dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--High-profile lawyers to defend Antioch teen charged in Kenosha shootings

Lawyers who have handled numerous high-profile , controversial and political clients and cases say they 'll defend the Antioch teen charged in fatal shootings this week in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
In statements on Twitter , attorneys L. Lin Wood and John Pierce said they 'll represent 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse , who 's accused of killing two people and wounding a third during protests that followed the shooting of a Kenosha man by police .
According to the website for a nonprofit group they formed , the attorneys ' client list includes : Nicholas Sandmann , a high school student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a confrontation with protesters in Washington , D.C. ; the late Richard Jewell , who was exonerated after being suspected in the bombing at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta ; and Carter Page , a former campaign adviser to President Donald Trump .
The lawyers ' nonprofit group , the # FightBack Foundation , is collecting donations for Rittenhouse 's defense .
The foundation 's website says it exists to `` bring lawsuits to check the lies of the left . ''
`` The radical left works overtime to lie and attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to # FightBack , '' the site states .
`` We 're always ready to go to court to do what no one else wants to do : hold the radical left accountable . ''
At least one crowdfunding effort for Rittenhouse on GiveSendGo.com launched by people claiming to be friends of his family had raised nearly $ 112,000 Friday afternoon .
But on Twitter , Wood said people should `` be wary of any other efforts to raise money for Kyle 's defense . ''
Neither Wood nor Pierce could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 200 block of Anita Terrace , was arrested Wednesday morning , charged in a warrant with first-degree intentional homicide , first-degree reckless homicide , two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety , attempted first-degree intentional homicide and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18 .
The charges come from a series of shootings the night before during unrest in Kenosha .
That violence occurred during protests and rioting that began after a police officer shot 29-year-old Jacob Blake seven times in the back Sunday .
Blake remains hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the waist down .
Wood said on Twitter the gun used in the shootings for which Rittenhouse is charged belonged to a friend who lives in Wisconsin .
`` Kyle did not carry a gun across state lines , '' Wood tweeted .
`` The gun never left the State of Wisconsin . ''
Two weapons were given to police when Rittenhouse surrendered Wednesday morning at the Antioch police station , but Interim Chief Geoff Guttschow did n't say who owned them or who turned them in because of the open investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rittenhouse but nothing that was criminal or `` that would be impactful . ''
Guttschow declined to elaborate because of Rittenhouse 's age .
Rittenhouse is being held without bond at Lake County 's juvenile justice center near Vernon Hills .
During a brief status hearing held remotely Friday morning , Associate Lake County Judge Paul Novak set a new hearing for Sept. 25 .
Public defender Jennifer Snyder had requested a 30-day delay so Rittenhouse could prepare for his extradition hearing , a procedure needed to send the teen to Wisconsin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't appear during the hearing .
Rittenhouse ultimately has two legal options when it comes to extradition : He can waive his right to an extradition hearing , at which point Wisconsin law enforcement officers would have the authority to take him to Kenosha County .
Or , he could agree to a hearing in Lake County on the extradition request from Wisconsin authorities .
That would require the issuance of a warrant from Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers to Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and then eventually to a Lake County judge @ @ @ @

High-profile lawyers to defend Antioch teen charged in Kenosha shootings
A virtual hearing for 17-year-old Antioch resident Kyle Rittenhouse was held Friday morning. Rittenhouse has been charged with murder following shootings in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Courtesy 19th Judicial Circuit
Kyle Rittenhouse walks toward police after shooting three people in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday night. Video frame grab courtesy of Brendan Gutenschwager
Lawyers who have handled numerous high-profile, controversial and political clients and cases say they'll defend the Antioch teen charged in fatal shootings this week in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
In statements on Twitter, attorneys L. Lin Wood and John Pierce said they'll represent 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, who's accused of killing two people and wounding a third during protests that followed the shooting of a Kenosha man by police.
According to the website for a nonprofit group they formed, the attorneys' client list includes: Nicholas Sandmann, a high school student who sued media organizations last year after a confrontation with protesters in Washington, D.C.; the late Richard Jewell, who was exonerated after being suspected in the bombing at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta; and Carter Page, a former campaign adviser to President Donald Trump.
The lawyers' nonprofit group, the #FightBack Foundation, is collecting donations for Rittenhouse's defense. The foundation's website says the attorneys "bring lawsuits to check the lies of the left."
A different crowdfunding effort for Rittenhouse on givesendgo.com launched by people claiming to be friends of his family had raised nearly $112,000 as of Friday afternoon. Other online fundraising campaigns have been launched but taken down.
Rittenhouse, of the 200 block of Anita Terrace, was arrested Wednesday morning, charged in a warrant with first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, attempted first-degree intentional homicide and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18.
The charges come from a series of shootings the night before during unrest in Kenosha. That violence occurred during protests and rioting that began after a police officer shot 29-year-old Jacob Blake seven times in the back Sunday. Blake remains hospitalized in Wisconsin and reportedly is paralyzed from the waist down.
Rittenhouse is accused of using a military-style rifle to shoot a man, then running from the scene and later falling to the street, where he is caught on video firing several shots at people who ran toward him, killing one man and injuring another.
"I just killed somebody," the gunman could be heard saying at one point just before midnight, The Associated Press reported.
Rittenhouse, attorney Pierce said in a statement, "exercised his God-given, Constitutional, common law and statutory law right to self-defense."
Pierce, in the statement, said Rittenhouse worked that day as a lifeguard at a pool in Kenosha then responded to a downtown Kenosha auto dealer who was recruiting people to guard his business. Pierce said Rittenhouse was being chased and attacked when he fired the rounds that struck the three men.
Wood said on Twitter the gun used in the shootings belonged to Rittenhouse's friend who lives in Wisconsin.
"The gun never left the State of Wisconsin," Wood said.
It is unclear whether Rittenhouse drove himself home. He has no Illinois drivers license, the Illinois Secretary of State's office confirmed.
Two weapons were given to police when Rittenhouse surrendered Wednesday morning at the Antioch police station, but Interim Chief Geoff Guttschow didn't say who owned them or who turned them in because of the open investigation.
Guttschow said officers had prior contact with Rittenhouse but nothing that was criminal or "that would be impactful." Guttschow declined to elaborate because of Rittenhouse's age.
Rittenhouse is being held without bond at Lake County's juvenile justice center near Vernon Hills.
During a brief status hearing held remotely Friday morning, public defender Jennifer Snyder requested a 30-day delay so Rittenhouse could prepare for his extradition hearing, a procedure needed to send the teen to Wisconsin to face the charges there.
Associate Lake County Judge Paul Novak set a new hearing for Sept. 25.
Rittenhouse didn't appear during the hearing.
Rittenhouse ultimately has two legal options when it comes to extradition: He can waive his right to an extradition hearing, at which point Wisconsin law enforcement officers would have the authority to take him to Kenosha County. Or, he could agree to a hearing in Lake County on the extradition request from Wisconsin authorities. That would require the issuance of a warrant from Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and then eventually to a Lake County judge for a ruling.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Court documents detail fatal shootings Antioch teenager is charged with

Documents filed Thursday in the Kenosha County circuit clerk 's office provided additional details about the fatal shootings an Antioch teen is charged with committing .
In a statement of probable cause , Assistant Kenosha County District Attorney Carli McNeill described the moments that were captured on cellphone video and later turned over to investigators .
Officers also spoke with a witness who was just feet away during the first fatal shooting and another , whom the 17-year-old alleged gunman called immediately afterward , court records show .
On Thursday , the district attorney 's office filed a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in connection with the shootings .
The most serious charge -- first-degree intentional homicide -- is punishable by life in prison .
Rittenhouse 's attorney , Lin Wood , said the teenager was acting in self-defense , according to The Associated Press .
Cellphone footage shows the shooter being chased into a used car lot by someone before shots are heard and the person lies dead .
The shooter then runs down the street where he is chased by several people shouting that he just shot someone .
He stumbles after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , killing another man and injuring a third .
`` From my standpoint , it 's important that the message be clear to other Americans who are attacked that there will be legal resources available in the event false charges are brought against them , '' Wood said .
`` Americans should never be deterred from exercising their right of self-defense . ''
The documents filed by McNeill identify the victims of the fatal shootings as Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber .
A third man , Gaige Grosskreutz , was injured .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office indicated Rosenbaum suffered multiple gunshot wounds , according to the probable cause statement .
One shot was fired into his right groin , fracturing his pelvis .
Another shot to Rosenbaum 's back perforated his right lung and liver .
He also suffered a gunshot wound to his left hand , a superficial gunshot wound to his left thigh and a graze wound to the right side of his forehead , according to the narrative .
Huber 's autopsy revealed a gunshot wound to his chest that perforated his heart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the narrative .
On Wednesday , police spoke with the friend who Rittenhouse called at 11:46 p.m. , just after the teenager shot Rosenbaum , court documents show .
During the call , Rittenhouse said he shot someone , the friend told police , according to court documents .
The first shooting happened at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday at used car dealership in Kenosha .
The victim , Rosenbaum , was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at 12:47 a.m. Wednesday , McNeill wrote in the court filing .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several cellphone videos .
In the first video , a male , later identified as Rittenhouse , was seen running southwest across the dealership parking lot while holding a long gun .
The weapon , later recovered by police was identified as a Smith & Wesson AR-15 style .223 rifle with a magazine capable of holding 30 rounds of ammunition , McNeill wrote .
The video continues , showing Rosenbaum is following Rittenhouse and trailing behind them both was a reporter , Richard McGinnis .
`` The video shows that as they cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throw an object at the defendant , '' McNeill wrote .
`` The object does not hit the defendant and a second video shows , based on where the object landed , that it was a plastic bag . ''
Rosenbaum appeared to be unarmed for the duration of video , according to the probable cause narrative .
A second video showed Rittenhouse and Rosenbaum move across the parking lot and approach the front of a parked black car .
A loud bang rang out and a male voice shouted an expletive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rittenhouse .
Rosenbaum grew closer , and four additional bangs went off just before Rosenbaum fell to the ground , McNeill wrote .
Rittenhouse circled behind the black car and approached Rosenbaum , who remained on the ground .
Meanwhile , McGinnis removed his shirt and tried to render aid to Rosenbaum , court records show .
`` The defendant appears to get on his cellphone and place a call .
Another male approaches , and the defendant turns and begins to run away from the scene , '' McNeill wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he can be heard saying on the phone , ' I just killed somebody . '
'' During a police interview , McGinnis said he had interviewed Rittenhouse before the shooting , according to court documents .
The teen told McGinnis he was a trained medic , but the reporter told police Rittenhouse `` was not handling the weapon very well . ''
Initially , Rittenhouse and the reporter were walking south when another armed male who appeared to be in his 30s joined them and said he was there to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As they continued to walk , Rosenbaum tried to get closer to Rittenhouse , McGinnis told police .
When Rosenbaum grew near , Rittenhouse did a `` juke '' move and started running , seemingly trying to evade a group of people who were moving toward him , McNeill wrote .
Rittenhouse had his gun in `` a low ready position '' with the weapon raised and pointed downward by the time they approached the car .
He then brought the gun up and fired multiple rounds , possibly three , in rapid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` McGinnis stated that the first round went into the ground and when the second shot went off , the defendant actually had the gun aimed at Rosenbaum .
McGinnis stated he did not hear the two exchange any words , '' McNeill wrote .
According to the reporter , Rosenbaum was reaching for the barrel of Rittenhouse 's gun , when the teenager pulled it away and raised the weapon .
`` Right as they came together , the defendant fired , '' McNeill wrote .
After the defendant shot , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed and to continue to aid Rosenbaum , and heard additional shots soon after , he told police , according to court records .
A third video showed Rittenhouse running north after he had shot Rosenbaum , records show .
`` The street and the sidewalk are full of people , '' McNeill wrote .
`` A group of several people begin running northbound on Sheridan Road behind the defendant .
A person can be heard yelling what sounds like , `` Beat him up ! ''
Another person can be heard yelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot him ! '
'' A male in a light-colored top then ran toward Rittenhouse and appeared to swing his right arm , hitting Rittenhouse in the face , records show .
`` The defendant continues to run northbound .
On the video a male can be heard saying something to the effect of , 'What 'd he do ? '
'' according to the narrative .
`` Another male can be heard responding something to the effect of , 'Just shot someone . '
'' Shortly after , Rittenhouse tripped and fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person jumped at and over him , according to court documents .
`` Based on the sounds of gunshots on the video and the positioning of the defendant 's gun , it appears that he fires two shots in quick succession at this person .
It appears that that person was not hit as he then runs away from the defendant , '' McNeill wrote .
A second person , later identified as Huber , approached Rittenhouse while the teenager still was on the ground , and appeared to reach for Rittenhouse 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the skateboard in Huber 's hand made contact with Rittenhouse 's left shoulder , according to court documents .
`` Huber appears to be trying to pull the gun away from the defendant .
The defendant rolls towards his left side and as Huber appears to be trying to grab the gun , the gun is pointed at Huber 's body , '' McNeill wrote .
Rittenhouse then fires one round , which could be heard on the video , records show .
`` Huber staggers away , taking several steps , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` Huber subsequently died from this gunshot wound . ''
After shooting Huber , Rittenhouse sat up and pointed his gun at a third person approaching him , McNeill wrote .
When the gun went off , another man who was standing nearby ducked and took a step back .
The man , identified as Gaige Grosskreutz , put his hands in the air and moved toward Rittenhouse .
The 17-year-old aimed his gun and fired a single shot into Grosskreutz 's right arm , according to court documents .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his right hand when he was shot , '' McNeill wrote .
`` Grosskreutz then runs southbound away from the defendant screaming for a medic and the defendant gets up and starts walking northbound . ''
Rittenhouse turned to face southbound and walked backward with his rifle in `` ready position , '' pointed toward the people in the road , according to court documents .

Court documents detail fatal shootings Antioch teenager is charged with
Kyle Rittenhouse is seen running down the street after allegedly shooting three people in Kenosha, WI Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Video frame grab courtesy of Brendan Gutenschwager
Documents filed Thursday in the Kenosha County circuit clerk's office provided additional details about the fatal shootings an Antioch teen is charged with committing.
In a statement of probable cause, Assistant Kenosha County District Attorney Carli McNeill described the moments that were captured on cellphone video and later turned over to investigators. Officers also spoke with a witness who was just feet away during the first fatal shooting and another, whom the 17-year-old alleged gunman called immediately afterward, court records show.
On Thursday, the district attorney's office filed a series of charges against Antioch teenager, Kyle Rittenhouse, in connection with the shootings. The most serious charge -- first-degree intentional homicide -- is punishable by life in prison.
Rittenhouse's attorney, Lin Wood, said the teenager was acting in self-defense, according to The Associated Press.
Cellphone footage shows the shooter being chased into a used car lot by someone before shots are heard and the person lies dead. The shooter then runs down the street where he is chased by several people shouting that he just shot someone. He stumbles after being approached by several more people and fires, killing another man and injuring a third.
"From my standpoint, it's important that the message be clear to other Americans who are attacked that there will be legal resources available in the event false charges are brought against them," Wood said. "Americans should never be deterred from exercising their right of self-defense."
The documents filed by McNeill identify the victims of the fatal shootings as Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber. A third man, Gaige Grosskreutz, was injured.
An autopsy conducted by the Milwaukee medical examiner's office indicated Rosenbaum suffered multiple gunshot wounds, according to the probable cause statement.
One shot was fired into his right groin, fracturing his pelvis. Another shot to Rosenbaum's back perforated his right lung and liver. He also suffered a gunshot wound to his left hand, a superficial gunshot wound to his left thigh and a graze wound to the right side of his forehead, according to the narrative.
Huber's autopsy revealed a gunshot wound to his chest that perforated his heart, aorta, pulmonary artery and right lung, according to the narrative.
On Wednesday, police spoke with the friend who Rittenhouse called at 11:46 p.m., just after the teenager shot Rosenbaum, court documents show. During the call, Rittenhouse said he shot someone, the friend told police, according to court documents.
The first shooting happened at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday at used car dealership in Kenosha. The victim, Rosenbaum, was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at 12:47 a.m. Wednesday, McNeill wrote in the court filing.
As part of their investigation, police reviewed several cellphone videos.
In the first video, a male, later identified as Rittenhouse, was seen running southwest across the dealership parking lot while holding a long gun. The weapon, later recovered by police was identified as a Smith & Wesson AR-15 style .223 rifle with a magazine capable of holding 30 rounds of ammunition, McNeill wrote.
The video continues, showing Rosenbaum is following Rittenhouse and trailing behind them both was a reporter, Richard McGinnis.
"The video shows that as they cross the parking lot, Rosenbaum appears to throw an object at the defendant," McNeill wrote. "The object does not hit the defendant and a second video shows, based on where the object landed, that it was a plastic bag."
Rosenbaum appeared to be unarmed for the duration of video, according to the probable cause narrative. A second video showed Rittenhouse and Rosenbaum move across the parking lot and approach the front of a parked black car. A loud bang rang out and a male voice shouted an expletive, as Rosenbaum appears to continue to approach the Rittenhouse. Rosenbaum grew closer, and four additional bangs went off just before Rosenbaum fell to the ground, McNeill wrote.
Rittenhouse circled behind the black car and approached Rosenbaum, who remained on the ground. Meanwhile, McGinnis removed his shirt and tried to render aid to Rosenbaum, court records show.
"The defendant appears to get on his cellphone and place a call. Another male approaches, and the defendant turns and begins to run away from the scene," McNeill wrote. "As the defendant is running away, he can be heard saying on the phone, 'I just killed somebody.'"
During a police interview, McGinnis said he had interviewed Rittenhouse before the shooting, according to court documents. The teen told McGinnis he was a trained medic, but the reporter told police Rittenhouse "was not handling the weapon very well."
Initially, Rittenhouse and the reporter were walking south when another armed male who appeared to be in his 30s joined them and said he was there to protect the teenager, court records show.
As they continued to walk, Rosenbaum tried to get closer to Rittenhouse, McGinnis told police. When Rosenbaum grew near, Rittenhouse did a "juke" move and started running, seemingly trying to evade a group of people who were moving toward him, McNeill wrote.
Rittenhouse had his gun in "a low ready position" with the weapon raised and pointed downward by the time they approached the car. He then brought the gun up and fired multiple rounds, possibly three, in rapid succession, the reporter told police.
"McGinnis stated that the first round went into the ground and when the second shot went off, the defendant actually had the gun aimed at Rosenbaum. McGinnis stated he did not hear the two exchange any words," McNeill wrote.
According to the reporter, Rosenbaum was reaching for the barrel of Rittenhouse's gun, when the teenager pulled it away and raised the weapon.
"Right as they came together, the defendant fired," McNeill wrote.
After the defendant shot, he ran back toward the hospital. McGinnis stayed and to continue to aid Rosenbaum, and heard additional shots soon after, he told police, according to court records.
A third video showed Rittenhouse running north after he had shot Rosenbaum, records show.
"The street and the sidewalk are full of people," McNeill wrote. "A group of several people begin running northbound on Sheridan Road behind the defendant. A person can be heard yelling what sounds like, "Beat him up!" Another person can be heard yelling what sounds like, 'Hey, he shot him!'"
A male in a light-colored top then ran toward Rittenhouse and appeared to swing his right arm, hitting Rittenhouse in the face, records show.
"The defendant continues to run northbound. On the video a male can be heard saying something to the effect of, 'What'd he do?'" according to the narrative. "Another male can be heard responding something to the effect of, 'Just shot someone.'"
Shortly after, Rittenhouse tripped and fell to the ground, as an unidentified person jumped at and over him, according to court documents.
"Based on the sounds of gunshots on the video and the positioning of the defendant's gun, it appears that he fires two shots in quick succession at this person. It appears that that person was not hit as he then runs away from the defendant," McNeill wrote.
A second person, later identified as Huber, approached Rittenhouse while the teenager still was on the ground, and appeared to reach for Rittenhouse's gun. As he did so, the skateboard in Huber's hand made contact with Rittenhouse's left shoulder, according to court documents.
"Huber appears to be trying to pull the gun away from the defendant. The defendant rolls towards his left side and as Huber appears to be trying to grab the gun, the gun is pointed at Huber's body," McNeill wrote.
Rittenhouse then fires one round, which could be heard on the video, records show.
"Huber staggers away, taking several steps, then collapses to the ground," McNeill wrote. "Huber subsequently died from this gunshot wound."
After shooting Huber, Rittenhouse sat up and pointed his gun at a third person approaching him, McNeill wrote.
When the gun went off, another man who was standing nearby ducked and took a step back. The man, identified as Gaige Grosskreutz, put his hands in the air and moved toward Rittenhouse. The 17-year-old aimed his gun and fired a single shot into Grosskreutz's right arm, according to court documents.
"Grosskreutz appears to be holding a handgun in his right hand when he was shot," McNeill wrote. "Grosskreutz then runs southbound away from the defendant screaming for a medic and the defendant gets up and starts walking northbound."
Rittenhouse turned to face southbound and walked backward with his rifle in "ready position," pointed toward the people in the road, according to court documents.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Officials warn suburban Cook County might soon need tighter COVID-19 restrictions

Suburban Cook joined 30 counties exhibiting warning signs of a COVID-19 surge Friday , and that could lead to restrictions such as smaller gathering sizes , officials warned .
Suburban Cook recorded 112 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people from Aug. 16 to 22 -- compared to the target level of fewer than 50 -- and had 25 deaths , an increase of more than 20 % for two weeks in a row , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
`` Younger folks are driving the recent increase in cases , '' Cook County Department of Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a phone-in briefing .
A county is put at a warning level when two or more metrics measuring COVID-19 spread are triggered .
The alert is meant to increase awareness and prompt actions from local officials .
Across Illinois , new cases of COVID-19 jumped by 2,149 Friday , with 20 more deaths .
Total deaths from COVID-19 now stand at 7,997 , and Illinois is expected to surpass 8,000 Saturday .
The state has recorded 229,483 total cases , the IDPH announced .
Will County also made the IDPH 's warning list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests were positive for the week of Aug. 16 through 22 , surpassing the target of 8 % or lower .
On Monday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker imposed restrictions , including banning indoor dining at restaurants and bars , on Will and Kankakee counties because they hit 8 % test positivity for three straight days .
Reasons for suburban Cook landing on the warning list include people ignoring mask and physical distancing mandates at large events such as weddings , parties or bars , Cook County health officials said .
There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person classes .
`` It 's not a huge amount , '' Rubin said .
`` It 's basically spread out among a handful of schools reporting positive cases in staff , teachers and students . ''
Compared to the 25 deaths in the week ending Aug. 22 , 15 suburban Cook residents died from COVID-19 the previous week .
The county health department is coordinating with the state and if health metrics do n't improve , officials said , suburban Cook County could be hit with restrictions similar to Will County .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce COVID-19 spread Aug. 3 that included reducing indoor fitness class sizes to 10 people or less and for bars to serve customers outside only , but those are just recommendations .
Among other key metrics statewide , the daily average of new cases is 1,936 this week , a 2.4 % increase from Aug. 15 to 21 when the average was 1,891 .
Positive results on COVID-19 tests average 4.1 % over seven days .
Friday 's daily positivity rate is 4.4 % , with labs reporting 48,383 results in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois hospitals with the virus Thursday night , a dip from Wednesday 's tally of 1,631 .
The daily average of hospitalizations this week is 1,538 .
Other counties at warning status are : Bureau , Carroll , Cass , Clinton , Cumberland , Effingham , Fayette , Greene , Grundy , Henderson , Henry , Jasper , Jersey , Jo Daviess , Johnson , Madison , Monroe , Morgan , Perry , Pike , Randolph , Sangamon , Shelby , St. Clair , Union , Warren , White , and Williamson .

Officials warn suburban Cook County might soon need tighter COVID-19 restrictions
Suburban Cook joined 30 counties exhibiting warning signs of a COVID-19 surge Friday, and that could lead to restrictions such as smaller gathering sizes, officials warned.
Suburban Cook recorded 112 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people from Aug. 16 to 22 -- compared to the target level of fewer than 50 -- and had 25 deaths, an increase of more than 20% for two weeks in a row, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
"Younger folks are driving the recent increase in cases," Cook County Department of Public Health Senior Medical Officer Rachel Rubin said at a phone-in briefing.
A county is put at a warning level when two or more metrics measuring COVID-19 spread are triggered. The alert is meant to increase awareness and prompt actions from local officials.
Across Illinois, new cases of COVID-19 jumped by 2,149 Friday, with 20 more deaths.
Total deaths from COVID-19 now stand at 7,997, and Illinois is expected to surpass 8,000 Saturday. The state has recorded 229,483 total cases, the IDPH announced.
Will County also made the IDPH's warning list after an average of 8.8% of tests were positive for the week of Aug. 16 through 22, surpassing the target of 8% or lower.
On Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker imposed restrictions, including banning indoor dining at restaurants and bars, on Will and Kankakee counties because they hit 8% test positivity for three straight days.
Reasons for suburban Cook landing on the warning list include people ignoring mask and physical distancing mandates at large events such as weddings, parties or bars, Cook County health officials said.
There have also been infections connected with schools conducting in-person classes.
"It's not a huge amount," Rubin said. "It's basically spread out among a handful of schools reporting positive cases in staff, teachers and students."
Compared to the 25 deaths in the week ending Aug. 22, 15 suburban Cook residents died from COVID-19 the previous week.
The county health department is coordinating with the state and if health metrics don't improve, officials said, suburban Cook County could be hit with restrictions similar to Will County.
Cook County health officials issued guidelines to reduce COVID-19 spread Aug. 3 that included reducing indoor fitness class sizes to 10 people or less and for bars to serve customers outside only, but those are just recommendations.
Among other key metrics statewide, the daily average of new cases is 1,936 this week, a 2.4% increase from Aug. 15 to 21 when the average was 1,891.
Positive results on COVID-19 tests average 4.1% over seven days. Friday's daily positivity rate is 4.4%, with labs reporting 48,383 results in the last 24 hours
There were 1,546 patients in Illinois hospitals with the virus Thursday night, a dip from Wednesday's tally of 1,631. The daily average of hospitalizations this week is 1,538.
Other counties at warning status are: Bureau, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Greene, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Jasper, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Madison, Monroe, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Randolph, Sangamon, Shelby, St. Clair, Union, Warren, White, and Williamson.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Aurora giveway promotes eating Asian carp as tasty, healthful way to fight invader

Aurora residents were treated to a free fish sandwich Friday by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources .
The catch ?
It was Asian carp , the invasive fish Illinois has fought for four decades .
The event at the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry was part of a campaign to encourage people to eat Asian carp .
The fish could be a source of cheap protein for clients of food banks and charity pantries .
The IDNR is trying to get people to look past the Asian carp 's bad reputation as a trash fish , officials have said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assembled politicians and pantry supporters what came to mind when they think about carp .
One woman said a carp bit her .
Koetke said they were thinking of common carp , a bottom-feeding fish .
Asian carp -- bighead , black , grass and silver varieties -- has a mild taste , he said , akin to bass or crappie , because they eat plants .
The flesh is white and firm .
`` This fish comes with a lot of preconceived notions about what it is and what it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive director of the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts .
`` It 's absolutely delicious . ''
He made a `` burger '' out of ground Asian carp .
He mixed the fish with salt , spices including ground hot peppers , and bread crumbs ( to add fluffiness ) .
He coated them in panko crumbs , then pan-fried them in oil .
Friday 's fish came from Sorce Freshwater Co. of East Peoria .
The company is a part of Sorce Enterprises Inc. , a food distribution company .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ted Penesis , IDNR 's community outreach director , said the agency may market the fish with a new name , such as was done with the Patagonian toothfish -- now better known in the United States as Chilean sea bass .
A 2018 IDNR plan , seeking to remove 20 to 50 million pounds of Asian carp a year from Illinois ' waterways , suggested pursuing the profit angle to fight the fish .
At Friday 's demonstration , Koetke rattled off ideas , including making meatballs for Italian wedding soup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this beautiful fish , '' Koetke said .

Aurora giveaway promotes eating Asian carp as tasty, healthful way to fight invader
Aurora residents were treated to a free fish sandwich Friday by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The catch? It was Asian carp, the invasive fish Illinois has fought for four decades.
The event at the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry was part of a campaign to encourage people to eat Asian carp. The fish could be a source of cheap protein for clients of food banks and charity pantries.
The IDNR is trying to get people to look past the Asian carp's bad reputation as a trash fish, officials have said.
Chef Chris Koetke of Complete Culinary asked assembled politicians and pantry supporters what came to mind when they think about carp. One woman said a carp bit her.
"Carp with a thumbs-down," North Aurora Village President Dale Berman said.
Koetke said they were thinking of common carp, a bottom-feeding fish.
Asian carp -- bighead, black, grass and silver varieties -- has a mild taste, he said, akin to bass or crappie, because they eat plants. The flesh is white and firm.
"This fish comes with a lot of preconceived notions about what it is and what it's not," said Koetke, a former executive director of the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts. "It's absolutely delicious."
He made a "burger" out of ground Asian carp. He mixed the fish with salt, spices including ground hot peppers, and bread crumbs (to add fluffiness). He coated them in panko crumbs, then pan-fried them in oil.
Afterward, Berman admitted the sandwich was tasty.
Friday's fish came from Sorce Freshwater Co. of East Peoria. The company is a part of Sorce Enterprises Inc., a food distribution company. It is working with the Midwest Fish Co-Op.
Ted Penesis, IDNR's community outreach director, said the agency may market the fish with a new name, such as was done with the Patagonian toothfish -- now better known in the United States as Chilean sea bass. A 2018 IDNR plan, seeking to remove 20 to 50 million pounds of Asian carp a year from Illinois' waterways, suggested pursuing the profit angle to fight the fish.
At Friday's demonstration, Koetke rattled off ideas, including making meatballs for Italian wedding soup.
"I have learned so much about this beautiful fish," Koetke said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--No Friday Night Lights: Warren players feel the void

That first beat of the drum , the bright shine of the lights .
It gets Tommy Matheson and Malachai McNeal every time .
`` As soon as you hear that first beat of the drum from the band , as you 're walking out onto the field , there 's no more talking , '' McNeal said .
`` You look up at the lights , you see everyone in the stands , you know it 's time to put on a show .
That 's how you really get going . ''
Matheson and McNeal are senior football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-year starter on the defensive line , and McNeal is a three-year starter at linebacker .
They say that football Fridays and Friday Night Lights are responsible for some of their best high school memories .
`` There 's nothing better than first seeing those lights , '' Matheson said .
`` It 's the moment that really hits you . ''
It 's a moment that will have to wait for Matheson , McNeal , their teammates and the rest of high school football players all throughout the state of Illinois .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 2020 IHSA high school football season .
But the entire season was postponed due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and the IHSA has planned , if conditions improve , for football to be played in the spring .
Spring football or not , many coaches and players are still having a tough time moving past the void they feel without football getting started this week .
`` It is strange , '' Warren coach Bryan McNulty said .
`` When you 're a football coach or player , your internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
It 's a cool time of year , when school is getting going , high school football helps to kick off the school year .
You can feel a buzz around the whole school .
`` It 's weird that we 're not having that . ''
For Warren , the cancellation of the fall season has been particularly tough to swallow .
The Blue Devils advanced to the Class 8A state championship game .
They were anxious to build on that momentum this fall , and possibly finish the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McNulty said .
`` People knew how good our senior class from last year was .
But I 'm not sure that people know how good our class of 2021 is .
We will be a different team this year , but we will still be pretty good and the seniors this year are anxious to show everyone that this is what we do and how hard we work and they want to leave their mark . ''
For now , workouts at school have been suspended due to facility restrictions .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can to keep working hard together .
They are using football facilities such as EFT Sports Performance and WIN Performance in Highland Park as well as DIPT in Mundelein .
`` We all go in there and lift weights and do drills together , '' McNeal said .
`` I feel very good about what I 'm seeing when we 're in the gym .
We 've got a lot of really talented guys and a lot of new pieces and we 're all working hard . ''
Matheson says that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their hard work on faith .
Although the Blue Devils are optimistic for a spring season , there is no certainty that it will happen .
Yet , the work continues .
`` There is an uncertainly with everything in life , '' Matheson said .
`` We 've just got to treat this like everything else .
We 've got to have a blind ambition about football .
I 'm actually writing my college essays about that .
`` We do n't know if a spring season will happen , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway , ambition for something that 's not guaranteed . ''
So , the Blue Devils carry on , and dream about the spring of 2021 .
McNulty is planning for Friday night practices when the team is allowed contact days later this fall because , `` that might bring the kids a sense of normalcy , and they deserve that , '' he said .
And who knows ?
Maybe in six to seven months from now , Friday Night Lights ( Springtime Edition ) wo n't be so bad .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a parking lot if we have to , '' Matheson said with a laugh .
`` Spring could actually be pretty special .
No one else has ever had spring football .
But for the seniors , in the second semester , I think that could be a pretty good send off .
I think there could be a lot of school spirit for that . ''

No Friday Night Lights: Warren players feel the void
That first beat of the drum, the bright shine of the lights.
It gets Tommy Matheson and Malachai McNeal every time.
"As soon as you hear that first beat of the drum from the band, as you're walking out onto the field, there's no more talking," McNeal said. "You look up at the lights, you see everyone in the stands, you know it's time to put on a show. That's how you really get going."
Matheson and McNeal are senior football players at Warren. Matheson is a two-year starter on the defensive line, and McNeal is a three-year starter at linebacker. They say that football Fridays and Friday Night Lights are responsible for some of their best high school memories.
"There's nothing better than first seeing those lights," Matheson said. "It's the moment that really hits you."
It's a moment that will have to wait for Matheson, McNeal, their teammates and the rest of high school football players all throughout the state of Illinois.
This should have been the opening weekend of the 2020 IHSA high school football season. But the entire season was postponed due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and the IHSA has planned, if conditions improve, for football to be played in the spring.
Spring football or not, many coaches and players are still having a tough time moving past the void they feel without football getting started this week.
"It is strange," Warren coach Bryan McNulty said. "When you're a football coach or player, your internal clock is geared for this time of year. It's a cool time of year, when school is getting going, high school football helps to kick off the school year. You can feel a buzz around the whole school.
"It's weird that we're not having that."
For Warren, the cancellation of the fall season has been particularly tough to swallow. The Blue Devils advanced to the Class 8A state championship game. They were anxious to build on that momentum this fall, and possibly finish the job.
"It's disappointing," McNulty said. "People knew how good our senior class from last year was. But I'm not sure that people know how good our class of 2021 is. We will be a different team this year, but we will still be pretty good and the seniors this year are anxious to show everyone that this is what we do and how hard we work and they want to leave their mark."
For now, workouts at school have been suspended due to facility restrictions. But the Blue Devils are still doing what they can to keep working hard together.
They are using football facilities such as EFT Sports Performance and WIN Performance in Highland Park as well as DIPT in Mundelein.
"We all go in there and lift weights and do drills together," McNeal said. "I feel very good about what I'm seeing when we're in the gym. We've got a lot of really talented guys and a lot of new pieces and we're all working hard."
Matheson says that he and his teammates are having to do their hard work on faith.
Although the Blue Devils are optimistic for a spring season, there is no certainty that it will happen. Yet, the work continues.
"There is an uncertainly with everything in life," Matheson said. "We've just got to treat this like everything else. We've got to have a blind ambition about football. I'm actually writing my college essays about that.
"We don't know if a spring season will happen, but we've got to have ambition for it anyway, ambition for something that's not guaranteed."
So, the Blue Devils carry on, and dream about the spring of 2021. McNulty is planning for Friday night practices when the team is allowed contact days later this fall because, "that might bring the kids a sense of normalcy, and they deserve that," he said.
And who knows? Maybe in six to seven months from now, Friday Night Lights (Springtime Edition) won't be so bad.
"We always say we will play in a parking lot if we have to," Matheson said with a laugh. "Spring could actually be pretty special. No one else has ever had spring football. But for the seniors, in the second semester, I think that could be a pretty good send off. I think there could be a lot of school spirit for that."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--As of Aug. 28, COVID-19 case counts per county, per ZIP code

Since the outbreak began , there have been 109,024 cases in the suburbs as of Friday .
That 's 47.5 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,957 deaths in the suburbs , representing 49.5 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Friday , suburban Cook County had 54,242 cases and 2,177 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 70,331 cases and 2,868 fatalities .
• Top suburb case counts as of Thursday from Cook County 's health department and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office : 2,161 cases and 106 deaths in Des Plaines , 1,076 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 1,028 cases and 70 deaths in Wheeling , 921 cases and 21 deaths in Schaumburg , 906 cases and 25 deaths in Streamwood , 879 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 884 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 830 cases and 51 deaths in Glenview , 730 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 655 cases and 11 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grove Village , 483 cases and 14 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 477 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook , 342 cases and 9 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 180 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 14,276 cases and 533 deaths as of Friday .
• Top counts : 1,077 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 1,019 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago , 960 cases and 39 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heights , 777 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream , 700 cases and 28 deaths in Lombard , 656 cases and 15 deaths in Bensenville , 652 cases and 44 deaths in Elmhurst , 617 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 566 cases and 23 deaths in Wheaton , 445 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn , 422 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 373 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) .
Lake County • The county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its website Friday .
• Most recent top counts : 3,510 to 3,514 in Waukegan , 920 to 924 in Round Lake Beach , 550 to 554 in Mundelein , 470 to 474 in Gurnee , 380 to 384 in Round Lake , 270 to 274 in Lake Zurich , 265 to 269 in Vernon Hills , 255 to 259 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 220 to 224 in Libertyville , 210 to 214 in Wauconda , 195 to 199 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website Friday .
• Top counts : 4,231 cases in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 2,505 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 1,056 in Carpentersville , 806 in St. Charles , 510 in South Elgin , 357 in Geneva , 303 in North Aurora , 286 in Batavia , 114 in Hampshire , 113 in Gilberts and 93 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 3,786 cases and 115 deaths , according to the health department Friday .
Will County • 11,311 cases and 360 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per town include 810 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) and 138 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

As of Aug. 28, COVID-19 case counts per county, per ZIP code
Interactive mapSuburbs' portion
Since the outbreak began, there have been 109,024 cases in the suburbs as of Friday. That's 47.5% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
There have been 3,957 deaths in the suburbs, representing 49.5% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Friday, suburban Cook County had 54,242 cases and 2,177 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 70,331 cases and 2,868 fatalities.
• Top suburb case counts as of Thursday from Cook County's health department and as of Friday from the medical examiner's office: 2,161 cases and 106 deaths in Des Plaines, 1,076 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 1,028 cases and 70 deaths in Wheeling, 921 cases and 21 deaths in Schaumburg, 906 cases and 25 deaths in Streamwood, 879 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 884 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 830 cases and 51 deaths in Glenview, 730 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 655 cases and 11 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 510 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 483 cases and 14 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 477 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook, 342 cases and 9 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 180 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 14,276 cases and 533 deaths as of Friday.
• Top counts: 1,077 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 1,019 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago, 960 cases and 39 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 880 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights, 777 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 700 cases and 28 deaths in Lombard, 656 cases and 15 deaths in Bensenville, 652 cases and 44 deaths in Elmhurst, 617 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 566 cases and 23 deaths in Wheaton, 445 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn, 422 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 373 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion).
Lake County • The county listed 14,394 cases and 443 deaths on its website Friday.
• Most recent top counts: 3,510 to 3,514 in Waukegan, 920 to 924 in Round Lake Beach, 550 to 554 in Mundelein, 470 to 474 in Gurnee, 380 to 384 in Round Lake, 270 to 274 in Lake Zurich, 265 to 269 in Vernon Hills, 255 to 259 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 220 to 224 in Libertyville, 210 to 214 in Wauconda, 195 to 199 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 11,114 cases with 312 deaths on its website Friday.
• Top counts: 4,231 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,505 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 1,056 in Carpentersville, 806 in St. Charles, 510 in South Elgin, 357 in Geneva, 303 in North Aurora, 286 in Batavia, 114 in Hampshire, 113 in Gilberts and 93 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County• 3,786 cases and 115 deaths, according to the health department Friday.
Will County• 11,311 cases and 360 deaths as of Friday.
• Cases per town include 810 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 138 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Neighbors criticize 47 townhouse units proposed for Little Friends property in Naperville

The historic Kroehler mansion serves as the centerpiece of a developer 's plan to construct 47 townhouse units on the Little Friends campus in Naperville .
Preserving the more than century-old house has been deemed a priority by community members and city officials , whose desires for the Wright Street property also have included a public park and rear-loaded garages , attorney Russ Whitaker said .
Those requests have been incorporated into a revised redevelopment plan that is also financially feasible -- a balance he says is only possible with more residential units than were previously proposed by contract purchaser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the things that have been the rallying cry of the neighborhood , '' Whitaker said .
`` ( What ) we 're proposing is , I think , very respectfully done , and it really pays homage to the Kroehler mansion . ''
But several neighbors and historic preservation commissioners voiced opposition to the project Thursday , saying its size , scope and density would not fit with the character of the city 's historic district .
Many said they feared the construction of 12 new townhouse buildings , each three-and-a-half stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to the surrounding single-family homes .
`` It is clear that this is not anywhere in keeping with the neighborhood , '' commissioner Mark Urda said .
A request for a certificate of appropriateness for the Kroehler mansion and townhouse facades was shot down by the commission in a 5-3 vote .
That denial can be appealed to the city council .
Members also voted 6-2 against a conditional townhouse use and variances pertaining to height , density and property setback .
That negative recommendation now goes to the planning and zoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council .
Commissioner Emily Ory , who voted in favor of both measures , said she believes there needs to be a compromise , such as reducing the number of units or varying the height of the buildings .
Any alternative proposal for the property -- even single-family homes -- would likely face just as much scrutiny because it wo n't blend with the rest of the subdivision , she said .
`` In my opinion , we 're always going to have this issue when there 's new construction , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never conformed with the surrounding residential properties , Whitaker said , pointing to its most recent use by the Little Friends disability services agency for decades .
The nonprofit has been trying to sell its legacy campus so it can relocate to a new facility in Warrenville that officials say is more suitable for serving its students .
Little Friends was granted permission by the city council to clear the site , allowing the property to be sold to its highest bidder .
But council members later offered the agency a $ 450,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower price to a developer who would save the Kroehler mansion .
Ram West Capital 's initial plan for single-family houses and duplexes gave little thought to the mansion , other than pledging to preserve it , Whitaker said .
Based on feedback from the community , he said , the developer revised its proposal to not only repurpose the structure into three townhouse units , but also to use it as the palette for building out the rest of the property .
`` This is a great compromise that reflects everything we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for Little Friends .
`` Little Friends is seeking closure of this chapter , and we want to leave our legacy property behind and do what we do best . ''
The plans to restore and repurpose the mansion were supported by several neighbors Thursday -- but not if it means foregoing historic district guidelines , said Tim Messer , a board member for the East Central Homeowners Organization .
If a downsized project ca n't be economically viable , he said , `` the demolition of Kroehler mansion may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the character of the neighborhood while permitting respectful new construction . ''

Neighbors criticize 47 townhouse units proposed for Little Friends property in Naperville
Naperville's historic Kroehler mansion would act as the centerpiece in a proposal to redevelop the Little Friends campus with 47 townhouse units, rear-loading garages, a public park and a rose garden. Courtesy of Dan Kittilsen, DJK Custom Homes
A proposed redevelopment plan for the Little Friends campus in Naperville calls for constructing 12 new buildings and repurposing the Kroehler mansion to create a total of 47 townhouse units. The new residential structures, as shown in this image, would pay homage to the historic mansion, which acts as the project's centerpiece, attorney Russ Whitaker said. Courtesy of Dan Kittilsen, DJK Custom Homes
The historic Kroehler mansion serves as the centerpiece of a developer's plan to construct 47 townhouse units on the Little Friends campus in Naperville.
Preserving the more than century-old house has been deemed a priority by community members and city officials, whose desires for the Wright Street property also have included a public park and rear-loaded garages, attorney Russ Whitaker said. Those requests have been incorporated into a revised redevelopment plan that is also financially feasible -- a balance he says is only possible with more residential units than were previously proposed by contract purchaser Ram West Capital.
"Those are all the things that have been the rallying cry of the neighborhood," Whitaker said. "(What) we're proposing is, I think, very respectfully done, and it really pays homage to the Kroehler mansion."
But several neighbors and historic preservation commissioners voiced opposition to the project Thursday, saying its size, scope and density would not fit with the character of the city's historic district. Many said they feared the construction of 12 new townhouse buildings, each three-and-a-half stories tall, would appear monotonous and intrusive compared to the surrounding single-family homes.
"It is clear that this is not anywhere in keeping with the neighborhood," commissioner Mark Urda said.
A request for a certificate of appropriateness for the Kroehler mansion and townhouse facades was shot down by the commission in a 5-3 vote. That denial can be appealed to the city council.
Members also voted 6-2 against a conditional townhouse use and variances pertaining to height, density and property setback. That negative recommendation now goes to the planning and zoning commission before final consideration by the city council.
Commissioner Emily Ory, who voted in favor of both measures, said she believes there needs to be a compromise, such as reducing the number of units or varying the height of the buildings. Any alternative proposal for the property -- even single-family homes -- would likely face just as much scrutiny because it won't blend with the rest of the subdivision, she said.
"In my opinion, we're always going to have this issue when there's new construction," she said.
The nearly 4-acre block has never conformed with the surrounding residential properties, Whitaker said, pointing to its most recent use by the Little Friends disability services agency for decades.
The nonprofit has been trying to sell its legacy campus so it can relocate to a new facility in Warrenville that officials say is more suitable for serving its students.
Little Friends was granted permission by the city council to clear the site, allowing the property to be sold to its highest bidder. But council members later offered the agency a $450,000 incentive to sell the campus at a lower price to a developer who would save the Kroehler mansion.
Ram West Capital's initial plan for single-family houses and duplexes gave little thought to the mansion, other than pledging to preserve it, Whitaker said. Based on feedback from the community, he said, the developer revised its proposal to not only repurpose the structure into three townhouse units, but also to use it as the palette for building out the rest of the property.
"This is a great compromise that reflects everything we've heard," said Patrick Skarr, a spokesman for Little Friends. "Little Friends is seeking closure of this chapter, and we want to leave our legacy property behind and do what we do best."
The plans to restore and repurpose the mansion were supported by several neighbors Thursday -- but not if it means foregoing historic district guidelines, said Tim Messer, a board member for the East Central Homeowners Organization.
If a downsized project can't be economically viable, he said, "the demolition of Kroehler mansion may be a better long-term solution for preserving the character of the neighborhood while permitting respectful new construction."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Abbott will need 2,200 workers in Gurnee

Emergency authorization for use in the U.S. came Wednesday but Abbott Laboratories has been preparing for months to equip a huge empty building in Gurnee to make and ship its newly developed 15-minute covid test .
A campaign to hire 2,200 workers also is on a fast track as Abbott said it will ship tens of millions of tests in September and intends to manufacture 50 million tests a month at the beginning of October .
The White House on Thursday announced a $ 760 million deal with Abbott to produce 150 million tests .
Work has been proceeding rapidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building at 605 Tri-State Parkway .
Abbott has applied for a certificate of occupancy inspection .
If approved , occupancy will be granted for the facility to be at 50 % of the operating capacity by next weekend , according to the village .
`` I 'm thrilled we were able to accommodate them and our community development staff could meet their deadlines so they can get this to market , '' said Mayor Kristina Kovarik .
`` It sounds groundbreaking . ''
According to information submitted to the village , the value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , said Jack Linehan , assistant to the village administrator .
`` They 've been working pretty much around the clock on this facility , '' he said .
`` Our team and community development department has worked tirelessly to make this happen in a short amount of time . ''
The Gurnee facility is one of two where the test , called BinaxNOW , will be made .
It will be sold for $ 5 , is about the size of a credit card , offers results in 15 minutes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnose the virus that causes COVID-19 , according to Abbott .
So far , it 's estimated by the Covid Tracking Project about 74 million tests have been conducted , so the ability to produce 50 million tests a month would be a huge boost in capacity .
A complimentary mobile app for iPhone and Android devices called NAVICA will allow people who test negative to display a temporary digital health pass that is renewed each time a person is tested through their health care provider with the date of the result , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We intentionally designed the BinaxNOW test and NAVICA app so we could offer a comprehensive testing solution to help Americans feel more confident about their health and lives , '' Robert B. Ford , Abbott president and CEO said in the statement .
Abbott approached Gurnee about using the building ; , which was built in 2004 .
It was occupied by a pharmaceutical company through 2018 but has since been vacant .
`` We 've been working with them since the beginning of May , '' said David Ziegler , community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different order of how we typically do things with this project , '' he said .
`` Knowing the importance , we partnered with them on a design/build ( basis ) making sure our concerns were met and their timeline was met . ''
The facility will operate 24 hours and employ 2,200 in positions that do n't require previous experience .
Wages will be $ 15 an hour for the day shift and $ 18 an hour for nights , Kovarik said .
There also will be a $ 2,500 retention bonus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Considine , president and CEO of Lake County Partners , the county 's development arm .
`` That becomes the herculean task -- hiring 2,200 in a couple of weeks , '' he said .
He said virtual and drive through job fairs are being planned .
`` It 's not an exaggeration to say they 're helping to save the world , '' Considine added .
`` It 's a big deal . ''

Gurnee facility to manufacture Abbott rapid COVID-19 tests
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized Abbott Laboratories' BinaxNOW, the first rapid coronavirus test that doesn't need any special computer equipment Courtesy of Abbott Laboratories VIA AP
Abbott Laboratories' BinaxNOW is the first rapid coronavirus test that doesn't need any special computer equipment to get results. Courtesy of Abbott Laboratories Via AP
Abbott Laboratories is leasing this 255,000-square-foot building at 605 Tri-State Parkway in Gurnee to house 2,000 temporary workers, who will make its new COVID-19 rapid test. The Gurnee facility is one of two where the test, called BinaxNOW, will be made. Courtesy of Venture One Real Estate
Abbott has leased this building in Gurnee to produce its new $5 rapid COVID-19 test. Courtesy of Abbott Laboratories
Updated 8/29 to correct the number of jobs being created.
Emergency authorization for use in the U.S. came Wednesday but Abbott Laboratories has been preparing for months to equip a huge empty building in Gurnee to make and ship its newly developed 15-minute covid test.
A campaign to hire 2,000 workers also is on a fast track as Abbott said it will ship tens of millions of tests in September and intends to manufacture 50 million tests a month at the beginning of October.
The White House on Thursday announced a $760 million deal with Abbott to produce 150 million tests.
Work has been proceeding rapidly since early May to convert a 255,000-square-foot building at 605 Tri-State Parkway. Abbott has applied for a certificate of occupancy inspection. If approved, occupancy will be granted for the facility to be at 50% of the operating capacity by next weekend, according to the village.
"I'm thrilled we were able to accommodate them and our community development staff could meet their deadlines so they can get this to market," said Mayor Kristina Kovarik. "It sounds groundbreaking."
According to information submitted to the village, the value of the interior work is $18 million, said Jack Linehan, assistant to the village administrator.
"They've been working pretty much around the clock on this facility," he said. "Our team and community development department has worked tirelessly to make this happen in a short amount of time."
The Gurnee facility is one of two where the test, called BinaxNOW, will be made. It will be sold for $5, is about the size of a credit card, offers results in 15 minutes and is available as an aid to quickly diagnose the virus that causes COVID-19, according to Abbott. So far, it's estimated by the Covid Tracking Project about 74 million tests have been conducted, so the ability to produce 50 million tests a month would be a huge boost in capacity.
A complimentary mobile app for iPhone and Android devices called NAVICA will allow people who test negative to display a temporary digital health pass that is renewed each time a person is tested through their health care provider with the date of the result, according to a company news release.
"We intentionally designed the BinaxNOW test and NAVICA app so we could offer a comprehensive testing solution to help Americans feel more confident about their health and lives," Robert B. Ford, Abbott president and CEO said in the statement.
Abbott approached Gurnee about using the building;, which was built in 2004. It was occupied by a pharmaceutical company through 2018 but has since been vacant.
"We've been working with them since the beginning of May," said David Ziegler, community development director.
"It was a different order of how we typically do things with this project," he said. "Knowing the importance, we partnered with them on a design/build (basis) making sure our concerns were met and their timeline was met."
The facility will operate 24 hours and employ 2,000 in positions that don't require previous experience.
Wages will be $15 an hour for the day shift and $18 an hour for nights, Kovarik said.
There also will be a $2,500 retention bonus paid over time, according to Kevin Considine, president and CEO of Lake County Partners, the county's development arm.
"That becomes the herculean task -- hiring 2,000 in a couple of weeks," he said. He said virtual and drive through job fairs are being planned.
"It's not an exaggeration to say they're helping to save the world," Considine added. "It's a big deal."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--$500,000 bail set for Carol Stream man charged with kidnapping

A Carol Stream man charged with trying to kidnap a 13-year-old girl off the street has a pattern of engaging `` in what seems to be very depraved behavior , '' a prosecutor told a DuPage County judge Friday .
Judge Jeffrey MacKay set bail at $ 500,000 for Humberto Caldera , 31 , of the 400 block of Silverleaf Boulevard .
Caldera is charged with felony kidnapping , aggravated battery in a public place and unlawful restraint in connection with an attempted abduction about 8:50 p.m. Aug. 7 in Carol Stream .
A 13-year-old girl , her two brothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a park when Caldera approached the girl , grabbed her around her waist and torso and tried to carry her away , Assistant State 's Attorney Mike Fisher told MacKay .
According to Fisher , the boys attacked Caldera , forcing him to let go .
He rode away on a bicycle .
Caldera dropped a cannabis pipe , Fisher said .
The pipe was tested for DNA , and a match to Caldera was found in a criminal DNA database , Fisher said .
Police searched Caldera 's house Tuesday and found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the youths .
Fisher said police confiscated two of Caldera 's cellphones .
One of them , he said , has about 50,000 pornographic images of girls .
Some appear to ages 15 to 17 , he said .
There also were images of younger girls that , while not pornographic , are sexual in nature , with the girls in revealing or tight clothing , Fisher said .
In addition , there were videos taken surreptitiously of Caldera approaching girls randomly and trying to talk to them , Fisher said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 conviction for grabbing two women he approached randomly in Chicago , a 2013 conviction for putting his hands between a woman 's legs in Rosemont , three convictions for burglary , and one for retail theft .
On Friday morning , Carol Stream police filed an additional misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct/breach of peace .
Caldera is accused of approaching a 17-year-old girl at a park in July 2019 , trying to talk to her , following her home despite her requests to be left alone , and video-recording her .
Caldera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His next court date is Tuesday .
If Caldera posts bail , he will be put on GPS monitoring and confined to his home except for visits with his lawyer and for court dates .

$500,000 bail set for Carol Stream man charged with kidnapping
A Carol Stream man charged with trying to kidnap a 13-year-old girl off the street has a pattern of engaging "in what seems to be very depraved behavior," a prosecutor told a DuPage County judge Friday.
Judge Jeffrey MacKay set bail at $500,000 for Humberto Caldera, 31, of the 400 block of Silverleaf Boulevard.
Caldera is charged with felony kidnapping, aggravated battery in a public place and unlawful restraint in connection with an attempted abduction about 8:50 p.m. Aug. 7 in Carol Stream.
A 13-year-old girl, her two brothers and another boy were walking home from a park when Caldera approached the girl, grabbed her around her waist and torso and tried to carry her away, Assistant State's Attorney Mike Fisher told MacKay.
According to Fisher, the boys attacked Caldera, forcing him to let go. He rode away on a bicycle.
Caldera dropped a cannabis pipe, Fisher said. The pipe was tested for DNA, and a match to Caldera was found in a criminal DNA database, Fisher said.
Police searched Caldera's house Tuesday and found a bicycle that matched the description given by the youths.
Fisher said police confiscated two of Caldera's cellphones. One of them, he said, has about 50,000 pornographic images of girls. Some appear to ages 15 to 17, he said.
There also were images of younger girls that, while not pornographic, are sexual in nature, with the girls in revealing or tight clothing, Fisher said.
In addition, there were videos taken surreptitiously of Caldera approaching girls randomly and trying to talk to them, Fisher said.
According to Fisher, Caldera has a 2019 conviction for grabbing two women he approached randomly in Chicago, a 2013 conviction for putting his hands between a woman's legs in Rosemont, three convictions for burglary, and one for retail theft.
On Friday morning, Carol Stream police filed an additional misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct/breach of peace. Caldera is accused of approaching a 17-year-old girl at a park in July 2019, trying to talk to her, following her home despite her requests to be left alone, and video-recording her.
Caldera currently is being prosecuted for domestic battery. His next court date is Tuesday.
If Caldera posts bail, he will be put on GPS monitoring and confined to his home except for visits with his lawyer and for court dates.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Owner of closed Elgin restaurant charged with fraudulent use of COVID-19 relief funds

A Lake in the Hills woman whose Elgin restaurant closed in early March has been indicted on federal fraud charges for applying for and receiving more than $ 175,000 through the Paycheck Protection Program for COVID-19 financial relief after her business , Gifford 's Kitchen & Social , had already laid off all its employees , according to an indictment .
Melissa Turasky , 43 , has been charged with one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution , according to information released Friday by the U.S. Attorney 's Office 's Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in U.S. District Court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled .
The indictment of Turasky was announced by John R. Lausch Jr. , U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois , and Christopher Diiorio , Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office .
The U.S. Small Business Administration also participated in the investigation .
`` The Paycheck Protection Program was designed as a lifeline for small businesses struggling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic , '' Lausch said in a written statement .
`` Our office is committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ root out abuse of the important relief programs established under the CARES Act . ''
The Paycheck Protection Program allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and a low interest rate of 1 % .
Proceeds must be used for payroll costs , interest on mortgages , rent , and utilities .
The program allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within 24 weeks and use at least 60 % of the forgiven amount for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turasky owned Gifford 's Bar and Restaurant , which did business as Gifford 's Kitchen and Social .
In early March , Gifford 's was no longer operating and had been evicted from its rental space .
By the end of March , all employees had been terminated , the indictment states .
Turasky applied for and obtained $ 176,822 in Paycheck Protection Program funds by submitting a fraudulent loan application to a bank , according to the indictment .
Turasky provided figures approximating Gifford 's monthly payroll and other business expenses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to have payroll and business operating expenses , the indictment states .
The bank fraud and false statement charges are each punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison .
When Gifford 's opened in May 2018 , the building was officially owned by Melissa Turasky 's husband and business partner , Rich Turasky , according to records .
Rich Turasky filed a bankruptcy petition for 2300 Bushwood LLC on Jan. 20 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois , records show .
Prescient Capital Partners , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the property , filed a motion to dismiss Rich Turasky 's petition on Feb. 27 , saying he had filed in `` bad faith . ''
Rich Turasky bought the building in 2016 .
Ownership of the property was transferred last year in a deed in lieu of foreclosure to Prescient Capital Partners , from which 2300 Bushwood LLC had borrowed $ 4.6 million in 2017 , Kane County records show .
An overdue tax bill of $ 62,373 for the property was sold in October to Longstreet Capital Funding , LLC , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there is no repayment by Nov. 1 , 2021 , John Emerson , director of Kane County 's tax extension department , said in March .

Owner of closed Elgin restaurant charged with fraudulent use of COVID-19 relief funds
A Lake in the Hills woman whose Elgin restaurant closed in early March has been indicted on federal fraud charges for applying for and receiving more than $175,000 through the Paycheck Protection Program for COVID-19 financial relief after her business, Gifford's Kitchen & Social, had already laid off all its employees, according to an indictment.
Melissa Turasky, 43, has been charged with one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution, according to information released Friday by the U.S. Attorney's Office's Northern District of Illinois.
Turasky's arraignment in U.S. District Court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment of Turasky was announced by John R. Lausch Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Diiorio, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office. The U.S. Small Business Administration also participated in the investigation.
"The Paycheck Protection Program was designed as a lifeline for small businesses struggling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic," Lausch said in a written statement. "Our office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to root out abuse of the important relief programs established under the CARES Act."
The Paycheck Protection Program allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and a low interest rate of 1%. Proceeds must be used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The program allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within 24 weeks and use at least 60% of the forgiven amount for payroll.
According to the indictment, Turasky owned Gifford's Bar and Restaurant, which did business as Gifford's Kitchen and Social. In early March, Gifford's was no longer operating and had been evicted from its rental space. By the end of March, all employees had been terminated, the indictment states.
Turasky applied for and obtained $176,822 in Paycheck Protection Program funds by submitting a fraudulent loan application to a bank, according to the indictment. Turasky provided figures approximating Gifford's monthly payroll and other business expenses to make it falsely appear that Gifford's continued to have payroll and business operating expenses, the indictment states.
The bank fraud and false statement charges are each punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison.
When Gifford's opened in May 2018, the building was officially owned by Melissa Turasky's husband and business partner, Rich Turasky, according to records.
Rich Turasky filed a bankruptcy petition for 2300 Bushwood LLC on Jan. 20 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, records show. Prescient Capital Partners, the mortgage lender that took over ownership of the property, filed a motion to dismiss Rich Turasky's petition on Feb. 27, saying he had filed in "bad faith."
Rich Turasky bought the building in 2016. Ownership of the property was transferred last year in a deed in lieu of foreclosure to Prescient Capital Partners, from which 2300 Bushwood LLC had borrowed $4.6 million in 2017, Kane County records show.
An overdue tax bill of $62,373 for the property was sold in October to Longstreet Capital Funding, LLC, of Chicago, which could take ownership if there is no repayment by Nov. 1, 2021, John Emerson, director of Kane County's tax extension department, said in March.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Casten calls for ban on assault weapons, stronger gun control laws

With violence on our streets a growing concern for many Americans , U.S. Rep. Sean Casten remains an advocate of stronger gun control laws .
When he successfully ran for the 6th District seat two years ago , the Downers Grove Democrat said there were too many guns in the country -- and he affirmed that stance this week during an online forum hosted by the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce .
`` We have more guns per capita than any other country in the world , '' Casten said , citing data showing there are more firearms in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took 100 million guns out of circulation tomorrow , we 'd still have more guns per capita than any other country in the world . ''
Casten 's Republican challenger in the Nov. 3 election , former state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton , was n't asked about gun control during her chamber-hosted forum .
When the Daily Herald sent an email to the Ives campaign asking for her views about gun rights , a spokeswoman said Ives would n't respond .
Casten said he supports banning assault weapons and employing universal background @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed red flag laws that permit police or family members to seek the temporary removal of firearms from anyone who may be dangerous to others or themselves .
As for constituonal protections , Casten said the Founding Fathers drafted the Second Amendment to ensure the new nation had a trained standing army to defend itself .
`` Their view was that we were going to have to have militias that practiced , and they were going to have to be well regulated , '' Casten said .
`` People showing up at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) interfering with the operations of the Michigan government are not well regulated , '' Casten said , referring to the demonstrators who carried guns into the Michigan Capitol in May .
Public records indicate Ives voted against several gun-control measures while a state representative , including a red flag law and proposals that : created a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases ; created licensing rules for gun dealers ; and sought to create minimum age limits for people buying assault-style weapons .
Although Ives would n't answer questions about her stance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement on her campaign website criticized Casten for saying `` having small genitals is not a sufficient reason to own a gun '' during a recent online forum with a group called Illinois Students for Biden .
Casten made the comment after questioning why people need to own guns .
`` Perhaps Sean Casten is unaware that first-time gun ownership among women spiked amid the COVID shutdown and riots , '' Ives said in her statement , which linked to a news report about rising firearms sales .
In a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his remark a joke `` about the toxic-masculinity that has infected this whole debate . ''
`` But here 's the thing .
I do n't want to see another mass shooting , '' Casten tweeted .
`` I 'm sick of going to vigils for mass shooting victims .
I 'm sick of moments of silence on the House floor for shooting victims . ''
The 6th District includes parts of Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake and McHenry counties .
Libertarian Party candidate Bill Redpath of West Dundee also is @ @

Casten calls for ban on assault weapons, stronger gun control laws
With violence on our streets a growing concern for many Americans, U.S. Rep. Sean Casten remains an advocate of stronger gun control laws.
When he successfully ran for the 6th District seat two years ago, the Downers Grove Democrat said there were too many guns in the country -- and he affirmed that stance this week during an online forum hosted by the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.
"We have more guns per capita than any other country in the world," Casten said, citing data showing there are more firearms in the U.S. than citizens. "If we took 100 million guns out of circulation tomorrow, we'd still have more guns per capita than any other country in the world."
Casten's Republican challenger in the Nov. 3 election, former state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton, wasn't asked about gun control during her chamber-hosted forum. When the Daily Herald sent an email to the Ives campaign asking for her views about gun rights, a spokeswoman said Ives wouldn't respond.
Casten said he supports banning assault weapons and employing universal background checks for gun buyers. He also backed red flag laws that permit police or family members to seek the temporary removal of firearms from anyone who may be dangerous to others or themselves.
As for constituonal protections, Casten said the Founding Fathers drafted the Second Amendment to ensure the new nation had a trained standing army to defend itself.
"Their view was that we were going to have to have militias that practiced, and they were going to have to be well regulated," Casten said.
"People showing up at the Michigan statehouse holding assault rifles (and) interfering with the operations of the Michigan government are not well regulated," Casten said, referring to the demonstrators who carried guns into the Michigan Capitol in May.
Public records indicate Ives voted against several gun-control measures while a state representative, including a red flag law and proposals that: created a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases; created licensing rules for gun dealers; and sought to create minimum age limits for people buying assault-style weapons.
Ives sponsored legislation allowing people to carry concealed firearms.
Although Ives wouldn't answer questions about her stance on gun rights and gun control, a statement on her campaign website criticized Casten for saying "having small genitals is not a sufficient reason to own a gun" during a recent online forum with a group called Illinois Students for Biden. Casten made the comment after questioning why people need to own guns.
"Perhaps Sean Casten is unaware that first-time gun ownership among women spiked amid the COVID shutdown and riots," Ives said in her statement, which linked to a news report about rising firearms sales.
In a series of tweets posted Thursday evening, Casten called his remark a joke "about the toxic-masculinity that has infected this whole debate."
"But here's the thing. I don't want to see another mass shooting," Casten tweeted. "I'm sick of going to vigils for mass shooting victims. I'm sick of moments of silence on the House floor for shooting victims."
The 6th District includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
Libertarian Party candidate Bill Redpath of West Dundee also is running.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--DuPage sheriff seeks budget increase for 2021

DuPage Sheriff James Mendrick is asking the county board to give his department roughly $ 930,000 in additional funding for the next fiscal year .
Members of the county board 's finance committee this week reviewed Mendrick 's proposed budget for the 2021 fiscal year , which starts Dec. 1 .
Mendrick is requesting a budget of roughly $ 47 million , which is $ 931,227 more than the department 's current spending plan .
But the request is much smaller than the ambitious $ 5.3 million increase Mendrick had initially sought in 2019 .
`` It 's been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations , '' Mendrick said .
`` We ran into a lot of real challenges . ''
With the country roiling over police funding debates , Mendrick made his case against cuts during his presentation .
`` Since I 've been elected , we still have not had one citizen complaint of use of force against any of our people , '' Mendrick said .
`` We only had one 'global use of force ' since I 've been elected and that was about a year ago in our correctional facility , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the county jail has not had any confirmed cases of coronavirus due to strict scientific and safety protocols .
As for crime stats , Mendrick said they are on the rise when comparing numbers from Jan. 1 to Aug. 21 of 2019 to this year .
For example , overdoses in unincorporated DuPage rose from 39 last year to 82 so far this year .
Meanwhile , the sheriff 's office has implemented cost-savings measures .
Mendrick cited savings through the consolidation of the Sheriff 's Office Dispatch Center with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shifts with new hires for court security officers who have lower starting salaries versus senior officers .
`` Every year , we attrition more people out and the savings get bigger , '' Mendrick said .
`` Anybody who can leave is leaving our profession right now .
I 'm telling you , it 's a hard time that we 're dealing with out there .
You know , we 're doing out jobs , but I can tell that the police culture is trying to adapt to some of this stuff that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No decision was made after Mendrick 's presentation .
But several county board members responded positively to it .
Chairman Dan Cronin is scheduled to present his proposed county budget to the board Sept. 22 .
He will consider information from budget discussions when drafting the overall spending plan .
County board members have until Nov. 30 to approve a budget for the 2021 fiscal year .

DuPage sheriff seeks budget increase for 2021
DuPage Sheriff James Mendrick is asking the county board to give his department roughly $930,000 in additional funding for the next fiscal year.
Members of the county board's finance committee this week reviewed Mendrick's proposed budget for the 2021 fiscal year, which starts Dec. 1.
Mendrick is requesting a budget of roughly $47 million, which is $931,227 more than the department's current spending plan. But the request is much smaller than the ambitious $5.3 million increase Mendrick had initially sought in 2019.
"It's been a tough year with COVID and all the demonstrations," Mendrick said. "We ran into a lot of real challenges."
With the country roiling over police funding debates, Mendrick made his case against cuts during his presentation.
"Since I've been elected, we still have not had one citizen complaint of use of force against any of our people," Mendrick said. "We only had one 'global use of force' since I've been elected and that was about a year ago in our correctional facility, and that person was immediately terminated."
He said the county jail has not had any confirmed cases of coronavirus due to strict scientific and safety protocols.
As for crime stats, Mendrick said they are on the rise when comparing numbers from Jan. 1 to Aug. 21 of 2019 to this year. For example, overdoses in unincorporated DuPage rose from 39 last year to 82 so far this year.
Meanwhile, the sheriff's office has implemented cost-savings measures. Mendrick cited savings through the consolidation of the Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center with the Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center, and staffing shifts with new hires for court security officers who have lower starting salaries versus senior officers.
"Every year, we attrition more people out and the savings get bigger," Mendrick said. "Anybody who can leave is leaving our profession right now. I'm telling you, it's a hard time that we're dealing with out there. You know, we're doing out jobs, but I can tell that the police culture is trying to adapt to some of this stuff that's occurring in other areas."
No decision was made after Mendrick's presentation. But several county board members responded positively to it.
Chairman Dan Cronin is scheduled to present his proposed county budget to the board Sept. 22. He will consider information from budget discussions when drafting the overall spending plan.
County board members have until Nov. 30 to approve a budget for the 2021 fiscal year.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Schaumburg's AAA bond rating reflects responsible response to pandemic

Schaumburg officials are characterizing the village 's recent retention of the highest attainable credit rating as both an objective endorsement of its financial management during the pandemic and an aid to successfully navigating its way back to normal times .
Just as with an individual person 's credit score , Schaumburg 's AAA bond rating reflects not only how much money it has access to but how it 's managing it and reducing expenses as many of its revenue sources are experiencing negative impacts from COVID-19 .
The reaffirmation of the village 's bond rating is not based on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very summer as its response to the pandemic was looked at specifically by the S & P Rating Service .
`` Despite a vulnerable revenue stream and pressure from the COVID-19 recession , we expect Schaumburg will likely have sufficient resources to address any potential revenue decreases due to its reserves and liquidity , which we still consider very strong , coupled with a robust and proactive management response , '' S & P reported late last month .
While statewide business restrictions at various periods of the pandemic have led Schaumburg to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in taxes and fees during the current budget year , the village has responded by making approximately $ 16.4 million in budget cuts since March in addition to entering the downturn with a healthy level of reserves .
So how does this help ?
Schaumburg Village Manager Brian Townsend said the strong credit rating is a boon to the village as it prepares to issue new debt for road improvement projects and to refinance the debt on its 14-year-old convention center and adjoining Renaissance Hotel .
Both the hotel and convention center have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Schaumburg during better economic times since their completion and are being counted on to do the same when such times return .
`` It 's going to come soaring back , '' Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said , pointing to the convention center 's recovery from the Great Recession as evidence .
`` I expect the same thing to happen again . ''
But the fact that these properties are owned by a financially strong entity like the village is what allows for their successful refinancing during the pandemic , Townsend said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enterprise , we would have a more difficult road ahead , '' he added .
`` There 's no hiding the fact that the hotel and convention center are hurting right now . ''
Among the more publicly visible financial adjustments the village has made this year were the furloughing of most of the staff at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts until next winter and the cancellation of 2020 's special events including Septemberfest , which would normally have started next week .
But the work continues .
Village board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already suspended trolley service shut down through the holiday shopping season , and are expected to take an even closer look at the expectations of this budget year at its midpoint this fall .

Schaumburg's AAA bond rating reflects responsible response to pandemic
The village of Schaumburg's recently reaffirmed AAA bond rating is expected to provide an opportunity to refinance the Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, which have been hard hit by restrictions caused by the pandemic, and prepare them to be catalysts for the local economy again as it recovers. Daily Herald file photo, 2006
Schaumburg officials are characterizing the village's recent retention of the highest attainable credit rating as both an objective endorsement of its financial management during the pandemic and an aid to successfully navigating its way back to normal times.
Just as with an individual person's credit score, Schaumburg's AAA bond rating reflects not only how much money it has access to but how it's managing it and reducing expenses as many of its revenue sources are experiencing negative impacts from COVID-19.
The reaffirmation of the village's bond rating is not based on an outdated assessment but on information from this very summer as its response to the pandemic was looked at specifically by the S&P Rating Service.
"Despite a vulnerable revenue stream and pressure from the COVID-19 recession, we expect Schaumburg will likely have sufficient resources to address any potential revenue decreases due to its reserves and liquidity, which we still consider very strong, coupled with a robust and proactive management response," S&P reported late last month.
While statewide business restrictions at various periods of the pandemic have led Schaumburg to estimate a loss of $22.3 million in taxes and fees during the current budget year, the village has responded by making approximately $16.4 million in budget cuts since March in addition to entering the downturn with a healthy level of reserves.
So how does this help?
Schaumburg Village Manager Brian Townsend said the strong credit rating is a boon to the village as it prepares to issue new debt for road improvement projects and to refinance the debt on its 14-year-old convention center and adjoining Renaissance Hotel.
Both the hotel and convention center have served as catalysts to drive business elsewhere in Schaumburg during better economic times since their completion and are being counted on to do the same when such times return.
"It's going to come soaring back," Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said, pointing to the convention center's recovery from the Great Recession as evidence. "I expect the same thing to happen again."
But the fact that these properties are owned by a financially strong entity like the village is what allows for their successful refinancing during the pandemic, Townsend said.
"If that was a stand-alone enterprise, we would have a more difficult road ahead," he added. "There's no hiding the fact that the hotel and convention center are hurting right now."
Among the more publicly visible financial adjustments the village has made this year were the furloughing of most of the staff at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts until next winter and the cancellation of 2020's special events including Septemberfest, which would normally have started next week.
But the work continues. Village board members will soon consider keeping Schaumburg's already suspended trolley service shut down through the holiday shopping season, and are expected to take an even closer look at the expectations of this budget year at its midpoint this fall.