dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-13--In school or at home? Both sides of pandemic education debate have rallied in the suburbs

The issue of returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked vigorous debate in the suburbs , as people on both sides have donned masks , painted signs and taken to the streets in recent days to air their views .
On Sunday , Wheaton was the site of a rally in support of keeping students at home to learn remotely .
Among the participants was Becca Lech , a 15-year-old sophomore at Wheaton Warrenville South High School .
She carried a sign reading `` Listen to Science '' as she stood near the intersection of Roosevelt and Warrenville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the rise in cases among those from 15 to 19 years old in DuPage County .
`` That 's not going to be helped by any means by going back to school and reopening high schools right now , '' she said .
`` Until there is a trace-and-test program , going back to school is both unsafe for the students and the community . ''
She noted that her brother tested positive after being away at college for about two weeks .
`` He is completely isolated in my parents ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheet over the door , '' she said .
Wheaton resident Ryan Claus , a teacher and a parent , also attended the rally .
`` With the current pandemic going on , I do n't think it makes any sense for kids to be school , '' he said .
`` At this point , we have to start looking at the science here and not just that the kids want to be back in school .
There is plenty of opportunity for that in the future once this pandemic goes away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claus , an eighth-grader at Monroe Middle School in Wheaton , held a sign reading `` I 'd rather be in a Zoom than a casket . ''
Returning to the classroom , Kenzie said , is n't worth the risk .
`` I have an autoimmune disease , and I know kids would not stay six feet apart , '' she said .
`` I do n't want to die .
I do n't want to lose teachers .
If we go back , why risk it , when we could just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Silva , a 17-year-old junior at Wheaton North High School , also was there to support staying at home .
`` I 'm very disappointed , because it 's turned into this ( partisan ) thing , two different groups , '' he said .
`` If you look at empirical evidence , this is obviously a huge threat .
I understand concerns of not being able to learn as well as you did in regular school .
But this is a life-or-death situation . ''
Wheaton last week was home to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Students movement , which advocates for a return to in-person learning .
We Stand for the Students organizer Dave Ruggles of Wheaton points to Indiana , Iowa , Michigan and other states that have allowed students to return to in-person learning -- and are allowing students to play football .
`` Illinois is surrounded by states that have shown guts , '' he said in a WGN radio interview last week .
School board meetings this week for districts that have some or all of their students relegated to remote learning are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles , two opposing groups plan to picket Monday evening near the District 303 administration center : Reopen D303 High Schools !
and Reopen D303 High Schools When It 's Safe .
Also Monday , some parents in Barrington Area Unit District 220 are planning a `` Get Our Kids Back to School and Let Them Play ! ''
rally at 6 p.m. at Citizens Park .
• Daily Herald staff writers Lauren Rohr and Susan Sarkauskas contributed to this report .

In school or at home? Both sides of pandemic education debate have rallied in the suburbs
The issue of returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked vigorous debate in the suburbs, as people on both sides have donned masks, painted signs and taken to the streets in recent days to air their views.
On Sunday, Wheaton was the site of a rally in support of keeping students at home to learn remotely.
Among the participants was Becca Lech, a 15-year-old sophomore at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. She carried a sign reading "Listen to Science" as she stood near the intersection of Roosevelt and Warrenville roads.
She said she is concerned about the rise in cases among those from 15 to 19 years old in DuPage County.
"That's not going to be helped by any means by going back to school and reopening high schools right now," she said. "Until there is a trace-and-test program, going back to school is both unsafe for the students and the community."
She noted that her brother tested positive after being away at college for about two weeks.
"He is completely isolated in my parents' room. There is a giant plastic sheet over the door," she said.
Wheaton resident Ryan Claus, a teacher and a parent, also attended the rally.
"With the current pandemic going on, I don't think it makes any sense for kids to be school," he said. "At this point, we have to start looking at the science here and not just that the kids want to be back in school. There is plenty of opportunity for that in the future once this pandemic goes away."
His 13-year-old daughter, Kenzie Claus, an eighth-grader at Monroe Middle School in Wheaton, held a sign reading "I'd rather be in a Zoom than a casket."
Returning to the classroom, Kenzie said, isn't worth the risk.
"I have an autoimmune disease, and I know kids would not stay six feet apart," she said. "I don't want to die. I don't want to lose teachers. If we go back, why risk it, when we could just do it from home?"
Victor Silva, a 17-year-old junior at Wheaton North High School, also was there to support staying at home.
"I'm very disappointed, because it's turned into this (partisan) thing, two different groups," he said. "If you look at empirical evidence, this is obviously a huge threat. I understand concerns of not being able to learn as well as you did in regular school. But this is a life-or-death situation."
Wheaton last week was home to a rally held by the We Stand for the Students movement, which advocates for a return to in-person learning.
We Stand for the Students organizer Dave Ruggles of Wheaton points to Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and other states that have allowed students to return to in-person learning -- and are allowing students to play football.
"Illinois is surrounded by states that have shown guts," he said in a WGN radio interview last week.
School board meetings this week for districts that have some or all of their students relegated to remote learning are likely to be contentious.
In St. Charles, two opposing groups plan to picket Monday evening near the District 303 administration center: Reopen D303 High Schools! and Reopen D303 High Schools When It's Safe.
Also Monday, some parents in Barrington Area Unit District 220 are planning a "Get Our Kids Back to School and Let Them Play!" rally at 6 p.m. at Citizens Park.
• Daily Herald staff writers Lauren Rohr and Susan Sarkauskas contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-13--Police: Gurnee woman, 21, shot to death during domestic dispute

Gurnee police say a woman was fatally shot early Sunday morning in a domestic dispute at a home on the @ @ @ @ @ .
Officers called to the residence just after midnight found Ameyah Brewton , 21 , @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wound .
Officers began CPR until paramedics from the Gurnee Fire Department took her @ @ @ @ @ in Libertyville , where she later died from her injuries , police said .
Police @ @ @ @ @ 19 , in the home , and took him into custody after interviewing him and @ @ @ @ @ Brewton and Cole had a domestic relationship and the shooting was an isolated event .
@ @ @ @ @ manslaughter , possession of a stolen firearm , unlawful possession of a stolen firearm without @ @ @ @ @ possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver , two counts of unlawful possession @ @ @ @ @ unlawful possession of cannabis , police said .
He is scheduled to appear before a @ @ @ @ @ bond court .

Police: Gurnee woman shot to death during domestic dispute
Gurnee police say a woman was fatally shot early Sunday morning in a domestic dispute at a home on the 600 block of Creekside Circle.
Officers called to the residence just after midnight found Ameyah Brewton, 21, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers began CPR until paramedics from the Gurnee Fire Department took her to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where she later died from her injuries, police said.
Police also located Isaiah Cole, 19, in the home, and took him into custody after interviewing him and witnesses. Gurnee police said Brewton and Cole had a domestic relationship and the shooting was an isolated event.
Cole is charged with involuntary manslaughter, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a stolen firearm without an FOID card, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of cannabis, police said.
He is scheduled to appear before a Lake County judge Monday for bond court.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-13--Constable: Maple Park rescue brings in Wheeling horse whisperer to tame Prince the Bully

The stallion formerly known as Prince the Bully poses peacefully in a large arena as horse whisperer Mitch Bornstein of Wheeling gently unfolds a plastic tarp across the horse 's back .
`` That 's amazing , '' gasps Sue Balla , founder of Casey 's Safe Haven , a holistic horse rescue and sanctuary in Maple Park where Prince arrived on Jan. 31 .
`` I 've been with horses for 45 years , '' says Balla , who has worked with fiery stallions .
`` But I never had to deal with a vicious horse .
And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had heard stories of how the horse hated both humans and other horses , and she watched the video of Prince violently attacking a woman .
But she still agreed to house the horse temporarily at her stables .
`` He had an hour to live , '' Balla says .
`` They were putting him down . ''
Prince was in his new stall with the door open just a bit and the stall guard in place as Balla calmly told the horse he was in a safe place .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at me , bit me in the chest and flipped me over backward , '' says Balla , who got a huge lump and nasty bruise that would have been worse if not for her two sweatshirts and thick down coat .
`` Had I not been able to roll over and get the door shut , I do n't think I 'd be standing here . ''
Too dangerous to pass along to new owners , Prince was given a second chance at Casey 's , as Balla did n't blame the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no reason to like people .
He lived in a box for 10 years , '' Balla says .
She figures Prince , a beautiful , 10-year-old Andalusian-cross stallion with three white socks and a black coat , was taken out of his stall only to breed and never learned how to interact with other horses or humans .
`` The first time he saw his shadow in the sunshine , he freaked out .
He 'd never been outside , '' remembers Nancy Young , treasurer for the horse charity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Balla says .
`` He had no muscle , no coordination . ''
With his potential new owners abandoning him , Prince 's fate was in Balla 's hands .
She decided to bring in Bornstein , a legendary horse trainer who wrote the book `` Last Chance Mustang , '' about his successful and lasting relationship with a wild horse from Nevada that ended up in McHenry County .
Bornstein , who grew up in Highland Park but rode horses in the Northwest suburbs whenever he could , is a legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a livelihood training horses .
Bornstein started working with Prince in May and has made remarkable progress in more than five dozen sessions .
But Prince did attack him three times in the beginning .
`` It 's literally like a train hits you , '' Bornstein says of the first attack when Prince bit him .
`` He gets you and pulls you back so you whiplash . ''
Bornstein waited until his shoulder healed considerably before posting a photo of the bite and bruising on Facebook .
`` The attack was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but with work , '' Bornstein says , explaining how the horse did n't know any other way to respond .
`` His first inclination was violence , '' says Bornstein , who dodged Prince 's most dangerous attack .
`` He kicked at my face .
He plays for keeps . ''
A fit 5 feet , 10 inches and 175 pounds , the 50-year-old trainer now works the 1,200-pound Prince with relative grace .
`` I think we get each other , '' Bornstein says , while gently petting Prince 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not fear .
It 's respect . ''
The trainer can leave Prince `` ground tied , '' meaning the 30-foot rope attached to the horse 's halter is n't attached to a post but just lying in the dirt of the stable .
In his previous life , Prince often had his feet chained together so he could n't flee .
Now , Prince and Bornstein have an agreement .
`` He knows he can walk away , '' Bornstein says .
`` But he also knows I want him to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backward with a simple movement of his hand .
Prince is a smart horse and often gets bored with the tedious nature of training , so Bornstein can focus on several skills in a single session , all working toward the goal of making the horse a peaceful companion .
`` The amount of times I 've had my heart in my throat , '' Balla says , as Bornstein gently lifts and cleans each hoof .
`` What this man has done is flipping amazing . ''
Of the 25 horses currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for new owners to step forward , but some are permanent sanctuary residents , such as Poppy the horse and Ginger the pony , who are both blind .
Candy , a 41-year-old pony , has outlived all expectations and is still healthy .
Rio , Balla 's 28-year-old gelding , has the stall next to Prince , who was gelded in December , and Balla is hoping her old horse 's mellow personality rubs off on Prince .
On Saturday , Sept. 26 , Casey 's is opening its doors for tours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Borstein .
Tickets , which must be purchased by Sept. 22 , are $ 30 and include a `` goody bag , '' but only 40 people will be allowed in each time slot of 9:30-11 , noon-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. Visit caseyssafehaven.org to make reservations and buy tickets .
As much as she has grown to love Prince , Balla says her hope is that Prince will one day be so well-behaved that he can find a `` forever home . ''
Is he just about ready ?
`` No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an apple before letting him roam freely in a nearby corral .
`` But he 's trying super hard . ''

Constable: Maple Park rescue brings in Wheeling horse whisperer to tame Prince the Bully
Having already healed considerably from the day Prince the horse attacked him, horse trainer Mitch Bornstein of Wheeling posted this photo of the resulting bruising. Courtesy of Mitch Bornstein
Prince, right, once was so violent that he was scheduled to be euthanized. But the horse has made such great progress with a trainer at Casey's Safe Haven in Maple Park that he can share a quiet moment with Rio, the horse owned by Casey's founder Sue Balla. Courtesy of Casey's Safe Haven
Prince was such a "gorgeous" horse that everybody wanted to buy him, says Sue Balla, founder and owner of Casey's Safe Haven in Maple Park. But the horse attacked people and was about to be euthanized before Balla hooked him up with trainer Mitch Bornstein of Wheeling. Courtesy of Casey's Safe Haven
The stallion formerly known as Prince the Bully poses peacefully in a large arena as horse whisperer Mitch Bornstein of Wheeling gently unfolds a plastic tarp across the horse's back.
"That's amazing," gasps Sue Balla, founder of Casey's Safe Haven, a holistic horse rescue and sanctuary in Maple Park where Prince arrived on Jan. 31.
"I've been with horses for 45 years," says Balla, who has worked with fiery stallions. "But I never had to deal with a vicious horse. And he was vicious."
Balla, 63, had heard stories of how the horse hated both humans and other horses, and she watched the video of Prince violently attacking a woman. But she still agreed to house the horse temporarily at her stables.
"He had an hour to live," Balla says. "They were putting him down."
Prince was in his new stall with the door open just a bit and the stall guard in place as Balla calmly told the horse he was in a safe place. There was no warning.
"He dove at me, bit me in the chest and flipped me over backward," says Balla, who got a huge lump and nasty bruise that would have been worse if not for her two sweatshirts and thick down coat. "Had I not been able to roll over and get the door shut, I don't think I'd be standing here."
Too dangerous to pass along to new owners, Prince was given a second chance at Casey's, as Balla didn't blame the horse for his aggression.
"He had no reason to like people. He lived in a box for 10 years," Balla says. She figures Prince, a beautiful, 10-year-old Andalusian-cross stallion with three white socks and a black coat, was taken out of his stall only to breed and never learned how to interact with other horses or humans.
"The first time he saw his shadow in the sunshine, he freaked out. He'd never been outside," remembers Nancy Young, treasurer for the horse charity.
"He walked like a drunk," Balla says. "He had no muscle, no coordination."
With his potential new owners abandoning him, Prince's fate was in Balla's hands. She decided to bring in Bornstein, a legendary horse trainer who wrote the book "Last Chance Mustang," about his successful and lasting relationship with a wild horse from Nevada that ended up in McHenry County.
Bornstein, who grew up in Highland Park but rode horses in the Northwest suburbs whenever he could, is a legal consultant who passed the bar but developed a livelihood training horses.
Bornstein started working with Prince in May and has made remarkable progress in more than five dozen sessions. But Prince did attack him three times in the beginning.
"It's literally like a train hits you," Bornstein says of the first attack when Prince bit him. "He gets you and pulls you back so you whiplash."
Bornstein waited until his shoulder healed considerably before posting a photo of the bite and bruising on Facebook. "The attack was immediately addressed -- not with violence, but with work," Bornstein says, explaining how the horse didn't know any other way to respond.
"His first inclination was violence," says Bornstein, who dodged Prince's most dangerous attack.
"He kicked at my face. He plays for keeps."
A fit 5 feet, 10 inches and 175 pounds, the 50-year-old trainer now works the 1,200-pound Prince with relative grace. "I think we get each other," Bornstein says, while gently petting Prince's nose and face. "It's not fear. It's respect."
The trainer can leave Prince "ground tied," meaning the 30-foot rope attached to the horse's halter isn't attached to a post but just lying in the dirt of the stable. In his previous life, Prince often had his feet chained together so he couldn't flee. Now, Prince and Bornstein have an agreement.
"He knows he can walk away," Bornstein says. "But he also knows I want him to stay."
He can make Prince walk backward with a simple movement of his hand. Prince is a smart horse and often gets bored with the tedious nature of training, so Bornstein can focus on several skills in a single session, all working toward the goal of making the horse a peaceful companion.
"The amount of times I've had my heart in my throat," Balla says, as Bornstein gently lifts and cleans each hoof. "What this man has done is flipping amazing."
Of the 25 horses currently at Casey's, most are waiting for new owners to step forward, but some are permanent sanctuary residents, such as Poppy the horse and Ginger the pony, who are both blind. Candy, a 41-year-old pony, has outlived all expectations and is still healthy. Rio, Balla's 28-year-old gelding, has the stall next to Prince, who was gelded in December, and Balla is hoping her old horse's mellow personality rubs off on Prince.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, Casey's is opening its doors for tours and the chance to meet Prince and Borstein. Tickets, which must be purchased by Sept. 22, are $30 and include a "goody bag," but only 40 people will be allowed in each time slot of 9:30-11, noon-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. Visit caseyssafehaven.org to make reservations and buy tickets.
As much as she has grown to love Prince, Balla says her hope is that Prince will one day be so well-behaved that he can find a "forever home." Is he just about ready?
"No," says Bornstein, who rewards Prince with an apple before letting him roam freely in a nearby corral. "But he's trying super hard."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-13--Suburban Hero: Good Samaritan opens door to victim of domestic violence

It was just after 8 a.m. Aug. 27 when Kyla Davis happened to be driving through the parking lot of a friend 's apartment complex on the south side of Arlington Heights and heard a woman screaming and a man yelling .
Davis watched as the man held a knife to the woman 's neck and forced her into his SUV .
But the victim was able to escape from the vehicle , and came running toward Davis ' car .
Davis let her in and locked the door , while the man ran after her and tried to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already clutching her phone with a 911 operator on the line -- was able to drive away and bring the victim to safety .
For Davis ' intervention and heroic actions , she was recognized as a good Samaritan by Arlington Heights village and police officials , who say things could have turned out much worse had Davis not been there to help .
`` Kyla 's willingness to get involved by coming to the immediate aid of a fellow citizen in crisis exemplifies the definition of a good Samaritan and is truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Hayes .
`` This is not just a good story , but a great story .
Who knows what any of us would have done in your situation , but you acted and you saved somebody 's life , and we ca n't thank you enough for your heroic efforts on that day . ''
In addition to an Arlington Heights Police Department Chief 's Meritorious Service Award , Davis received a newly minted village coin from Hayes , the first one he 's awarded .
Hayes and Police Chief Nick Pecora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village board meeting last week .
Davis , of Skokie , said there is n't anything she would change about what she did that day .
`` Everything I did was just first instinct , '' she said .
`` And I 'm just thankful to God that it played out the way it did as far as ( the victim 's ) safety . ''
As Davis drove away with the victim from the parking lot near Goebbert and Algonquin roads , the offender got back in his SUV and chased after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck two cars on the way and ended up in an office complex parking lot on the 2100 block of South Arlington Heights Road .
It was there where officers found the man , later identified as a 41-year-old Buffalo Grove resident , dead from suicide , authorities said .
Police said the man was stalking the victim -- his ex-girlfriend -- in the apartment parking lot after finding out she lived there .
She left the relationship six months ago due to multiple instances of domestic violence , authorities said , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her life after the ex-boyfriend said he was intent on killing her and then himself .
Davis credited the 911 operator who took her call , telling her to drive toward the police station with her hazard lights on , and the police officers who responded swiftly to meet them .
`` It was a very unfortunate incident that occurred and I 'm just happy I was there to help , '' she said .
• Do you know any Suburban Heroes ?
Share your story at heroes @ dailyherald.com .

Suburban Hero: Good Samaritan opens door to victim of domestic violence
Kyla Davis, left, was presented with the Arlington Heights Police Department Chief's Meritorious Service Award by Chief Nick Pecora, center, and Mayor Tom Hayes during a village board meeting last Tuesday. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
It was just after 8 a.m. Aug. 27 when Kyla Davis happened to be driving through the parking lot of a friend's apartment complex on the south side of Arlington Heights and heard a woman screaming and a man yelling.
Davis watched as the man held a knife to the woman's neck and forced her into his SUV.
But the victim was able to escape from the vehicle, and came running toward Davis' car.
Davis let her in and locked the door, while the man ran after her and tried to get in the vehicle.
But Davis -- already clutching her phone with a 911 operator on the line -- was able to drive away and bring the victim to safety.
For Davis' intervention and heroic actions, she was recognized as a good Samaritan by Arlington Heights village and police officials, who say things could have turned out much worse had Davis not been there to help.
"Kyla's willingness to get involved by coming to the immediate aid of a fellow citizen in crisis exemplifies the definition of a good Samaritan and is truly worthy of recognition," said Mayor Tom Hayes. "This is not just a good story, but a great story. Who knows what any of us would have done in your situation, but you acted and you saved somebody's life, and we can't thank you enough for your heroic efforts on that day."
In addition to an Arlington Heights Police Department Chief's Meritorious Service Award, Davis received a newly minted village coin from Hayes, the first one he's awarded. Hayes and Police Chief Nick Pecora presented the awards to Davis during a village board meeting last week.
Davis, of Skokie, said there isn't anything she would change about what she did that day.
"Everything I did was just first instinct," she said. "And I'm just thankful to God that it played out the way it did as far as (the victim's) safety."
As Davis drove away with the victim from the parking lot near Goebbert and Algonquin roads, the offender got back in his SUV and chased after them, police said.
But he struck two cars on the way and ended up in an office complex parking lot on the 2100 block of South Arlington Heights Road. It was there where officers found the man, later identified as a 41-year-old Buffalo Grove resident, dead from suicide, authorities said.
Police said the man was stalking the victim -- his ex-girlfriend -- in the apartment parking lot after finding out she lived there. She left the relationship six months ago due to multiple instances of domestic violence, authorities said, and the victim told police she feared for her life after the ex-boyfriend said he was intent on killing her and then himself.
Davis credited the 911 operator who took her call, telling her to drive toward the police station with her hazard lights on, and the police officers who responded swiftly to meet them.
"It was a very unfortunate incident that occurred and I'm just happy I was there to help," she said.
• Do you know any Suburban Heroes? Share your story at heroes@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-13--Grounded by layoffs, iconic traffic reporter says 'sky's the limit' for next move

It 's rush hour , and you have 30 minutes to get to that crucial meeting , important doctor 's appointment or child care before it closes .
For years , an upbeat voice on WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM offered a lifeline .
`` The northbound Tri-State is solid from Cicero up to before the 83rd Street Toll Plaza with an overturned truck in the three left lanes , '' airborne traffic reporter Kris Habermehl would advise , offering drive times and detours to escape gridlock .
In July , as COVID-19 caused traffic to shrink , the radio station laid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is taking the hiatus on the chin .
`` I miss the people I ca n't see .
It 's about being able to tell the public -- in an era of rampant misinformation -- something valid and timely , accurate , and above all , helpful , '' said Habermehl , who lives on a farm near Rockford .
As a lieutenant and training officer at the local fire department , Habermehl is n't exactly out to pasture .
He moved from Schaumburg `` out to the sticks '' in 2004 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 -- one way of dealing with `` frustration about not being able to do anything '' while covering catastrophes .
Those included spot news like the crash of an American Eagle jet in a field near Roselawn , Indiana , that killed 68 people on Halloween in 1994 .
Or the Fox River Grove bus collision with a Metra train that killed seven high school students on Oct. 25 , 1995 .
Sometimes , `` I felt like a voyeur talking about somebody 's worst day without being able to intercede , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved a May 1994 debacle over a murder suspect thought to be lurking on a Milwaukee-bound bus .
When the driver pulled over at the Deerfield toll plaza , mixed signals resulted in a `` He 's taking hostages ! ''
panic , Habermehl recalled .
Police sharpshooters waited .
Passengers evacuated with their hands in the air .
Rush-hour traffic including Chicago Bulls fans heading to the playoffs stalled , and for five hours Habermehl narrated the drama from 1,000 feet above .
`` After all of this -- the guy was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` it was a watershed moment , '' as Chicago news stations realized they needed full-time helicopters , Habermehl recounted .
His guiding philosophy is , `` You 've got to put yourself in the driver 's seat and remember -- while you have this grand vista of 10 miles in every direction -- the people on the ground -- all they 're seeing is bumpers and brake lights . ''
So -- what 's the worst expressway for congestion ?
`` Hands down , I-80/I-94 , '' Habermehl said .
Going through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bowling ball through a funnel . ''
`` The Tri-State Tollway .
It fills up even in these days of COVID-19 .
It 's the main circuit between Wisconsin and Indiana ; we just happen to be in the way . ''
How would he improve traffic ?
`` I 'd like to see the widening of I-80 , especially in the Joliet area .
If they could do to I-80 what they did to I-90 ... '' Habermehl mused , giving props to the Illinois ' tollway 's expansion project .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barriers ) , big wide shoulders . ''
`` We 've had spilled pork on the road , '' Habermehl recalled .
`` A potato truck overturned on the Stevenson Expressway ramp and potatoes rolling around .
A ladder on the road and my buddy ( WBBM 's ) Joe Collins said , 'Travel times are climbing . '
'' Some of Habermehl 's favorite lines and gags include , `` It 's incredibly dry outside , so smokers , hold on to your butts , '' or stringing up Christmas lights inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an aviation enthusiast , and Kris started flying as a teenager .
He grew up near the Glenview Naval Air Station and along with a buddy would pass off as military brats and spend hours chatting up mechanics .
He 's been an airborne reporter since 1992 , working at several Chicago stations .
Habermehl , 56 , said he always felt safe in the hands of the professionals piloting the traffic helicopters , although there have been impromptu landings -- sometimes to scrape ice from the windows  -- and once , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a small plane appeared out of nowhere , causing an unwanted close encounter .
As well as his on-air colleagues , Habermehl said he 'll miss his annual dream assignment of broadcasting the Chicago Air and Water Show , canceled this year because of the pandemic .
`` I never said , 'Look at me !
I am the sky god . '
I just wanted to be able to help , '' Habermehl said .
But , `` I 've reinvented myself so many times .
The sky 's the limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riders should check schedules and prepare for delays Thursday through Sept. 20 , as the railroad replaces ties between Cicero and Downers Grove .
Some trains will be canceled .
For more information , go to metrarail.com .
United Airlines is expanding its international routes , starting with nonstop travel from O'Hare International Airport to Tel Aviv three times a week .
And in December , the carrier will begin daily service to New Delhi .
Coming in 2021 , more flights to Hawaii .

Grounded by layoffs, iconic traffic reporter says 'sky's the limit' for next move
Kris Habermehl was a fixture broadcasting the annual Chicago Air and Water Show. The show was canceled this year because of COVID-19. Courtesy of Kris Habermehl
Kris Habermehl, veteran traffic and spot news reporter, is also a captain for the Kirkland Fire Department. Courtesy of Kris Habermehl
It's rush hour, and you have 30 minutes to get to that crucial meeting, important doctor's appointment or child care before it closes.
For years, an upbeat voice on WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM offered a lifeline.
"The northbound Tri-State is solid from Cicero up to before the 83rd Street Toll Plaza with an overturned truck in the three left lanes," airborne traffic reporter Kris Habermehl would advise, offering drive times and detours to escape gridlock.
In July, as COVID-19 caused traffic to shrink, the radio station laid off the Emmy Award recipient, who is taking the hiatus on the chin.
"I miss the people I can't see. It's about being able to tell the public -- in an era of rampant misinformation -- something valid and timely, accurate, and above all, helpful," said Habermehl, who lives on a farm near Rockford.
As a lieutenant and training officer at the local fire department, Habermehl isn't exactly out to pasture. He moved from Schaumburg "out to the sticks" in 2004 and signed up as a volunteer firefighter in 2005 -- one way of dealing with "frustration about not being able to do anything" while covering catastrophes.
Those included spot news like the crash of an American Eagle jet in a field near Roselawn, Indiana, that killed 68 people on Halloween in 1994. Or the Fox River Grove bus collision with a Metra train that killed seven high school students on Oct. 25, 1995.
Sometimes, "I felt like a voyeur talking about somebody's worst day without being able to intercede," Habermehl said.
A lighter event involved a May 1994 debacle over a murder suspect thought to be lurking on a Milwaukee-bound bus. When the driver pulled over at the Deerfield toll plaza, mixed signals resulted in a "He's taking hostages!" panic, Habermehl recalled.
Police sharpshooters waited. Passengers evacuated with their hands in the air. Rush-hour traffic including Chicago Bulls fans heading to the playoffs stalled, and for five hours Habermehl narrated the drama from 1,000 feet above.
"After all of this -- the guy wasn't on the bus." But "it was a watershed moment," as Chicago news stations realized they needed full-time helicopters, Habermehl recounted.
His guiding philosophy is, "You've got to put yourself in the driver's seat and remember -- while you have this grand vista of 10 miles in every direction -- the people on the ground -- all they're seeing is bumpers and brake lights."
So -- what's the worst expressway for congestion?
"Hands down, I-80/I-94," Habermehl said. Going through northwestern Indiana "is like shoving a bowling ball through a funnel."
Worst toll road?
"The Tri-State Tollway. It fills up even in these days of COVID-19. It's the main circuit between Wisconsin and Indiana; we just happen to be in the way."
How would he improve traffic?
"I'd like to see the widening of I-80, especially in the Joliet area. If they could do to I-80 what they did to I-90 ..." Habermehl mused, giving props to the Illinois' tollway's expansion project. "Magnificent big center, beefy J-walls (barriers), big wide shoulders."
Weirdest accident?
"We've had spilled pork on the road," Habermehl recalled. "A potato truck overturned on the Stevenson Expressway ramp and potatoes rolling around. A ladder on the road and my buddy (WBBM's) Joe Collins said, 'Travel times are climbing.'"
Some of Habermehl's favorite lines and gags include, "It's incredibly dry outside, so smokers, hold on to your butts," or stringing up Christmas lights inside the helicopter.
Habermehl's dad was an aviation enthusiast, and Kris started flying as a teenager. He grew up near the Glenview Naval Air Station and along with a buddy would pass off as military brats and spend hours chatting up mechanics. He's been an airborne reporter since 1992, working at several Chicago stations.
Habermehl, 56, said he always felt safe in the hands of the professionals piloting the traffic helicopters, although there have been impromptu landings -- sometimes to scrape ice from the windows  -- and once, as they circled the Taste of Chicago, a small plane appeared out of nowhere, causing an unwanted close encounter.
As well as his on-air colleagues, Habermehl said he'll miss his annual dream assignment of broadcasting the Chicago Air and Water Show, canceled this year because of the pandemic.
"I never said, 'Look at me! I am the sky god.' I just wanted to be able to help," Habermehl said. But, "I've reinvented myself so many times. The sky's the limit."
You should know
Metra BNSF riders should check schedules and prepare for delays Thursday through Sept. 20, as the railroad replaces ties between Cicero and Downers Grove. Some trains will be canceled. For more information, go to metrarail.com.
One more thing
United Airlines is expanding its international routes, starting with nonstop travel from O'Hare International Airport to Tel Aviv three times a week. And in December, the carrier will begin daily service to New Delhi. Coming in 2021, more flights to Hawaii.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--Feder: Carol Marin says she's bowing out of TV news

Carol Marin , one of Chicago 's most honored and respected journalists of all time , is bringing down the curtain on her legendary TV news career after 48 years , Robert Feder writes .
Marin , 71 , surprised colleagues today by announcing that she will step down as political editor at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and correspondent for `` Chicago Tonight '' at Window to the World Communications WTTW-Channel 11 after she covers the presidential election November 3 .
`` It 's time to get off the stage , '' she told me .
`` Everybody needs to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've had a great run , but I want to walk off the news stage when I feel great about it still , when I 've got great relationships still , and when I feel the work is solid .
I always wanted to be the one to decide the time , and I 'm grateful to be able to do that .
`` I 'm not calling it a retirement , but it is a changing of chapters . ''
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , @ @ @

Feder: Carol Marin says she's bowing out of TV news
Carol Marin, one of Chicago's most honored and respected journalists of all time, is bringing down the curtain on her legendary TV news career after 48 years, Robert Feder writes.
Marin, 71, surprised colleagues today by announcing that she will step down as political editor at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and correspondent for "Chicago Tonight" at Window to the World Communications WTTW-Channel 11 after she covers the presidential election November 3.
"It's time to get off the stage," she told me. "Everybody needs to know the time for the last performance. I've had a great run, but I want to walk off the news stage when I feel great about it still, when I've got great relationships still, and when I feel the work is solid. I always wanted to be the one to decide the time, and I'm grateful to be able to do that.
"I'm not calling it a retirement, but it is a changing of chapters."
Born on Chicago's South Side, Marin moved with her family to Rolling Meadows when she was 7. She attended elementary and junior high schools in Rolling Meadows and graduated from Palatine High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For two years she taught English at what is now Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--Rosemont piano bar has likely played its last song, officials say

Only open for a couple months before the pandemic struck , Pete 's Dueling Piano Bar in Rosemont 's entertainment district likely wo n't reopen as a piano bar if or when things get back to normal , village officials said .
`` They tried to reopen without piano players , but what the heck is a dueling piano bar without piano players ? ''
said Mayor Brad Stephens .
Stephens said the entertainment venue was doing good business after its November 2019 opening , thanks to party and event bookings and a steady stream of nightly walk-in customers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , the bar was never quite able to make it following a brief return in June for outdoor dining and limited indoor seating .
The typical nightly show of four performers rotating in and out on two baby grand pianos never returned , replaced by a DJ for a short time .
`` It just did n't work , '' Stephens said .
Pete 's , led by owners Corey Urbach and Greg Sacony partnering with Chicago bar owner Kevin Killerman , inked a 15-year lease deal with the village for space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marc Offit of Braden Real Estate , also a partner in the development , is talking to other users to fill the 6,000-square-foot building , Stephens said .
But the mayor says he has n't ruled out bringing back Pete 's or another piano bar to Rosemont in the future .
The location marked Pete 's first in the Midwest .
Starting in 1992 as a one-man show on Sixth Street in Austin , Texas , Pete 's opened in the Dallas suburb of Addison in 2001 , in Fort Worth in 2004 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate but related action , Rosemont village trustees last week approved a sale of the property on which the bar sits to Braden and the development partners for $ 225,000 .
Stephens said credit rating agencies prefer the village not be the landlord of everything within the 200,000-square-foot entertainment district .
So he says officials are open to selling parcels on the outer edges , while retaining those that border the open park space ( home to summer concerts and winter ice skating ) .
They 're already in talks to sell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not own land on which the AMC movie theater , Big Ten Conference headquarters and Aloft hotel sit .

Rosemont piano bar has likely played its last song, officials say
Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, which opened in Rosemont's entertainment district last November but closed in March due to the pandemic, likely won't reopen as a piano bar, village officials said. Courtesy of Kyle Flubacker
Only open for a couple months before the pandemic struck, Pete's Dueling Piano Bar in Rosemont's entertainment district likely won't reopen as a piano bar if or when things get back to normal, village officials said.
"They tried to reopen without piano players, but what the heck is a dueling piano bar without piano players?" said Mayor Brad Stephens.
Stephens said the entertainment venue was doing good business after its November 2019 opening, thanks to party and event bookings and a steady stream of nightly walk-in customers.
But after the COVID-19 related shutdown in March, the bar was never quite able to make it following a brief return in June for outdoor dining and limited indoor seating.
The typical nightly show of four performers rotating in and out on two baby grand pianos never returned, replaced by a DJ for a short time.
"It just didn't work," Stephens said.
Pete's, led by owners Corey Urbach and Greg Sacony partnering with Chicago bar owner Kevin Killerman, inked a 15-year lease deal with the village for space in Parkway Bank Park in 2018. Marc Offit of Braden Real Estate, also a partner in the development, is talking to other users to fill the 6,000-square-foot building, Stephens said.
But the mayor says he hasn't ruled out bringing back Pete's or another piano bar to Rosemont in the future.
The location marked Pete's first in the Midwest. Starting in 1992 as a one-man show on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, Pete's opened in the Dallas suburb of Addison in 2001, in Fort Worth in 2004 and Houston in 2009.
In a separate but related action, Rosemont village trustees last week approved a sale of the property on which the bar sits to Braden and the development partners for $225,000. Stephens said credit rating agencies prefer the village not be the landlord of everything within the 200,000-square-foot entertainment district.
So he says officials are open to selling parcels on the outer edges, while retaining those that border the open park space (home to summer concerts and winter ice skating). They're already in talks to sell the Harley-Davidson dealership property. The village does not own land on which the AMC movie theater, Big Ten Conference headquarters and Aloft hotel sit.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--Sunflowers for scholarships -- Wauconda Garden Club finds fundraising alternative

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on many suburban organizations and clubs , forcing the cancellation of meetings , events and fundraisers .
Among those affected was the Wauconda Garden Club , which had to call off its annual flower sale normally held in May at the Cook House on Main Street .
Proceeds from sale benefit the club 's activities , along with a scholarship fund for Wauconda High School seniors .
Although the club has held auctions and raffles to boost the scholarship program -- which awards $ 500 to one or two graduating seniors -- it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money .
`` Maureen Berger to the rescue '' said club Secretary Sue Ravenscraft said .
Berger , a longtime club member , offered her small sunflower field on the north side of Route 176 at Westridge Drive in Island Lake as a way to bring in more donations .
A sign posted along Westridge says the sunflowers can be bought for $ 1 per stem , with proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund .
Money is collected at nearby Sofia 's Mexican Restaurant , 640 E. State Road in Island Lake .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the word .
`` It seemed to spark some joy and happiness , which to me is what sunflowers do , '' club member Nan Bero said .
`` So in these times I think this was wonderful , and I passed by yesterday and it looks so beautiful to see . ''
Ravenscraft said scholarship applicants are reviewed by a committee that weighs several factors : grades , community service , sports , work , hardships and field of study in college , among others .
The club was founded in 1975 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the redesign of planters along Main Street and maintaining the Blue Star memorial in Wauconda 's Memorial Park .
`` Our club strives to accomplish several things .
We want to educate , learn and share in area of horticulture and promote civic beauty '' Ravenscraft said .
`` We want to give back to the community and its residents . ''

Sunflowers for scholarships -- Wauconda Garden Club finds fundraising alternative
Wauconda Garden Club Secretary Sue Ravenscraft with a selection of sunflowers the club is selling to help fund scholarships for Wauconda High School graduates. Courtesy of Wauconda Garden Club
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on many suburban organizations and clubs, forcing the cancellation of meetings, events and fundraisers.
Among those affected was the Wauconda Garden Club, which had to call off its annual flower sale normally held in May at the Cook House on Main Street. Proceeds from sale benefit the club's activities, along with a scholarship fund for Wauconda High School seniors.
Although the club has held auctions and raffles to boost the scholarship program -- which awards $500 to one or two graduating seniors -- it needed to find alternative ways to raise money.
"Maureen Berger to the rescue" said club Secretary Sue Ravenscraft said.
Berger, a longtime club member, offered her small sunflower field on the north side of Route 176 at Westridge Drive in Island Lake as a way to bring in more donations.
A sign posted along Westridge says the sunflowers can be bought for $1 per stem, with proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund. Money is collected at nearby Sofia's Mexican Restaurant, 640 E. State Road in Island Lake.
The club took to social media to spread the word.
"It seemed to spark some joy and happiness, which to me is what sunflowers do," club member Nan Bero said. "So in these times I think this was wonderful, and I passed by yesterday and it looks so beautiful to see."
Ravenscraft said scholarship applicants are reviewed by a committee that weighs several factors: grades, community service, sports, work, hardships and field of study in college, among others.
The club was founded in 1975, and members work on community projects, including the redesign of planters along Main Street and maintaining the Blue Star memorial in Wauconda's Memorial Park.
"Our club strives to accomplish several things. We want to educate, learn and share in area of horticulture and promote civic beauty" Ravenscraft said. "We want to give back to the community and its residents."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--How Alec Mills went from college walk-on to throwing a no-hitter for the Cubs

Any time Alec Mills starts on the mound for the Chicago Cubs , former Tennessee-Martin head baseball coach Bubba Cates makes sure to follow along .
So Cates tuned in to the first few innings of the Cubs-Brewers game Sunday and saw that Mills -- who pitched for Cates from 2010 to 2012 -- was off to a good start , allowing no hits and walking just one batter .
Putting the game on the back burner , Cates got involved with planning a math lesson for his high school students .
When he checked back in , the Cubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not allowed a hit .
Same thing after seven innings .
And after eight .
But then Cates had to jump in the car to go to a meeting , making him wonder if he would be able to catch the dramatic ending .
`` By the time I got there , it was in the ninth , '' Cates said .
`` So I got it pulled up on the computer and did get to see the last two outs and the celebration afterward .
Pretty special . ''
Just about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which took off with Cates a decade ago .
Mills grew up in Clarksville , Tenn. , the fifth biggest city in the state .
After a successful high school career , he arrived at UT Martin , saw some guys throwing on the baseball field and wondered if he had what it took to compete at that level .
So he contacted Cates and asked for a tryout .
Cates agreed , then asked a former player who recruited kids from Clarksville if he knew anything about Mills .
`` He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him , ' `` Cates said .
`` I thought that was kind of unusual .
But he came out and had a good , loose arm and some tightness with his curveball .
So you could tell he had a chance to be a good college pitcher if he developed a little bit -- and he did . ''
Mills was mostly a reliever in his first two years , appearing in 23 games as a freshman and a school-record 30 as a sophomore .
`` He was a good worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing something , '' Cates said .
`` I do n't know if he knew that he had a chance to be a big leaguer , but after he threw a little in college -- especially in the summer -- he could see how he compared with some other people in different parts of the country . ''
The summer after his sophomore season , Mills really started coming into his own and was named the opening-day starter in 2012 .
That game was at No .
34-ranked Georgia Southern with a bevy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` One of their pitchers was projected to be a high-round pick , '' said Cates , who coached at UT Martin from 1999 to 2013 .
`` There must have been a major league scout from every club and he really threw a good ballgame .
... '' He really showed up that day -- really matured .
The guy that was scouting director for the major league scouting bureau came by and talked to me and said , 'Man your guy did a really good job . '
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because this is a guy who sees a lot of people . ''
Mills started 14 games as a junior , going 4-6 with a 3.94 ERA .
He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 22nd round of the 2012 draft and began his pro career in rookie ball with the Idaho Falls Chukars .
Mills ' career hit a speed bump when he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery in 2013 and he also lost a big chunk of the 2017 season due to injuries after being traded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his time at Iowa in Triple-A the last two seasons , then came into this season with a chance to earn a permanent spot on the roster .
Spring training was cut short due to the coronavirus and when the Cubs reconvened to start this 60-game campaign , news broke that Jose Quintana could n't pitch due to nerve damage in his left thumb .
That opened up a spot in the rotation , which Mills has done his best to fill .
The 28-year-old got off to a great start -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cincinnati July 28 , and no runs on 3 hits in 7 innings vs. Kansas City six days later .
His next five starts were mostly tough ones , though , as he went 1-3 with a 7.66 ERA .
But he did n't panic , kept working and found his groove again in a 3-0 victory vs. Cincinnati Sept. 8 .
`` It 's so easy to get away from yourself when things are n't working , '' said Mills , who is now 5-3 with a 3.93 ERA .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to make yourself better .
`` But ... a lot of times that makes things worse .
I just had to take a step back and watch some things and talk with everybody and really figure out what was happening differently and how I could attack and get back to being myself . ''
Then came Sunday , when Mills made history in Milwaukee , becoming just the 16th pitcher in Cubs history to throw a no-hitter .
Cates ' phone started blowing up in the sixth inning , which was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was a great teammate , '' Cates said .
`` I shared with him in a text that I thought it was pretty neat that I was getting messages from people that were teammates of his in college saying , 'Hey , did you see what 's going on ? '
`` Mills ' muted -- almost nonchalant -- reaction to the amazing feat probably shocked quite a few who were watching .
But Cates was not one of them .
`` I 'm watching his reaction and a lot of guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` But that was n't him .
He 's just a real humble guy .
`` He recognized that he 's just happy to be there and helping the team .
He was probably as excited about the win -- and the shutout -- as he was the no-hitter .
`` How special is that ? ''

How Alec Mills went from college walk-on to throwing a no-hitter for the Cubs
Bubba Cates was Alec Mills' coach at the University of Tennessee-Martin. Courtesy of Bubba Cates
Cubs pitcher Alec Mills is swarmed by teammates after throwing a no-hitter Sunday in Milwaukee. Associated Press
Any time Alec Mills starts on the mound for the Chicago Cubs, former Tennessee-Martin head baseball coach Bubba Cates makes sure to follow along.
So Cates tuned in to the first few innings of the Cubs-Brewers game Sunday and saw that Mills -- who pitched for Cates from 2010 to 2012 -- was off to a good start, allowing no hits and walking just one batter.
Putting the game on the back burner, Cates got involved with planning a math lesson for his high school students.
When he checked back in, the Cubs were crushing the Brewers and Mills still had not allowed a hit.
Same thing after seven innings. And after eight.
But then Cates had to jump in the car to go to a meeting, making him wonder if he would be able to catch the dramatic ending.
"By the time I got there, it was in the ninth," Cates said. "So I got it pulled up on the computer and did get to see the last two outs and the celebration afterward. Pretty special."
Just about as special as Mills' career, which took off with Cates a decade ago.
Walking on
Mills grew up in Clarksville, Tenn., the fifth biggest city in the state. After a successful high school career, he arrived at UT Martin, saw some guys throwing on the baseball field and wondered if he had what it took to compete at that level.
So he contacted Cates and asked for a tryout. Cates agreed, then asked a former player who recruited kids from Clarksville if he knew anything about Mills.
"He said, 'No. I've never heard of him,' " Cates said. "I thought that was kind of unusual. But he came out and had a good, loose arm and some tightness with his curveball. So you could tell he had a chance to be a good college pitcher if he developed a little bit -- and he did."
Mills was mostly a reliever in his first two years, appearing in 23 games as a freshman and a school-record 30 as a sophomore.
"He was a good worker and seemed like he was intent on doing something," Cates said. "I don't know if he knew that he had a chance to be a big leaguer, but after he threw a little in college -- especially in the summer -- he could see how he compared with some other people in different parts of the country."
The summer after his sophomore season, Mills really started coming into his own and was named the opening-day starter in 2012. That game was at No. 34-ranked Georgia Southern with a bevy of major league scouts in the stands.
"One of their pitchers was projected to be a high-round pick," said Cates, who coached at UT Martin from 1999 to 2013. "There must have been a major league scout from every club and he really threw a good ballgame. ...
"He really showed up that day -- really matured. The guy that was scouting director for the major league scouting bureau came by and talked to me and said, 'Man your guy did a really good job.'
"So we knew he had a chance then because this is a guy who sees a lot of people."
Mills started 14 games as a junior, going 4-6 with a 3.94 ERA. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 22nd round of the 2012 draft and began his pro career in rookie ball with the Idaho Falls Chukars.
Bumpy road
Mills' career hit a speed bump when he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery in 2013 and he also lost a big chunk of the 2017 season due to injuries after being traded to the Cubs. He spent most of his time at Iowa in Triple-A the last two seasons, then came into this season with a chance to earn a permanent spot on the roster.
Spring training was cut short due to the coronavirus and when the Cubs reconvened to start this 60-game campaign, news broke that Jose Quintana couldn't pitch due to nerve damage in his left thumb.
That opened up a spot in the rotation, which Mills has done his best to fill.
The 28-year-old got off to a great start -- allowing 2 runs and 2 hits at Cincinnati July 28, and no runs on 3 hits in 7 innings vs. Kansas City six days later.
His next five starts were mostly tough ones, though, as he went 1-3 with a 7.66 ERA.
But he didn't panic, kept working and found his groove again in a 3-0 victory vs. Cincinnati Sept. 8.
"It's so easy to get away from yourself when things aren't working," said Mills, who is now 5-3 with a 3.93 ERA. "You really start searching to make things different, to make yourself better.
"But ... a lot of times that makes things worse. I just had to take a step back and watch some things and talk with everybody and really figure out what was happening differently and how I could attack and get back to being myself."
Then came Sunday, when Mills made history in Milwaukee, becoming just the 16th pitcher in Cubs history to throw a no-hitter. Cates' phone started blowing up in the sixth inning, which was no surprise to the veteran coach.
"He was a great teammate," Cates said. "I shared with him in a text that I thought it was pretty neat that I was getting messages from people that were teammates of his in college saying, 'Hey, did you see what's going on?' "
Mills' muted -- almost nonchalant -- reaction to the amazing feat probably shocked quite a few who were watching.
But Cates was not one of them.
"I'm watching his reaction and a lot of guys would be going bonkers," Cates said. "But that wasn't him. He's just a real humble guy.
"He recognized that he's just happy to be there and helping the team. He was probably as excited about the win -- and the shutout -- as he was the no-hitter.
"How special is that?"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--Gurnee man receives $16 million settlement after losing part of leg in motorcycle crash

A Gurnee man who had his leg amputated below the knee after a 2018 motorcycle crash will receive a $ 16 million legal settlement , believed to be the largest in county history for a leg amputation .
The crash happened June 14 , 2018 , when Tim Walsh , then 56 , was riding his motorcycle home from work , according to the law firm of Salvi , Schostok & Pritchard .
As Walsh drove into the intersection of Woodland Terrace and Hutchins Road in Gurnee , he was struck by a vehicle driven by Raul Bahena , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Walsh 's lawyers .
Bahena , who was working at the time as a porter at Muller Honda of Gurnee , did not fully stop at the intersection 's stop sign before the collision , the law firm said .
Walsh was rushed to a hospital , where doctors amputated his left leg below the knee .
He also suffered multiple tears in both shoulders , which required surgery , his lawyers said .
As a result of the amputation , Walsh experiences phantom pain , complications with his amputation stump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Despite very serious injuries , Tim has worked extremely hard to get back to some degree of normalcy in his life , '' Walsh attorney Patrick A. Salvi Sr. said .
Walsh 's legal team filed a lawsuit against Bahena , Highland Park Motors Inc. and Gurnee Motors Inc. , which is known as Muller Honda of Gurnee .
Mark O'Danovich , one of the lawyers representing the defendants , declined to comment Monday .
The $ 16 million settlement is the largest leg amputation settlement on record in Lake County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained by Jury Verdict Reporter , a legal publication .
The previous high in the county was a $ 1.275 million settlement from 1988 , according to Walsh 's lawyers .

Gurnee man receives $16 million settlement after losing part of leg in motorcycle crash
Tim Walsh was riding this motorcycle in 2018 when he was struck by a car in Gurnee and had to have his leg amputated below the knee. Courtesy of Salvi Schostok & Pritchard
A Gurnee man who had his leg amputated below the knee after a 2018 motorcycle crash will receive a $16 million legal settlement, believed to be the largest in county history for a leg amputation.
The crash happened June 14, 2018, when Tim Walsh, then 56, was riding his motorcycle home from work, according to the law firm of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard.
As Walsh drove into the intersection of Woodland Terrace and Hutchins Road in Gurnee, he was struck by a vehicle driven by Raul Bahena, then 18 and living in Gurnee, according to Walsh's lawyers. Bahena, who was working at the time as a porter at Muller Honda of Gurnee, did not fully stop at the intersection's stop sign before the collision, the law firm said.
Walsh was rushed to a hospital, where doctors amputated his left leg below the knee. He also suffered multiple tears in both shoulders, which required surgery, his lawyers said.
As a result of the amputation, Walsh experiences phantom pain, complications with his amputation stump and neuropathic pain, according to his lawyers.
"Despite very serious injuries, Tim has worked extremely hard to get back to some degree of normalcy in his life," Walsh attorney Patrick A. Salvi Sr. said.
Walsh's legal team filed a lawsuit against Bahena, Highland Park Motors Inc. and Gurnee Motors Inc., which is known as Muller Honda of Gurnee.
Mark O'Danovich, one of the lawyers representing the defendants, declined to comment Monday.
The $16 million settlement is the largest leg amputation settlement on record in Lake County, according to the database of settlements maintained by Jury Verdict Reporter, a legal publication. The previous high in the county was a $1.275 million settlement from 1988, according to Walsh's lawyers.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--'This is it': Developer tweaks Naperville townhouse plan in hopes of gaining support

Plans to transform the Little Friends property into a townhouse complex within Naperville 's historic district have been tweaked in an attempt to bridge the gap between the development team 's proposal and the community 's desires .
The number of residential units has been reduced from 47 to 45 .
Open space has been added along Columbia Street .
Buildings are now a minimum of 22 feet from the property line -- much closer to the city 's 25-foot code requirement than the 15-foot setbacks proposed in previous plans , attorney Russ Whitaker said .
At the center of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , repurposed into three townhouse units and serving as the focal point of the Wright Street property .
Saving the more than century-old house has been deemed a priority by preservationists and city officials , driving contract purchaser Ram West Capital 's efforts to develop a financially viable project while also addressing the community 's concerns , Whitaker said .
Other requests that have been fulfilled include a public park , rear-loaded garages and additional shade trees , he said .
The most recent adjustments are a last-ditch attempt to strike a compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission meeting .
`` We 're at a point now where this is it , '' Whitaker said .
`` This is what we have to have in order to be able to accommodate all the public good coming out of this project . ''
Neighbors have criticized the size and scope of the proposed development , saying the 12 new townhouse buildings , at three-and-a-half stories tall , do n't fit with the surrounding single-family homes .
A majority of historic preservation commissioners agreed , voting 6-2 last month against a conditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ height , density and property setback .
Those measures , adjusted in accordance to the developer 's revisions , will now be considered by the planning and zoning commission before they are brought to the city council for a final decision .
In an email Monday , representatives of Naperville Preservation Inc. said they fear the proposal would impact `` the character of a significant footprint '' within the historic district .
They encouraged community members to voice their opinions before or during Wednesday 's meeting .
The historic preservation commission also voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the townhouse development .
Ram West Capital filed an appeal with the city last week , meaning the city council will now have final say .
Little Friends has been trying to sell its nearly 4-acre legacy campus so it can relocate to a new facility in Warrenville .
Naperville 's approval of the redevelopment plans is a crucial step in that process , spokesman Patrick Skarr said , as the agency can not afford its new home without completing the transaction .
The city council has offered Little Friends a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a developer who would save the Kroehler mansion , rather than clear the site and accept an offer from a higher bidder .
The agency has spent roughly 18 months and millions of dollars trying to fulfill the community 's requests , Skarr said .
`` It 's time that this go from concept to reality , '' he said .
`` We really need this one to move forward , or we 'll be stuck in a really hard place . ''

'This is it': Developer tweaks Naperville townhouse plan in hopes of gaining support
A proposed redevelopment plan for the Little Friends campus in Naperville calls for constructing 12 new buildings and repurposing the Kroehler mansion to create a total of 45 townhouse units. The new residential structures, as shown in this image, would pay homage to the historic mansion, which acts as the project's centerpiece, attorney Russ Whitaker said. Courtesy of Dan Kittilsen, DJK Custom Homes
A revised plan to redevelop the Little Friends property in Naperville includes a new "pocket park" along Columbia Street, as well as additional trees, increased property setbacks and a reduction of townhouse units from 47 to 45. The proposal calls for constructing 12 new residential buildings and repurposing the historic Kroehler mansion, which serves as the project's focal point. Courtesy of Ram West Capital
Plans to transform the Little Friends property into a townhouse complex within Naperville's historic district have been tweaked in an attempt to bridge the gap between the development team's proposal and the community's desires.
The number of residential units has been reduced from 47 to 45. Open space has been added along Columbia Street. Buildings are now a minimum of 22 feet from the property line -- much closer to the city's 25-foot code requirement than the 15-foot setbacks proposed in previous plans, attorney Russ Whitaker said.
At the center of the plan remains the historic Kroehler mansion, repurposed into three townhouse units and serving as the focal point of the Wright Street property.
Saving the more than century-old house has been deemed a priority by preservationists and city officials, driving contract purchaser Ram West Capital's efforts to develop a financially viable project while also addressing the community's concerns, Whitaker said. Other requests that have been fulfilled include a public park, rear-loaded garages and additional shade trees, he said.
The most recent adjustments are a last-ditch attempt to strike a compromise ahead of Wednesday's planning and zoning commission meeting.
"We're at a point now where this is it," Whitaker said. "This is what we have to have in order to be able to accommodate all the public good coming out of this project."
Neighbors have criticized the size and scope of the proposed development, saying the 12 new townhouse buildings, at three-and-a-half stories tall, don't fit with the surrounding single-family homes.
A majority of historic preservation commissioners agreed, voting 6-2 last month against a conditional townhouse use and proposed variances related to height, density and property setback. Those measures, adjusted in accordance to the developer's revisions, will now be considered by the planning and zoning commission before they are brought to the city council for a final decision.
In an email Monday, representatives of Naperville Preservation Inc. said they fear the proposal would impact "the character of a significant footprint" within the historic district. They encouraged community members to voice their opinions before or during Wednesday's meeting.
The historic preservation commission also voted 5-3 to reject a certificate of appropriateness for the townhouse development. Ram West Capital filed an appeal with the city last week, meaning the city council will now have final say.
Little Friends has been trying to sell its nearly 4-acre legacy campus so it can relocate to a new facility in Warrenville. Naperville's approval of the redevelopment plans is a crucial step in that process, spokesman Patrick Skarr said, as the agency cannot afford its new home without completing the transaction.
The city council has offered Little Friends a $450,000 incentive to sell the property to a developer who would save the Kroehler mansion, rather than clear the site and accept an offer from a higher bidder. The agency has spent roughly 18 months and millions of dollars trying to fulfill the community's requests, Skarr said.
"It's time that this go from concept to reality," he said. "We really need this one to move forward, or we'll be stuck in a really hard place."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--Elgin man's remains found near campsite in North Carolina

RALEIGH , N.C. -- Officials have identified a man whose remains were found scattered near a campsite in the North @ @ @ @ @ Mountains National Park as a bear lurked nearby .
The park said the remains belonged @ @ @ @ @ , of Elgin , news outlets reported on Sunday .
His remains were found near @ @ @ @ @ discovered an unoccupied tent Friday and saw the remains `` with a bear scavenging in @ @ @ @ @ said in a news release .
Rangers responding to a call said they also saw @ @ @ @ @ on the remains '' and euthanized the animal .
`` Our wildlife biologists , who @ @ @ @ @ , believe that once a bear has scavenged on the remains of humans that they @ @ @ @ @ of doing that behavior again , '' the park 's spokesperson Jamie Sanders said .
@ @ @ @ @ to associate people with food . ''

Elgin man's remains found near campsite in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Officials have identified a man whose remains were found scattered near a campsite in the North Carolina portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a bear lurked nearby.
The park said the remains belonged to Patrick Madura, 43, of Elgin, news outlets reported on Sunday.
His remains were found near Hazel Creek Trail after backpackers discovered an unoccupied tent Friday and saw the remains "with a bear scavenging in the area," rangers said in a news release.
Rangers responding to a call said they also saw a bear "actively scavenging on the remains" and euthanized the animal.
"Our wildlife biologists, who are experts in human-bear conflicts, believe that once a bear has scavenged on the remains of humans that they pose a real serious risk of doing that behavior again," the park's spokesperson Jamie Sanders said. "We never want bears to associate people with food."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--Watch Edly-Allen, Bos, Suelzer, McLaughlin, Trevor, Morrison square off in Illinois House debate

Six major-party candidates for three Illinois House seats from the North and Northwest suburbs debated the proposed graduated income tax @ @ @ @ @ to the COVID-19 pandemic during a Zoom interview with members of the Daily Herald Editorial @ @ @ @ @ for their candidacies in an hourlong discussion of a variety of topics were Democrat Mary @ @ @ @ @ Chris Bos of Lake Zurich in the 51st District ; Democrat Marci Suelzer of Island @ @ @ @ @ of Barrington Hills in the 52nd District ; and Democrat Maggie Trevor of Rolling Meadows @ @ @ @ @ Palatine in the 54th District .

Watch Edly-Allen, Bos, Suelzer, McLaughlin, Trevor, Morrison square off in Illinois House debate
Six major-party candidates for three Illinois House seats from the North and Northwest suburbs debated the proposed graduated income tax and the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic during a Zoom interview with members of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
Making the case for their candidacies in an hourlong discussion of a variety of topics were Democrat Mary Edly-Allen of Libertyville and Republican Chris Bos of Lake Zurich in the 51st District; Democrat Marci Suelzer of Island Lake and Republican Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills in the 52nd District; and Democrat Maggie Trevor of Rolling Meadows and Republican Tom Morrison of Palatine in the 54th District.
Edly-Allen and Morrison are incumbents.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--Child welfare officials say they're coping during pandemic

SPRINGFIELD -- Child welfare officials in Illinois told a panel of state lawmakers Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered but not completely prevented their efforts to monitor children at risk of abuse or neglect .
`` Without question , the pandemic has been and continues to be extremely challenging for all of us , both personally and professionally , '' Marc Smith , acting director of the Illinois Department of Children and Families , told a Senate panel during a virtual meeting Monday .
`` But everyone who works for , or in partnership with us has kept their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe . ''
Smith said one of the first things DCFS did was to move its child abuse reporting hotline , officially known as the State Central Register , to a remote environment so that employees could answer the phones from their homes .
Gayle Hopper , who manages the hotline , said the people who answer those phones have been working remotely since March 23 .
`` The hotline today continues to work remotely and staff are working from home every day , '' Hopper said .
Hopper noted that there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports received from `` mandatory reporters '' -- which are licensed professionals such as teachers and health care workers who are required by law to report cases of suspected abuse or neglect -- especially during the early weeks of the pandemic .
In response , she said , agency officials reached out to members of the American Pediatrics Association and to the Illinois State Board of Education to instruct doctors and teachers about how to report to the hotline , even when they were only seeing children remotely .
By July and August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pick up again , even exceeding the numbers reached during the same months in 2019 , even though the total number of calls this year is about 18 percent lower than last year .
`` This can be attributed to the increase of reporting by law enforcement , by the steady reporting of medical professionals , and the community observing or reporting first-hand information of child maltreatment , '' she said .
Mike Lubelfeld , superintendent of the North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park , said the pandemic has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only able to meet their students remotely this spring .
But he said his district has come up with other solutions .
`` Just out of an abundance of caution , we literally had secretaries , social workers , teacher 's aides and a family specialist double-checking in with children and families , just to make sure everybody was okay , '' he said .
`` So I 'm not going to say we 've had no findings ( of abuse or neglect ) .
We have had less .
Part of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so to speak , of the kids being with us , but I think that our families do work with us . ''
Officials with private agencies that provide child welfare services on contract with DCFS said they have faced similar challenges .
Bill Steinhauser , president and CEO of Bethany for Children and Families , a social service agency that serves the Quad Cities area , said case workers at that agency are doing what they can to stay in contact with families .
`` They basically are staying in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also going out , directly talking to families , practicing social distancing and wearing a mask .
It 's kept them all safe , '' he said .
But Steinhauser noted that Illinois families have suffered unique financial and emotional strains during the pandemic , which has affected children 's welfare .
`` Our families are experiencing economic stress , and also just not very familiar with being around each other all that often , '' he said .
`` And that stress as well as economic stress are causing our families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is experience dysfunction .
And also they 're trying to escape from the reality of COVID-19 .
`` We 're also seeing an increase in substance abuse , and mental health seems to be aggravated or intensified .
And those services , because of where we 're located , are difficult for many families to access . ''
Monday 's hearing was considered a `` subject matter '' hearing only , which means the committee was not considering substantive legislation .
But the information could become the basis of legislation that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall veto session , which begins in November .

Child welfare officials say they're coping during pandemic
SPRINGFIELD -- Child welfare officials in Illinois told a panel of state lawmakers Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered but not completely prevented their efforts to monitor children at risk of abuse or neglect.
"Without question, the pandemic has been and continues to be extremely challenging for all of us, both personally and professionally," Marc Smith, acting director of the Illinois Department of Children and Families, told a Senate panel during a virtual meeting Monday. "But everyone who works for, or in partnership with us has kept their eyes on our mission to keep children safe."
Smith said one of the first things DCFS did was to move its child abuse reporting hotline, officially known as the State Central Register, to a remote environment so that employees could answer the phones from their homes.
Gayle Hopper, who manages the hotline, said the people who answer those phones have been working remotely since March 23.
"The hotline today continues to work remotely and staff are working from home every day," Hopper said.
Hopper noted that there was a sharp decline in the number of reports received from "mandatory reporters" -- which are licensed professionals such as teachers and health care workers who are required by law to report cases of suspected abuse or neglect -- especially during the early weeks of the pandemic.
In response, she said, agency officials reached out to members of the American Pediatrics Association and to the Illinois State Board of Education to instruct doctors and teachers about how to report to the hotline, even when they were only seeing children remotely.
By July and August, she said, call volume began to pick up again, even exceeding the numbers reached during the same months in 2019, even though the total number of calls this year is about 18 percent lower than last year.
"This can be attributed to the increase of reporting by law enforcement, by the steady reporting of medical professionals, and the community observing or reporting first-hand information of child maltreatment," she said.
Mike Lubelfeld, superintendent of the North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park, said the pandemic has been challenging for teachers and others who were only able to meet their students remotely this spring. But he said his district has come up with other solutions.
"Just out of an abundance of caution, we literally had secretaries, social workers, teacher's aides and a family specialist double-checking in with children and families, just to make sure everybody was okay," he said. "So I'm not going to say we've had no findings (of abuse or neglect). We have had less. Part of it is because we don't have control, so to speak, of the kids being with us, but I think that our families do work with us."
Officials with private agencies that provide child welfare services on contract with DCFS said they have faced similar challenges.
Bill Steinhauser, president and CEO of Bethany for Children and Families, a social service agency that serves the Quad Cities area, said case workers at that agency are doing what they can to stay in contact with families.
"They basically are staying in contact through either FaceTime or Google Meet, but also going out, directly talking to families, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask. It's kept them all safe," he said.
But Steinhauser noted that Illinois families have suffered unique financial and emotional strains during the pandemic, which has affected children's welfare.
"Our families are experiencing economic stress, and also just not very familiar with being around each other all that often," he said. "And that stress as well as economic stress are causing our families to do as any other family, which is experience dysfunction. And also they're trying to escape from the reality of COVID-19.
"We're also seeing an increase in substance abuse, and mental health seems to be aggravated or intensified. And those services, because of where we're located, are difficult for many families to access."
Monday's hearing was considered a "subject matter" hearing only, which means the committee was not considering substantive legislation. But the information could become the basis of legislation that the General Assembly could take up during the fall veto session, which begins in November.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-14--Wisconsin man charged in pair of random Antioch-area shootings

A 41-year-old Wisconsin man faces four felony weapons charges in a pair of random shootings last month near Antioch , Lake County sheriff 's police said Monday .
Joseph L. Engmark , of the 10700 block of 255th Street in Trevor , Wisconsin , remains in custody at the Lake County jail on $ 75,000 bail pending an Oct. 7 court appearance on the charges , which could land him up to seven years in prison if convicted .
His arrest Friday culminated an investigation into reports of shots fired Aug. 27 and Aug. 31 in the Channel Lake subdivision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one was reported injured .
Investigators on both occasions recovered .22-caliber shell casings at the scene and later received information about a vehicle possibly involved , sheriff 's police said .
Based on the description of the vehicle , deputies determined it was in a recent crash in Antioch involving Engmark , authorities said .
Deputies later learned Engmark was a suspect in a 2018 burglary near Antioch in which a .22-caliber rifle was stolen , according to the sheriff 's office .
Based on witness accounts , sheriff 's police said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had been randomly shooting in the Channel Lake subdivision .
On Friday , deputies located Engmark driving on Tiffany Road north of Route 173 in Antioch , pulled him over and placed him under arrest .
They also discovered the stolen rifle in his vehicle , authorities said .
Engmark is charged with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm , possession of a stolen firearm , unlawful use of a weapon and driving with a revoked driver 's license .
`` I am extraordinarily proud of these patrol deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this man who was randomly driving through a neighborhood , firing a gun and traumatizing the community , '' Sheriff John Idleburg said in an announcement of the arrest .

Wisconsin man charged in pair of random Antioch-area shootings
A 41-year-old Wisconsin man faces four felony weapons charges in a pair of random shootings last month near Antioch, Lake County sheriff's police said Monday.
Joseph L. Engmark, of the 10700 block of 255th Street in Trevor, Wisconsin, remains in custody at the Lake County jail on $75,000 bail pending an Oct. 7 court appearance on the charges, which could land him up to seven years in prison if convicted.
His arrest Friday culminated an investigation into reports of shots fired Aug. 27 and Aug. 31 in the Channel Lake subdivision outside Antioch, authorities said. No one was reported injured.
Investigators on both occasions recovered .22-caliber shell casings at the scene and later received information about a vehicle possibly involved, sheriff's police said.
Based on the description of the vehicle, deputies determined it was in a recent crash in Antioch involving Engmark, authorities said. Deputies later learned Engmark was a suspect in a 2018 burglary near Antioch in which a .22-caliber rifle was stolen, according to the sheriff's office.
Based on witness accounts, sheriff's police said, Engmark matched the description of the person who had been randomly shooting in the Channel Lake subdivision.
On Friday, deputies located Engmark driving on Tiffany Road north of Route 173 in Antioch, pulled him over and placed him under arrest. They also discovered the stolen rifle in his vehicle, authorities said.
Engmark is charged with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and driving with a revoked driver's license.
"I am extraordinarily proud of these patrol deputies for working diligently to identify and apprehend this man who was randomly driving through a neighborhood, firing a gun and traumatizing the community," Sheriff John Idleburg said in an announcement of the arrest.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-15--McGrath Honda in line for $5M incentive to move to Pheasant Run site

The St. Charles Planning and Development Committee on Monday unanimously approved the division of the vacant Pheasant Run Resort property into three parcels , including a McGrath Honda dealership that would receive an incentive of more than $ 5 million to relocate from elsewhere in the city .
The division of the property and the approval of the dealership incentive advance to a final vote at the Sept. 21 meeting of the St. Charles City Council , which also comprises the Planning and Development Committee .
`` I do n't want to be doom and gloom , but ( Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to breathe fresh air into our east gateway , '' said St. Charles City Administrator Mark Koenen .
The Pheasant Run property , whose resort closed in March , consists of 46 acres at the southeast corner of East Main Street and Kautz Road in St. Charles .
The first lot is the 12-acre Mega Center parcel on the eastern edge of the property that is proposed to be the McGrath Honda dealership , currently located at 1411 E. Main St. , and includes room for a possible second dealership in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incentive of $ 5,256,000 paid over 15 years .
More than a million dollars would go toward public utility improvements , while about $ 4 million would be paid through a sales tax revenue rebate .
Under the terms of the agreement , 75 percent of future sales tax would be rebated to the dealership and the remaining 25 percent would go to the city until the $ 4 million limit is reached or the 15-year agreement ends .
The city 's 25 percent share of the sales tax will go toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closes or relocates during the time of the agreement , the city will be refunded the remainder of the public utility reimbursement that has n't already been paid to the city .
Lot 2 consists of the bulk of the main Pheasant Run Resort buildings .
The third lot is a mostly undeveloped corner parcel at the intersection of Main Street and Kautz .
The golf course is owned by the DuPage Airport Authority and is not part of the proposed subdivision .
`` The east side of St. Charles needs a kick-start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the first kick-start I think we 've had in our east gateway in some time . ''

McGrath Honda in line for $5M incentive to move to Pheasant Run site
The St. Charles Planning and Development Committee on Monday unanimously approved the division of the vacant Pheasant Run Resort property into three parcels, including a McGrath Honda dealership that would receive an incentive of more than $5 million to relocate from elsewhere in the city.
The division of the property and the approval of the dealership incentive advance to a final vote at the Sept. 21 meeting of the St. Charles City Council, which also comprises the Planning and Development Committee.
"I don't want to be doom and gloom, but (Monday night) is a conversation about the opportunity to breathe fresh air into our east gateway," said St. Charles City Administrator Mark Koenen.
The Pheasant Run property, whose resort closed in March, consists of 46 acres at the southeast corner of East Main Street and Kautz Road in St. Charles. The first lot is the 12-acre Mega Center parcel on the eastern edge of the property that is proposed to be the McGrath Honda dealership, currently located at 1411 E. Main St., and includes room for a possible second dealership in the future.
McGrath Honda is asking for an incentive of $5,256,000 paid over 15 years. More than a million dollars would go toward public utility improvements, while about $4 million would be paid through a sales tax revenue rebate. Under the terms of the agreement, 75 percent of future sales tax would be rebated to the dealership and the remaining 25 percent would go to the city until the $4 million limit is reached or the 15-year agreement ends.
The city's 25 percent share of the sales tax will go toward the utility improvements. If the dealership closes or relocates during the time of the agreement, the city will be refunded the remainder of the public utility reimbursement that hasn't already been paid to the city.
Lot 2 consists of the bulk of the main Pheasant Run Resort buildings. The third lot is a mostly undeveloped corner parcel at the intersection of Main Street and Kautz.
The golf course is owned by the DuPage Airport Authority and is not part of the proposed subdivision.
"The east side of St. Charles needs a kick-start," Koenen said. "This is the first kick-start I think we've had in our east gateway in some time."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-15--From booze to barks: Former Teddy's Liquors in Arlington Heights to become dog boarding facility

Once an Arlington Heights mom-and-pop store with aisle upon aisle stocked with bottles of booze , the former Teddy 's Liquors on Rand Road will soon cater to man 's best friend .
PetSuites plans to renovate the interior and exterior of the 16,460-square-foot former liquor store building at 1050 E. Rand Road into a new daytime and overnight dog boarding facility , training school , grooming shop and retail space .
The property has been vacant for more than two years .
`` We felt this was a great area with a strong population , a lot of dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well to compete in this space , '' said Mike Lucas , head of new business for PetSuites ' parent company , National Veterinary Associates .
Officials say there 's room inside for 130 dogs and 10 cats , while plans call for a screened outdoor play area on the southeast side of the building .
It would be enclosed by a 7-foot-tall vinyl fence and landscaping and would be cleaned at least three times a day .
Per the conditions of the village board 's zoning approvals for the site last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside that area , around the property , or in the surrounding neighborhood .
And if noise becomes a problem , the village could later restrict usage times or the number of dogs outside or require a solid fence .
The yard is about 100 feet from four townhouses .
Derek Evans , the operations manager , said the staff will closely monitor the yard for noise and bring dogs inside if barking is excessive .
The day care would be open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily .
Renovations are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .

From booze to barks: Former Teddy's Liquors in Arlington Heights to become dog boarding facility
A rendering shows the proposed exterior renovations that will take place to turn the former Teddy's Liquors in Arlington Heights into a dog boarding facility with an enclosed outdoor play space. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
Once an Arlington Heights mom-and-pop store with aisle upon aisle stocked with bottles of booze, the former Teddy's Liquors on Rand Road will soon cater to man's best friend.
PetSuites plans to renovate the interior and exterior of the 16,460-square-foot former liquor store building at 1050 E. Rand Road into a new daytime and overnight dog boarding facility, training school, grooming shop and retail space. The property has been vacant for more than two years.
"We felt this was a great area with a strong population, a lot of dog ownership and felt multiple businesses could do well to compete in this space," said Mike Lucas, head of new business for PetSuites' parent company, National Veterinary Associates.
Officials say there's room inside for 130 dogs and 10 cats, while plans call for a screened outdoor play area on the southeast side of the building. It would be enclosed by a 7-foot-tall vinyl fence and landscaping and would be cleaned at least three times a day.
Per the conditions of the village board's zoning approvals for the site last week, dog walking won't be allowed outside that area, around the property, or in the surrounding neighborhood.
And if noise becomes a problem, the village could later restrict usage times or the number of dogs outside or require a solid fence. The yard is about 100 feet from four townhouses.
Derek Evans, the operations manager, said the staff will closely monitor the yard for noise and bring dogs inside if barking is excessive.
The day care would be open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Renovations are expected to begin this fall and take six months.