dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--In a year of social distancing, Sept. 11 will be different too

NEW YORK ( AP ) -- In a year when the coronavirus pandemic has reshaped countless American rituals , even the commemoration of 9/11 could not escape unchanged .
The 19th anniversary of the terror attacks will be marked by dueling ceremonies at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza and a corner near the World Trade Center , reflecting a divide over the memorial 's decision to suspend a cherished tradition of relatives reading victims ' names in person .
Vice President Mike Pence is expected at both those remembrances in New York , while President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania .
In New York , the double beams of light that evoke the fallen twin towers were nearly canceled in the name of virus safety , until an uproar sparked a change of heart .
The Fire Department has cited the virus in urging members to stay away from any observances of the 2001 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people , among them almost 350 firefighters .
Some victims ' relatives say they understand the ground zero observance had to change in a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear the pandemic is making plain what they have feared was happening unspoken : that the commitment to `` Never Forget '' is fading .
`` It 's another smack in the face , '' says Jim Riches , who lost his son Jimmy , a firefighter .
The father is staying home on the anniversary for the first time this year because he does n't want to take chances with the coronavirus after a prior illness .
But he feels others should have the option of reciting the names of the dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listening to a recording .
Memorial leaders said they wanted to avoid close contact among readers , who are usually paired at the podium .
But to Riches , a retired fire battalion chief and frequent critic of the memorial organization , the decision sounds like an excuse for sidelining the families ' role in commemorating 9/11 .
`` I wish they would n't forget , but they 're trying to , '' he says .
But Anthoula Katsimatides sees the differences this year as an effort to ensure victims ' relatives feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has n't left home since March because health issues make her especially worried about the virus .
But she is determined to go in honor of her son John , a bond trader , her daughter said .
In a year when many events have been called off , `` this was n't canceled .
It 's just been changed in such a way where we still get to pay tribute to our loved ones in a respectful and safe way , '' said Katsimatides , who 's on the memorial board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motivated by anything except a public health emergency .
`` Who expected COVID-19 ?
...
It was completely unforeseen .
As was 9/11 , '' she said .
This year 's plans have been a balancing act at the sites where hijacked planes piloted by al-Qaida terrorists crashed on Sept. 11 , 2001 : New York , the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville , Pennsylvania .
The Flight 93 memorial near Shanksville is trimming its usual 90-minute ceremony , partly by eliminating musical interludes .
Memorial spokeswoman Katherine Cordek said the names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be read , but by one person instead of multiple family members .
The Pentagon has n't yet detailed its plans for the anniversary .
In New York -- where the nation 's deadliest coronavirus spike early happened this spring but has since been fairly well contained -- leaders of the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum said their plan for a no-reading ceremony would honor both virus precautions and 9/11 families ' attachment to being at ground zero on the anniversary .
But another 9/11-related organization , the Stephen Stiller Tunnel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simultaneous ceremony a few blocks away , saying victims ' relatives could recite names while keeping a safe distance .
`` We need to keep letting America know what happened 19 years ago .
And they need to see that emotion of the day , not a recording , '' says chairman Frank Siller .
He says he may attend both observances to honor the brother he lost , firefighter Stephen .
Meanwhile , Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro told current firefighters in a memo last month that the department `` strongly recommends '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The department did hold a limited-attendance ceremony Wednesday to add names to a memorial wall recognizing members who died after exposure to toxins unleashed in the wreckage .
Tensions over anniversary plans flared anew when the memorial announced last month it was nixing the Tribute in Light , twin blue beams that shine into the night sky over lower Manhattan .
While there 's no official gathering to view the lights , the memorial cited virus risks to the installation crew .
The cancellation outraged some victims ' relatives , police and fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction sites around the city were deemed safe to reopen months ago .
After the Tunnel to Towers foundation said it would organize the display on its own , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg , the memorial 's billionaire chairman , stepped in to keep the memorial-sponsored lights on .
( Tunnel to Towers is now stationing lights at the Flight 93 memorial and the Pentagon . )
Memorial President Alice Greenwald later said the organization `` should have approached this issue differently . ''
Still , the memorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims ' relatives who wonder how long the name-reading and other observances will continue .
Katismatides , the board member , foresees the ceremony returning to normal next year .
Debra Epps has been to the ground zero ceremony every year .
She said it means a lot to her to read names and add a few words in tribute to her brother Christopher , an accountant .
Still , she thinks the memorial was right to forgo the live name-reading this year .
The virus has her concerned enough that she 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really is a hard decision to make , but I know that we 're still in this pandemic , '' said Epps , who works in health care .
`` I will remember my brother , no matter what , '' she said .

In a year of social distancing, Sept. 11 will be different too
The Tribute in Light illuminates in the sky above the Lower Manhattan area of New York, as seen from across the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J. in 2017. The double beams of light that evoke the fallen twin towers were nearly canceled this year in the name of virus safety, until an uproar sparked a change of heart. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, File, 2017)
NEW YORK (AP) -- In a year when the coronavirus pandemic has reshaped countless American rituals, even the commemoration of 9/11 could not escape unchanged.
The 19th anniversary of the terror attacks will be marked by dueling ceremonies at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza and a corner near the World Trade Center, reflecting a divide over the memorial's decision to suspend a cherished tradition of relatives reading victims' names in person. Vice President Mike Pence is expected at both those remembrances in New York, while President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden plan to attend a truncated ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.
In New York, the double beams of light that evoke the fallen twin towers were nearly canceled in the name of virus safety, until an uproar sparked a change of heart. The Fire Department has cited the virus in urging members to stay away from any observances of the 2001 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, among them almost 350 firefighters.
Some victims' relatives say they understand the ground zero observance had to change in a year when so much else has. Others fear the pandemic is making plain what they have feared was happening unspoken: that the commitment to "Never Forget" is fading.
"It's another smack in the face," says Jim Riches, who lost his son Jimmy, a firefighter.
The father is staying home on the anniversary for the first time this year because he doesn't want to take chances with the coronavirus after a prior illness. But he feels others should have the option of reciting the names of the dead on the memorial plaza, instead of listening to a recording.
A woman places flowers in the inscribed names along the edge of the North Pool during memorial observances in 2014. - (AP Photo/Justin Lane, Pool, File, 2014)
Memorial leaders said they wanted to avoid close contact among readers, who are usually paired at the podium. But to Riches, a retired fire battalion chief and frequent critic of the memorial organization, the decision sounds like an excuse for sidelining the families' role in commemorating 9/11.
"I wish they wouldn't forget, but they're trying to," he says.
But Anthoula Katsimatides sees the differences this year as an effort to ensure victims' relatives feel comfortable attending -- including her mother, who hasn't left home since March because health issues make her especially worried about the virus. But she is determined to go in honor of her son John, a bond trader, her daughter said.
In a year when many events have been called off, "this wasn't canceled. It's just been changed in such a way where we still get to pay tribute to our loved ones in a respectful and safe way," said Katsimatides, who's on the memorial board. She says the change wasn't motivated by anything except a public health emergency.
"Who expected COVID-19? ... It was completely unforeseen. As was 9/11," she said.
This year's plans have been a balancing act at the sites where hijacked planes piloted by al-Qaida terrorists crashed on Sept. 11, 2001: New York, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The Flight 93 memorial near Shanksville is trimming its usual 90-minute ceremony, partly by eliminating musical interludes. Memorial spokeswoman Katherine Cordek said the names of the 40 people killed there would be read, but by one person instead of multiple family members.
Visitors to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa., participate in a sunset memorial service as the nation prepares to mark the 18th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden plan to attend a truncated ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. - (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File, 2019)
The Pentagon hasn't yet detailed its plans for the anniversary.
In New York -- where the nation's deadliest coronavirus spike early happened this spring but has since been fairly well contained -- leaders of the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum said their plan for a no-reading ceremony would honor both virus precautions and 9/11 families' attachment to being at ground zero on the anniversary.
But another 9/11-related organization, the Stephen Stiller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, quickly arranged its own simultaneous ceremony a few blocks away, saying victims' relatives could recite names while keeping a safe distance.
"We need to keep letting America know what happened 19 years ago. And they need to see that emotion of the day, not a recording," says chairman Frank Siller. He says he may attend both observances to honor the brother he lost, firefighter Stephen.
Meanwhile, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro told current firefighters in a memo last month that the department "strongly recommends" members not participate in 9/11 observances. The department did hold a limited-attendance ceremony Wednesday to add names to a memorial wall recognizing members who died after exposure to toxins unleashed in the wreckage.
Tensions over anniversary plans flared anew when the memorial announced last month it was nixing the Tribute in Light, twin blue beams that shine into the night sky over lower Manhattan. While there's no official gathering to view the lights, the memorial cited virus risks to the installation crew.
The cancellation outraged some victims' relatives, police and fire unions and politicians, who noted that construction sites around the city were deemed safe to reopen months ago. After the Tunnel to Towers foundation said it would organize the display on its own, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, the memorial's billionaire chairman, stepped in to keep the memorial-sponsored lights on. (Tunnel to Towers is now stationing lights at the Flight 93 memorial and the Pentagon.)
Memorial President Alice Greenwald later said the organization "should have approached this issue differently."
Still, the memorial's moves fanned mistrust among some 9/11 victims' relatives who wonder how long the name-reading and other observances will continue.
Katismatides, the board member, foresees the ceremony returning to normal next year.
Debra Epps has been to the ground zero ceremony every year. She said it means a lot to her to read names and add a few words in tribute to her brother Christopher, an accountant.
Still, she thinks the memorial was right to forgo the live name-reading this year. The virus has her concerned enough that she's not planning to attend.
"It really is a hard decision to make, but I know that we're still in this pandemic," said Epps, who works in health care.
"I will remember my brother, no matter what," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Yang lawyer: DNA at crime scene came from 'unknown man'

DNA collected at the scene of Rhoni Reuter 's murder in 2007 came from an unknown man and not , as originally believed , left unintentionally by police investigators , the lawyer for the woman convicted of the slaying said Thursday .
The recent finding by defense experts comes as Marni Yang continues her legal fight for a new trial on charges she fatally shot Reuter and Reuter 's unborn baby in Deerfield .
Authorities say Yang , 52 , was obsessed with Reuter 's boyfriend and the child 's father , former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with the football star .
She was found guilty of murder in 2011 and is serving a life sentence .
Yang attorney Jed Stone said Thursday a re-examination of evidence taken from the crime scene , including DNA from a shell casing near Reuter 's body , proves that an unknown man was involved .
`` It is essential we know who committed this crime , '' Stone said .
`` Marni Yang 's fingerprints are nowhere near the crime scene .
Marni Yang 's DNA is nowhere near the crime scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesman for Lake County state 's attorney Michael Nerheim , noted that Yang made incriminating statements about the killing , including that she wore gloves .
Yang has since retracted that confession , and Stone has said his client confessed because she feared police would arrest her son , then 16 , instead .
The effort for a new trial kicked off in October , when Stone held a news conference with Yang 's now adult children , who claimed they were harassed by investigators and prosecutors to implicate their mother .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its first hurdle when Lake County Judge Christopher C. Stride ruled it could proceed with a petition for a new trial .
Since then , the state 's attorney 's office has filed a 184-page motion to dismiss Yang 's request .
The motion can be viewed online at lakecountyil.gov//1901/News .
Both sides are due back in court Nov. 10 for a status hearing .

That's what defense attorney for Yang now says
DNA collected at the scene of Rhoni Reuter's murder in 2007 came from an unknown man and not, as originally believed, left unintentionally by police investigators, the lawyer for the woman convicted of the slaying said Thursday.
The recent finding by defense experts comes as Marni Yang continues her legal fight for a new trial on charges she fatally shot Reuter and Reuter's unborn baby in Deerfield.
Authorities say Yang, 52, was obsessed with Reuter's boyfriend and the child's father, former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle, and killed her in hopes of having a relationship with the football star. She was found guilty of murder in 2011 and is serving a life sentence.
Yang attorney Jed Stone said Thursday a re-examination of evidence taken from the crime scene, including DNA from a shell casing near Reuter's body, proves that an unknown man was involved.
"It is essential we know who committed this crime," Stone said. "Marni Yang's fingerprints are nowhere near the crime scene. Marni Yang's DNA is nowhere near the crime scene."
However, Lee Filas, a spokesman for Lake County state's attorney Michael Nerheim, noted that Yang made incriminating statements about the killing, including that she wore gloves. Yang has since retracted that confession, and Stone has said his client confessed because she feared police would arrest her son, then 16, instead.
The effort for a new trial kicked off in October, when Stone held a news conference with Yang's now adult children, who claimed they were harassed by investigators and prosecutors to implicate their mother.
In December, Yang's team cleared its first hurdle when Lake County Judge Christopher C. Stride ruled it could proceed with a petition for a new trial. Since then, the state's attorney's office has filed a 184-page motion to dismiss Yang's request. The motion can be viewed online at lakecountyil.gov//1901/News.
Both sides are due back in court Nov. 10 for a status hearing.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--GOP leader files breach of public trust charge against Madigan

SPRINGFIELD -- The top Republican in the Illinois House filed a breach of public trust charge Thursday against Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan , the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history , as a special committee began investigating Madigan 's alleged role in a decade-long bribery scheme at the state Capitol .
Republicans asked the committee to probe Madigan 's activities in the scheme centered on ComEd .
The utility entered a criminal agreement with the Justice Department in July to pay a $ 200 million fine for its role in a bribery conspiracy in exchange for cooperation in U.S. Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the agreement , the utility giant admitted that it engaged in bribery with the House speaker in exchange for favorable legislation .
Jim Durkin of Western Springs , the House Republican leader , formally entered the charge against Madigan into the record on Thursday .
`` Rep. Madigan engaged in conduct unbecoming to a legislator or which constitutes a breach of public trust '' as outlined in the ComEd agreement , Durkin said .
He said it includes `` engaging in a bribery scheme and extortion scheme , conspiracy to violate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misconduct and misuse of the office . ''
The Chicago Democrat , who as House speaker for most of the past 40 years has organized several similar investigating committees , including one that led to former Gov .
Rod Blagojevich 's impeachment , was not present at the first session of the panel directing its attention at him .
He later issued a statement reiterating that he never made improper legislative decisions nor sought no-work jobs for anyone and has engaged in no wrongdoing .
He has rebuffed requests from prominent Democrats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the committee , whose GOP memberships includes officeholders facing difficult November re-election races , finds grounds for the charge , a second committee is chosen to conduct a hearing on potential discipline , which could include reprimand , censure or expulsion .
Partisan tensions arose early over the insistence of Rep. Emanuel `` Chris '' Welch , the Hillside Democrat serving as chairman of the panel , that the committee contact Lausch to ensure no interference with the criminal investigation .
Republicans feared Welch was suspending the process while awaiting an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the suggestion , but ultimately recessed the committee without setting the next hearing date , saying he would do so after contact from Lausch .
Durkin noted he has informed Lausch about his plans .
A Lausch spokesman did not respond to a request for comment .
Madigan has not been charged with a crime , a point made by Democratic committee member Natalie Manley of Joliet .
She said that the committee would be reviewing `` criminal activity that has not been charged '' against Madigan .
The Republicans ' lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago , said the committee need not rely on a criminal charge .
`` In a court of law , a jury is instructed that a charge is evidence of nothing , '' Safer said .
`` This , in contrast , is direct evidence , the deferred prosecution agreement contains actual evidence , actual admissions '' by ComEd .
Committee members referred to use of the process only once before , in 2012 when the House expelled Chicago Democratic Rep. Derrick Smith for which he later was sentenced to five months in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used in 1905 to oust Rep. Frank Comerford , also a Chicago Democrat , for accusing his colleagues of corruption without evidence .
Following the December 2008 arrest of Blagojevich on political corruption charges , a House committee , co-chaired by Durkin , convened a similar process that led to the Democrat 's impeachment and removal from office a month later .

GOP leader files breach of public trust charge against Madigan
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, has denied any wrongdoing in the ComEd bribery scandal and has rebuffed calls to resign. Associated Press/2017
SPRINGFIELD -- The top Republican in the Illinois House filed a breach of public trust charge Thursday against Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, as a special committee began investigating Madigan's alleged role in a decade-long bribery scheme at the state Capitol.
Republicans asked the committee to probe Madigan's activities in the scheme centered on ComEd. The utility entered a criminal agreement with the Justice Department in July to pay a $200 million fine for its role in a bribery conspiracy in exchange for cooperation in U.S. Attorney John Lausch's ongoing investigation. As part of the agreement, the utility giant admitted that it engaged in bribery with the House speaker in exchange for favorable legislation.
Jim Durkin of Western Springs, the House Republican leader, formally entered the charge against Madigan into the record on Thursday.
"Rep. Madigan engaged in conduct unbecoming to a legislator or which constitutes a breach of public trust" as outlined in the ComEd agreement, Durkin said. He said it includes "engaging in a bribery scheme and extortion scheme, conspiracy to violate federal and state laws, among other misconduct and misuse of the office."
The Chicago Democrat, who as House speaker for most of the past 40 years has organized several similar investigating committees, including one that led to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment, was not present at the first session of the panel directing its attention at him. He later issued a statement reiterating that he never made improper legislative decisions nor sought no-work jobs for anyone and has engaged in no wrongdoing. He has rebuffed requests from prominent Democrats, as well as Republicans, to resign.
If the committee, whose GOP memberships includes officeholders facing difficult November re-election races, finds grounds for the charge, a second committee is chosen to conduct a hearing on potential discipline, which could include reprimand, censure or expulsion.
Partisan tensions arose early over the insistence of Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch, the Hillside Democrat serving as chairman of the panel, that the committee contact Lausch to ensure no interference with the criminal investigation. Republicans feared Welch was suspending the process while awaiting an answer from Lausch.
Welch took offense at the suggestion, but ultimately recessed the committee without setting the next hearing date, saying he would do so after contact from Lausch. Durkin noted he has informed Lausch about his plans. A Lausch spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
Madigan has not been charged with a crime, a point made by Democratic committee member Natalie Manley of Joliet. She said that the committee would be reviewing "criminal activity that has not been charged" against Madigan.
The Republicans' lawyer, former federal prosecutor Ron Safer of Chicago, said the committee need not rely on a criminal charge.
"In a court of law, a jury is instructed that a charge is evidence of nothing," Safer said. "This, in contrast, is direct evidence, the deferred prosecution agreement contains actual evidence, actual admissions" by ComEd.
Committee members referred to use of the process only once before, in 2012 when the House expelled Chicago Democratic Rep. Derrick Smith for which he later was sentenced to five months in prison. But a similar process was used in 1905 to oust Rep. Frank Comerford, also a Chicago Democrat, for accusing his colleagues of corruption without evidence.
Following the December 2008 arrest of Blagojevich on political corruption charges, a House committee, co-chaired by Durkin, convened a similar process that led to the Democrat's impeachment and removal from office a month later.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Former Bear charged with coronavirus loan fraud

Authorities allege former Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy spent money from a federal paycheck protection loan on Dior and Gucci @ @ @ @ @ .

Authorities allege former Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy spent money from a federal paycheck protection loan on Dior and Gucci items as well as jewelry. John Starks | Staff Photographer, 2016


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--'Choose to be happy': Lindenhurst woman feted (through a window) for her 100th birthday

Catherine Ori joined the centenarian club Wednesday as she celebrated her 100th birthday with her family through the patio window @ @ @ @ @ Lakes senior community in Lindenhurst .
Ori was excited to see her family , including @ @ @ @ @ , as she reached the milestone .
In addition to her children , some of @ @ @ @ @ away as Colorado and Montana , Ori has 20 grandchildren , 37 great-grandchildren -- with @ @ @ @ @ and one great-great-grandchild .
COVID-19 restrictions kept her family outside in the rain , but @ @ @ @ @ spirits down .
The group sang `` Happy Birthday '' twice , along with a @ @ @ @ @ songs , while waving to Ori through the window .
Her children said their mom @ @ @ @ @ life can be expressed in her favorite saying : `` Life is what you make @ @ @ @ @ day I choose to be happy . ''

'Choose to be happy': Lindenhurst woman feted (through a window) for her 100th birthday
Catherine Ori joined the centenarian club Wednesday as she celebrated her 100th birthday with her family through the patio window at The Village at Victory Lakes senior community in Lindenhurst.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Catherine Ori's family gathered Wednesday to celebrate her 100th birthday at The Village at Victory Lakes senior community in Lindenhurst. Though separated by a patio door, family members sang all of her favorite songs to her.
Ori was excited to see her family, including all six of her children, as she reached the milestone.
In addition to her children, some of whom traveled from as far away as Colorado and Montana, Ori has 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren -- with another on the way -- and one great-great-grandchild.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Catherine Ori greets her family Wednesday as they gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday at The Village at Victory Lakes senior community in Lindenhurst.
COVID-19 restrictions kept her family outside in the rain, but it couldn't keep their spirits down.
The group sang "Happy Birthday" twice, along with a number of her other favorite songs, while waving to Ori through the window.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Catherine Ori reacts Wednesday as family members gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday at The Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst.
Her children said their mom's secret to a long life can be expressed in her favorite saying: "Life is what you make of it, and every day I choose to be happy."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Scaled-back suburban Oktoberfest celebrations on tap for fall 2020

Locating an Oktoberfest celebration this year is more difficult now that most municipalities and service organizations have canceled their events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
However , finding a friendly brewpub or restaurant where one can hoist a stein is not impossible .
Several intend to carry on the tradition with safety precautions -- including mandatory face coverings , physical distancing and attendance limits -- in place .
Keeping in mind that activities are subject to change or cancellation , here 's a sampling of suburban Oktoberfest options .
Schnitzel Platz , the family-friendly German restaurant and gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heights , commemorates Oktoberfest with German music and entertainment Friday , Sept. 11 , through Oct. 25 .
Tables indoors and outside will be spaced six feet apart .
Face coverings are required except when patrons are seated at tables .
( 630 ) 942-9900 or schnitzelplatz.com .
Having canceled its traditional celebration , the Village of Itasca will host a drive-thru version from 3-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday , Sept. 12-13 , at Village Hall , 550 W. Irving Park Road .
Residents can order a traditional Oktoberfest dinner online and pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
Dinner options include : roast pork loin , schnitzel , bratwurst and German-style meatballs among other options .
See itasca.com/oktoberfest .
From Wednesday through Saturday , Sept. 16-19 , Scorched Earth Brewing Company , 203 Berg St. , Algonquin , will showcase its Oktoberfest beer , a German-style marzen , and its WunderPilz , a German-style pilsner , among other styles .
Food trucks will be on hand Friday and Saturday , Sept. 18-19 , and the outdoor beer garden and the indoor space have been reconfigured according to health department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move about inside but not when patrons are seated at tables .
Face coverings are not required outside for groups that are properly distancing .
( 224 ) 209-8472 or scorchedearthbrewing.com .
Suburban restaurants and breweries have scaled back their Oktoberfest celebrations , but seasonal brews are still available , with social distancing , at places like Hofbrauhaus Chicago in Rosemont .
Hofbrauhaus Chicago Musicians , dancers and celebrity keg tappers will entertain Hofbrauhaus Chicago patrons during its Oktoberfest celebration , which runs Friday , Sept. 18 , through Oct. 31 at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rosemont .
Capacity is limited and patrons must wear face coverings when they are away from their tables .
( 847 ) 671-2739 or hofbrauhauschicago.com .
Two Brothers will host two days of socially distanced celebrations in Warrenville and Aurora .
The Saturday , Sept. 19 , event takes place at Two Brothers Tap House , 31W315 Calumet Ave. , Warrenville .
Three-hour celebration sessions begin at 11:30 a.m. , 3 and 6:30 p.m. ( 630 ) 393-2337 .
The Sunday , Sept. 20 , event takes place at Two Brothers Roundhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two-hour sessions begin at noon , 2:30 and 5 p.m .
Call ( 630 ) 264-2739 .
The mostly outdoor celebrations include the brewery 's Atom Smasher beer , German food and music .
Patrons are required to wear a face covering when entering the buildings or using the restrooms .
Reservations , including a $ 10 deposit to be applied to the bill , are required .
There is a six-person limit per party .
Skeleton Key Brewery , 8102 Lemont Road , Woodridge , hosts Skulltoberfest on Saturday , Sept. 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band .
Seatings are at 3:30 , 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and are limited to 40 people maximum .
Dinner for two is $ 125 and includes a Bavarian pretzel , Oktoberfest beer , chicken schnitzel , sweet-and-sour red cabbage , apple strudel , a four-pack of Oktoberfest beer to-go and two Dirndl glasses among other items .
( 630 ) 395-9033 or skeletonkeybrewery.com .
The Long Grove brewery and pub at 360 Historical Lane has incorporated safety measures into an Oktoberfest-themed weekend next month that will feature the brewery 's traditional Oktoberfest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wedgie .
It was brewed in recognition of Long Grove 's 114-year-old covered bridge , which was damaged by a bus and a medical supply truck days after it reopened Aug. 14 after two years of repairs .
Buffalo Creek 's scaled-back celebration takes place Friday and Saturday , Oct. 2-3 , outside under a tent with tables distanced per department of health guidelines with up to 10 people per table .
Face coverings will be required when patrons are not seated at their tables , and patrons may be subject to temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oktoberfest beer , a food truck will serve German fare and members of the Lake County Symphony Orchestra 's brass section will perform from 5 to 8 p.m. both days .
( 847 ) 821-6140 or buffalocreekbrewing.com .

Scaled-back suburban Oktoberfest celebrations on tap for fall 2020
Buffalo Creek Brewing co-owners Josh Czarnik, left, and Mike Marr, right, pose with Alex Bersin during the brewpub's 2019 Oktoberfest celebration. This year's fest will be a little different. Courtesy of Buffalo Creek Brewing
Locating an Oktoberfest celebration this year is more difficult now that most municipalities and service organizations have canceled their events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, finding a friendly brewpub or restaurant where one can hoist a stein is not impossible. Several intend to carry on the tradition with safety precautions -- including mandatory face coverings, physical distancing and attendance limits -- in place.
Keeping in mind that activities are subject to change or cancellation, here's a sampling of suburban Oktoberfest options.
Schnitzel Platz
Schnitzel Platz, the family-friendly German restaurant and gift emporium at 729 North Ave., Glendale Heights, commemorates Oktoberfest with German music and entertainment Friday, Sept. 11, through Oct. 25. Tables indoors and outside will be spaced six feet apart. Face coverings are required except when patrons are seated at tables. (630) 942-9900 or schnitzelplatz.com.
Drive-thru Oktoberfest
Having canceled its traditional celebration, the Village of Itasca will host a drive-thru version from 3-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, at Village Hall, 550 W. Irving Park Road. Residents can order a traditional Oktoberfest dinner online and pick it up between those hours on those days. Dinner options include: roast pork loin, schnitzel, bratwurst and German-style meatballs among other options. See itasca.com/oktoberfest.
Scorched Earth Brewing Company
From Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 16-19, Scorched Earth Brewing Company, 203 Berg St., Algonquin, will showcase its Oktoberfest beer, a German-style marzen, and its WunderPilz, a German-style pilsner, among other styles. Food trucks will be on hand Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, and the outdoor beer garden and the indoor space have been reconfigured according to health department guidelines. Face coverings are required to move about inside but not when patrons are seated at tables. Face coverings are not required outside for groups that are properly distancing. (224) 209-8472 or scorchedearthbrewing.com.
Suburban restaurants and breweries have scaled back their Oktoberfest celebrations, but seasonal brews are still available, with social distancing, at places like Hofbrauhaus Chicago in Rosemont. - Courtesy of Leigh Loftus
Musicians, dancers and celebrity keg tappers will entertain Hofbrauhaus Chicago patrons during its Oktoberfest celebration, which runs Friday, Sept. 18, through Oct. 31 at the expansive brewpub located at 5500 Park Place, Rosemont. Capacity is limited and patrons must wear face coverings when they are away from their tables. (847) 671-2739 or hofbrauhauschicago.com.
Two Brothers Artisan Brewing
Two Brothers will host two days of socially distanced celebrations in Warrenville and Aurora. The Saturday, Sept. 19, event takes place at Two Brothers Tap House, 31W315 Calumet Ave., Warrenville. Three-hour celebration sessions begin at 11:30 a.m., 3 and 6:30 p.m. (630) 393-2337.
The Sunday, Sept. 20, event takes place at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. Two-hour sessions begin at noon, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Call (630) 264-2739.
The mostly outdoor celebrations include the brewery's Atom Smasher beer, German food and music. Patrons are required to wear a face covering when entering the buildings or using the restrooms. Reservations, including a $10 deposit to be applied to the bill, are required. There is a six-person limit per party.
See twobrothersbrewing.com.
Skeleton Key Brewery
Skeleton Key Brewery, 8102 Lemont Road, Woodridge, hosts Skulltoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 19, featuring German fare and an oompah band. Seatings are at 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and are limited to 40 people maximum. Dinner for two is $125 and includes a Bavarian pretzel, Oktoberfest beer, chicken schnitzel, sweet-and-sour red cabbage, apple strudel, a four-pack of Oktoberfest beer to-go and two Dirndl glasses among other items. (630) 395-9033 or skeletonkeybrewery.com.
Buffalo Creek Brewing
The Long Grove brewery and pub at 360 Historical Lane has incorporated safety measures into an Oktoberfest-themed weekend next month that will feature the brewery's traditional Oktoberfest beer and a new offering, Bus Wedgie. It was brewed in recognition of Long Grove's 114-year-old covered bridge, which was damaged by a bus and a medical supply truck days after it reopened Aug. 14 after two years of repairs.
Buffalo Creek's scaled-back celebration takes place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, outside under a tent with tables distanced per department of health guidelines with up to 10 people per table. Face coverings will be required when patrons are not seated at their tables, and patrons may be subject to temperature checks.
The brewery will tap its Oktoberfest beer, a food truck will serve German fare and members of the Lake County Symphony Orchestra's brass section will perform from 5 to 8 p.m. both days. (847) 821-6140 or buffalocreekbrewing.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Suburbs to observe Sept. 11 with virtual and in-person ceremonies

While many Sept. 11 observances have been scaled down this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic , some suburbs are still hosting socially distanced or virtual tributes to remember the events of Sept. 11 , 2001 .
The Batavia Overseas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1197 and Auxiliary invite the community to a Patriot Day tribute on Friday , Sept. 11 , on the lawn at 645 S. River Road , Batavia .
Bring a chair .
Friendly dogs are welcome .
Beverages and food will be for sale starting at 5 p.m. , with music by Bill Gray at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 p.m .
Honor 9/11 and post-9/11 veterans and first responders .
Most local police and fire departments have been invited .
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Bill Gray will be performing a patriotic playlist .
Visit vfw1197.org .
Due to social distancing rules , the city of Des Plaines will hold a virtual Patriot Day ceremony at 8 a.m. Friday , Sept. 11 .
There will be not be a ceremony at the Civic Center this year .
Check www.desplaines.org for a link to the 2020 Des Plaines Patriot Day Ceremony virtual event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virtual 9/11 Ceremony .
It will be posted on ElmhurstTV YouTube Channel on Friday , Sept. 11 .
Visit www.youtube.com/user/elmhursttv .
The village of Glendale Heights remembers Patriot Day on Friday , Sept. 11 , with a silent parade of first responder vehicles , followed by a candlelight service at 7:15 p.m. at the flagpoles at Camera Park ( note the new location due to COVID-19 and social distancing ) .
Mayor Linda Jackson , village board trustees , police and fire personnel and neighbors will observe a moment of silence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sept. 11 , 2001 .
Wear a face covering and practice social distancing .
For details , call ( 630 ) 909-5303 .
The village of Hanover Park invites residents to join a Facebook Live event to remember and honor the first responders who responded to the attacks on Sept. 11 , 2001 , as well as all first responders who have given their lives in service to their communities .
It will begin at 9 a.m. Friday , Sept. 11 , at www.Facebook.com/VillageofHanoverPark .
In efforts to help keep first responders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lombard Fire Department will not hold a public 9/11 event this year .
Residents wishing to pay tribute may participate in a moment of silence from their homes at 8:46 a.m. , the time the first plane , American Airlines Flight 11 , struck the north tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11 , 2001 .
Visit villageoflombard.org .
A Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Friday , Sept. 11 , along the Naperville Riverwalk , marking the 19th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Naperville , begins at the Cmdr .
Dan Shanower Memorial behind the Naperville Municipal Center , 400 S. Eagle St .
It will feature a tolling of the Millennium Carillon bells , music from the Naperville Municipal Band and ceremonial duties performed by the Naperville Firefighters Highland Guard and a combined Color Guard .
Speakers include Exchange Club President Ron Amato , Exchange Club Americanism Committee member Marty Walker , Mayor Steve Chirico , Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis and Police Chief Robert Marshall .
The national anthem and another musical number will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young Naperville Singers .
Those interested in attending are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets , wear face masks at all times and maintain a distance of at least six feet between groups .
The event will be live streamed on NCTV17 and on its website , www.nctv17.com .
The village of Palatine will host a memorial ceremony Friday to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 , 2001 .
The ceremony will be held at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial at the corner of North Brockway and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Due to COVID-19 restrictions , the traditional assembly of firefighters and police officers will not take place .
Members of the public who attend are asked to strictly follow social distancing guidelines .
The Palatine Fire Department 's honor guard will march to the memorial site from Fire Station 85 , 39 E. Colfax St .
Upon their arrival , the ceremony will begin at approximately 9 a.m. and will last about 20 minutes .
The honor guard will place a wreath at the memorial and perform a ceremonial ringing of the bell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty .
The village will record the event , which will be available on the village 's Facebook page , website and public access Channel 6 throughout September .
Roselle Mayor Andy Maglio signed a proclamation designating Sept. 11 as Patriot Day in Roselle .
`` September 11 , 2001 , is a day in our history that we should all remember .
Please remember all those who lost their lives , and all those who keep us all safe daily , '' Maglio said .
Roselle United Methodist Church is holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the church , 206 S. Rush St. , Roselle .
Call the church office at ( 630 ) 529-1309 for details .
The Rosemont Public Safety Department has traditionally held a 9/11 ceremony in remembrance of those lost during the 2001 terrorist attacks .
Due to COVID-19 health concerns , they are not hosting a public event .
However , they will still be remembering those lost with a private ceremony at the fire house .
Each Streamwood fire station will hold a bell ceremony the morning of Sept. 11 .
While there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , residents are invited to step outside and listen to take a moment to remember the victims and survivors .
Visit www.streamwood.org .
Wauconda Mayor Lincoln Knight will lay a wreath at the village 's Heroes of Freedom Memorial about 9 a.m. Friday , Sept. 11 , and then he 'll observe a moment of silence .
The memorial is on Main Street south of Route 176 .
Due to COVID-19 concerns , there will not be a public Westmont Remembers the Fallen Heroes of September 11 , 2001 , event this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private Patriot Day remembrance instead .
The Lisle Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5696 will host a blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday , Sept. 11 , at a mobile coach parked at 1209 Lisle Place .
Appointments recommended ; walk-ins welcome as the schedule and social distancing allow .
Every attendee must wear a mask .
To schedule , go to www.versiti.org/IL , load the Versiti Donor app , or call ( 800 ) 7TO-GIVE .
The SARS COV-2 antibody test , AKA COVID-19 Antibody Test ( CAT ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of standard testing .
Every donation will save up to three lives .
After a long hiatus , the Gurnee Fire Department will be hosting a blood drive outside of Station 2 located at 6581 Dada Drive .
The blood drive will be held on Saturday , Sept. 12 , in two blood mobiles from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to the current pandemic , extra precautions in accordance with CDC guidelines will be in place .
All donors are also required to wear a mask and make an appointment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ G110 when making your appointment .
All successful donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies .
Those individuals will also be entered into a raffle for a $ 50 gift card to Kaiser 's Pizza & Pub Gurnee .
For details or to schedule an appointment , visit vitalant.org .

Suburbs to observe Sept. 11 with virtual and in-person ceremonies
While many Sept. 11 observances have been scaled down this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some suburbs are still hosting socially distanced or virtual tributes to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Batavia
The Batavia Overseas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1197 and Auxiliary invite the community to a Patriot Day tribute on Friday, Sept. 11, on the lawn at 645 S. River Road, Batavia. Bring a chair. Friendly dogs are welcome. Beverages and food will be for sale starting at 5 p.m., with music by Bill Gray at 6:30 p.m. and a memorial reflection at 7 p.m. Honor 9/11 and post-9/11 veterans and first responders. Most local police and fire departments have been invited. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Bill Gray will be performing a patriotic playlist. Visit vfw1197.org.
Des Plaines
Due to social distancing rules, the city of Des Plaines will hold a virtual Patriot Day ceremony at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11. There will be not be a ceremony at the Civic Center this year. Check www.desplaines.org for a link to the 2020 Des Plaines Patriot Day Ceremony virtual event.
Elmhurst
The city of Elmhurst will host a virtual 9/11 Ceremony. It will be posted on ElmhurstTV YouTube Channel on Friday, Sept. 11. Visit www.youtube.com/user/elmhursttv.
Glendale Heights
The village of Glendale Heights remembers Patriot Day on Friday, Sept. 11, with a silent parade of first responder vehicles, followed by a candlelight service at 7:15 p.m. at the flagpoles at Camera Park (note the new location due to COVID-19 and social distancing). Mayor Linda Jackson, village board trustees, police and fire personnel and neighbors will observe a moment of silence and reflection to remember those who were lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Wear a face covering and practice social distancing. For details, call (630) 909-5303.
Hanover Park
The village of Hanover Park invites residents to join a Facebook Live event to remember and honor the first responders who responded to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as all first responders who have given their lives in service to their communities. It will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at www.Facebook.com/VillageofHanoverPark.
Lombard
In efforts to help keep first responders safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lombard Fire Department will not hold a public 9/11 event this year. Residents wishing to pay tribute may participate in a moment of silence from their homes at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the north tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Visit villageoflombard.org.
Naperville
A Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, along the Naperville Riverwalk, marking the 19th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event, sponsored by the Exchange Club of Naperville, begins at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial behind the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. It will feature a tolling of the Millennium Carillon bells, music from the Naperville Municipal Band and ceremonial duties performed by the Naperville Firefighters Highland Guard and a combined Color Guard.
Speakers include Exchange Club President Ron Amato, Exchange Club Americanism Committee member Marty Walker, Mayor Steve Chirico, Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis and Police Chief Robert Marshall. The national anthem and another musical number will be performed by a member of the Young Naperville Singers.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, wear face masks at all times and maintain a distance of at least six feet between groups. The event will be live streamed on NCTV17 and on its website, www.nctv17.com.
Palatine
The village of Palatine will host a memorial ceremony Friday to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will be held at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial at the corner of North Brockway and West Slade streets in downtown Palatine. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the traditional assembly of firefighters and police officers will not take place. Members of the public who attend are asked to strictly follow social distancing guidelines. The Palatine Fire Department's honor guard will march to the memorial site from Fire Station 85, 39 E. Colfax St. Upon their arrival, the ceremony will begin at approximately 9 a.m. and will last about 20 minutes. The honor guard will place a wreath at the memorial and perform a ceremonial ringing of the bell to signify firefighters' last call of duty. The village will record the event, which will be available on the village's Facebook page, website and public access Channel 6 throughout September.
Roselle
Roselle Mayor Andy Maglio signed a proclamation designating Sept. 11 as Patriot Day in Roselle. "September 11, 2001, is a day in our history that we should all remember. Please remember all those who lost their lives, and all those who keep us all safe daily," Maglio said. Roselle United Methodist Church is holding a Sept. 11 Memorial Observance at noon outside the church, 206 S. Rush St., Roselle. Call the church office at (630) 529-1309 for details.
Rosemont
The Rosemont Public Safety Department has traditionally held a 9/11 ceremony in remembrance of those lost during the 2001 terrorist attacks. Due to COVID-19 health concerns, they are not hosting a public event. However, they will still be remembering those lost with a private ceremony at the fire house.
Streamwood
Each Streamwood fire station will hold a bell ceremony the morning of Sept. 11. While there will not be a public ceremony this year, residents are invited to step outside and listen to take a moment to remember the victims and survivors. Visit www.streamwood.org.
Wauconda
Wauconda Mayor Lincoln Knight will lay a wreath at the village's Heroes of Freedom Memorial about 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and then he'll observe a moment of silence. The memorial is on Main Street south of Route 176.
Westmont
Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will not be a public Westmont Remembers the Fallen Heroes of September 11, 2001, event this year. Village staff will conduct a private Patriot Day remembrance instead.
Blood drives
Lisle
The Lisle Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5696 will host a blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at a mobile coach parked at 1209 Lisle Place. Appointments recommended; walk-ins welcome as the schedule and social distancing allow. Every attendee must wear a mask. To schedule, go to www.versiti.org/IL, load the Versiti Donor app, or call (800) 7TO-GIVE. The SARS COV-2 antibody test, AKA COVID-19 Antibody Test (CAT), will be performed on all blood donations as part of standard testing. Every donation will save up to three lives.
Gurnee
After a long hiatus, the Gurnee Fire Department will be hosting a blood drive outside of Station 2 located at 6581 Dada Drive. The blood drive will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, in two blood mobiles from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to the current pandemic, extra precautions in accordance with CDC guidelines will be in place. All donors are also required to wear a mask and make an appointment prior to arriving. Use group code G110 when making your appointment. All successful donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Those individuals will also be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card to Kaiser's Pizza & Pub Gurnee. For details or to schedule an appointment, visit vitalant.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Addison man charged with window-peeping now accused of grabbing 3 youths

An Addison man who was free from jail on a personal-recognizance bond on charges of window-peeping and trespassing is now charged with grabbing three minors in public .
Francisco Orozco-Macias , 26 , of the 600 block of Willow Glen Street , faces three counts of aggravated battery in a public place , three counts of criminal sexual abuse and one count of violation of bail bond .
DuPage County court records allege that at 9:23 p.m. Aug. 29 , he grabbed the buttocks of two juveniles , no genders provided , and grabbed the genitals of a girl .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no more than 17 years old , according to the charges .
Orozco-Macias was arrested Aug. 29 and remains in the DuPage County jail on $ 30,000 bail .
If he posts bond and is released , he must wear a GPS monitor that would notify authorities if he came within 1,000 feet of the victims .
He is due to be arraigned Sept. 28 .
In July , Orozco-Macias was released on $ 7,500 personal-recognizance bail for several charges of disorderly conduct -- window peeping for lewd or unlawful purposes .
Personal-recognizance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free without posting any money for bond .
If they violate conditions of their bail , the judge can change it to a cash bail .
The offenses are alleged to have taken place at : 12:55 a.m. June 10 at a home on the 900 block of North Mill Road in Addison ; 9:30 p.m. June 25 at a home on the 900 block of North Howard Avenue in Addison ; and three times between April 1 and July 1 at a home on the 600 block of Willow Glen in Addison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by entering the Mill Road home June 10 .

Addison man charged with window-peeping now accused of grabbing 3 youths
An Addison man who was free from jail on a personal-recognizance bond on charges of window-peeping and trespassing is now charged with grabbing three minors in public.
Francisco Orozco-Macias, 26, of the 600 block of Willow Glen Street, faces three counts of aggravated battery in a public place, three counts of criminal sexual abuse and one count of violation of bail bond.
DuPage County court records allege that at 9:23 p.m. Aug. 29, he grabbed the buttocks of two juveniles, no genders provided, and grabbed the genitals of a girl. The victims were at least 11 but no more than 17 years old, according to the charges.
Orozco-Macias was arrested Aug. 29 and remains in the DuPage County jail on $30,000 bail. If he posts bail and is released, he must wear a GPS monitor that would notify authorities if he came within 1,000 feet of the victims.
He is due to be arraigned Sept. 28.
In July, Orozco-Macias was released on $7,500 personal-recognizance bail for several charges of disorderly conduct-window peeping for lewd or unlawful purposes. Personal-recognizance bail allows a person to be set free without posting any money. If they violate conditions of their bail, the judge can change it to a cash bail.
The offenses are alleged to have taken place at 12:55 a.m. June 10 at a home on the 900 block of North Mill Road in Addison, 9:30 p.m. June 25 at a home on the 900 block of North Howard Avenue in Addison, and three times between April 1 and July 1 at a home on the 600 block of Willow Glen in Addison. He is also charged with trespassing by entering the Mill Road home June 10.
The charges were filed July 22.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Glenview PR expert takes his own turn in front of the camera

Among his contact list of influencers it includes a former professional rugby player turned Hollywood producer , Hamish Wright .
In an unlikely alliance , Wright has enlisted Breen to write a skit and appear on his new comedy vehicle , `` The Real Fake Show . ''
`` Hamish , he 's just one those folks , and he just happens to be connected to Hollywood , '' Breen said .
After two decades as an award-winning journalist and editor at such places as The Times of Northwest Indiana , Block Club Chicago and DNAinfo.com , in 2017 the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its website states , it serves `` visionaries and exceptional businesses . ''
The Publicity Club of Chicago has honored BrEpic the last two years with Golden and Silver Trumpet awards .
`` A good part of my day is spent talking to amazing people around the world , '' said Breen , 43 , who in May also published a book , `` Epic Business , '' based on how he applied some of their lessons to build his own business .
Through the wonders of networking he connected with Wright , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California to play and coach rugby .
Delivering an insidious , dry wit , Wright has since evolved into a writer , script editor and producer .
His latest concoction is the improvisation-based `` The Real Fake Show , '' for which he 's got dozens of ideas and has lined up funding and a production company .
Working to secure a network , he hopes to launch within 6 months .
Talking with Wright is like riding a rickety roller coaster on helium , a thrilling joy ride threatening to run off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
`` That just reminded me of the conversations my frat brothers and I had when I was at the University of Illinois , '' said Breen , who took acting lessons at Glenbrook North and the University of Illinois .
`` One of my frat brothers ( Andy Schelitzche ) and I still talk like that in a silly type of way . ''
The skit , `` The Frat Twins , '' was born .
`` I think it 's his honesty .
He 's got many great qualities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Wright said of Breen 's insight .
`` Ninety percent of what I write happens to me . ''
`` The Real Fake Show '' is based on what Wright called `` structured improv . ''
Host Alan Massengale , a veteran broadcaster and producer , `` sidekick '' Wright and a guest or two wrap a freewheeling conversation around a general story line .
With shades of `` Between Two Ferns , '' `` It 's Garry Shandling 's Show '' and `` The Daily Show , '' Wright references `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the late Fred Willard , as the closest relative to `` The Real Fake Show . ''
`` I got to show this to Fred Willard before he passed away ( in May ) , and he said , this is where the network would n't let us go , '' Wright said .
One pilot episode welcomes the lead singer of a 1990s band who `` could have been the next Bono '' but under Wright 's mismanagement -- including a booking in Death Valley -- saw his career fizzle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his 30th minor league season still confident he 'll make the Hall of Fame .
The genius of the execution is that , while only one of these plots is true , both could be .
`` I was watching it and I 'm like , that 's pretty ingenious , '' said Breen , who appeared on the `` Today '' show and `` Windy City Live '' with his wife , pediatrician Dr. Sarah Breen , after they fulfilled a New Year 's resolution to have a date night every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have celebrities having fun with themselves , '' Wright said , `` we can have real people that are funnier than anything that we can write , and we can have comedians playing characters . ''
Breen and his Theta Chi pal , Schelitzche , who owns a financial services company in Minnesota , are in that second group .
Their script for `` Frat Twins '' will fit the show 's character since Breen is dark-haired and brown-eyed and Schelitzche is blond and blue-eyed .
`` I 'm very excited for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to , '' Breen said .
`` When you talk to some of the coolest people on earth all the time , these are the types of opportunities that can happen . ''

Glenview PR expert takes his own turn in front of the camera
Justin Breen has found his tribe.
Among his contact list of influencers it includes a former professional rugby player turned Hollywood producer, Hamish Wright. In an unlikely alliance, Wright has enlisted Breen to write a skit and appear on his new comedy vehicle, "The Real Fake Show."
"Hamish, he's just one those folks, and he just happens to be connected to Hollywood," Breen said.
After two decades as an award-winning journalist and editor at such places as The Times of Northwest Indiana, Block Club Chicago and DNAinfo.com, in 2017 the Glenview man founded BrEpic Communications. As its website states, it serves "visionaries and exceptional businesses."
The Publicity Club of Chicago has honored BrEpic the last two years with Golden and Silver Trumpet awards.
"A good part of my day is spent talking to amazing people around the world," said Breen, 43, who in May also published a book, "Epic Business," based on how he applied some of their lessons to build his own business.
Through the wonders of networking he connected with Wright, a New Zealand native who landed in California to play and coach rugby.
Delivering an insidious, dry wit, Wright has since evolved into a writer, script editor and producer. His latest concoction is the improvisation-based "The Real Fake Show," for which he's got dozens of ideas and has lined up funding and a production company. Working to secure a network, he hopes to launch within 6 months.
Talking with Wright is like riding a rickety roller coaster on helium, a thrilling joy ride threatening to run off the rails but with laughs along the way.
Breen was hooked.
"That just reminded me of the conversations my frat brothers and I had when I was at the University of Illinois," said Breen, who took acting lessons at Glenbrook North and the University of Illinois.
"One of my frat brothers (Andy Schelitzche) and I still talk like that in a silly type of way."
The skit, "The Frat Twins," was born.
"I think it's his honesty. He's got many great qualities, but the best comedy is honesty," Wright said of Breen's insight. "Ninety percent of what I write happens to me."
"The Real Fake Show" is based on what Wright called "structured improv." Host Alan Massengale, a veteran broadcaster and producer, "sidekick" Wright and a guest or two wrap a freewheeling conversation around a general story line.
With shades of "Between Two Ferns," "It's Garry Shandling's Show" and "The Daily Show," Wright references "Fernwood Tonight," with Martin Mull and the late Fred Willard, as the closest relative to "The Real Fake Show."
"I got to show this to Fred Willard before he passed away (in May), and he said, this is where the network wouldn't let us go," Wright said.
One pilot episode welcomes the lead singer of a 1990s band who "could have been the next Bono" but under Wright's mismanagement -- including a booking in Death Valley -- saw his career fizzle.
Another is of a 47-year-old baseball player in his 30th minor league season still confident he'll make the Hall of Fame.
The genius of the execution is that, while only one of these plots is true, both could be.
"I was watching it and I'm like, that's pretty ingenious," said Breen, who appeared on the "Today" show and "Windy City Live" with his wife, pediatrician Dr. Sarah Breen, after they fulfilled a New Year's resolution to have a date night every week in 2019.
"We can have celebrities having fun with themselves," Wright said, "we can have real people that are funnier than anything that we can write, and we can have comedians playing characters."
Breen and his Theta Chi pal, Schelitzche, who owns a financial services company in Minnesota, are in that second group. Their script for "Frat Twins" will fit the show's character since Breen is dark-haired and brown-eyed and Schelitzche is blond and blue-eyed.
"I'm very excited for this to evolve and see where it leads to," Breen said. "When you talk to some of the coolest people on earth all the time, these are the types of opportunities that can happen."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill near Antioch catches fire Wednesday night

A fire Wednesday evening at the Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill near Antioch closed Lake Avenue in both directions north of Route 173 .
One firefighter was injured at the scene of the blaze .
First responders from the Antioch Fire Department arrived on the scene of the fire about 6 p.m. and had the fire mostly put out by around 7:30 p.m. , Lake County sheriff 's Sgt .
Christopher Covelli said .
Covelli said a neighbor called 911 at 5:57 p.m. to report the bar was on fire .
When Lake County sheriff 's officers and firefighters arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building .
A team of firefighters searched the building for victims but did n't find anyone inside .
Antioch Fire Battalion Chief Tim Taylor said one firefighter was injured and was taken to a nearby Wisconsin hospital .
Taylor said he did not know the severity of the firefighter 's injury .
Covelli said the damage to the building was extensive but said the structure did not collapse .
Covelli said sheriff 's deputies and detectives remained at the scene Wednesday night to help firefighters determine the origin and nature of the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spots now , but the fire is mostly put out , '' Covelli said .
According to a listing on Google , the bar normally is open from noon until midnight on Wednesdays .
Covelli said both directions on Lake Avenue likely would remain closed for a while longer Wednesday night .

Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill near Antioch catches fire Wednesday night
A fire Wednesday evening caused extensive damage to the Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill, 42273 N. Woodbine Ave. near Antioch. courtesy of Lake County Sheriff's Office
A fire Wednesday evening at the Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill near Antioch closed Lake Avenue in both directions north of Route 173. One firefighter was injured at the scene of the blaze.
First responders from the Antioch Fire Department arrived on the scene of the fire about 6 p.m. and had the fire mostly put out by around 7:30 p.m., Lake County sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli said.
Covelli said a neighbor called 911 at 5:57 p.m. to report the bar was on fire. When Lake County sheriff's officers and firefighters arrived, they could see flames inside the building. A team of firefighters searched the building for victims but didn't find anyone inside.
Antioch Fire Battalion Chief Tim Taylor said one firefighter was injured and was taken to a nearby Wisconsin hospital. Taylor said he did not know the severity of the firefighter's injury.
Covelli said the damage to the building was extensive but said the structure did not collapse.
Covelli said sheriff's deputies and detectives remained at the scene Wednesday night to help firefighters determine the origin and nature of the fire.
"They are putting out hot spots now, but the fire is mostly put out," Covelli said.
According to a listing on Google, the bar normally is open from noon until midnight on Wednesdays.
Covelli said both directions on Lake Avenue likely would remain closed for a while longer Wednesday night.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Buffalo Grove mourns dedicated advocate for people with disabilities

For more than two decades , Rick Kahen served as a dedicated advocate for fellow Buffalo Grove residents with special challenges as chairman of the village 's Commission for Residents with Disabilities .
For Kahen , who died Sept. 4 at age 71 , it was a mission rooted in personal experience .
Upon returning to his native Chicago after attending the University of Arizona , Kahen was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have a leg amputated .
`` They gave him a 10 % chance of living out through the year , '' said Candi Kahen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he was determined to live on , and he beat it for 50 years , '' The fruits of the commission 's labors under Kahen 's leadership include the Buffalo Grove Days Food & Fun Program for residents with disabilities , when the village 's annual end-of-summer festival welcomes disabled residents and their immediate families .
Kahen and the commission also were instrumental in the development of the town 's Buddy Baseball game for kids with special needs , also held during the festival .
A longtime friend , former Buffalo Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's funeral was held Monday , when the Food & Fun Program normally would have been held .
`` It was so sad that the funeral was on Labor Day , when , but ( for ) COVID , he would be sitting behind a table checking people in , '' he said .
Kahen was a fixture at Buffalo Grove Days , shuttling people throughout the festival .
`` He would drive shuttles starting Thursday night from 6 to 10 every single night , '' said commission member Dean Klassman .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that 's a challenge late at night sometimes with no headlights .
He was there for four hours at a crack . ''
Buffalo Grove Village President Beverly Sussman said Kahen recently resigned from the disabilities commission because health issues prevented him from doing his best .
That , she said , showed his dedication to the panel 's mission .
Kahen met his future wife , Candi , at a wedding rehearsal dinner six months after his leg surgery .
Candi 's sister was getting married to one of Rick 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at the wedding .
`` He fell for me , '' she said , meaning it literally .
`` He walked down the aisle with brand new shoes , six months after surgery and having the prosthetic for maybe three months , and wound up on his ( back ) .
`` When I got to the table later on , he was pretty embarrassed about the whole thing .
I kind of smiled and gave him a wink in the attempt of saying , 'Do n't worry about it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the co-owners of The Funny Farm , a store in Chicago that specialized in novelty items .
He eventually became a buyer for a fastener and hardware distributor , Lawrence Screw Products .
Through Rubin , also a staunch advocate of people with special needs , Kahen became involved with the commission .
Rubin , who called his late friend `` a mensch 's mensch , '' said Kahen brought to the commission an awareness of issues facing people with physical disabilities .
`` It 's a huge loss , because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` A lot of us were on that committee for 15 to 18 years .
And that was all about Rick . ''
Memorials in Kahen 's name may be made to the Buffalo Grove Commission for Residents with Disabilities by writing a check to the Buffalo Grove Community Foundation , 50 Raupp Blvd.
, Buffalo Grove , IL 60089 , or to Beth Tikvah Congregation , by visiting beth-tikvah.org .

Buffalo Grove mourns dedicated advocate for people with disabilities
Rick Kahen, longtime chairman of Buffalo Grove's Commission for Residents with Disabilities, died Sept. 4 at age 71. Courtesy of Candi Kahen
For more than two decades, Rick Kahen served as a dedicated advocate for fellow Buffalo Grove residents with special challenges as chairman of the village's Commission for Residents with Disabilities.
For Kahen, who died Sept. 4 at age 71, it was a mission rooted in personal experience.
Upon returning to his native Chicago after attending the University of Arizona, Kahen was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have a leg amputated.
"They gave him a 10% chance of living out through the year," said Candi Kahen, his wife of 45 years. "But he was determined to live on, and he beat it for 50 years,"
The fruits of the commission's labors under Kahen's leadership include the Buffalo Grove Days Food & Fun Program for residents with disabilities, when the village's annual end-of-summer festival welcomes disabled residents and their immediate families.
Kahen and the commission also were instrumental in the development of the town's Buddy Baseball game for kids with special needs, also held during the festival.
A longtime friend, former Buffalo Grove Trustee Brian Rubin, noted that Kahen's funeral was held Monday, when the Food & Fun Program normally would have been held.
"It was so sad that the funeral was on Labor Day, when, but (for) COVID, he would be sitting behind a table checking people in," he said.
Kahen was a fixture at Buffalo Grove Days, shuttling people throughout the festival.
"He would drive shuttles starting Thursday night from 6 to 10 every single night," said commission member Dean Klassman. "Especially when they have carnivals and concerts, that's a challenge late at night sometimes with no headlights. He was there for four hours at a crack."
Buffalo Grove Village President Beverly Sussman said Kahen recently resigned from the disabilities commission because health issues prevented him from doing his best. That, she said, showed his dedication to the panel's mission.
Kahen met his future wife, Candi, at a wedding rehearsal dinner six months after his leg surgery. Candi's sister was getting married to one of Rick's closest friends, and both were standing up at the wedding.
"He fell for me," she said, meaning it literally. "He walked down the aisle with brand new shoes, six months after surgery and having the prosthetic for maybe three months, and wound up on his (back).
"When I got to the table later on, he was pretty embarrassed about the whole thing. I kind of smiled and gave him a wink in the attempt of saying, 'Don't worry about it. It's OK.'"
Kahen was one of the co-owners of The Funny Farm, a store in Chicago that specialized in novelty items. He eventually became a buyer for a fastener and hardware distributor, Lawrence Screw Products.
Through Rubin, also a staunch advocate of people with special needs, Kahen became involved with the commission. Rubin, who called his late friend "a mensch's mensch," said Kahen brought to the commission an awareness of issues facing people with physical disabilities.
"It's a huge loss, because he kept us all together," Klassman added. "A lot of us were on that committee for 15 to 18 years. And that was all about Rick."
Memorials in Kahen's name may be made to the Buffalo Grove Commission for Residents with Disabilities by writing a check to the Buffalo Grove Community Foundation, 50 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, or to Beth Tikvah Congregation, by visiting beth-tikvah.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-11--Experts: It's more important than ever to get flu shots during pandemic

Last flu season , children 's hospitals across the Chicago area were dealing with a particularly brutal influenza outbreak even before the coronavirus pandemic forced families into lockdown .
The severity of last year 's dominant strain is reason enough for pediatricians to stress the importance of rolling up your sleeve and getting a flu shot .
But as they prepare for the double threat of a new flu season ramping up this fall during a raging pandemic , health experts are warning flu vaccines are more vital than ever .
While it 's especially difficult to predict flu activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a spike in COVID-19 cases could inundate hospitals and tax resources .
`` If we can control a flu outbreak , we can also control the number of children hospitalized for the flu , '' said Dr. John Cunningham , physician-in-chief at the University of Chicago 's Comer Children 's Hospital .
`` Those beds will be important for COVID patients as well if there is a surge . ''
Cunningham joined fellow medical officers of the Chicagoland Children 's Health Alliance in making an urgent plea Thursday to families to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinations are the best line of defense against the flu and can lessen the severity of the illness in children if they do get sick , but it takes a few weeks to provide protection .
`` Our concern for risks to children of both the flu and COVID rises as schools begin to reopen , sports teams begin to play and we start to lift some of the quarantine that existed back in March , '' said Dr. Frank Belmonte , pediatrics chair at Advocate Children 's Hospital .
Health experts also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their flu shots because of pandemic fears or because employers are n't providing their usual flu shot service while people work from home .
`` Our first priority is to keep everybody safe , but we also want to have very wide access to flu vaccinations , '' Belmonte said .
The pediatricians recommended families call their health care providers to determine how they 're managing flu vaccinations .
`` Because of the pandemic , there may be some differences in the way you receive the flu vaccine this year as well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us used to have walk-in type of clinics to give the flu ( shot ) , but right now because of social distancing and all the mitigating factors for COVID , you may have to call ahead and schedule an appointment . ''
With rare exception , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for anyone 6 months and older .
Last year 's predominant flu strain , influenza B , started circulating earlier than usual and tends to hit children the hardest .
The CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu-related illness during the 2019-2020 season , matching the highest number on record , in 2017-18 .
`` Last year , millions of children developed influenza , and in fact across Chicago , it was one of our worst influenza seasons in recent history , '' Belmonte said .
Could preventive measures against COVID-19 -- social distancing , wearing masks , washing hands -- make the flu season less severe ?
Experts do n't know , Belmonte said .
`` We also know that patients can get both flu and COVID simultaneously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know what that 's going to look like , if that will make the disease more severe or if there will be other complications from a combined infection . ''
Teenagers and children under age 20 now constitute 12 % of total COVID-19 cases in Illinois .
A study published this week suggests fever , body aches , vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children with COVID-19 than with the flu , said Dr. Michael Caplan , pediatrics department chair at NorthShore .
`` It might take a little longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and COVID might be a bit more contagious than the flu , '' Caplan said .
Flu is contagious one to four days after infection , while COVID-19 might be contagious up to five to 10 days after symptoms appear , Caplan said .
`` We know that both flu and COVID spread by droplets , so social distancing and wearing masks are really important for preventing both of these infections , '' he said .
Cunningham also recommended caregivers keep children home from school if they have any symptoms .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child at home , '' he said .

Experts: It's more important than ever to get flu shots during pandemic
Pediatricians strongly encourage families to get their flu shot before Halloween. Courtesy of Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance
Last flu season, children's hospitals across the Chicago area were dealing with a particularly brutal influenza outbreak even before the coronavirus pandemic forced families into lockdown.
The severity of last year's dominant strain is reason enough for pediatricians to stress the importance of rolling up your sleeve and getting a flu shot.
But as they prepare for the double threat of a new flu season ramping up this fall during a raging pandemic, health experts are warning flu vaccines are more vital than ever. While it's especially difficult to predict flu activity, an influx of influenza-stricken patients colliding with a spike in COVID-19 cases could inundate hospitals and tax resources.
"If we can control a flu outbreak, we can also control the number of children hospitalized for the flu," said Dr. John Cunningham, physician-in-chief at the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital. "Those beds will be important for COVID patients as well if there is a surge."
Cunningham joined fellow medical officers of the Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance in making an urgent plea Thursday to families to get their flu shots before Halloween. Annual vaccinations are the best line of defense against the flu and can lessen the severity of the illness in children if they do get sick, but it takes a few weeks to provide protection.
"Our concern for risks to children of both the flu and COVID rises as schools begin to reopen, sports teams begin to play and we start to lift some of the quarantine that existed back in March," said Dr. Frank Belmonte, pediatrics chair at Advocate Children's Hospital.
Health experts also are worried that families aren't getting their flu shots because of pandemic fears or because employers aren't providing their usual flu shot service while people work from home.
"Our first priority is to keep everybody safe, but we also want to have very wide access to flu vaccinations," Belmonte said.
The pediatricians recommended families call their health care providers to determine how they're managing flu vaccinations.
"Because of the pandemic, there may be some differences in the way you receive the flu vaccine this year as well," Belmonte said. "So many of us used to have walk-in type of clinics to give the flu (shot), but right now because of social distancing and all the mitigating factors for COVID, you may have to call ahead and schedule an appointment."
With rare exception, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for anyone 6 months and older.
Last year's predominant flu strain, influenza B, started circulating earlier than usual and tends to hit children the hardest. The CDC reported at least 188 children died from flu-related illness during the 2019-2020 season, matching the highest number on record, in 2017-18.
"Last year, millions of children developed influenza, and in fact across Chicago, it was one of our worst influenza seasons in recent history," Belmonte said.
Could preventive measures against COVID-19 -- social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands -- make the flu season less severe? Experts don't know, Belmonte said.
"We also know that patients can get both flu and COVID simultaneously," he said. "And we don't know what that's going to look like, if that will make the disease more severe or if there will be other complications from a combined infection."
Teenagers and children under age 20 now constitute 12% of total COVID-19 cases in Illinois.
A study published this week suggests fever, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children with COVID-19 than with the flu, said Dr. Michael Caplan, pediatrics department chair at NorthShore.
"It might take a little longer for COVID to develop symptoms once infected, and COVID might be a bit more contagious than the flu," Caplan said.
Flu is contagious one to four days after infection, while COVID-19 might be contagious up to five to 10 days after symptoms appear, Caplan said.
"We know that both flu and COVID spread by droplets, so social distancing and wearing masks are really important for preventing both of these infections," he said.
Cunningham also recommended caregivers keep children home from school if they have any symptoms.
"Even a runny nose should keep your child at home," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Gunman who shot postal worker in Elk Grove pleads guilty, faces long prison term

Cameron Ruebusch might have thought he 'd lucked upon an easy score on New Year 's Eve 2018 , when he stepped out of his Elk Grove Village home and spotted a delivery van parked outside .
Instead , Ruebusch is looking at a lot of hard time -- or even a life sentence -- for what happened next .
Ruebusch , 25 , pleaded guilty in federal court last week to charges of attempted second-degree murder of a United States employee and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence , both stemming from a botched robbery attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Casazza Jr. , shot in the back and wrist .
The shooting shocked a quiet Elk Grove neighborhood as its residents were preparing to celebrate the arrival of 2019 and led to a two-day manhunt that ended with Ruebusch 's capture at a hideout in Hanover Park .
Court documents filed as part of Ruebusch 's plea deal detail the shooting and his eventual arrest .
According to papers , Ruebusch walked outside his home in the 200 block of West Brantwood Avenue about 6 p.m. to find an unmarked delivery van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Glock 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun and used it to tap on the front passenger window , authorities said .
The postal worker behind the wheel , Stephen Casazza Jr. of Arlington Heights , tried to drive away , but Ruebusch opened fire .
One bullet passed through the back of Casazza 's right shoulder and into his wrist , court records state .
Casazza Jr. , a postal employee for nearly two years at the time , underwent four hours of surgery and received some 40 units of blood in the process , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2019 .
He sustained major nerve damage , especially in his hand , his dad said .
Ruebusch was quickly identified as a suspect -- in part , thanks to a family member who told police at the scene that the shooting `` sounds like something ( he ) would do . ''
During the next 30 hours , Ruebusch was tracked to a residence near Schick Road and Bell Drive in Hanover Park .
Ruebusch remains in federal custody as the U.S .
Probation Office prepares a presentence investigation report that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life history , analyze the impact his crime had on the victim and detail the sentencing options for the court .
According to the plea deal , the charges carry a minimum 10-year prison term and a maximum of life behind bars .
However , a preliminary calculation included in the plea documents pin his most likely sentence at 14 to 17½ years .
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 30 before Judge Matthew F. Kennelly .
Ruebusch was n't the only suburban man charged in connection with the postal worker 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months after the botched heist , a federal grand jury indicted Ronald J. Beyer Jr. , 25 , of Mount Prospect , as an accessory after the fact .
Court documents say Beyer saw Ruebusch shoot the postal worker , then drove him from the crime scene , let him use his cellphone and gave him a change of clothes , all in an effort to help Ruebusch avoid capture .
The U.S. attorney 's office last summer agreed to defer prosecution of Beyer for 18 months as part of a pretrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Beyer keeps out of trouble , holds down a regular job , stays off illegal drugs and does n't possess a firearm , the feds will move to dismiss the indictment .
Beyer is due back in court Jan. 14 , 2021 , for a status hearing on his case .
Where not to steal A 25-year-old Addison man was arrested Sept. 3 on a charge of theft .
What was he accused of taking ?
A package .
Where from ?
The lobby of the Addison Police Department .
Domonic C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package Aug. 18 containing an inkjet cartridge , which belonged to the village 's finance department , according to DuPage County court records .
A teenager facing armed robbery and carjacking charges as an adult in DuPage County is asking to have his case transferred back to juvenile court .
In a motion filed this week , Martavious Robinson 's lawyer argues that DuPage County Judge Brian Jacobs was wrong to order the teen -- 17 when he was charged , but now 18 -- be tried as an adult .
Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public defender Jennifer Marshalek : the judge erred in finding there was probable cause for the charges ; he did n't consider Robinson 's mental health and drug use ; he did consider hearsay testimony from a co-defendant ; and information presented about the teen 's criminal history was incorrect .
She also notes a forensic clinical psychologist and the staff of the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center -- where Robinson was held -- believe he is capable of being rehabilitated by his 21st birthday .
Robinson has received good grades and maintained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in custody , she added .
Robinson is charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery stemming from events in December .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Gunman who shot postal worker in Elk Grove pleads guilty, faces long prison term
Cameron Ruebusch of Elk Grove Village, right, has pleaded guilty to charges alleging he shot postal carrier Stephen Casazza Jr., left, on New Year's Eve 2018. Daily Herald File Photo
Cameron Ruebusch might have thought he'd lucked upon an easy score on New Year's Eve 2018, when he stepped out of his Elk Grove Village home and spotted a delivery van parked outside.
Instead, Ruebusch is looking at a lot of hard time -- or even a life sentence -- for what happened next.
Ruebusch, 25, pleaded guilty in federal court last week to charges of attempted second-degree murder of a United States employee and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, both stemming from a botched robbery attempt that ended with a postal worker, Stephen Casazza Jr., shot in the back and wrist.
The shooting shocked a quiet Elk Grove neighborhood as its residents were preparing to celebrate the arrival of 2019 and led to a two-day manhunt that ended with Ruebusch's capture at a hideout in Hanover Park.
Court documents filed as part of Ruebusch's plea deal detail the shooting and his eventual arrest.
According to papers, Ruebusch walked outside his home in the 200 block of West Brantwood Avenue about 6 p.m. to find an unmarked delivery van parked out front. He pulled out a Glock 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun and used it to tap on the front passenger window, authorities said.
The postal worker behind the wheel, Stephen Casazza Jr. of Arlington Heights, tried to drive away, but Ruebusch opened fire. One bullet passed through the back of Casazza's right shoulder and into his wrist, court records state.
Casazza Jr., a postal employee for nearly two years at the time, underwent four hours of surgery and received some 40 units of blood in the process, his father told the Daily Herald in January 2019. He sustained major nerve damage, especially in his hand, his dad said.
Ruebusch was quickly identified as a suspect -- in part, thanks to a family member who told police at the scene that the shooting "sounds like something (he) would do." During the next 30 hours, Ruebusch was tracked to a residence near Schick Road and Bell Drive in Hanover Park.
What's next?
Ruebusch remains in federal custody as the U.S. Probation Office prepares a presentence investigation report that will take a deep dive into his life history, analyze the impact his crime had on the victim and detail the sentencing options for the court.
According to the plea deal, the charges carry a minimum 10-year prison term and a maximum of life behind bars. However, a preliminary calculation included in the plea documents pin his most likely sentence at 14 to 17½ years. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 30 before Judge Matthew F. Kennelly.
Co-defendant update
Ruebusch wasn't the only suburban man charged in connection with the postal worker's shooting.
In April 2019, about four months after the botched heist, a federal grand jury indicted Ronald J. Beyer Jr., 25, of Mount Prospect, as an accessory after the fact. Court documents say Beyer saw Ruebusch shoot the postal worker, then drove him from the crime scene, let him use his cellphone and gave him a change of clothes, all in an effort to help Ruebusch avoid capture.
The U.S. attorney's office last summer agreed to defer prosecution of Beyer for 18 months as part of a pretrial diversion program.
Under the agreement, if Beyer keeps out of trouble, holds down a regular job, stays off illegal drugs and doesn't possess a firearm, the feds will move to dismiss the indictment.
Beyer is due back in court Jan. 14, 2021, for a status hearing on his case.
Where not to steal
A 25-year-old Addison man was arrested Sept. 3 on a charge of theft.
What was he accused of taking? A package.
Where from? The lobby of the Addison Police Department.
Domonic C. Weaver is accused of taking an Amazon package Aug. 18 containing an inkjet cartridge, which belonged to the village's finance department, according to DuPage County court records.
Back to juvenile court?
A teenager facing armed robbery and carjacking charges as an adult in DuPage County is asking to have his case transferred back to juvenile court.
In a motion filed this week, Martavious Robinson's lawyer argues that DuPage County Judge Brian Jacobs was wrong to order the teen -- 17 when he was charged, but now 18 -- be tried as an adult.
Among the reasons listed by senior assistant DuPage County public defender Jennifer Marshalek: the judge erred in finding there was probable cause for the charges; he didn't consider Robinson's mental health and drug use; he did consider hearsay testimony from a co-defendant; and information presented about the teen's criminal history was incorrect.
She also notes a forensic clinical psychologist and the staff of the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center -- where Robinson was held -- believe he is capable of being rehabilitated by his 21st birthday. Robinson has received good grades and maintained a top ranking for good behavior while in custody, she added.
Robinson is charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery stemming from events in December.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-10--Parents, students question District 214's reopening metrics

Amid increasing calls across the suburbs for a full return to school buildings , parents and students in the Northwest suburbs took their turn Thursday to express concerns .
Members of a Facebook group called Reopen D214 came to the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 board meeting Thursday night to demand that schools reopen , and ask that a committee of parents and district officials be formed to get to that goal .
Many questioned the public health metrics the district is using to guide a return of students for in-person instruction , and suggested that , under those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all students to return this school year .
`` Stop trying to manage by statistics , especially when they 're absent of logic and reason , '' said Tony Rosselli , a group organizer and father of a freshman at Buffalo Grove High School .
`` We 're at a critical impasse for this generation 's education .
Children are failing .
The students are mentally sick .
Kids are in isolation and solitude for much of the school day . ''
District 214 's updated Return to School plan , released Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on weekly suburban Cook County COVID-19 new case infection rates per 100,000 individuals .
Stage 1 calls for more than 175 weekly cases per 100,000 people , Stage 2 between 70 and 174 cases , Stage 3 between seven and 69 cases and Stage 4 for fewer than seven cases .
Right now , the district is in Stage 2 , where most of the 11,000 students are learning remotely .
About 125 students are in school buildings , Superintendent David Schuler said , including those in special education , and those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and practical architecture in construction .
Schuler said the reopening plan drew its selected metrics from recommendations and research conducted by the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium Return to School Metrics Workgroup and Harvard Global Institute for Health .
And , Schuler added , it would be that public health guidance and the COVID-19 numbers in the Northwest suburbs that would determine a move from one stage to the next .
And while some of the 20 or so speakers at the board meeting Thursday pointed to a number of private schools that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are smaller than District 214 's public schools .
The superintendent reiterated Cook County Department of Public Health guidance that anyone who has been in contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19 for 15 cumulative minutes over a two-day period -- essentially a few hallway passing periods -- would need to quarantine .
`` If you have smaller numbers , you can really stagger the times for passing time and we just ca n't do that with a school of 2,000 , '' Schuler said .
`` It makes it much more challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to incrementally welcome back more students -- as much as half of the 11,000 enrollment .
Whether in this stage or next , he said first priority would be to bring back students who do n't have reliable internet , those who need academic support , those taking lab-based classes and , eventually , all freshmen .

Parents, students question District 214's reopening metrics
Amid increasing calls across the suburbs for a full return to school buildings, parents and students in the Northwest suburbs took their turn Thursday to express concerns.
Members of a Facebook group called Reopen D214 came to the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 board meeting Thursday night to demand that schools reopen, and ask that a committee of parents and district officials be formed to get to that goal.
Many questioned the public health metrics the district is using to guide a return of students for in-person instruction, and suggested that, under those standards, it might be next-to-impossible for all students to return this school year.
"Stop trying to manage by statistics, especially when they're absent of logic and reason," said Tony Rosselli, a group organizer and father of a freshman at Buffalo Grove High School. "We're at a critical impasse for this generation's education. Children are failing. The students are mentally sick. Kids are in isolation and solitude for much of the school day."
District 214's updated Return to School plan, released Aug. 28, established four reopening stages based on weekly suburban Cook County COVID-19 new case infection rates per 100,000 individuals. Stage 1 calls for more than 175 weekly cases per 100,000 people, Stage 2 between 70 and 174 cases, Stage 3 between seven and 69 cases and Stage 4 for fewer than seven cases.
Right now, the district is in Stage 2, where most of the 11,000 students are learning remotely. About 125 students are in school buildings, Superintendent David Schuler said, including those in special education, and those in programs such as automotive, aviation, and practical architecture in construction.
Schuler said the reopening plan drew its selected metrics from recommendations and research conducted by the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium Return to School Metrics Workgroup and Harvard Global Institute for Health. And, Schuler added, it would be that public health guidance and the COVID-19 numbers in the Northwest suburbs that would determine a move from one stage to the next.
And while some of the 20 or so speakers at the board meeting Thursday pointed to a number of private schools that have reopened, Schuler said those schools are smaller than District 214's public schools. The superintendent reiterated Cook County Department of Public Health guidance that anyone who has been in contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19 for 15 cumulative minutes over a two-day period -- essentially a few hallway passing periods -- would need to quarantine.
"If you have smaller numbers, you can really stagger the times for passing time and we just can't do that with a school of 2,000," Schuler said. "It makes it much more challenging."
But Schuler did announce plans to incrementally welcome back more students -- as much as half of the 11,000 enrollment. Whether in this stage or next, he said first priority would be to bring back students who don't have reliable internet, those who need academic support, those taking lab-based classes and, eventually, all freshmen.