put back on display by the history center, but the exhibit remains a shrine to the five co-workers who lost their lives and the five Aurora police officers who were wounded.
"I've sat in front of those crosses over and over again and thought about them and thought about their families," said Ormond, the historical society's president.
She knows you have to spend some time there to absorb all the heartbreaking details.
Wehner, a 21-year-old from Sheridan, was just three months away from his college graduation when he was killed on the first day of his internship at Henry Pratt. On his cross, his parents wrote "I love you forever! XOXO Mom" and "Love you always Dad."
The cross for Juarez, 54, is still wrapped in the string of a deflated balloon. Attached to the cross for Beyer, 47, is an "Aurora Strong" wristband in a nod to a movement started by the city to help the families and the community grieve.
The laminated pictures on the crosses for Parks, 32, and Pinkard, 37, show two young dads.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer "We want first of all for people to come out of this and remember the victims but also to remember and appreciate our first responders who went and took fire and took the gunman down and prevented more tragedy," Historical Society Executive Director John Jaros says.
"We're looking at a lot of mementos here that represent people who actually lived and had families and went to work one day and didn't come back," Historical Society Executive Director John Jaros said.
The other gallery walls show the outpouring of support for Aurora police. The department received hundreds of cards from students, scout groups and law enforcement.
Ormond was struck by a message from a fourth-grader: "Live in peace."
"We want, first of all, for people to come out of this and remember the victims, but also to remember and appreciate our first responders who went and took fire and took the gunman down and prevented more tragedy," Jaros said.
Since the exhibit opened a week ago, Ormond has met with visitors, but she's sometimes at a loss for words.
"When we were putting this exhibit together," she said, "we were asking ourselves, is this what we should be doing? Is this what people want?"
The historical society has tried to set a respectful tone. It invited relatives of the victims to privately tour the collection outside of museum hours. The exhibit will run until at least Feb. 29.
Beyer's family and Wehner's mom already have visited.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer The Aurora Historical Society's new exhibit memorializes the anniversary of the Henry Pratt shootings that claimed the lives of five employees -- Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Josh Pinkard and Trevor Wehner.
"From what I heard, they appreciated that these things were saved and that we were doing this, but again it's very strong emotions," Jaros said.
So Ormond likes to give visitors their space. One man told her something that helped dispel some of those questions, at least for now, about the future and how people will remember the shooting.
"You've said it all here," he told Ormond.
On Saturday, Ormond will give some brief remarks during a memorial ceremony at the history center, 20 E. Downer Place.
Students from Holy Angels Catholic School, a campus about a half mile away from the Pratt warehouse, will pass out flowers. And at 1:24 p.m., the gathering will hold a moment of silence to mark the time the first emergency call was received.
Karen Fullett-Christensen, Aurora's poet laureate, also has written a poem, one example of the art created for the anniversary. It's called "Hearts and Flowers," and it reads:
Valentine's Day hearts and fragrant flowers are on display
but this year is different
While others bask in the warmth of their lovers' sweet surprises
some of us sit with empty arms and broken spirits
Longing to turn back the clock to the day before life was shattered
before time stopped for eternity
Condolence cards and songs of mourning have done their work
caring, compassion, outpourings of sympathy helped ease the pain
but the hole never closes
Yes, we will go on, we will keep walking
but we'll never forget, we'll never stop loving
in visions and prayers we will always remember:
Our hearts and flowers will always belong
to dreams of you.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Valentine's Day brings winter's first, although brief, dip below zero

Temperatures dipped below zero early today for the first time this winter , making it the coldest Valentine 's Day @ @ @ @ @ National Weather Service said .
It was 2 below zero at 8 a.m. at O'Hare @ @ @ @ @ at Midway and 7 below at local Weather Service headquarters in Romeoville , the Weather @ @ @ @ @ Twitter .
A normal winter has eight below-zero days , the agency said , attributing @ @ @ @ @ pronounced cold-air systems , lack of lasting snow cover and cloudy nights .
The sunshine @ @ @ @ @ overnight Wednesday , was a bonus for some winter-sports enthusiasts .
But it wo n't @ @ @ @ @ climbing into the teens today .
Clouds and mid-30s return on Saturday , and Monday @ @ @ @ @ and in the 40s .

Valentine's Day brings winter's first, although brief, dip below zero
Temperatures dipped below zero early today for the first time this winter, making it the coldest Valentine's Day in 77 years, the National Weather Service said.
It was 2 below zero at 8 a.m. at O'Hare International Airport, 1 below at Midway and 7 below at local Weather Service headquarters in Romeoville, the Weather Service in Chicago noted on Twitter.
A normal winter has eight below-zero days, the agency said, attributing this warm winter to few pronounced cold-air systems, lack of lasting snow cover and cloudy nights.
The sunshine and cold, following snowfall overnight Wednesday, was a bonus for some winter-sports enthusiasts. But it won't last long.
Temperatures are climbing into the teens today. Clouds and mid-30s return on Saturday, and Monday is forecast to be rainy and in the 40s.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--5 fun weekend events: The Second City comes to Glen Ellyn, Lula Washington Dance in Grayslake

The Second City performs classic comedy sketches at College of DuPage 's McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn , the metal bands FireHouse and Steelheart share a concert bill at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and the Lula Washington Dance Theatre tours to College of Lake County 's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake .
Here are five things to do this weekend .
For more ideas , see dailyherald.com/calendar .
Upward of 400 new recreational vehicles are on display at the 52nd annual Chicago RV & Camping Show this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosemont .
One-day admission : $ 11- $ 12 , $ 4- $ 5 kids 6-12 ; multiday pass : $ 19- $ 20 , $ 7- $ 8 kids 6-12 .
( 847 ) 692-2220 or chicagorvshow.com .
Noon to 9 p.m. Friday , Feb. 14 ; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday , Feb. 15 ; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday , Feb. 16 .
Get ideas for sprucing up your home , indoors and out , at the Arlington Home & Garden Show this weekend at Arlington International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heights .
Free admission and parking .
( 847 ) 385-7500 or homeshowarlington.com .
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday , Feb. 15-16 .
See classic comedy sketches revived when the `` Best of The Second City '' goes on tour for two shows at College of DuPage 's McAninch Arts Center , 425 Fawell Blvd.
, Glen Ellyn .
$ 32- $ 46 .
( 630 ) 942-4000 or atthemac.org .
5 and 8 p.m. Saturday , Feb. 15 .
The metal rock bands FireHouse ( `` Reach for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Me Bad '' ) and Steelheart ( `` Mama Do n't You Cry , '' `` Dancing in the Fire '' ) share a concert bill at the Arcada Theatre , 105 E. Main St. , St. Charles .
$ 29- $ 69 .
( 630 ) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com .
8 p.m. Saturday , Feb. 15 .
Lula Washington Dance Theatre tours to College of Lake County 's Lumber Center for the Arts in Grayslake on Sunday , Feb. 16 .
Dancing history The Lula Washington Dance Theatre is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its inspiration from African-American culture and history .
The Los Angeles-based company stops at College of Lake County 's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts , 19351 W. Washington St. , Grayslake .
$ 32- $ 38 ; $ 31- $ 37 seniors ; $ 10- $ 15 kids .
( 847 ) 543-2300 or jlcenter.clcillinois.edu .
7 p.m. Sunday , Feb. 16 .

5 fun weekend events: The Second City comes to Glen Ellyn, Lula Washington Dance in Grayslake
The Second City tours to College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn on Saturday, Feb. 15. Courtesy of Tim Schmidt/The Second City
The Second City performs classic comedy sketches at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn, the metal bands FireHouse and Steelheart share a concert bill at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and the Lula Washington Dance Theatre tours to College of Lake County's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake. Here are five things to do this weekend. For more ideas, see dailyherald.com/calendar.
Aspirational outdoors
Upward of 400 new recreational vehicles are on display at the 52nd annual Chicago RV & Camping Show this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. One-day admission: $11-$12, $4-$5 kids 6-12; multiday pass: $19-$20, $7-$8 kids 6-12. (847) 692-2220 or chicagorvshow.com. Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.
Home improvement
Get ideas for sprucing up your home, indoors and out, at the Arlington Home & Garden Show this weekend at Arlington International Racecourse, 2200 Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Free admission and parking. (847) 385-7500 or homeshowarlington.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15-16.
Sketchy humor
See classic comedy sketches revived when the "Best of The Second City" goes on tour for two shows at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $32-$46. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.
Metal mix
The metal rock bands FireHouse ("Reach for the Sky," "Don't Treat Me Bad") and Steelheart ("Mama Don't You Cry," "Dancing in the Fire") share a concert bill at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $29-$69. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.
Lula Washington Dance Theatre tours to College of Lake County's Lumber Center for the Arts in Grayslake on Sunday, Feb. 16. -
The Lula Washington Dance Theatre is one of the nation's preeminent dance companies that takes its inspiration from African-American culture and history. The Los Angeles-based company stops at College of Lake County's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $32-$38; $31-$37 seniors; $10-$15 kids. (847) 543-2300 or jlcenter.clcillinois.edu. 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--State police director supports requiring fingerprints for FOID cards

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Police director said this week that his department has stepped up illegal firearm ownership enforcement methods , but it needs greater resources to continue the job -- including fingerprints of Firearm Owner Identification Card applicants .
During a news conference Thursday , Iirector Brendan Kelly gave an update about enforcement efforts and announced support for Senate Bill 1966 , a measure that would increase FOID card fees and mandate fingerprinting of applicants .
The House passed the bill in May , but a Senate measure to agree with that final language stalled before a vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee but could be taken up this legislative session .
Under the bill , sponsored in the House by Rep. Kathleen Willis , an Addison Democrat , new applications for FOID cards and renewals -- which would be required every five years -- would cost $ 20 , up from the current cost of $ 10 .
The fees would fund law enforcement revocation efforts for those not legally allowed to own FOID cards or guns .
Gun advocacy groups such as the Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois and the Illinois State Rifle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fingerprinting and increased fees hinder Second Amendment rights .
In a news release Friday , Assistant House Republican Leader C.D .
Davidsmeyer , of Jacksonville , called the plan `` an overreach '' by lawmakers and the state police .
`` Director Kelly is pushing legislation that will require all legal gun owners in Illinois to give their fingerprints to the State Police when requesting or renewing their FOID card , '' Davidsmeyer saide .
`` This is a continued attack on law-abiding gun owners and it puts undue financial burden on many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
While Kelly was questioned about the constitutionality of fingerprinting gun owners at the news conference , he said the main consideration for the state police is public safety -- lawmakers and judges will decide constitutionality .
`` We will be able to do a much more thorough , effective and quicker background check , even for law-abiding citizens , if we have that fingerprint , '' he said .
Kelly 's briefing came one year after a shooting at an Aurora warehouse left five people dead and others injured .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had a gun because there was a 1995 felony aggravated battery conviction on his record .
He also said there are several instances similar to this one in which criminal background information is not included in key national databases .
There are `` over 7 million firearms ownership-prohibiting records in this country which are not readily available in background check databases , '' he said .
The information does show up when a person is fingerprinted -- and it did when the Aurora shooter was fingerprinted for a concealed carry permit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun used in the shooting by that time because he lied on his FOID card application , Kelly said .
At the time , police sent a letter to the shooter demanding he turn in his guns but took no other action .

State police director supports requiring fingerprints for FOID cards
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Police director said this week that his department has stepped up illegal firearm ownership enforcement methods, but it needs greater resources to continue the job -- including fingerprints of Firearm Owner Identification Card applicants.
During a news conference Thursday, Iirector Brendan Kelly gave an update about enforcement efforts and announced support for Senate Bill 1966, a measure that would increase FOID card fees and mandate fingerprinting of applicants.
The House passed the bill in May, but a Senate measure to agree with that final language stalled before a vote. It remains in the Senate assignments committee but could be taken up this legislative session.
Under the bill, sponsored in the House by Rep. Kathleen Willis, an Addison Democrat, new applications for FOID cards and renewals -- which would be required every five years -- would cost $20, up from the current cost of $10. The fees would fund law enforcement revocation efforts for those not legally allowed to own FOID cards or guns.
Gun advocacy groups such as the Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois and the Illinois State Rifle Association oppose the bill and have argued fingerprinting and increased fees hinder Second Amendment rights.
In a news release Friday, Assistant House Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer, of Jacksonville, called the plan "an overreach" by lawmakers and the state police.
"Director Kelly is pushing legislation that will require all legal gun owners in Illinois to give their fingerprints to the State Police when requesting or renewing their FOID card," Davidsmeyer saide. "This is a continued attack on law-abiding gun owners and it puts undue financial burden on many citizens just trying to protect their families."
While Kelly was questioned about the constitutionality of fingerprinting gun owners at the news conference, he said the main consideration for the state police is public safety -- lawmakers and judges will decide constitutionality.
"We will be able to do a much more thorough, effective and quicker background check, even for law-abiding citizens, if we have that fingerprint," he said.
Kelly's briefing came one year after a shooting at an Aurora warehouse left five people dead and others injured. That shooter, Kelly said, should not have had a gun because there was a 1995 felony aggravated battery conviction on his record.
He also said there are several instances similar to this one in which criminal background information is not included in key national databases. There are "over 7 million firearms ownership-prohibiting records in this country which are not readily available in background check databases," he said.
The information does show up when a person is fingerprinted -- and it did when the Aurora shooter was fingerprinted for a concealed carry permit in 2014 -- but he had already purchased the gun used in the shooting by that time because he lied on his FOID card application, Kelly said.
At the time, police sent a letter to the shooter demanding he turn in his guns but took no other action.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Hader loses to Brewers in arbitration, players drop to 1-6

PHOENIX -- Baseball 's arbitration model for relief pitchers is broken , Milwaukee closer Josh Hader said Friday after losing his case against the Milwaukee Brewers .
Hader will earn $ 4.1 million rather than his $ 6.4 million request , a decision that dropped players to 1-6 in hearings this year .
Arbitrators Mark Burstein , Dan Brent and Frederic Horowitz made the decision , a day after hearing arguments .
`` We 're in a unique position , the way we 're used as relievers nowadays , '' Hader said .
`` I think the system 's just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're mostly being used for lineups , not innings . ''
While teams used to have set roles for pitchers in the seventh , eighth and ninth innings , computer programs now determine which matchups in the batting order are best for which pitcher .
`` We 're going to a new part where guys are pitching in situations that could come in the fourth inning and you 're facing the middle of the lineup to get maybe out of a jam , '' Hader said .
Hader made his big league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 as multi-inning reliever who often bridged the gap between the starter and hard-throwing right-handers Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel .
When Knebel sustained an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery last year and Jeffress battled ineffectiveness and injury , the shaggy-haired left-hander moved into the closer 's role and converted 37 of 44 save opportunities while going 3-5 with a 2.62 ERA .
He earned his second straight All-Star selection .
He failed to hold a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning of the NL wild-card game , loading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another and allowing a bloop single , then giving up a two-out , bases-loaded single to Washington 's Juan Soto that scored three runs .
The Nationals won 4-3 and went on to their first World Series title .
After making $ 687,600 last year when his contract was renewed , Hader just made the arbitration eligibility cutoff with 2 years , 115 days of major league service .
General manager David Stearns detected `` no hard feelings '' in a conversation with Hader ahead of the decision .
`` Josh said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Series , '' Stearns said .
Dodgers reliever Pedro BÃ¡ez has been the lone player to win .
Seven players , including Brewers left-hander Brent Suter , remain scheduled for hearings , which run through Feb. 21 .

Hader loses to Brewers in arbitration, players drop to 1-6
FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 file photo,Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) in the ninth inning of a baseball game in Denver. All-Star closer Josh Hader went to a hearing with Milwaukee on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 after just making the eligibility cutoff with 2 years, 115 days of major league service. Hader asked for a raise from $687,600 to $6.4 million, and the Brewers argued for $4.1 million. Associated Press
PHOENIX -- Baseball's arbitration model for relief pitchers is broken, Milwaukee closer Josh Hader said Friday after losing his case against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Hader will earn $4.1 million rather than his $6.4 million request, a decision that dropped players to 1-6 in hearings this year. Arbitrators Mark Burstein, Dan Brent and Frederic Horowitz made the decision, a day after hearing arguments.
"We're in a unique position, the way we're used as relievers nowadays," Hader said. "I think the system's just outdated on how we're used. We're mostly being used for lineups, not innings."
While teams used to have set roles for pitchers in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings, computer algorithms now determine which matchups in the batting order are best for which pitcher.
"We're going to a new part where guys are pitching in situations that could come in the fourth inning and you're facing the middle of the lineup to get maybe out of a jam," Hader said.
Hader made his big league debut in June 2017 and was used in 2018 as multi-inning reliever who often bridged the gap between the starter and hard-throwing right-handers Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel.
When Knebel sustained an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery last year and Jeffress battled ineffectiveness and injury, the shaggy-haired left-hander moved into the closer's role and converted 37 of 44 save opportunities while going 3-5 with a 2.62 ERA. He earned his second straight All-Star selection.
He failed to hold a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning of the NL wild-card game, loading the bases by hitting one batter, walking another and allowing a bloop single, then giving up a two-out, bases-loaded single to Washington's Juan Soto that scored three runs. The Nationals won 4-3 and went on to their first World Series title.
After making $687,600 last year when his contract was renewed, Hader just made the arbitration eligibility cutoff with 2 years, 115 days of major league service.
General manager David Stearns detected "no hard feelings" in a conversation with Hader ahead of the decision.
"Josh said he wants to help us win a World Series," Stearns said.
Teams also beat Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Minnesota pitcher José Berríos, Atlanta reliever Shane Greene and Colorado catcher Tony Wolters.
Dodgers reliever Pedro Báez has been the lone player to win.
First baseman Jesús Aguilar and Miami went to a hearing Friday just $250,000 apart. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Aguilar asked for a raise from $637,500 to $2,575,000 and the Marlins argued for $2,325,000. A decision from arbitrators Jeanne Charles, Steven Wolf and Edna Francis is expected Wednesday.
Aguilar hit .236 with 12 homers and 50 RBIs in 131 games last season for Milwaukee and Tampa Bay, which acquired him on July 31 for pitcher Jake Faria. He was claimed off waivers on Dec. 2.
Six players, including Brewers left-hander Brent Suter, remain scheduled for hearings, which run through Feb. 21.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-16--Fox Lake Polar Plunge like a day at the beach for brave swimmers

One year after it was frozen out by excessive cold , Fox Lake 's Polar Plunge emerged from hibernation Sunday , with participants once again `` freezing for a reason '' in the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois .
With temperatures in the 30s and the sun casting a warm glow , plungers dressed as everything from Muppets to cereal box characters seemed comfortable with conditions at Lakefront Park .
Kevin Kriner of Hampshire stood outside waiting for his sixth yearly plunge wearing short sleeves and shorts .
`` I 'm trying to get acclimated .
The less clothes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the water , '' he said .
The only display of discomfort came when jumpers hit the cold water , with some spontaneously shouting expletives as they returned to land .
Adrienne Tischauser of Volo , a member of the Lambs Farm team , was plunging with her sister , Toni Castillo of Round Lake Beach , and her father , Manny Rios of Carpentersville .
`` I thought I was going to lose my limbs , '' she said after going neck-deep in the chilly water .
Rios , a first-timer at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` not as bad as I thought it would be . ''
Far from showing the aftereffects , Rios , one of many who adjourned to the Blueberry Hill Bar & Grill following the event , took the microphone for karaoke .
`` You have got to have a good time .
That 's what it 's all about , '' he said .
Everyone seemed in a rush to get it done .
The first plungers dived in about 10 minutes before the 1 p.m. starting time , and it was shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resurfaced .
Jordan Feldman , Region B Director for Special Olympics Illinois , said an `` agitator '' was placed in the lake to move the water around so that even with last week 's cold snap the lake near the park never froze over .
Participation was strong , although down slightly from 2018 .
There were 168 plungers who raised about $ 43,000 , compared to around 200 and $ 60,000 in 2018 .
Several plungers received awards , including the Lambs Farm team for raising $ 3,729 .
The team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cool School award for raising $ 2,240 .
The Mundelein Police Department took home the plunger for the most money raised by a law enforcement department , with $ 7,159 .
`` I 'm just glad it 's all going to a good cause , '' Sgt .
Rick Witt said .
One of the Mundelein team members , Lori Smith , earned a plunger for most money raised by an individual , $ 2,260 .
Smith and her Mundelein cohorts also went above and beyond in the dress-up department , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plunge .
Members showed up as characters from various breakfast cereals , each wearing a cereal box necklace .
While representing Lucky Charms , Smith wore a green hat with a four-leaf clover and a replica Masters green jacket she borrowed from her boyfriend .
It managed to survive the dive in the water .
`` That 's how much I know my boyfriend loves me , '' she said .
`` He is letting me wear it into the water . ''

Fox Lake Polar Plunge like a day at the beach for brave swimmers
Scott Giles of McHenry, far left, Carolyn Giles of McHenry, right, take part in Sunday's Fox Lake Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Cassie Christenson of Ingleside, in green Lucky Charms hat, and Lori Smith of Waukegan were part of the award-winning Mundelein Police Department team at Sunday's Fox Lake Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Lake Villa Police Chief Craig Sommerville, in black, helps others during Sunday's Fox Lake Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Tish Bulleri of Trevor, Wisconsin takes the plunge Sunday during the Fox Lake Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Dressed as Fred Flintstone is Sean Osswald, right, of the Mundelein Police Department Frozen fundraising team during his leap into the chilly waters at the Fox Lake Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Cory Knopik of Woodstock, in teal top and Hawaiian skirt, was part of a team from Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 taking part in Sunday's Fox Lake Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
One year after it was frozen out by excessive cold, Fox Lake's Polar Plunge emerged from hibernation Sunday, with participants once again "freezing for a reason" in the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois.
With temperatures in the 30s and the sun casting a warm glow, plungers dressed as everything from Muppets to cereal box characters seemed comfortable with conditions at Lakefront Park.
Kevin Kriner of Hampshire stood outside waiting for his sixth yearly plunge wearing short sleeves and shorts.
"I'm trying to get acclimated. The less clothes the better when you come out of the water," he said.
The only display of discomfort came when jumpers hit the cold water, with some spontaneously shouting expletives as they returned to land.
Adrienne Tischauser of Volo, a member of the Lambs Farm team, was plunging with her sister, Toni Castillo of Round Lake Beach, and her father, Manny Rios of Carpentersville.
"I thought I was going to lose my limbs," she said after going neck-deep in the chilly water.
Rios, a first-timer at age 71, said the experience was "not as bad as I thought it would be."
Far from showing the aftereffects, Rios, one of many who adjourned to the Blueberry Hill Bar & Grill following the event, took the microphone for karaoke.
"You have got to have a good time. That's what it's all about," he said.
Everyone seemed in a rush to get it done. The first plungers dived in about 10 minutes before the 1 p.m. starting time, and it was shortly after 1 p.m. that the last plunger resurfaced.
Jordan Feldman, Region B Director for Special Olympics Illinois, said an "agitator" was placed in the lake to move the water around so that even with last week's cold snap the lake near the park never froze over.
Participation was strong, although down slightly from 2018. There were 168 plungers who raised about $43,000, compared to around 200 and $60,000 in 2018.
Several plungers received awards, including the Lambs Farm team for raising $3,729. The team of Grant High School athletes captured the Cool School award for raising $2,240.
The Mundelein Police Department took home the plunger for the most money raised by a law enforcement department, with $7,159.
"I'm just glad it's all going to a good cause," Sgt. Rick Witt said.
One of the Mundelein team members, Lori Smith, earned a plunger for most money raised by an individual, $2,260.
Smith and her Mundelein cohorts also went above and beyond in the dress-up department, with the department winning the costume contest prior to the plunge. Members showed up as characters from various breakfast cereals, each wearing a cereal box necklace.
While representing Lucky Charms, Smith wore a green hat with a four-leaf clover and a replica Masters green jacket she borrowed from her boyfriend. It managed to survive the dive in the water.
"That's how much I know my boyfriend loves me," she said. "He is letting me wear it into the water."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-16--How fourth-graders provided the spark for solar panels at Big Hollow campus

The installation of solar panels on the Big Hollow Elementary District 38 campus in Ingleside is a lesson in persistence prompted by fourth-graders .
Spread along the rolling terrain in two sections -- the smaller near the school bus parking lot and the larger on the west side of Wilson Road -- the panels will produce enough energy to cover about 85 % of the district 's power needs and save about $ 90,000 a year .
Construction began last fall , and the system will go live in mid-March .
But the genesis came much earlier in the classroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between writing and science , '' fourth-grade teacher Andrea Woods says .
As part of that venture , students had to write a paper about why solar energy would be beneficial .
The papers were compiled in a booklet , and the project culminated with a presentation to the school board .
`` We said we wanted some solar panels , '' recalls Noelle Patrick , one of about a dozen fourth-graders who made the pitch .
The devices would save energy and money and help the environment , reasoned Noelle and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What if ?
Why not ? ''
said Deb Coolidge , another fourth-grade teacher involved in the project .
Superintendent Bob Gold already had considered the potential benefits of solar energy but found the cost of installing panels too high .
`` I could n't find any way to make it work , '' he said .
But he agreed to try again after the students ' presentation .
`` I had put it away .
They forced me to continue to look into it , '' Gold explained .
When he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and other incentives made the project affordable .
With those , the equipment , design , installation , maintenance , insurance and repair all come no cost to Big Hollow .
Tax credits and other incentives also will cover about 75 % of the costs for investors in the project , according to Kevin Moore of Griffith , Indiana-based Midwest Wind and Solar .
The other 25 % percent will be covered by a 25-year power purchase agreement , which also is a money saver for the district .
Gold said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per kilowatt hour to 2.5 cents .
The project consists of 952 solar modules on the west side of the campus near the school bus parking lot and 3,774 modules to the east along Wilson Road .
Together , they 'll produce nearly 2.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year .
For perspective , in 2017 , the average home used 10,399 kilowatt-hours , according to the U.S. Energy Information Institute .
Last week , Noelle and classmate Meghan Klipstein saw the installation up close for the first time .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much to happen , '' Meghan said .
`` Now that we actually have them , it 's mind blowing . ''
A separate solar site to be used as an outdoor classroom also is planned , and data from the array will be incorporated in lessons .
`` The kids did the hard work , '' Woods said .
`` Their interest , their questions , their inquisitiveness started this project . ''

How fourth-graders provided the spark for solar panels at Big Hollow campus
The installation of solar panels on the Big Hollow Elementary District 38 campus in Ingleside is a lesson in persistence prompted by fourth-graders.
Spread along the rolling terrain in two sections -- the smaller near the school bus parking lot and the larger on the west side of Wilson Road -- the panels will produce enough energy to cover about 85% of the district's power needs and save about $90,000 a year.
Construction began last fall, and the system will go live in mid-March. But the genesis came much earlier in the classroom.
"This was a cross-curricular venture between writing and science," fourth-grade teacher Andrea Woods says.
As part of that venture, students had to write a paper about why solar energy would be beneficial. The papers were compiled in a booklet, and the project culminated with a presentation to the school board.
"We said we wanted some solar panels," recalls Noelle Patrick, one of about a dozen fourth-graders who made the pitch.
The devices would save energy and money and help the environment, reasoned Noelle and others, who now are seventh-graders.
"What if? Why not?" said Deb Coolidge, another fourth-grade teacher involved in the project.
Superintendent Bob Gold already had considered the potential benefits of solar energy but found the cost of installing panels too high.
"I couldn't find any way to make it work," he said. But he agreed to try again after the students' presentation.
"I had put it away. They forced me to continue to look into it," Gold explained.
When he did, he found that various federal, state and other incentives made the project affordable. With those, the equipment, design, installation, maintenance, insurance and repair all come no cost to Big Hollow.
Tax credits and other incentives also will cover about 75% of the costs for investors in the project, according to Kevin Moore of Griffith, Indiana-based Midwest Wind and Solar.
The other 25% percent will be covered by a 25-year power purchase agreement, which also is a money saver for the district. Gold said the power costs will drop from 6 cents per kilowatt hour to 2.5 cents.
The project consists of 952 solar modules on the west side of the campus near the school bus parking lot and 3,774 modules to the east along Wilson Road.
Together, they'll produce nearly 2.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. For perspective, in 2017, the average home used 10,399 kilowatt-hours, according to the U.S. Energy Information Institute.
Last week, Noelle and classmate Meghan Klipstein saw the installation up close for the first time.
"It's crazy. I didn't expect that much to happen," Meghan said. "Now that we actually have them, it's mind blowing."
A separate solar site to be used as an outdoor classroom also is planned, and data from the array will be incorporated in lessons.
"The kids did the hard work," Woods said. "Their interest, their questions, their inquisitiveness started this project."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-15--Arlington Heights honors its everyday heroes at Hearts of Gold event

The annual Hearts of Gold dinner Saturday in Arlington Heights featured `` untold stories of deserving people , '' Mayor Tom Hayes said , as he addressed the crowd .
`` We are blessed to have so many community leaders and people who want to give back , '' Hayes said .
`` It 's what sets Arlington Heights apart . ''
Their stories resonated through the dining room at Rolling Green Country Club , inspiring the more than 260 people in attendance .
Take Christine Weber and Elaine Sianis .
The two physical therapists started Arlington Pediatric Therapy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a goal of helping children with disabilities reach their potential .
They quickly outgrew their home office and now have a staff of more than 70 who see about 1,000 clients a month .
Sianis and Weber 's commitment earned them the Pam Stocking Award , named in honor of the village 's first Disability Services Coordinator .
`` It 's all about making therapy accessible and seeing so much improvement , '' Weber said .
`` These kids are functionally better and able to contribute and have a life . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission organize the awards dinner every year to honor unsung volunteers , neighbors , senior citizens and students , as well as educators , business leaders and nonprofit organizations .
Judith Wampach Amberg received the Young at Heart award for her more than 40 years of service to the former Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Rolling Meadows and St. Viator High School -- as a teacher , administrator and now director of alumni relations emeritus .
`` I just feel so blessed to be part of the St. Viator and Sacred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many deserving people , '' Amberg said .
Paul Bowen was named Best Neighbor .
Now retired from the family 's hardware business , Bowen 's neighbors describe him as the `` go-to guy '' for homeowner issues , plus he also has a genuine interest in helping others .
Michael Graves and Scott Bellanger , both 20-year employees with the Arlington Heights Public Works Department traffic division , received the Heroic Heart of Gold for their role in saving a drowning 11-year old boy last April at Bangs Lake in Wauconda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago , which pairs volunteers with diverse opportunities , has served the Northwest suburbs for 50 years .
Its executive director , Jordan Friedman , was named Mentor of the Year for his leadership working with volunteers and nonprofit organizations .
Likewise , HandsOn staff member Danzella Graham was given the Kenneth Bonder Beautification award for her work as coordinator of the Community Paint-a-Thon .
Erin Johlie , a senior at Hersey High School received the Young Champion award .
The busy teen is involved in Orchesis and student council ; she also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special education class and is involved in Super Buddies and Service Over Self .
Joe Keefe , executive artistic director for the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre , won the Business Leader award .
When not producing a show , he serves on the executive board of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce and its Downtown Business Association .
`` We 're thrilled to partner with so many local restaurants and shops , '' Keefe said .
`` We 're a cultural arts beacon for sure , but we make an active choice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Nicki Koch , an early childhood education teacher at Greenbrier Elementary School , was named Educator of the Year for her leadership in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 's Early Childhood Program .
James Perkins was named the Volunteer of the Year for serving two terms on the board of the Northwest Special Education Organization , as well as on the boards of Prospect Heights Elementary District 23 and Northwest Suburban High School District 214 .
He also serves as a youth mentor at OMNI Youth Services .
Pat Sturgeon , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ award for her volunteerism , including 4-H , Faith Community Homes , CEDA and the Cook County Expansion Review Committee .

Arlington Heights honors its everyday heroes at Hearts of Gold event
The annual Hearts of Gold dinner Saturday in Arlington Heights featured "untold stories of deserving people," Mayor Tom Hayes said, as he addressed the crowd.
"We are blessed to have so many community leaders and people who want to give back," Hayes said. "It's what sets Arlington Heights apart."
Their stories resonated through the dining room at Rolling Green Country Club, inspiring the more than 260 people in attendance.
Take Christine Weber and Elaine Sianis. The two physical therapists started Arlington Pediatric Therapy in Weber's home 40 years ago, with a goal of helping children with disabilities reach their potential.
They quickly outgrew their home office and now have a staff of more than 70 who see about 1,000 clients a month. Sianis and Weber's commitment earned them the Pam Stocking Award, named in honor of the village's first Disability Services Coordinator.
"It's all about making therapy accessible and seeing so much improvement," Weber said. "These kids are functionally better and able to contribute and have a life."
Members of the village's Special Events Commission organize the awards dinner every year to honor unsung volunteers, neighbors, senior citizens and students, as well as educators, business leaders and nonprofit organizations.
Judith Wampach Amberg received the Young at Heart award for her more than 40 years of service to the former Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Rolling Meadows and St. Viator High School -- as a teacher, administrator and now director of alumni relations emeritus.
"I just feel so blessed to be part of the St. Viator and Sacred Heart communities and to celebrate here with so many deserving people," Amberg said.
Paul Bowen was named Best Neighbor. Now retired from the family's hardware business, Bowen's neighbors describe him as the "go-to guy" for homeowner issues, plus he also has a genuine interest in helping others.
Michael Graves and Scott Bellanger, both 20-year employees with the Arlington Heights Public Works Department traffic division, received the Heroic Heart of Gold for their role in saving a drowning 11-year old boy last April at Bangs Lake in Wauconda while they were fishing.
HandsOn Suburban Chicago, which pairs volunteers with diverse opportunities, has served the Northwest suburbs for 50 years. Its executive director, Jordan Friedman, was named Mentor of the Year for his leadership working with volunteers and nonprofit organizations. Likewise, HandsOn staff member Danzella Graham was given the Kenneth Bonder Beautification award for her work as coordinator of the Community Paint-a-Thon.
Erin Johlie, a senior at Hersey High School received the Young Champion award. The busy teen is involved in Orchesis and student council; she also is a teacher's aide for a special education class and is involved in Super Buddies and Service Over Self.
Joe Keefe, executive artistic director for the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, won the Business Leader award. When not producing a show, he serves on the executive board of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce and its Downtown Business Association. "We're thrilled to partner with so many local restaurants and shops," Keefe said. "We're a cultural arts beacon for sure, but we make an active choice to be a business generator as well."
Nicki Koch, an early childhood education teacher at Greenbrier Elementary School, was named Educator of the Year for her leadership in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25's Early Childhood Program.
James Perkins was named the Volunteer of the Year for serving two terms on the board of the Northwest Special Education Organization, as well as on the boards of Prospect Heights Elementary District 23 and Northwest Suburban High School District 214. He also serves as a youth mentor at OMNI Youth Services.
Pat Sturgeon, a longtime teacher, won the Community Spirit award for her volunteerism, including 4-H, Faith Community Homes, CEDA and the Cook County Expansion Review Committee.