dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Rozner: Keeping writers from locker rooms is no safety measure

There 's not a one among us who does n't stop at Dunkin ' Donuts on the way to an event , landing at the facility with coffee stains everywhere and enough crumbs on our clothes to snack for the rest of the day .
As for spreading the coronavirus into professional locker rooms , well , the latest decision by MLB , MLS and the NBA and NHL reeks of red herring .
Seriously , all these leagues got together at once and decided that the best way to protect their respective sports was to keep the media out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the game .
Not keep players away from fans or shopping malls .
Not keep 20,000 people out of an arena .
Not stop sweating and coughing all over one another .
Keep the writers 6 feet away from the players and outside the locker room and that will make the world a safer place .
`` I heard about that when I got here today , '' Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright told the St. Louis writers in Florida .
`` Everybody knows the media is carrying the coronavirus . ''
Uncle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a joint statement Monday night that read , `` After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts , and given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and postgame settings , all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice .
`` Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting .
These temporary changes will be effective beginning with tomorrow 's games and practices .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment . ''
So the Centers for Disease Control told the commissioners the best way to contain the coronavirus is to keep writers out of the locker room ?
It 's definitely the best way to prevent the spread of jelly doughnuts .
This decision is at best laughable and at worst sinister .
As the opportunity to interview players has disintegrated over the last decade , there are fewer and fewer opportunities to interact with players .
Even then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , teams will bring out selected players and keep them at a distance , and it is not merely cynical to believe this is opportunistic .
Leagues believe they do n't need the media anymore .
Teams and players have their own social media accounts and can say whatever they want , whenever they want .
Furthermore , leagues want control over the information flow , and teams would prefer you read Pravda-style news from their websites , painting a pretty picture of all they do .
Just understand that what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams want you to get .
That 's not news .
That 's propaganda .
As for the notion that the nation is safer by keep media out of the dressing room , you should know that players are not hugging and kissing writers .
If you want to stop the spread of illness -- and understanding media folks are as likely as anyone among the general public to get this -- tell players to stop shaking hands , embracing each other during celebrations and sharing water bottles .
In terms of hockey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a place as you will ever encounter as players bleed on the ice , spit on the ice and blow snot-rockets on the ice .
When you come back to the bench , you clean the snow and slush off your blades with your fingers , tighten your skates and then wipe your face with those same disgusting hands .
A rink is among the best places on the planet to find a virus , but we 're told the best solution is keeping media out of the dressing room .
This may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ink-stained have always feared this as a first step in making it permanent if sports can get away with it -- all in the name of cleanliness .
The coronavirus is going to spread here in the U.S. over the next few weeks , and it 's not going to stop because writers are n't allowed in the locker room .
Players get sick all the time and that will continue to happen unless they stop going to the store , gas station , hotels and ... wait for it ... stadiums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they going to cancel the season ? ''
asked Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter .
`` I do n't know if keeping the media out is going to save us all from the coronavirus . ''
If you want to prevent pro athletes from getting sick , lock them up at home and keep them there .
Hey , I 'm all for teams protecting their players .
There 's a lot of money at stake and even the seasonal flu that runs through a team can be the difference between making the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not about that .
This is a trial balloon .
Teams can bring out one player at a time , maybe two , and every writer leaves the building with the exact same information , the exact same quotes .
Teams can monitor and control all that occurs , without one writer sneaking off to get some exclusive quotes and perhaps an interesting story .
This is n't exactly democracy dying in the darkness , but it does not make sports a more entertaining place .
It also does n't make it safer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as dangerous .

Rozner: Keeping writers from locker rooms is no safety measure
If the current ban on media and nonessential personnel in locker rooms remains in place, players such as Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill won't be seeing reporters in the locker room. Associated Press
Writers are notoriously filthy people.
There's not a one among us who doesn't stop at Dunkin' Donuts on the way to an event, landing at the facility with coffee stains everywhere and enough crumbs on our clothes to snack for the rest of the day.
Nolo contendere.
As for spreading the coronavirus into professional locker rooms, well, the latest decision by MLB, MLS and the NBA and NHL reeks of red herring.
Seriously, all these leagues got together at once and decided that the best way to protect their respective sports was to keep the media out of their locker rooms?
Not shut down the game. Not keep players away from fans or shopping malls. Not keep 20,000 people out of an arena. Not stop sweating and coughing all over one another.
Keep the writers 6 feet away from the players and outside the locker room and that will make the world a safer place.
"I heard about that when I got here today," Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright told the St. Louis writers in Florida. "Everybody knows the media is carrying the coronavirus."
Uncle Charlie sarcasm aside, the leagues released a joint statement Monday night that read, "After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts, and given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and postgame settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice.
"Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting. These temporary changes will be effective beginning with tomorrow's games and practices.
"We will continue to closely monitor this situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment."
So the Centers for Disease Control told the commissioners the best way to contain the coronavirus is to keep writers out of the locker room?
It's definitely the best way to prevent the spread of jelly doughnuts.
This decision is at best laughable and at worst sinister.
As the opportunity to interview players has disintegrated over the last decade, there are fewer and fewer opportunities to interact with players. Even then, it is generally slim pickings.
Now, teams will bring out selected players and keep them at a distance, and it is not merely cynical to believe this is opportunistic.
Leagues believe they don't need the media anymore. Teams and players have their own social media accounts and can say whatever they want, whenever they want.
Furthermore, leagues want control over the information flow, and teams would prefer you read Pravda-style news from their websites, painting a pretty picture of all they do.
Just understand that what you get from teams is only what those teams want you to get. That's not news. That's propaganda.
As for the notion that the nation is safer by keep media out of the dressing room, you should know that players are not hugging and kissing writers.
If you want to stop the spread of illness -- and understanding media folks are as likely as anyone among the general public to get this -- tell players to stop shaking hands, embracing each other during celebrations and sharing water bottles.
In terms of hockey, an ice rink is as dirty a place as you will ever encounter as players bleed on the ice, spit on the ice and blow snot-rockets on the ice.
When you come back to the bench, you clean the snow and slush off your blades with your fingers, tighten your skates and then wipe your face with those same disgusting hands.
A rink is among the best places on the planet to find a virus, but we're told the best solution is keeping media out of the dressing room.
This may indeed be temporary, but those among the ink-stained have always feared this as a first step in making it permanent if sports can get away with it -- all in the name of cleanliness.
The coronavirus is going to spread here in the U.S. over the next few weeks, and it's not going to stop because writers aren't allowed in the locker room.
Players get sick all the time and that will continue to happen unless they stop going to the store, gas station, hotels and ... wait for it ... stadiums.
"What's next, are they going to cancel the season?" asked Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter. "I don't know if keeping the media out is going to save us all from the coronavirus."
Perhaps not.
If you want to prevent pro athletes from getting sick, lock them up at home and keep them there.
Hey, I'm all for teams protecting their players. There's a lot of money at stake and even the seasonal flu that runs through a team can be the difference between making the playoffs and not.
But this is not about that. This is a trial balloon. Teams can bring out one player at a time, maybe two, and every writer leaves the building with the exact same information, the exact same quotes.
Teams can monitor and control all that occurs, without one writer sneaking off to get some exclusive quotes and perhaps an interesting story.
This isn't exactly democracy dying in the darkness, but it does not make sports a more entertaining place.
It also doesn't make it safer -- unless you count carpet coffee stains as dangerous.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--In early vote, St. Charles aldermen deny recreational pot sales at Zen Leaf

Selling recreational marijuana might not be an option for a St. Charles medical dispensary after its request to change the city 's zoning code was shot down in a preliminary vote by aldermen .
Zen Leaf has been asking the city to permit adult-use cannabis sales in the limited manufacturing district , which would be a necessary step ahead of the company 's second proposal to allow the special use at its shop at 3714 Illinois Ave .
Months of deliberation among city officials -- and negotiations with neighbors -- came to a head Monday , when the planning and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Zen Leaf 's applications .
The city council is expected to take a final vote next week .
`` The ink is n't even dry yet on our first ordinance allowing recreational cannabis to be sold in St. Charles , '' Alderman David Pietryla said after the meeting .
`` This is not the time to make changes . ''
The special use provisions approved by the city council last fall limit recreational pot sales to the community business and regional business zoning districts .
No more than two shops are allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be linked to a medical cannabis facility that has operated for at least a year in St. Charles .
Zen Leaf is the only business that qualifies .
The problem is that its state license is tied to its shop in the St. Charles Commons complex , which is outside the permitted zoning districts .
That could change if the state legislature passes a bill allowing dispensaries to relocate within the same medical district , said Anthony Marsico , Zen Leaf 's executive vice president of retail .
But even if the proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could take another year or more for the company to find a new location , secure a special use and complete any construction within one of St. Charles ' approved districts .
`` That 's a concern for us from a business perspective , '' Marsico said .
Pietryla and Alderman William Turner supported the city 's initial set of adult-use marijuana regulations , which Turner called `` very generous '' considering the controversial nature of the issue .
Changing the zoning code so soon to accommodate a specific business would do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Aldermen Art Lemke , Maureen Lewis and Ron Silkaitis also voted against Zen Leaf 's proposals .
Zen Leaf representatives have argued that their recreational operations would be vastly similar to the medical use already allowed within the limited manufacturing district .
The key differences would be the credentials required for customers to enter the facility and a probable increase in activity , which studies have shown wo n't hurt traffic or parking , Marsico said .
The dispensary also has been negotiating with St. Charles Commons businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dance -- to alleviate concerns regarding security , crowds and other potential safety issues .
Though some of the owners still oppose the special use , Aldermen Dan Stellato and Lora Vitek said they 're encouraged by Zen Leaf 's willingness to work with neighbors .
Selling adult-use cannabis also has the potential to create jobs and generate new tax revenue for the city , Marsico said .
`` We 've made a concerted effort and really tried to go above and beyond to be respectful of the community , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive impact this community . ''

In early vote, St. Charles aldermen deny recreational pot sales at Zen Leaf
Selling recreational marijuana might not be an option for a St. Charles medical dispensary after its request to change the city's zoning code was shot down in a preliminary vote by aldermen.
Zen Leaf has been asking the city to permit adult-use cannabis sales in the limited manufacturing district, which would be a necessary step ahead of the company's second proposal to allow the special use at its shop at 3714 Illinois Ave.
Months of deliberation among city officials -- and negotiations with neighbors -- came to a head Monday, when the planning and development committee voted 5-4 to deny both of Zen Leaf's applications. The city council is expected to take a final vote next week.
"The ink isn't even dry yet on our first ordinance allowing recreational cannabis to be sold in St. Charles," Alderman David Pietryla said after the meeting. "This is not the time to make changes."
The special use provisions approved by the city council last fall limit recreational pot sales to the community business and regional business zoning districts. No more than two shops are allowed in town, one of which must be linked to a medical cannabis facility that has operated for at least a year in St. Charles.
Zen Leaf is the only business that qualifies. The problem is that its state license is tied to its shop in the St. Charles Commons complex, which is outside the permitted zoning districts.
That could change if the state legislature passes a bill allowing dispensaries to relocate within the same medical district, said Anthony Marsico, Zen Leaf's executive vice president of retail. But even if the proposal passes this spring, he said, it could take another year or more for the company to find a new location, secure a special use and complete any construction within one of St. Charles' approved districts.
"That's a concern for us from a business perspective," Marsico said.
Pietryla and Alderman William Turner supported the city's initial set of adult-use marijuana regulations, which Turner called "very generous" considering the controversial nature of the issue. Changing the zoning code so soon to accommodate a specific business would do nothing more than "weaken the ordinance," he said.
Aldermen Art Lemke, Maureen Lewis and Ron Silkaitis also voted against Zen Leaf's proposals.
Zen Leaf representatives have argued that their recreational operations would be vastly similar to the medical use already allowed within the limited manufacturing district. The key differences would be the credentials required for customers to enter the facility and a probable increase in activity, which studies have shown won't hurt traffic or parking, Marsico said.
The dispensary also has been negotiating with St. Charles Commons businesses -- particularly the Beth Fowler School of Dance -- to alleviate concerns regarding security, crowds and other potential safety issues. Though some of the owners still oppose the special use, Aldermen Dan Stellato and Lora Vitek said they're encouraged by Zen Leaf's willingness to work with neighbors.
Selling adult-use cannabis also has the potential to create jobs and generate new tax revenue for the city, Marsico said.
"We've made a concerted effort and really tried to go above and beyond to be respectful of the community," he said. "I'm confident we can positive impact this community."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Schaumburg High community mourns sudden passing of beloved teacher, soccer coach

Students and faculty at Schaumburg High School grappled Tuesday with the sudden passing of popular science teacher Jason Georgacakis .
Principal Tim Little announced the news Tuesday morning and made members of the school 's crisis response team available .
`` Mr. Georgacakis was loved by students and staff alike , '' Little said , `` and as part of the Saxon family , he will be greatly missed . ''
Georgacakis lived in Mount Prospect with his wife , Rachael Rothrauff , a teacher at Glenbrook South High School , and their two young daughters , Mila and Lidia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 38 .
`` It was a day filled with a vast array of emotions , from the students who were so vulnerable and the faculty alike , '' said Ben Logo , a fellow science teacher .
`` He had a huge impact on all of us . ''
Georgacakis grew up in Northbrook and attended Glenbrook North High School .
In college , he studied marine biology and intended to make a career of it , but his natural connection with students won out .
He spent his entire teaching career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he taught biology , AP biology , and health careers and medical terminology .
In addition to teaching , Georgacakis coached girls and boys soccer .
He coached boys from 2007-2017 and had coached the junior varsity girls team since 2008 .
He held tryouts last week and was preparing the team for its first game Monday , against Bartlett High School .
Georgacakis also served since 2017 as the sponsor for the Health Occupations Students of America club .
Science department Chairman Jason Campbell said Georgacakis , or `` Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taught with a real exuberance and genuineness that drew students to him .
`` He was quick to laugh , quicker to smile , and the first to step in and offer whatever help he could when needed , '' Campbell said .
`` He was a beloved husband and father , an influential teacher , an inspirational coach and sponsor , a trusted colleague , and as true a friend as anyone could ask for .
His wit , humor , and humility will never be replaced or forgotten . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ traced back to last year 's senior breakfast , when students voted Georgacakis to be the event 's featured speaker .
That same popularity was evident Tuesday , when the devastation of the news was felt throughout the building .
`` As students told stories about him today , in between their tears , they could n't help but laugh , '' Logo said .
`` It was his sense of humor and the way he made them laugh .
That is how they remembered him .
`` He was a problem-solver and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He took the principles of science and applied the scientific method to everything he approached . ''

Schaumburg High community mourns sudden passing of beloved teacher, soccer coach
Schaumburg High School science teacher and soccer coach Jason Georgacakis celebrates with Class of 2019 graduates, from left, Shivani Patel, Krupa Patel and Mona Pudasaini, during commencement ceremonies last year at the Sears Centre Arena. Courtesy of Palatine Schaumburg High School District 211
Students and faculty at Schaumburg High School grappled Tuesday with the sudden passing of popular science teacher Jason Georgacakis.
Principal Tim Little announced the news Tuesday morning and made members of the school's crisis response team available.
"Mr. Georgacakis was loved by students and staff alike," Little said, "and as part of the Saxon family, he will be greatly missed."
Georgacakis lived in Mount Prospect with his wife, Rachael Rothrauff, a teacher at Glenbrook South High School, and their two young daughters, Mila and Lidia. He died Tuesday at the age of 38.
"It was a day filled with a vast array of emotions, from the students who were so vulnerable and the faculty alike," said Ben Lobo, a fellow science teacher. "He had a huge impact on all of us."
Georgacakis grew up in Northbrook and attended Glenbrook North High School. In college, he studied marine biology and intended to make a career of it, but his natural connection with students won out.
He spent his entire teaching career at Schaumburg High, beginning in 2005, where he taught biology, AP biology, and health careers and medical terminology.
In addition to teaching, Georgacakis coached girls and boys soccer. He coached boys from 2007-2017 and had coached the junior varsity girls team since 2008. He held tryouts last week and was preparing the team for its first game Monday, against Bartlett High School.
Georgacakis also served since 2017 as the sponsor for the Health Occupations Students of America club.
Science department Chairman Jason Campbell said Georgacakis, or "Mr. G," as he was known, taught with a real exuberance and genuineness that drew students to him.
"He was quick to laugh, quicker to smile, and the first to step in and offer whatever help he could when needed," Campbell said. "He was a beloved husband and father, an influential teacher, an inspirational coach and sponsor, a trusted colleague, and as true a friend as anyone could ask for. His wit, humor, and humility will never be replaced or forgotten."
A testament to his popularity can be traced back to last year's senior breakfast, when students voted Georgacakis to be the event's featured speaker.
That same popularity was evident Tuesday, when the devastation of the news was felt throughout the building.
"As students told stories about him today, in between their tears, they couldn't help but laugh," Lobo said. "It was his sense of humor and the way he made them laugh. That is how they remembered him.
"He was a problem-solver and loved challenges," Lobo added. "He took the principles of science and applied the scientific method to everything he approached."
Services are pending.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Senate's new oversight committee has its eye on the tollway

A group of Illinois senators is creating an oversight committee to scrutinize transportation agencies in the state following concerns about patronage .
One of its first priorities will be reviewing hiring practices at the Illinois tollway , said Democratic Illinois Sen. Laura Murphy of Des Plaines , who is spearheading the effort .
`` We hope it will provide an avenue for people to voice concerns and for ( transportation ) departments to let people know about their operations , '' she said .
The move comes after articles in the Daily Herald that raised questions about the new executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chicago Housing Authority , for high-paying positions .
The Daily Herald reported in February that the total of former CHA staffers hired by tollway Executive Director Jose Alvarez had reached nine and their cumulative salaries were more than $ 1.3 million .
Tollway officials said the new staff members were extremely well-qualified for their positions and chosen on merit .
`` The first order of business is some tollway issues , '' Murphy said .
`` We want to have a discussion on hiring and procurement processes .
I 'm a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The initial meeting of the Urban Modal Transit Oversight Committee could occur in March .
Murphy will be co-chairwoman of the committee and Transportation Committee Chairman and Democratic Sen. Ram Villivalam of Chicago is co-chairman .
Support for the Urban Modal Transit Oversight Committee is bipartisan and Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady will appoint GOP members , Murphy said .
`` It 's a great opportunity to learn more about their operations , '' she said , adding the meetings were not intended to be a `` gotcha '' experience but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information . ''

Senate's new oversight committee has its eye on the tollway
A group of Illinois senators is creating an oversight committee to scrutinize transportation agencies in the state following concerns about patronage.
One of its first priorities will be reviewing hiring practices at the Illinois tollway, said Democratic Illinois Sen. Laura Murphy of Des Plaines, who is spearheading the effort.
"We hope it will provide an avenue for people to voice concerns and for (transportation) departments to let people know about their operations," she said.
The move comes after articles in the Daily Herald that raised questions about the new executive director hiring colleagues from his former workplace, the Chicago Housing Authority, for high-paying positions.
The Daily Herald reported in February that the total of former CHA staffers hired by tollway Executive Director Jose Alvarez had reached nine and their cumulative salaries were more than $1.3 million.
Tollway officials said the new staff members were extremely well-qualified for their positions and chosen on merit.
"The first order of business is some tollway issues," Murphy said. "We want to have a discussion on hiring and procurement processes. I'm a believer that sunshine makes everything look better."
The initial meeting of the Urban Modal Transit Oversight Committee could occur in March.
Murphy will be co-chairwoman of the committee and Transportation Committee Chairman and Democratic Sen. Ram Villivalam of Chicago is co-chairman.
Support for the Urban Modal Transit Oversight Committee is bipartisan and Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady will appoint GOP members, Murphy said.
"It's a great opportunity to learn more about their operations," she said, adding the meetings were not intended to be a "gotcha" experience but "a forum to learn and exchange information."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Where money is coming from in the 14th Congressional race

More money is flowing into the campaigns of Illinois 14th Congressional District candidates than any other congressional race in the state , with funding sources ranging from themselves to political action committees to law and investment firms , many of them out of state .
The cash flow is inspired , in part , by the sheer number of candidates in the race .
The seven Republicans vying for the GOP nomination have raked in $ 2.7 million to date .
Yet , incumbent Democrat Lauren Underwood is beating that combined total with $ 3.07 million raised .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single GOP candidate has raised in the primary .
The nearly $ 6 million total is a mountain of money compared to the next most expensive race , the 8th Congressional District , where Democratic incumbent Raja Krishnamoorthi has raised $ 3.96 million .
There are several patterns in the campaign donations .
About 65 % of the money coming to Underwood is from out-of-state sources .
That 's not unusual for an incumbent candidate at the federal level .
Members of Congress deal with a wide range of issues , giving them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home districts .
More noteworthy is the amount of money flowing from outside Illinois to the Republican challengers .
The majority of donations to both Catalina Lauf ( 59.3 % ) and Ted Gradel ( 57.9 % ) comes from outside the state , according to analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics .
Gradel 's largest contributor is Levin Papantonio , a Florida-based personal injury firm .
He 's also received several contributions from Arizona .
That likely stems from the endorsement Gradel received from childhood friend Doug Ducey , the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors report being employed by law firms , securities and investment corporations or as retired .
All of the Republican candidates raising significant money have a sizable amount of contributions coming from retirees .
Nearly 50 % of Lauf 's donations are less than $ 200 .
That is , by far , the largest percentage of all the candidates .
Lauf is backed by the Maverick PAC , a group that specifically identifies and supports conservative millennials running for office .
Despite that , there 's a relative dearth of money flowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to any of the GOP candidates so far .
The biggest single chunk of conservative money is being spent in opposition to Jim Oberweis rather than in support of any of the candidates .
The Illinois Conservative PAC , formed at the start of March , is in the midst of a $ 710,000 ad buy to run commercials opposed to Oberweis .
Few public details are available about the PAC , but Oberweis campaign spokesman Travis Akin said he 's not surprised people who might be trying to conceal their support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnate .
`` This is the big leagues , and Jim has been the front-runner from day one , '' Akin said .
The conservative New Prosperity Foundation has also spent more than $ 150,000 in opposition to Oberweis .
Oberweis has primarily relied on his own money to fund his campaign .
He gave himself a $ 1 million loan .
However , his FEC reports show he 's already repaid himself $ 500,000 .
Oberweis also faces an FEC complaint from fellow state Sen. Sue Rezin .
In the complaint , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobby Republicans for donations to his federal campaign with a promise of repaying the favor with larger donations from his state campaign fund .
By law , Oberweis can not use his state funds to run for federal office .
Oberweis ' campaign has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing .
Rezin has pumped $ 250,000 of her own money into her run for Congress .
She 's also received the most PAC money of any GOP candidate .
That includes significant contributions from the Jet PAC , which is affiliated with Republican U.S. Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kinzinger has also directly contributed to Rezin 's campaign .
Rezin has seen an inflow of cash from electric utility companies , Caterpillar , and the Operating Engineers Local 150 labor union .
James Marter , Jerry Evans and Anthony Catella each have raised less than $ 100,000 in contributions to date .
Marter has raised just shy of $ 60,000 .
His largest single donor is Overflow Entertainment .
The Wauconda-based company is perhaps best known for its production work with local conservative icon Jack Roeser .
Evans has seen a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of amounts greater than $ 200 .
He entered the race in late October , giving him a significant obstacle to fundraising .
He 's pulled in about $ 17,000 since Jan. 1 to bring his total raised to $ 55,000 .
Catella has attracted only one campaign donation , a $ 25 contribution from his employer .

Where money is coming from in the 14th Congressional race
Upper, from left, Anthony Catella, Ted Gradel, Jerry Evans, Catalina Lauf, and lower from left, James Marter, Jim Oberweis, and Sue Rezin are Republican candidates for the 14th Congressional District.
More money is flowing into the campaigns of Illinois 14th Congressional District candidates than any other congressional race in the state, with funding sources ranging from themselves to political action committees to law and investment firms, many of them out of state.
The cash flow is inspired, in part, by the sheer number of candidates in the race. The seven Republicans vying for the GOP nomination have raked in $2.7 million to date. Yet, incumbent Democrat Lauren Underwood is beating that combined total with $3.07 million raised. That's three times as much money as any single GOP candidate has raised in the primary.
The nearly $6 million total is a mountain of money compared to the next most expensive race, the 8th Congressional District, where Democratic incumbent Raja Krishnamoorthi has raised $3.96 million.
There are several patterns in the campaign donations.
About 65% of the money coming to Underwood is from out-of-state sources. That's not unusual for an incumbent candidate at the federal level. Members of Congress deal with a wide range of issues, giving them a broad circle of influence beyond their home districts.
More noteworthy is the amount of money flowing from outside Illinois to the Republican challengers.
The majority of donations to both Catalina Lauf (59.3%) and Ted Gradel (57.9%) comes from outside the state, according to analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Gradel's largest contributor is Levin Papantonio, a Florida-based personal injury firm. He's also received several contributions from Arizona. That likely stems from the endorsement Gradel received from childhood friend Doug Ducey, the governor of Arizona. Most of Gradel's donors report being employed by law firms, securities and investment corporations or as retired.
All of the Republican candidates raising significant money have a sizable amount of contributions coming from retirees.
Nearly 50% of Lauf's donations are less than $200. That is, by far, the largest percentage of all the candidates. Lauf is backed by the Maverick PAC, a group that specifically identifies and supports conservative millennials running for office.
Despite that, there's a relative dearth of money flowing from either the state or national party to any of the GOP candidates so far.
The biggest single chunk of conservative money is being spent in opposition to Jim Oberweis rather than in support of any of the candidates.
The Illinois Conservative PAC, formed at the start of March, is in the midst of a $710,000 ad buy to run commercials opposed to Oberweis. Few public details are available about the PAC, but Oberweis campaign spokesman Travis Akin said he's not surprised people who might be trying to conceal their support for other candidates are coming after the dairy magnate.
"This is the big leagues, and Jim has been the front-runner from day one," Akin said.
The conservative New Prosperity Foundation has also spent more than $150,000 in opposition to Oberweis.
Oberweis has primarily relied on his own money to fund his campaign. He gave himself a $1 million loan. However, his FEC reports show he's already repaid himself $500,000.
Oberweis also faces an FEC complaint from fellow state Sen. Sue Rezin. In the complaint, Rezin accuses Oberweis of a scheme to lobby Republicans for donations to his federal campaign with a promise of repaying the favor with larger donations from his state campaign fund. By law, Oberweis cannot use his state funds to run for federal office. Oberweis' campaign has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Rezin has pumped $250,000 of her own money into her run for Congress. She's also received the most PAC money of any GOP candidate. That includes significant contributions from the Jet PAC, which is affiliated with Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger from the 16th District. Kinzinger has also directly contributed to Rezin's campaign. Rezin has seen an inflow of cash from electric utility companies, Caterpillar, and the Operating Engineers Local 150 labor union.
James Marter, Jerry Evans and Anthony Catella each have raised less than $100,000 in contributions to date.
Marter has raised just shy of $60,000. His largest single donor is Overflow Entertainment. The Wauconda-based company is perhaps best known for its production work with local conservative icon Jack Roeser.
Evans has seen a high percentage (84%) of contributions of amounts greater than $200. He entered the race in late October, giving him a significant obstacle to fundraising. He's pulled in about $17,000 since Jan. 1 to bring his total raised to $55,000.
Catella has attracted only one campaign donation, a $25 contribution from his employer.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--The Rev. Ronald Anglim, pastor emeritus of St. Peter in Antioch, dies at 81

The Rev .
Ronald H. Anglim , pastor emeritus of St. Peter Parish in Antioch , passed away Saturday , March 7 , at the age of 81 , the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Tuesday .
Anglim , 81 , was named pastor emeritus at St. Peter in 2009 , after previously serving as the parish 's pastor .
He also was pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville and Holy Family Parish in North Chicago .
Msgr .
Wayne Prist , pastor emeritus of Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago , called Anglim a compassionate , kind and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendship after starting their tenures as priests together at St. Giles Parish in Oak Park .
`` That is when we bonded , '' he said .
A Chicago native , Anglim attended St. Ignatius High School , Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein .
He was ordained to the priesthood on April 29 , 1965 , and he celebrated his first Mass on May 2 of the same year at St. Ethelreda Church in Chicago .
After St. Giles , Anglim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Addison Street in Chicago , St. Barbara Parish in Brookfield and Our Lady of the Ridge Parish in Chicago Ridge .
He also served as chaplain of the Navy League of the United States .
Anglim will lie in state beginning at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday until the funeral Mass begins at 11 a.m. at St. Cletus Church , 600 W. 55th St. in LaGrange .
Interment will occur at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Chicago .

The Rev. Ronald Anglim, pastor emeritus of St. Peter in Antioch, dies at 81
The Rev. Ronald H. Anglim, pastor emeritus of St. Peter Parish in Antioch, passed away Saturday, March 7, at the age of 81, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Tuesday.
Anglim, 81, was named pastor emeritus at St. Peter in 2009, after previously serving as the parish's pastor. He also was pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville and Holy Family Parish in North Chicago.
Msgr. Wayne Prist, pastor emeritus of Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago, called Anglim a compassionate, kind and enjoyable person. They had a 50-year friendship after starting their tenures as priests together at St. Giles Parish in Oak Park.
"That is when we bonded," he said.
A Chicago native, Anglim attended St. Ignatius High School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 29, 1965, and he celebrated his first Mass on May 2 of the same year at St. Ethelreda Church in Chicago.
After St. Giles, Anglim served at St. Francis Borgia Parish on Addison Street in Chicago, St. Barbara Parish in Brookfield and Our Lady of the Ridge Parish in Chicago Ridge.
He also served as chaplain of the Navy League of the United States.
Anglim will lie in state beginning at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday until the funeral Mass begins at 11 a.m. at St. Cletus Church, 600 W. 55th St. in LaGrange. Interment will occur at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Chicago.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--11 years later, Naperville reconsiders Nichols Library garage construction

An idea for a parking garage at Nichols Library in downtown Naperville that fell out of consideration around the time of the Great Recession could be coming back in style .
City officials recently convened a group to discuss the possibility of building a garage at the library at 200 W. Jefferson Ave. following a design approved in the late 2000s .
The idea is to use the design for a three-story , 500-space garage to apply for state funding that soon will be available because of the increased motor fuel tax .
As a predesigned project , city officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the grant application process .
`` This would be the only shovel-ready public project that Naperville would have , '' Mayor Stave Chirico said .
`` That ( grant money ) really could go a long way to making that affordable for us . ''
The city plans to schedule an open house in the next several weeks to show the garage design to the public .
Early word from the officials , downtown leaders and neighbors who reviewed the plan is that it could work -- even 11 years after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to hold off on construction .
`` The group as a whole validated that the deck design is still a really , really good design for that site , '' said Jennifer Louden , deputy director of transportation , engineering and development .
The design calls for an L-shaped garage wrapped around the library with a brick facade and a plaza at the southeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Eagle Street , where `` The Cat In The Hat '' sculpture stands .
Louden said the garage would cost roughly $ 23.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hill on the site , so from Jackson Avenue it would be three stories tall , but from Jefferson -- at the library 's main entrance -- it would appear two stories tall .
The garage would replace the 130 surface spots in the library lot now .
So it would add a total of 370 spaces to the roughly 3,000 public spots available in the entire downtown .
Chris Finck lives right next to where the garage could be built .
He said the project was thoroughly vetted in the late 2000s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders , neighbors and the downtown business community all supported .
`` What we ended up with is something that would fit as best as it can in a residential area in kind of an entry point for Naperville , '' Finck said .
`` I think when people see the drawing , they 're going to say , 'Wow , that actually looks pretty good .
It ties in with the library . '
'' He said building the garage could help with traffic congestion because it would locate hundreds of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so people driving in from the west would not have to circle seeking street spaces .
A garage at Nichols Library would give the city one parking deck in each direction of the downtown , with public garages already open on Chicago Avenue to the east , Water and Webster streets to the south and Van Buren Avenue to the north .
`` You park , then walk , which is what we want people to do -- whether you 're going to the library or to the Riverwalk or going shopping or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The idea with reconsidering the garage now is to use the previously approved design -- which cost roughly $ 1 million to create at the end of a multiyear process -- not to reinvent the garage 's size or what it could look like , Louden said .
The city plans to create a webpage soon to display garage drawings and details .

11 years later, Naperville reconsiders Nichols Library garage construction
An idea for a parking garage at Nichols Library in downtown Naperville that fell out of consideration around the time of the Great Recession could be coming back in style.
City officials recently convened a group to discuss the possibility of building a garage at the library at 200 W. Jefferson Ave. following a design approved in the late 2000s.
The idea is to use the design for a three-story, 500-space garage to apply for state funding that soon will be available because of the increased motor fuel tax. As a predesigned project, city officials say, the garage could fare well in the grant application process.
"This would be the only shovel-ready public project that Naperville would have," Mayor Stave Chirico said. "That (grant money) really could go a long way to making that affordable for us."
The city plans to schedule an open house in the next several weeks to show the garage design to the public. Early word from the officials, downtown leaders and neighbors who reviewed the plan is that it could work -- even 11 years after the city council decided not to seek bids and to hold off on construction.
"The group as a whole validated that the deck design is still a really, really good design for that site," said Jennifer Louden, deputy director of transportation, engineering and development.
The design calls for an L-shaped garage wrapped around the library with a brick facade and a plaza at the southeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Eagle Street, where "The Cat In The Hat" sculpture stands. Louden said the garage would cost roughly $23.5 million and would be built into the hill on the site, so from Jackson Avenue it would be three stories tall, but from Jefferson -- at the library's main entrance -- it would appear two stories tall.
The garage would replace the 130 surface spots in the library lot now. So it would add a total of 370 spaces to the roughly 3,000 public spots available in the entire downtown.
Chris Finck lives right next to where the garage could be built. He said the project was thoroughly vetted in the late 2000s to arrive at a final design city leaders, neighbors and the downtown business community all supported.
"What we ended up with is something that would fit as best as it can in a residential area in kind of an entry point for Naperville," Finck said. "I think when people see the drawing, they're going to say, 'Wow, that actually looks pretty good. It ties in with the library.'"
He said building the garage could help with traffic congestion because it would locate hundreds of new spots on the west side of downtown so people driving in from the west would not have to circle seeking street spaces. A garage at Nichols Library would give the city one parking deck in each direction of the downtown, with public garages already open on Chicago Avenue to the east, Water and Webster streets to the south and Van Buren Avenue to the north.
"You park, then walk, which is what we want people to do -- whether you're going to the library or to the Riverwalk or going shopping or getting something to eat," Finck said.
The idea with reconsidering the garage now is to use the previously approved design -- which cost roughly $1 million to create at the end of a multiyear process -- not to reinvent the garage's size or what it could look like, Louden said.
The city plans to create a webpage soon to display garage drawings and details.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Mundelein officials say they'll end ban on certain types of signs

Editor 's note : The story has been updated to indicate prohibitions on several types of signs aren ’ t being eliminated , including signs that are inflated , use message boards with type that can be changed , have video displays or use strobe lights or spotlights .
With public complaints from residents and local business owners growing , Mundelein officials on Monday said they intend to eliminate a 5-year-old ban on pole and cabinet-style wall signs .
Businesses with such signs no longer would have to remove those displays by an April deadline .
Such signs would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or is significantly remodeled , officials said .
Sign maintenance -- such as ensuring light bulbs work and rust is covered -- will be stepped up , however , trustees agreed .
The board 's informal decision to make those changes came during a special committee-of-the-whole meeting before a standing-room-only crowd of about 60 people .
A formal vote could happen as soon as the board 's next meeting on March 23 , Village Administrator John Lobaito said .
About 20 audience members urged officials to change the rules during about an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday 's meeting .
Only one audience member spoke in favor of the restrictions .
The sign ordinance was created in 2015 to improve the look of the village and reduce safety hazards .
The regulations ban several types of signs , including those on poles or those consisting of cabinet-style , wall-mounted displays .
Officials gave business owners five years to change nonconforming signs or request exemptions .
About 80 % of the village 's roughly 800 businesses are in compliance with the rules , officials said .
The sign ordinance came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board voted not to allow the popular Franks for the Memories restaurant to keep the iconic pole sign that 's stood outside its Hawley Street building for more than 30 years .
The restaurant 's owners argued the tall , yellow sign should be exempted from the rules because it has historical value and has become an important feature of the restaurant , but a board majority disagreed .
`` This is the outcome I was hoping to get , '' he told the Daily Herald after the meeting .
`` We think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schwenk asked if repealing the ban on pole and cabinet signs would be fair to businesses that replaced signs to comply with the rules .
In response , Trustee Robin Meier said any entrepreneurs who replaced signs enhanced their businesses by taking that action .
She had no qualms about changing the rules .
`` Ordinances change all the time , '' Meier said .
`` Building codes change all the time . ''
Prohibitions on several types of signs are n't being eliminated , including signs that are inflated , use message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have video displays or use strobe lights or spotlights .

Mundelein officials say they'll end ban on certain types of signs
Editor's note: The story has been updated to indicate prohibitions on several types of signs aren’t being eliminated, including signs that are inflated, use message boards with type that can be changed, have video displays or use strobe lights or spotlights.
With public complaints from residents and local business owners growing, Mundelein officials on Monday said they intend to eliminate a 5-year-old ban on pole and cabinet-style wall signs.
Businesses with such signs no longer would have to remove those displays by an April deadline. Such signs would be allowed to remain until the business changes or is significantly remodeled, officials said.
Sign maintenance -- such as ensuring light bulbs work and rust is covered -- will be stepped up, however, trustees agreed.
The board's informal decision to make those changes came during a special committee-of-the-whole meeting before a standing-room-only crowd of about 60 people.
A formal vote could happen as soon as the board's next meeting on March 23, Village Administrator John Lobaito said.
About 20 audience members urged officials to change the rules during about an hour of public comments at the start of Monday's meeting. Only one audience member spoke in favor of the restrictions.
The sign ordinance was created in 2015 to improve the look of the village and reduce safety hazards.
The regulations ban several types of signs, including those on poles or those consisting of cabinet-style, wall-mounted displays.
Officials gave business owners five years to change nonconforming signs or request exemptions. About 80% of the village's roughly 800 businesses are in compliance with the rules, officials said.
The sign ordinance came under public criticism in December after the board voted not to allow the popular Franks for the Memories restaurant to keep the iconic pole sign that's stood outside its Hawley Street building for more than 30 years.
The restaurant's owners argued the tall, yellow sign should be exempted from the rules because it has historical value and has become an important feature of the restaurant, but a board majority disagreed.
Franks' co-owner, Jim Schultz Jr., said the board's reversal "feels awesome."
"This is the outcome I was hoping to get," he told the Daily Herald after the meeting. "We think it's fair."
Trustee Erich Schwenk asked if repealing the ban on pole and cabinet signs would be fair to businesses that replaced signs to comply with the rules.
In response, Trustee Robin Meier said any entrepreneurs who replaced signs enhanced their businesses by taking that action. She had no qualms about changing the rules.
"Ordinances change all the time," Meier said. "Building codes change all the time."
Prohibitions on several types of signs aren't being eliminated, including signs that are inflated, use message boards with type that can be changed, have video displays or use strobe lights or spotlights.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Bartlett home damaged by fire

Bartlett home damaged by fire

A Bartlett home suffered fire damage Tuesday morning after a parked vehicle on fire spread to the home 's garage @ @ @ @ @ Fire District personnel responded to the 100 block of Clover Court just before noon .
@ @ @ @ @ contain the fire and declared the blaze under control at 12:10 p.m. No injuries were @ @ @ @ @ the home was deemed habitable by authorities .
The cause of the incident remains under @ @

Bartlett home damaged by fire
A Bartlett home suffered fire damage Tuesday morning after a parked vehicle on fire spread to the home's garage, officials said. Courtesy of the Bartlett Fire District
A Bartlett home suffered fire damage Tuesday morning after a parked vehicle on fire spread to the home's garage, officials said.
Bartlett Fire District personnel responded to the 100 block of Clover Court just before noon. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire and declared the blaze under control at 12:10 p.m.
No injuries were reported during the incident and the home was deemed habitable by authorities. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Chicago Fire signs third homegrown player from Addison

The Chicago Fire on Tuesday added a third homegrown teenager from Addison to its roster .
Javier Casas , a @ @ @ @ @ with the Fire first team from the club 's academy .
He joins brothers Gabriel @ @ @ @ @ Slonina , 18 , on the first team .
Casas is the 17th homegrown player @ @ @ @ @ is the eighth homegrown player on the current roster .
He is signed through the @ @ @ @ @ option for 2024 .
The Fire on Monday signed homegrown midfielder Brian Gutierrez of Southwest @ @ @ @ @ has shown tremendous upside as he has been training within the first-team throughout the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ Raphael Wicky said .
`` His soccer IQ is beyond his years and our staff @ @ @ @ @ with him to continue his development in a professional setting . ''

Chicago Fire signs third homegrown player from Addison
The Chicago Fire on Tuesday added a third homegrown teenager from Addison to its roster.
Javier Casas, a 16-year-old central midfielder, signed with the Fire first team from the club's academy. He joins brothers Gabriel, 15, and Nicholas Slonina, 18, on the first team.
Casas is the 17th homegrown player the Fire has signed and is the eighth homegrown player on the current roster. He is signed through the 2023 season with a club option for 2024.
The Fire on Monday signed homegrown midfielder Brian Gutierrez of Southwest suburban Burbank.
"Javier has shown tremendous upside as he has been training within the first-team throughout the 2020 season," Fire coach Raphael Wicky said. "His soccer IQ is beyond his years and our staff is looking forward to working with him to continue his development in a professional setting."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-10--Carol Stream man indicted on child porn, unauthorized recording charges

A Carol Stream man who was arrested in January on charges of videotaping a minor without permission now faces charges of possession of child pornography .
Richard A .
Young , 52 , was charged Jan. 5 with two counts of unauthorized video recording or transmission .
Last week , a grand jury indicted him on seven counts .
One of the victims was 16 at the time .
The other was an adult .
He also was indicted on four charges of possession of child pornography .
The indictment charges that he possessed two photographs or images depicting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 .
Another depicts a female younger than 18 engaging in sexual conduct , and a fourth depicts the genitals of a female younger than 18 .
As a condition of his release on bail , Young is being monitored by GPS equipment .
He is not to have contact with anyone younger than 18 or the victims , authorities say .
A protective order requires him to stay away from their home , school and places of employment .
Young pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all counts .
His next court date @ @ @ @

Carol Stream man indicted on child porn, unauthorized recording charges
A Carol Stream man who was arrested in January on charges of videotaping a minor without permission now faces charges of possession of child pornography.
Richard A. Young, 52, was charged Jan. 5 with two counts of unauthorized video recording or transmission. Last week, a grand jury indicted him on seven counts. One of the victims was 16 at the time. The other was an adult.
The victims are people Young knew.
He also was indicted on four charges of possession of child pornography. The indictment charges that he possessed two photographs or images depicting a lewd exhibition of a female younger than 18. Another depicts a female younger than 18 engaging in sexual conduct, and a fourth depicts the genitals of a female younger than 18.
As a condition of his release on bail, Young is being monitored by GPS equipment. He is not to have contact with anyone younger than 18 or the victims, authorities say. A protective order requires him to stay away from their home, school and places of employment.
Young pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all counts.
His next court date is May 13.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Pritzker: Postpone all large gatherings, schools to stay open; at least 2 new suburban cases

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has issued new guidelines around large gatherings in public spaces as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbs to 32 .
As ABC 7 Chicago reported : Pritzker recommended Thursday that all public gatherings and community events that are expected to attract 250 people or more be canceled or postponed .
The recommendation aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The governor also mandated that events of 1,000 or more people be canceled or postponed immediately .
The actions come as Illinois health officials announced seven more individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing the state 's total to 32 .
In Chicago , a woman in her 40s and a child are among the new cases announced Thursday .
Two women in their 70s and a man in his 50s were also confirmed in Cook County .
Illinois health officials also announced two new cases outside of Cook County : a Kane County man in his 70s and a McHenry County man in his 60s .
Pritzker said the state is not closing schools but will be monitoring the situation with them .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my most important duties as governors is to make sure elections proceed as planned , '' Pritzker said .
So he said the state 's primary election will go on as planned Tuesday , but he is allowing mail-in deadline to be extended past today .
He said he also talked with all Chicago sports teams and they 've agreed either to postpone or play without fans until May 1 .
ABC 7 reported : The Illinois Department of Public Health said roughly 29 % of the state 's COVID-19 cases are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a coronavirus patient .
The remaining cases do n't have a clear connection and could be the result of community spread , officials said .
The CDC at this time is not recommending the blanket closure of workplaces , schools and churches , but is advising those organizations take steps to contain the spread of the virus , including canceling non-essential events .

Pritzker: Postpone all large gatherings, schools to stay open; 7 new Chicago-area cases
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, along with elected and health officials, give a daily update on the coronavirus situation in Illinois on Thursday in Chicago. Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times
Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued new guidelines Thursday about large gatherings in public spaces as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 32, with five new cases in the suburbs.
Pritzker recommended Thursday that all public gatherings and community events expected to attract 250 people or more be canceled or postponed. The recommendation aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The governor also mandated that events of 1,000 or more people be canceled or postponed immediately.
Pritzker said he knows some people in areas of Illinois not yet affected by the coronavirus will question the necessity of such strict statewide guidelines.
"Don't be fooled into thinking your community is immune," Pritzker said. "It is not."
The actions come as Illinois health officials announced that seven more people have tested positive for the coronavirus: a Chicago woman in her 40s, a Chicago child, two women in their 70s and a man in his 50s in Cook County outside Chicago, a Kane County man in his 70s, and a McHenry County man in his 60s.
"I am not going to hesitate to take the most aggressive measures possible to protect the people of our state," Pritzker said. "We need to reduce social contact in order to try and control the spread of the virus and prevent our medical infrastructure from dealing with too many cases at one time."
Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and city and state health officials held a joint news conference on Thursday in Chicago, with each outlining bans on various gatherings and meetings. That includes everything from large churches to concerts and conferences.
Dr. Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health said no details would be disclosed about what may be the youngest patient so far in Illinois, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Arwady said the Chicago child's school has been notified, but she did not specify the school. A McHenry County teenage boy was announced as a confirmed case on Tuesday.
"While older adults appear to be suffering more severe illness, the young child in Chicago is a reminder that anyone can be infected with this virus," said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the state's director of the public health department.
Ezike said a third of the state's cases involve travel and about half are related to contact with another person with COVID-19.
"The remaining cases are not as clear and could be the result of community spread," Ezike said. "So while you may not have a case in your community now, we anticipate that there will be."
The governor said he is not requiring that all schools in the state shut down but the state will be monitoring the situation on a day-to-day basis.
He also said the state's primary election will go on as planned Tuesday, but early voting hours will be extended.
In Chicago, Lightfoot said she reached a deal with Comcast to provide low-income homes with 60 days of free internet -- and doubling of internet speeds in those households, the Sun-Times reported.
She said she would not close Chicago Public Schools because it would have "potential cascading effects" on many low-income students who rely on schools for food and shelter.
Pritzker also announced the James R. Thompson Center will be closed to the public beginning Monday, although all government services will still be open and state employees will still work in their respective offices. The CTA, however, will remain open.
"It may evolve right now, but we don't see any reason or rationale for us to shut down public transit in the city of Chicago," Lightfoot said. "The CTA is also taking additional measures to make sure buses and train cars are clean."
Pritzker said he also talked with all Chicago sports teams and they've agreed either to postpone games or play without fans until May 1.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Palatine now stands alone as Lake Villa cancels parade

Despite a rash of cancellations elsewhere , organizers of Palatine 's 10th annual Paint the Town Green St. Patrick 's Day festival will go forward as planned , event organizers said Thursday .
In a message on the event 's website , organizers say they spoke with local authorities before deciding to proceed as scheduled .
`` While we would like to see everyone painting the town green on March 14th , if you are feeling sick , please consider your health and the health of others and stay at home , '' the message reads .
The event 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 11 a.m. from the corner of Wood and Oak streets in the village 's downtown .
Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen issued a statement Thursday saying the village `` will support the organizer as they make their own decision as to holding the event . ''
`` Should the parade organizer move forward , they will be directing any participants in the parade to not shake hands or exchange other physical contact with those attending the event , '' he added .
Lake Villa had stood with Palatine for most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Patrick 's Day Parade as scheduled .
However , village leaders reversed course late in the day and called of the parade and related activities .
`` Unfortunately , Lake Villa is canceling the Saint Patrick 's Day Parade and corn beef and cabbage dinner at the Lake Villa VFW .
The Saint Patrick 's Day Parade is a wonderful event , but due to health concerns , it is our responsibility to ensure everyone 's safety and cancel this event , '' Mayor James McDonald said in the announcement .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In past years , marchers with shopping carts have gathered food , clothing and disposable paper products for JOURNEYS the Road Home , which provides shelter and services to homeless people in the Northwest suburbs .
However , JOURNEYS officials issued a statement Thursday announcing they would not take part in the event this year .
`` On advice of our medical partners , JOURNEYS has made the very difficult decision to not march in this year 's St. Patrick 's Day Parade in Palatine , '' the statement reads .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the COVID-19 virus to our staff as well as to our clients and volunteers .
We are so grateful for being selected as the charity partner for the Paint the Town Green parade for many years and look forward to participating again in future years . ''
The festival also features an Irish market outside Durty Nellie 's , 180 N. Smith St .
The market showcases 11 vendors selling everything from Irish soda bread to Irish trinkets from Lady Jo 's Lids .
Volunteers there will be accepting donations , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit Irish , and this is the festival to celebrate it , '' said fest coordinator Liz Christie of event planning company ElizEvents .
`` It 's the largest ( St. Patrick 's Day festival ) in the area , featuring pipe bands and a leprechaun and princess for family fun entertainment . ''
It all began when Jim Dolezal of Durty Nellie 's approached Christie with an idea : since there was no St. Patrick 's Day parade in Palatine or neighboring communities , why not start one themselves ?
Durty Nellie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could plan it .
Since 2011 , the festival has grown from two people and 35 businesses to dozens of volunteers and more than 50 businesses participating .
`` It 's the first festival of the year and everyone comes out to shake their cabin fever , '' event coordinator Bill Pohlman said .
`` This is the only festival in Palatine where the entire community is involved .
Everywhere you go in town people are out celebrating . ''
The celebrations include plenty of Irish food and drink .
From 8 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering a traditional Irish breakfast of scrambled eggs , potatoes O'Brien , bacon , Irish bangers , corned beef hash , fresh fruit and dessert .
From 9 to 11 a.m. , Emmett 's Ale House is serving eggs , corned beef and cabbage , shepherd 's pie , horseradish salmon and corned beef sandwiches , in addition to the regular menu .
TJ O'Brien 's Bar & Grill will have Guinness , green beer , corned beef and Reuben sandwiches , among other Irish fare .
Entertainment runs from noon to 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Trinity Irish dancers and the band Hey Jimmy .
Trinity is offering Irish dance lessons from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m. At 1 p.m. , Emmett 's will host a firkin tapping ceremony , in which spigots are driven into kegs of Defiance Irish Red and Anvil Irish Stout beers with a wooden mallet .
The festival also features demonstrations by participating businesses .
For example , ERG Elite Remodeling will provide a tutorial on how to remodel your home .
Solgen Power will talk about switching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orangetheory Fitness will offer guidance on fitness training .
`` There is something for everybody , young and old , '' Pohlman said .
Fest coordinators have compiled a list of items -- cleaning supplies , condiments , clothing , food and pantry items , office supplies , paper and plastic products and personal care products -- that JOURNEYS has requested .
The list is available online at www.stpatspalatine.com .
`` ( Journeys is ) a worthy cause , and they make an impact in the entire community , '' Christie said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wanted an organization that had an impact on the ( area ) . ''
The Daily Herald Media Group is a media sponsor of the event .

Palatine joins Lake Villa, cancels St. Patrick's parade
After a rash of cancellations elsewhere, organizers of Palatine's 10th annual Paint the Town Green St. Patrick's Day festival announced Thursday evening that the festivities would not go forward.
A message posted on the village's Facebook page about 9 p.m. reads: "In light of the recent announcement by the Illinois Governor, and in consideration of public health and consultation with the Village, a decision has been made to postpone the Paint the Town Green Parade scheduled for Saturday, March 14. Thank you for your understanding and happy St. Patrick's Day."
The same message was posted on the event's website.
The parade was a go until then, with organizers on the event website urging residents feeling ill to "please consider your health and the health of others and stay at home."
The event's highlight was to be a parade that steps off at 11 a.m. from the corner of Wood and Oak streets in the village's downtown.
For most of Thursday, Lake Villa also intended to hold its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade as scheduled.
However, village leaders reversed course late in the day and called of the parade and related activities.
"Unfortunately, Lake Villa is canceling the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and corn beef and cabbage dinner at the Lake Villa VFW. The Saint Patrick's Day Parade is a wonderful event, but due to health concerns, it is our responsibility to ensure everyone's safety and cancel this event," Mayor James McDonald said in the announcement.
The Palatine parade doubles as a charitable event. In past years, marchers with shopping carts have gathered food, clothing and disposable paper products for JOURNEYS the Road Home, which provides shelter and services to homeless people in the Northwest suburbs.
Before the event was canceled, JOURNEYS officials issued a statement Thursday announcing they would not take part in the event this year.
"On advice of our medical partners, JOURNEYS has made the very difficult decision to not march in this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Palatine," the statement reads. "This is needed to minimize possible exposure of the COVID-19 virus to our staff as well as to our clients and volunteers. We are so grateful for being selected as the charity partner for the Paint the Town Green parade for many years and look forward to participating again in future years."
The festival also features an Irish market outside Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St. The market showcases 11 vendors selling everything from Irish soda bread to Irish trinkets from Lady Jo's Lids. Volunteers there will be accepting donations, as well.
"Everyone is a wee bit Irish, and this is the festival to celebrate it," said fest coordinator Liz Christie of event planning company ElizEvents. "It's the largest (St. Patrick's Day festival) in the area, featuring pipe bands and a leprechaun and princess for family fun entertainment."
It all began when Jim Dolezal of Durty Nellie's approached Christie with an idea: since there was no St. Patrick's Day parade in Palatine or neighboring communities, why not start one themselves? Durty Nellie's could sponsor the event and Christie could plan it.
Since 2011, the festival has grown from two people and 35 businesses to dozens of volunteers and more than 50 businesses participating.
"It's the first festival of the year and everyone comes out to shake their cabin fever," event coordinator Bill Pohlman said. "This is the only festival in Palatine where the entire community is involved. Everywhere you go in town people are out celebrating."
The Daily Herald Media Group is a media sponsor of the event.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Lincolnshire's Stevenson High School closing until at least April 6 to prevent spread of COVID-19

Saying it 's necessary to safeguard the health and wellness of students and staff , Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire will close for at least the next three weeks , District 125 Superintendent Eric Twadell announced Thursday .
The closure , intended to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus , begins Friday and tentatively will remain in effect until April 6 .
That includes the school 's spring break , scheduled for March 23-27 .
`` While we know this is an unprecedented decision , these are unprecedented times , '' Twadell wrote in an email to the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been notified of any staff or students being diagnosed with COVID-19 , we believe the evidence that makes it increasingly clear that it is better for schools to close sooner rather than later to slow the spread of the disease .
`` Although it seems that the coronavirus has primarily impacted people 60 and older , the reality is that even if our students are less likely to be adversely affected , they still could be carriers of the disease , '' he added .
`` Closing the school reduces the incubation effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 600 adults gather in the school on a daily basis . ''
Beginning Monday , the school will begin remote e-Learning days allowing students to receive lessons online .
Students should look for an email from their teachers beginning Monday morning with specific directions for the day , and be ready to log in to e-Learning programs at the start of each regularly scheduled class period , Twadell wrote .
Attendance will be taken each day , and daily instructions , directions and activities will be sequenced by each teacher and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Students will be allowed into the school between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday to collect items they may have left in their lockers .
The school will be closed beginning Saturday .
`` The decision to close school is not one we are making lightly , '' Twadell wrote .
`` We are fully aware of the complications that this will cause in the lives of our students and their families -- and for our faculty and staff as well .
Whatever the downsides of closing school may be , we believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our students , faculty and staff and the larger Stevenson community . ''

Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire will be closed until at least April 6 to slow the spread of the coronavirus, school officials announced Thursday. Daily Herald File Photo, 2018
Saying it's necessary to safeguard the health and wellness of the students and staff, Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire will close for at least the next three weeks, District 125 Superintendent Eric Twadell announced Thursday.
The closure, intended to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, begins Friday and tentatively will remain in effect until April 6. That includes the school's spring break, scheduled for March 23-27.
"While we know this is an unprecedented decision, these are unprecedented times," Twadell wrote in an email to the school community. "While we have not been notified of any staff or students being diagnosed with COVID-19, we believe the evidence that makes it increasingly clear that it is better for schools to close sooner rather than later to slow the spread of the disease.
"Although it seems that the coronavirus has primarily impacted people 60 and older, the reality is that even if our students are less likely to be adversely affected, they still could be carriers of the disease," he added. "Closing the school reduces the incubation effect that occurs when 4,300 students, and more than 600 adults gather in the school on a daily basis."
Beginning Monday, the school will begin remote e-learning days allowing students to receive lessons online. Students should look for an email from their teachers beginning Monday morning with specific directions for the day, and be ready to log in to e-learning programs at the start of each regularly scheduled class period, Twadell wrote.
Attendance will be taken each day, and daily instructions, directions and activities will be sequenced by each teacher and their curriculum teams, he said.
Students will be allowed into the school between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday to collect items they may have left in their lockers. The school will be closed beginning Saturday.
"The decision to close school is not one we are making lightly," Twadell wrote. "We are fully aware of the complications that this will cause in the lives of our students and their families -- and for our faculty and staff as well. Whatever the downsides of closing school may be, we believe that as a public school we have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff and the larger Stevenson community."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Schaumburg adopts $3.5 million upgrade plan for Boomers Stadium

Schaumburg officials have completed a busy offseason regarding the future of Schaumburg Boomers Stadium with the approval of 14 improvement projects there over the next four years , at a cost of approximately $ 3.5 million .
Since the independent league baseball team played its final game of the 2019 season , the Schaumburg Park District has paid $ 1 million to give up its half share of ownership of the stadium , while the village -- now as sole landlord -- reached a new lease agreement with the Boomers .
Though each of the 14 proposed capital projects will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ design and construction stages , Mayor Tom Dailly said there is value to the village board seeing and approving the plan as a whole .
`` The idea was to get a complete understanding and allow us to get the full view , '' he said .
`` I 'm glad that we 're moving forward .
I think it will help with the full use of it . ''
Schaumburg Boomers General Manager Michael Larson said the team and village are on the same page with the improvements .
When he arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated his preference for a pragmatic approach to the upgrades being considered for the stadium that marked its 20th anniversary in 2019 .
While Larson suggested there may be some flexibility in the timing of the later projects , especially to maximize their efficiency , those being pitched for the year ahead likely will appear in the village 's new annual budget to be approved next month .
Those include a $ 40,000 replacement of the lobby flooring , as well as the design of some projects that would n't be constructed until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project include construction of a $ 75,000 dedicated sensory room for those with sensitivities to crowds , sounds and lights ; a $ 360,000 electronic marquee sign on the north side of the stadium facing the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway ; construction of outdoor suites by removing rows of seats at multiple locations , at a cost of $ 350,000 ; and the installation of an operable window wall system for the Schaumburg Club on the upper level .
The plan also envisions the possibility of video gambling stations in parts of the stadium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Larson said the team does n't consider that a top priority for now .
Schaumburg Village Manager Brian Townsend said the final decision on video gambling at the stadium will be a collaborative one between the team and village leaders .
Planned for the 2022-23 budget year are replacement of the left field party deck , improvements to the group picnic area , plaza security upgrades include construction of bollards at the front entrance , and winterization of the Schaumburg Club .
The latter project is one that 's long been part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling is that we should turn that into a full-blown restaurant and have it open year-round , '' he said .
The final year of the proposed projects would include replacement of the center field batter 's eye , exchanging the lawn area on the first base line for tiered patio seating , relocation of the team store to the upper level , and turning the entrance level space left behind into an open atrium for events .

Schaumburg adopts $3.5 million upgrade plan for Boomers Stadium
Schaumburg officials have completed a busy offseason regarding the future of Schaumburg Boomers Stadium with the approval of 14 improvement projects there over the next four years, at a cost of approximately $3.5 million.
Since the independent league baseball team played its final game of the 2019 season, the Schaumburg Park District has paid $1 million to give up its half share of ownership of the stadium, while the village -- now as sole landlord -- reached a new lease agreement with the Boomers.
Though each of the 14 proposed capital projects will have to be approved individually at their design and construction stages, Mayor Tom Dailly said there is value to the village board seeing and approving the plan as a whole.
"The idea was to get a complete understanding and allow us to get the full view," he said. "I'm glad that we're moving forward. I think it will help with the full use of it."
Schaumburg Boomers General Manager Michael Larson said the team and village are on the same page with the improvements. When he arrived a couple of years ago, he stated his preference for a pragmatic approach to the upgrades being considered for the stadium that marked its 20th anniversary in 2019.
While Larson suggested there may be some flexibility in the timing of the later projects, especially to maximize their efficiency, those being pitched for the year ahead likely will appear in the village's new annual budget to be approved next month.
Those include a $40,000 replacement of the lobby flooring, as well as the design of some projects that wouldn't be constructed until the 2021-22 budget year.
Those later project include construction of a $75,000 dedicated sensory room for those with sensitivities to crowds, sounds and lights; a $360,000 electronic marquee sign on the north side of the stadium facing the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway; construction of outdoor suites by removing rows of seats at multiple locations, at a cost of $350,000; and the installation of an operable window wall system for the Schaumburg Club on the upper level.
The plan also envisions the possibility of video gambling stations in parts of the stadium, including the Jim Beam and Schaumburg clubs. Larson said the team doesn't consider that a top priority for now.
Schaumburg Village Manager Brian Townsend said the final decision on video gambling at the stadium will be a collaborative one between the team and village leaders.
Planned for the 2022-23 budget year are replacement of the left field party deck, improvements to the group picnic area, plaza security upgrades include construction of bollards at the front entrance, and winterization of the Schaumburg Club.
The latter project is one that's long been part of Dailly's vision.
"My feeling is that we should turn that into a full-blown restaurant and have it open year-round," he said.
The final year of the proposed projects would include replacement of the center field batter's eye, exchanging the lawn area on the first base line for tiered patio seating, relocation of the team store to the upper level, and turning the entrance level space left behind into an open atrium for events.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--MLB delays opening day by at least 2 weeks because of virus

While five Grapefruit League games in Florida were being played Thursday , major-league baseball owners were on a conference call deciding what to do about the coronavirus pandemic .
As expected , MLB decided stopping play immediately is the best course of action .
Earlier Thursday , the NHL suspended its season .
The NBA shut down Wednesday night .
Following a conference call with all 30 major-league team and after consulting with the Major League Baseball Players Association , commissioner Rob Manfred announced spring training is suspended and the start of the regular season is being delayed by at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clubs have been preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular season schedule , '' the league said in a statement .
`` MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant , with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible .
`` Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players , employees and fans .
MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally scheduled to start on March 26 , with the Cubs playing the Brewers in Milwaukee and the White Sox hosting the Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field .
When the season opens now is up in the air , and there is also the question of how much more training camp major-league teams are going to need to get ready once the green light is given to resume play .
Do players stay in Arizona and Florida and wait to finish up spring training ?
Does camp move to each team 's home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter account , Cubs second baseman Jason Kipnis had plenty of questions .
`` Do we go home now ? ''
Kipnis asked .
`` Stay and train ?
How/when do we start back up ?
Have another 2 ( week ) spring then start where schedule picks up ?
Do we still get paid ?
... ( T ) his is wild . ''
Here is another question -- once the regular season does start , is there going to be enough time to play a 162-game schedule ?
In 1995 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 due to the player 's strike that also shortened the '94 season .
The Cubs played 144 regular season games in 1995 ; the Sox played 145 .
According to a report in The Athletic , Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is recommending no professional home games in Chicago until May 1 .

MLB delays opening day by at least 2 weeks because of virus
A woman settles into her seat Thursday prior to a spring training baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals in West Palm Beach, Florida. Associated Press
While five Grapefruit League games in Florida were being played Thursday, major-league baseball owners were on a conference call deciding what to do about the coronavirus pandemic.
As expected, MLB decided stopping play immediately is the best course of action.
Earlier Thursday, the NHL suspended its season. The NBA shut down Wednesday night.
Following a conference call with all 30 major-league team and after consulting with the Major League Baseball Players Association, commissioner Rob Manfred announced spring training is suspended and the start of the regular season is being delayed by at least two weeks.
"MLB and the clubs have been preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular season schedule," the league said in a statement. "MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.
"Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans. MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts."
The MLB regular season was originally scheduled to start on March 26, with the Cubs playing the Brewers in Milwaukee and the White Sox hosting the Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field.
When the season opens now is up in the air, and there is also the question of how much more training camp major-league teams are going to need to get ready once the green light is given to resume play.
Do players stay in Arizona and Florida and wait to finish up spring training? Does camp move to each team's home city once play resumes?
On his Twitter account, Cubs second baseman Jason Kipnis had plenty of questions.
"Do we go home now?" Kipnis asked. "Stay and train? How/when do we start back up? Have another 2 (week) spring then start where schedule picks up? Do we still get paid? ... (T)his is wild."
Here is another question -- once the regular season does start, is there going to be enough time to play a 162-game schedule?
In 1995, the season didn't open until April 26 due to the player's strike that also shortened the '94 season.
The Cubs played 144 regular season games in 1995; the Sox played 145.
According to a report in The Athletic, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is recommending no professional home games in Chicago until May 1.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Coronavirus on minds at Arlington Heights state of village address

Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes ' annual recap of the village 's year and preview of what 's ahead locally went on as scheduled Thursday , but he and those gathered for the event could n't help but talk about the impact of international events on the community .
`` It 's a very interesting time to be living in Arlington Heights and in this country in general , '' Hayes said during his yearly State of the Village address .
`` ( The coronavirus is ) something that is on everyone 's mind for obvious reasons today . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure of the village 's senior center Thursday afternoon , right around the time Hayes was delivering his remarks during a Rotary Club luncheon at Cooper 's Hawk Winery & Restaurant on Algonquin Road .
The senior center , 1801 W. Central Road , will remain closed through the end of March for most programming , but still offer essential drop-in services , officials said .
Hayes said village officials are in touch with health experts and government agencies to `` maintain a very high level of awareness . ''
He was among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Sunday night .
On village issues , Hayes on Thursday listed the proposed inclusionary housing ordinance and a new tax increment financing district among the top issues the village board will consider in the coming months .
He also detailed stormwater and economic development projects , but did n't address the uncertain future of Arlington International Racecourse .
The proposed housing rules , reviewed once by the village board and twice by the housing commission , are set to come back to the board Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ affordable housing guidelines that have been in place since 2008 .
`` It 's very important as a village that we be open to all income levels to hopefully have children who grew up in this community be able to afford to move back here ( and ) to stay in this community , '' Hayes said .
The proposed TIF -- by which property taxes above a certain point would be funneled into public and private economic development projects instead of local governments -- is part of an overall approach to enhance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hayes also revealed that village leaders are in talks with a developer at International Plaza on Golf Road , where redevelopment has long stalled .
Among projects that have the board 's approval , the massive Arlington 425 downtown redevelopment could get underway in the near future , Hayes said .
Right now , officials say the project is trying to secure financing .
On the rest of the empty Block 425 , the Sigwalt 16 townhouse project is about to break ground , Hayes added .
Village-led stormwater projects include some $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Greenbrier subdivision and about $ 2 million in the Berkley Square area .
Hayes thanked state Rep. Mark Walker and state Sen. Ann Gillespie for helping secure state grants for the work , which means the projects may be slightly delayed so the village can formally acquire the funds .

Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes' annual recap of the village's year and preview of what's ahead locally went on as scheduled Thursday, but he and those gathered for the event couldn't help but talk about the impact of international events on the community.
"It's a very interesting time to be living in Arlington Heights and in this country in general," Hayes said during his yearly State of the Village address. "(The coronavirus is) something that is on everyone's mind for obvious reasons today."
In Arlington Heights, it's meant closure of the village's senior center Thursday afternoon, right around the time Hayes was delivering his remarks during a Rotary Club luncheon at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant on Algonquin Road. The senior center, 1801 W. Central Road, will remain closed through the end of March for most programming but still offer essential drop-in services, officials said.
Hayes said village officials are in touch with health experts and government agencies to "maintain a very high level of awareness." He was among 150 local mayors on a conference call hosted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Sunday night.
On village issues, Hayes on Thursday listed the proposed inclusionary housing ordinance and a new tax increment financing district among the top issues the village board will consider in the coming months. He also detailed stormwater and economic development projects, but didn't address the uncertain future of Arlington International Racecourse.
The proposed housing rules, reviewed once by the village board and twice by the housing commission, are set to come back to the board Monday. The ordinance would put more teeth into affordable housing guidelines that have been in place since 2008.
"It's very important as a village that we be open to all income levels to hopefully have children who grew up in this community be able to afford to move back here (and) to stay in this community," Hayes said.
The proposed TIF -- by which property taxes above a certain point would be funneled into public and private economic development projects instead of local governments -- is part of an overall approach to enhance the southern gateway to the village.
Hayes also revealed that village leaders are in talks with a developer at International Plaza on Golf Road, where redevelopment has long stalled.
Among projects that have the board's approval, the massive Arlington 425 downtown redevelopment could get underway in the near future, Hayes said. Right now, officials say the project is trying to secure financing.
On the rest of the empty Block 425, the Sigwalt 16 townhouse project is about to break ground, Hayes said.
Village-led stormwater projects include some $3 million to upgrade storm sewers in the Greenbrier subdivision and about $2 million in the Berkley Square area. Hayes thanked state Rep. Mark Walker and state Sen. Ann Gillespie for helping secure state grants for the work, which means the projects may be slightly delayed so the village can formally acquire the funds.