dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-23--Don't rush to DMV, White says, with three-month extension for licenses

Drivers with expiring licenses will get another reprieve through Feb. 1 , Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced Wednesday .
It 's the latest of several driving-related deadlines White has extended related to the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to prevent crowds at facilities .
The previous extension stretched to Nov. 1 , but now Illinois residents with licenses or ID cards that expired or will expire in October , November , December or January have extra time to renew .
`` Extending expiration dates until Feb. 1 means people with an expired driver 's license and ID card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services facility immediately , '' White said in a statement .
The deadline to renew vehicle stickers , which was extended through Nov. 1 , remains firm since Illinoisans can do that task online at cyberdriveillinois.com .
Sticker requests online have jumped by 84 % or from 654,596 to 1.2 million customers between June and Sept. 20 , officials said .
Other online services include duplicate driver 's licenses or ID cards , driving records , or renewing your license under the Safe Driver renewal program .
Seniors age 75 and older also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension that expires on their birth date in 2021 .
Visitors to Secretary of State offices are required to wear masks .

Don't rush to DMV, White says, with three-month extension for licenses
Illinois residents with licenses or ID cards that have expired or will in October, November, December or January now have through Feb. 1 to renew. Courtesy of Illinois Secretary of State
Drivers with expiring licenses will get another reprieve through Feb. 1, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced Wednesday.
It's the latest of several driving-related deadlines White has extended related to the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to prevent crowds at facilities.
The previous extension stretched to Nov. 1, but now Illinois residents with licenses or ID cards that expired or will expire in October, November, December or January have extra time to renew.
"Extending expiration dates until Feb. 1 means people with an expired driver's license and ID card do not need to visit a Driver Services facility immediately," White said in a statement.
The deadline to renew vehicle stickers, which was extended through Nov. 1, remains firm since Illinoisans can do that task online at cyberdriveillinois.com.
Sticker requests online have jumped by 84% or from 654,596 to 1.2 million customers between June and Sept. 20, officials said.
Other online services include duplicate driver's licenses or ID cards, driving records, or renewing your license under the Safe Driver renewal program.
Seniors age 75 and older also were granted a one-year driver's license extension that expires on their birth date in 2021.
Visitors to Secretary of State offices are required to wear masks.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-23--Geneva considering speed-limit reduction on Kaneville Road

Based on the results of an engineering study that cited multiple safety concerns , the Geneva City Council will vote at an upcoming meeting to reduce the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph on a stretch of Kaneville Road west of Randall Road to the city limits .
WBK Engineering completed a speed study in late July after a resident of the Sterling Manor subdivision along Kaneville Road detailed safety concerns to Geneva Police Chief Eric Passarelli .
At this week 's Geneva Committee of the Whole meeting , the city 's aldermen voted unanimously to advance the speed-reduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety concerns are the many pedestrian crossings at intersections between Peck Road and Fargo Boulevard along Kaneville Road .
Geneva Middle School North and South are also along that route just south of Kaneville Road , meaning children are likely walking through those intersections on their way home from school .
`` I think this is such a great idea , '' said Geneva Fourth Ward Alderman Jeanne McGowan .
`` I 've spent so many years driving my children to ( Geneva Middle School North ) along Kaneville , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit was 40 miles per hour and then all of a sudden it abruptly drops to 20 miles per hour for the school speed zone . ''
During the 48-hour speed study in July , WBK Engineering found the average traffic speeds were between 29 and 39 mph in a stretch between Peck Road and Fargo Boulevard .
More than 100 drivers , however , traveled in excess of 50 mph .
In addition to the reduction of the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph , WBK Engineering recommended signage , pavement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Passarelli , though , noted the challenges of speed humps or other physical barriers .
`` That 's not something the city of Geneva has entertained for a number of reasons , primarily wear and tear on ( snow plows and emergency vehicles ) going over those areas ( and ) studies that have shown that once someone goes over a speed hump , they then accelerate to get to the next one , '' Passarelli said .

Geneva considering speed-limit reduction on Kaneville Road
Based on a speed study, Geneva officials recommended reducing the speed limit on Kaneville Road from 40 to 30 mph west of Randall Road to the city limits. Courtesy of city of Geneva
Based on the results of an engineering study that cited multiple safety concerns, the Geneva City Council will vote at an upcoming meeting to reduce the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph on a stretch of Kaneville Road west of Randall Road to the city limits.
WBK Engineering completed a speed study in late July after a resident of the Sterling Manor subdivision along Kaneville Road detailed safety concerns to Geneva Police Chief Eric Passarelli. At this week's Geneva Committee of the Whole meeting, the city's aldermen voted unanimously to advance the speed-reduction measure to the city council.
Among the safety concerns are the many pedestrian crossings at intersections between Peck Road and Fargo Boulevard along Kaneville Road. Geneva Middle School North and South are also along that route just south of Kaneville Road, meaning children are likely walking through those intersections on their way home from school.
"I think this is such a great idea," said Geneva Fourth Ward Alderman Jeanne McGowan. "I've spent so many years driving my children to (Geneva Middle School North) along Kaneville, and it always blew my mind that the speed limit was 40 miles per hour and then all of a sudden it abruptly drops to 20 miles per hour for the school speed zone."
During the 48-hour speed study in July, WBK Engineering found the average traffic speeds were between 29 and 39 mph in a stretch between Peck Road and Fargo Boulevard. More than 100 drivers, however, traveled in excess of 50 mph.
In addition to the reduction of the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph, WBK Engineering recommended signage, pavement markings and speed humps or tables. Passarelli, though, noted the challenges of speed humps or other physical barriers.
"That's not something the city of Geneva has entertained for a number of reasons, primarily wear and tear on (snow plows and emergency vehicles) going over those areas (and) studies that have shown that once someone goes over a speed hump, they then accelerate to get to the next one," Passarelli said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-23--Watch Durbin, Curran duel in U.S. Senate debate

Incumbent Democrat Dick Durbin and Republican opponent Mark Curran Jr. took each other on in a joint Zoom interview with @ @ @ @ @ Daily Herald , Shaw Media and the Southern Illiois LOCAL Media Group .
The two @ @ @ @ @ candidacies in an hourlong debate over the response to the COVID-19 pandemic , social justice @ @ @ @ @ economy , among other issues .
To watch and share the video , check dailyherald.com @

Watch Durbin, Curran duel in U.S. Senate debate
Incumbent Democrat Dick Durbin and Republican opponent Mark Curran Jr. took each other on in a joint Zoom interview with editorial board representatives of the Daily Herald, Shaw Media and the Southern Illiois LOCAL Media Group.
The two made the case for their candidacies in an hourlong debate over the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social justice, urban violence and the economy, among other issues.
To watch and share the video, check dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-23--Gale Sayers one of the greatest, on and off the field

Growing up in Chicago in the 1960s , the guys who cemented my love affair with the National Football League beyond my dad were George Halas , Vince Lombardi , Jim Brown , Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers .
When Sayers passed away Wednesday at 77 after a long battle with dementia-related illnesses , the sports world lost not only one of the greatest running backs of all time but one of its best-known icons .
Hoping to be a tough guy myself some day , what spoke to me about Brown and Butkus was they were the two most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Each would take on two , three and four tacklers or blockers at a time and still win the day .
But Gale , he was different , and he was oh so special .
Gale Sayers did n't have to physically dominate opponents because so few ever actually laid hands on him .
Lombardi once said of Sayers , `` He would surprise you , even when you knew he was coming . ''
Sayers is near universally recognized as the greatest open-field runner in the history of the game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped on an NFL field he did things no one had ever seen before ... and a few we have n't seen since .
In seven seasons , Sayers totaled 4,956 yards rushing and 39 touchdowns , averaging 5.0 yards a carry , 1,307 receiving , 9 TDs , 91 kickoff returns and 6 TDs and 27 punt returns , 2 TDs , in spite of missing the final five games of the 1968 season and playing just two games each in 1970 and 1971 .
He was a five-time all-pro , went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive player of the game in three of them in a time when guys actually showed up to play .
At 34 , he was the youngest player ever inducted into the Hall Of Fame .
Sayers ' 1968 season was cut short by a devastating knee injury at a time when a torn ACL was much more a career death sentence than it is today , and yet he returned in 1969 to lead the NFL in rushing with 1,032 yards and win comeback player of the year on sheer guts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the surgeon 's knife .
George Halas once described what made Sayers so special and why he knew he had to make him a Bear : '' I could n't stand to let Gale go elsewhere after I saw him make a totally unique move in a Kansas game film .
Gale started one way , left his feet and seemed to change direction in the air .
When he landed , he was running the opposite direction .
When I saw that move , I knew we had to get that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports writer hacks like me have spent the last 50 years wondering what might have been were it not for his damaged knees .
In his post NFL life , Sayers was n't shy about mentioning what could have been , and some thought him bitter because while he was certainly warm and pleasant when you got to know him , he was n't the most outgoing or approachable guy around .
That came with good cause .
Being a black superstar in the '60s was n't what it is today .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his relationship with teammate Brian Piccolo and the impact their special friendship had on the desegregation of the National Football League .
Ever the visionary Halas knew what he had in Sayers from the jump , and he had to figure out how to make him the face of the team near the tail end of the Jim Crow south and when the NFL was as predominantly white as it is Black today .
Halas also knew that in Piccolo he had the perfect match to make them the first interracial roommates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged was so much more than a great sports story ; it was a cultural breakthrough against the significant racial bias of those times .
Sayers ' story rings particularly loud today with so many players currently speaking out and becoming activists against the racial unrest they see in America more than 50 years later .
He would face other challenges born of racism in his time in Chicago , and Sayers handled them all with the quiet dignity and determination that made him a Hall of Famer off the field as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , I asked dozens of today 's players what was special to them .
To a man , they talked about meeting Butkus and Sayers .
Gale Sayers left an indelible mark on the National Football League , the city of Chicago and on our culture as a whole .
How many people can say that ?

Gale Sayers one of the greatest, on and off the field
FILE - In this June 2, 2004, file photo, Gale Sayers addresses a luncheon sponsored by the College Football Hall of Fall in South Bend, Ind. Hall of Famer Gale Sayers, who made his mark as one of the NFL's best all-purpose running backs and was later celebrated for his enduring friendship with a Chicago Bears teammate with cancer, has died. He was 77. Nicknamed "The Kansas Comet" and considered among the best open-field runners the game has ever seen, Sayers died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Growing up in Chicago in the 1960s, the guys who cemented my love affair with the National Football League beyond my dad were George Halas, Vince Lombardi, Jim Brown, Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers.
When Sayers passed away Wednesday at 77 after a long battle with dementia-related illnesses, the sports world lost not only one of the greatest running backs of all time but one of its best-known icons.
Hoping to be a tough guy myself some day, what spoke to me about Brown and Butkus was they were the two most physically dominant players I've ever seen.
Each would take on two, three and four tacklers or blockers at a time and still win the day.
But Gale, he was different, and he was oh so special.
Gale Sayers didn't have to physically dominate opponents because so few ever actually laid hands on him. Lombardi once said of Sayers, "He would surprise you, even when you knew he was coming."
Sayers is near universally recognized as the greatest open-field runner in the history of the game, and from the very first day he stepped on an NFL field he did things no one had ever seen before ... and a few we haven't seen since.
In seven seasons, Sayers totaled 4,956 yards rushing and 39 touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards a carry, 1,307 receiving, 9 TDs, 91 kickoff returns and 6 TDs and 27 punt returns, 2 TDs, in spite of missing the final five games of the 1968 season and playing just two games each in 1970 and 1971.
He was a five-time all-pro, went to four Pro Bowls and was the offensive player of the game in three of them in a time when guys actually showed up to play.
At 34, he was the youngest player ever inducted into the Hall Of Fame.
Sayers' 1968 season was cut short by a devastating knee injury at a time when a torn ACL was much more a career death sentence than it is today, and yet he returned in 1969 to lead the NFL in rushing with 1,032 yards and win comeback player of the year on sheer guts and determination with his open-field magic lost forever to the surgeon's knife.
George Halas once described what made Sayers so special and why he knew he had to make him a Bear:
"I couldn't stand to let Gale go elsewhere after I saw him make a totally unique move in a Kansas game film. Gale started one way, left his feet and seemed to change direction in the air. When he landed, he was running the opposite direction. When I saw that move, I knew we had to get that young man."
Historians and old sports writer hacks like me have spent the last 50 years wondering what might have been were it not for his damaged knees.
Honestly, Gale did, too.
In his post NFL life, Sayers wasn't shy about mentioning what could have been, and some thought him bitter because while he was certainly warm and pleasant when you got to know him, he wasn't the most outgoing or approachable guy around.
That came with good cause.
Being a black superstar in the '60s wasn't what it is today.
What made him a true sports icon was his relationship with teammate Brian Piccolo and the impact their special friendship had on the desegregation of the National Football League.
Ever the visionary Halas knew what he had in Sayers from the jump, and he had to figure out how to make him the face of the team near the tail end of the Jim Crow south and when the NFL was as predominantly white as it is Black today.
Halas also knew that in Piccolo he had the perfect match to make them the first interracial roommates in the history of the league.
What emerged was so much more than a great sports story; it was a cultural breakthrough against the significant racial bias of those times.
Sayers' story rings particularly loud today with so many players currently speaking out and becoming activists against the racial unrest they see in America more than 50 years later.
He would face other challenges born of racism in his time in Chicago, and Sayers handled them all with the quiet dignity and determination that made him a Hall of Famer off the field as well.
In covering the Bears 100th-season celebration last year, I asked dozens of today's players what was special to them. To a man, they talked about meeting Butkus and Sayers.
Gale Sayers left an indelible mark on the National Football League, the city of Chicago and on our culture as a whole.
How many people can say that?


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-23--Graduated income tax vote could be state's biggest race. Here's what you need to know.

In a campaign that features no candidates but more than $ 70 million in combined contributions , the vote to allow changes to the state 's income tax structure could wind up being the biggest Illinois race on November 's ballot .
Fueled by a more than $ 50 million donation from Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , the Vote Yes for Fairness campaign is urging voters to support changing the state 's constitution to remove a requirement for a flat tax on income .
Meanwhile , billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin donated $ 20 million this month to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amendment to fight the proposed constitutional change .
The constitutional amendment would pave the way for adopting a graduated tax , where income is taxed at rates that rise by income level .
Supporters argue a graduated income tax plan proposed during Pritzker 's gubernatorial campaign and approved by the Democratic-controlled state legislature would reduce or maintain income taxes for 97 % of Illinois residents while charging higher rates to the wealthiest 3 % in Illinois and generating $ 3.6 billion in additional annual revenue for the state .
Opponents contend changing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents to leave the state and stymie small business growth .
The actual tax rates are not part of the ballot question , which feeds opponents ' claims that a victory will embolden lawmakers to raise taxes for other groups or tax retirement benefits , although those powers already rest with the legislature and would not be changed .
Most states and the federal government have graduated income taxes .
If the graduated income tax is approved , the corporate income tax rate would increase to 7.99 % from 7 % , matching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state legislature 's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability predicts this change will generate $ 350 million of the $ 3.6 billion in additional annual income tax revenue the new tax structure is anticipated to provide .
Most small business owners claim the profits of their business operations in their individual income taxes .
Any small business owner whose personal annual income exceeds $ 250,000 would likely pay more under the graduated income tax .
`` As Illinois families and businesses face an unprecedented economic and jobs crisis due to a pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise taxes , '' said Lissa Druss , a spokeswoman for the coalition opposing the amendment .
However , small business owners with incomes below $ 250,000 would see tax rates lower than the current 4.95 % flat tax , giving them a break during lean years , supporters of the graduated tax argue .
`` This is not going to put a burden on small businesses by putting more money in the pockets of consumers , '' said Quentin Fulks , head of Vote Yes for Fairness .
Illinois is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and voting in favor of the amendment will not have any effect on that policy .
`` This is one of the biggest lies out there , '' said Ralph Martire , executive director of the bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability .
`` Nothing in this amendment creates new legal authority to tax retirement income that does n't exist today . ''
That has n't stopped opponents of the amendment from arguing the Democratic-controlled legislature would try to tax retirement benefits such as pension income , citing a statement Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made earlier this summer saying it 's worth the discussion to `` have graduated rates when you are taxing retirement income . ''
Frerichs was speaking about the possibility of taxing retirement benefits at higher earning levels .
Bills that would allow retirement benefits to be taxed are filed in the General Assembly nearly every session and by members of both political parties .
They rarely get any traction .
The Illinois chapter of the AARP , an advocacy group for people older than 50 that adamantly opposes all taxes on senior benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal .
The group called it a `` step in the right direction '' to fixing the state 's financial and debt problems .
The chief argument opponents of the graduated tax plan cite is trusting the Democratic-controlled legislature not to change the tax rates that have already been approved .
`` We are actually voting on giving the politicians unyielding power to set tax rates at whatever they want and set how many brackets they want whenever they want , '' Druss said .
`` This amendment gives Springfield politicians more power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems . ''
But Fulks counters the amendment has no bearing on the legislature 's power to change the income tax rate , which it has done thrice since 2010 , increasing it to 5 % from 2011 through 2014 , dropping it to 3.75 % from 2015 to June 30 , 2017 , then increasing it again to the current 4.95 % .
`` It changes nothing at all for legislators .
They already have the ability to change rates , '' Fulks said .
`` What it does do is give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax rates on higher earners . ''
To pass , the proposal needs either 60 % support among those voting directly on the ballot initiative or more than 50 % of those voting in the election .
Four of the past five constitutional amendment changes in Illinois have been approved by voters .
Under the graduated income tax plan that passed the House Revenue Committee , tax rates rise in steps , with the first $ 10,000 in income taxed at 4.75 % , the next $ 90,000 taxed at 4.90 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4.95 %  -- the current rate under the flat tax .
Any income over $ 250,000 triggers a tax rate of 7.75 % .
The rate climbs to 7.85 % for income over $ 350,000 for single filers and $ 500,000 for couples .
The biggest tax increase would be for single filers with income over $ 750,000 and married couples with incomes over $ 1 million .
Their tax rate would be 7.99 % , and unlike people in lower income brackets , they would pay that flat rate on all @ @ @ @

Graduated income tax vote could be state's biggest race. Here's what you need to know.
YouTube screen shots show a video in favor of the proposed progressive state income tax and one against it.
In a campaign that features no candidates but more than $70 million in combined contributions, the vote to allow changes to the state's income tax structure could wind up being the biggest Illinois race on November's ballot.
Fueled by a more than $50 million donation from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the Vote Yes for Fairness campaign is urging voters to support changing the state's constitution to remove a requirement for a flat tax on income.
Meanwhile, billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin donated $20 million this month to The Coalition to Stop the Proposed Tax Hike Amendment to fight the proposed constitutional change.
The constitutional amendment would pave the way for adopting a graduated tax, where income is taxed at rates that rise by income level.
Supporters argue a graduated income tax plan proposed during Pritzker's gubernatorial campaign and approved by the Democratic-controlled state legislature would reduce or maintain income taxes for 97% of Illinois residents while charging higher rates to the wealthiest 3% in Illinois and generating $3.6 billion in additional annual revenue for the state.
Opponents contend changing the tax rate structure would cause wealthy Illinois residents to leave the state and stymie small business growth.
The actual tax rates are not part of the ballot question, which feeds opponents' claims that a victory will embolden lawmakers to raise taxes for other groups or tax retirement benefits, although those powers already rest with the legislature and would not be changed.
Most states and the federal government have graduated income taxes.
Effect on business
If the graduated income tax is approved, the corporate income tax rate would increase to 7.99% from 7%, matching the highest individual income rate.
The state legislature's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability predicts this change will generate $350 million of the $3.6 billion in additional annual income tax revenue the new tax structure is anticipated to provide.
Most small business owners claim the profits of their business operations in their individual income taxes. Any small business owner whose personal annual income exceeds $250,000 would likely pay more under the graduated income tax.
"As Illinois families and businesses face an unprecedented economic and jobs crisis due to a pandemic, this is the worst possible time to raise taxes," said Lissa Druss, a spokeswoman for the coalition opposing the amendment.
However, small business owners with incomes below $250,000 would see tax rates lower than the current 4.95% flat tax, giving them a break during lean years, supporters of the graduated tax argue.
"This is not going to put a burden on small businesses by putting more money in the pockets of consumers," said Quentin Fulks, head of Vote Yes for Fairness.
Opponents also say state income tax reductions for lower-earning taxpayers could be negated by last year's doubling of the motor fuel tax and $50 increase in most vehicle registrations.
Taxing retirement
Illinois is one of the few states not taxing retirement benefits, and voting in favor of the amendment will not have any effect on that policy.
"This is one of the biggest lies out there," said Ralph Martire, executive director of the bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. "Nothing in this amendment creates new legal authority to tax retirement income that doesn't exist today."
That hasn't stopped opponents of the amendment from arguing the Democratic-controlled legislature would try to tax retirement benefits such as pension income, citing a statement Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, a Democrat, made earlier this summer saying it's worth the discussion to "have graduated rates when you are taxing retirement income." Frerichs was speaking about the possibility of taxing retirement benefits at higher earning levels.
Bills that would allow retirement benefits to be taxed are filed in the General Assembly nearly every session and by members of both political parties. They rarely get any traction.
The Illinois chapter of the AARP, an advocacy group for people older than 50 that adamantly opposes all taxes on senior benefits, supports Illinois' graduated income tax proposal. The group called it a "step in the right direction" to fixing the state's financial and debt problems.
Changing the tax rates
The chief argument opponents of the graduated tax plan cite is trusting the Democratic-controlled legislature not to change the tax rates that have already been approved.
"We are actually voting on giving the politicians unyielding power to set tax rates at whatever they want and set how many brackets they want whenever they want," Druss said. "This amendment gives Springfield politicians more power to hike our rates to fix their problems."
But Fulks counters the amendment has no bearing on the legislature's power to change the income tax rate, which it has done thrice since 2010, increasing it to 5% from 2011 through 2014, dropping it to 3.75% from 2015 to June 30, 2017, then increasing it again to the current 4.95%.
"It changes nothing at all for legislators. They already have the ability to change rates," Fulks said. "What it does do is give them the power to impose higher income tax rates on higher earners."
How the vote works
To pass, the proposal needs either 60% support among those voting directly on the ballot initiative or more than 50% of those voting in the election.
Four of the past five constitutional amendment changes in Illinois have been approved by voters.
How the rates work
Under the graduated income tax plan that passed the House Revenue Committee, tax rates rise in steps, with the first $10,000 in income taxed at 4.75%, the next $90,000 taxed at 4.90%, and the next $150,000 taxed at 4.95% -- the current rate under the flat tax.
Any income over $250,000 triggers a tax rate of 7.75%. The rate climbs to 7.85% for income over $350,000 for single filers and $500,000 for couples.
The biggest tax increase would be for single filers with income over $750,000 and married couples with incomes over $1 million. Their tax rate would be 7.99%, and unlike people in lower income brackets, they would pay that flat rate on all of their income.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-23--Japanese restaurant in Schaumburg expanding amid pandemic protocols

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic , a Japanese restaurant in Schaumburg is experiencing enough customer loyalty to warrant an expansion .
Torizen Japanese Restaurant in the Schaumburg Corners Shopping Center at the northeast corner of Golf and Roselle roads won approval from the village board Tuesday to add more seating , a bar , storage area and new restroom in the 1,000-square-foot space next door .
Despite the general decline in business sit-down restaurants have experienced during the pandemic -- even driving some out of business -- Torizen President Sean Park said the business needs more than its current 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the negative element of the restaurant 's success is that under COVID-19 protocols it ca n't use all its seating capacity .
Customers who ca n't be seated in a timely manner probably wo n't come back , he said .
`` It 's been open three years and it 's been packed the whole time , '' Tamura said .
The expansion , which he and Park hope to complete within two months , will give them space for 37 more seats in addition to the bar amenity .
Tamura believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even after COVID restrictions are lifted .
Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald sees the expansion as evidence of a faith in the future many business owners still carry .
`` They had this in the works , they had the demand , '' Fitzgerald said .
`` It gives them extra room to spread out .
It seems like it 's a nod to positive thinking . ''
Torizen opened at 22 E. Golf Road in 2017 , replacing the former Noodle Lounge there .
Though the space next door at 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Park said the pressure to expand has been felt even more keenly this year .
Torizen specializes in s traditional Japanese fare such as sushi , ramen and noodle dishes .

Japanese restaurant in Schaumburg expanding amid pandemic protocols
Torizen Japanese Restaurant in the Schaumburg Corners Shopping Center is expanding into the vacant space next door due to the impact COVID-19 restrictions have had on its seating capacity. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg
Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a Japanese restaurant in Schaumburg is experiencing enough customer loyalty to warrant an expansion.
Torizen Japanese Restaurant in the Schaumburg Corners Shopping Center at the northeast corner of Golf and Roselle roads won approval from the village board Tuesday to add more seating, a bar, storage area and new restroom in the 1,000-square-foot space next door.
Despite the general decline in business at sit-down restaurants during the pandemic -- even driving some out of business -- Torizen's owners said they need more than their current 44 seats.
Head Chef Maro Tamura added that the negative element of the restaurant's success is that under COVID-19 protocols it can't use all its seating capacity. Customers who can't be seated in a timely manner probably won't come back, he said.
"It's been open three years and it's been packed the whole time," Tamura said.
The expansion, which he hopes to complete within two months, will give them space for 37 more seats in addition to the bar amenity.
Tamura believes the additional space will serve him well even after coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald sees the expansion as evidence of a faith in the future many business owners still carry.
"They had this in the works, they had the demand," Fitzgerald said. "It gives them extra room to spread out. It seems like it's a nod to positive thinking."
Torizen opened at 22 E. Golf Road in 2017, replacing the former Noodle Lounge there.
Though the space next door at 24 E. Golf Road has been available since Torizen opened, but the restaurant's owners said the pressure to expand has been felt even more keenly this year.
Torizen specializes in traditional Japanese fare such as sushi, ramen and noodle dishes.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-23--Constable: Record-tying season puts new spin on hurricane name game

In lamenting the lack of diversity in hurricane names , our Suburban Mosaic columnist Madhu Krishnamurthy suggested I write a column on the subject .
We 've had a record-tying hurricane season ( the most since 1916 ) that caused the United Nations World Meteorological Organization to run out of names and start using the Greek alphabet .
As often happens with good ideas that come my way , `` Daily Show '' host Trevor Noah beat me to the punch .
Noah notes some Americans dismiss the real terror of climate change and instead waste their fear on non-scary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving into the neighborhood .
`` Maybe we just need to use that irrational fear to make them take climate change seriously .
Instead of naming them Hurricane Sally or Hurricane Diane , they should call it Hurricane Abdul-Bashir Jala-ludeen Bakhari , '' Noah says .
`` In 12 hours , America will be all vegan , and everyone in NASCAR will drive a Prius . ''
That 's something to consider -- but not until the 2021 meeting ( 43rd session ) of the WMO Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did so in a video conference on March 31 for the 2020 meeting because of COVID-19 .
But the group , which includes members from North America , Central America and the Caribbean , already has everything set in stone .
The committee sets hurricane names for a six-year period , and then repeats the list barring something unusual .
Next year 's hurricanes will use the 2015 list , and this year 's hurricane names will be recycled in 2026 .
The committee only uses English , French and Spanish names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain a gender-balanced list and be respectful of societal sensitivities .
On occasion , they expand the boundaries , such as using the Spanish form of the biblical name Isaiah to give us Hurricane Isasias .
Because it can be tricky to think of hurricane names starting with Q , U , X , Y and Z , the committee only uses 21 letters of the alphabet .
This is not a problem for the committee that names cyclones in the southwest Indian Ocean .
Their list spans the entire 26-letter English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ending with Yarona and Zacarias .
Just as the Chicago Cubs have retired the numbers of Ernie Banks , Billy Williams , Ron Santo , Ryne Sandberg , Fergie Jenkins , Greg Maddux and Jackie Robinson , the hurricane committee retires the names of storms that cause enough death and destruction to become immortal .
In 2005 , the only other time there were so many hurricanes that the committee stooped to using the Greek alphabet , Dennis , Katrina , Rita , Stan and Wilma were all retired .
This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weather Service discovered the return of a storm from early September and tweeted , `` Because 2020 , we now have Zombie Tropical Storms .
Welcome back to the land of the living , Tropical Storm # Paulette . ''
By the start of the 20th Century , storms were named arbitrarily , according to the WMO 's website .
When an Atlantic storm ripped the mast from a boat named Antje , they called the hurricane Antje .
Becoming an official group in 1950 , the members decided in 1953 to name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the misogynistic stereotypes or to get back at old girlfriends , the idea of sticking all hurricanes with female names was abolished in 1979 , when Hurricane Bob made his debut .
Hurricane Bob in 1991 was so destructive , the committee made Bob one of the 89 retired names so far .
No matter how harmless or gentle the names seem , all hurricanes can be deadly .
Hurricane Grace in 1991 never made its way to the U.S. mainland , but it did play a part in forming the nor'easter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titled , `` The Perfect Storm . ''
Storms are never named after an actual person .
But perhaps the hurricane committee should dole out names to the highest bidder to raise money to combat climate change .
Would a billionaire shell out a million dollars to name a hurricane after the woman who turned down his advances ?
Maybe Coke would throw money at the committee just for the chance to name Hurricane Pepsi , and see headlines such as `` Pepsi spews death and destruction . ''
Political groups clearly have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endeavor .
Then , the Florida vote could hinge on whether Hurricane Donald or Hurricane Joe causes the most damage .
Some people just want to see their name in a headline no matter the reason .
But I speak for a pair of Daily Herald columnists in noting with joy that there 's never been a Hurricane Burt or Hurricane Madhu .

Constable: Record-tying season puts new spin on hurricane name game
In this GOES-16 satellite image taken Friday, July 31, 2020, Hurricane Isaias churns in the Caribbean. We've had more a record-tying season for hurricanes in 2020. Courtesy of NOAA via Associated Press
When this hurricane on Sept. 8, 1900, killed more than 6,000 people and left 10,000 homeless while reducing to rubble much of the City of Galveston, Texas, we didn't yet have the process of naming hurricanes. The hurricane was known simply as the Great Storm. Associated Press
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 devastated houses such as these in New Orleans, and caused so much death and destruction that the group that names hurricanes retired the name Katrina. Associated Press
We've had so many hurricanes in 2020 that we exhausted our supply of names, and had to start using the Greek alphabet. While this damage from Hurricane Laura had yet to be cleaned up in Cameron, Louisiana, Tropical Storm Beta moved closer to shore. Courtesy of Scott Clause/The Daily Advertiser via AP
In lamenting the lack of diversity in hurricane names, our Suburban Mosaic columnist Madhu Krishnamurthy suggested I write a column on the subject. We've had a record-tying hurricane season (the most since 1916) that caused the United Nations World Meteorological Organization to run out of names and start using the Greek alphabet.
As often happens with good ideas that come my way, "Daily Show" host Trevor Noah beat me to the punch. Noah notes some Americans dismiss the real terror of climate change and instead waste their fear on non-scary things, such as a Muslim family moving into the neighborhood.
"Maybe we just need to use that irrational fear to make them take climate change seriously. Instead of naming them Hurricane Sally or Hurricane Diane, they should call it Hurricane Abdul-Bashir Jala-ludeen Bakhari," Noah says. "In 12 hours, America will be all vegan, and everyone in NASCAR will drive a Prius."
That's something to consider -- but not until the 2021 meeting (43rd session) of the WMO Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee. This group meets once every year, although they did so in a video conference on March 31 for the 2020 meeting because of COVID-19. But the group, which includes members from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, already has everything set in stone.
The committee sets hurricane names for a six-year period, and then repeats the list barring something unusual. Next year's hurricanes will use the 2015 list, and this year's hurricane names will be recycled in 2026. The committee only uses English, French and Spanish names to reflect the geography, and tries to maintain a gender-balanced list and be respectful of societal sensitivities. On occasion, they expand the boundaries, such as using the Spanish form of the biblical name Isaiah to give us Hurricane Isasias.
Because it can be tricky to think of hurricane names starting with Q, U, X, Y and Z, the committee only uses 21 letters of the alphabet. This is not a problem for the committee that names cyclones in the southwest Indian Ocean. Their list spans the entire 26-letter English alphabet starting with Alicia and Bongoyo, and ending with Yarona and Zacarias.
Just as the Chicago Cubs have retired the numbers of Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg, Fergie Jenkins, Greg Maddux and Jackie Robinson, the hurricane committee retires the names of storms that cause enough death and destruction to become immortal. In 2005, the only other time there were so many hurricanes that the committee stooped to using the Greek alphabet, Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Stan and Wilma were all retired.
This year has been so freaky, the National Weather Service discovered the return of a storm from early September and tweeted, "Because 2020, we now have Zombie Tropical Storms. Welcome back to the land of the living, Tropical Storm #Paulette."
By the start of the 20th Century, storms were named arbitrarily, according to the WMO's website. When an Atlantic storm ripped the mast from a boat named Antje, they called the hurricane Antje. Becoming an official group in 1950, the members decided in 1953 to name all hurricanes after women.
Possibly based in the misogynistic stereotypes or to get back at old girlfriends, the idea of sticking all hurricanes with female names was abolished in 1979, when Hurricane Bob made his debut. Hurricane Bob in 1991 was so destructive, the committee made Bob one of the 89 retired names so far.
No matter how harmless or gentle the names seem, all hurricanes can be deadly. Hurricane Grace in 1991 never made its way to the U.S. mainland, but it did play a part in forming the nor'easter that led to the book and movie titled, "The Perfect Storm."
Storms are never named after an actual person. But perhaps the hurricane committee should dole out names to the highest bidder to raise money to combat climate change. Would a billionaire shell out a million dollars to name a hurricane after the woman who turned down his advances? Maybe Coke would throw money at the committee just for the chance to name Hurricane Pepsi, and see headlines such as "Pepsi spews death and destruction."
Political groups clearly have the money to spend on such an endeavor. Then, the Florida vote could hinge on whether Hurricane Donald or Hurricane Joe causes the most damage.
Some people just want to see their name in a headline no matter the reason. But I speak for a pair of Daily Herald columnists in noting with joy that there's never been a Hurricane Burt or Hurricane Madhu.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--Voting begins today in the suburbs: What you need to know

As voting begins around the suburbs today , election officials hope one message rises above the political din over the presidential election : Do n't procrastinate .
Vote-by-mail applications have flooded county clerk 's offices as voters take advantage of the option during the coronavirus pandemic .
Nearly 1.8 million mail-in ballots have been requested statewide .
Election authorities strongly urge voters to return their mailed ballots as soon as possible as they prepare to process the influx and keep poll workers safe from COVID-19 .
Here 's a guide to voting by mail and in person .
When will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities will start mailing ballots to voters today .
Voters should look for their ballots to start arriving to their address next week .
In DuPage County , more than 155,000 of 628,389 registered voters have requested mail-in ballots .
That 's close to a quarter of all voters on the rolls .
In suburban Cook County , 381,692 mailed ballots had been requested as of Tuesday .
In 2016 , roughly 31,000 voters sent in ballots by mail .
More than 126,000 voters in Lake County have applied for mailed ballots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And Kane County has received 92,246 applications .
Under state law , voters have until Oct. 29 to request mailed ballots , or five days before Election Day .
But election officials are appealing to voters to apply sooner rather than later .
`` That 's cutting it very close , '' said Adam Johnson , chief deputy county clerk in DuPage .
`` We encourage everyone to request their ballot far sooner than that to give themselves a little bit of breathing room . ''
Registered voters in Cook and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local election authority .
What is the deadline for returning ballots ?
Do n't tape your ballot to the fridge and wait until the last minute to deliver it .
Mailed ballots need to be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received within 14 days to be counted .
As an alternative , election officials have installed secure drop boxes as lawmakers have questioned whether the U.S .
Postal Service can deliver election mail on time .
How can I track my ballot ?
In the rush of the holiday gift season , shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure it reaches its intended destination .
That 's the idea behind BallotTrax , a notification system available to DuPage , Kane and McHenry voters .
`` The ability to track your own ballot and be personally involved inspires confidence , '' said DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek , who 's signed up to receive text messages .
Voters can get alerts regardless of whether they mail or drop off ballots .
DuPage covered the $ 7,000 vendor fee with federal funds through the CARES Act .
BallotTrax also will flag issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgot to sign it , we 'll know because of the coding on the certification envelope who it belongs to , '' McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said .
`` They 'll get a notification through BallotTrax and also using a more traditional process from us to come in and cure that deficiency . ''
Suburban Cook and Lake voters can check the status of their mailed ballot online at Cookcountyclerk.com/VoterInfo and LakeVoterPower.info , respectively .
Where can I drop off my ballot ?
For the next several weeks , DuPage voters can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the south parking lot of the county administration building in Wheaton .
Other boxes will be installed inside early voting locations and polling places .
Kane will have drop boxes inside the clerk 's office in Geneva , an Aurora satellite office and Elgin city hall .
In Lake , vote-by-mail ballot envelopes require a stamp .
The clerk 's office also is offering 21 boxes for voters to drop off ballots postage-free .
Drop boxes will be available at several Northwest Cook County suburban sites starting Oct. 19 , but Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courthouses .
Cook and DuPage voters do not need to add any postage to provided envelopes .
McHenry has a box outside the government administration building in Woodstock .
Four more will be added Oct. 19 .
What 's the most secure way to deliver my ballot ?
Election authorities express confidence in both options : mailing your ballot or bringing it to a drop box .
In Cook , officials say all ballots returned to drop boxes will be collected , secured and delivered to the clerk 's office for processing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ register to vote ?
Online voter registration will remain open until Oct. 18 .
Voters also can choose to register in-person on Election Day in their home precinct .
But officials encourage voters to register in advance to keep Election Day lines moving .
Where can I vote early in person ?
Early voting will begin Oct. 7 at five suburban Cook courthouses .
On Oct. 19 , the county clerk 's office will expand early voting to more than 50 sites in suburban Cook .
For a listing , visit Cookcountyclerk.com .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wheaton starts today .
Nearly 20 other early voting sites will begin operating Oct. 19 .
For hours , visit Dupageco.org/Election/Voting/EarlyVoting .
In Kane , early voting starts today at the county clerk 's office in Geneva and the Aurora satellite office until Oct. 16 .
On Oct. 19 , early voting expands to 25 sites listed at Kanecountyclerk.org/Elections .
Lake voters can cast ballots in the courthouse lobby in Waukegan beginning today .
On Oct. 19 , early voting will expand to 17 sites that can be found at Lakecountyil.gov/163/Elections .
McHenry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county clerk 's office in Woodstock .
On Oct. 19 , other locations , found at Mchenrycountyil.gov , will open to early voters .
I requested a mailed ballot , but what if I want to vote-in person ?
Voters have to bring their mailed ballot to the polling place and surrender it to election judges .
If a voter misplaces or forgets to bring their mailed ballot , election judges will allow the voter to vote provisionally .
The clerk 's office will count the provisional vote only after confirming that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail ballot .
• Daily Herald staff writers Eric Peterson and Lauren Rohr contributed to this report .

Voting begins today in the suburbs: What you need to know
As voting begins around the suburbs today, election officials hope one message rises above the political din over the presidential election: Don't procrastinate.
Vote-by-mail applications have flooded county clerk's offices as voters take advantage of the option during the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly 1.8 million mail-in ballots have been requested statewide.
Election authorities strongly urge voters to return their mailed ballots as soon as possible as they prepare to process the influx and keep poll workers safe from COVID-19.
Here's a guide to voting by mail and in person.
When will voters receive their mail-in ballots?
Election authorities will start mailing ballots to voters today. Voters should look for their ballots to start arriving to their address next week.
The surge
In DuPage County, more than 155,000 of 628,389 registered voters have requested mail-in ballots. That's close to a quarter of all voters on the rolls.
In suburban Cook County, 381,692 mailed ballots had been requested as of Tuesday. In 2016, roughly 31,000 voters sent in ballots by mail.
More than 126,000 voters in Lake County have applied for mailed ballots. McHenry County is hovering around 48,000 applications. And Kane County has received 92,246 applications.
Can I still request a mail-in ballot?
Under state law, voters have until Oct. 29 to request mailed ballots, or five days before Election Day. But election officials are appealing to voters to apply sooner rather than later.
"That's cutting it very close," said Adam Johnson, chief deputy county clerk in DuPage. "We encourage everyone to request their ballot far sooner than that to give themselves a little bit of breathing room."
Registered voters in Cook and the collar counties can apply online through their local election authority.
What is the deadline for returning ballots?
Don't tape your ballot to the fridge and wait until the last minute to deliver it.
Mailed ballots need to be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received within 14 days to be counted. As an alternative, election officials have installed secure drop boxes as lawmakers have questioned whether the U.S. Postal Service can deliver election mail on time.
How can I track my ballot?
In the rush of the holiday gift season, shoppers can track their package through the mail to ensure it reaches its intended destination.
That's the idea behind BallotTrax, a notification system available to DuPage, Kane and McHenry voters.
"The ability to track your own ballot and be personally involved inspires confidence," said DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek, who's signed up to receive text messages.
Voters can get alerts regardless of whether they mail or drop off ballots. DuPage covered the $7,000 vendor fee with federal funds through the CARES Act.
BallotTrax also will flag issues with returned ballots.
"If they forgot to sign it, we'll know because of the coding on the certification envelope who it belongs to," McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said. "They'll get a notification through BallotTrax and also using a more traditional process from us to come in and cure that deficiency."
Suburban Cook and Lake voters can check the status of their mailed ballot online at Cookcountyclerk.com/VoterInfo and LakeVoterPower.info, respectively.
Where can I drop off my ballot?
For the next several weeks, DuPage voters can drop off their ballots in a box in the south parking lot of the county administration building in Wheaton. Other boxes will be installed inside early voting locations and polling places.
Kane will have drop boxes inside the clerk's office in Geneva, an Aurora satellite office and Elgin city hall.
In Lake, vote-by-mail ballot envelopes require a stamp. The clerk's office also is offering 21 boxes for voters to drop off ballots postage-free.
Drop boxes will be available at several Northwest Cook County suburban sites starting Oct. 19, but Oct. 7 at the Rolling Meadows and Skokie courthouses. Cook and DuPage voters do not need to add any postage to provided envelopes.
McHenry has a box outside the government administration building in Woodstock. Four more will be added Oct. 19.
What's the most secure way to deliver my ballot?
Election authorities express confidence in both options: mailing your ballot or bringing it to a drop box.
In Cook, officials say all ballots returned to drop boxes will be collected, secured and delivered to the clerk's office for processing on a daily basis.
Can I still register to vote?
Online voter registration will remain open until Oct. 18. Voters also can choose to register in-person on Election Day in their home precinct.
But officials encourage voters to register in advance to keep Election Day lines moving.
Where can I vote early in person?
Early voting will begin Oct. 7 at five suburban Cook courthouses. On Oct. 19, the county clerk's office will expand early voting to more than 50 sites in suburban Cook. For a listing, visit Cookcountyclerk.com.
Early voting at the DuPage fairgrounds in Wheaton starts today. Nearly 20 other early voting sites will begin operating Oct. 19. For hours, visit Dupageco.org/Election/Voting/EarlyVoting.
In Kane, early voting starts today at the county clerk's office in Geneva and the Aurora satellite office until Oct. 16. On Oct. 19, early voting expands to 25 sites listed at Kanecountyclerk.org/Elections.
Lake voters can cast ballots in the courthouse lobby in Waukegan beginning today. On Oct. 19, early voting will expand to 17 sites that can be found at Lakecountyil.gov/163/Elections.
McHenry voters can begin voting early today in the county clerk's office in Woodstock. On Oct. 19, other locations, found at Mchenrycountyil.gov, will open to early voters.
I requested a mailed ballot, but what if I want to vote-in person?
Voters have to bring their mailed ballot to the polling place and surrender it to election judges.
If a voter misplaces or forgets to bring their mailed ballot, election judges will allow the voter to vote provisionally. The clerk's office will count the provisional vote only after confirming that the voter didn't submit the original mail ballot.
• Daily Herald staff writers Eric Peterson and Lauren Rohr contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--Illinois hospitalizations for COVID-19 spike to highest number since mid-June

The number of patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 hit 1,713 as of Wednesday night , the highest number since mid-June , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
New cases totaled 2,257 Thursday , with 30 more deaths , officials said .
That puts the statewide caseload at 281,371 and deaths at 8,538 since the pandemic struck .
On June 18 , there were 1,852 COVID-19 patients in hospitals , and tallies had diminished since then .
The state 's hospitals were most crowded with virus sufferers in the spring with counts in the high 4,000s and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The number of COVID-19 patients in ICU beds as of Wednesday was 400 , the highest since June 29 when 401 people with the virus were in intensive care .
However , 35 % of Illinois ' hospital beds and 38 % of ICU beds were available as of Thursday , the IDPH reported .
Wednesday 's hospitalization rate also topped the seven-day average of 1,505 .
The spike in hospitalizations could be connected with Labor Day , Sept. 7 , said Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital physician Daniel Boyle .
Symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after contact with an infected person , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports .
`` It matches up , '' said Boyle , an infectious disease specialist .
`` Once you start to have symptoms , you tend to get sicker , '' and that can lead to hospitalization .
Experts have noted an increase in virus infections after long weekends when people gather in large groups or families hold get-togethers .
Boyle also noted virus health metrics have been relatively stable in the Chicago region compared to the Rockford area and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are increasing along with hospital admissions .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday a nine-county region , including Winnebago , Jo Daviess and DeKalb counties , could face restrictions unless there 's an improvement .
`` One concern I have , is we 've all been dealing with this for so long -- we 've become numb to everything , '' Boyle said .
`` We 're still at risk .
People still have got to wear masks and be careful . ''
State data showed suburban Cook County averaging 22 COVID-19 patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no increases in that number since Sept. 13 .
The county 's hospital bed availability is 28 % .
In DuPage and Kane counties , COVID-19 daily admissions averaged 12 as of Monday , with the last increase Sept. 17 .
Hospital bed availability was at 30 % .
In Lake and McHenry counties , virus admissions averaged six as of Monday , with the last increase on Sunday .
Bed availability was 38 % .
In Will and Kankakee counties , admissions averaged 10 as of Monday , with the last increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
Labs processed 62,071 virus tests in the last 24 hours , and the state 's positivity rate is 3.5 % based on a seven-day average .
The daily test positivity rate was 3.6 % .
Deaths reported Thursday included : Cook County -- one woman in her 50s , a woman and a man in their 60s , two women in their 70s , and two men in their 80s and 90s ; DuPage County -- a woman and two men in their 80s ; Lake County -- a man in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman and a man in their 70s , and a woman in her 90s .

Illinois hospitalizations for COVID-19 spike to highest number since mid-June
The number of patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 hit 1,713 as of Wednesday night, the highest number since mid-June, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
New cases totaled 2,257 Thursday, with 30 more deaths, officials said. That puts the statewide caseload at 281,371 and deaths at 8,538 since the pandemic struck.
On June 18, there were 1,852 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, and tallies had diminished since then. The state's hospitals were most crowded with virus sufferers in the spring with counts in the high 4,000s and more than 5,000 on a few days.
The number of COVID-19 patients in ICU beds as of Wednesday was 400, the highest since June 29 when 401 people with the virus were in intensive care. However, 35% of Illinois' hospital beds and 38% of ICU beds were available as of Thursday, the IDPH reported.
Wednesday's hospitalization rate also topped the seven-day average of 1,505.
The spike in hospitalizations could be connected with Labor Day, Sept. 7, said Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital physician Daniel Boyle.
Symptoms of COVID-19 appear between two to 14 days after contact with an infected person, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports.
"It matches up," said Boyle, an infectious disease specialist. "Once you start to have symptoms, you tend to get sicker," and that can lead to hospitalization. Experts have noted an increase in virus infections after long weekends when people gather in large groups or families hold get-togethers.
Boyle also noted virus health metrics have been relatively stable in the Chicago region compared to the Rockford area and farther west, where test positivity rates are increasing along with hospital admissions. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday a nine-county region, including Winnebago, Jo Daviess and DeKalb counties, could face restrictions unless there's an improvement.
"One concern I have, is we've all been dealing with this for so long -- we've become numb to everything," Boyle said. "We're still at risk. People still have got to wear masks and be careful."
State data showed suburban Cook County averaging 22 COVID-19 patient admissions daily as of Monday, with no increases in that number since Sept. 13. The county's hospital bed availability is 28%.
In DuPage and Kane counties, COVID-19 daily admissions averaged 12 as of Monday, with the last increase Sept. 17. Hospital bed availability was at 30%.
In Lake and McHenry counties, virus admissions averaged six as of Monday, with the last increase on Sunday. Bed availability was 38%.
In Will and Kankakee counties, admissions averaged 10 as of Monday, with the last increase Sept. 17. Bed availability was 31%.
Labs processed 62,071 virus tests in the last 24 hours, and the state's positivity rate is 3.5% based on a seven-day average. The daily test positivity rate was 3.6%.
Deaths reported Thursday included: Cook County -- one woman in her 50s, a woman and a man in their 60s, two women in their 70s, and two men in their 80s and 90s; DuPage County -- a woman and two men in their 80s; Lake County -- a man in his 70s; and Will County -- a woman and a man in their 70s, and a woman in her 90s.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--Graduated income tax vote could be state's biggest race. Here's what you need to know.

In a campaign that features no candidates but more than $ 70 million in combined contributions , the vote to allow changes to the state 's income tax structure could wind up being the biggest Illinois race on November 's ballot .
Fueled by a more than $ 50 million donation from Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , the Vote Yes for Fairness campaign is urging voters to support changing the state 's constitution to remove a requirement for a flat tax on income .
Meanwhile , billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin donated $ 20 million this month to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amendment to fight the proposed constitutional change .
The constitutional amendment would pave the way for adopting a graduated tax , where income is taxed at rates that rise by income level .
Supporters argue a graduated income tax plan proposed during Pritzker 's gubernatorial campaign and approved by the Democratic-controlled state legislature would reduce or maintain income taxes for 97 % of Illinois residents while charging higher rates to the wealthiest 3 % in Illinois and generating $ 3.6 billion in additional annual revenue for the state .
Opponents contend changing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents to leave the state and stymie small business growth .
The actual tax rates are not part of the ballot question , which feeds opponents ' claims that a victory will embolden lawmakers to raise taxes for other groups or tax retirement benefits , although those powers already rest with the legislature and would not be changed .
Most states and the federal government have graduated income taxes .
If the graduated income tax is approved , the corporate income tax rate would increase to 7.99 % from 7 % , matching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state legislature 's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability predicts this change will generate $ 350 million of the $ 3.6 billion in additional annual income tax revenue the new tax structure is anticipated to provide .
Most small business owners claim the profits of their business operations in their individual income taxes .
Any small business owner whose personal annual income exceeds $ 250,000 would likely pay more under the graduated income tax .
`` As Illinois families and businesses face an unprecedented economic and jobs crisis due to a pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise taxes , '' said Lissa Druss , a spokeswoman for the coalition opposing the amendment .
However , small business owners with incomes below $ 250,000 would see tax rates lower than the current 4.95 % flat tax , giving them a break during lean years , supporters of the graduated tax argue .
`` This is not going to put a burden on small businesses by putting more money in the pockets of consumers , '' said Quentin Fulks , head of Vote Yes for Fairness .
Opponents also say state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be negated by last year 's doubling of the motor fuel tax and $ 50 increase in most vehicle registrations .
Illinois is one of the few states not taxing retirement benefits , and voting in favor of the amendment will not have any effect on that policy .
`` This is one of the biggest lies out there , '' said Ralph Martire , executive director of the bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability .
`` Nothing in this amendment creates new legal authority to tax retirement income that does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped opponents of the amendment from arguing the Democratic-controlled legislature would try to tax retirement benefits such as pension income , citing a statement Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs , a Democrat , made earlier this summer saying it 's worth the discussion to `` have graduated rates when you are taxing retirement income . ''
Frerichs was speaking about the possibility of taxing retirement benefits at higher earning levels .
Bills that would allow retirement benefits to be taxed are filed in the General Assembly nearly every session and by members of both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traction .
The Illinois chapter of the AARP , an advocacy group for people older than 50 that adamantly opposes all taxes on senior benefits , supports Illinois ' graduated income tax proposal .
The group called it a `` step in the right direction '' to fixing the state 's financial and debt problems .
The chief argument opponents of the graduated tax plan cite is trusting the Democratic-controlled legislature not to change the tax rates that have already been approved .
`` We are actually voting on giving the politicians unyielding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want and set how many brackets they want whenever they want , '' Druss said .
`` This amendment gives Springfield politicians more power to hike our rates to fix their problems . ''
But Fulks counters the amendment has no bearing on the legislature 's power to change the income tax rate , which it has done thrice since 2010 , increasing it to 5 % from 2011 through 2014 , dropping it to 3.75 % from 2015 to June 30 , 2017 , then increasing it again to the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all for legislators .
They already have the ability to change rates , '' Fulks said .
`` What it does do is give them the power to impose higher income tax rates on higher earners . ''
To pass , the proposal needs either 60 % support among those voting directly on the ballot initiative or more than 50 % of those voting in the election .
Four of the past five constitutional amendment changes in Illinois have been approved by voters .
Under the graduated income tax plan that passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in steps , with the first $ 10,000 in income taxed at 4.75 % , the next $ 90,000 taxed at 4.90 % , and the next $ 150,000 taxed at 4.95 %  -- the current rate under the flat tax .
Any income over $ 250,000 triggers a tax rate of 7.75 % .
The rate climbs to 7.85 % for income over $ 350,000 for single filers and $ 500,000 for couples .
The biggest tax increase would be for single filers with income over $ 750,000 and married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their tax rate would be 7.99 % , and unlike people in lower income brackets , they would pay that flat rate on all of their income .


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--Outdoor dining in Libertyville extended to May 1

Tents for outdoor dining in Libertyville will be allowed until May 1 , in a village show of support for restaurants that have been limited by state regulations during the coronavirus pandemic .
Village officials in May waived fees , allowed tents and suspended parking and sign requirements to enhance opportunities for outdoor dining .
As the pandemic continued and state regulations did n't ease , Libertyville officials extended the measures to Nov. 1 .
With no substantive changes apparent , village officials agreed to continue the practices through winter .
`` We 've definitely noticed an uptick in diners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending time downtown , '' said Jennifer Johnson , executive director of MainStreet Libertyville , a downtown revitalization and marketing group .
`` Allowing restaurants to increase their dining capacity with tents and extending the season for which they may be used will undoubtedly help keep restaurants in business , '' she added .
The village board on Tuesday unanimously agreed to extend temporary outdoor dining permits to May 1 , and to create a `` COVID-19 pandemic exception '' that allows tent uses to be renewed without the need for fire sprinklers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be occupied under winter conditions , requirements for structural stability for snow and wind loads , exit paths and doors , and specifications for heating , ventilation and electric systems will have to be followed .
Each temporary tent can be up to 1,500 square feet , with a maximum of 49 persons allowed inside .
The tents will be inspected at least once every three months , according to the extended rules .
`` It 's really just an expansion of their dining , '' said John Spoden , community development director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limitations as indoors . ''
This will be an option for those still uncomfortable eating inside a restaurant , village Trustee Scott Adams said .
He also is the president and CEO of the GLMV Chamber of Commerce , which includes more than 200 restaurants in Green Oaks , Libertyville , Mundelein and Vernon Hills .
Some restaurants have been doing better than others but outdoor dining has helped , he said .
`` I think overall , it 's presented a good atmosphere downtown , '' Adams said .
`` What the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We do n't know that . ''
Trustee Rich Moras said tent ventilation has to be monitored and may need to be revisited if new information regarding COVID transmission surfaces , for example .
`` It 's a lot more porous than being indoors , '' Adams said .
`` These tent companies are pretty smart .
I 'm pretty proactive so that 's not something that bothers me . ''
Vernon Hills and Mundelein also enacted temporary measures to assist eating and drinking establishments .
Mundelein is open to `` any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding outdoor dining to keep them viable through the winter , said Dawn Jenich , communications manager .

Outdoor dining in Libertyville extended to May 1
Tents for outdoor dining in Libertyville will be allowed until May 1, in a village show of support for restaurants that have been limited by state regulations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Village officials in May waived fees, allowed tents and suspended parking and sign requirements to enhance opportunities for outdoor dining.
As the pandemic continued and state regulations didn't ease, Libertyville officials extended the measures to Nov. 1. With no substantive changes apparent, village officials agreed to continue the practices through winter.
"We've definitely noticed an uptick in diners utilizing the tented spaces this summer and spending time downtown," said Jennifer Johnson, executive director of MainStreet Libertyville, a downtown revitalization and marketing group.
"Allowing restaurants to increase their dining capacity with tents and extending the season for which they may be used will undoubtedly help keep restaurants in business," she added.
The village board on Tuesday unanimously agreed to extend temporary outdoor dining permits to May 1, and to create a "COVID-19 pandemic exception" that allows tent uses to be renewed without the need for fire sprinklers.
However, before a tent can be occupied under winter conditions, requirements for structural stability for snow and wind loads, exit paths and doors, and specifications for heating, ventilation and electric systems will have to be followed.
Each temporary tent can be up to 1,500 square feet, with a maximum of 49 persons allowed inside. The tents will be inspected at least once every three months, according to the extended rules.
"It's really just an expansion of their dining," said John Spoden, community development director. "They're under the same limitations as indoors."
This will be an option for those still uncomfortable eating inside a restaurant, village Trustee Scott Adams said. He also is the president and CEO of the GLMV Chamber of Commerce, which includes more than 200 restaurants in Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein and Vernon Hills.
Some restaurants have been doing better than others but outdoor dining has helped, he said.
"I think overall, it's presented a good atmosphere downtown," Adams said. "What the winter will bring us is something else. We don't know that."
Trustee Rich Moras said tent ventilation has to be monitored and may need to be revisited if new information regarding COVID transmission surfaces, for example.
"It's a lot more porous than being indoors," Adams said. "These tent companies are pretty smart. I'm pretty proactive so that's not something that bothers me."
Vernon Hills and Mundelein also enacted temporary measures to assist eating and drinking establishments.
Mundelein is open to "any and all ideas" from restaurant owners regarding outdoor dining to keep them viable through the winter, said Dawn Jenich, communications manager.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--Perry's Steakhouse to open Oct. 22 in Schaumburg

Perry 's Steakhouse & Grille will open its second location in the Chicago area on Thursday , Oct. 22 , @ @ @ @ @ , 1780 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg .
`` We have enjoyed being part of @ @ @ @ @ the last seven years and we are thankful for our guests ' loyalty and support @ @ @ @ @ times , '' said Chris Perry , founder and owner of Perry 's Restaurants .
@ @ @ @ @ showcasing the new design at the Schaumburg location and expanding the Perry 's experience to @ @ @ @ @ area . ''
Designed with Aria Group Architects , Inc. , the 12,000-square-foot Perry 's @ @ @ @ @ 330 guests when at full capacity , but will open in adherence to social distancing @ @ @ @ @ cleaning standards , representatives said .
For more information and updates , visit PerrysSteakhouse.com .

Perry's Steakhouse to open Oct. 22 in Schaumburg
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille will open its second Chicago-area location Oct. 22, near the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg on Golf Road. Courtesy of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille will open its second location in the Chicago area on Thursday, Oct. 22, near the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1780 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg.
"We have enjoyed being part of the Oak Brook community for the last seven years and we are thankful for our guests' loyalty and support, especially during these challenging times," said Chris Perry, founder and owner of Perry's Restaurants. "We look forward to showcasing the new design at the Schaumburg location and expanding the Perry's experience to more guests in the Chicago area."
Designed with Aria Group Architects, Inc., the 12,000-square-foot Perry's Schaumburg will seat more than 330 guests when at full capacity, but will open in adherence to social distancing guidelines and uphold the highest cleaning standards, representatives said.
For more information and updates, visit PerrysSteakhouse.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--St. James in Arlington Heights among 21 schools in Illinois to win National Blue Ribbon

Students , teachers and staff at St. James School in Arlington Heights are celebrating their receipt of a coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award , the second in the school 's history .
The award was one of 21 given out Thursday to schools in Illinois by the U.S. Department of Education .
The list includes St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge , Field Middle School in Northbrook , Indian Trail Elementary in Highland Park , H.R .
McCall Elementary in Waukegan , and the School of St. Mary and Woodlands Academy , both in Lake Forest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blue Ribbon prize on 317 public schools and 50 nonpublic schools .
At St. James , students and teachers learned the news during a 3 p.m. virtual pep rally emceed by Principal Mike Kendrick , who placed a `` 2020 '' sticker on the 2008 Blue Ribbon banner hanging on his office door -- when the school first won the award .
The pre-K to grade 8 school is being recognized in the exemplary high performing schools category .
`` I am just radiating with joy over this , '' said Kendrick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principal .
`` It is a great day to be a Bulldog . ''
After watching the rally from their classrooms , students put on blue ribbons , carried signs saying `` We Did It ! ''
and were dismissed into the parking lot for a celebration with music and a big balloon arch .
Most of the school 's 500 students have returned for in-person learning , though some are participating remotely from home .
In their 17-page application for the award , St. James administrators outlined the school 's core instructional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and positive behavior interventions and supports program .
They also noted the school mantra , `` Find a Way , '' which challenges faculty and staff to help students `` succeed to their highest potential academically , develop a strong moral compass , embrace a culture of inclusion , differentiate at a high level , and build a faith foundation that will stay with the students throughout their lives . ''
`` This mantra represents our relentless efforts to do what is best for the kids no matter the circumstances , '' Kendrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Award is a validation that our teachers , parents , parish and school community has found that way . ''
Since 1982 , nearly 10,000 Blue Ribbons have been awarded to more than 9,000 schools across the country .
Past awardees like St. James are eligible for nomination again after five years .
This year 's winners will participate in a virtual awards ceremony Nov. 12-13 and receive their plaques and flags in the mail .

St. James in Arlington Heights among 21 schools in Illinois to win National Blue Ribbon
Students, teachers and staff at St. James School in Arlington Heights are celebrating their receipt of a coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award, the second in the school's history.
The award was one of 21 given out Thursday to schools in Illinois by the U.S. Department of Education. The list includes St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, Field Middle School in Northbrook, Indian Trail Elementary in Highland Park, H.R. McCall Elementary in Waukegan, and the School of St. Mary and Woodlands Academy, both in Lake Forest.
Nationwide, the education department bestowed the Blue Ribbon prize on 317 public schools and 50 nonpublic schools.
At St. James, students and teachers learned the news during a 3 p.m. virtual pep rally emceed by Principal Mike Kendrick, who placed a "2020" sticker on the 2008 Blue Ribbon banner hanging on his office door -- when the school first won the award. The pre-K to grade 8 school is being recognized in the exemplary high performing schools category.
"I am just radiating with joy over this," said Kendrick, who is in his second year as principal. "It is a great day to be a Bulldog."
After watching the rally from their classrooms, students put on blue ribbons, carried signs saying "We Did It!" and were dismissed into the parking lot for a celebration with music and a big balloon arch. Most of the school's 500 students have returned for in-person learning, though some are participating remotely from home.
In their 17-page application for the award, St. James administrators outlined the school's core instructional practices, multi-tier system of supports, and positive behavior interventions and supports program.
They also noted the school mantra, "Find a Way," which challenges faculty and staff to help students "succeed to their highest potential academically, develop a strong moral compass, embrace a culture of inclusion, differentiate at a high level, and build a faith foundation that will stay with the students throughout their lives."
"This mantra represents our relentless efforts to do what is best for the kids no matter the circumstances," Kendrick said. "The National Blue Ribbon Award is a validation that our teachers, parents, parish and school community has found that way."
Since 1982, nearly 10,000 Blue Ribbons have been awarded to more than 9,000 schools across the country. Past awardees like St. James are eligible for nomination again after five years.
This year's winners will participate in a virtual awards ceremony Nov. 12-13 and receive their plaques and flags in the mail.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--Be counted, get a ham: Elgin census-takers giving out meat for filling out Census forms

With the 2020 U.S. Census deadline looming , Elgin census-takers are stepping up efforts to get everyone counted before the end of the month .
And it may sound like hogwash , but they 're giving out free hams this weekend as an incentive .
The hams were provided to the Elgin Complete Count Committee in partnership with Elgin Cooperative Ministries , an organization that works with Willow Creek Church .
Complete Count members with hams will be at Wing Park from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday .
On Sunday , they will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3:30 p.m. After a short break , they 'll return to St. Joseph at 4:30 p.m. for the 5 p.m. Mass .
The self-response rate in Elgin has surpassed the 2010 rate , now at 74.7 % , according to Denise Raleigh , co-chair of the Elgin Census Complete Count Committee .
`` We are thrilled in this challenging atmosphere that we 've been able to do this , '' Raleigh said .
`` The effort here in Elgin has been amazing . ''
Raleigh said they 're still pushing to get more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been doing a fantastic job of going door-to-door , so our numbers are looking pretty hardy .
However , for every person that we leave uncounted , it 's $ 1,500 a year in federal grant money that we leave on the table . ''
People can still be counted by filling in the 2020 Census form , by phone ( English 844-330-2020 ; Spanish 844-468-2020 ) and online at 2020census.gov .
All Gail Borden library locations and the bookmobile have computer access to get counted .

Be counted, get a ham: Elgin census-takers giving out meat for filling out Census forms
With the 2020 U.S. Census deadline looming, Elgin census-takers are stepping up efforts to get everyone counted before the end of the month.
And it may sound like hogwash, but they're giving out free hams this weekend as an incentive.
The hams were provided to the Elgin Complete Count Committee in partnership with Elgin Cooperative Ministries, an organization that works with Willow Creek Church. Complete Count members with hams will be at Wing Park from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, they will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 270 Division St. between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
After a short break, they'll return to St. Joseph at 4:30 p.m. for the 5 p.m. Mass.
The self-response rate in Elgin has surpassed the 2010 rate, now at 74.7%, according to Denise Raleigh, co-chair of the Elgin Census Complete Count Committee.
"We are thrilled in this challenging atmosphere that we've been able to do this," Raleigh said. "The effort here in Elgin has been amazing."
Raleigh said they're still pushing to get more people counted.
"Our enumerators have been doing a fantastic job of going door-to-door, so our numbers are looking pretty hardy. However, for every person that we leave uncounted, it's $1,500 a year in federal grant money that we leave on the table."
People can still be counted by filling in the 2020 Census form, by phone (English 844-330-2020; Spanish 844-468-2020) and online at 2020census.gov. All Gail Borden library locations and the bookmobile have computer access to get counted.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--Lombard man facing child pornography charges

A Lombard man charged with possession of child pornography has been collecting it for 30 years , a DuPage County prosecutor said .
James J. Murphy , 77 , of the 600 block of Madison Street , has been charged with 11 felony counts of possession of child pornography .
He was arrested on Wednesday .
`` It is disgusting and it has been 30 years of it , '' Assistant State 's Attorney Jennifer Lindt told Judge Brian F. Telander during a Thursday bail hearing for Murphy .
The charges are Class X felonies because they involve dissemination , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Lindt .
If convicted , Murphy could be sentenced to as many as 66 years in prison .
Lindt said investigators from the DuPage County sheriff 's office were investigating child pornography on a computer network that uses technology for users to share files when they found an Internet Protocol address connected to Murphy 's home address .
Murphy lives in the house with his wife and an adult daughter , Lindt said .
When they searched the house , investigators asked Murphy if he wanted to say anything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why they were there and showed them where the pornography was on a computer , Lindt said .
According to charging documents , Murphy was in possession of video files .
They depicted a man sexually assaulting prepubescent girls ; several have labels indicating the victims are 5 and 8 years old .
One of the videos also depicts the man and a prepubescent boy assaulting a girl at the same time .
One of the videos was more than one hour long , Lindt said .
`` She ( the victim ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child can be physically violated , '' Lindt said .
Lindt said two other videos police found appear to have been taken with a hidden camera in dressing rooms without the victims ' knowledge .
Telander set bail at $ 100,000 .
If Murphy posts bond , he is to have no unsupervised contact with minors , and must stay away from schools and parks , including Madison Meadow Park , which is near his home .

Lombard man facing child pornography charges
A Lombard man charged with possession of child pornography has been collecting it for 30 years, a DuPage County prosecutor said.
James J. Murphy, 77, of the 600 block of Madison Street, has been charged with 11 felony counts of possession of child pornography. He was arrested on Wednesday.
"It is disgusting and it has been 30 years of it," Assistant State's Attorney Jennifer Lindt told Judge Brian F. Telander during a Thursday bail hearing for Murphy.
The charges are Class X felonies because they involve dissemination, video, and children under age 13, according to Lindt. If convicted, Murphy could be sentenced to as many as 66 years in prison.
Lindt said investigators from the DuPage County sheriff's office were investigating child pornography on a computer network that uses technology for users to share files when they found an Internet Protocol address connected to Murphy's home address. Murphy lives in the house with his wife and an adult daughter, Lindt said.
When they searched the house, investigators asked Murphy if he wanted to say anything, Lindt said. Murphy said he knew why they were there and showed them where the pornography was on a computer, Lindt said.
According to charging documents, Murphy was in possession of video files. They depicted a man sexually assaulting prepubescent girls; several have labels indicating the victims are 5 and 8 years old. One of the videos also depicts the man and a prepubescent boy assaulting a girl at the same time.
One of the videos was more than one hour long, Lindt said. "She (the victim) is basically violated in every way a child can be physically violated," Lindt said.
Lindt said two other videos police found appear to have been taken with a hidden camera in dressing rooms without the victims' knowledge.
Assistant Public Defender Ruth Walstra said Murphy is retired.
Telander set bail at $100,000. If Murphy posts bond, he is to have no unsupervised contact with minors, and must stay away from schools and parks, including Madison Meadow Park, which is near his home.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-24--Des Plaines man charged with sexually assaulting teenage girl

A 20-year-old Des Plaines man was ordered held on $ 50,000 bail Thursday on charges he sexually assaulted a teenage girl last month at a Mount Prospect apartment .
Benjamin Banuelos is charged with criminal sexual assault , a class 1 felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison .
He next appears in court on Oct. 9 .
According to prosecutors , Banuelos , an unidentified co-offender and the teen , along with several other people , were hanging out at the co-offender 's apartment on Aug. 22 .
There was beer and vodka at the apartment when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Assistant Cook County State 's Attorney C.J .
Orrantia .
At one point , the co-offender took the girl to a bedroom where he sexually assaulted her , ignoring her requests to stop , Orrantia said .
A witness who was at the apartment `` was too drunk to help her , '' Orrantia said .
That person and the co-offender left the apartment .
Banuelos subsequently sexually assaulted the girl then told her `` to get dressed and get out , '' Orrantia said .
After Banuelos , the co-offender and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl called her mother , he said .
The teen subsequently reported the assault to Des Plaines police .
`` The co-offender , to my knowledge , has not been found yet , '' Orrantia said .

Des Plaines man charged with sexually assaulting teenage girl
A 20-year-old Des Plaines man was ordered held on $50,000 bail Thursday on charges he sexually assaulted a teenage girl last month at a Mount Prospect apartment.
Benjamin Banuelos is charged with criminal sexual assault, a class 1 felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison. He next appears in court on Oct. 9.
According to prosecutors, Banuelos, an unidentified co-offender and the teen, along with several other people, were hanging out at the co-offender's apartment on Aug. 22.
There was beer and vodka at the apartment when the girl arrived with another person, said Assistant Cook County State's Attorney C.J. Orrantia. At one point, the co-offender took the girl to a bedroom where he sexually assaulted her, ignoring her requests to stop, Orrantia said.
A witness who was at the apartment "was too drunk to help her," Orrantia said. That person and the co-offender left the apartment. Banuelos subsequently sexually assaulted the girl then told her "to get dressed and get out," Orrantia said.
After Banuelos, the co-offender and the other person fell asleep, the girl called her mother, he said. The teen subsequently reported the assault to Des Plaines police.
Banuelos was arrested Wednesday.
"The co-offender, to my knowledge, has not been found yet," Orrantia said.