dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-12--CityGate plans to bring entertainment destinations to Naperville

A 100-acre site that stands two-thirds empty already is at the heart of an entertainment-based transformation in northwest Naperville .
The area is called CityGate West , or it will be when it 's completed .
For now , it 's identified as CarMax , Topgolf , WhirlyBall , an expanse of grass and the dormant Odyssey Fun World .
The land is at the northwest corner of Route 59 and I-88 , across from the original CityGate Centre that has been taking advantage of easy tollway access to lure visitors for nearly 15 years to the Hotel Arista , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the two properties both using the CityGate name are an apartment building with a rooftop event center on the east side of Route 59 , along with an arena for hockey games , concerts and conventions ; and on the west side , a brewery or winery with a restaurant and hotel , as well as residences and offices -- all designed with public art as a focal point .
What CityGate as a whole aims to do , developers and city leaders say , is become a true entertainment destination , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , places to stay -- even places to live .
`` It 's a destination .
It 's something you go to , '' Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said .
`` We 're seeing all that naturally happen as that continues to build out . ''
Next steps will bring changes to the land near the interchange , where the Illinois Department of Transportation installed a diverging diamond traffic pattern as part of a $ 90 million project in 2015 .
Calamos Property Holdings , owner of the original CityGate Centre on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next on apartments , a 285-unit building to be managed by Lincoln Property Company with a rooftop event space to host up to 750 people .
There 's no space quite like it west of Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace , Calamos spokeswoman Starr McCaffery said .
The arena with two regulation-sized hockey rinks , to be called CityGate North , was scheduled to open this year .
But McCaffery said Calamos is fast-tracking the apartment and event building instead .
`` We 're very focused on making sure CityGate North truly serves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the midst of reviewing feasibility studies on some proposed alternative concepts , '' McCaffery said .
Owners of the 100 or so acres on the west side of Route 59 are working on drawings for their plans under a `` live , work , play , stay '' concept , said Aristotle Halikias , president of Inter Continental Real Estate and Development and chairman of Republic Bank .
The plans would require a zoning change from the designation of industrial , but Chirico said the city is trying to be open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land use .
CityGate West developers are seeking creativity by working with Century Walk Corp. , a Naperville nonprofit that since 1996 has placed public art at 50 sites in town , to make public art `` a driving force in the architecture of the rest of the project , '' Halikias said .
Watching it all is the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce , which wants to ensure the development enhances existing businesses and the community , President and CEO Kaylin Risvold said .
The desired transformation from empty land to entertainment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartments approved for CityGate Centre are expected to be ready for occupancy by 2021 or early 2022 , but there is n't a specific timeline yet for the arena .
Plans for CityGate West might take a decade to unfold , Halikias said .
And that 's after some elements on the site have been there for a number of years , like CarMax , which opened in 1998 , and Topgolf , which opened in 2015 .
Chirico knows how slow it can be to create a gateway .
He 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city 's northeast entrance point at Ogden Avenue and Naper Boulevard , where large strip malls with high vacancy rates have been tricky to turn around .
`` The goal posts are always moving on me , '' Chirico said .
Still , there is optimism for CityGate plans , which eventually could include a band shell , a pedestrian bridge over Route 59 and a connection to the Illinois Prairie Path .
`` From what we 've been able to gather , Naperville is gaining a number of people visiting because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Halikias said .
`` We 're looking at it and saying , 'You know what ?
We should have the tourist attractions in Naperville . '
''

CityGate plans to bring entertainment destinations to Naperville
A 100-acre site that stands two-thirds empty already is at the heart of an entertainment-based transformation in northwest Naperville.
The area is called CityGate West, or it will be when it's completed.
For now, it's identified as CarMax, Topgolf, WhirlyBall, an expanse of grass and the dormant Odyssey Fun World.
The land is at the northwest corner of Route 59 and I-88, across from the original CityGate Centre that has been taking advantage of easy tollway access to lure visitors for nearly 15 years to the Hotel Arista, offices and restaurants.
In the works at the two properties both using the CityGate name are an apartment building with a rooftop event center on the east side of Route 59, along with an arena for hockey games, concerts and conventions; and on the west side, a brewery or winery with a restaurant and hotel, as well as residences and offices -- all designed with public art as a focal point.
What CityGate as a whole aims to do, developers and city leaders say, is become a true entertainment destination, giving visitors and residents reasons to come, places to stay -- even places to live.
"It's a destination. It's something you go to," Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said. "We're seeing all that naturally happen as that continues to build out."
Next steps will bring changes to the land near the interchange, where the Illinois Department of Transportation installed a diverging diamond traffic pattern as part of a $90 million project in 2015.
Calamos Property Holdings, owner of the original CityGate Centre on the east side of 59, is working next on apartments, a 285-unit building to be managed by Lincoln Property Company with a rooftop event space to host up to 750 people.
There's no space quite like it west of Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, Calamos spokeswoman Starr McCaffery said.
The arena with two regulation-sized hockey rinks, to be called CityGate North, was scheduled to open this year. But McCaffery said Calamos is fast-tracking the apartment and event building instead.
"We're very focused on making sure CityGate North truly serves the community in the best way and are in the midst of reviewing feasibility studies on some proposed alternative concepts," McCaffery said.
Owners of the 100 or so acres on the west side of Route 59 are working on drawings for their plans under a "live, work, play, stay" concept, said Aristotle Halikias, president of Inter Continental Real Estate and Development and chairman of Republic Bank.
The plans would require a zoning change from the designation of industrial, but Chirico said the city is trying to be open to more modern and creative types of land use.
CityGate West developers are seeking creativity by working with Century Walk Corp., a Naperville nonprofit that since 1996 has placed public art at 50 sites in town, to make public art "a driving force in the architecture of the rest of the project," Halikias said.
Watching it all is the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, which wants to ensure the development enhances existing businesses and the community, President and CEO Kaylin Risvold said.
The desired transformation from empty land to entertainment hub won't happen overnight. The apartments approved for CityGate Centre are expected to be ready for occupancy by 2021 or early 2022, but there isn't a specific timeline yet for the arena.
Plans for CityGate West might take a decade to unfold, Halikias said. And that's after some elements on the site have been there for a number of years, like CarMax, which opened in 1998, and Topgolf, which opened in 2015.
Chirico knows how slow it can be to create a gateway. He's been working for five years to revive the city's northeast entrance point at Ogden Avenue and Naper Boulevard, where large strip malls with high vacancy rates have been tricky to turn around.
"The goal posts are always moving on me," Chirico said.
Still, there is optimism for CityGate plans, which eventually could include a band shell, a pedestrian bridge over Route 59 and a connection to the Illinois Prairie Path.
"From what we've been able to gather, Naperville is gaining a number of people visiting because of tourist attractions outside of Naperville," Halikias said. "We're looking at it and saying, 'You know what? We should have the tourist attractions in Naperville.'"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-10--Pheasant Run is going up for bids

With bidding for the 18.3 acres that make up the Pheasant Run Resort property in St. Charles unfolding in February , it 's time to envision what this iconic site could become in the future .
Sure , it could stay the same if it only turns out that an individual or LLC with a lot of money buys the whole works and declares the operation needs a little spit and polish .
That sounds a little too much like throwing good money after bad and is not likely to happen .
With bidding starting at $ 2 million on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's no telling where a buying price will eventually land .
It 's probably safe to say anyone making a serious bid will do so with a definite vision in mind as the site enters the 2020s .
So , what do we know for sure ?
We know Pheasant Run has pretty much everything a savvy entertainment investor would look for -- an exhibit/conference hall , ballrooms and meeting rooms , a golf course and pro shop , a swimming pool , fitness center , restaurants , clubs , a theater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the place has , for lack of a better term , an `` old '' feel to it .
Some of that is by design , but much of it is simply from age and old buildings and infrastructure .
As we 've seen on numerous HGTV episodes , it takes a clear vision , and a lot of money to make things more modern , but also stick to a theme .
For starters , the enclosed walkway between the MegaCenter and the ballrooms at Pheasant Run could be far classier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more inviting '' being the guide , an overall upgrade to the rooms and maybe a new themed-restaurant , such as a high-end bar with late-night music , could affect that sort of change .
I would n't change the theater setting .
And even though we do n't need another casino in the area , a small portion of Pheasant Run designated for gambling on the grounds might be a helpful revenue maker .
Men and women on business conferences , and golfers in general , like that sort of diversion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that , though .
Another concept that surely means more for those with considerable wealth would be some summer condo or `` lodge '' arrangement for those who like summer hideaways here but spend most of their year in warm weather areas .
Those who have business , family or other needs in this area for a few months might find such an arrangement to their liking .
In thinking outside of the box , or maybe in it , a company that does this sort of thing in both locations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasonal condos for purchase or rent on Pheasant Run property and the other one in Florida , Texas , the Carolinas or Arizona .
That could turn part of this St. Charles property into something quite different .
At first glance , the signs on the windows at Geneva 's popular Strawflower Shop & Rug Merchant appear to give conflicting messages .
The interior design store at 210 W. State St. is undergoing a renovation , thus the `` renovation sale '' sign .
But the building is also up for sale , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The store and its unique clock tower have been a downtown Geneva icon for more than 40 years .
Susan and Mike Haas opened the business in 1976 .
We 'll have to keep an eye on what unfolds at Strawflower in the coming months .
It appears the Poke Bros. restaurant in St. Charles that opened over the holidays at 3835 E. Main St. is getting some favorable attention from those who have already tried it .
The franchise that features fresh fish made `` Hawaiian style '' has restaurants throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its farthest venture west .
The two other sites in Illinois are in Naperville and Oakbrook Terrace .
In St. Charles , Poke Bros. operates out of the retail strip near the Super Target east of Kirk Road .
It 's next to CBD Demand and near Vino 's Thai restaurant .
The site has about eight tables for indoor dining but does a strong carryout business .
The decline of print media advertising has unfolded for some time now , and every day that passes , I am thankful newspapers are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for getting news and glancing at ads .
But all news and advertising organizations have embraced digital technology , and that 's turned out to have some benefits when combined with print .
In the highly competitive local advertising world , Mark and Sharon Spero of MoneyMailer of the Fox River Valley understand how this transition has played out .
They recently sent out their 200th mailing of the monthly coupons .
That 's not an easy task for direct mailers , which have come and gone over the years .
The Speros @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the online world have helped catch consumer eyes .
`` In the old way , a consumer sees an ad and calls from that ad , '' Sharon said .
`` But now , they see an ad , go to the website or Google it , conduct a search and maybe order online .
The consumer can move around from print ads to digital . ''
While newspapers have been around for hundreds of years and undergone various transformations , I do have to tip my hat to Mark Spero for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 21 years now .

Pheasant Run is going up for bids -- what could it become?
St. Charles' iconic Pheasant Run Resort will be going up for auction in February. Daily Herald columnist Dave Heun brainstorms potential options for repurposing the property. Daily Herald File Photo
With bidding for the 18.3 acres that make up the Pheasant Run Resort property in St. Charles unfolding in February, it's time to envision what this iconic site could become in the future.
Sure, it could stay the same if it only turns out that an individual or LLC with a lot of money buys the whole works and declares the operation needs a little spit and polish.
That sounds a little too much like throwing good money after bad and is not likely to happen. With bidding starting at $2 million on the Ten-X commercial real estate site, there's no telling where a buying price will eventually land. It's probably safe to say anyone making a serious bid will do so with a definite vision in mind as the site enters the 2020s.
So, what do we know for sure? We know Pheasant Run has pretty much everything a savvy entertainment investor would look for -- an exhibit/conference hall, ballrooms and meeting rooms, a golf course and pro shop, a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurants, clubs, a theater and plenty of rooms.
We also know the place has, for lack of a better term, an "old" feel to it. Some of that is by design, but much of it is simply from age and old buildings and infrastructure. As we've seen on numerous HGTV episodes, it takes a clear vision, and a lot of money to make things more modern, but also stick to a theme.
For starters, the enclosed walkway between the MegaCenter and the ballrooms at Pheasant Run could be far classier and more inviting.
With "classier and more inviting" being the guide, an overall upgrade to the rooms and maybe a new themed-restaurant, such as a high-end bar with late-night music, could affect that sort of change.
I wouldn't change the theater setting. And even though we don't need another casino in the area, a small portion of Pheasant Run designated for gambling on the grounds might be a helpful revenue maker. Men and women on business conferences, and golfers in general, like that sort of diversion. There might be some legal barriers to that, though.
Another concept that surely means more for those with considerable wealth would be some summer condo or "lodge" arrangement for those who like summer hideaways here but spend most of their year in warm weather areas.
Those who have business, family or other needs in this area for a few months might find such an arrangement to their liking.
In thinking outside of the box, or maybe in it, a company that does this sort of thing in both locations and sells it as one package -- the seasonal condos for purchase or rent on Pheasant Run property and the other one in Florida, Texas, the Carolinas or Arizona. That could turn part of this St. Charles property into something quite different.
A change for Strawflower
At first glance, the signs on the windows at Geneva's popular Strawflower Shop & Rug Merchant appear to give conflicting messages.
The interior design store at 210 W. State St. is undergoing a renovation, thus the "renovation sale" sign. But the building is also up for sale, thus the commercial real estate contact sign.
The store and its unique clock tower have been a downtown Geneva icon for more than 40 years. Susan and Mike Haas opened the business in 1976.
We'll have to keep an eye on what unfolds at Strawflower in the coming months.
A new dining spot
It appears the Poke Bros. restaurant in St. Charles that opened over the holidays at 3835 E. Main St. is getting some favorable attention from those who have already tried it.
The franchise that features fresh fish made "Hawaiian style" has restaurants throughout the east and southeast. Illinois represents its farthest venture west. The two other sites in Illinois are in Naperville and Oakbrook Terrace.
In St. Charles, Poke Bros. operates out of the retail strip near the Super Target east of Kirk Road. It's next to CBD Demand and near Vino's Thai restaurant.
The site has about eight tables for indoor dining but does a strong carryout business.
Paper and digital
The decline of print media advertising has unfolded for some time now, and every day that passes, I am thankful newspapers are still around because they remain my preferred method for getting news and glancing at ads.
But all news and advertising organizations have embraced digital technology, and that's turned out to have some benefits when combined with print.
In the highly competitive local advertising world, Mark and Sharon Spero of MoneyMailer of the Fox River Valley understand how this transition has played out.
They recently sent out their 200th mailing of the monthly coupons. That's not an easy task for direct mailers, which have come and gone over the years.
The Speros have seen how search-engine-driven analytics and links to the online world have helped catch consumer eyes.
"In the old way, a consumer sees an ad and calls from that ad," Sharon said. "But now, they see an ad, go to the website or Google it, conduct a search and maybe order online. The consumer can move around from print ads to digital."
While newspapers have been around for hundreds of years and undergone various transformations, I do have to tip my hat to Mark Spero for operating the local MoneyMailer direct mail pieces for 21 years now.
dheun@sbcglobal.net


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-12--Energetic puppies, calming yoga create perfect balance in Barrington

Yoga is all about relaxing the body and calming the mind .
Puppies are all frenetic energy and boundless enthusiasm @ @ @ @ @ and somehow it works .
The downward dog was surely a favorite pose Sunday when @ @ @ @ @ exuberant pups shared studio space at Advocate Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington @ @ @ @ @ and unusual spin on the centuries-old form of exercise , the puppy yoga get-together also @ @ @ @ @ Rescue Warriors Corp. , an Elgin-based volunteer organization that works to save abandoned animals from @ @ @ @ @ n't have a permanent home .
Despite their seeming contradictions , puppies and yoga can @ @ @ @ @ Falduto , who works in member services at the Advocate health center .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ of you and give you kisses while you 're doing the yoga poses , '' @ @ @ @ @ 's just a great therapy , along with the yoga . ''

Energetic puppies, calming yoga create perfect balance in Barrington
Eira, an adoptable Yorkie female pup, does the rounds Sunday during a puppy yoga class at Advocate Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington. The class was a fundraiser for Rescue Warriors Corp., an Elgin-based animal rescue group. Karie Angell Luc/for the Daily Herald
Vicki Smith of Algonquin cuddles with a puppy Sunday during a puppy yoga class at Advocate Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington. The class was a fundraiser for Rescue Warriors Corp., an Elgin-based animal rescue group. Karie Angell Luc/for the Daily Herald
Baddha Kanasana was among the puppies taking part in a puppy yoga class Sunday at Advocate Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington. The class was a fundraiser for Rescue Warriors Corp., an Elgin-based animal rescue group. Karie Angell Luc/for the Daily Herald
Kim Hangoc of Vernon Hills poses for a photo and shakes the paw of Halasana, a female Aussie shepherd mixed breed, during a puppy yoga class Sunday at Advocate Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington. The class was a fundraiser for Rescue Warriors Corp., an Elgin-based animal rescue group. Karie Angell Luc/for the Daily Herald
Caroline Henson of Palatine shares a moment with Baddha Kanasana during a puppy yoga class Sunday at Advocate Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington. The class was a fundraiser for Rescue Warriors Corp., an Elgin-based animal rescue group. Karie Angell Luc/for the Daily Herald
Yoga is all about relaxing the body and calming the mind. Puppies are all frenetic energy and boundless enthusiasm.
Put them together, and somehow it works.
The downward dog was surely a favorite pose Sunday when yoga practitioners and a dozen exuberant pups shared studio space at Advocate Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington.
Besides putting a fun and unusual spin on the centuries-old form of exercise, the puppy yoga get-together also served as a fundraiser for Rescue Warriors Corp., an Elgin-based volunteer organization that works to save abandoned animals from being euthanized because they don't have a permanent home.
Despite their seeming contradictions, puppies and yoga can go hand-in-hand, said Jaynie Falduto, who works in member services at the Advocate health center.
"The puppies just climb on top of you and give you kisses while you're doing the yoga poses," she said. "It's just a great therapy, along with the yoga."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-12--Burglars steal $7,800 in items from Cary computer store

Police in Cary are searching for three men captured on surveillance video breaking into a computer store early Saturday and @ @ @ @ @ merchandise .
Officers responding at about 5:24 a.m. Saturday to a burglar alarm found signs @ @ @ @ @ business , located \in the 100 block of East Main Street , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ three men entering the store , taking items and then leaving in a silver GMC @ @ @ @ @ plate FLW 2349 .
The SUV was last seen driving east on Route 14 , @ @ @ @ @ believed there was a fourth suspect who remained in the vehicle during the burglary , @ @ @ @ @ information about the break-in is asked to contact the Cary Police Department at ( 847 @ @ @ @ @ at ( 800 ) 762-7876 .

Burglars steal $7,800 in items from Cary computer store
This is one of three men Cary police say were captured on surveillance video burglarizing a computer store. The bruglars stole an estimated $7,800 in merchandise, police said. Courtesy of Cary Police Department
This is one of three men Cary police say were captured on surveillance video burglarizing a computer store. The bruglars stole an estimated $7,800 in merchandise, police said. Courtesy of Cary Police Department
Cary police say the suspects in the early morning break-in of a computer store drove away in this GMC Yukon with a North Carolina license plate. Courtesy of Cary Police Department
This is one of three men Cary police say were captured on surveillance video burglarizing a computer store. The bruglars stole an estimated $7,800 in merchandise, police said. Courtesy of Cary Police Department
Police in Cary are searching for three men captured on surveillance video breaking into a computer store early Saturday and stealing about $7,800 in merchandise.
Officers responding at about 5:24 a.m. Saturday to a burglar alarm found signs of forced entry at the business, located \in the 100 block of East Main Street, authorities said.
Surveillance video recovered later showed three men entering the store, taking items and then leaving in a silver GMC Yukon with North Carolina license plate FLW 2349. The SUV was last seen driving east on Route 14, police said.
It is believed there was a fourth suspect who remained in the vehicle during the burglary, police said.
Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact the Cary Police Department at (847) 639-2341 or Cary-Grove CrimeStoppers at (800) 762-7876.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-12--After 63 years, Deer Park getting its first real village hall

In its 63rd year as an incorporated municipality , Deer Park finally is getting its first real village hall -- one that 'll be nearly five times larger than its previous headquarters .
For most of the past two decades , village officials operated from a 900-square-foot Cuba Road farm house dating to 1846 on municipal property that includes the Vehe Barn .
Employees have worked in a temporary space in the 19th century barn since October , when the farm house was demolished .
If all goes as planned , the new village hall will be ready in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1.6 million facility , which is being built on the same site where the farm house stood .
At 4,105 square feet , the village hall will have nearly five times more space than the house provided the six Deer Park employees who regularly interact with consultants , developers , residents and other visitors .
`` It 's a modest , perfect space for what we need , '' Deer Park Village Administrator Beth McAndrews said .
Village President Dale Sands said the hall 's farm-style architecture will complement the Vehe Barn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It also will be a `` green '' building certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design , he said .
`` It certainly is a more professional setting , '' Sands added .
Deer Park was incorporated in 1957 , and until 1998 , several local houses served as the base for village operations .
From 1998 to 2000 -- a time of planning for Deer Park Town Center -- the village was headquartered in a mobile office trailer on Rand Road , before moving to the farm house .
McAndrews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 163-year-old farm house because it was found to not have any historic value .
Along with exploring the idea of attaching new offices to Vehe Barn , village board members considered renovating the farm house or leasing office space before deciding on the stand-alone village hall .
The idea of a new Deer Park village hall first was raised at least 10 years ago .
However , more pressing needs were identified , such as street upgrades , park improvements , boosting cash reserves and paying off a loan that was used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sands said the new village hall will be paid for in cash , allowing Deer Park to maintain its debt-free status .

After 63 years, Deer Park getting its first real village hall
This is an artist's rendering of the new Deer Park village hall under construction on Cuba Road. It'll be Deer Park's first real village hall since the village was incorporated in 1957. Courtesy of village of Deer Park
In its 63rd year as an incorporated municipality, Deer Park finally is getting its first real village hall -- one that'll be nearly five times larger than its previous headquarters.
For most of the past two decades, village officials operated from a 900-square-foot Cuba Road farm house dating to 1846 on municipal property that includes the Vehe Barn. Employees have worked in a temporary space in the 19th century barn since October, when the farm house was demolished.
If all goes as planned, the new village hall will be ready in May. Work started in November on the $1.6 million facility, which is being built on the same site where the farm house stood.
At 4,105 square feet, the village hall will have nearly five times more space than the house provided the six Deer Park employees who regularly interact with consultants, developers, residents and other visitors.
"It's a modest, perfect space for what we need," Deer Park Village Administrator Beth McAndrews said.
Village President Dale Sands said the hall's farm-style architecture will complement the Vehe Barn and the rest of the 14-acre site. It also will be a "green" building certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, he said.
"It certainly is a more professional setting," Sands added.
Deer Park was incorporated in 1957, and until 1998, several local houses served as the base for village operations.
From 1998 to 2000 -- a time of planning for Deer Park Town Center -- the village was headquartered in a mobile office trailer on Rand Road, before moving to the farm house.
McAndrews said there was no issue in demolishing the 163-year-old farm house because it was found to not have any historic value.
Along with exploring the idea of attaching new offices to Vehe Barn, village board members considered renovating the farm house or leasing office space before deciding on the stand-alone village hall.
The idea of a new Deer Park village hall first was raised at least 10 years ago. However, more pressing needs were identified, such as street upgrades, park improvements, boosting cash reserves and paying off a loan that was used to purchase the Vehe Farm in 1999.
Sands said the new village hall will be paid for in cash, allowing Deer Park to maintain its debt-free status.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-12--Scott's Law campaign launched in memory of fallen Trooper Christopher Lambert

Illinois State Police on Sunday launched a special weeklong campaign boosting enforcement of Scott 's Law to mark the anniversary of Trooper Christopher Lambert 's death last year .
Lambert , 34 , of Highland Park , was killed Jan. 12 , 2019 , when he was struck by an SUV as he helped drivers involved in a three-vehicle crash along Interstate 294 near Northbrook .
The SUV 's driver now faces charges of reckless homicide of a police officer and violating Scott 's Law .
The law , also known as the Move Over Law , requires drivers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights on .
Under a change in state law that went into effect Jan. 1 , first-time offenders now face a $ 250 fine , and repeat offenders will be fined at least $ 750 .
A violation leading to an injury also will lead to a driver 's license suspension between six months and two years .
`` Like Chris , our troopers put themselves on the line every day not knowing if they will return home , '' state police District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an announcement of the campaign , which ends Saturday .
`` He made the ultimate sacrifice that day .
He courageously laid down his life to shield another .
It is our honor and duty to continue to talk about his fearless actions and raise awareness in his name . ''
Last year , 27 state police squad vehicles were struck by drivers who violated Scott 's Law , more than all in all of 2016 , 2017 and 2018 , according to state police .
Along with Lambert , Trooper Brooke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Scott 's Law violation .
`` We will continue to honor Trooper Lambert 's legacy , and we ask the public to join our efforts , '' state police Director Brendan F. Kelly said in Sunday 's announcement .
`` Slow down and , if possible , move over if you see a police or other emergency vehicles stopped along the roadway . ''

Scott's Law campaign launched in memory of fallen Trooper Christopher Lambert
Illinois State Police on Sunday launched a special weeklong campaign boosting enforcement of Scott's Law to mark the anniversary of Trooper Christopher Lambert's death last year.
Lambert, 34, of Highland Park, was killed Jan. 12, 2019, when he was struck by an SUV as he helped drivers involved in a three-vehicle crash along Interstate 294 near Northbrook. The SUV's driver now faces charges of reckless homicide of a police officer and violating Scott's Law.
The law, also known as the Move Over Law, requires drivers to slow down and move over, if possible, when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights on. Under a change in state law that went into effect Jan. 1, first-time offenders now face a $250 fine, and repeat offenders will be fined at least $750. A violation leading to an injury also will lead to a driver's license suspension between six months and two years.
"Like Chris, our troopers put themselves on the line every day not knowing if they will return home," state police District 15 Cmdr. Dominic Chiappini said Sunday in an announcement of the campaign, which ends Saturday. "He made the ultimate sacrifice that day. He courageously laid down his life to shield another. It is our honor and duty to continue to talk about his fearless actions and raise awareness in his name."
Last year, 27 state police squad vehicles were struck by drivers who violated Scott's Law, more than all in all of 2016, 2017 and 2018, according to state police. Along with Lambert, Trooper Brooke Jones-Story was killed in a crash involving a Scott's Law violation.
"We will continue to honor Trooper Lambert's legacy, and we ask the public to join our efforts," state police Director Brendan F. Kelly said in Sunday's announcement. "Slow down and, if possible, move over if you see a police or other emergency vehicles stopped along the roadway."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-12--Pot is legal in Illinois, but don't pack it for your next airplane ride

Now that recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois , residents can enjoy the previously forbidden fruit from Cook to Massac counties .
But drive into Kenosha County , Wisconsin , with your legally purchased weed and you 'll be breaking federal and state laws .
As for flying with cannabis products ?
Do n't do it , experts advise , unless you enjoy delays at U.S. Transportation Security Administration checkpoints that could mean missing a flight .
`` There is a misconception that if you can buy the stuff legally -- you can take it wherever you go , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That will create some unpleasant surprises , particularly at our airports . ''
The year 2020 brings a mishmash of federal , state and local laws regarding cannabis that could make marijuana consumers want to tuck a lawyer into their carry-ons .
`` It 's tricky and we need to see how it plays out , '' said attorney Kelvin McCabe , a National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws ( NORML ) Illinois board member .
Here are a few things to know about traveling with recreational marijuana : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transporting cannabis or cannabis products outside the state of Illinois .
• It is illegal under federal law to cross the border or arrive at a U.S. port of entry with marijuana in your possession .
• Federally , `` marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance , '' meaning it 's illegal , a U.S. Department of Justice official said .
But what about domestic flights to another marijuana-friendly state like California or flying intrastate ?
That 's a bad plan , experts said , stressing Illinois law bans taking marijuana outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying on a commercial flight must be checked by federal TSA officers .
TSA screenings are focused on security and detecting potential threats to aircraft and passengers , spokeswoman Sari Koshetz said .
`` Accordingly , our security officers do n't search for marijuana . ''
But possession is illegal under federal law and if TSA workers find your weed , `` our officers will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer , who then follow their own procedures , '' Koshetz noted .
The Chicago Police Department is encouraging travelers not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midway or O'Hare international airports , `` as it still remains illegal federally , '' Public Relations Coordinator Maggie Huynh said .
Police recommend fliers with marijuana jettison it in cannabis amnesty boxes , located inside the secure area at the end of every TSA checkpoint .
Huynh did note that `` our officers are only contacted by TSA when it appears to be a significant amount of cannabis over the legal limit . ''
That could mean `` the biggest risk is not the arrest , but missing your flight , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rock Island County .
Although possession by someone 21 or older is not a crime , and Chicago police ca n't make arrests for federal offenses , McCabe advises users not to be guinea pigs during the transition period .
In California , where marijuana has been legal since 2018 , Los Angeles Airport Police contacted by TSA officers typically wo n't arrest passengers with weed unless it exceeds the limit , an official said .
However , airport police have detained fliers at the request of the TSA until federal agents arrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of are carriers such as United and American Airlines that forbid marijuana on board .
`` Federally , with some few exceptions , marijuana is still illegal , '' United spokesman Charles Hobart said .
`` We follow federal law and do not permit carriage or consumption on our aircraft . ''
If you find the rules confusing , DePaul 's Schwieterman empathizes .
`` Our state deserves a poor grade for its public education efforts surrounding legalization .
There has been plenty of hype , but few efforts to explain the legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people do n't try to fly with the product to countries where there is zero tolerance .
Saying 'it was an accident , ' wo n't cut it . ''
Got questions or comments ?
Send emails to mpyke @ dailyherald.com .
You should know Curious about what happens to the marijuana folks dump in the amnesty bins ?
`` The boxes are regularly checked , '' Huynh said , though Chicago police could not specify how often and when .
`` Any time the box is cleared and there are items in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report , inventory the cannabis or cannabis products and then they will be disposed of similar to how narcotics are disposed of . ''
Interested in winning free tickets to the Chicago Auto Show running Feb. 8 to 17 ?
Send an email to mpyke @ dailyherald.com .
explaining what cars you want to see and why .
The deadline is Jan. 31 .

Pot is legal in Illinois, but don't pack it for your next airplane ride
Chicago police encourage fliers with weed to deposit it in marijuana amnesty boxes located at security checkpoints in Midway and O'Hare international airports. Courtesy of the Chicago Police Department
Now that recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois, residents can enjoy the previously forbidden fruit from Cook to Massac counties.
But drive into Kenosha County, Wisconsin, with your legally purchased weed and you'll be breaking federal and state laws.
As for flying with cannabis products? Don't do it, experts advise, unless you enjoy delays at U.S. Transportation Security Administration checkpoints that could mean missing a flight.
"There is a misconception that if you can buy the stuff legally -- you can take it wherever you go," DePaul University transportation professor Joseph Schwieterman said. "That will create some unpleasant surprises, particularly at our airports."
The year 2020 brings a mishmash of federal, state and local laws regarding cannabis that could make marijuana consumers want to tuck a lawyer into their carry-ons.
"It's tricky and we need to see how it plays out," said attorney Kelvin McCabe, a National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Illinois board member.
Here are a few things to know about traveling with recreational marijuana:
• The new law effective Jan. 1 prohibits transporting cannabis or cannabis products outside the state of Illinois.
• It is illegal under federal law to cross the border or arrive at a U.S. port of entry with marijuana in your possession.
• Federally, "marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance," meaning it's illegal, a U.S. Department of Justice official said.
But what about domestic flights to another marijuana-friendly state like California or flying intrastate?
That's a bad plan, experts said, stressing Illinois law bans taking marijuana outside the Prairie State, and that everyone flying on a commercial flight must be checked by federal TSA officers.
TSA screenings are focused on security and detecting potential threats to aircraft and passengers, spokeswoman Sari Koshetz said. "Accordingly, our security officers don't search for marijuana."
But possession is illegal under federal law and if TSA workers find your weed, "our officers will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer, who then follow their own procedures," Koshetz noted.
The Chicago Police Department is encouraging travelers not to bring cannabis or cannabis products through Midway or O'Hare international airports, "as it still remains illegal federally," Public Relations Coordinator Maggie Huynh said.
Police recommend fliers with marijuana jettison it in cannabis amnesty boxes, located inside the secure area at the end of every TSA checkpoint.
Huynh did note that "our officers are only contacted by TSA when it appears to be a significant amount of cannabis over the legal limit."
That could mean "the biggest risk is not the arrest, but missing your flight," said McCabe, assistant public defender in Rock Island County.
Although possession by someone 21 or older is not a crime, and Chicago police can't make arrests for federal offenses, McCabe advises users not to be guinea pigs during the transition period.
In California, where marijuana has been legal since 2018, Los Angeles Airport Police contacted by TSA officers typically won't arrest passengers with weed unless it exceeds the limit, an official said. However, airport police have detained fliers at the request of the TSA until federal agents arrive.
Other significant players to be aware of are carriers such as United and American Airlines that forbid marijuana on board.
"Federally, with some few exceptions, marijuana is still illegal," United spokesman Charles Hobart said. "We follow federal law and do not permit carriage or consumption on our aircraft."
If you find the rules confusing, DePaul's Schwieterman empathizes. "Our state deserves a poor grade for its public education efforts surrounding legalization. There has been plenty of hype, but few efforts to explain the legal boundaries.
"Let's just hope people don't try to fly with the product to countries where there is zero tolerance. Saying 'it was an accident,' won't cut it."
Got questions or comments? Send emails to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
You should know
Curious about what happens to the marijuana folks dump in the amnesty bins?
"The boxes are regularly checked," Huynh said, though Chicago police could not specify how often and when. "Any time the box is cleared and there are items in the box, officers will create a report, inventory the cannabis or cannabis products and then they will be disposed of similar to how narcotics are disposed of."
Vroom vroom
Interested in winning free tickets to the Chicago Auto Show running Feb. 8 to 17? Send an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com. explaining what cars you want to see and why. The deadline is Jan. 31.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-12--44 years later, authorities to announce 'developments' in murder of Downers Grove South student

DuPage County authorities are holding a news conference Monday to announce `` recent developments '' in the unsolved murder of Pamela Maurer , who was found dead almost 44 years ago to the day in Lisle .
While DuPage County State 's Attorney Robert Berlin only noted the case involved a 1976 murder in Sunday 's news release , law enforcement officials with knowledge of the case said the Maurer murder is the subject of the news conference slated for 1 p.m. Monday at the county courthouse complex in Wheaton .
The 16-year-old Maurer , a Downers Grove South High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 , 1976 .
The Woodridge girl was found dead the following day in Lisle along College Road .
According to news reports , Maurer 's case was reopened in 1993 in an attempt to locate her killer .
The effort was unsuccessful .
Maurer 's body was found by a passing driver who first spotted her purse in the roadway and became concerned that someone might have been struck by a car .
Her body was placed outside a guardrail in an attempt to fool police into believing she was the victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
However , an autopsy revealed she had been strangled .
Maurer 's murder was one of several sensational killings involving young women in the 1970s in the southern part of DuPage County , according to media reports from the time .
At least one of those cases was solved using new forensic techniques in the 1990s , prompting Lisle police to reopen Maurer 's case .

44 years later, authorities to announce 'developments' in murder of Downers Grove South student
DuPage County authorities are holding a news conference Monday to announce "recent developments" in the unsolved murder of Pamela Maurer, who was found dead almost 44 years ago to the day in Lisle.
While DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin only noted the case involved a 1976 murder in Sunday's news release, law enforcement officials with knowledge of the case said the Maurer murder is the subject of the news conference slated for 1 p.m. Monday at the county courthouse complex in Wheaton.
The 16-year-old Maurer, a Downers Grove South High School student, was reported missing Jan. 13, 1976. The Woodridge girl was found dead the following day in Lisle along College Road.
According to news reports, Maurer's case was reopened in 1993 in an attempt to locate her killer. The effort was unsuccessful.
Maurer's body was found by a passing driver who first spotted her purse in the roadway and became concerned that someone might have been struck by a car.
Her body was placed outside a guardrail in an attempt to fool police into believing she was the victim of a hit-and-run, authorities said at the time.
However, an autopsy revealed she had been strangled.
Maurer's murder was one of several sensational killings involving young women in the 1970s in the southern part of DuPage County, according to media reports from the time. At least one of those cases was solved using new forensic techniques in the 1990s, prompting Lisle police to reopen Maurer's case.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-12--District 15 in 'holding pattern' on plans for new school at Palatine shopping center

Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 board members say they need more time before deciding on a proposal to create a new school in a vacant section of the Park Place shopping center at Rand and Dundee roads in Palatine .
Board members last week voted to seek another 90 days for a due diligence period that had been set to expire Jan. 15 .
Park Place 's owner must agree to the request .
The board also agreed that they wo n't spend any money on an artist 's rendering or other aspects of the project until it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the district .
`` I do n't feel it 's prudent to spend funds on something we 're not sure with yet , '' board member Michael Smolka said .
Under a tentative deal unveiled last year , a shuttered Whole Foods Market and other adjacent space totaling about 80,000 square feet would be renovated to create up to 32 classrooms for kindergarten through sixth grade .
The school would serve the district 's northeast section .
Park Place 's owner would build four retail buildings on the land closest to Rand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palatine officials said .
The former T.J. Maxx/Home Goods portion of the plaza would be demolished to make room for the new retail section along with a playground and sports fields for the school .
Stuckey Construction Company Inc. of Waukegan would buy the space for about $ 4.1 million and spend another $ 13.8 million renovating it , district officials said .
District 15 would lease the building with an option to buy it within seven years , if the proposal receives school board approval .
District 15 Superintendent Laurie Heinz said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a new school in the district 's northeast section .
An offer of a stand-alone commercial building east of Route 53 in Arlington Heights has emerged .
`` But again , we 've kind of been in a holding pattern on that , '' Heinz said .
`` We 've had a meeting to listen to the pitch .
Until we 're certain that we would need that 21st school , as part of the overall true fix to some of our boundary and capacity issues , we 've kind of held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're just not in a place where we know for sure . ''
Potential funding sources also would need to be addressed if the 21st school is pursued , she added .
About 22 % of the district 's roughly 12,000 students live in the northeast section but do n't have a neighborhood school , officials said .
District 15 encompasses all or parts of Palatine , Arlington Heights , Rolling Meadows , Hoffman Estates , Inverness , South Barrington and Schaumburg .

District 15 in 'holding pattern' on plans for new school at Palatine shopping center
Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 board members say they need more time before deciding on a proposal to create a new school in a vacant section of the Park Place shopping center at Rand and Dundee roads in Palatine.
Board members last week voted to seek another 90 days for a due diligence period that had been set to expire Jan. 15. Park Place's owner must agree to the request.
The board also agreed that they won't spend any money on an artist's rendering or other aspects of the project until it's known whether a 21st school is needed for the district.
"I don't feel it's prudent to spend funds on something we're not sure with yet," board member Michael Smolka said.
Under a tentative deal unveiled last year, a shuttered Whole Foods Market and other adjacent space totaling about 80,000 square feet would be renovated to create up to 32 classrooms for kindergarten through sixth grade. The school would serve the district's northeast section.
Park Place's owner would build four retail buildings on the land closest to Rand as part of the school proposal, Palatine officials said. The former T.J. Maxx/Home Goods portion of the plaza would be demolished to make room for the new retail section along with a playground and sports fields for the school.
Stuckey Construction Company Inc. of Waukegan would buy the space for about $4.1 million and spend another $13.8 million renovating it, district officials said. District 15 would lease the building with an option to buy it within seven years, if the proposal receives school board approval.
District 15 Superintendent Laurie Heinz said Park Place is not the only option for a new school in the district's northeast section. An offer of a stand-alone commercial building east of Route 53 in Arlington Heights has emerged.
"But again, we've kind of been in a holding pattern on that," Heinz said. "We've had a meeting to listen to the pitch. Until we're certain that we would need that 21st school, as part of the overall true fix to some of our boundary and capacity issues, we've kind of held that group off as well because we're just not in a place where we know for sure."
Potential funding sources also would need to be addressed if the 21st school is pursued, she added.
About 22% of the district's roughly 12,000 students live in the northeast section but don't have a neighborhood school, officials said. District 15 encompasses all or parts of Palatine, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, South Barrington and Schaumburg.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--How DuPage police solved the 44-year-old murder of Pamela Maurer

Forty-four years ago this week , 16-year-old Pamela Maurer left a friend 's house to buy a Coke at a nearby McDonald 's .
It was a short walk from their neighborhood on the south side of Woodridge , less than three-quarters of a mile .
But she never returned home .
The next day , her body was found alongside College Road in Lisle .
She had been strangled .
And now , authorities say they know who did it , thanks to advances in forensic science and genealogy .
At a news conference Monday , DuPage County State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killer has been identified as Bruce Lindahl of Aurora , who grew up in the Downers Grove , Lisle and Woodridge areas .
Lindahl died in April 1981 while murdering Charles Huber , 18 , of Naperville .
Lindahl stabbed Huber 28 times and accidentally stabbed himself in an artery in the process .
Berlin said Lindahl also is suspected in the 1980 disappearance and death of an Aurora woman who was set to testify against him in a rape trial , the disappearance of a Downers Grove teenager in 1979 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Berlin said any possible victims are being urged to call the state 's attorney 's office or Lisle police .
How it was done Authorities revealed Monday that Pamela had been sexually assaulted .
DNA was taken from biological evidence of the rape .
It was analyzed at the DuPage County Sheriff 's Crime Laboratory in 2001 , and a DNA profile of the killer was developed and entered into the nationwide Combined DNA Index System .
But no hits were generated .
Last year , Lisle police and the state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done by Parabon Nanolabs .
The analysis created a `` Snapshot '' prediction for traits such as the killer 's eye color , hair color , skin color and face shape .
It also provided a composite drawing .
They then ran results through an unspecified public genealogy database and built a possible family tree .
When they had narrowed it to Lindahl , they exhumed his body on Nov. 6 .
They took more DNA samples and compared them to the DNA collected from Pamela 's body .
Berlin said the chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match was 1 in 1.8 quadrillion .
Berlin said Lindahl attended Downers Grove North High School .
A DuPage County court record from December 1976 , in which he was accused of having two marijuana plants in his Woodridge home , lists his birthplace as St. Charles .
Berlin said Lindahl was arrested June 23 , 1980 , on charges of aggravated kidnapping , rape and deviant sexual assault .
He was accused of kidnapping Debra Colliander at the Northgate Shopping Center in Aurora , taking her to his residence in Aurora , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and taking photographs of her .
She escaped , naked , to a nearby home .
Colliander disappeared Oct. 7 , 1980 , after work at Copley Hospital in Aurora .
A friend of Lindahl 's later told police Lindahl told him that if Colliander did not appear in court , `` he would get out of it , '' Berlin said .
The rape case was dismissed in March 1981 .
Colliander 's body was found April 28 , 1982 , in a farm field in Oswego Township in Kendall County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be determined , but a coroner ruled it a homicide , Berlin said .
A Chicago Tribune report at the time said Lindahl was working as a small-engine repairs instructor at a vocational school in Kaneville .
By the time Colliander 's body was found , Lindahl was dead .
Police believe that while he was stabbing Huber to death in an apartment on Ogden Avenue , Lindahl , 28 , accidentally struck himself in a femoral artery and bled to death next to his victim .
Afterward , police found `` numerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home on Solifsburg Avenue in Aurora .
Police are examining those photos to see if they might lead to other victims .
Berlin said Monday they believe Lindahl was involved in the disappearance of Deborah McCall of Downers Grove .
The 16-year-old girl , a student at Downers Grove North High School , went missing on Nov. 5 , 1979 , according to the National Unidentified and Missing Persons System .
According to press reports from 1976 , Pamela Maurer , who lived on the 7600 block of Butternut Court , had visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2500 block of Crabtree Lane .
She left around 9:45 p.m .
Her mother reported her missing at 11 p.m .
The next day , Lisle Township Highway Commissioner Thomas Paterson found her body , according to news reports .
He told police he had seen a purse on the roadway and was concerned someone had been hit by a car .
A 3-foot section of an automotive rubber hose was found near the body .
`` We 'll probably never find out why he killed her , '' Lisle 's then-police chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But we 're going to find him .
We have a lot of people to talk to , and there 's a lot of people talking . ''
Classmates and friends from Downers Grove South High School were among those interviewed .
Lindahl was not one of the original suspects , according to Lisle police officer Chris Loudon , the detective working the cold case .
Cindy Evans , now of Lisle , attended Monday 's news conference to hear the news for herself .
She recalled saying goodbye to Maurer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that day .
If she had not been grounded for having gotten poor grades , Evans said she likely would have hung out with Maurer and the others that night .
And it was not unusual for girls to walk alone , she said .
`` We all walked around back then .
You did n't have those worries , '' she said .
But Maurer was shy , Evans said .
`` She would never have gotten in ( a car ) willingly with a stranger , '' she said .
Evans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was both surprised and grateful her friend 's killer was a stranger .
`` We could never imagine one of our friends doing it , '' she said .
Maurer 's name came up several times in newspaper articles throughout the 1970s and 1980s , because she was one of six young women whose murders or suspicious deaths in southern DuPage County from 1972 to 1976 puzzled investigators .
It caused police from the then-smaller towns to form the Felony Investigative Assistance Team to share expertise and resources .
Lisle police reopened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in forensic science would help them as it had Naperville police , who had just charged a man with one of six cold-case murders of young women in the 1970s and 1980s .
Loudon said Maurer 's father and one of her brothers now live in Texas .
They were informed of the findings several months ago .
`` They showed a lot of relief , '' Loudon said , He said the father never expected an answer as to who killed Maurer .
`` I was glad for Pam .
...
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this monster , '' Loudon said .

How DuPage police solved the 44-year-old murder of Pamela Maurer
Forty-four years ago this week, 16-year-old Pamela Maurer left a friend's house to buy a Coke at a nearby McDonald's.
It was a short walk from their neighborhood on the south side of Woodridge, less than three-quarters of a mile.
But she never returned home. The next day, her body was found alongside College Road in Lisle. She had been strangled.
And now, authorities say they know who did it, thanks to advances in forensic science and genealogy.
At a news conference Monday, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said Pamela's killer has been identified as Bruce Lindahl of Aurora, who grew up in the Downers Grove, Lisle and Woodridge areas.
Lindahl died in April 1981 while murdering Charles Huber, 18, of Naperville. Lindahl stabbed Huber 28 times and accidentally stabbed himself in an artery in the process.
Berlin said Lindahl also is suspected in the 1980 disappearance and death of an Aurora woman who was set to testify against him in a rape trial, the disappearance of a Downers Grove teenager in 1979, and rapes and other crimes against other women.
Berlin said any possible victims are being urged to call the state's attorney's office or Lisle police.
How it was done
Authorities revealed Monday that Pamela had been sexually assaulted. DNA was taken from biological evidence of the rape. It was analyzed at the DuPage County Sheriff's Crime Laboratory in 2001, and a DNA profile of the killer was developed and entered into the nationwide Combined DNA Index System. But no hits were generated.
Last year, Lisle police and the state's attorney had advanced DNA testing and analysis done by Parabon Nanolabs. The analysis created a "Snapshot" prediction for traits such as the killer's eye color, hair color, skin color and face shape. It also provided a composite drawing.
They then ran results through an unspecified public genealogy database and built a possible family tree.
When they had narrowed it to Lindahl, they exhumed his body on Nov. 6. They took more DNA samples and compared them to the DNA collected from Pamela's body.
Berlin said the chance that a random person would be a match was 1 in 1.8 quadrillion.
Lindahl's past
Berlin said Lindahl attended Downers Grove North High School. A DuPage County court record from December 1976, in which he was accused of having two marijuana plants in his Woodridge home, lists his birthplace as St. Charles.
Berlin said Lindahl was arrested June 23, 1980, on charges of aggravated kidnapping, rape and deviant sexual assault. He was accused of kidnapping Debra Colliander at the Northgate Shopping Center in Aurora, taking her to his residence in Aurora, threatening her with a handgun, raping her and taking photographs of her. She escaped, naked, to a nearby home.
Colliander disappeared Oct. 7, 1980, after work at Copley Hospital in Aurora.
A friend of Lindahl's later told police Lindahl told him that if Colliander did not appear in court, "he would get out of it," Berlin said.
The rape case was dismissed in March 1981. Colliander's body was found April 28, 1982, in a farm field in Oswego Township in Kendall County. The cause of death could not be determined, but a coroner ruled it a homicide, Berlin said.
A Chicago Tribune report at the time said Lindahl was working as a small-engine repairs instructor at a vocational school in Kaneville.
Lindahl's death
By the time Colliander's body was found, Lindahl was dead. Police believe that while he was stabbing Huber to death in an apartment on Ogden Avenue, Lindahl, 28, accidentally struck himself in a femoral artery and bled to death next to his victim.
Afterward, police found "numerous" photos of women at Lindahl's home on Solifsburg Avenue in Aurora. Police are examining those photos to see if they might lead to other victims.
Berlin said Monday they believe Lindahl was involved in the disappearance of Deborah McCall of Downers Grove. The 16-year-old girl, a student at Downers Grove North High School, went missing on Nov. 5, 1979, according to the National Unidentified and Missing Persons System.
Maurer case
According to press reports from 1976, Pamela Maurer, who lived on the 7600 block of Butternut Court, had visited with friends at a house on the 2500 block of Crabtree Lane. She left around 9:45 p.m. Her mother reported her missing at 11 p.m.
The next day, Lisle Township Highway Commissioner Thomas Paterson found her body, according to news reports. He told police he had seen a purse on the roadway and was concerned someone had been hit by a car. A 3-foot section of an automotive rubber hose was found near the body.
"We'll probably never find out why he killed her," Lisle's then-police chief, M.J. Wurth, told a reporter. "But we're going to find him. We have a lot of people to talk to, and there's a lot of people talking."
Classmates and friends from Downers Grove South High School were among those interviewed.
Lindahl was not one of the original suspects, according to Lisle police officer Chris Loudon, the detective working the cold case.
The reaction
Cindy Evans, now of Lisle, attended Monday's news conference to hear the news for herself. She recalled saying goodbye to Maurer as they left school on separate buses that day.
If she had not been grounded for having gotten poor grades, Evans said she likely would have hung out with Maurer and the others that night.
And it was not unusual for girls to walk alone, she said.
"We all walked around back then. You didn't have those worries," she said. But Maurer was shy, Evans said. "She would never have gotten in (a car) willingly with a stranger," she said.
Evans said she did not recognize Lindahl. She was both surprised and grateful her friend's killer was a stranger.
"We could never imagine one of our friends doing it," she said.
Maurer's name came up several times in newspaper articles throughout the 1970s and 1980s, because she was one of six young women whose murders or suspicious deaths in southern DuPage County from 1972 to 1976 puzzled investigators. It caused police from the then-smaller towns to form the Felony Investigative Assistance Team to share expertise and resources.
Lisle police reopened the case in 1993, hoping advances in forensic science would help them as it had Naperville police, who had just charged a man with one of six cold-case murders of young women in the 1970s and 1980s.
Loudon said Maurer's father and one of her brothers now live in Texas. They were informed of the findings several months ago.
"They showed a lot of relief," Loudon said, He said the father never expected an answer as to who killed Maurer.
"I was glad for Pam. ... I was glad to finally put a face to this monster," Loudon said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Missing Schaumburg woman found dead in Chicago

A missing Schaumburg woman was found dead in the trunk of her car on the city 's far west side @ @ @ @ @ Tribune report .
Sureel Dabawala , 34 , had been reported missing Dec. 30 by @ @ @ @ @ the Cook County medical examiner 's office , Dabawala was located at about 9 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ of North Kilpatrick Avenue in Chicago 's West Garfield Park neighborhood , according to the @ @ @ @ @ An autopsy is scheduled for later today .
Schaumburg police issued a missing persons alert @ @ @ @ @ suffered from a medical condition that placed her in danger .
Her white 2011 Lexus @ @ @ @ @ According to the Tribune story , police said her body was found wrapped in a @ @ @ @ @ if foul play is suspected .

Missing Schaumburg woman found dead in Chicago
A Schaumburg woman missing since late last month was found dead Monday in the trunk of her car on Chicago's far west side, according to police.
Sureel Dabawala, 34, had been reported missing Jan. 1 by her family after failing to return home Dec. 30.
Chicago police reported that the body was located at about 8:34 p.m. Monday, on the 200 block of North Kilpatrick Avenue in the West Garfield Park neighborhood.
An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, Cook County officials said. Until the results are known, police are classifying the case as a death investigation.
Schaumburg police issued a missing person alert last week, saying Dabawala suffered from a medical condition that placed her in danger. Authorities have not yet revealed further details of that condition.
Dabawala's white 2011 Lexus sedan was also reported missing.
Authorities said the vehicle was located by a private investigator hired by Dabawala's family. The body was found wrapped in a blanket in the trunk.
Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department or the Schaumburg Police Department Investigations at (847) 882-3534 or investigations@schaumburg.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Catholic schools in Rolling Meadows, Round Lake closing at end of year

Amid declining enrollment and financial shortfalls , St. Colette School in Rolling Meadows will close at the end of the current school year , ending a 60-year run that included being named one of the nation 's top schools in 2007 , the Archdiocese of Chicago announced today .
And St. Joseph School in Round Lake also will close , the archdiocese said .
They are two of five elementary schools that will be shut down , the archdiocese said in a news release issued late Monday afternoon .
The others are St. Maria Goretti School in Schiller Park , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grange Park and St. Jane de Chantal School in Chicago .
`` School closures are difficult and complicated and we realize the impact this has on students , their families and our staff .
We are committed to making the transition caused by these closures as seamless as possible , '' Jim Rigg , superintendent of Catholic Schools , said in the release .
`` The archdiocese will be working with each affected student and employee to assist them in finding places at other Catholic schools . ''
Rueben Garcia of Palatine was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the archdiocese 's decision .
Garcia said his fifth-grade son has attended St. Colette since kindergarten and it will be difficult to tell him he 'll have to attend school elsewhere in 2020-21 .
`` To be honest , they could have helped us a little bit more , '' Garcia said of the archdiocese .
Garcia complimented St. Colette Principal Joseph Quinlan for doing what he could to keep the school going .
Quinlan wrote in a Dec. 13 letter to parents that the school had received a commitment from about 65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020-21 , but another 40 to 50 children were needed to stay open .
Rolling Meadows resident Jean Wenzel , a St. Colette parishioner since 1965 , has two grandchildren at the parish school in kindergarten and fourth grade .
Her three children attended St. Colette .
Wenzel said the school 's unsettled status could have deterred parents from enrolling their students there for the next school year .
Supporters continue to raise money for the school , she said .
`` I think the archdiocese is a business , '' Wenzel said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colette has lost 97 students in the last three years and faces a $ 500,000 deficit this year .
Despite `` strong efforts , '' the school does not have sufficient fundraising to cover the deficit , the archdiocese said .
In 2007 , St. Colette was one of only about 200 schools nationwide to receive what was then called the No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education .
The award recognizes academically superior schools and those that made significant progress in closing the achievement gap .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and student recruitment efforts in recent months , including a weekly Queen of Hearts raffle .
St. Joseph in Round Lake has lost 70 students in the last four years and faced a $ 575,000 deficit , the archdiocese said .
The school does not have sufficient fundraising to cover the deficit and outside donors have not stepped forward despite strong efforts , according to the archdiocese .
The school 's website lists current enrollment at 130 students .
Officials at St. Joseph could n't be reached for comment immediately after Monday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Facebook page a message from Rigg .
`` I commend the dedicated leaders , faculty and staff at St. Joseph School for their tireless work to foster an academically rigorous and faith-filled community , '' Rigg wrote .
`` St. Joseph School has provided a strong education to generations of young men and women , helping them development intellectually , physically and spiritually . ''
People in the St. Joseph community posted reactions on the Facebook page .
`` How sad .
All of my children and grandchildren attended St. Joseph school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I so wanted him to also graduate from St. Joseph , '' Esperanza Gonzalez wrote .
`` St. Joseph gave my children and grandchildren a good education , faith and the ability to become good people , very educated and giving back to our communities .
This is very sad . ''
`` Words ca n't express the sadness I feel for the teachers , faculty , students and parents ! ''
Tina Gerharz-Nelson wrote .
`` My children went to St Joe 's from preschool to 8th grade !
I also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recess , homework heaven , putting together homework packets , and coaching my son and daughters basketball teams !
...
Many lasting friendships were made for myself and my children . ''

Catholic schools in Rolling Meadows, Round Lake closing at end of year
Amid declining enrollment and financial shortfalls, St. Colette School in Rolling Meadows will close at the end of the current school year, ending a 60-year run that included being named one of the nation's top schools in 2007, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced today.
And St. Joseph School in Round Lake also will close, the archdiocese said.
They are two of five elementary schools that will be shut down, the archdiocese said in a news release issued late Monday afternoon. The others are St. Maria Goretti School in Schiller Park, St. Louise de Marillac School in La Grange Park and St. Jane de Chantal School in Chicago.
"School closures are difficult and complicated and we realize the impact this has on students, their families and our staff. We are committed to making the transition caused by these closures as seamless as possible," Jim Rigg, superintendent of Catholic Schools, said in the release. "The archdiocese will be working with each affected student and employee to assist them in finding places at other Catholic schools."
Rueben Garcia of Palatine was among the St. Colette parents saddened by the archdiocese's decision. Garcia said his fifth-grade son has attended St. Colette since kindergarten and it will be difficult to tell him he'll have to attend school elsewhere in 2020-21.
"To be honest, they could have helped us a little bit more," Garcia said of the archdiocese.
Garcia complimented St. Colette Principal Joseph Quinlan for doing what he could to keep the school going. Quinlan wrote in a Dec. 13 letter to parents that the school had received a commitment from about 65 students in kindergarten through eighth grade for 2020-21, but another 40 to 50 children were needed to stay open.
Rolling Meadows resident Jean Wenzel, a St. Colette parishioner since 1965, has two grandchildren at the parish school in kindergarten and fourth grade. Her three children attended St. Colette.
Wenzel said the school's unsettled status could have deterred parents from enrolling their students there for the next school year. Supporters continue to raise money for the school, she said.
"I think the archdiocese is a business," Wenzel said.
According to the archdiocese, St. Colette has lost 97 students in the last three years and faces a $500,000 deficit this year. Despite "strong efforts," the school does not have sufficient fundraising to cover the deficit, the archdiocese said.
Quinlan declined to comment.
In 2007, St. Colette was one of only about 200 schools nationwide to receive what was then called the No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education. The award recognizes academically superior schools and those that made significant progress in closing the achievement gap.
The school had been conducting numerous fundraising and student recruitment efforts in recent months, including a weekly Queen of Hearts raffle.
St. Joseph in Round Lake has lost 70 students in the last four years and faced a $575,000 deficit, the archdiocese said. The school does not have sufficient fundraising to cover the deficit and outside donors have not stepped forward despite strong efforts, according to the archdiocese. The school's website lists current enrollment at 130 students.
Officials at St. Joseph couldn't be reached for comment immediately after Monday's announcement, but the school posted to its Facebook page a message from Rigg.
"I commend the dedicated leaders, faculty and staff at St. Joseph School for their tireless work to foster an academically rigorous and faith-filled community," Rigg wrote. "St. Joseph School has provided a strong education to generations of young men and women, helping them development intellectually, physically and spiritually."
People in the St. Joseph community posted reactions on the Facebook page.
"How sad. All of my children and grandchildren attended St. Joseph school with my youngest grandson in second grade. I so wanted him to also graduate from St. Joseph," Esperanza Gonzalez wrote. "St. Joseph gave my children and grandchildren a good education, faith and the ability to become good people, very educated and giving back to our communities. This is very sad."
"Words can't express the sadness I feel for the teachers, faculty, students and parents!" Tina Gerharz-Nelson wrote. "My children went to St Joe's from preschool to 8th grade! I also spent many hours volunteering for class parties, recess, homework heaven, putting together homework packets, and coaching my son and daughters basketball teams! ... Many lasting friendships were made for myself and my children."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-13--Stevenson High School details plans for massive expansion

Stevenson High School officials publicly unveiled designs for a massive expansion to the school 's field house and East Building on Monday .
The 106,300-square-foot project , which school officials have said could cost $ 45 million to $ 50 million , calls for athletic courts , an artificial turf playing field , a larger running track , an area for exercise equipment , and other features to be built in the enlarged field house .
Offices and other amenities also are planned as part of the project .
The plans were revealed to Lincolnshire officials Monday night during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board eventually will need to approve the construction plans and requests for some zoning variances .
The current 870,000-square-foot field house is attached to Stevenson 's East Building .
An expansion was proposed to accommodate enrollment growth .
About 4,350 students attend Stevenson this year , making it one of the largest schools in the Chicago area .
Based on housing construction trends and other factors , that figure is expected to exceed 4,900 by 2029 , Stevenson 's assistant superintendent for business , Sean Carney , told the board .
A building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class offerings , Carney said .
Demand for some classes exceeds availability , he said .
The project is expected to be broken into two parts .
In the first phase , to be undertaken this summer , a power plant adjacent to the field house would be expanded to generate more electricity .
Power and natural gas lines near the field house would be relocated and upgraded , too , and a nearby electrical transformer would be moved as well .
Inside the field house , a wall that separates the basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be removed and structural supports needed for the eventual extension of the field house roof would be installed .
The second phase would see the field house enlarged and parts of the East Building expanded and remodeled .
That work would begin in summer 2021 and run through summer 2022 .
Perhaps most noticeably , the number of basketball courts in the field house would grow to six from four .
Accordingly , a running track to be built around those courts would be larger than the current track .
Enlarging the track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project .
The current track is smaller than most schools ' tracks and too small for certain events , Stevenson spokesman Jim Conrey told the Daily Herald .
`` For example , we are unable to run a 100-meter dash during indoor meets because we do n't have 100 meters of straight lanes .
We only have 60 meters , '' he said .
An athletic trainers ' room would be part of the addition , too , and the athletic department offices are set relocate to the field house from the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area near the field house would be expanded and renovated .
Some trustees voiced concerns that a building addition would reduce parking spaces on campus .
In response , Carney said officials are encouraging students to carpool .
The school board likely would fund the projects with savings and by restructuring debt .

Stevenson High School details plans for massive expansion
This architectural rendering of a massive expansion of the field house and the East Building at Stevenson High School shows the view looking south. Courtesy of Stevenson High School
Stevenson High School officials are proposing a massive expansion of the field house and the East Building. This architectural rendering shows the view looking southwest. Courtesy of Stevenson High School
Stevenson High School officials publicly unveiled designs for a massive expansion to the school's field house and East Building on Monday.
The 106,300-square-foot project, which school officials have said could cost $45 million to $50 million, calls for athletic courts, an artificial turf playing field, a larger running track, an area for exercise equipment, and other features to be built in the enlarged field house. Offices and other amenities also are planned as part of the project.
The plans were revealed to Lincolnshire officials Monday night during the village board's committee-of-the-whole meeting. The board eventually will need to approve the construction plans and requests for some zoning variances.
The current 870,000-square-foot field house is attached to Stevenson's East Building. An expansion was proposed to accommodate enrollment growth.
About 4,350 students attend Stevenson this year, making it one of the largest schools in the Chicago area. Based on housing construction trends and other factors, that figure is expected to exceed 4,900 by 2029, Stevenson's assistant superintendent for business, Sean Carney, told the board.
A building addition would allow Stevenson to expand physical-education class offerings, Carney said. Demand for some classes exceeds availability, he said.
The project is expected to be broken into two parts.
In the first phase, to be undertaken this summer, a power plant adjacent to the field house would be expanded to generate more electricity. Power and natural gas lines near the field house would be relocated and upgraded, too, and a nearby electrical transformer would be moved as well.
Inside the field house, a wall that separates the basketball courts from an indoor swimming pool would be removed and structural supports needed for the eventual extension of the field house roof would be installed.
The second phase would see the field house enlarged and parts of the East Building expanded and remodeled. That work would begin in summer 2021 and run through summer 2022.
Perhaps most noticeably, the number of basketball courts in the field house would grow to six from four. Accordingly, a running track to be built around those courts would be larger than the current track.
Enlarging the track is a particularly important element of the project. The current track is smaller than most schools' tracks and too small for certain events, Stevenson spokesman Jim Conrey told the Daily Herald.
"For example, we are unable to run a 100-meter dash during indoor meets because we don't have 100 meters of straight lanes. We only have 60 meters," he said.
An athletic trainers' room would be part of the addition, too, and the athletic department offices are set relocate to the field house from the West Building.
Additionally, the student counseling area near the field house would be expanded and renovated.
Some trustees voiced concerns that a building addition would reduce parking spaces on campus. In response, Carney said officials are encouraging students to carpool.
The school board likely would fund the projects with savings and by restructuring debt.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Constable: Unpredictability puts winter fishing tourneys on thin ice

Once thought to be a dependable season that delivered us uninterrupted months of snow and cold , winter seems to be having a midlife crisis .
In recent years , winter has brought us springlike deluges and flood warnings , wicked ice storms that downed power lines and trees , double-digit inches of snow for an evening commute , freakishly warm weather that brought out crocuses and golfers , and the occasional polar vortex that shut down everything .
`` I seem to remember things differently as a kid , '' says Jay Johnson , manager of site operations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has worked for 35 years .
He remembers Decembers when ice skaters and hockey players hit the ponds , cross-country skiers and snowshoers could plan weekend outings , and ice fishermen could set up shop for January and February .
After a week in which temperatures nudged 50 degrees , this past weekend 's Hard Water Classic ice-fishing competition on Silver Lake near Warrenville fell victim to mild temperatures and had to be canceled .
It 's been rescheduled for Feb. 8 , which is a day with a history of temperatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record low of 17 degrees below zero .
`` It 's definitely tough to plan on , for sure , '' Johnson says .
`` When we do have good ice , we have at least 300 come out for that event . ''
The next two months offer plenty of ice fishing events .
But this year 's LVVA Ice Fishing Derby on Bangs Lake in Wauconda was scheduled for Jan. 25 .
`` That 's not going to happen .
There 's not enough ice , '' says Ryan Jacobsen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event that raises money for veterans charities .
While we 're supposed to have a few days next week with high temperatures below freezing , that 's not enough cold to build up the 4-inch-thick ice needed for safe ice fishing , he says .
No new date has been set .
`` The last couple of years have been difficult .
We ca n't control certain things , '' Jacobsen says .
Last year 's derby was pushed to March 2 , during a stretch when the low temperatures dipped below zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that again .
In 1980 , we hit 80 degrees on March 3 , which is weather better suited for water skiing than ice fishing .
`` We plan loosely , you can say that , '' Jacobsen says .
A cold snap in December did allow some fishing on Bangs Lake ice for a day or two , but it did n't last .
It 's not as if this January has been all about mild weather .
Last weekend 's Frosty Fest , hosted by the Gurnee Park District , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice , rain and snow .
The Vernon Hills Park District also blamed the weather for canceling its Winter Fest .
There was a time when DuPage County rangers made sure the ice was thick enough for fishing and would shoo away those who were walking on thin ice .
`` Now , as far as ice fishing goes , it 's always at your own risk , '' Johnson warns .
`` I remember years ago , we used to clear the ice for ice skaters .
I would drive the truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for skaters .
Now , times have changed . ''
A sudden snowstorm on a Friday can result in a weekend of cross-country skiers , snowshoers and even some dog-sledders , Johnson says .
But ice requires consistent cold .
`` If you ca n't go ice fishing with mild weather , we have lot of hikers and lots of photographers , '' Johnson offers .
`` There 's plenty of wildlife to be seen . ''
In addition to the now-ubiquitous coyotes , visitors can spot a variety of owls , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barred , short-eared , northern saw-whet , barn and , sometimes , snowy .
`` One of my rangers saw a bald eagle on the ice , '' Johnson says .
That majestic bird has been the only one ice fishing so far this winter on Deep Quarry Lake in Bartlett .

Constable: Unpredictability puts winter fishing tourneys on thin ice
In January 2017, Matt Wolfe, left, was named the grand winner of the Hard Water Classic ice fishing tournament at DuPage County's Blackwell Forest Preserve. Wolfe, of Frankfort, reeled in a 37.5-inch northern pike. A lack of ice has bumped this January's tournament to Feb. 8, when officials are hoping the ice will be thick enough to support a crowd. Daily Herald file photo
Once thought to be a dependable season that delivered us uninterrupted months of snow and cold, winter seems to be having a midlife crisis.
In recent years, winter has brought us springlike deluges and flood warnings, wicked ice storms that downed power lines and trees, double-digit inches of snow for an evening commute, freakishly warm weather that brought out crocuses and golfers, and the occasional polar vortex that shut down everything.
"I seem to remember things differently as a kid," says Jay Johnson, manager of site operations for the DuPage County Forest Preserve, where he has worked for 35 years. He remembers Decembers when ice skaters and hockey players hit the ponds, cross-country skiers and snowshoers could plan weekend outings, and ice fishermen could set up shop for January and February.
After a week in which temperatures nudged 50 degrees, this past weekend's Hard Water Classic ice-fishing competition on Silver Lake near Warrenville fell victim to mild temperatures and had to be canceled. It's been rescheduled for Feb. 8, which is a day with a history of temperatures as high as 62 degrees and a record low of 17 degrees below zero.
"It's definitely tough to plan on, for sure," Johnson says. "When we do have good ice, we have at least 300 come out for that event."
The next two months offer plenty of ice fishing events. But this year's LVVA Ice Fishing Derby on Bangs Lake in Wauconda was scheduled for Jan. 25.
"That's not going to happen. There's not enough ice," says Ryan Jacobsen, a Navy veteran who helps run the event that raises money for veterans charities. While we're supposed to have a few days next week with high temperatures below freezing, that's not enough cold to build up the 4-inch-thick ice needed for safe ice fishing, he says. No new date has been set.
"The last couple of years have been difficult. We can't control certain things," Jacobsen says.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Ice fishing can be a lonely hobby. In 2010, Mike Prokop of Roselle braved frigid weather for three hours on this lake in Elk Grove Village. He had a tent, a manual auger, warm clothes and not a single bite.
Last year's derby was pushed to March 2, during a stretch when the low temperatures dipped below zero. But they can't count on that again. In 1980, we hit 80 degrees on March 3, which is weather better suited for water skiing than ice fishing.
"We plan loosely, you can say that," Jacobsen says.
A cold snap in December did allow some fishing on Bangs Lake ice for a day or two, but it didn't last.
It's not as if this January has been all about mild weather. Last weekend's Frosty Fest, hosted by the Gurnee Park District, was canceled because of strong winds, pelting ice, rain and snow. The Vernon Hills Park District also blamed the weather for canceling its Winter Fest.
There was a time when DuPage County rangers made sure the ice was thick enough for fishing and would shoo away those who were walking on thin ice.
"Now, as far as ice fishing goes, it's always at your own risk," Johnson warns. "I remember years ago, we used to clear the ice for ice skaters. I would drive the truck out on the ice and clear it for skaters. Now, times have changed."
A sudden snowstorm on a Friday can result in a weekend of cross-country skiers, snowshoers and even some dog-sledders, Johnson says. But ice requires consistent cold.
"If you can't go ice fishing with mild weather, we have lot of hikers and lots of photographers," Johnson offers. "There's plenty of wildlife to be seen."
In addition to the now-ubiquitous coyotes, visitors can spot a variety of owls, including screech, great horned, long-eared, barred, short-eared, northern saw-whet, barn and, sometimes, snowy.
"One of my rangers saw a bald eagle on the ice," Johnson says.
That majestic bird has been the only one ice fishing so far this winter on Deep Quarry Lake in Bartlett.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-13--$19.7 million in marijuana sales in first 12 days

Statewide sales of legal marijuana totaled $ 19.7 million in the first 12 days , officials said .
There were 495,385 transactions from Jan. 1 to Sunday at marijuana shops across the state , including in Addison , North Aurora and Mundelein , for an average transaction of $ 40 .
`` Illinois had a far more successful launch of cannabis than many of the other states that have legalized , but this is about more than money , it 's about starting a new industry in a way that includes communities left behind for far too long , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
J.B. Pritzker for cannabis control , said in a news release Monday .
Sales were highest on the first day , when they totaled nearly $ 3.2 million , and topped $ 2 million over each of the next four days .
After a drop on Jan. 6 , when some dispensaries reported shortages , last week sales were between $ 1.2 million and $ 1.6 million daily until another drop to $ 874,000 on Sunday .
Under the law , 35 % of marijuana tax revenues will go to the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to the `` restore , reinvest and renew , '' or R3 , program , an effort to reinvest in communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana ; 20 % will go to address substance abuse and mental health ; 10 % will go to pay the state 's bills ; 8 % will be distributed among local governments to support law enforcement ; and 2 % to fund a public education campaign and data analysis about the effects of legalization .
The areas eligible for the R3 program were identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , child poverty , unemployment and state prison commitments and returns , officials also announced Monday .
In the suburbs , those areas include parts of Aurora , Elgin , Carpentersville , Streamwood , Hanover Park , Wheaton , Waukegan , Zion , North Chicago and Joliet .
The grants will be distributed using a competitive process by the R3 board and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority `` to community organizations that support economic development , provide violence prevention and re-entry services , and offer youth development and civil legal aid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said in a news release .
`` The R3 program presents an opportunity to right wrongs caused by decades of poverty and the war on drugs , '' said Lt. Gov .
Juliana Stratton , who serves as chairwoman of the R3 board .
`` The R3 board is committed to expanding opportunities for communities that have been left behind by economic disinvestment . ''
The department of revenue expects to have a tax revenue estimate by the end of February , when initial tax payments from dispensaries are due .

$19.7 million in marijuana sales in first 12 days
Statewide sales of legal marijuana totaled $19.7 million in the first 12 days, officials said.
There were 495,385 transactions from Jan. 1 to Sunday at marijuana shops across the state, including in Addison, North Aurora and Mundelein, for an average transaction of $40.
"Illinois had a far more successful launch of cannabis than many of the other states that have legalized, but this is about more than money, it's about starting a new industry in a way that includes communities left behind for far too long," Toi Hutchinson, senior adviser to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for cannabis control, said in a news release Monday.
Sales were highest on the first day, when they totaled nearly $3.2 million, and topped $2 million over each of the next four days. After a drop on Jan. 6, when some dispensaries reported shortages, last week sales were between $1.2 million and $1.6 million daily until another drop to $874,000 on Sunday.
Under the law, 35% of marijuana tax revenues will go to the state's general fund; 25% will go to the "restore, reinvest and renew," or R3, program, an effort to reinvest in communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana; 20% will go to address substance abuse and mental health; 10% will go to pay the state's bills; 8% will be distributed among local governments to support law enforcement; and 2% to fund a public education campaign and data analysis about the effects of legalization.
The areas eligible for the R3 program were identified using U.S. Census data on gun injury, child poverty, unemployment and state prison commitments and returns, officials also announced Monday.
In the suburbs, those areas include parts of Aurora, Elgin, Carpentersville, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Wheaton, Waukegan, Zion, North Chicago and Joliet.
The grants will be distributed using a competitive process by the R3 board and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority "to community organizations that support economic development, provide violence prevention and re-entry services, and offer youth development and civil legal aid to individuals in these eligible areas," officials said in a news release.
"The R3 program presents an opportunity to right wrongs caused by decades of poverty and the war on drugs," said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who serves as chairwoman of the R3 board. "The R3 board is committed to expanding opportunities for communities that have been left behind by economic disinvestment."
The department of revenue expects to have a tax revenue estimate by the end of February, when initial tax payments from dispensaries are due.