dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-30--Bloomingdale man charged with murdering nephew, apprehended in Michigan

A 50-year-old Bloomingdale man accused of strangling his nephew to death is in custody in Ingham County , Michigan .
Dominick Taylor , of the 200 block of Freeport Drive , is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of Damian B. Scott , according to the DuPage County state 's attorney 's office .
Extradition proceedings are pending .
The complaint was filed in DuPage County on Wednesday after prosecutors allege the murder took place Saturday or Sunday .
Judge Kavita Athanikar issued a $ 2 million bond with 10 % applied to the arrest warrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody Tuesday in Lansing , Michigan .
`` In the throes of a deadly pandemic ( COVID-19 ) , the apprehension of a man who allegedly fled the state after committing a brutal murder speaks volumes to the dedication of law enforcement in DuPage County , '' State 's Attorney Robert B. Berlin said in a written statement .
`` I could not be more proud of the efforts exhibited by all those involved including the Bloomingdale Police Department , members of the MERIT task force , investigators from my office and Assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlin also thanked DuPage County Coroner Dr. Richard Jorgensen and his office , the Lansing Police Department , the Ingham County Prosecutor 's Office and the Michigan State Police for `` their outstanding work and assistance in this investigation . ''
Bloomingdale Director of Public Safety Frank Giammarese said .
`` We , as a police department , are saddened by the senseless death of Damian Scott .
During these trying times , law enforcement is faced with so many challenges .
I am exceptionally proud of the commitment and dedication of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this case . ''

Bloomingdale man charged with murdering nephew, apprehended in Michigan
A 50-year-old Bloomingdale man accused of strangling his nephew to death is in custody in Ingham County, Michigan.
Dominick Taylor, of the 200 block of Freeport Drive, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of Damian B. Scott, according to the DuPage County state's attorney's office. Extradition proceedings are pending.
The complaint was filed in DuPage County on Wednesday after prosecutors allege the murder took place Saturday or Sunday.
Judge Kavita Athanikar issued a $2 million bond with 10% applied to the arrest warrant for Taylor.
Taylor was taken into custody Tuesday in Lansing, Michigan.
"In the throes of a deadly pandemic (COVID-19), the apprehension of a man who allegedly fled the state after committing a brutal murder speaks volumes to the dedication of law enforcement in DuPage County," State's Attorney Robert B. Berlin said in a written statement. "I could not be more proud of the efforts exhibited by all those involved including the Bloomingdale Police Department, members of the MERIT task force, investigators from my office and Assistant State's Attorney Lee Roupas."
Berlin also thanked DuPage County Coroner Dr. Richard Jorgensen and his office, the Lansing Police Department, the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office and the Michigan State Police for "their outstanding work and assistance in this investigation."
Bloomingdale Director of Public Safety Frank Giammarese said. "We, as a police department, are saddened by the senseless death of Damian Scott. During these trying times, law enforcement is faced with so many challenges. I am exceptionally proud of the commitment and dedication of our staff, and all law enforcement involved in this case."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-30--Upper, lower Fox River closed

Upper, lower Fox River closed

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources closed the upper and lower Fox River at 4 p.m. Thursday due to hazardous @ @ @ @ @ remain open for boating with a debris advisory .
Earlier in the day , the @ @ @ @ @ under no-wake restrictions as of 8:30 a.m. On Wednesday , the INDR reported that the @ @ @ @ @ over 7 feet at the Algonquin Dam Tailwater stage .
The forecast reports the river @ @ @ @ @ 10.7 feet by Friday morning and then begin falling .

Upper, lower Fox River closed
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources closed the upper and lower Fox River at 4 p.m. Thursday due to hazardous navigation conditions.
Earlier in the day, the lower and upper rivers were under no-wake restrictions as of 8:30 a.m.
On Wednesday, the IDNR reported that the Fox River reached heights of over 7 feet at the Algonquin Dam Tailwater stage.
The forecast reports the river will continue rising to near 10.7 feet by this morning and then begin falling.
Lakes remain open for boating with a debris advisory.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-30--What happened to Laura? Arlington Heights woman's 1990 disappearance remains a mystery

Thirty years after Laura Johnson walked out of a Northwest suburban bar never to be seen again , her daughters harbor few illusions about a miraculous reunion with their long-lost mother .
But they still hope one day to know what happened to their mom in the early morning hours of May 5 , 1990 .
And they hope to see justice done to anyone responsible for ripping her from their lives .
`` I do n't think she 's out there , '' Ashley Vagary , only 18 months old when her mom vanished , told us this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long , separated from your children ... you 're going to do everything you can to get back to them . ''
Johnson 's disappearance has haunted her family and frustrated police for three decades , leaving them with more questions than answers .
Why did she leave a favorite hangout just blocks from home that night with a group of people unknown to other regulars ?
Who was the mysterious truck driver witnesses said they saw her with hours later ?
Why did her husband wait two days to report her missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind his young daughters -- just weeks later ?
And , more than anything else , what happened to Laura ?
The FBI missing person poster for Laura Johnson describes the circumstances of the Arlington Heights woman 's disappearance in May 1990 .
The disappearance Johnson was 24 , living in Arlington Heights and a married mother of two -- Ashley and her little sister Amber , then 5 months old -- when she vanished .
She spent May 4 , 1990 , at Arlington Park with her husband , David Johnson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ off at the Billy Club tavern in downtown Arlington Heights before heading home to relieve brother-in-law Richard Desecki , who had been watching the girls .
The Johnsons were regulars at the Billy Club , just a few blocks from their home , and the staff recognized her there that night .
But they did n't recognize the people they say she left with at closing time .
It would be the last confirmed sighting of Laura .
About a week later , after authorities sought the public 's help locating the missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they believe they saw Laura later that morning at the Hob Nob bar in Palatine .
She left with a man who claimed to be a truck driver from Memphis , Tennessee , according to the witnesses .
In the following weeks and months , police were never able to find a trace of Johnson or the truck driver , or even confirm the witnesses ' account .
`` That 's absolutely one of the avenues we 're exploring , '' Arlington Heights police Detective Joe Murphy , who 's now leading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we 're not limiting the scope of our investigation to that . ''
It was n't until two days after May 5 that David Johnson reported his wife missing .
At the time , he told police he believed she had been staying with friends .
David Johnson could not be reached for this story .
Listed phone numbers for his last known addresses in Georgia were either disconnected or calls went unanswered .
In the three decades since she was reported missing , police have chased dozens of tips and leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other evidence into national databases , and contacted law enforcement agencies across the country when an unidentified body that could be Laura 's is discovered .
So far , nothing has led them to a resolution .
`` It 's a frustrating case , '' Murphy said .
`` The thing that keeps us going is that a young mother of two children is out there .
She obviously was someone who touched a lot of people over her lifetime , because 30 years later people still care about what happened to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require someone with knowledge of what happened to Laura speaking up .
`` Maybe someone who knows something will see this and come forward , '' Murphy said .
Frustrated by the lack of success tracking down her mother , Vagary said she launched her own investigation after the 20th anniversary of the disappearance .
But after seven years , lots of frustration and plenty of roadblocks , the former Schaumburg resident gave up the quest and found a new home in the Denver area .
`` I just woke up one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mom would n't want me to constantly be in this stage of my life , '' she said .
`` I needed to let go . ''
Still , while she no longer dwells on her mother 's disappearance and long ago accepted an unhappy conclusion , she and her sister hope for answers .
`` There 's a lot of darkness in this world , and our job is to shine a little light when we can , '' Vagary said .
`` Maybe someone can shine a little light on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Can you help ?
Anyone who has information that could help is urged to call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at ( 847 ) 590-7867 or email Murphy at jmurphy @ vah.com .
With courtrooms closed for all but the most urgent matters , the Kane County Treatment Alternative Court had to get creative last week and hold its graduation remotely .
The April 23 ceremony recognized two people who completed the program , which offers defendants in nonviolent cases treatment for their mental-health conditions and disorders as an alternative to the traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kostelny presided over the Zoom videoconference ceremony attended by relatives , friends and treatment professionals .
`` Graduations in TAC provide a special recognition of the accomplishments and achievements of the successful participants , '' Kostelny said .
Keith Cross , in full dress uniform but seated on a couch at home , was sworn in via Zoom Tuesday as deputy chief of the Aurora Police Department .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

What happened to Laura? Arlington Heights woman's 1990 disappearance remains a mystery
Thirty years after she vanished after leaving a Northwest suburban bar, Laura Johnson's daughters Amber, left, and Ashley, still hope to learn what happened to their mother.
Thirty years after Laura Johnson walked out of a Northwest suburban bar never to be seen again, her daughters harbor few illusions about a miraculous reunion with their long-lost mother.
But they still hope one day to know what happened to their mom in the early morning hours of May 5, 1990. And they hope to see justice done to anyone responsible for ripping her from their lives.
"I don't think she's out there," Ashley Vagary, only 18 months old when her mom vanished, told us this week. "A mother out there this long, separated from your children ... you're going to do everything you can to get back to them."
Johnson's disappearance has haunted her family and frustrated police for three decades, leaving them with more questions than answers. Why did she leave a favorite hangout just blocks from home that night with a group of people unknown to other regulars? Who was the mysterious truck driver witnesses said they saw her with hours later? Why did her husband wait two days to report her missing, then leave town -- and leave behind his young daughters -- just weeks later?
And, more than anything else, what happened to Laura?
The FBI missing person poster for Laura Johnson describes the circumstances of the Arlington Heights woman's disappearance in May 1990. - Courtesy of the FBI
Johnson was 24, living in Arlington Heights and a married mother of two -- Ashley and her little sister Amber, then 5 months old -- when she vanished.
She spent May 4, 1990, at Arlington Park with her husband, David Johnson. Later that night, David dropped Laura off at the Billy Club tavern in downtown Arlington Heights before heading home to relieve brother-in-law Richard Desecki, who had been watching the girls.
The Johnsons were regulars at the Billy Club, just a few blocks from their home, and the staff recognized her there that night. But they didn't recognize the people they say she left with at closing time.
It would be the last confirmed sighting of Laura.
About a week later, after authorities sought the public's help locating the missing woman, two people called police saying they believe they saw Laura later that morning at the Hob Nob bar in Palatine. She left with a man who claimed to be a truck driver from Memphis, Tennessee, according to the witnesses.
In the following weeks and months, police were never able to find a trace of Johnson or the truck driver, or even confirm the witnesses' account.
"That's absolutely one of the avenues we're exploring," Arlington Heights police Detective Joe Murphy, who's now leading the investigation, told us Thursday. "But we're not limiting the scope of our investigation to that."
The investigation
It wasn't until two days after May 5 that David Johnson reported his wife missing. At the time, he told police he believed she had been staying with friends.
David Johnson could not be reached for this story. Listed phone numbers for his last known addresses in Georgia were either disconnected or calls went unanswered.
In the three decades since she was reported missing, police have chased dozens of tips and leads, plugged DNA, dental records and other evidence into national databases, and contacted law enforcement agencies across the country when an unidentified body that could be Laura's is discovered.
So far, nothing has led them to a resolution.
"It's a frustrating case," Murphy said. "The thing that keeps us going is that a young mother of two children is out there. She obviously was someone who touched a lot of people over her lifetime, because 30 years later people still care about what happened to her."
Breaking the case might ultimately require someone with knowledge of what happened to Laura speaking up.
"Maybe someone who knows something will see this and come forward," Murphy said.
Frustrated by the lack of success tracking down her mother, Vagary said she launched her own investigation after the 20th anniversary of the disappearance. But after seven years, lots of frustration and plenty of roadblocks, the former Schaumburg resident gave up the quest and found a new home in the Denver area.
"I just woke up one day and (I felt) like my mom wouldn't want me to constantly be in this stage of my life," she said. "I needed to let go."
Still, while she no longer dwells on her mother's disappearance and long ago accepted an unhappy conclusion, she and her sister hope for answers.
"There's a lot of darkness in this world, and our job is to shine a little light when we can," Vagary said. "Maybe someone can shine a little light on this case that's 30 years old."
Can you help?
Anyone who has information that could help is urged to call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-7867 or email Murphy at jmurphy@vah.com.
Honored, remotely
With courtrooms closed for all but the most urgent matters, the Kane County Treatment Alternative Court had to get creative last week and hold its graduation remotely.
The April 23 ceremony recognized two people who completed the program, which offers defendants in nonviolent cases treatment for their mental-health conditions and disorders as an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system.
Judge Marmarie J. Kostelny presided over the Zoom videoconference ceremony attended by relatives, friends and treatment professionals.
"Graduations in TAC provide a special recognition of the accomplishments and achievements of the successful participants," Kostelny said.
Swearing in by Zoom
Keith Cross, in full dress uniform but seated on a couch at home, was sworn in via Zoom Tuesday as deputy chief of the Aurora Police Department.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--Ravinia cancels 2020 season due to pandemic

Ravinia will cancel its season , which was to include more than 120 events from June 12 to Sept. 16 , for the first time in 85 years due to COVID-19 pandemic .
Ravinia CEO and President Welz Kauffman said in a news release Thursday that the decision was made to protect the health of artists , staff members and festivalgoers .
`` Ravinia benefits from an informed and responsible board of trustees and engaged family of volunteers , and our lengthy and thorough discourse on this topic has brought us to the conclusion that it is impossible to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The festival 's summer conservatory , Ravinia 's Steans Music Institute , is also canceled .
The oldest music festival in the country , Ravinia has operated continuously since 1904 , except at the height of the Great Depression in 1932-35 .
People who bought tickets can receive refunds or vouchers for future performances , or they can convert their purchases into `` much-needed tax-deductible donations , '' according to the release .
Kauffman said he and the Ravinia staff are working on ideas to let people experience the festival from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes and rehearsals for elementary students in Cook and Lake counties in Reach Teach Play programs , as well as young professionals who were accepted to the Steans Music Institute this year .
Don Civgin , Ravinia board chairman , said the pandemic `` has impacted so much of our lives in dramatic ways . ''
`` Ravinia will do its part in helping the nation recover , and we will celebrate that recovery with music under the stars next summer , '' he said .

Ravinia cancels 2020 season due to pandemic
Marin Alsop -- here conducting a concert in Havana, Cuba -- was hired as the first chief conductor of the Ravinia Festival, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. That is on hold now, as the 2020 festival has been canceled. AP File Photo/Oct. 9, 2015
Ravinia will cancel its season, which was to include more than 120 events from June 12 to Sept. 16, for the first time in 85 years due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Ravinia CEO and President Welz Kauffman said in a news release Thursday that the decision was made to protect the health of artists, staff members and festivalgoers.
"Ravinia benefits from an informed and responsible board of trustees and engaged family of volunteers, and our lengthy and thorough discourse on this topic has brought us to the conclusion that it is impossible to move ahead with the season," Kauffman said.
The festival's summer conservatory, Ravinia's Steans Music Institute, is also canceled.
The oldest music festival in the country, Ravinia has operated continuously since 1904, except at the height of the Great Depression in 1932-35.
People who bought tickets can receive refunds or vouchers for future performances, or they can convert their purchases into "much-needed tax-deductible donations," according to the release.
Kauffman said he and the Ravinia staff are working on ideas to let people experience the festival from home, including virtual lectures, master classes and rehearsals for elementary students in Cook and Lake counties in Reach Teach Play programs, as well as young professionals who were accepted to the Steans Music Institute this year.
Don Civgin, Ravinia board chairman, said the pandemic "has impacted so much of our lives in dramatic ways."
"Ravinia will do its part in helping the nation recover, and we will celebrate that recovery with music under the stars next summer," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--As some easing in Illinois begins Friday, the daily death toll stays near a record

Leaving your home Friday ?
Bring a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19 , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker warned Illinoisans Thursday on the eve of a revised stay-at-home order .
The changes will ease restrictions for retail stores and open up recreational facilities like golf courses and state parks .
But they also extend the governor 's previous stay-at-home mandate from midnight Thursday through May 30 , and that has ignited pushback from some Republican legislators and lawsuits questioning the governor 's authority .
The changes come as Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike reported a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near-record single-day increase in deaths .
The latest lawsuit by a northwestern Illinois church that wants to restart worship services was filed in federal court Thursday .
The modified policy effective Friday mandates that people wear masks inside public spaces like grocery stores and outside in locations where a 6-foot social distance can not be maintained .
Asked about mask rules outdoors , Pritzker advised all residents to `` have one on hand . ''
He added high-tech versions are n't necessary and that face coverings can be made from a T-shirt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it at all times if you go running , jogging or bicycling , but if you encounter a crowd at a public space with a lot of people , that 's when you need or are required to put on a face covering , '' Pritzker said .
Previously , just businesses considered essential such as grocery stores and pharmacies were allowed to be open .
The new order allows nonessential retail stores to take online or phone orders and offer curbside pickup and delivery .
Greenhouses and garden centers will be open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parks and golf courses , but stringent social distancing requirements will be in place , Pritzker said .
Also , elective surgeries can now be scheduled under the guidance of the Illinois Department of Public Health .
But even as some restrictions ease , Ezike reported an additional 2,563 COVID-19 cases -- the highest single-day tally to date .
The number of Illinoisans dying from COVID-19 climbed by 141 on Thursday , just shy of the single-day record of 144 announced Tuesday .
Total infections statewide are 52,918 , and fatalities from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , more than 90 % are in Chicago , suburban Cook and the collar counties , according to state and county data .
Officials announced two more drive-through testing sites will open next week , one in Waukegan and another in East St. Louis , bringing the total to seven , but details were not yet available .
As resistance to the stay-at-home order brews in less populated counties with fewer cases of COVID-19 , Pritzker said , `` I do n't disagree that different areas of the state require different rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we made some changes .
`` The state parks are not in Cook County and Chicago , '' Pritzker said .
`` Many of things that opened up in this executive order that just lasts a month is an indication of our recognition that it 's different from one area to another , and we 'll talk about that more as we put forward plans for reopening . ''
Republican state Reps. Darren Bailey of Xenia and John Cabello of Machesney Park both have filed lawsuits stating Pritzker overstepped his authority in extending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Kwame Raoul has appealed a Clay County 's judge 's temporary restraining order that essentially exempts Bailey , and Bailey alone , from the order .
The Beloved Church of Lena in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday states the executive order violates its freedom religion .
`` In these dark times , Illinoisans need the spirit of almighty God , '' the lawsuit claims , `` but Pritzker 's orders have left them to settle for the lesser spirits dispensed out of the state 's liquor stores , '' which were allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker said allowing people to congregate is risky and will spread COVID-19 .
`` I try to follow the science and I ask those who think of breaking the rules to follow the science , '' he said .

As some easing in Illinois begins Friday, the daily death toll stays near a record
Gov. J.B. Pritzker gives his daily briefing on the COVID-19 outbreak. Associated Press
Leaving your home Friday? Bring a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned Illinoisans Thursday on the eve of a revised stay-at-home order.
The changes will ease restrictions for retail stores and open up recreational facilities like golf courses and state parks.
But they also extend the governor's previous stay-at-home mandate from midnight Thursday through May 30, and that has ignited pushback from some Republican legislators and lawsuits questioning the governor's authority.
The changes come as Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike reported a record single-day increase in COVID-19 cases and a near-record single-day increase in deaths.
The latest lawsuit by a northwestern Illinois church that wants to restart worship services was filed in federal court Thursday.
The modified policy effective Friday mandates that people wear masks inside public spaces like grocery stores and outside in locations where a 6-foot social distance cannot be maintained.
Asked about mask rules outdoors, Pritzker advised all residents to "have one on hand." He added high-tech versions aren't necessary and that face coverings can be made from a T-shirt.
"You don't have to wear it at all times if you go running, jogging or bicycling, but if you encounter a crowd at a public space with a lot of people, that's when you need or are required to put on a face covering," Pritzker said.
Previously, just businesses considered essential such as grocery stores and pharmacies were allowed to be open.
The new order allows nonessential retail stores to take online or phone orders and offer curbside pickup and delivery.
Greenhouses and garden centers will be open to the public as will many state parks and golf courses, but stringent social distancing requirements will be in place, Pritzker said.
Also, elective surgeries can now be scheduled under the guidance of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
But even as some restrictions ease, Ezike reported an additional 2,563 COVID-19 cases -- the highest single-day tally to date. The number of Illinoisans dying from COVID-19 climbed by 141 on Thursday, just shy of the single-day record of 144 announced Tuesday.
Total infections statewide are 52,918, and fatalities from the respiratory disease reached 2,355.
Of those cases, more than 90% are in Chicago, suburban Cook and the collar counties, according to state and county data.
Officials announced two more drive-through testing sites will open next week, one in Waukegan and another in East St. Louis, bringing the total to seven, but details were not yet available.
As resistance to the stay-at-home order brews in less populated counties with fewer cases of COVID-19, Pritzker said, "I don't disagree that different areas of the state require different rules during this time. That's why we made some changes.
"The state parks are not in Cook County and Chicago," Pritzker said. "Many of things that opened up in this executive order that just lasts a month is an indication of our recognition that it's different from one area to another, and we'll talk about that more as we put forward plans for reopening."
Republican state Reps. Darren Bailey of Xenia and John Cabello of Machesney Park both have filed lawsuits stating Pritzker overstepped his authority in extending the stay-at-home executive order.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has appealed a Clay County's judge's temporary restraining order that essentially exempts Bailey, and Bailey alone, from the order.
The Beloved Church of Lena in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday states the executive order violates its freedom religion.
"In these dark times, Illinoisans need the spirit of almighty God," the lawsuit claims, "but Pritzker's orders have left them to settle for the lesser spirits dispensed out of the state's liquor stores," which were allowed to stay open as essential services.
Pritzker said allowing people to congregate is risky and will spread COVID-19.
"I try to follow the science and I ask those who think of breaking the rules to follow the science," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-30--The show choirs must go online: Wheaton Warrenville South's Choral Classic goes virtual

Pandemic or not , Chris Miller decided the show must go on .
When the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the end of Wheaton Warrenville South High School 's show choir season , the school 's prestigious Choral Classic slated for March 14 was called off .
Disappointed but not deterred , Miller , the longtime choir director , shifted his thinking and took the event online to create what 's being billed as the nation 's first virtual show choir competition this weekend .
`` There 's no manual on how to do this because nothing like this has been done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone 's working so hard because they want something positive , not just for the seniors but for everyone . ''
The Choral Classic was canceled just two days before it was scheduled to take place .
Losing the highlight of the season was n't easy for team members , but the virtual experience will provide some closure .
`` It 's going to be nice to experience show choir one more time , '' said senior Kyra De Castro .
`` It 's nice to finish it off this way .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyra 's sister Camryn is a freshman in the program .
While disappointed about missing her first Choral Classic , she 's looking forward to this weekend .
`` I was devastated when it was canceled because it was going to be my first year , '' Camryn said .
`` But it 'll be interesting to see it all come together . ''
The virtual event will start at 10 a.m. Saturday through the Wheaton Warrenville South show choir YouTube page as Miller unveils performance videos submitted by the 16 participating schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 p.m. Saturday .
The Choral Classic is regarded as one of the premier events of its kind in the nation .
Traditionally attracting thousands of spectators , it also serves as the Wheaton Warrenville South show choir program 's top fundraiser .
This weekend 's virtual event will help plug the financial hole created by the cancellation .
Viewers will vote for their favorite performances through a donation , creating two champions that will be announced at 7 p.m. Sunday .
One champion will be the school with the most votes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that raises the most money .
The voting portal , which can be accessed through wwsshowchoirs.org , will remain open until 5 p.m. Sunday .
`` We draw spectators from all over the country , '' Miller said .
`` We 're looking at this as a way to bring the community together , but we also thought this would be a good way to fundraise . ''
Eleven high schools -- including schools from California , Ohio , Mississippi and Wisconsin -- and five middle schools will participate .
Local competitors include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rolling Meadows and Wheaton North high schools .
`` It 's a great way for everyone to stay connected , '' said Rolling Meadows show choir Director Caitlyn Walsh .
`` Our kids and our families now have a way to wrap up the season .
We want to spread the hype about it . ''
Many of the participants have competed for years at the Choral Classic .
It 's a highlight of the season not only for Wheaton Warrenville South but also for the visiting programs .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show choir Director Melissa O'Neill .
`` We really love it there .
The kids were disappointed it was canceled , but we 're super excited to participate this weekend . ''

The show choirs must go online: Wheaton Warrenville South's Choral Classic goes virtual
Batavia High School's show choir team is among 16 participating in Wheaton Warrenville South's virtual competition this weekend. Courtesy of Rafael Iriarte
After the end of its season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wheaton Warrenville South decided to host a virtual show choir competition this weekend. Courtesy of Chris Arrigo
The coronavirus pandemic canceled Wheaton Warrenville South High School's Choral Classic show choir competition, but the show must go on, so the school is hosting a virtual show choir event this weekend featuring entries from 16 schools. Courtesy of Chris Arrigo
Pandemic or not, Chris Miller decided the show must go on.
Show choir, that is.
When the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the end of Wheaton Warrenville South High School's show choir season, the school's prestigious Choral Classic slated for March 14 was called off. Disappointed but not deterred, Miller, the longtime choir director, shifted his thinking and took the event online to create what's being billed as the nation's first virtual show choir competition this weekend.
"There's no manual on how to do this because nothing like this has been done before," Miller said. "Everyone's working so hard because they want something positive, not just for the seniors but for everyone."
The Choral Classic was canceled just two days before it was scheduled to take place. Losing the highlight of the season wasn't easy for team members, but the virtual experience will provide some closure.
"It's going to be nice to experience show choir one more time," said senior Kyra De Castro. "It's nice to finish it off this way. I'm very excited about it."
Kyra's sister Camryn is a freshman in the program. While disappointed about missing her first Choral Classic, she's looking forward to this weekend.
"I was devastated when it was canceled because it was going to be my first year," Camryn said. "But it'll be interesting to see it all come together."
The virtual event will start at 10 a.m. Saturday through the Wheaton Warrenville South show choir YouTube page as Miller unveils performance videos submitted by the 16 participating schools. The performances will continue until about 7 p.m. Saturday.
The Choral Classic is regarded as one of the premier events of its kind in the nation. Traditionally attracting thousands of spectators, it also serves as the Wheaton Warrenville South show choir program's top fundraiser.
This weekend's virtual event will help plug the financial hole created by the cancellation. Viewers will vote for their favorite performances through a donation, creating two champions that will be announced at 7 p.m. Sunday. One champion will be the school with the most votes, and the other will be the school that raises the most money.
The voting portal, which can be accessed through wwsshowchoirs.org, will remain open until 5 p.m. Sunday.
"We draw spectators from all over the country," Miller said. "We're looking at this as a way to bring the community together, but we also thought this would be a good way to fundraise."
Eleven high schools -- including schools from California, Ohio, Mississippi and Wisconsin -- and five middle schools will participate. Local competitors include Batavia, Naperville Central, Naperville North, Rolling Meadows and Wheaton North high schools.
"It's a great way for everyone to stay connected," said Rolling Meadows show choir Director Caitlyn Walsh.
"Our kids and our families now have a way to wrap up the season. We want to spread the hype about it."
Many of the participants have competed for years at the Choral Classic. It's a highlight of the season not only for Wheaton Warrenville South but also for the visiting programs.
"It's a high-level event," said Batavia show choir Director Melissa O'Neill. "We really love it there. The kids were disappointed it was canceled, but we're super excited to participate this weekend."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-30--April 30 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Of the 141 additional deaths statewide announced Thursday , 87 -- or 62 % -- are from suburban Cook and the five collar counties , by the state 's count .
The one-day death tally was 48 in suburban Cook County , 21 in DuPage , 4 in Kane , 10 in Lake , 1 in McHenry and 3 in Will , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
Another 43 , or 30 % , are from Chicago .
• Since the outbreak began , there have been 26,251 cases in the suburbs , or 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to IDPH .
There have been 1,247 deaths in the suburbs , or 53 % of the total .
Not every town with cases is included in the list that follows .
• As of Thursday , suburban Cook County had 15,022 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 713 deaths , according to the IDPH 's coronavirus website ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In Chicago : 21,491 cases and 894 fatalities .
• The Cook County Department of Public Health listed 715 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines , 271 cases in Glenview , 252 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 180 in Streamwood , 179 in Palatine , 170 in Schaumburg , 166 in Arlington Heights , 157 in Park Ridge , 152 in Hoffman Estates , 99 in Rolling Meadows , 94 in Elk Grove Village , 76 in Prospect Heights , and 59 in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The Lake County Health Department lists 3,621 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 127 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Thursday .
• Cases in some Lake County towns : 1,100 to 1,104 in Waukegan and 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 115 to 119 in Gurnee and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Gurnee ; 75 to 79 in Round Lake and 45 to 49 in unincorporated areas near Round Lake ; 130 to 134 in Mundelein and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Mundelein ; 40 to 44 in Libertyville and 10 to 14 in unincorporated areas near Libertyville ; 75 to 79 in Vernon Hills and less than five in unincorporated areas near Vernon Hills ; 30 to 34 in Grayslake and 20 to 24 in unincorporated areas near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and five to nine in unincorporated areas near Wauconda ; 35 to 39 in Buffalo Grove and less than five in unincorporated areas near Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) ; and 45 to 49 in Lake Zurich and five to nine in unincorporated area near Lake Zurich ; and 15 to 19 in Lake Villa and 25 to 29 in unincorporated areas near Lake Villa .
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 3,093 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 164 deaths on its coronavirus website Thursday .
• Cases per suburb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bensenville , 210 in Glendale Heights , 207 in Naperville ( DuPage portion ) , 198 in Carol Stream , 175 in West Chicago , 130 in Elmhurst , 130 in Lombard , 97 in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 96 in Downers Grove , 91 in Willowbrook , 89 in Wheaton , and 60 in Glen Ellyn .
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 1,555 cases of COVID-19 with 48 deaths on its website Thursday at kanehealth.com .
• Cases per town include 680 in Aurora ( Kane County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kane portion ) , 77 in St. Charles , 71 in Geneva , 51 in South Elgin , 38 in Batavia , 34 in North Aurora , 20 in Gilberts , and 13 in Sugar Grove .
• There are 633 cases of COVID-19 and 36 deaths in McHenry County , according to the health department 's website Thursday • There have been 2,510 cases of COVID-19 and 153 deaths , according to the Will County Health Department 's website Thursday .
• Cases per town include 168 in Naperville ( Will County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Will County portion ) .

April 30 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Cook County's Department of Public Health has a website, shown here at the end of March, that breaks down cases of COVID-19 suburb by suburb.
Interactive map
Of the 141 additional deaths statewide announced Thursday, 87 -- or 62 % -- are from suburban Cook and the five collar counties, by the state's count.
The one-day death tally was 48 in suburban Cook County, 21 in DuPage, 4 in Kane, 10 in Lake, 1 in McHenry and 3 in Will, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Another 43, or 30%, are from Chicago.
• Since the outbreak began, there have been 26,251 cases in the suburbs, or 50% of the state's total, according to IDPH. There have been 1,247 deaths in the suburbs, or 53% of the total.
Not every town with cases is included in the list that follows.
Cook County
• As of Thursday, suburban Cook County had 15,022 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 713 deaths, according to the IDPH's coronavirus website (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 21,491 cases and 894 fatalities.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health listed 715 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines, 271 cases in Glenview, 252 in Mount Prospect, 230 in Wheeling, 180 in Streamwood, 179 in Palatine, 170 in Schaumburg, 166 in Arlington Heights, 157 in Park Ridge, 152 in Hoffman Estates, 99 in Rolling Meadows, 94 in Elk Grove Village, 76 in Prospect Heights, and 59 in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
Lake County
• The Lake County Health Department lists 3,621 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 127 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Thursday.
• Cases in some Lake County towns: 1,100 to 1,104 in Waukegan and 35 to 39 in unincorporated areas near Waukegan; 115 to 119 in Gurnee and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Gurnee; 75 to 79 in Round Lake and 45 to 49 in unincorporated areas near Round Lake; 130 to 134 in Mundelein and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Mundelein; 40 to 44 in Libertyville and 10 to 14 in unincorporated areas near Libertyville; 75 to 79 in Vernon Hills and less than five in unincorporated areas near Vernon Hills; 30 to 34 in Grayslake and 20 to 24 in unincorporated areas near Grayslake; 45 to 49 in Wauconda and five to nine in unincorporated areas near Wauconda; 35 to 39 in Buffalo Grove and less than five in unincorporated areas near Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion); and 45 to 49 in Lake Zurich and five to nine in unincorporated area near Lake Zurich; and 15 to 19 in Lake Villa and 25 to 29 in unincorporated areas near Lake Villa.
DuPage County
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 3,093 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 164 deaths on its coronavirus website Thursday.
• Cases per suburb include 274 in Addison, 215 in Bensenville, 210 in Glendale Heights, 207 in Naperville (DuPage portion), 198 in Carol Stream, 175 in West Chicago, 130 in Elmhurst, 130 in Lombard, 97 in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 96 in Downers Grove, 91 in Willowbrook, 89 in Wheaton, and 60 in Glen Ellyn.
Kane County
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 1,555 cases of COVID-19 with 48 deaths on its website Thursday at kanehealth.com.
• Cases per town include 680 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 297 in Elgin (Kane portion), 77 in St. Charles, 71 in Geneva, 51 in South Elgin, 38 in Batavia, 34 in North Aurora, 20 in Gilberts, and 13 in Sugar Grove.
McHenry County
• There are 633 cases of COVID-19 and 36 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department's website Thursday
Will County
• There have been 2,510 cases of COVID-19 and 153 deaths, according to the Will County Health Department's website Thursday.
• Cases per town include 168 in Naperville (Will County portion), and 21 in Aurora (Will County portion).
-- Daily Herald report


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--Golfing is allowed Friday! But you'll have limits in the suburbs

Congratulations , golfers , on being able to hit the course again .
When Gov .
J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order April 23 that included the news golf courses could open May 1 under strict safety guidelines , golfers got busy .
`` It 's very difficult '' to get a tee time , said Kevin Carlson , superintendent of golf operations for Naperville Park District .
With Pritzker 's order came numerous restrictions golf facilities and players must follow , beginning with the social distancing mandate .
They affect each of Illinois ' 540 golf courses , 263 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Carrie Williams , executive director of the Professional Golf Association Illinois Section .
Reservations for Naperville Park District 's Springbrook and Naperbrook golf courses , available only online and prepaid , opened Monday and were sold out through the following Monday , May 4 , by the end of the day .
`` Our volume of total available tee times is around 100 ( golfers ) a day , '' Carlson said about courses that used to host 300 people on a weekend day in summer .
`` If you look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an hour .
You do the math and there 's really not a whole lot of tee times available a day , and ours , when they become available , they 'll sell out in a matter of hours , '' he said .
Naperville is hardly alone .
`` We 're almost fully booked for the first 10 days of May , '' said Noel Allen , director of golf for Glen Ellyn 's Village Links , which took reservations online and by phone .
`` There are some tee times available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A big concern , at least for golfers , is the rule that only twosomes are allowed , teeing off generally 15 minutes apart .
Elgin resident Tim Janeway , a former member of Elgin Country Club , is `` infuriated '' by that restriction .
He has an 8:36 a.m. tee time Friday at Hawk 's View Golf Club in Lake Geneva , Wisconsin , which opened on April 24 .
Hawk 's View allows foursomes , with single golfers in carts and two in a cart if players are from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairways are 3 acres wide .
There 's no reason why we ca n't have the social distancing rule with four players on a golf course , with no carts , '' Janeway said .
`` Put some responsibility into the players , that 's all .
They 're dying to do it because they want to get out and play .
And it 's a game of foursomes .
That 's how the game is supposed to be played , '' he said .
Personal responsibility is exactly why the Lake County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sequentially .
First comes Mundelein 's Countryside Golf Club , the county 's sole 36-hole public course .
On Thursday afternoon it had three Friday tee times left , all after 5:45 p.m. Later times are easier to book because it 's hard to get in a full 18 holes .
Brae Loch Golf Club in Grayslake will open May 8 , and ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park will open May 15 .
`` We want to evaluate what worked , what we think can work better and how we can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eichman , superintendent of golf operations management for the Lake County Forest Preserve .
`` We would love for the golf community to show Governor Pritzker that we can all be responsible and follow the rules in hopes that he would loosen some restrictions sooner rather than later , '' Eichman said .
The bottom line is there is joy in dubville .
Tim Govern , golf operations manager for the Arlington Heights Park District and a PGA professional , is excited to welcome people back to Nickol Knoll and Arlington Lakes golf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering only about a third of the tee times , we 'll have golf for the people in the community and they can hopefully enjoy their favorite sport after such a challenging few weeks , '' he said .
`` One thing that 's awfully nice , since we have n't been able to play for six weeks , is they 'll see no divots at all .
The course is really in great shape . ''
• Daily Herald staff writers Russell Lissau , Christopher Placek , Robert Sanchez , Katlyn Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this report .

Golfing is allowed Friday! But you'll have limits in the suburbs
Congratulations, golfers, on being able to hit the course again.
And good luck getting a tee time.
When Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order April 23 that included the news golf courses could open May 1 under strict safety guidelines, golfers got busy.
"It's very difficult" to get a tee time, said Kevin Carlson, superintendent of golf operations for Naperville Park District.
With Pritzker's order came numerous restrictions golf facilities and players must follow, beginning with the social distancing mandate.
They affect each of Illinois' 540 golf courses, 263 of which are public courses, according to Carrie Williams, executive director of the Professional Golf Association Illinois Section.
Reservations for Naperville Park District's Springbrook and Naperbrook golf courses, available only online and prepaid, opened Monday and were sold out through the following Monday, May 4, by the end of the day.
"Our volume of total available tee times is around 100 (golfers) a day," Carlson said about courses that used to host 300 people on a weekend day in summer.
"If you look at the restrictions, eight people can play an hour. You do the math and there's really not a whole lot of tee times available a day, and ours, when they become available, they'll sell out in a matter of hours," he said.
Naperville is hardly alone.
"We're almost fully booked for the first 10 days of May," said Noel Allen, director of golf for Glen Ellyn's Village Links, which took reservations online and by phone. "There are some tee times available, but not too many."
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Golf courses across the suburbs are preparing to reopen Friday with a goodly number of restrictions in place. Juan Portillo rakes a bunker in preparation for the opening of Springbrook Golf Course in Naperville -- but golfers will be asked to use their clubs to smooth the sand once play begins.
A big concern, at least for golfers, is the rule that only twosomes are allowed, teeing off generally 15 minutes apart.
Elgin resident Tim Janeway, a former member of Elgin Country Club, is "infuriated" by that restriction. He has an 8:36 a.m. tee time Friday at Hawk's View Golf Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, which opened on April 24.
Hawk's View allows foursomes, with single golfers in carts and two in a cart if players are from the same household.
"Some of these fairways are 3 acres wide. There's no reason why we can't have the social distancing rule with four players on a golf course, with no carts," Janeway said.
"Put some responsibility into the players, that's all. They're dying to do it because they want to get out and play. And it's a game of foursomes. That's how the game is supposed to be played," he said.
Personal responsibility is exactly why the Lake County Forest Preserve is opening its three courses sequentially.
First comes Mundelein's Countryside Golf Club, the county's sole 36-hole public course. On Thursday afternoon it had three Friday tee times left, all after 5:45 p.m. Later times are easier to book because it's hard to get in a full 18 holes.
Brae Loch Golf Club in Grayslake will open May 8, and ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park will open May 15.
"We want to evaluate what worked, what we think can work better and how we can make it work better," said Alex Eichman, superintendent of golf operations management for the Lake County Forest Preserve.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer When golf courses open, the holes will be designed so golfers don't have to reach into the cup to retrieve their balls. Mario Vasquez gets things ready on Springbrook Golf Course's 9th green in preparation for Friday's reopening.
"We would love for the golf community to show Governor Pritzker that we can all be responsible and follow the rules in hopes that he would loosen some restrictions sooner rather than later," Eichman said.
The bottom line is there is joy in dubville.
Tim Govern, golf operations manager for the Arlington Heights Park District and a PGA professional, is excited to welcome people back to Nickol Knoll and Arlington Lakes golf clubs.
"Even though we're offering only about a third of the tee times, we'll have golf for the people in the community and they can hopefully enjoy their favorite sport after such a challenging few weeks," he said.
"One thing that's awfully nice, since we haven't been able to play for six weeks, is they'll see no divots at all. The course is really in great shape."
• Daily Herald staff writers Russell Lissau, Christopher Placek, Robert Sanchez, Katlyn Smith, Marie Wilson and Bob Susnjara contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-30--What rules golfers need to know when suburban courses reopen Friday

Under guidelines established by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity , golf courses can reopen at 6 a.m. Friday .
Courses will operate under social distancing standards throughout the round in addition to restrictions assigned to course managers and golfers .
This is part of the list available on the DCEO website : • People with COVID-19 symptoms or from households with someone presenting such symptoms should not play .
• Online or telephone bookings are required ; no walk-ins .
• Put on golf shoes at your vehicle .
• Players will be grouped in twosomes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice putting greens and course facilities such as pro shops and clubhouses remain closed .
• No golf carts , except for those with physical disabilities or limitations .
• Players must carry their own bags ; private pull carts are allowed .
• Flags can not be removed from cup and should not be touched ; the `` bottom '' of the cup will be elevated to remove ball .
• Golfers should pick up their own ball .
• Use own supply of golf balls , tees , markers , etc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fountains or ball cleaners .
• Restrooms will be open and sanitized .
• Bring hand sanitizer for use throughout and at the end of the round .
• No congregating on the course or `` tailgating '' before or after a round .
• Take all trash and dispose of it at home as maintenance staffs will be at a minimum .

What rules golfers need to know when suburban courses reopen Friday
By Dave Oberhelman
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Under guidelines established by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, golf courses can reopen at 6 a.m. Friday. Courses will operate under social distancing standards throughout the round in addition to restrictions assigned to course managers and golfers. This is part of the list available on the DCEO website:
• People with COVID-19 symptoms or from households with someone presenting such symptoms should not play.
• Online or telephone bookings are required; no walk-ins.
• Put on golf shoes at your vehicle.
• Players will be grouped in twosomes.
• Tee times every 15 minutes.
• Practice ranges, chipping greens, practice putting greens and course facilities such as pro shops and clubhouses remain closed.
• No golf carts, except for those with physical disabilities or limitations.
• Players must carry their own bags; private pull carts are allowed.
• Flags cannot be removed from cup and should not be touched; the "bottom" of the cup will be elevated to remove ball.
• Golfers should pick up their own ball.
• Use own supply of golf balls, tees, markers, etc.
• Do not use public drinking fountains or ball cleaners.
• Smooth sand in bunkers with a golf club.
• Restaurants open for takeout only.
• Restrooms will be open and sanitized.
• Bring hand sanitizer for use throughout and at the end of the round.
• No congregating on the course or "tailgating" before or after a round.
• Take all trash and dispose of it at home as maintenance staffs will be at a minimum.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-29--Song to make you smile: 'How Sweet It Is' by James Taylor

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ How Sweet It Is '' by James Taylor , released in 1975 .

Song to make you smile: 'How Sweet It Is' by James Taylor
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor, released in 1975.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-30--Their Life's Work: Volo Auto Museum making lemonade out of lemons during closure

The Volo Auto Museum dates back 60 years .
It started with a garage sale in an old barn and has grown to a 250,000-visitors-a-year destination .
Museum director Brian Grams said his dad , Greg , and his uncle Bill brought the cars into the business .
Grams said he grew up with cars and was `` born into the passion . ''
Since the stay-at-home order the museum has shut down and canceled its events .
Grams ' family has faced many challenges and says they stand to lose more money during the upcoming peak summer months than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking advantage of the closure .
`` We are making lemonade out of lemons by doing projects that would be too difficult to do by being open .
The closure hurts financially , but the silver lining is that we 're able to improve , build and add on at a much faster rate '' Grams said .
`` Our museum may be shut down and we 're at a loss of income there .
If we were only a museum relying on admissions , we probably would be worried about surviving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall back on '' he said .
The museum will not reopen until they feel it 's safe and feasible , even if they get the go ahead .
`` We will not take half measures in reopening .
We also do n't want our guests ' visits to be anything but spectacular ; therefore , if the opening restrictions will diminish the experience , we 'll remain closed until we know our guests ' visits will be a positive experience '' Grams said .
For now , workers are adding to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on display including the General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard television series and a DeLorean car from the `` Back to the Future '' movie .
Grams is looking forward to unveiling the Carousel Pavilion featuring a fully-functional antique 1927 carousel , automated orchestration and penny arcades .
• Do you know of a suburban small business with a compelling story to tell about working through the pandemic ?
Send photo director Jeff Knox a detailed email with LIFE 'S WORK in the subject line at jknox @ dailyherald.com , and we @ @ @ @

Their Life's Work: Volo Auto Museum making lemonade out of lemons during closure
The Volo Auto Museum dates back 60 years. It started with a garage sale in an old barn and has grown to a 250,000-visitors-a-year destination.
Museum director Brian Grams said his dad, Greg, and his uncle Bill brought the cars into the business. Grams said he grew up with cars and was "born into the passion."
Since the stay-at-home order the museum has shut down and canceled its events. Grams' family has faced many challenges and says they stand to lose more money during the upcoming peak summer months than the off season.
But they are taking advantage of the closure.
"We are making lemonade out of lemons by doing projects that would be too difficult to do by being open. The closure hurts financially, but the silver lining is that we're able to improve, build and add on at a much faster rate" Grams said. "Our museum may be shut down and we're at a loss of income there. If we were only a museum relying on admissions, we probably would be worried about surviving. But we have our car sales to fall back on" he said.
The museum will not reopen until they feel it's safe and feasible, even if they get the go ahead.
"We will not take half measures in reopening. We also don't want our guests' visits to be anything but spectacular; therefore, if the opening restrictions will diminish the experience, we'll remain closed until we know our guests' visits will be a positive experience" Grams said.
For now, workers are adding to the 33 exhibits. Around 60 famous cars are on display including the General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard television series and a DeLorean car from the "Back to the Future" movie.
Grams is looking forward to unveiling the Carousel Pavilion featuring a fully-functional antique 1927 carousel, automated orchestration and penny arcades.
• Do you know of a suburban small business with a compelling story to tell about working through the pandemic? Send photo director Jeff Knox a detailed email with LIFE'S WORK in the subject line at jknox@dailyherald.com, and we'll consider it.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--Feder: 'Those Were the Days' celebrates 50th year Saturday

Fifty years to the day after Chuck Schaden premiered `` Those Were the Days , '' he 'll be back @ @ @ @ @ of the nostalgic weekly showcase for the Golden Age of Radio , Robert Feder writes @ @ @ @ @ who succeeded him as host and producer in 2009 , the Radio Hall of Famer @ @ @ @ @ show exactly as it aired on May 2 , 1970 ( featuring `` Ma Perkins @ @ @ @ @ Man , '' Frank Sinatra , Eddie Cantor , `` Fibber McGee and Molly '' @ @ @ @ @ reminisce about the program 's earliest days .
`` Listening to this first 'TWTD ' @ @ @ @ @ a fascinating snapshot of the time when it was produced and a fascinating document of @ @ @ @ @ -- which is what our show has been about from the beginning , '' Darnall @ @ @ @ @ from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday on College of DuPage 's WDCB 90.9-FM and stream @ @ @ @ @ the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: 'Those Were the Days' celebrates 50th year Saturday
Fifty years to the day after Chuck Schaden premiered "Those Were the Days," he'll be back to mark the half-century milestone of the nostalgic weekly showcase for the Golden Age of Radio, Robert Feder writes.
Joining Steve Darnall, who succeeded him as host and producer in 2009, the Radio Hall of Famer will rebroadcast his entire first show exactly as it aired on May 2, 1970 (featuring "Ma Perkins," "The Thin Man," Frank Sinatra, Eddie Cantor, "Fibber McGee and Molly" and more), and reminisce about the program's earliest days. "Listening to this first 'TWTD' broadcast today, it's a fascinating snapshot of the time when it was produced and a fascinating document of what radio used to be -- which is what our show has been about from the beginning," Darnall said.
It will air from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday on College of DuPage's WDCB 90.9-FM and stream live on wdcb.org.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--'Miles of hearts': Aurora comforts 'Cross Man' in his final days

They kept coming and coming .
People who knew Greg Zanis only as the `` Cross Man . ''
People who never met the Aurora carpenter but recognized him by his life 's work : the white crosses he made for tens of thousands of victims of shootings and other tragedies .
Those strangers drove by his Aurora home Friday in equally staggering numbers , a procession so long police had to direct traffic around his neighborhood .
His daughter called it a `` living visitation '' to give her father , dying from cancer , some peace and comfort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he tried to do for families deprived of goodbyes .
Zanis began making crosses in 1996 to help him grieve the murder of his father-in-law .
He built his first one in honor of Nico Contreras , a 6-year-old killed in Aurora that year , at the request of the boy 's mother .
His crosses would become a familiar sight at vigils for victims of mass shootings in Newtown , Connecticut ; San Bernardino , California ; Orlando , Florida ; Las Vegas ; Parkland , Florida ; and then his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you were human , and you lost your life , '' said Dawn Valenti , a close friend who visited his home Friday .
The crosses always looked the same .
White , wooden , 3 feet tall .
Red heart in the center .
`` Miles of hearts for you , '' read one of the homemade signs greeting Zanis as he watched the convoy from a wheelchair on his front porch .
Of the nearly 3,000 crosses he built last year alone , one set commemorates the five employees killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company in Aurora : Clayton Parks , Trevor Wehner , Josh Pinkard , Russell Beyer and Vicente Juarez .
`` Last night , I had people stopping at my house all night .
I did n't get to sleep , '' Zanis said at the time .
`` I feel like I am carrying the weight of the whole city on my shoulders .
I am expected to attend all the vigils and all the funerals .
And of course , I will be there . ''
The emotional and financial toll of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up crosses , Stars of David , crescent moons or generic wreaths in the wake of national tragedies led Zanis to retire last December .
After 23 years , he turned over the cross-building effort to Lutheran Church Charities , a Northbrook-based group that has dispatched comfort dogs and volunteer handlers to the same devastated communities where Zanis has shown up with crosses .
LCC is now carrying on his legacy as the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion , Crosses for Losses ministry .
LCC President and CEO Tim Hetzner met with Zanis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touched '' by the procession of vehicles along a path of crosses .
`` It was fitting for a man who has done so much , '' Hetzner said .
Undeterred by the pandemic , hundreds of people drove by to support Zanis .
They waved and honked their horns .
Some painted crosses on posters , others decorated cars with balloons .
With his family , Zanis watched the slow-moving line of cars , beneath another cross on his front door .

'Miles of hearts': Aurora comforts 'Cross Man' in his final days
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, 2019Greg Zanis of Aurora places crosses with victims' names on them outside the site of the Henry Pratt Co. shooting in Aurora.
They kept coming and coming.
People who knew Greg Zanis only as the "Cross Man." People who never met the Aurora carpenter but recognized him by his life's work: the white crosses he made for tens of thousands of victims of shootings and other tragedies.
Those strangers drove by his Aurora home Friday in equally staggering numbers, a procession so long police had to direct traffic around his neighborhood.
His daughter called it a "living visitation" to give her father, dying from cancer, some peace and comfort in his final days.
It's what he tried to do for families deprived of goodbyes.
Zanis began making crosses in 1996 to help him grieve the murder of his father-in-law. He built his first one in honor of Nico Contreras, a 6-year-old killed in Aurora that year, at the request of the boy's mother.
His crosses would become a familiar sight at vigils for victims of mass shootings in Newtown, Connecticut; San Bernardino, California; Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas; Parkland, Florida; and then his own hometown.
"He just cared that you were human, and you lost your life," said Dawn Valenti, a close friend who visited his home Friday.
The crosses always looked the same. White, wooden, 3 feet tall. Red heart in the center.
"Miles of hearts for you," read one of the homemade signs greeting Zanis as he watched the convoy from a wheelchair on his front porch.
Of the nearly 3,000 crosses he built last year alone, one set commemorates the five employees killed in a shooting at the Henry Pratt company in Aurora: Clayton Parks, Trevor Wehner, Josh Pinkard, Russell Beyer and Vicente Juarez.
"Last night, I had people stopping at my house all night. I didn't get to sleep," Zanis said at the time. "I feel like I am carrying the weight of the whole city on my shoulders. I am expected to attend all the vigils and all the funerals. And of course, I will be there."
The emotional and financial toll of traveling across the country to personally put up crosses, Stars of David, crescent moons or generic wreaths in the wake of national tragedies led Zanis to retire last December.
After 23 years, he turned over the cross-building effort to Lutheran Church Charities, a Northbrook-based group that has dispatched comfort dogs and volunteer handlers to the same devastated communities where Zanis has shown up with crosses.
LCC is now carrying on his legacy as the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses ministry. LCC President and CEO Tim Hetzner met with Zanis, who was tired, but "touched" by the procession of vehicles along a path of crosses.
"It was fitting for a man who has done so much," Hetzner said.
Undeterred by the pandemic, hundreds of people drove by to support Zanis. They waved and honked their horns. Some painted crosses on posters, others decorated cars with balloons.
With his family, Zanis watched the slow-moving line of cars, beneath another cross on his front door.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--Largest one-day spike in COVID-19 cases as state ramps up tracing program

Illinois experienced its largest single-day spike in new coronavirus cases Friday as Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced plans for an $ 80 million contact-tracing operation .
State health officials announced 3,137 new infections along with the deaths of 105 more residents from the virus .
That 's the most new infections in a 24-hour period the state has recorded .
Testing also is ramping up , with 14,821 new results and 21.2 % of those positive for the disease .
Statewide , 56,055 people have been infected and 2,457 have died .
Just as the state has stepped up its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day in the last week -- Pritzker said the state is preparing to scale up the state 's infection tracing program .
`` Contact tracing is one of the most critical tools we have to reduce the spread rate , speed up diagnoses and seek to halt outbreaks before they happen , '' Pritzker said .
He called it an `` army '' of nearly 4,000 state employees .
The state has hired Dr. Wayne Duffus , an infectious disease specialist , to oversee development of the contact tracing program .
Duffus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going by the end of the month , which will require a massive amount of hiring and training .
`` We 're getting the pieces together we need and trying to cover any potential limitations that may arise , '' he said .
`` Contact tracing is a skill that can be done by anyone who 's bright , interested and has a charming personality . ''
Duffus described the process of creating the program as turning a dial to increase capacity , rather than flicking a switch from off to on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from those interested in positions with the state program .
The point of contact tracing allows the state to quickly find out who an infected person has come into contact with so state investigators can urge those potentially infected with the virus into self-isolation .
The state and county health departments will help with food , laundry , housing and medications for those who may be infected and need additional resources .
Duffus noted these types of tracing programs have been around for centuries and have been employed in other pandemics and epidemics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the staff needed will be large and varied , '' Duffus said .
Friday also marked the start of a 30-day extension of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's stay-at-home order , which was met by protests in Chicago and Springfield .
There were no reports of unrest or arrests at either location .
Pritzker remained unmoved on the decision to extend the stay-at-home order .
`` There are a few hundred people exercising their right to free speech , which I will defend to the death their right to do , '' Pritzker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who stayed home are the ones who truly deserve to be commended . ''
The order loosened some restrictions , including allowing retailers to sell items for delivery and curbside pickup , as well as opening golf courses and boating with some limitations .

Largest one-day spike in COVID-19 cases as state ramps up tracing program
Illinois experienced its largest single-day spike in new coronavirus cases Friday as Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced plans for an $80 million contact-tracing operation.
State health officials announced 3,137 new infections along with the deaths of 105 more residents from the virus.
That's the most new infections in a 24-hour period the state has recorded. Testing also is ramping up, with 14,821 new results and 21.2% of those positive for the disease.
Statewide, 56,055 people have been infected and 2,457 have died.
Just as the state has stepped up its testing program -- which averaged 13,579 tests per day in the last week -- Pritzker said the state is preparing to scale up the state's infection tracing program.
"Contact tracing is one of the most critical tools we have to reduce the spread rate, speed up diagnoses and seek to halt outbreaks before they happen," Pritzker said.
He called it an "army" of nearly 4,000 state employees.
The state has hired Dr. Wayne Duffus, an infectious disease specialist, to oversee development of the contact tracing program.
Duffus said he hopes to have the program going by the end of the month, which will require a massive amount of hiring and training.
"We're getting the pieces together we need and trying to cover any potential limitations that may arise," he said. "Contact tracing is a skill that can be done by anyone who's bright, interested and has a charming personality."
Duffus described the process of creating the program as turning a dial to increase capacity, rather than flicking a switch from off to on. Duffus said inquiries already are coming in from those interested in positions with the state program.
The point of contact tracing allows the state to quickly find out who an infected person has come into contact with so state investigators can urge those potentially infected with the virus into self-isolation. The state and county health departments will help with food, laundry, housing and medications for those who may be infected and need additional resources.
Duffus noted these types of tracing programs have been around for centuries and have been employed in other pandemics and epidemics.
"Just to be clear, the staff needed will be large and varied," Duffus said.
Friday also marked the start of a 30-day extension of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order, which was met by protests in Chicago and Springfield.
Pritzker remained unmoved on the decision to extend the stay-at-home order.
"There are a few hundred people exercising their right to free speech, which I will defend to the death their right to do," Pritzker said. "But the millions of people who stayed home are the ones who truly deserve to be commended."
The order loosened some restrictions, including allowing retailers to sell items for delivery and curbside pickup, as well as opening golf courses and boating with some limitations.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--Hospital stays, revenues down as nonpandemic patients steer clear

Fears of swamped hospitals overrun with COVID-19 patients are not playing out across the suburbs or in many places across the nation , hospital officials and industry reports say .
Numbers of COVID-19 patients are fewer than expected at the two hospitals in the Edward-Elmhurst Health system and at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights .
`` The good news is that ... we are poised to be in a position to more-than-adequately take care of our community during this COVID-19 crisis , '' Northwest Community Hospital CEO Stephen Scogna said in a video message to employees .
The bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past two months , so the hospital on Thursday announced it is imposing pay cuts starting at 6 % for employees and rising to 14 % for executive vice presidents and 20 % for the CEO .
The cuts are slated to last through September , but , for now , no layoffs are planned .
`` The implications to NCH 's revenue streams are going to require us all to make some sacrifices , '' Scogna said .
At the same time , Northwest Community is giving modest pay increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has had direct contact with COVID-19 patients .
The Arlington Heights hospital is not alone in experiencing declining revenue amid a pandemic that has doctors worried many people are avoiding hospital care they need because of fears about the new coronavirus .
Overall patient volumes are lower than usual among 707 hospitals in 45 states examined in a report released Friday by consulting firm Crowe LLP .
The report found outpatient surgical volumes down 71 % , other outpatient services down 62 % , emergency department visits down 40 % , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated the average 350-bed hospital in Illinois lost $ 23.6 million in revenue from the start of the pandemic to April 25 .
Northwest Community Hospital , which has 509 beds , has seen a broad impact to elective procedures and outpatient visits as a result of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's first stay-at-home order .
Many appointments have been postponed and some have been transformed into telehealth visits , according to hospital spokeswoman Amy Jo Steinbruecker .
Hospitals emptied many beds by following the governor 's order and postponing elective surgeries last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Mary Lou Mastro described as a `` significant surge in COVID patients . ''
The surge , however , is `` leveling out , '' Mastro said , and the hospital system as a whole has `` the capacity to do more . ''
Edward and Elmhurst hospitals on Friday were treating 111 patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 21 patients whose tests for the virus were pending .
The system has treated 424 others with the virus -- 361 who were discharged and 63 who died .
But a decrease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has the nearly 600 beds across the two hospitals running at an average of 70 % occupancy , Mastro said .
`` The misnomer that people have is that the hospital is only COVID-19 patients , '' she said .
`` Of the patients we have in the hospital , 24 % are COVID-positive patients . ''
Edward-Elmhurst also is experiencing revenue decreases but has not announced pay cuts .
Mastro said the system is continuing to pay roughly 500 employees who have not been working the past seven weeks because their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
She said the system has created a labor pool of at least 400 employees who have been reassigned to help with tasks related to pandemic response and has retrained at least 100 nurses to help out in COVID-19 units .
Caring for those patients is `` stressful '' but well within hospital capabilities , Mastro said .
The hospital is used to safely containing infections and has put in place new protocols and increased use of personal protective equipment to hinder the spread .
That 's why the hospital is working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit an emergency department if a medical need arises .
Dr. Peter Schubel , an emergency medicine physician at Edward Hospital , said he has seen patients who have waited longer than they should to come in for ailments including chest pain or symptoms of a stroke .
Doctors can do more to help if patients arrive as soon as these symptoms begin .
`` They think they 're not supposed to and think they 're doing us a favor '' by staying away from the emergency department , Schubel said .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want to get back to what we do , '' he said , `` which is take care of all kinds of illness . ''

Why hospitals are losing money during a pandemic
Fears of swamped hospitals overrun with COVID-19 patients are not playing out across the suburbs or in many places across the nation, hospital officials and industry reports say.
Numbers of COVID-19 patients are fewer than expected at the two hospitals in the Edward-Elmhurst Health system and at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.
"The good news is that ... we are poised to be in a position to more-than-adequately take care of our community during this COVID-19 crisis," Northwest Community Hospital CEO Stephen Scogna said in a video message to employees.
The bad news is revenue is down 50% over the past two months, so the hospital on Thursday announced it is imposing pay cuts starting at 6% for employees and rising to 14% for executive vice presidents and 20% for the CEO. The cuts are slated to last through September, but, for now, no layoffs are planned.
"The implications to NCH's revenue streams are going to require us all to make some sacrifices," Scogna said.
At the same time, Northwest Community is giving modest pay increases to the 15% of its workforce that has had direct contact with COVID-19 patients.
The Arlington Heights hospital is not alone in experiencing declining revenue amid a pandemic that has doctors worried many people are avoiding hospital care they need because of fears about the new coronavirus.
Overall patient volumes are lower than usual among 707 hospitals in 45 states examined in a report released Friday by consulting firm Crowe LLP. The report found outpatient surgical volumes down 71%, other outpatient services down 62%, emergency department visits down 40%, and inpatient populations down 30%. It estimated the average 350-bed hospital in Illinois lost $23.6 million in revenue from the start of the pandemic to April 25.
Northwest Community Hospital, which has 509 beds, has seen a broad impact to elective procedures and outpatient visits as a result of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's first stay-at-home order. Many appointments have been postponed and some have been transformed into telehealth visits, according to hospital spokeswoman Amy Jo Steinbruecker.
Hospitals emptied many beds by following the governor's order and postponing elective surgeries last month, preparing for what Edward-Elmhurst Health CEO Mary Lou Mastro described as a "significant surge in COVID patients."
The surge, however, is "leveling out," Mastro said, and the hospital system as a whole has "the capacity to do more."
Edward and Elmhurst hospitals on Friday were treating 111 patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 21 patients whose tests for the virus were pending. The system has treated 424 others with the virus -- 361 who were discharged and 63 who died.
But a decrease in overall patient volume because of the pandemic has the nearly 600 beds across the two hospitals running at an average of 70% occupancy, Mastro said.
"The misnomer that people have is that the hospital is only COVID-19 patients," she said. "Of the patients we have in the hospital, 24% are COVID-positive patients."
Edward-Elmhurst also is experiencing revenue decreases but has not announced pay cuts.
Mastro said the system is continuing to pay roughly 500 employees who have not been working the past seven weeks because their typical jobs have shut down amid the pandemic. She said the system has created a labor pool of at least 400 employees who have been reassigned to help with tasks related to pandemic response and has retrained at least 100 nurses to help out in COVID-19 units.
Caring for those patients is "stressful" but well within hospital capabilities, Mastro said. The hospital is used to safely containing infections and has put in place new protocols and increased use of personal protective equipment to hinder the spread.
That's why the hospital is working to remind patients it is safe to visit an emergency department if a medical need arises.
Dr. Peter Schubel, an emergency medicine physician at Edward Hospital, said he has seen patients who have waited longer than they should to come in for ailments including chest pain or symptoms of a stroke. Doctors can do more to help if patients arrive as soon as these symptoms begin.
"They think they're not supposed to and think they're doing us a favor" by staying away from the emergency department, Schubel said.
But that's not the case.
"We want to get back to what we do," he said, "which is take care of all kinds of illness."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--Elgin Butera manager dies of COVID-19, wife recovering

The manager of a Butera grocery store in Elgin died Thursday , a day after his wife was taken off a ventilator at the same hospital where they were being treated for COVID-19 .
Emilio Cuahquentzi , 50 , of Rockford , worked at the Butera location at Tyler Creek Plaza in Elgin .
He and his wife , Elizabeth , have two children Paola , 20 , and Josue , 23 , and many relatives in Elgin , who said not being able to visit the couple at SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford had been agonizing .
The family told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privacy during this painful time .
`` It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you that our beloved Emilio is with our Heavenly Father , '' said a post on a GoFundMe page designed to help the family with medical expenses and future bills .
The family was elated at the news Elizabeth was able to leave the ICU on Wednesday , a day after her 43rd birthday .
A video on the GoFundMe page shows her being wheeled out by nurses to the tune of `` Gon na Fly Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song of the movie `` Rocky . ''
`` Hope you love the video as much as we did .
The family is so happy for the recovery Elizabeth has made and ca n't wait to have her home soon , '' the post said .
Emilio , who had been in good health , started feeling ill in early April and tested positive for the new coronavirus April 13 , his family said .
He was hospitalized April 18 .
Elizabeth , who tested positive April 11 , had been hospitalized three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cashier at Blain 's Farm and Fleet in Rockford .
The couple , who would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary next year , met when they worked at the Butera store at Clock Tower Plaza in Elgin .
`` The Butera family and its employees are greatly saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear colleague and friend , '' the company said in a statement .
Emilio began his Butera career in 1990 at the Clock Tower location , and would have celebrated in July the 30th anniversary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , he worked at Butera locations in Roselle , Bartlett and Algonquin , rising to the position of store manager .
At one point , he worked in construction sales with his father-in-law for about two years , then returned to Butera , his family said .
Emilio had been away from work since early April , Butera said .
`` We followed the ups and downs of his progress , all the while hoping and expecting his full recovery , '' the company said .
`` We are grateful that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against this potentially deadly virus .
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Emilio 's family as we all grieve his loss . ''

Elgin Butera manager dies of COVID-19, wife recovering
Emilio Cuahquentzi, 50, right, died in hospital Thursday after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He is the manager of Butera at Tyler Creek Plaza. His wife Elizabeth, left, is recovering. Photo courtesy of Cuahquentzi family
Emilio Cuahquentzi, 50, died in hospital Thursday after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He is the manager of Butera at Tyler Creek Plaza. His wife Elizabeth is recovering. Photo courtesy of Cuahquentzi family
The manager of a Butera grocery store in Elgin died Thursday, a day after his wife was taken off a ventilator at the same hospital where they were being treated for COVID-19.
Emilio Cuahquentzi, 50, of Rockford, worked at the Butera location at Tyler Creek Plaza in Elgin. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children Paola, 20, and Josue, 23, and many relatives in Elgin, who said not being able to visit the couple at SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford had been agonizing.
The family told the Daily Herald they are asking for privacy during this painful time.
"It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you that our beloved Emilio is with our Heavenly Father," said a post on a GoFundMe page designed to help the family with medical expenses and future bills.
The family was elated at the news Elizabeth was able to leave the ICU on Wednesday, a day after her 43rd birthday. A video on the GoFundMe page shows her being wheeled out by nurses to the tune of "Gonna Fly Now" by Bill Conti, the theme song of the movie "Rocky."
"Hope you love the video as much as we did. The family is so happy for the recovery Elizabeth has made and can't wait to have her home soon," the post said.
Emilio, who had been in good health, started feeling ill in early April and tested positive for the new coronavirus April 13, his family said. He was hospitalized April 18. Elizabeth, who tested positive April 11, had been hospitalized three days prior.
She works part-time as a cashier at Blain's Farm and Fleet in Rockford. The couple, who would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary next year, met when they worked at the Butera store at Clock Tower Plaza in Elgin.
"The Butera family and its employees are greatly saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear colleague and friend," the company said in a statement.
Emilio began his Butera career in 1990 at the Clock Tower location, and would have celebrated in July the 30th anniversary of his initial hire. Over the years, he worked at Butera locations in Roselle, Bartlett and Algonquin, rising to the position of store manager. At one point, he worked in construction sales with his father-in-law for about two years, then returned to Butera, his family said.
Emilio had been away from work since early April, Butera said. "We followed the ups and downs of his progress, all the while hoping and expecting his full recovery," the company said.
"We are grateful that his wife Liza, is recovering from her fight against this potentially deadly virus. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Emilio's family as we all grieve his loss."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--How U-46 is serving thousands of meals to families weekly

When Elgin Area School District U-46 closed schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic , a cadre of 160 essential workers stepped up to keep feeding a multitude of students and families in need .
Karen Roman-Martinez is among those unsung heroes -- food service workers risking their health to prepare , bag and distribute thousands of meals , including breakfast , lunch , dinner and snack items , for families to pick up each week .
`` We serve the community , '' said Roman-Martinez , 35 , of Hoffman Estates , a food service lead at Coleman Elementary in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help .
I really love my job . ''
Roman-Martinez said her reward is seeing the smiles on the faces of students and their families when they drive up in cars to receive food through the window or placed in trunks by workers .
`` I really do miss the kids , '' she said .
`` They always make my day .
I am the lunch lady . ''
U-46 food service workers must follow rigorous safety protocols , including washing hands frequently , using hand sanitizer , wearing masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they work the assembly line on a roughly 6-hour shift starting at 7:30 a.m. On Mondays and Wednesdays , workers bag double the amount of food to last two days .
More than a 1,000 bags are distributed at Coleman alone , Roman-Martinez said .
Food is distributed three days a week at 26 sites , including the district 's main office in Elgin and elementary schools spread throughout its 11 communities .
Since March 17 , the district has distributed 781,011 meals and 260,337 snacks prepared at the district 's commissary at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the first day we served 12,600 meals and today we served 47,532 , '' said Elena Hildreth , U-46 food and nutrition services director .
`` It has grown substantially .
We had no idea of the volume . ''
While mostly a drive-through operation , some sites are set up with tables so families can cycle or walk up and take as many food bags as needed .
There is no set limit , but a few sites allow five bags per family .
Families can pick up food from any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be present .
`` It 's on the honor system that families will go and take what they need and nothing more , '' Hildreth said .
`` There is no tracking mechanism .
We 've had a few hiccups where we 've run out of food . ''
Demand has increased steadily at schools with a larger population of students eligible for the federal free and reduced lunch program , such as Coleman .
If a site runs out of food , workers call other locations to see if they have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nutrition service staff have started taking meals because their spouses are not working , '' Hildreth said .
`` We 've been blessed with the same people since the beginning ( working ) at the same locations . ''
None of the nurses , food service workers and delivery drivers manning the sites since the lockdown began have been diagnosed with COVID-19 , she added .
Hildreth has been rewarding workers ' dedication with lots of chocolates , treats , and special superhero masks .
`` ( May 1 ) happens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said adding , `` we 're just really trying to thank them every day . ''

How U-46 is serving thousands of meals to families weekly
When Elgin Area School District U-46 closed schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a cadre of 160 essential workers stepped up to keep feeding a multitude of students and families in need.
Karen Roman-Martinez is among those unsung heroes -- food service workers risking their health to prepare, bag and distribute thousands of meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack items, for families to pick up each week.
"We serve the community," said Roman-Martinez, 35, of Hoffman Estates, a food service lead at Coleman Elementary in Elgin. "I'm always willing to help. I really love my job."
Roman-Martinez said her reward is seeing the smiles on the faces of students and their families when they drive up in cars to receive food through the window or placed in trunks by workers.
"I really do miss the kids," she said. "They always make my day. I am the lunch lady."
U-46 food service workers must follow rigorous safety protocols, including washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, gloves and observing social distancing rules as they work the assembly line on a roughly 6-hour shift starting at 7:30 a.m. On Mondays and Wednesdays, workers bag double the amount of food to last two days. More than a 1,000 bags are distributed at Coleman alone, Roman-Martinez said.
Food is distributed three days a week at 26 sites, including the district's main office in Elgin and elementary schools spread throughout its 11 communities.
Since March 17, the district has distributed 781,011 meals and 260,337 snacks prepared at the district's commissary at 1150 Bowes Road in Elgin.
"On the first day we served 12,600 meals and today we served 47,532," said Elena Hildreth, U-46 food and nutrition services director. "It has grown substantially. We had no idea of the volume."
While mostly a drive-through operation, some sites are set up with tables so families can cycle or walk up and take as many food bags as needed. There is no set limit, but a few sites allow five bags per family. Families can pick up food from any location and children don't need to be present.
"It's on the honor system that families will go and take what they need and nothing more," Hildreth said. "There is no tracking mechanism. We've had a few hiccups where we've run out of food."
Demand has increased steadily at schools with a larger population of students eligible for the federal free and reduced lunch program, such as Coleman. If a site runs out of food, workers call other locations to see if they have a surplus.
"Some of our food and nutrition service staff have started taking meals because their spouses are not working," Hildreth said. "We've been blessed with the same people since the beginning (working) at the same locations."
None of the nurses, food service workers and delivery drivers manning the sites since the lockdown began have been diagnosed with COVID-19, she added.
Hildreth has been rewarding workers' dedication with lots of chocolates, treats, and special superhero masks. "(May 1) happens to be National School Lunch Hero Day," she said adding, "we're just really trying to thank them every day."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-01--Return to golf, greenhouses, grooming 'feels so good'

We took a small step toward a return to the new normal Friday when golf courses , greenhouses and even pet groomers were allowed to reopen a month after Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's first stay-at-home order to help fight the spread of COVID-19 .
Customers flocked to the businesses , albeit with face coverings and social distancing requirements .
At Springbrook Golf Course in Naperville , players were required to wear masks and play in twosomes with tee times 15 minutes apart .
`` It feels so good to be outside and to be with friends , '' golfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called his round at Springbrook `` the best five-mile walk that I have had in a long time . ''
Lawn and garden fans at Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale were similarly excited , or `` stoked , '' as Tina Blazer of Lombard put it .
`` Thrilled to be here and out among people , '' she said .
Debbie Fuller took her mom , Judy Kemmann of Lombard , shopping for plants as a break from seven weeks with her own children , which she said `` has been obnoxious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven weeks for us to go out and buy some plants and be happy , '' Debbie Fuller said .
`` To be in my yard and plant some flowers will be amazing . ''
Owner Chris Danca of the Original Dog Barber in Arlington Heights had a backlog of appointments when he reopened Friday .
`` We 're already booked next week and I have 30 messages when I 'm done today , and the phones are ringing nonstop , so it 's going to take a month or two -- if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Danca reopened his shop with two groomers , not as many as usual .
He said he expected to see between 25 and 40 dogs during the first day back on the job , meeting each animal outside at its owner 's car and returning the pet to the car with grooming complete .
`` I think it 's something maybe we could have done from the beginning without stoppage , '' Danca said .
`` We 're not that dissimilar from a vet .
Hair requires tending just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to a degree .
We could have observed the protocol . ''
• Daily Herald staff photographers Brian Hill , Rick West and Joe Lewnard contributed to this report .

Return to golf, greenhouses, grooming 'feels so good'
We took a small step toward a return to the new normal Friday when golf courses, greenhouses and even pet groomers were allowed to reopen a month after Gov. J.B. Pritzker's first stay-at-home order to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
Customers flocked to the businesses, albeit with face coverings and social distancing requirements.
At Springbrook Golf Course in Naperville, players were required to wear masks and play in twosomes with tee times 15 minutes apart.
"It feels so good to be outside and to be with friends," golfer Greg Cornwell said.
Golfer Dave Clark called his round at Springbrook "the best five-mile walk that I have had in a long time."
Lawn and garden fans at Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale were similarly excited, or "stoked," as Tina Blazer of Lombard put it. "Thrilled to be here and out among people," she said.
Debbie Fuller took her mom, Judy Kemmann of Lombard, shopping for plants as a break from seven weeks with her own children, which she said "has been obnoxious."
"I've been waiting seven weeks for us to go out and buy some plants and be happy," Debbie Fuller said. "To be in my yard and plant some flowers will be amazing."
Owner Chris Danca of the Original Dog Barber in Arlington Heights had a backlog of appointments when he reopened Friday.
"We're already booked next week and I have 30 messages when I'm done today, and the phones are ringing nonstop, so it's going to take a month or two -- if not longer -- to catch up," he said.
Danca reopened his shop with two groomers, not as many as usual. He said he expected to see between 25 and 40 dogs during the first day back on the job, meeting each animal outside at its owner's car and returning the pet to the car with grooming complete.
"I think it's something maybe we could have done from the beginning without stoppage," Danca said. "We're not that dissimilar from a vet. Hair requires tending just like the medical needs of a dog, to a degree. We could have observed the protocol."
• Daily Herald staff photographers Brian Hill, Rick West and Joe Lewnard contributed to this report.