dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Lombard teachers connect students with 'Good News' videos, positive vibes

One teacher bounces on an exercise ball , another crawls around a homemade tent with her daughter .
A dog does push-ups , a teddy bear makes a special appearance and Spike the Madison Elementary School mascot shares puns on paper during the first episode of `` Some Good News With Less Famous People , '' a pandemic production of two Lombard teachers .
There is even a dance party .
Ryan Kuehne and Tony Melton coordinate to write , shoot and edit the weekly films for the students they 've been missing since schools shut down in March amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the production are lofty , as Kuehne , a physical education teacher , says in the introduction to the first episode : `` To share good news , spread positive vibes , smile and laugh and , most importantly , bring our Madison community together during these different times . ''
The idea came from actor John Krasinski and the `` Some Good News '' videos he started posting on YouTube during the pandemic , with upbeat news clips and cameos from other celebrities .
It grew into an experiment in remote community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they miss most about their school .
`` It 's such a happy place to be , '' Kuehne , 34 , of Naperville , said about Madison , where he has worked for six years .
`` Our school culture is so great , and it 's hard to replicate that virtually , '' he said .
`` We thought this could be a way we could pull our school atmosphere into a virtual setting and just a common place for everyone to see each other 's faces and share each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind `` Some Good News With Less Famous People '' teach in a district where the motto has been `` We are all in this together '' since Superintendent Ted Stec assumed the top leadership position in 2017 , long before it became a trendy catchphrase , a la the `` apart together '' parlance of the coronavirus pandemic .
The district has a strategic plan called `` Connect 44 , '' and has run an `` Unselfie '' campaign to recognize selfless acts of kindness .
And now its Madison school community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' videos , which have between 260 and 372 hits each , indicating roughly half of the school 's 550-student population could be tuning in .
`` It 's cool to see how these videos have sparked more things in the community and even better stories , '' Melton said .
`` It 's made this end of the year maybe a little better for them . ''
Before the days of remote learning , Kuehne enjoyed teaching the fundamentals of sports , as well as larger life lessons , like how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madison 's students .
`` There is nothing better to me in life than presenting kids with a challenge and helping them through the struggles , and then eventually seeing that sense of accomplishment and how rewarding it is to see them get that 'aha moment ' of , ' I can do this , ' '' Kuehne said .
Melton , 48 , of Lombard , misses his class of 19 fifth-graders , a group he says can be goofy one moment , but ready to tackle weighty topics the next .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first `` Good News '' video themselves , with the help of several other Madison educators .
Then , they got students more involved , including a call to action toward the end of each episode and challenging students to send in photos or videos of themselves responding to the call .
Participating students through the first three episodes have been called to write positive messages on signs or sidewalks , make thank-you notes for first responders or essential workers and take some time to enjoy nature .
Students also have been sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found to help out or give back , such as the crafting work of one of Melton 's students , who made free bracelets with positive messages for her neighbors to take as inspiration .
`` They are able to come up with some incredible ideas and are so creative , especially now , '' Melton said .
`` These kids have been incredible , '' The `` Good News '' videos reinforce these creative and positive behaviors by featuring interviews with teachers or local first responders , all expressing encouragement .
Segments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear , '' shot at Melton 's house , or `` jokes with Spike , '' shot at Kuehne 's , are standards each week , as is a dance party set to peppy pop music , a bloopers reel , a parting quote and plenty of motivation .
`` Our time has come to be stronger than ever before , '' Kuehne said during the second episode .
`` It will be our generation that goes down in the history books as the people who made it through Madison 's darkest hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
To watch the videos on YouTube , follow these links : Family : Parents Maureen and Mike and siblings Sean and Kim Education : Bachelor 's in Kinesiology and K-12 Recreation from Illinois State University ; Master 's in educational leadership from North Central College Teaching experience : Physical education teacher at Barbara Rose Elementary in Barrington 2008 to 2014 ; Physical education teacher at Madison Elementary in Lombard 2014 to present ; Assistant boys and girls varsity soccer coach at Naperville North High School 2007 to present Family : Married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and daughter Sofia , 17 Teaching experience : Third-grade teacher at Churchill Elementary in Homewood , 1995-1996 ; Second-grade teacher at Immaculata school in Durham , North Carolina , 1996-1997 ; Youth ministry 1997-1998 ; Physical education teacher at St. Beatrice school in Schiller Park , 1998-2000 ; Fifth-grade teacher at Bardwell Elementary in Aurora 2000-2008 ; Madison Elementary in Lombard 2011 to present Teach kids to grow through adversity and persevere through failure .
`` It teaches kids they 're stronger than they think they are . ''
Prioritize relationships and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with others .
`` No matter what job you have in life you 're going to have to get along with people . ''

Lombard teachers connect students with 'Good News' videos, positive vibes
One teacher bounces on an exercise ball, another crawls around a homemade tent with her daughter.
A dog does push-ups, a teddy bear makes a special appearance and Spike the Madison Elementary School mascot shares puns on paper during the first episode of "Some Good News With Less Famous People," a pandemic production of two Lombard teachers.
There is even a dance party.
Ryan Kuehne and Tony Melton coordinate to write, shoot and edit the weekly films for the students they've been missing since schools shut down in March amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Lombard's Madison Elementary teacher Ryan Kuehne uses his laptop to record himself acting as a news anchor for the "Some Good News With Less Famous People" weekly video he puts together with fellow teacher Tony Melton to keep students positive and connected.
The goals of the production are lofty, as Kuehne, a physical education teacher, says in the introduction to the first episode: "To share good news, spread positive vibes, smile and laugh and, most importantly, bring our Madison community together during these different times."
The idea came from actor John Krasinski and the "Some Good News" videos he started posting on YouTube during the pandemic, with upbeat news clips and cameos from other celebrities.
It grew into an experiment in remote community connectivity as Kuehne and Melton reflected on what they miss most about their school.
"It's such a happy place to be," Kuehne, 34, of Naperville, said about Madison, where he has worked for six years.
"Our school culture is so great, and it's hard to replicate that virtually," he said. "We thought this could be a way we could pull our school atmosphere into a virtual setting and just a common place for everyone to see each other's faces and share each other's stories."
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Tony Melton and his teddy bear both make appearances in the "Some Good News With Less Famous People" weekly videos Melton, a fifth-grade teacher at Madison Elementary in Lombard, produces with one of the school's physical education teachers, Ryan Kuehne.
The educators behind "Some Good News With Less Famous People" teach in a district where the motto has been "We are all in this together" since Superintendent Ted Stec assumed the top leadership position in 2017, long before it became a trendy catchphrase, a la the "apart together" parlance of the coronavirus pandemic.
The district has a strategic plan called "Connect 44," and has run an "Unselfie" campaign to recognize selfless acts of kindness. And now its Madison school community is rallying behind the "Good News" videos, which have between 260 and 372 hits each, indicating roughly half of the school's 550-student population could be tuning in.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Ryan Kuehne films much of the footage for Madison Elementary's weekly "Some Good News With Less Famous People" videos from his house in Naperville.
"It's cool to see how these videos have sparked more things in the community and even better stories," Melton said. "It's made this end of the year maybe a little better for them."
Before the days of remote learning, Kuehne enjoyed teaching the fundamentals of sports, as well as larger life lessons, like how to learn through adversity, to all of Madison's students.
"There is nothing better to me in life than presenting kids with a challenge and helping them through the struggles, and then eventually seeing that sense of accomplishment and how rewarding it is to see them get that 'aha moment' of, 'I can do this,'" Kuehne said.
Melton, 48, of Lombard, misses his class of 19 fifth-graders, a group he says can be goofy one moment, but ready to tackle weighty topics the next.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Madison Elementary physical education teacher Ryan Kuehne steps into costume as Spike, the school's bulldog mascot, for a filming session of the weekly "Some Good News With Less Famous People" videos he produces with fifth-grade teacher Tony Melton.
Kuehne and Melton worked to film the first "Good News" video themselves, with the help of several other Madison educators. Then, they got students more involved, including a call to action toward the end of each episode and challenging students to send in photos or videos of themselves responding to the call.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Tony Melton a teacher at Madison Elementary in Lombard, edits footage for the weekly "Some Good News With Less Famous People" videos he puts together with physical education teacher Ryan Kuehne. Melton's teddy bear and his affinity for drinks from Speedway both make cameos in the videos, which also feature a dance party, student video submissions and a quote for motivation.
Participating students through the first three episodes have been called to write positive messages on signs or sidewalks, make thank-you notes for first responders or essential workers and take some time to enjoy nature. Students also have been sharing their talents and fun ways they've found to help out or give back, such as the crafting work of one of Melton's students, who made free bracelets with positive messages for her neighbors to take as inspiration.
"They are able to come up with some incredible ideas and are so creative, especially now," Melton said. "These kids have been incredible,"
The "Good News" videos reinforce these creative and positive behaviors by featuring interviews with teachers or local first responders, all expressing encouragement. Segments like "a check-in with my teddy bear," shot at Melton's house, or "jokes with Spike," shot at Kuehne's, are standards each week, as is a dance party set to peppy pop music, a bloopers reel, a parting quote and plenty of motivation.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Tony Melton a fifth-grade teacher at Madison Elementary in Lombard, dons his work-from-home outfit and mask to work on the "Some Good News With Less Famous People" videos he and physical education teacher Ryan Kuehne produce to help keep students positive and connected while school is out because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our time has come to be stronger than ever before," Kuehne said during the second episode. "It will be our generation that goes down in the history books as the people who made it through Madison's darkest hour because we chose to spread the light."
To watch the videos on YouTube, follow these links:
Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjZ-9TtFl_Y
Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSlp5UvCxzw
Episode 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXiqIz-5TAk
May Top Teachers
Name: Ryan Kuehne
Title: Physical education teacher, kindergarten through fifth grade
Age: 34
Town: Naperville
Family: Parents Maureen and Mike and siblings Sean and Kim
Education: Bachelor's in Kinesiology and K-12 Recreation from Illinois State University; Master's in educational leadership from North Central College
Teaching experience: Physical education teacher at Barbara Rose Elementary in Barrington 2008 to 2014; Physical education teacher at Madison Elementary in Lombard 2014 to present; Assistant boys and girls varsity soccer coach at Naperville North High School 2007 to present
Name: Tony Melton
Title: Fifth-grade teacher
Age: 48
Family: Married to Luisa with son Parker, 19, and daughter Sofia, 17
Education: Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University
Teaching experience: Third-grade teacher at Churchill Elementary in Homewood, 1995-1996; Second-grade teacher at Immaculata school in Durham, North Carolina, 1996-1997; Youth ministry 1997-1998; Physical education teacher at St. Beatrice school in Schiller Park, 1998-2000; Fifth-grade teacher at Bardwell Elementary in Aurora 2000-2008; Madison Elementary in Lombard 2011 to present
Tips from the teachers
Kuehne:
Teach kids to grow through adversity and persevere through failure.
"It teaches kids they're stronger than they think they are."
Melton:
Prioritize relationships and help students learn to value their interactions with others.
"No matter what job you have in life you're going to have to get along with people."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Lake County residents getting partial reprieve on property tax payments

Lake County taxpayers can defer half their property tax payments for 60 days under a measure approved Tuesday to provide residents with some economic breathing room .
And in a significant change over what was being considered , a proposed requirement that residents show a need for the deferral was struck by the Lake County Board , meaning the relief will be more widely available .
As recently as Friday , residents would have to prove they 'd been laid off or operated a business shut down as nonessential and had n't received any federal stimulus money .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by what we 're living through , '' said board member Ann Maine of Lincolnshire , who introduced an amendment to eliminate the requirement .
`` We need to do everything we can for everyone . ''
Board member Mike Rummel of Lake Forest agreed the `` arbitrary criteria '' in the original version should be struck .
`` How do we know who 's suffering ? ''
he asked .
Though not a reprieve from paying taxes or past due penalties , the modified measure approved unanimously Tuesday is intended to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
Under the measure , half the amount of the first installment of property taxes due by June 8 is extended to Aug. 7 , and half the amount of the second installment is extended from Sept. 8 to Nov. 9 .
No interest penalty would be charged if all property taxes owed are paid in full by the due dates .
`` This is just one very small thing we can do , '' board member Paul Frank of Highland Park said Tuesday to start a 90-minute discussion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity to do more , '' he added .
As chairman of the board 's financial and administrative committee , Frank oversaw hours of debate and discussion on the topic during multiple sessions the past several weeks .
Ultimately , the committee learned a 60-day deferral was the board 's only available legal option regarding property relief .
But it came with a number of questions , hurdles and uncertainties , including the inability to get the word out to all who need to know about the application process and being able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the June 1 deadline .
Treasurer Holly Kim said her office would be unable to distribute four bills , known as coupons , to qualified taxpayers resulting in `` mass confusion '' about due dates and amounts of taxes owed .
Kim said the new measure will create challenges because tax bills already have been prepared and mailed , but dropping the application requirement will help .
Guidelines for payments under the new ordinance will be issued shortly and property owners are expected to be notified in about two weeks .
Taxpayers may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of the late change , Kim said .
Updates will be available at www.lakecountytreasurer.info and on the office 's Facebook page .

Lake County residents getting partial reprieve on property tax payments
The Lake County Board on Tuesday approved a measure allowing a portion of property tax payments to be deferred for 60 days. Courtesy of Lake County
Lake County taxpayers can defer half their property tax payments for 60 days under a measure approved Tuesday to provide residents with some economic breathing room.
And in a significant change over what was being considered, a proposed requirement that residents show a need for the deferral was struck by the Lake County Board, meaning the relief will be more widely available.
As recently as Friday, residents would have to prove they'd been laid off or operated a business shut down as nonessential and hadn't received any federal stimulus money.
"There's no one who has been unscathed by what we're living through," said board member Ann Maine of Lincolnshire, who introduced an amendment to eliminate the requirement. "We need to do everything we can for everyone."
Board member Mike Rummel of Lake Forest agreed the "arbitrary criteria" in the original version should be struck.
"How do we know who's suffering?" he asked.
Though not a reprieve from paying taxes or past due penalties, the modified measure approved unanimously Tuesday is intended to help those suffering financially from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the measure, half the amount of the first installment of property taxes due by June 8 is extended to Aug. 7, and half the amount of the second installment is extended from Sept. 8 to Nov. 9.
No interest penalty would be charged if all property taxes owed are paid in full by the due dates.
"This is just one very small thing we can do," board member Paul Frank of Highland Park said Tuesday to start a 90-minute discussion of the deferral ordinance. "We have an opportunity to do more," he added.
As chairman of the board's financial and administrative committee, Frank oversaw hours of debate and discussion on the topic during multiple sessions the past several weeks.
Ultimately, the committee learned a 60-day deferral was the board's only available legal option regarding property relief.
But it came with a number of questions, hurdles and uncertainties, including the inability to get the word out to all who need to know about the application process and being able to notify them if they qualified before the June 1 deadline.
Treasurer Holly Kim said her office would be unable to distribute four bills, known as coupons, to qualified taxpayers resulting in "mass confusion" about due dates and amounts of taxes owed.
Kim said the new measure will create challenges because tax bills already have been prepared and mailed, but dropping the application requirement will help.
Guidelines for payments under the new ordinance will be issued shortly and property owners are expected to be notified in about two weeks.
Taxpayers may experience longer than usual wait times as a result of the late change, Kim said.
Updates will be available at www.lakecountytreasurer.info and on the office's Facebook page.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Lake County museum, libraries building living history collections of COVID-19 pandemic

Documenting the COVID-19 experience was first mentioned in a staff meeting of the Dunn Museum of Lake County in mid-March , before stay-at-home orders upended daily life .
`` It seems like a hundred years ago now , '' says Diana Dretske , a Lake County historian and curator at the museum operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve District .
A lot else was happening at the time .
But when the idea to capture this window of living history resurfaced , the process to provide an outlet began .
The result is the COVID-19 Documentation Project , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show how the pandemic is affecting the lives of Lake County residents , businesses and caregivers .
Similar efforts are being undertaken by like-minded organizations such as libraries and historical societies , which are providing a place to share COVID-19 experiences .
`` Everyone has to think about this .
You have good days and you have bad days , '' Dretske said .
`` We have to give people a chance to let them know we 're doing this and give them a comfortable space . ''
The Cook Memorial Public Library @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital archive and is seeking pictures and stories to document how life has changed .
How were days spent ?
What were the challenges ?
How did the community unite ?
Entries are processed and posted within 24 hours .
So far , about 45 have been made , said Jenny Barry , local history librarian .
`` It 's been a slow build , '' she said .
`` While people are living it , I do n't know people consider it history or that the library would collecting '' this type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have included an eerily empty downtown Libertyville shopping district , empty store shelves and other images symbolic of how things have changed .
Dunn 's offering is a work in progress .
Exhibitions and Collections Manager Steve Furnett is planning a third road trip to various locations in Lake County to capture the moment .
The museum 's project also will include interviews with business owners and others .
`` We have the record , and that 's the point , '' he said .
`` I kind of feel it 's our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's going on . ''
So does the Highland Park Historical Society , which in collaboration with other agencies is soliciting experiences now and in the future .
Websites and other records will be included in an inclusive , permanent record to be to made available to the public in 2030 .
Input is being sought in any form , and responses can be edited through 2021 .
The historical society also says people can consider using the newly created StoryCorps app to record a recollection that will be stored at the Library @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 10 , 20 , 50 years , people are going to want these stories and put a perspective on it , '' Dretske said .

Lake County museum, libraries building living history collections of COVID-19 pandemic
This image showing messages of thanks hanging in the window of Libertyville business Touche Salon is part of the Dunn Museum of Lake County effort to document the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
Workers at the Gurnee Best Buy wear masks and keep track of customer traffic at the main entrance. This photo is part of a collection the Dunn Museum of Lake County is creating to document the COVID-19 pandemic through photos, objects and stories of people and events. Courtesy of Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
This photo of a cancellation sign at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake is among the Dunn Museum's documentation of the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
The Dunn Museum of Lake County is documenting the COVID-19 pandemic through photos, objects and stories of people and events -- including this photo of an empty Milwaukee Avenue in downtown Libertyville. Courtesy of Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
Documenting the COVID-19 experience was first mentioned in a staff meeting of the Dunn Museum of Lake County in mid-March, before stay-at-home orders upended daily life.
"It seems like a hundred years ago now," says Diana Dretske, a Lake County historian and curator at the museum operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
A lot else was happening at the time. But when the idea to capture this window of living history resurfaced, the process to provide an outlet began.
The result is the COVID-19 Documentation Project, which will share stories and digital photos to show how the pandemic is affecting the lives of Lake County residents, businesses and caregivers.
Similar efforts are being undertaken by like-minded organizations such as libraries and historical societies, which are providing a place to share COVID-19 experiences.
"Everyone has to think about this. You have good days and you have bad days," Dretske said. "We have to give people a chance to let them know we're doing this and give them a comfortable space."
Portillo's customers enjoying their takeout food in a different way during the coronavirus pandemic is one of the things captured in photos, objects and stories collected by the Dunn Museum of Lake County. - Courtesy of Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
The Cook Memorial Public Library District last month began compiling a COVID-19 digital archive and is seeking pictures and stories to document how life has changed. How were days spent? What were the challenges? How did the community unite?
Entries are processed and posted within 24 hours. So far, about 45 have been made, said Jenny Barry, local history librarian. "It's been a slow build," she said.
"While people are living it, I don't know people consider it history or that the library would collecting" this type of information, Barry said.
Submissions have included an eerily empty downtown Libertyville shopping district, empty store shelves and other images symbolic of how things have changed.
Dunn's offering is a work in progress. Exhibitions and Collections Manager Steve Furnett is planning a third road trip to various locations in Lake County to capture the moment.
Pizzeria Deville gave away free rolls of toilet paper with orders. The image is part of the Dunn Museum of Lake County's collection of memorabilia of the COVID-19 times. - Courtesy of Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
The museum's project also will include interviews with business owners and others.
"We have the record, and that's the point," he said. "I kind of feel it's our responsibility as county historians to capture what's going on."
So does the Highland Park Historical Society, which in collaboration with other agencies is soliciting experiences now and in the future.
Websites and other records will be included in an inclusive, permanent record to be to made available to the public in 2030. Input is being sought in any form, and responses can be edited through 2021.
The historical society also says people can consider using the newly created StoryCorps app to record a recollection that will be stored at the Library of Congress.
"Down the road, 10, 20, 50 years, people are going to want these stories and put a perspective on it," Dretske said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

Smart thermometers could be the secret to reopening schools When used in cooperation with a school nurse , smart thermometers can be a way to track viral outbreaks in real time , potentially keeping sick kids home and preventing them from spreading infection .
This story from Fast Company explains how it works .
The Pandemic Has Reminded Americans They Are Capable of Baking Why has it been so hard to find flour on grocery story shelves during the pandemic ?
The Atlantic explores why Americans are heading back into the kitchen -- and why we left in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is creating a 'double double shift ' for women .
Employers must help .
In this op-ed for Fortune , LeanIn.org co-founders Sheryl Sandberg and Rachel Thomas say women with full-time jobs and families are burning out during the pandemic .
They write : `` Leaders and managers should move any deadline that can be moved , take a second look at targets set before the pandemic , rethink the timing of performance reviews , and remove low-priority items from the to-do list . ''
Hasidic Jews , Hit Hard by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York 's Hasidic Jewish community has been one of the hardest hit by COVID-19 .
Now they are among the largest group of survivors donating their plasma .
The New York Times tells the story .

What others are writing about COVID-19
Smart thermometers could be the secret to reopening schools
When used in cooperation with a school nurse, smart thermometers can be a way to track viral outbreaks in real time, potentially keeping sick kids home and preventing them from spreading infection. This story from Fast Company explains how it works.
The Pandemic Has Reminded Americans They Are Capable of Baking
Why has it been so hard to find flour on grocery story shelves during the pandemic? The Atlantic explores why Americans are heading back into the kitchen -- and why we left in the first place.
Sheryl Sandberg: The coronavirus pandemic is creating a 'double double shift' for women. Employers must help.
In this op-ed for Fortune, LeanIn.org co-founders Sheryl Sandberg and Rachel Thomas say women with full-time jobs and families are burning out during the pandemic. They write: "Leaders and managers should move any deadline that can be moved, take a second look at targets set before the pandemic, rethink the timing of performance reviews, and remove low-priority items from the to-do list."
Hasidic Jews, Hit Hard by the Outbreak, Flock to Donate Plasma
New York's Hasidic Jewish community has been one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. Now they are among the largest group of survivors donating their plasma. The New York Times tells the story.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Teenage athletes' challenges being addressed by local sports psychologists

The sweet spot of Dr. Peter Temple 's clinical psychology practice , he said , is helping adolescent athletes work on their `` mental game . ''
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the mental game a curveball .
`` Certainly some new clients have come as a result of it , and a lot of my existing athletes , I try to maintain relationships and connections with them .
We 're talking about how they 're doing and the challenges , '' said Temple , whose Mind 's Eye Sports Performance practice is in Geneva .
Athletes are facing multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering a third month .
They face a lack of structure and the competitive outlet sports provides .
Isolation challenges the camaraderie and mentoring that 's part of being on a team .
`` This is loss , and loss is hard .
When we lose something there 's a grief that accompanies it , '' said Temple .
His experience is parental as well as professional .
His son , Pace , is a former Geneva Vikings and Butler University football receiver .
He arrived in Milan , Italy , to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that region .
After a month in lockdown , he returned home .
`` It 's hard for an athlete if he has an ankle sprain to miss a game .
It 's devastating for athletes to miss a season if they have a significant injury , but everybody 's losing their season so they ca n't even watch their teammates play , or their favorite players .
That 's tough , '' Dr. Temple said .
Normal being taken away Clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Manfre , whose Jennifer E. Manfre & Associates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while few of her younger clients have specifically discussed missing sports the feelings that have emerged from it are certainly heightened and are reflected in her practice .
`` Irritability , increased aggression , increased acting out , and then the opposite symptoms of isolation and feeling kind of hopeless and feeling very , very anxious really is presenting in excessive amounts .
We 're seeing our adolescents coming in needing to talk to someone and talk through these feelings , '' she said .
`` Parents are n't sure what to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( students ) and talking with them we 're understanding that everything that 's normal to them is being taken away , including something so important that drives them every day .
It drives them to get up in the morning , it provides a sense of accomplishment , achievement , motivation and success .
`` That camaraderie , that teamwork and that role model -- that peer modeling , the coach 's modeling for our kids .
All of that has been sort of put to the side for now .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopelessness in those kids . ''
As Temple said : `` Some kids can be vulnerable to maybe fall a little bit into depression . ''
Manfre , whose son plays football at Naperville North , noted `` there 's no playbook '' to deal with the effects of this pandemic .
She and Temple have been impressed by the variety of ways athletes and coaches have responded without the reward of games to play .
All those Zoom meetings , 40-pushup challenges and practice plans flying over social media , publicly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retaining a sense of accomplishment , and `` team . ''
Athletic directors turning on stadium lights during Friday night # LightsfortheFight provides a semblance of school pride , and connection .
Manfre 's son tosses a football with a buddy , back and forth across the street .
`` They 're not playing but they 're still doing it , '' Temple said .
`` The creativity of some of the things they 're doing to work out and stay active and not be completely bored is really inspirational . ''
Parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the lockdown 's bright side is simply having their kids around more often .
Manfre suggests that if something looks amiss , parents take advantage of this captive audience .
`` A lot of times our kids come in just feeling bad -- they just know they feel angry or they feel sad , or they feel like not getting out of bed in the morning .
So really just talking to our kids and helping them understand that this is what a lot of kids are going through , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grace , '' Manfre said .
Some coaches have called this a microcosm of life itself , an opportunity to overcome adversity .
Temple agrees with this positive approach .
`` This will make athletes infinitely better in some ways than a single season could as far as their resilience and their mindset , their drive , '' he said .
`` I think sometimes they feel like , 'Unless I can work out and play like I have , what 's the point ? '
Well , if you can frame this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mental game -- everybody , whether they know it or not , is working on their mental game right now . ''

Teenage athletes' challenges being addressed by local sports psychologists
The loss of sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic presents a new set of challenges for teenage athletes to deal with. Photo Illustration
The sweet spot of Dr. Peter Temple's clinical psychology practice, he said, is helping adolescent athletes work on their "mental game."
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the mental game a curveball.
"Certainly some new clients have come as a result of it, and a lot of my existing athletes, I try to maintain relationships and connections with them. We're talking about how they're doing and the challenges," said Temple, whose Mind's Eye Sports Performance practice is in Geneva.
Athletes are facing multiple challenges with school closings and canceled seasons entering a third month.
They face a lack of structure and the competitive outlet sports provides. Isolation challenges the camaraderie and mentoring that's part of being on a team.
"This is loss, and loss is hard. When we lose something there's a grief that accompanies it," said Temple.
His experience is parental as well as professional. His son, Pace, is a former Geneva Vikings and Butler University football receiver. He arrived in Milan, Italy, to play professionally just as the coronavirus tore into that region. After a month in lockdown, he returned home.
"It's hard for an athlete if he has an ankle sprain to miss a game. It's devastating for athletes to miss a season if they have a significant injury, but everybody's losing their season so they can't even watch their teammates play, or their favorite players. That's tough," Dr. Temple said.
Normal being taken away
Clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Manfre, whose Jennifer E. Manfre & Associates firm is in Woodridge, said that while few of her younger clients have specifically discussed missing sports the feelings that have emerged from it are certainly heightened and are reflected in her practice.
"Irritability, increased aggression, increased acting out, and then the opposite symptoms of isolation and feeling kind of hopeless and feeling very, very anxious really is presenting in excessive amounts. We're seeing our adolescents coming in needing to talk to someone and talk through these feelings," she said.
"Parents aren't sure what to do with this. And after sitting with (students) and talking with them we're understanding that everything that's normal to them is being taken away, including something so important that drives them every day. It drives them to get up in the morning, it provides a sense of accomplishment, achievement, motivation and success.
"That camaraderie, that teamwork and that role model -- that peer modeling, the coach's modeling for our kids. All of that has been sort of put to the side for now. That, again, creates a sense of hopelessness in those kids."
As Temple said: "Some kids can be vulnerable to maybe fall a little bit into depression."
Manfre, whose son plays football at Naperville North, noted "there's no playbook" to deal with the effects of this pandemic.
She and Temple have been impressed by the variety of ways athletes and coaches have responded without the reward of games to play.
All those Zoom meetings, 40-pushup challenges and practice plans flying over social media, publicly and privately, have a practical effect in retaining a sense of accomplishment, and "team."
Getting creative
Athletic directors turning on stadium lights during Friday night #LightsfortheFight provides a semblance of school pride, and connection.
Manfre's son tosses a football with a buddy, back and forth across the street.
"They're not playing but they're still doing it," Temple said. "The creativity of some of the things they're doing to work out and stay active and not be completely bored is really inspirational."
Parents of high school or college athletes have said the lockdown's bright side is simply having their kids around more often. Manfre suggests that if something looks amiss, parents take advantage of this captive audience.
"A lot of times our kids come in just feeling bad -- they just know they feel angry or they feel sad, or they feel like not getting out of bed in the morning. So really just talking to our kids and helping them understand that this is what a lot of kids are going through, and it's OK. Just giving each other some grace," Manfre said.
Some coaches have called this a microcosm of life itself, an opportunity to overcome adversity. Temple agrees with this positive approach.
"This will make athletes infinitely better in some ways than a single season could as far as their resilience and their mindset, their drive," he said.
"I think sometimes they feel like, 'Unless I can work out and play like I have, what's the point?' Well, if you can frame this as a challenge that can help strengthen your mental game -- everybody, whether they know it or not, is working on their mental game right now."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Disney+ makes filmed version of 'Hamilton' streamable in July

NEW YORK -- This July Fourth holiday , you 'll be able to see the original Broadway cast of `` Hamilton '' perform the musical smash about a Founding Father from the comfort of your couch .
The Walt Disney Company said Tuesday it will put the live capture of Lin-Manuel Miranda 's show on the Disney+ streaming service starting on July 3 .
It had been slated to be in movie theaters in October , 2021 .
`` I 'm so grateful to all the fans who asked for this , and I 'm so glad that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm so proud of this show .
I ca n't wait for you to see it , '' Miranda said in a statement .
The groundbreaking , biographical hip-hop show about the life of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton won 11 Tony Awards and made numerous tours .
The film was made at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016 , and stars all of the original Tony Award winners -- Miranda as Alexander Hamilton ; Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson ; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Others who star include Christopher Jackson as George Washington ; Jonathan Groff as King George ; Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton ; Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds ; Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison ; and Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton .
The filmed version is directed by the show 's director , Tommy Kail .

Disney+ makes filmed version of 'Hamilton' streamable in July
The "Hamilton" marquee at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York. The Walt Disney Company said Tuesday it will offer the live capture of Miranda's show on Disney+ starting on July 3. It had been slated to be in movie theaters in October, 2021. Associated Press/July 9, 2016
Actor and "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, center, takes his final performance curtain call at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York. The Walt Disney Company said Tuesday it will offer the live capture of Miranda's show on Disney+ starting on July 3. It had been slated to be in movie theaters in October, 2021. Associated Press/July 9, 2016
NEW YORK -- This July Fourth holiday, you'll be able to see the original Broadway cast of "Hamilton" perform the musical smash about a Founding Father from the comfort of your couch.
The Walt Disney Company said Tuesday it will put the live capture of Lin-Manuel Miranda's show on the Disney+ streaming service starting on July 3. It had been slated to be in movie theaters in October, 2021.
"I'm so grateful to all the fans who asked for this, and I'm so glad that we're able to make it happen. I'm so proud of this show. I can't wait for you to see it," Miranda said in a statement.
The groundbreaking, biographical hip-hop show about the life of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton won 11 Tony Awards and made numerous tours.
The film was made at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016, and stars all of the original Tony Award winners -- Miranda as Alexander Hamilton; Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler; and Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr.
Others who star include Christopher Jackson as George Washington; Jonathan Groff as King George; Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton; Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds; Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison; and Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton. The filmed version is directed by the show's director, Tommy Kail.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Clearing up some golf misconceptions that cause you to miss the cup

Here are a few common `` mis-cup-ceptions that cause you to miss the cup .
`` You have to hit down on chips to make them spin more . ''
If every one of my students heard this , I could give them short game lessons for life , and I do .
A misconception is if you want to spin your wedges or chip shots , you need to hit down on them more .
That 's false .
There is `` spin loft . ''
If you have watched TrackMan Maestro videos on YouTube , you may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's the difference between the amount of loft the club has on it at impact and the angle at which the club is traveling at impact ( on a vertical plane ) .
If you have a 56-degree wedge and hit it with 50 degrees ( a little forward lean is usually taught for a chip shot ) , and you hit down on the golf ball 5 degrees , your `` spin loft '' is 45 .
The optimum amount of spin loft is 45 .
Once you exceed 45 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you will lose friction , which creates spin .
If you were to `` hit down on it more '' and increase the angle of attack , you have a high likelihood to decrease the dynamic loft on the club , essentially your spin loft would decrease , causing the ball to actually launch lower and spin less .
People often hit the ball too thin , or low on the face when they attempt to hit down on it more .
So , do n't hit down on it more , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and hit down on it slightly and you will get those wedges to check up just as you see on TV .
`` Release the club to hit a draw . ''
This one really grinds my gears , and is a little difficult to wrap your head around because it 's what teaching pros and Tour players have talked about for years .
Everyone talks about if you slice it , you need to release the club .
First , I 'm not a fan of throwing golf clubs , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In order to hit a draw that falls toward your target , the contact point must be open to the target , but closed to the path the clubhead swings on .
Notice I did n't say clubface ( the contact point ) .
I understand we all do n't hit perfectly centered shots , so there are a few variables to rule out .
If you were to release the club -- the clubface closes or points more left for a righty -- and the clubhead path swings more left than it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's possible to release the club toward the right , but the severity is much less .
In addition , you are relying a lot on the timing of your hands to have the face perfectly square to where you want it .
There is a lot of clubface rotation and it can go from very open to very closed causing wayward shots .
Instead , try to close the clubface prior to contact , but still have the path move out to the right with no release and see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few drills I 've created , and they all say , `` I do n't know how this works yet , but it does ! ''
`` Work on your short game to lower your scores . ''
You can certainly work on your putting and chipping as much as you like , and it wo n't hurt your scores , but if you are amazing at getting up and down for double bogey , I will beat you every time we play .
Most high handicappers have a tough time getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their personal regulation ) .
That is the area you need to work on .
First , tee the ball up and hit your driver a lot , get it to go as far as you can .
Make a big turn with your shoulders on the way back , and make sure the clubface is closed to the path on the way down .
Then , work on your scoring irons ( 7-iron and lower ) .
Continue to make a big turn , and make contact with the ground after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the ball closer to the hole because you 're using a shorter club instead of laying up with 3-wood on a par 4 and having to hit 4-iron or hybrid .
Then your scores will be lower and you will have more fun .
• TJ Sullivan , a PGA Master Professional , is director of instruction at GOLFTEC in Oak Brook .
He was named a Golf Digest `` Best Teacher in Your State '' for 2019-2020 .
Reach him at tsullivan @ golftec.com .

Clearing up some golf misconceptions that cause you to miss the cup
In our latest installment of golf tips, PGA Master Professional TJ Sullivan clears up some common misconceptions that will cause you to miss the cup. Daily Herald File Photo
Here are a few common "mis-cup-ceptions that cause you to miss the cup.
"You have to hit down on chips to make them spin more." If every one of my students heard this, I could give them short game lessons for life, and I do.
A misconception is if you want to spin your wedges or chip shots, you need to hit down on them more. That's false. There is "spin loft." If you have watched TrackMan Maestro videos on YouTube, you may have heard of this term.
Basically, it's the difference between the amount of loft the club has on it at impact and the angle at which the club is traveling at impact (on a vertical plane).
If you have a 56-degree wedge and hit it with 50 degrees (a little forward lean is usually taught for a chip shot), and you hit down on the golf ball 5 degrees, your "spin loft" is 45. The optimum amount of spin loft is 45. Once you exceed 45, the ball will slide up the face and you will lose friction, which creates spin.
If you were to "hit down on it more" and increase the angle of attack, you have a high likelihood to decrease the dynamic loft on the club, essentially your spin loft would decrease, causing the ball to actually launch lower and spin less. People often hit the ball too thin, or low on the face when they attempt to hit down on it more. So, don't hit down on it more, have a good amount of forward lean, and hit down on it slightly and you will get those wedges to check up just as you see on TV.
"Release the club to hit a draw." This one really grinds my gears, and is a little difficult to wrap your head around because it's what teaching pros and Tour players have talked about for years.
Everyone talks about if you slice it, you need to release the club. First, I'm not a fan of throwing golf clubs, so I never want to release it.
In order to hit a draw that falls toward your target, the contact point must be open to the target, but closed to the path the clubhead swings on.
Notice I didn't say clubface (the contact point). I understand we all don't hit perfectly centered shots, so there are a few variables to rule out.
If you were to release the club -- the clubface closes or points more left for a righty -- and the clubhead path swings more left than it would if you didn't release it. It's possible to release the club toward the right, but the severity is much less. In addition, you are relying a lot on the timing of your hands to have the face perfectly square to where you want it. There is a lot of clubface rotation and it can go from very open to very closed causing wayward shots.
Instead, try to close the clubface prior to contact, but still have the path move out to the right with no release and see what happens. I have my students do a few drills I've created, and they all say, "I don't know how this works yet, but it does!"
"Work on your short game to lower your scores." You can certainly work on your putting and chipping as much as you like, and it won't hurt your scores, but if you are amazing at getting up and down for double bogey, I will beat you every time we play.
Most high handicappers have a tough time getting to the green in regulation (or their personal regulation). That is the area you need to work on.
First, tee the ball up and hit your driver a lot, get it to go as far as you can. Make a big turn with your shoulders on the way back, and make sure the clubface is closed to the path on the way down.
Then, work on your scoring irons (7-iron and lower). Continue to make a big turn, and make contact with the ground after the ball.
Do those two things and hit the ball closer to the hole because you're using a shorter club instead of laying up with 3-wood on a par 4 and having to hit 4-iron or hybrid. Then your scores will be lower and you will have more fun.
• TJ Sullivan, a PGA Master Professional, is director of instruction at GOLFTEC in Oak Brook. He was named a Golf Digest "Best Teacher in Your State" for 2019-2020. Reach him at tsullivan@golftec.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Flash flooding kills 2 sisters, ages 7 and 3, in Utah canyon

SALT LAKE CITY -- A 7-year-old girl has died and her 3-year-old sister is missing after flash flooding sent torrents of water into a narrow canyon in the Utah desert , authorities said Tuesday .
At least 21 others escaped the flooding Monday afternoon in Little Wildhorse Canyon , where the curving sandstone walls are so narrow at points that hikers must turn sideways to walk through .
The girls were hiking with their father and mother when the storm hit and the father found his 7-year-old daughter 's body before authorities were called to the scene , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luke .
Their names were not immediately released .
The others who escaped were with different groups , Luke said .
Search and rescue crews found a piece of clothing believed to belong to the missing 3-year-old in a wash miles away from the canyon , the sheriff 's office said .
Dozens of searchers were combing the area with the help of helicopters about 200 miles ( 320 kilometers ) south of Salt Lake City .
Flooding hit after an isolated thunderstorm storm crossed nearby Goblin Valley State Park , known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horse Canyon is considered a popular , family-friendly trail that displays awe-inspiring colorful stone walls , but flash flooding is a risk in its narrow formations known as slot canyons .
Desert rains can be dangerous because the hard earth does n't soak up much water .
Instead , the rain collects quickly , often filling narrow slot canyons like a bathtub .
The tall , undulating walls have few exits for any hikers inside when the weather hits , quickly turning a casual hike into a dangerous situation .
In 2015 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water rushing into a slot canyon in southern Utah 's Zion National Park .
Flood waters also killed a dozen people in a polygamous town on the Utah-Arizona border that year .

Flash flooding kills 2 sisters, ages 7 and 3, in Utah canyon
This October 2016, provided by the Bureau of Land Management shows a slot canyon at Little Wild Horse Canyon, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City, Utah. A 7-year-old girl has died and her 3-year-old sister is missing after flash flooding sent torrents of water into a narrow canyon in the Utah desert. Authorities said Tuesday, May 12, 2020, that at least 21 others escaped the flooding in Little Wildhorse Canyon. (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management, via AP) Associated Press
This October 2016, provided by the Bureau of Land Management shows a slot canyon at Little Wild Horse Canyon, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City, Utah. A 7-year-old girl has died and her 3-year-old sister is missing after flash flooding sent torrents of water into a narrow canyon in the Utah desert. Authorities said Tuesday, May 12, 2020, that at least 21 others escaped the flooding in Little Wildhorse Canyon. (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management, via AP) Associated Press
This image taken in 2012 and provided by the Bureau of Land Management shows a slot canyon at Little Wild Horse Canyon, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City, Utah. A 7-year-old girl has died and her 3-year-old sister is missing after flash flooding sent torrents of water into a narrow canyon in the Utah desert. Authorities said Tuesday, May 12, 2020, that at least 21 others escaped the flooding in Little Wildhorse Canyon. (Matt Blocker/Bureau of Land Management via AP) Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY -- Two sisters aged 7 and 3 died in flash flooding that sent torrents of water roaring into a narrow canyon in the Utah desert, authorities said Tuesday.
At least 21 others escaped the flooding Monday afternoon in Little Wildhorse Canyon, where the curving sandstone walls are so narrow at points that hikers must turn sideways to walk through.
The girls were hiking with their father and mother when the storm hit. The father found his 7-year-old daughter's body before authorities were called to the scene, according to Emery County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Janalee Luke. Their names were not immediately released.
The family from the Salt Lake City suburb of West Jordan was camping in the area for Mother's Day, the Deseret News reported.
The 3-year-old sister was found Tuesday, after dozens of searchers combed the area for hours with the help of helicopters about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. A piece of her clothing was found in a wash miles away.
The others who escaped were with different groups, Luke said.
Flooding hit after an isolated thunderstorm storm crossed nearby Goblin Valley State Park, known for its otherworldly bulbous stone formations.
Little Wild Horse Canyon is considered a popular, family friendly trail that displays awe-inspiring colorful stone walls, but flash flooding is a risk in the narrow formations known as a slot canyons.
Desert rains can be dangerous because the hard earth doesn't soak up much water. Instead, the rain collects quickly, often filling narrow slot canyons like a bathtub. The tall, undulating walls have few exits for any hikers inside when the weather hits, quickly turning a casual hike into a dangerous situation.
In 2015, seven hikers died when a storm sent water rushing into a slot canyon in southern Utah's Zion National Park. Flood waters also killed a dozen people in a polygamous town on the Utah-Arizona border that year.
___
Slevin reported from Denver.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Mayors ask Congress for aid with plummeting tax revenues

The suburbs are losing millions of dollars in tax revenue and need unfiltered funding to climb out from under losses caused by COVID-19 and prevent layoffs , local mayors told the No .
2 U.S. House Democrat this week .
Not only are sales taxes plunging but costs of preventing the respiratory disease are mounting , suburban leaders explained to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer at an online forum hosted by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten Monday .
Glen Ellyn expects a 20 % to 25 % reduction in revenue over the next three to six months in the general fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police department , Village President Diane McGinley said .
`` This calendar year , the village operating revenues could take a $ 2.5 million to $ 4.5 million hit , '' she told Hoyer .
The village has instituted a hiring freeze , laid off golf course and restaurant employees , and expects to soon implement furloughs and `` strategic '' layoffs , McGinley said .
Next year , more layoffs are planned .
A more than $ 3 trillion COVID-19 aid package unveiled Tuesday by Speaker Nancy Pelosi would provide about $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ municipalities .
`` The magnitude of the problem is so great , we need to provide substantial , additional help , '' said Hoyer , a Maryland Democrat .
It 's expected the Democratic majority has the votes to pass the bailout but an uncertain fate awaits it in the Republican-controlled Senate .
Algonquin Village President John Schmitt said not only is the village shelling out for items like face masks but so far there 's been a 26 % reduction in sales taxes revenues .
`` We asking for a couple million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term , '' to pay for critical services like fire and police , Schmitt said .
In St. Charles , `` we 're looking at between 5 % and 20 % loss of revenue , '' Mayor Raymond Rogina said .
He urged lawmakers to allocate grants directly to municipalities without a middle man and other leaders agreed .
`` The dollars need to come directly to municipal government ; we 're where the rubber hits the road , '' Hanover Park Rod Craig said .
When federal funds are channeled through states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our level , '' Craig said .
He noted Hanover Park is facing about $ 242,000 in COVID-19 expenses and a drop of almost $ 5.6 million in taxes .
The House is `` in the last stages of putting together the bill , '' Hoyer said , adding a vote could occur Friday .
The bill will offer some direct funding to towns .
`` We want as few strings attached as possible . ''
Senate Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated there 's no urgency to seize upon the Democrats ' bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Memorial Day break .
Casten , a Downers Grove Democrat , noted `` states like Illinois have been historically disadvantaged by funding formulas that over-prioritize low populated states .
McHenry County Chairman Jack Franks and Port Barrington Mayor Shannon Yeaton also commented during the meeting .
A total of 30 leaders participated , Casten 's office said .

Mayors ask Congress for aid with plummeting tax revenues
The suburbs are losing millions of dollars in tax revenue and need unfiltered funding to climb out from under losses caused by COVID-19 and prevent layoffs, local mayors told the No. 2 U.S. House Democrat this week.
Not only are sales taxes plunging but costs of preventing the respiratory disease are mounting, suburban leaders explained to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer at an online forum hosted by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten Monday.
Glen Ellyn expects a 20% to 25% reduction in revenue over the next three to six months in the general fund, half of which goes to the police department, Village President Diane McGinley said.
"This calendar year, the village operating revenues could take a $2.5 million to $4.5 million hit," she told Hoyer.
The village has instituted a hiring freeze, laid off golf course and restaurant employees, and expects to soon implement furloughs and "strategic" layoffs, McGinley said. Next year, more layoffs are planned.
A more than $3 trillion COVID-19 aid package unveiled Tuesday by Speaker Nancy Pelosi would provide about $1 trillion for states, counties and municipalities.
"The magnitude of the problem is so great, we need to provide substantial, additional help," said Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat.
It's expected the Democratic majority has the votes to pass the bailout but an uncertain fate awaits it in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Algonquin Village President John Schmitt said not only is the village shelling out for items like face masks but so far there's been a 26% reduction in sales taxes revenues.
"We asking for a couple million dollars to help us through the short term," to pay for critical services like fire and police, Schmitt said.
In St. Charles, "we're looking at between 5% and 20% loss of revenue," Mayor Raymond Rogina said. He urged lawmakers to allocate grants directly to municipalities without a middle man and other leaders agreed.
"The dollars need to come directly to municipal government; we're where the rubber hits the road," Hanover Park Rod Craig said. When federal funds are channeled through states, "it's not coming to our level," Craig said.
He noted Hanover Park is facing about $242,000 in COVID-19 expenses and a drop of almost $5.6 million in taxes.
The House is "in the last stages of putting together the bill," Hoyer said, adding a vote could occur Friday.
The bill will offer some direct funding to towns. "We want as few strings attached as possible."
Senate Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated there's no urgency to seize upon the Democrats' bill; senators might not vote until after the Memorial Day break.
Casten, a Downers Grove Democrat, noted "states like Illinois have been historically disadvantaged by funding formulas that over-prioritize low populated states.
McHenry County Chairman Jack Franks and Port Barrington Mayor Shannon Yeaton also commented during the meeting. A total of 30 leaders participated, Casten's office said.
• Daily Herald wire services contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--49 pounds lighter, former Lombard police chief wins Fittest Loser contest

Former Lombard police chief Karl `` Van '' Dillenkoffer has been following the Daily Herald 's The Fittest Loser competition for at least five years .
So when given the chance to be a participant this year , he ran with the opportunity .
Literally .
Runs around Wheaton , where he logged time and distance with a fitness tracker , helped him lose 49 pounds , and 20.1 percent of his starting weight , to become the 2020 champion .
`` This has been just an amazing experience ... it 's been a blast , '' he told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
Dillenkoffer , 70 , said he was worried at the outset he would disappoint the trainer assigned to him , thinking , `` I hope she does n't feel the old man ca n't cut it . ''
At the February weigh-in , he was at 244 pounds , despite having started several months earlier to modify his diet and exercise more .
Twelve weeks later , he was 195 pounds .
He lost 7 inches off his waistline .
Normally , contestants would meet with personal trainers at Push Fitness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` boot camps '' and other activities , and that 's how this year 's campaign started .
But of course , the COVID-19 closure orders in March laid waste to those plans , and put the kibosh on the usual wrap party for hundreds of community-team participants .
Instead , the ceremony was conducted via Zoom and shown on the Daily Herald 's Facebook page .
Push owner Joshua Steckler said the four contestants ' weight losses showed that people can adapt and overcome difficulties when trying to improve their fitness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Push trainers taught and motivated the contestants with videos , and checked their food journals by text and email , he said .
`` I 'm just really proud of what everyone was able to accomplish , '' Steckler said .
Also competing were Neil Madden of Naperville , Barbara Simon of Buffalo Grove and Jennifere Lux of Wheaton .
`` Silent Assassins '' from Elk Grove Village won the Fittest Loser At Work Challenge .
Maureen Koziol of the `` Fab Friends '' of Wood Dale was the women 's winner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' won the men 's division .

49 pounds lighter, former Lombard police chief wins Fittest Loser contest
Former Lombard police chief Karl "Van" Dillenkoffer has been following the Daily Herald's The Fittest Loser competition for at least five years.
So when given the chance to be a participant this year, he ran with the opportunity. Literally.
Runs around Wheaton, where he logged time and distance with a fitness tracker, helped him lose 49 pounds, and 20.1 percent of his starting weight, to become the 2020 champion.
"This has been just an amazing experience ... it's been a blast," he told the watchers of the online closing ceremony Thursday night.
Dillenkoffer, 70, said he was worried at the outset he would disappoint the trainer assigned to him, thinking, "I hope she doesn't feel the old man can't cut it."
At the February weigh-in, he was at 244 pounds, despite having started several months earlier to modify his diet and exercise more. Twelve weeks later, he was 195 pounds. He lost 7 inches off his waistline.
Normally, contestants would meet with personal trainers at Push Fitness in Schaumburg, individually and in group "boot camps" and other activities, and that's how this year's campaign started. But of course, the COVID-19 closure orders in March laid waste to those plans, and put the kibosh on the usual wrap party for hundreds of community-team participants. Instead, the ceremony was conducted via Zoom and shown on the Daily Herald's Facebook page.
Push owner Joshua Steckler said the four contestants' weight losses showed that people can adapt and overcome difficulties when trying to improve their fitness, especially if they have support. The Push trainers taught and motivated the contestants with videos, and checked their food journals by text and email, he said.
"I'm just really proud of what everyone was able to accomplish," Steckler said.
Also competing were Neil Madden of Naperville, Barbara Simon of Buffalo Grove and Jennifere Lux of Wheaton.
Community teams
"Silent Assassins" from Elk Grove Village won the Fittest Loser At Work Challenge. Maureen Koziol of the "Fab Friends" of Wood Dale was the women's winner, and Michael Kaveney of "Silent Assassins" won the men's division.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--May 12 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Since the outbreak began , there have been 42,210 cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs , a little more than half the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 1,809 deaths in the suburbs , about 50 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Here are cases per county and some towns .
Not every town with cases is included .
• As of Tuesday , suburban Cook County had 22,913 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,008 deaths , according to the IDPH 's coronavirus website ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• The Cook County Department of Public Health and medical examiner 's office listed 1,054 cases of COVID-19 and 53 deaths in Des Plaines , 396 cases and four deaths in Mount Prospect , 391 cases and nine deaths in Wheeling , 343 cases and 26 deaths in Glenview , 331 cases and seven deaths in Streamwood , 319 cases and five deaths in Palatine , 275 cases and five deaths in Hoffman Estates , 272 cases and seven deaths in Schaumburg , 256 cases and six deaths in Arlington Heights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ridge , 181 cases and seven deaths in Rolling Meadows , 167 cases and three deaths in Elk Grove Village , 128 cases and three deaths in Prospect Heights , and 53 cases and nine deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The Lake County Health Department listed 5,700 confirmed cases and 185 deaths as of Tuesday .
• Cases in some towns : 1,735 to 1,739 in Waukegan ; 235 to 239 in Mundelein ; 170 to 174 in Gurnee ; 115 to 119 in Round Lake ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 to 64 in Libertyville ; 45 to 49 in Grayslake ; 75 to 79 in Wauconda ; 75 to 79 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) ; 65 to 69 in Lake Zurich ; and 25 to 29 in Lake Villa .
• The DuPage County Health Department reported 5,117 confirmed cases and 259 deaths on its coronavirus website Tuesday .
• Cases per suburb include 447 in Addison , 414 in West Chicago , 348 in Bensenville , 345 in Glendale Heights , 328 in Naperville ( DuPage portion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 184 in Lombard , 170 in Elmhurst , 166 in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 142 each in Villa Park and Downers Grove , 136 in Wheaton , 107 in Willowbrook , and 93 in Glen Ellyn .
• The Kane County Health Department confirmed 3,629 cases with 93 deaths on its website Tuesday at kanehealth.com .
• Cases per town include 1,660 in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 794 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 325 in Carpentersville , 162 in South Elgin , 143 in St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North Aurora , 62 in Batavia , and 29 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
• There have been 1,030 cases of and 54 deaths in McHenry County , according to the health department 's website Tuesday .
• There have been 3,951 cases of COVID-19 and 212 deaths , according to the county health department 's website Tuesday .
• Cases per town include 238 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) , and 40 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

May 12 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Cook County's Department of Public Health has a website, shown here at the end of March, that breaks down cases of COVID-19 suburb by suburb.
Interactive map
Since the outbreak began, there have been 42,210 cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs, a little more than half the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 1,809 deaths in the suburbs, about 50% of all deaths in Illinois.
Here are cases per county and some towns. Not every town with cases is included.
Cook County
• As of Tuesday, suburban Cook County had 22,913 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,008 deaths, according to the IDPH's coronavirus website (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 32,557 cases and 1,441 fatalities.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health and medical examiner's office listed 1,054 cases of COVID-19 and 53 deaths in Des Plaines, 396 cases and four deaths in Mount Prospect, 391 cases and nine deaths in Wheeling, 343 cases and 26 deaths in Glenview, 331 cases and seven deaths in Streamwood, 319 cases and five deaths in Palatine, 275 cases and five deaths in Hoffman Estates, 272 cases and seven deaths in Schaumburg, 256 cases and six deaths in Arlington Heights, 203 cases and 25 deaths in Park Ridge, 181 cases and seven deaths in Rolling Meadows, 167 cases and three deaths in Elk Grove Village, 128 cases and three deaths in Prospect Heights, and 53 cases and nine deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
Lake County
• The Lake County Health Department listed 5,700 confirmed cases and 185 deaths as of Tuesday.
• Cases in some towns: 1,735 to 1,739 in Waukegan; 235 to 239 in Mundelein; 170 to 174 in Gurnee; 115 to 119 in Round Lake; 105 to 109 in Vernon Hills; 60 to 64 in Libertyville; 45 to 49 in Grayslake; 75 to 79 in Wauconda; 75 to 79 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion); 65 to 69 in Lake Zurich; and 25 to 29 in Lake Villa.
DuPage County
• The DuPage County Health Department reported 5,117 confirmed cases and 259 deaths on its coronavirus website Tuesday.
• Cases per suburb include 447 in Addison, 414 in West Chicago, 348 in Bensenville, 345 in Glendale Heights, 328 in Naperville (DuPage portion), 320 in Carol Stream, 184 in Lombard, 170 in Elmhurst, 166 in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 142 each in Villa Park and Downers Grove, 136 in Wheaton, 107 in Willowbrook, and 93 in Glen Ellyn.
Kane County
• The Kane County Health Department confirmed 3,629 cases with 93 deaths on its website Tuesday at kanehealth.com.
• Cases per town include 1,660 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 794 in Elgin (Kane portion), 325 in Carpentersville, 162 in South Elgin, 143 in St. Charles, 93 in Geneva, 74 in North Aurora, 62 in Batavia, and 29 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County
• There have been 1,030 cases of and 54 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department's website Tuesday.
Will County
• There have been 3,951 cases of COVID-19 and 212 deaths, according to the county health department's website Tuesday.
• Cases per town include 238 in Naperville (Will County portion), and 40 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--State grant clears the way for Palatine road upgrades

With the village 's cost dropping from $ 1 million to about $ 163,000 thanks to a state grant , the Palatine council has approved a project to repair Rohlwing Road .
Village Manager Reid Ottesen said the work was in jeopardy this year due to budget concerns until the $ 753,029 state grant was awarded .
`` This is truly a blessing that can help us bridge some gaps , '' Councilman Kollin Kozlowski said before the village council approved the work Monday night .
An exact start date of the project , which will upgrade a 1½-mile stretch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not yet available .
In late April , Arrow Road Construction Co. of Elk Grove Village submitted a lowest responsible bid of $ 916,960 for the work , slightly below the village 's $ 1 million budget .
`` We thought , 'That 's good .
That 's savings , ' '' Ottesen said .
The village received word last week it 'll be awarded a $ 753,029 grant from the Rebuild Illinois capital program because the Rohlwing project met the state 's criteria .
`` Instead of having to come up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money , we 're able to apply that state money to it , freeing up those dollars to become savings to help offset revenue loss we have going on right now , '' Ottesen said .
The Rohlwing renovation will include pavement resurfacing , patching , curb and gutter replacement , new sidewalks and ramp upgrades to meet Americans With Disabilities Act requirements , village documents show .
The work will occur near Winston Campus elementary and junior high schools , Virginia Lake Elementary School and Palatine High School .
Ottesen said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid the full $ 1 million renovation .
He said it likely would have cost $ 100,000 for patching and other temporary fixes this year .
`` If we put it off altogether , after spending a couple hundred thousand dollars over the next couple of years on it , we 'd probably be looking at a full reconstruction that could drive a million-dollar project up into the $ 3 million to $ 4 million neighborhood , '' Ottesen said .
Separately , the village council agreed to pay $ 155,190 to Schroeder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects in the vicinity of Rand and Hicks roads .
Plans call for extending the sidewalk on the west side of Rand Road , from Spruce Drive to Capri Drive , to complete gaps in the corridor .
There also will be replacement of an asphalt walkway on the west side of Hicks Road to the north and south of Fawn Lane .

State grant clears the way for Palatine road upgrades
With the village's cost dropping from $1 million to about $163,000 thanks to a state grant, the Palatine council has approved a project to repair Rohlwing Road.
Village Manager Reid Ottesen said the work was in jeopardy this year due to budget concerns until the $753,029 state grant was awarded.
"This is truly a blessing that can help us bridge some gaps," Councilman Kollin Kozlowski said before the village council approved the work Monday night.
An exact start date of the project, which will upgrade a 1½-mile stretch from Cunningham Drive to Palatine Road, is not yet available.
In late April, Arrow Road Construction Co. of Elk Grove Village submitted a lowest responsible bid of $916,960 for the work, slightly below the village's $1 million budget.
"We thought, 'That's good. That's savings,'" Ottesen said.
The village received word last week it'll be awarded a $753,029 grant from the Rebuild Illinois capital program because the Rohlwing project met the state's criteria.
"Instead of having to come up with almost $900,000 out of our money, we're able to apply that state money to it, freeing up those dollars to become savings to help offset revenue loss we have going on right now," Ottesen said.
The Rohlwing renovation will include pavement resurfacing, patching, curb and gutter replacement, new sidewalks and ramp upgrades to meet Americans With Disabilities Act requirements, village documents show. The work will occur near Winston Campus elementary and junior high schools, Virginia Lake Elementary School and Palatine High School.
Ottesen said there was concern about making temporary repairs to avoid the full $1 million renovation. He said it likely would have cost $100,000 for patching and other temporary fixes this year.
"If we put it off altogether, after spending a couple hundred thousand dollars over the next couple of years on it, we'd probably be looking at a full reconstruction that could drive a million-dollar project up into the $3 million to $4 million neighborhood," Ottesen said.
Separately, the village council agreed to pay $155,190 to Schroeder & Schroeder Inc. of Skokie for sidewalk projects in the vicinity of Rand and Hicks roads.
Plans call for extending the sidewalk on the west side of Rand Road, from Spruce Drive to Capri Drive, to complete gaps in the corridor. There also will be replacement of an asphalt walkway on the west side of Hicks Road to the north and south of Fawn Lane.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--One suburban Junior Ninja moves on to finals, as second awaits her turn

The Arlington Heights boy , who turned 11 on Tuesday , advanced to the final of `` American Ninja Warrior Junior '' in the episode broadcast last Friday on the Universal Kids network .
Although the competition was filmed in July in California , Pham and his immediate family are sworn to secrecy about the results until after each episode airs .
He 'll need to keep his secret a little longer because his final episode wo n't be broadcast until June 12 .
The competition 's winner earns a $ 15,000 prize , while second place is worth $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2,500 .
Until the final airs , you can follow Owen 's adventure on his @ phamilyninjas Instragram account .
`` It 's going to be fun still , I hope , '' said Owen , who competed in the 9-to-10 age group .
`` I 'm just telling people to keep watching . ''
As Owen 's fans await his finale , 13-year-old Emerson Smith of Wheaton makes her debut on this Friday 's episode in the 11-to-12 age group .
The Franklin Middle School student had her birthday after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competed in the younger group .
`` I 've been smiling a lot this week , '' Emerson said .
`` I 'm just so excited to watch the episode on Friday . ''
Like with Owen , the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change of plans for viewing parties .
Emerson was hoping to have a party at the restaurant 302 Wheaton , but instead she and her family will order carryout from the local eatery and enjoy the show at home .
She also might go live on Instagram for friends and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kids .
`` I think they are more excited than I am , '' she said .

One suburban Junior Ninja moves on to finals, as second awaits her turn
Owen Pham, an 11-year-old from Arlington Heights, has made it to the finals "American Ninja Warrior Junior." Courtesy of Eddy Chen/Universal Kids
Owen Pham, an 11-year-old from Arlington Heights, will compete for the title of American Ninja Warrior Junior on the television show's June 12 episode. Courtesy of Eddy Chen/Universal Kids
Emerson Smith of Wheaton will make her debut Friday on the television show "American Ninja Warrior Junior." Courtesy of Eddy Chen/Universal Kids
Owen Pham of Arlington Heights has advanced to the finals of "American Ninja Warrior Junior." Courtesy of Colleen Pham
Owen Pham enjoyed an early birthday celebration last week.
The Arlington Heights boy, who turned 11 on Tuesday, advanced to the final of "American Ninja Warrior Junior" in the episode broadcast last Friday on the Universal Kids network.
Although the competition was filmed in July in California, Pham and his immediate family are sworn to secrecy about the results until after each episode airs. He'll need to keep his secret a little longer because his final episode won't be broadcast until June 12.
The competition's winner earns a $15,000 prize, while second place is worth $10,000, third $5,000 and fourth $2,500. Until the final airs, you can follow Owen's adventure on his @phamilyninjas Instragram account.
"It's going to be fun still, I hope," said Owen, who competed in the 9-to-10 age group. "I'm just telling people to keep watching."
As Owen's fans await his finale, 13-year-old Emerson Smith of Wheaton makes her debut on this Friday's episode in the 11-to-12 age group. The Franklin Middle School student had her birthday after the July filming, which is why she competed in the younger group.
"I've been smiling a lot this week," Emerson said. "I'm just so excited to watch the episode on Friday."
Like with Owen, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change of plans for viewing parties. Emerson was hoping to have a party at the restaurant 302 Wheaton, but instead she and her family will order carryout from the local eatery and enjoy the show at home.
She also might go live on Instagram for friends and family who can't watch on Universal Kids.
"I think they are more excited than I am," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Song to make you smile: 'Birthday' by The Beatles

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Birthday '' by The Beatles , released in 1968 .
( By the way : @ @ @ @ @ Herald 's Managing Editor Jim Baumann and music writer/multiplatform editor Brian Shamie )

Song to make you smile: 'Birthday' by The Beatles
Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison are shown here in February 1968, which was right around the time the Fab Four were preparing to celebrate George's 25th birthday (Feb. 25) in India. Associated Press file photo, February 1968
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "Birthday" by The Beatles, released in 1968. (By the way: Happy birthday to the Daily Herald's Managing Editor Jim Baumann and music writer/multiplatform editor Brian Shamie)
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--South Elgin Deputy Chief Doty retiring after 23 years on the job

South Elgin Police Deputy Chief Mike Doty is the kind of guy who , after 23 years on the job and 35 years of public service , still comes in at 6 a.m. even in his last week before retirement .
The department ca n't honor him with a public ceremony Friday due to the COVID-19 pandemic , but that 's entirely OK , 54-year-old Doty said .
`` It 's not about me , '' he said .
`` It 's about the department as a whole and everything they helped me do and become throughout the years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krawczyk and Deputy Chief Randy Endean , who 've worked in South Elgin for the duration of Doty 's career , said his retirement will be a big loss for the department .
Doty has always been driven and committed to the job , ready to help and participate in extra activities , they said .
`` He 's great with the community and he 's always working hard , '' Krawczyk said .
`` He 'll sorely be missed . ''
Originally from Decatur , Doty served as a firefighter in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met his wife , Maria , while he was stationed in Zaragoza , Spain .
The couple live in Lake in the Hills and have two sons .
He worked as a 911 operator for Northwest Central Dispatch in Arlington Heights before joining the South Elgin police force in 1997 .
He worked in narcotics and investigations , and was promoted to sergeant in 2005 and deputy chief last year .
He also serves as public information officer .
He has a master 's degree in management from Webster University and is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and command program offered by Northwestern University 's Center for Public Safety .
Doty said he and his wife , who worked as a nurse at a rehab center , decided this was the right time for their next step in life .
They plan to spend the summer renting a house near her family in Spain before returning stateside for their son 's wedding in September .
Doty said the best part of policing is working with residents , officers and village staff members .
He 's also enjoyed watching the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while incorporating technological advances , he said .
Video cameras help people see and understand what policing is really like , he said .
`` I think there is a little bit of a perception that cameras are the 'end all , be all . '
But what I think it does is add to the integrity and honesty that officers have , '' he said .
`` That , to me , is really important . ''
The most difficult cases are those involving children and the elderly , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was his best witness during a home invasion investigation that led to a conviction several years ago , he said .
`` She literally helped guide us through that case like you would n't believe . ''
This past year , Doty has been working to implement new policies toward earning the department accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program .
Doty also has been the department 's primary Spanish translator and has always been willing to help young officers , Endean said .
`` He hopes that he 's leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has said that in a statement to everybody , '' Endean said .
`` I think he succeeded in that . ''
The community can send well wishes to Doty via email at mdoty @ southelgin.com .

South Elgin Deputy Chief Doty retiring after 23 years on the job
South Elgin Police Deputy Chief Mike Doty is retiring Friday after 23 years on the job and 35 years in public service. Photo courtesy South Elgin police
South Elgin Police Deputy Chief Mike Doty is the kind of guy who, after 23 years on the job and 35 years of public service, still comes in at 6 a.m. even in his last week before retirement.
The department can't honor him with a public ceremony Friday due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that's entirely OK, 54-year-old Doty said. "It's not about me," he said. "It's about the department as a whole and everything they helped me do and become throughout the years of my service."
Police Chief Jerry Krawczyk and Deputy Chief Randy Endean, who've worked in South Elgin for the duration of Doty's career, said his retirement will be a big loss for the department.
Doty has always been driven and committed to the job, ready to help and participate in extra activities, they said. "He's great with the community and he's always working hard," Krawczyk said. "He'll sorely be missed."
Originally from Decatur, Doty served as a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years and met his wife, Maria, while he was stationed in Zaragoza, Spain. The couple live in Lake in the Hills and have two sons.
He worked as a 911 operator for Northwest Central Dispatch in Arlington Heights before joining the South Elgin police force in 1997. He worked in narcotics and investigations, and was promoted to sergeant in 2005 and deputy chief last year. He also serves as public information officer.
He has a master's degree in management from Webster University and is a graduate of the school of police staff and command program offered by Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety.
Doty said he and his wife, who worked as a nurse at a rehab center, decided this was the right time for their next step in life. They plan to spend the summer renting a house near her family in Spain before returning stateside for their son's wedding in September.
Doty said the best part of policing is working with residents, officers and village staff members. He's also enjoyed watching the department grow from about 20 to 34 officers while incorporating technological advances, he said.
Video cameras help people see and understand what policing is really like, he said.
"I think there is a little bit of a perception that cameras are the 'end all, be all.' But what I think it does is add to the integrity and honesty that officers have," he said. "That, to me, is really important."
The most difficult cases are those involving children and the elderly, he said. On a positive note, a 9-year-old was his best witness during a home invasion investigation that led to a conviction several years ago, he said. "She literally helped guide us through that case like you wouldn't believe."
This past year, Doty has been working to implement new policies toward earning the department accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
Doty also has been the department's primary Spanish translator and has always been willing to help young officers, Endean said.
"He hopes that he's leaving the department better than when he came in. He has said that in a statement to everybody," Endean said. "I think he succeeded in that."
The community can send well wishes to Doty via email at mdoty@southelgin.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Pritzker warns of 'consequences' for defying stay-at-home order

As Illinois health officials reported the state 's highest-single day spike in COVID-19 deaths with 192 new fatalities Wednesday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker warned politicians , residents and businesses of consequences for defying the state 's stay-at-home order .
`` I know leaders across the state are struggling with these choices , and I sympathize with them in that struggle , '' Pritzker said during his briefing with reporters .
`` But what I do n't have sympathy for are those so intent on disregarding science and logic , and so afraid to tell their constituents what they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are putting more people 's lives at risk .
You were n't elected to do what 's easy ; you were elected to do what 's right . ''
Pritzker threatened business owners with license and certification revocation for defying the state 's public health directives .
`` To the small minority of businesses that ignore doctors , the data , and ignore your legal obligations to the residents of your communities , there will be consequences , '' he said .
`` Those people will be held accountable . ''
He warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear masks in public settings and follow recommended social distancing guidelines that the state police `` can and will take action . ''
`` But there is no consequence the state could impose that is greater than the harm you will do to your own communities , '' Pritzker said .
`` 192 Illinoisans lost their lives to this virus in the past 24 hours .
192 .
How is that not real to you ?
More people will get sick and admitted to the hospital and die if we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts have provided . ''
`` This is not a hoax , '' she said .
`` Please help us decrease the spread of this virus and please help us save lives . ''
In addition to the new deaths , Ezike announced an additional 1,677 residents have tested positive for the disease .
However , those new cases were part of a batch of 17,668 test results the state received Wednesday , giving this batch of tests a 9.5 % positivity rate , the lowest single-day infection rate since March 21 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak began , the state 's death toll is now 3,792 and the number of confirmed infected residents is 84,698 .
In the Northeast region of the state , which contains Chicago and the suburbs , the case positivity rate continued to decline and now is at 20.7 % through May 10 , according to the IDPH tracking site .
If the region 's hospital admissions are stable or decline during a 28-day period , and the region 's positivity rate stays below 20 % for 14 consecutive days , the nine-county region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictive phase of the governor 's statewide recovery plan .
Hospitals in the region also have to maintain 14 % of ICU and recovery beds , and 14 % of ventilators for the region to move to a new phase .
So far , the region 's hospital admissions , bed counts and ventilator supply are on pace to meet the state requirement .

Pritzker warns of 'consequences' for defying stay-at-home order
As Illinois health officials reported the state's highest-single day spike in COVID-19 deaths with 192 new fatalities Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned politicians, residents and businesses of consequences for defying the state's stay-at-home order.
"I know leaders across the state are struggling with these choices, and I sympathize with them in that struggle," Pritzker said during his briefing with reporters. "But what I don't have sympathy for are those so intent on disregarding science and logic, and so afraid to tell their constituents what they may not want to hear, that they are putting more people's lives at risk. You weren't elected to do what's easy; you were elected to do what's right."
Pritzker threatened business owners with license and certification revocation for defying the state's public health directives.
"To the small minority of businesses that ignore doctors, the data, and ignore your legal obligations to the residents of your communities, there will be consequences," he said. "Those people will be held accountable."
He warned residents who flout the state's mandate to wear masks in public settings and follow recommended social distancing guidelines that the state police "can and will take action."
"But there is no consequence the state could impose that is greater than the harm you will do to your own communities," Pritzker said. "192 Illinoisans lost their lives to this virus in the past 24 hours. 192. How is that not real to you? More people will get sick and admitted to the hospital and die if we don't stay the course and follow the guidance experts have provided."
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike echoed Pritzker's admonitions.
"This is not a hoax," she said. "Please help us decrease the spread of this virus and please help us save lives."
In addition to the new deaths, Ezike announced an additional 1,677 residents have tested positive for the disease.
However, those new cases were part of a batch of 17,668 test results the state received Wednesday, giving this batch of tests a 9.5% positivity rate, the lowest single-day infection rate since March 21, according to IDPH records.
Since the outbreak began, the state's death toll is now 3,792 and the number of confirmed infected residents is 84,698.
In the Northeast region of the state, which contains Chicago and the suburbs, the case positivity rate continued to decline and now is at 20.7% through May 10, according to the IDPH tracking site.
If the region's hospital admissions are stable or decline during a 28-day period, and the region's positivity rate stays below 20% for 14 consecutive days, the nine-county region will move to the next, less restrictive phase of the governor's statewide recovery plan. Hospitals in the region also have to maintain 14% of ICU and recovery beds, and 14% of ventilators for the region to move to a new phase.
So far, the region's hospital admissions, bed counts and ventilator supply are on pace to meet the state requirement.