dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--Crystal Lake student released from ICE detention gets emotional welcome home

A flood of tears , hugs and laughter greeted Meydi Guzman Rivas on Thursday as classmates , friends , teachers and community members welcomed her home to Crystal Lake after she spent four months in an immigration jail .
The 18-year-old Honduran native and Crystal Lake Central High School senior was released on bond Thursday from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in southern Illinois .
Rivas ' first order of business was a shower to wash off the ordeal of the past four months .
`` It was really bad , '' said Rivas , now sitting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her school counselor , Sara Huser .
`` I did n't really think about coming back here .
Now , I can really believe that .
I 'm really excited . ''
Overwhelmed by the media attention her situation has garnered , Rivas was grateful for the immense support of her school and Crystal Lake community in helping secure her freedom .
`` What made me strong is all this .
...
They are my family .
... Their support is what made me strong , '' Rivas said .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
They do n't have what I have . ''
Rivas came to the United States in June 2018 with her father , Fabio Guzman-Reyes .
They fled Honduras after Rivas was gang-raped and told she would become the property of that gang .
The duo sought asylum in the United States .
But after they missed a court date last February , according to U.S. officials , their cases were continued until October .
ICE agents took Rivas and her father into custody when they appeared in court for their hearing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't spoken with her father since .
Guzman-Reyes also was ordered to be released on bond Wednesday ; his status is unknown at this time .
`` I have faith .
I have hope in God that he will be out soon , '' Rivas said .
Huser rallied the community 's support and donations raising more than $ 10,400 toward Rivas ' court costs and legal defense through a GoFundMe page .
`` We 're just so happy , '' said Huser , with whom Rivas will be living for the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just make her feel at home .
We 're going to celebrate today . ''
Huser said that despite being `` a child , '' Rivas bravely weathered the fear and uncertainty of the past few months .
`` This girl is amazing , '' Huser said .
`` She has such fortitude . ''
For now , Rivas will be bunking with Huser 's four children .
She is looking forward to going back to school next week and getting back on track so she can graduate possibly this summer .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asylum/withdrawal of removal has not been set .
Seeing Rivas after such a long time was emotionally gut-wrenching for many classmates and teachers .
`` I start crying every time I think about it , '' said Jay Schwarzrock , U.S. history and world studies teacher for the Language Academy at Crystal Lake Central .
Schwarzrock said hearing stories about immigrants being detained is commonplace , but `` to have it happen this close , there is no longer cognitive dissonance between that and you . ''
For all the anger and frustration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's a happy ending , '' he said , choking back tears .

Crystal Lake student welcomed home by 'my family' who helped secure release from ICE detention
A flood of tears, hugs and laughter greeted Meydi Guzman Rivas on Thursday as classmates, friends, teachers and community members welcomed her home to Crystal Lake after she spent four months in an immigration jail.
The 18-year-old Honduran native and Crystal Lake Central High School senior was released on bond Thursday from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in southern Illinois.
Rivas' first order of business was a shower to wash off the ordeal of the past four months.
"It was really bad," said Rivas, now sitting on a couch at the Crystal Lake home of her school counselor, Sara Huser. "I didn't really think about coming back here. Now, I can really believe that. I'm really excited."
Overwhelmed by the media attention her situation has garnered, Rivas was grateful for the immense support of her school and Crystal Lake community in helping secure her freedom.
"What made me strong is all this. ... They are my family. ... Their support is what made me strong," Rivas said. "There are so many people in jail. ... They don't have what I have."
Rivas came to the United States in June 2018 with her father, Fabio Guzman-Reyes. They fled Honduras after Rivas was gang-raped and told she would become the property of that gang.
The duo sought asylum in the United States. But after they missed a court date last February, according to U.S. officials, their cases were continued until October. ICE agents took Rivas and her father into custody when they appeared in court for their hearing on Oct. 16.
Rivas said she hasn't spoken with her father since.
Guzman-Reyes also was ordered to be released on bond Wednesday; his status is unknown at this time.
"I have faith. I have hope in God that he will be out soon," Rivas said.
Huser rallied the community's support and donations raising more than $10,400 toward Rivas' court costs and legal defense through a GoFundMe page.
"We're just so happy," said Huser, with whom Rivas will be living for the time being. "My priority is to just make her feel at home. We're going to celebrate today."
Huser said that despite being "a child," Rivas bravely weathered the fear and uncertainty of the past few months.
"This girl is amazing," Huser said. "She has such fortitude."
For now, Rivas will be bunking with Huser's four children. She is looking forward to going back to school next week and getting back on track so she can graduate possibly this summer.
Her next court date for her petition for asylum/withdrawal of removal has not been set.
Seeing Rivas after such a long time was emotionally gut-wrenching for many classmates and teachers.
"I start crying every time I think about it," said Jay Schwarzrock, U.S. history and world studies teacher for the Language Academy at Crystal Lake Central.
Schwarzrock said hearing stories about immigrants being detained is commonplace, but "to have it happen this close, there is no longer cognitive dissonance between that and you."
For all the anger and frustration of the past few months, "it's a happy ending," he said, choking back tears.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--There's progress a year after Pratt exposed gaps in gun seizures, but 'much more to be done'

Illinois State Police faced harsh criticism last year when it was revealed the agency knew the gunman behind the mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora should n't have had access to a firearm but did nothing beyond sending him a letter -- nearly five years earlier -- telling him to turn it in .
The case exposed a weakness in the state 's system of background checks and gun forfeitures that allowed , by some estimates , more than 30,000 gun owners to hold on to their firearms after losing their legal right to possess them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're making progress in getting guns away from the most dangerous of those people but admit they have a long way to go .
`` There is still much more to be done , '' state police Director Brendan Kelly said during a news conference in Springfield .
`` Without additional resources for state and local law enforcement , the chances still remain too high that more tragedies will occur . ''
A day after the Feb. 15 , 2019 , shooting , authorities confirmed that the gunman , a 45-year-old Aurora man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felony aggravated assault in Mississippi .
That should have kept him from obtaining a Firearm Owner 's Identification card -- necessary to purchase a gun or ammunition in Illinois -- in January 2014 .
But the conviction did n't turn up on an initial background check .
It was n't until weeks later , when the gunman applied for a concealed carry permit , that the conviction raised a red flag .
State police then sent the shooter a letter instructing him to turn over any firearms , but there 's no record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he did n't .
Nearly five years later , the man used his .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun to murder five co-workers and injure several others , including five police officers , at Henry Pratt .
So what 's been done in the 12 months since Pratt ?
Kelly said state police since May have conducted 200 `` revocation details '' to take weapons away from gun owners whose FOID cards have been revoked or should n't have been issued .
The details , he said , are focusing on people seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens who forgot to renew or moved and did n't notify the state of an address change .
Those efforts and others have led to a doubling of the number of guns being taken from or surrendered by people who should n't have them .
In 2018 , Kelly said , a little more than 2,000 firearm disposal reports were filed with the state , signifying a gun that had either been seized , turned in or turned over to a person legally entitled to possess it .
Last year , there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` By any measure , that 's an improvement , '' he said .
`` Is it good enough ?
Hell , no .
We 've got a lot more to do . ''
Doing more , Kelly said , will require more resources from the state legislature -- namely money to hire more people .
State police also are backing Senate Bill 1966 , aka the Fix the FOID Act .
Among other things , it would raise the fee for a FOID card , shorten its expiration from 10 to five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun sales and require anyone applying for a FOID card to submit fingerprints .
Reports in Chicago media this week linked Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman to the open Chicago police superintendent 's job , naming her as one of the leading candidates for the post .
We asked Ziman about it Thursday , but she said she could n't comment on another department 's job search .
`` But whomever they choose has a mighty mission and should be honored to serve the CPD and city of Chicago , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Southwest suburban lawmaker 's bill in the state legislature that would protect the life insurance coverage of police officers , first responders , health care professionals and others who carry the overdose-reversing drug naloxone as part of their jobs .
Some workers in other states have seen their rates increase , or been denied coverage altogether , after obtaining the drug that 's seen as a crucial tool in the fight against the opioid crisis .
Our column caught the eyes of people at the American Council of Life Insurers , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the measure by state Rep. Margo McDermed , a Mokena Republican .
In an earlier blog post sent to us , the group 's Jack Dolan wrote that while a naloxone prescription will raise a red flag and prompt questions from insurance companies , it should n't keep those who obtain it for work from being insured .
`` Denials based solely on the existence of a prescription for naloxone are a thing of the past , '' Dolan writes .
`` Life insurers have become fully aware of the outstanding efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of people struggling with the addiction .
Insurers have been diligently educating their staffs about the issue and updating their application review processes . ''
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

There's progress a year after Pratt exposed gaps in gun seizures, but 'much more to be done'
Illinois State Police faced harsh criticism last year when it was revealed the agency knew the gunman behind the mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora shouldn't have had access to a firearm but did nothing beyond sending him a letter -- nearly five years earlier -- telling him to turn it in.
The case exposed a weakness in the state's system of background checks and gun forfeitures that allowed, by some estimates, more than 30,000 gun owners to hold on to their firearms after losing their legal right to possess them.
State police leaders said Thursday that they're making progress in getting guns away from the most dangerous of those people but admit they have a long way to go.
"There is still much more to be done," state police Director Brendan Kelly said during a news conference in Springfield. "Without additional resources for state and local law enforcement, the chances still remain too high that more tragedies will occur."
What happened
A day after the Feb. 15, 2019, shooting, authorities confirmed that the gunman, a 45-year-old Aurora man, had been convicted in 1995 of felony aggravated assault in Mississippi.
That should have kept him from obtaining a Firearm Owner's Identification card -- necessary to purchase a gun or ammunition in Illinois -- in January 2014. But the conviction didn't turn up on an initial background check.
It wasn't until weeks later, when the gunman applied for a concealed carry permit, that the conviction raised a red flag.
State police then sent the shooter a letter instructing him to turn over any firearms, but there's no record of any law enforcement agency following up when he didn't.
Nearly five years later, the man used his .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun to murder five co-workers and injure several others, including five police officers, at Henry Pratt.
So what's been done in the 12 months since Pratt?
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly, speaking here in 2019, said Thursday state police are working hard to fix the weaknesses exposed last year by the mass shooting at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, but "we've got a lot more to do."
Kelly said state police since May have conducted 200 "revocation details" to take weapons away from gun owners whose FOID cards have been revoked or shouldn't have been issued. The details, he said, are focusing on people seen as potential threats, not otherwise law-abiding citizens who forgot to renew or moved and didn't notify the state of an address change.
Those efforts and others have led to a doubling of the number of guns being taken from or surrendered by people who shouldn't have them.
In 2018, Kelly said, a little more than 2,000 firearm disposal reports were filed with the state, signifying a gun that had either been seized, turned in or turned over to a person legally entitled to possess it.
Last year, there were 4,562 reports filed, Kelly said.
"By any measure, that's an improvement," he said. "Is it good enough? Hell, no. We've got a lot more to do."
What's next
Doing more, Kelly said, will require more resources from the state legislature -- namely money to hire more people.
State police also are backing Senate Bill 1966, aka the Fix the FOID Act.
Among other things, it would raise the fee for a FOID card, shorten its expiration from 10 to five years, require background checks for private gun sales and require anyone applying for a FOID card to submit fingerprints.
"Fingerprints catch bad guys," Kelly said.
Moving on up?
Reports in Chicago media this week linked Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman to the open Chicago police superintendent's job, naming her as one of the leading candidates for the post.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer, 2019 Is Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman a leading candidate for the Chicago police superintendent's job?
We asked Ziman about it Thursday, but she said she couldn't comment on another department's job search.
"But whomever they choose has a mighty mission and should be honored to serve the CPD and city of Chicago," she said.
Insurance industry weighs in
Last week we told you about a Southwest suburban lawmaker's bill in the state legislature that would protect the life insurance coverage of police officers, first responders, health care professionals and others who carry the overdose-reversing drug naloxone as part of their jobs.
Some workers in other states have seen their rates increase, or been denied coverage altogether, after obtaining the drug that's seen as a crucial tool in the fight against the opioid crisis.
Our column caught the eyes of people at the American Council of Life Insurers, who reached out to let us know they support the measure by state Rep. Margo McDermed, a Mokena Republican.
In an earlier blog post sent to us, the group's Jack Dolan wrote that while a naloxone prescription will raise a red flag and prompt questions from insurance companies, it shouldn't keep those who obtain it for work from being insured.
"Denials based solely on the existence of a prescription for naloxone are a thing of the past," Dolan writes.
"Life insurers have become fully aware of the outstanding efforts of good Samaritans, friends and family members of people struggling with the addiction. Insurers have been diligently educating their staffs about the issue and updating their application review processes."
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--75 years after warplane's dedication, history buff brings pieces of Maine Flyer home

After nearly a decade of phone calls , letters , emails and navigating other red tape , Len Johnson was finally able to reclaim pieces of a historic warplane that Maine Township High School students sold $ 551,000 worth of war bonds in two weeks in 1944 to support .
Saturday marks the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Feb. 16 , 1945 , dedication of the C-54 Skymaster -- named Maine Flyer to recognize the students ' fundraising achievement -- at the Douglas Aircraft Co. factory near Mannheim and Higgins roads in Des Plaines .
Like a page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost fitting , then , that the Park Ridge aviation enthusiast and history buff will be recognized Saturday for his efforts .
He 's among the community leaders who will be feted at the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce 's Night of Stars gala at the Cafe La Cave banquet hall -- not far from where local students were honored years ago .
`` I love the story about what the kids did , '' Johnson said of the December 1944 fundraiser that brought in more than $ 7 million in today 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not doing it for myself .
I 'm doing it for the community . ''
Johnson , a retired lieutenant from the North Maine Fire Protection District and former bricklayer , became interested in the story of the Maine Flyer while serving as a trustee and treasurer on the Park Ridge Historical Society board .
Members of the organization had worked with Maine Township High School District 207 students to interview alumni who helped with the war bond drive , eventually producing a documentary that premiered in 2015 .
It was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service and began investigating what became of the plane , which was put into service as a naval hospital aircraft to evacuate wounded sailors in the Pacific theater .
Johnson tracked it all the way to the Gila River Memorial Airport in Chandler , Arizona , where it sat with other abandoned aircraft on what became part of Gila River Indian Community property .
In a quest to acquire parts of the plane to bring back to Park Ridge , Johnson started working the phones and his computer keyboard to obtain permission from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's owner .
But it was no easy task .
By 2012 , he was able to reach the owner of Fairbanks , Alaska-based Brooks Fuel , which used the plane into the 1990s to ferry fuel to remote arctic locations .
Johnson says owner Roger Brooks stored the C-54 and three similar planes at the Arizona airfield but was n't able to remove the planes before the American Indian community acquired the land .
Brooks gave Johnson written permission to access the plane and remove pieces for historical purposes , so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gila River community .
What followed was years of `` getting the runaround , '' Johnson said : trying to contact the right person at the reservation , thinking he got permission , then getting denied .
But on July 5 , 2019 , Johnson received a letter from Gila River that said he had 60 days to remove a set list of artifacts from the Maine Flyer before the community planned to scrap it and a half-dozen other planes left on the airfield .
Johnson packed up his Ford Expedition with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona , where he spent three days in August working to remove parts of the plane , which had been left graffitied and vandalized over the years .
He toiled in the 110-degree desert heat with power tools , a saw and a generator , taking out the captain 's chair , instrument panel , pedals , main door , window frames and smaller artifacts like a cockpit ashtray .
He also carved out a metal panel containing the plane 's original registration number .
Before Johnson left he , channeling a scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Phoenix , '' repainted a slogan under the captain 's window that had been covered up years ago : `` Faster and Higher -- That 's Maine ( 's ) Flyer . ''
`` Jimmy Stewart inspired me , '' he said .
It was always Johnson 's intention to have the artifacts displayed at the historical society 's Solomon Cottage , but he 's no longer on the board , which has seen some turnover in recent months .
New board President Cheryl Williams said board members think the artifacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and specifically Maine East -- the original Maine Township High School for which the warplane was named .
For now , Johnson has the items in safe keeping .
`` I loved doing it , and it 's for a good cause . ''

75 years after warplane's dedication, history buff brings pieces of Maine Flyer home
Using power tools and a fan to keep cool in the desert heat, Len Johnson worked to remove pieces of the historic Maine Flyer warplane last August. Courtesy of Len Johnson
Len Johnson spent three days last August at an abandoned airfield in Chandler, Arizona, removing artifacts from the historic Maine Flyer warplane, which was dedicated to Maine Township High School students in 1945. Courtesy of Len Johnson
After nearly a decade of phone calls, letters, emails and navigating other red tape, Len Johnson was finally able to reclaim pieces of a historic warplane that Maine Township High School students sold $551,000 worth of war bonds in two weeks in 1944 to support.
Saturday marks the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Feb. 16, 1945, dedication of the C-54 Skymaster -- named Maine Flyer to recognize the students' fundraising achievement -- at the Douglas Aircraft Co. factory near Mannheim and Higgins roads in Des Plaines.
Like a page in the history books, it's almost fitting, then, that the Park Ridge aviation enthusiast and history buff will be recognized Saturday for his efforts. He's among the community leaders who will be feted at the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce's Night of Stars gala at the Cafe La Cave banquet hall -- not far from where local students were honored years ago.
A C-54 airplane, named the Maine Flyer, was dedicated in 1945 at Douglas Aircraft Co. in honor of Maine Township High School students who sold more than $551,000 in war bonds in two weeks to help fund the plane. - Courtesy of 1945 Maine Township High School Yearbook
"I love the story about what the kids did," Johnson said of the December 1944 fundraiser that brought in more than $7 million in today's dollars. "(But) I'm not doing it for myself. I'm doing it for the community."
Johnson, a retired lieutenant from the North Maine Fire Protection District and former bricklayer, became interested in the story of the Maine Flyer while serving as a trustee and treasurer on the Park Ridge Historical Society board.
Members of the organization had worked with Maine Township High School District 207 students to interview alumni who helped with the war bond drive, eventually producing a documentary that premiered in 2015.
It was in 2011 that Johnson retired from the fire service and began investigating what became of the plane, which was put into service as a naval hospital aircraft to evacuate wounded sailors in the Pacific theater.
This C-54 Skymaster airplane, dedicated to Maine Township High School students in 1945, today sits abandoned at Gila River Memorial Airport in Chandler, Arizona. - Courtesy of Len Johnson
Johnson tracked it all the way to the Gila River Memorial Airport in Chandler, Arizona, where it sat with other abandoned aircraft on what became part of Gila River Indian Community property.
In a quest to acquire parts of the plane to bring back to Park Ridge, Johnson started working the phones and his computer keyboard to obtain permission from the American Indian community and the plane's owner.
But it was no easy task.
By 2012, he was able to reach the owner of Fairbanks, Alaska-based Brooks Fuel, which used the plane into the 1990s to ferry fuel to remote arctic locations. Johnson says owner Roger Brooks stored the C-54 and three similar planes at the Arizona airfield but wasn't able to remove the planes before the American Indian community acquired the land.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Len Johnson spent nearly a decade navigating through red tape before acquiring pieces of the historic Maine Flyer warplane, including much of the cockpit.
Brooks gave Johnson written permission to access the plane and remove pieces for historical purposes, so long as Johnson could also get approval from the Gila River community.
What followed was years of "getting the runaround," Johnson said: trying to contact the right person at the reservation, thinking he got permission, then getting denied.
But on July 5, 2019, Johnson received a letter from Gila River that said he had 60 days to remove a set list of artifacts from the Maine Flyer before the community planned to scrap it and a half-dozen other planes left on the airfield.
Johnson packed up his Ford Expedition with supplies and made the 1,700-mile trip to Arizona, where he spent three days in August working to remove parts of the plane, which had been left graffitied and vandalized over the years.
He toiled in the 110-degree desert heat with power tools, a saw and a generator, taking out the captain's chair, instrument panel, pedals, main door, window frames and smaller artifacts like a cockpit ashtray. He also carved out a metal panel containing the plane's original registration number.
Len Johnson repainted the original Maine Flyer slogan under the pilot's window after removing artifacts from the historic plane. He says he was inspired by a scene from "The Flight of the Phoenix." - Courtesy of Len Johnson
Before Johnson left he, channeling a scene in the 1965 film "The Flight of the Phoenix," repainted a slogan under the captain's window that had been covered up years ago: "Faster and Higher -- That's Maine('s) Flyer."
"Jimmy Stewart inspired me," he said.
It was always Johnson's intention to have the artifacts displayed at the historical society's Solomon Cottage, but he's no longer on the board, which has seen some turnover in recent months.
New board President Cheryl Williams said board members think the artifacts may be best suited at District 207, and specifically Maine East -- the original Maine Township High School for which the warplane was named.
For now, Johnson has the items in safe keeping.
"I loved doing it, and it's for a good cause."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--Kradman leaving Maine West to become head coach at Lake Park

When Jason Kradman accepted the position of head football coach and physical education teacher at Lake Park , it had to be the biggest news in the family ... right ?
Kradman 's wife Andrea -- due in March with the couple 's third child -- gets that honor .
But he 's in the team picture .
Lake Park athletic director Pete Schauer announced Kradman 's hiring on Thursday .
Leaving Maine West after six years at the helm , Kradman replaces Chris Roll , who was dismissed in November after nine years as the Lancers ' head coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Lake Park District 108 board meeting on Feb. 24 .
`` I was excited about the school , and the academics are similar to Maine Township , '' said Kradman , 41 .
`` The facilities are great .
Meeting with ( Schauer and Lake Park principal Dominic Manola ) , it seemed like they 're heading in the right direction and really support athletics . ''
Maine West experienced unprecedented success during Kradman 's tenure .
The Warriors won their first conference title in 55 years , then added two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last three seasons .
Before that the program never reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons .
Kradman said his coaching style adjusts to the personnel , something epitomized at Maine West the last two years .
In 2018 the Warriors broke program rushing records and last fall they broke passing records .
`` It 's hard to walk away , '' he said .
`` There 's definitely a sense of pride with what we built .
I 'll never forget my time at Maine West but I 'm looking forward to working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lake Park , 3-6 overall and 2-5 in the DuKane Conference in the fall , made the playoffs once the last 10 years .
Maine West 's recent consistent success will serve as a solid model .
`` I 'm definitely excited about what 's to come , '' said Kradman , who grew up in Florida and played at Drake .
`` I ca n't wait to get going . ''

Kradman leaving Maine West to become head coach at Lake Park
When Jason Kradman accepted the position of head football coach and physical education teacher at Lake Park, it had to be the biggest news in the family ... right?
Not quite.
Kradman's wife Andrea -- due in March with the couple's third child -- gets that honor. But he's in the team picture.
Lake Park athletic director Pete Schauer announced Kradman's hiring on Thursday. Leaving Maine West after six years at the helm, Kradman replaces Chris Roll, who was dismissed in November after nine years as the Lancers' head coach.
Kradman's hiring will be confirmed at the Lake Park District 108 board meeting on Feb. 24.
"I was excited about the school, and the academics are similar to Maine Township," said Kradman, 41. "The facilities are great. Meeting with (Schauer and Lake Park principal Dominic Manola), it seemed like they're heading in the right direction and really support athletics."
Maine West experienced unprecedented success during Kradman's tenure. The Warriors won their first conference title in 55 years, then added two more while qualifying for the playoffs the last three seasons. Before that the program never reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
Kradman said his coaching style adjusts to the personnel, something epitomized at Maine West the last two years. In 2018 the Warriors broke program rushing records and last fall they broke passing records.
He acknowledged bittersweet feelings about leaving Maine West.
"It's hard to walk away," he said. "There's definitely a sense of pride with what we built. I'll never forget my time at Maine West but I'm looking forward to working with everyone at Lake Park."
Lake Park, 3-6 overall and 2-5 in the DuKane Conference in the fall, made the playoffs once the last 10 years. Maine West's recent consistent success will serve as a solid model.
"I'm definitely excited about what's to come," said Kradman, who grew up in Florida and played at Drake. "I can't wait to get going."
Twitter: @kevin_schmit


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--District 211 settles transgender discrimination lawsuit

After nearly 4½ years , Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 is free of both legal action and temporary compromises on the issue of transgender students ' access to locker rooms after the board of education Thursday approved the settlement of a now former student 's discrimination lawsuit .
By a 5-2 vote , the district has agreed to pay $ 150,000 to Nova Maday of Palatine and her legal representatives at the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois to settle her 2017 state lawsuit claiming she was discriminated against for having her use of the girls locker room at Palatine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cramer and Pete Dombrowski expressed slightly different reasons for their votes against the settlement , but they generally cited the uncertainty of unintended consequences -- particularly when pending cases before the Supreme Court hold the potential of further defining or changing federal law on this issue .
Maday , who identifies as female , expressed her feelings of vindication last November when board members also voted 5-2 to no longer require that transgender students alone had to use the privacy stalls made available for all students in locker rooms .
The new policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maday 's discrimination lawsuit remained pending in court .
`` It was very painful to be treated differently because I am transgender , and to have my identity as a girl challenged by the district , '' Maday said in a statement released after the board 's vote .
`` I just wanted to be treated like any other girl .
My hope is that the new D211 policy truly means that no student has to face this kind of treatment in the future . ''
District officials also released a statement addressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the lawsuit .
`` The district felt that greater understanding of transgender identity had advanced for the better within our immediate communities and in society , and that it was time , '' the statement reads .
`` Total legal costs for the combination of complaints ( since 2015 ) fall slightly below $ 500,000 .
To spare further expense and use of resources , and since both parties endorse the policy that provides for the access sought in the original complaint , the district agreed to settle and resolve this legal @ @ @

District 211 settles transgender discrimination lawsuit
After nearly 4½ years, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 is free of both legal action and temporary compromises on the issue of transgender students' access to locker rooms after the board of education Thursday approved the settlement of a now former student's discrimination lawsuit.
By a 5-2 vote, the district has agreed to pay $150,000 to Nova Maday of Palatine and her legal representatives at the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois to settle her 2017 state lawsuit claiming she was discriminated against for having her use of the girls locker room at Palatine High School restricted.
Board members Mark Cramer and Pete Dombrowski expressed slightly different reasons for their votes against the settlement, but they generally cited the uncertainty of unintended consequences -- particularly when pending cases before the Supreme Court hold the potential of further defining or changing federal law on this issue.
Maday, who identifies as female, expressed her feelings of vindication last November when board members also voted 5-2 to no longer require that transgender students alone had to use the privacy stalls made available for all students in locker rooms.
The new policy took effect in early January, but Maday's discrimination lawsuit remained pending in court.
"It was very painful to be treated differently because I am transgender, and to have my identity as a girl challenged by the district," Maday said in a statement released after the board's vote. "I just wanted to be treated like any other girl. My hope is that the new D211 policy truly means that no student has to face this kind of treatment in the future."
District officials also released a statement addressing both the recent policy change and settlement of the lawsuit.
"The district felt that greater understanding of transgender identity had advanced for the better within our immediate communities and in society, and that it was time," the statement reads. "Total legal costs for the combination of complaints (since 2015) fall slightly below $500,000. To spare further expense and use of resources, and since both parties endorse the policy that provides for the access sought in the original complaint, the district agreed to settle and resolve this legal dispute."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--Elgin rapist sentenced to 20 years

Elgin rapist sentenced to 20 years

A registered sex offender was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday after admitting to forcing his way into an Elgin apartment and sexually assaulting a woman .
Anthony G. Onofre , 27 , of the 0-100 block of South Union Street in Elgin , pleaded guilty to home invasion and criminal sexual assault with force or threat of force with a previous conviction , both felonies , according to Kane County court records .
Onofre rang the doorbell of an apartment on the 700 block of Walnut Avenue on Nov. 20 , 2018 , lied to the woman who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an affair , then pushed his way inside , according to Elgin police and a search warrant .
Neigher the woman nor her husband knew Onofre .
The woman 's husband , who was not home at the time , was not having an affair .
Onofre forced the woman to perform a sex act while her 4-year-old son was in another room .
Onofre eventually left the apartment , and police tracked him down using the victim 's witness information and surveillance video .
He was known to police as a registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County for attempted criminal sexual assault causing bodily harm .
Kane County Judge D.J .
Tegeler accepted the plea and issued the sentence .
Onofre can have his 12-year sentence for home invasion cut in half to six years for good behavior in prison .
He must serve 85 % , or about 6½ years , on the sexual assault charge and could be subject to lifetime parole when his sentence ends .
He gets credit for 445 days served in the Kane County jail while the case was pending .
Onofre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prison .

Elgin rapist sentenced to 20 years
A registered sex offender was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday after admitting to forcing his way into an Elgin apartment and sexually assaulting a woman.
Anthony G. Onofre, 27, of the 0-100 block of South Union Street in Elgin, pleaded guilty to home invasion and criminal sexual assault with force or threat of force with a previous conviction, both felonies, according to Kane County court records.
Onofre rang the doorbell of an apartment on the 700 block of Walnut Avenue on Nov. 20, 2018, lied to the woman who answered the door about her husband having an affair, then pushed his way inside, according to Elgin police and a search warrant.
Neigher the woman nor her husband knew Onofre. The woman's husband, who was not home at the time, was not having an affair.
Onofre forced the woman to perform a sex act while her 4-year-old son was in another room.
Onofre eventually left the apartment, and police tracked him down using the victim's witness information and surveillance video. He was known to police as a registered sex offender from a 2014 conviction in Cook County for attempted criminal sexual assault causing bodily harm.
Kane County Judge D.J. Tegeler accepted the plea and issued the sentence.
Onofre can have his 12-year sentence for home invasion cut in half to six years for good behavior in prison. He must serve 85%, or about 6½ years, on the sexual assault charge and could be subject to lifetime parole when his sentence ends.
He gets credit for 445 days served in the Kane County jail while the case was pending. Onofre faced a top sentence of 60 years in prison.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Keuchel sorry but 'We earned the right to be World Series champs'

GLENDALE , Ariz. -- For the second time since joining the White Sox on a three-year , $ 55 million contract in late December , Dallas Keuchel was apologizing for the cheating scandal that helped the Astros win the 2017 World Series .
He also said the Astros deserved to remain champs .
`` I 'm just one dude , '' Keuchel said Thursday after the Sox 's workout at Camelback Ranch .
`` I guess it 's ultimately up to the individual to show remorse or try to move on .
I chose the remorse route because , personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owed .
`` I felt like I owed it to my family , and that 's how I was raised . ''
Keuchel pitched for Houston from 2012 to 2018 .
The 32-year-old lefty won the Cy Young Award in 2015 after going 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA .
Astros manager A.J .
Hinch and general manager Jeff Lunhow were fired for their roles in the illegal sign stealing .
Former Houston bench coach Alex Cora and player Carlos Beltran also paid heavy prices , losing their respective managing jobs with the Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Houston 's 2017 team have been disciplined , and Keuchel was the first one to apologize .
That came late last month at SoxFest .
Staying in that lane again on Thursday , Keuchel did veer off when it comes to the Astros possibly being stripped of their World Series crown .
`` We 're always going to be World Series champs because we were talented and , to me , we earned the right to be World Series champs , '' he said .
`` Just because stuff came out about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams were n't doing illegal stuff .
It just means we were the ones that were caught .
I 'm not here to dig into anything that happens .
That 's my feeling . ''
Stealing signs has always been a part of the game , but Houston took it way too far by using electronic buzzers and banging on garbage cans in the dugout to tip pitches .
`` Every team is motivated to do everything in their powers , to do everything they can to win , '' White Sox general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doing that based upon your wit or insight or intellect has certainly been acceptable and is what we encourage our guys to do .
`` When you cross that line into forbidden activity , that 's obviously a different story . ''
This is a story that has cast a dark light on baseball since it broke and brings back grim reminders of the steroid era .
Keuchel has been open about the Astros ' plight with the media and he has the same attitude with his new Sox teammates .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my teammates , '' Keuchel said .
`` And like I said , the state of baseball , it was what it was at that time .
If they want to talk to me about anything , I 'm more than open to talk to them about it .
It 's one of those things where we 've got to move on .
`` We 've got to remember the past , but we 've got to look toward to the future and figure out what the best route is to go @ @

'We earned the right to be World Series champs': Ex-Astro Keuchel says team should keep title
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- For the second time since joining the White Sox on a three-year, $55 million contract in late December, Dallas Keuchel was apologizing for the cheating scandal that helped the Astros win the 2017 World Series. He also said the Astros deserved to remain champs.
"I'm just one dude," Keuchel said Thursday after the Sox's workout at Camelback Ranch. "I guess it's ultimately up to the individual to show remorse or try to move on. I chose the remorse route because, personally, I felt that was what was owed.
"I felt like I owed it to my family, and that's how I was raised."
Keuchel pitched for Houston from 2012 to 2018. The 32-year-old lefty won the Cy Young Award in 2015 after going 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Lunhow were fired for their roles in the illegal sign stealing. Former Houston bench coach Alex Cora and player Carlos Beltran also paid heavy prices, losing their respective managing jobs with the Red Sox and Mets.
No other players on Houston's 2017 team have been disciplined, and Keuchel was the first one to apologize. That came late last month at SoxFest.
Staying in that lane again on Thursday, Keuchel did veer off when it comes to the Astros possibly being stripped of their World Series crown.
"We're always going to be World Series champs because we were talented and, to me, we earned the right to be World Series champs," he said. "Just because stuff came out about the 2017 Astros doesn't mean other teams weren't doing illegal stuff. It just means we were the ones that were caught. I'm not here to dig into anything that happens. That's my feeling."
Stealing signs has always been a part of the game, but Houston took it way too far by using electronic buzzers and banging on garbage cans in the dugout to tip pitches.
"Every team is motivated to do everything in their powers, to do everything they can to win," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "Traditionally, doing that based upon your wit or insight or intellect has certainly been acceptable and is what we encourage our guys to do.
"When you cross that line into forbidden activity, that's obviously a different story."
This is a story that has cast a dark light on baseball since it broke and brings back grim reminders of the steroid era.
Keuchel has been open about the Astros' plight with the media and he has the same attitude with his new Sox teammates.
"I'm pretty much an open book with my teammates," Keuchel said. "And like I said, the state of baseball, it was what it was at that time. If they want to talk to me about anything, I'm more than open to talk to them about it. It's one of those things where we've got to move on.
"We've got to remember the past, but we've got to look toward to the future and figure out what the best route is to go."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--Lawmakers want Fair Maps Amendment on November ballot

SPRINGFIELD -- A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers and advocacy groups announced an effort in both chambers Thursday to overhaul the way Illinois ' legislative districts are drawn .
Legislators from Chicago , its suburbs and downstate are backing a state constitutional amendment to shift district mapmaking power from politicians to a 17-person commission whose members would be representative of state demographics .
In three news events across Illinois on Thursday , backers of the plan said the measure they call the Fair Maps Amendment , more than any of the other redistricting reform proposals , is `` comprehensive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and provides meaningful participation . ''
The amendment is backed by the same group that attempted to reform the redistricting process in the past three elections , CHANGE Illinois .
`` As a sprawling federal corruption investigation continues , we should start to end corruption by ending gerrymandering where it begins when maps are drawn , '' Madeleine Doubek , the group 's executive director , said .
`` Politicians picking their voters clearly is the epitome of a conflict of interest . ''
Sen. Dan McConchie , a Hawthorn Woods Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago , said `` this is the place we need to start '' to `` root out corruption '' in Illinois .
The current process favors the General Assembly 's majority party , said Sen. Melinda Bush , a Grayslake Democrat and lead sponsor in her chamber .
Maps are drawn after the U.S. census every decade , and the Illinois Constitution requires districts to be `` compact , contiguous and substantially equal in population . ''
If lawmakers do not agree on maps , a group is formed with four legislators from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chosen randomly by the secretary of state from two candidates put forward by the state Supreme Court .
That backup scenario is unlikely with the current makeup of the legislature , however , as Democrats have supermajorities in both chambers .
Under the coalition 's proposal , 17 commission members would be appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court -- seven registered Democrats , seven registered Republicans and three with different or no party affiliation .
Each congressional district could have only one commissioner .
Members of the public would be able to comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own district maps .
The commission would have to look at all submissions .
Doubek said this proposal is a revised version of an amendment submitted by CHANGE Illinois over the past two years and `` does a lot to improve equity , transparency and accountability . ''
The current amendment includes prisoners in population counts and redefines the requirements about who can serve on the commission .
Those who would be ineligible for the commission include lobbyists ; persons appointed , running for or elected to a position with the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paid consultant or campaign representative of a political candidate or political action committee ; an individual with an ownership interest in an entity with a state , local or federal contract ; and appointed or elected officials of a political party .
Those individuals could not have held those positions in the past five years , and people working for them and their immediate families would be ineligible as well .
The resolutions also attempt to ensure minority communities are able to elect a candidate of their choosing .
`` If there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong minority base but maybe not enough to control the outcome of the election , '' Doubek said , `` they need to be kept together so they can have as much influence as possible on choosing who represents them . ''
Both chambers of the legislature need to approve a constitutional amendment question by a three-fifths majority before it can go to voters .
That effectively sets the deadline as May 3 , because six months must pass before an amendment can appear on the general election ballot .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been , '' Doubek said .
A poll last year by Southern Illinois University found 67 percent of Illinoisans want district maps created by an independent commission rather than the legislature .
Doubek said Rep. Terra Costa Howard , a Glen Ellyn Democrat who is the House sponsor of the amendment , had `` a healthy exchange of ideas '' with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan .
And when Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker was running for office , he pledged to veto any `` unfair '' map sent to him by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Peoria Republican , said he has supported former versions of CHANGE Illinois ' redistricting amendments in the past two years .
`` With everything that 's happening in the General Assembly -- with federal investigators swirling around us , with confidence in our government at an all-time low and corruption at an all-time high -- a Fair Maps initiative is an essential ingredient to fixing those issues , '' he said .
A 2014 analysis by The Washington Post named Illinois ' 4th Congressional District , which includes Western suburbs such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gerrymandered in the country .
The district , which elected Democratic U.S. Rep. Jesús `` Chuy '' García in 2018 by a 73-point margin , resembles a pair of earmuffs .
The two sides of the district are connected by a narrow patch of grass under Interstate 290 .

Lawmakers want Fair Maps Amendment on November ballot
Illustration by Ben Orner/Capitol News IllinoisIllinois' 4th Congressional District was named one of the nation's most gerrymandered by the Washington Post in 2014.
SPRINGFIELD -- A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers and advocacy groups announced an effort in both chambers Thursday to overhaul the way Illinois' legislative districts are drawn.
Legislators from Chicago, its suburbs and downstate are backing a state constitutional amendment to shift district mapmaking power from politicians to a 17-person commission whose members would be representative of state demographics.
In three news events across Illinois on Thursday, backers of the plan said the measure they call the Fair Maps Amendment, more than any of the other redistricting reform proposals, is "comprehensive," "equitable, transparent, representative, and provides meaningful participation."
The amendment is backed by the same group that attempted to reform the redistricting process in the past three elections, CHANGE Illinois.
"As a sprawling federal corruption investigation continues, we should start to end corruption by ending gerrymandering where it begins when maps are drawn," Madeleine Doubek, the group's executive director, said. "Politicians picking their voters clearly is the epitome of a conflict of interest."
Sen. Dan McConchie, a Hawthorn Woods Republican who spoke at a news conference in Chicago, said "this is the place we need to start" to "root out corruption" in Illinois.
The current process favors the General Assembly's majority party, said Sen. Melinda Bush, a Grayslake Democrat and lead sponsor in her chamber.
Maps are drawn after the U.S. census every decade, and the Illinois Constitution requires districts to be "compact, contiguous and substantially equal in population."
If lawmakers do not agree on maps, a group is formed with four legislators from each party and a ninth that is chosen randomly by the secretary of state from two candidates put forward by the state Supreme Court. That backup scenario is unlikely with the current makeup of the legislature, however, as Democrats have supermajorities in both chambers.
Under the coalition's proposal, 17 commission members would be appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court -- seven registered Democrats, seven registered Republicans and three with different or no party affiliation. Each congressional district could have only one commissioner.
Members of the public would be able to comment on any commission proposal and could submit their own district maps. The commission would have to look at all submissions.
Doubek said this proposal is a revised version of an amendment submitted by CHANGE Illinois over the past two years and "does a lot to improve equity, transparency and accountability."
The current amendment includes prisoners in population counts and redefines the requirements about who can serve on the commission.
Those who would be ineligible for the commission include lobbyists; persons appointed, running for or elected to a position with the state, federal, or local government; a paid consultant or campaign representative of a political candidate or political action committee; an individual with an ownership interest in an entity with a state, local or federal contract; and appointed or elected officials of a political party.
Those individuals could not have held those positions in the past five years, and people working for them and their immediate families would be ineligible as well.
The resolutions also attempt to ensure minority communities are able to elect a candidate of their choosing.
"If there is a neighborhood or community that has a strong minority base but maybe not enough to control the outcome of the election," Doubek said, "they need to be kept together so they can have as much influence as possible on choosing who represents them."
Both chambers of the legislature need to approve a constitutional amendment question by a three-fifths majority before it can go to voters. That effectively sets the deadline as May 3, because six months must pass before an amendment can appear on the general election ballot.
"Our chances are better than they have ever been," Doubek said.
A poll last year by Southern Illinois University found 67 percent of Illinoisans want district maps created by an independent commission rather than the legislature.
Doubek said Rep. Terra Costa Howard, a Glen Ellyn Democrat who is the House sponsor of the amendment, had "a healthy exchange of ideas" with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan.
And when Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker was running for office, he pledged to veto any "unfair" map sent to him by the General Assembly.
Rep. Ryan Spain, a Peoria Republican, said he has supported former versions of CHANGE Illinois' redistricting amendments in the past two years.
"With everything that's happening in the General Assembly -- with federal investigators swirling around us, with confidence in our government at an all-time low and corruption at an all-time high -- a Fair Maps initiative is an essential ingredient to fixing those issues," he said.
A 2014 analysis by The Washington Post named Illinois' 4th Congressional District, which includes Western suburbs such as Cicero and Brookfield, among the 10-most gerrymandered in the country. The district, which elected Democratic U.S. Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García in 2018 by a 73-point margin, resembles a pair of earmuffs. The two sides of the district are connected by a narrow patch of grass under Interstate 290.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-13--Kane County agrees to $410,000 payment in lawsuit with Comcast, Campton Hills

Despite accusations of untoward payments and incompetent legal representation , Kane County officials will fork over more than $ 410,000 to Comcast .
The settlement ends a fight among the county , the cable company and Campton Hills that began with the founding of the village in 2007 .
The county charges cable companies a franchise fee to do business in the unincorporated areas .
For many years , that included the area that is now Campton Hills .
Once the village incorporated , officials there believed the village was entitled to those franchise fees .
But county officials continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the county 's agreement with Comcast allowed for the collection of the fee for a period even after the village 's `` annexation . ''
The village fought back , saying an annexation and incorporation are not the same .
Comcast asked the courts to decide who was right .
Multiple courts agreed incorporation and annexation are not the same and ruled the county should refund the fees to Comcast .
Comcast , in turn , should pay Campton Hills what it owed the village , about $ 284,000 , the courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Board was happy with the decision .
County board member Mo Iqbal cited three $ 1,000 campaign contributions by Comcast to county officials as a reason for concern about the outcome of the case .
One donation went to former county board member Kurt Kojzarek , who preceded Iqbal on the board .
One donation went to board member Barbara Hernandez .
And one donation went to board Chairman Chris Lauzen .
`` I suggest the state 's attorney 's office investigate the nature of those payments and how it impacted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` If you want to open an investigation into someone who receives a legal campaign contribution , I think it 's a wasted effort , '' said board member Drew Frasz .
Kojzarek and Hernandez did not immediately respond to requests for comments .
Lauzen said he returned the donation that came to him when he learned the county had pending litigation with Comcast .
Lauzen said donations did n't influence the outcome of the case and called it bad legal work by the state 's attorney 's office .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's attorney 's office has fought an issue and won ? ''
Lauzen asked .
`` I 've been thinking about that issue for a month .
I have n't thought of any . ''
He urged the board to reject the settlement but did not vote because the chairman does so only as a tiebreaker .
Hernandez had left the meeting before the vote .
Outside counsel Pat Kinnally did the initial legal work on the case , per Lauzen 's request , said State 's Attorney Joe McMahon .
But Kinnally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in the lap of the state 's attorney 's office in the middle of the case .
Barb Wojnicki is the county board member who represents Campton Hills .
She said the village went after the money it believed it was entitled to .
`` I 'm not happy that we have to pay Comcast , '' Wojnicki said .
`` However , you ca n't put the entire blame on the village . ''

Kane County agrees to $410,000 payment in lawsuit with Comcast, Campton Hills
Despite accusations of untoward payments and incompetent legal representation, Kane County officials will fork over more than $410,000 to Comcast.
The settlement ends a fight among the county, the cable company and Campton Hills that began with the founding of the village in 2007.
The county charges cable companies a franchise fee to do business in the unincorporated areas. For many years, that included the area that is now Campton Hills.
Once the village incorporated, officials there believed the village was entitled to those franchise fees. But county officials continued to collect the money in the belief that the county's agreement with Comcast allowed for the collection of the fee for a period even after the village's "annexation."
The village fought back, saying an annexation and incorporation are not the same. Comcast asked the courts to decide who was right. Multiple courts agreed incorporation and annexation are not the same and ruled the county should refund the fees to Comcast.
Comcast, in turn, should pay Campton Hills what it owed the village, about $284,000, the courts ruled.
Not everyone on the Kane County Board was happy with the decision. County board member Mo Iqbal cited three $1,000 campaign contributions by Comcast to county officials as a reason for concern about the outcome of the case.
One donation went to former county board member Kurt Kojzarek, who preceded Iqbal on the board. One donation went to board member Barbara Hernandez. And one donation went to board Chairman Chris Lauzen.
"I suggest the state's attorney's office investigate the nature of those payments and how it impacted the outcome of this case," Iqbal said.
Board members voted against that idea.
"If you want to open an investigation into someone who receives a legal campaign contribution, I think it's a wasted effort," said board member Drew Frasz.
Kojzarek and Hernandez did not immediately respond to requests for comments. Lauzen said he returned the donation that came to him when he learned the county had pending litigation with Comcast.
Lauzen said donations didn't influence the outcome of the case and called it bad legal work by the state's attorney's office.
"When was the last time the state's attorney's office has fought an issue and won?" Lauzen asked. "I've been thinking about that issue for a month. I haven't thought of any."
He urged the board to reject the settlement but did not vote because the chairman does so only as a tiebreaker.
Hernandez had left the meeting before the vote.
Outside counsel Pat Kinnally did the initial legal work on the case, per Lauzen's request, said State's Attorney Joe McMahon. But Kinnally resigned from all county work, putting it in the lap of the state's attorney's office in the middle of the case.
Barb Wojnicki is the county board member who represents Campton Hills. She said the village went after the money it believed it was entitled to.
"I'm not happy that we have to pay Comcast," Wojnicki said. "However, you can't put the entire blame on the village."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Love in the air as couples tie the knot or renew vows the modern or medieval way

There was a whole lot of smoochin ' going on Friday .
On a greeting card holiday designed to celebrate love , couples gathered to tie the knot in a modern setting at the DuPage County Judicial Center in Wheaton and to renew their vows in a not-so-modern setting at Medieval Times in Schaumburg .
Every Friday is wedding day at the courthouse , but with Valentine 's Day falling on this one , it was an extra-busy -- and romantic -- session .
Officials were expecting as many as 75 couples -- about twice the usual number -- to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three courtrooms and three multipurpose rooms on the first floor of the courthouse in Wheaton .
Extra judges , sheriff 's department volunteers and Spanish-language interpreters were on hand .
Many of the brides wore fancy party dresses and some men and women wore red in honor of Valentine 's Day .
But there were also couples in jeans and sweatshirts .
Among the earliest to be married were Roberto Jose Rodriguez , 22 , and Melanie Dziabula , 20 , of Bensenville , in a ceremony officiated by Associate Judge Beth Sexton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Rodriquez in a suit and Dziabula in a sleeveless , floor-length ivory gown .
Dziabula carefully wiped a few tears away while taking her vows .
The two met at the Downers Delight restaurant in Downers Grove , where she was working as a table busser and he was a customer , being served by her mother .
She noticed that , first , he was cute , and second , he ordered what she usually orders , a chicken-and-mozzarella panini .
`` I kept cleaning tables around him , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone number on a napkin .
Eight months later , she is now Mrs. Rodriguez .
Al Rago , 56 , and Renee Mitchell , 51 , of Lombard met years ago , when their respective children were friends in first grade .
They were married to other people then .
They began dating about three years ago .
Rago 's face beamed as he took his vows ; Mitchell started crying about halfway through .
Afterward , Rago exclaimed , `` We did it ! ''
Associate Judge Bryan Chapman asked if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rago said they were going out for a nice lunch , Chapman quipped , `` I 'm married , so I know : You let her pick ( the place ) . ''
The Rodriguezes wanted a special day but did not want to wait for the time it takes to plan a big wedding , Melanie said .
For Rago and Mitchell , it was practicality .
They have five adult children between them , with at least one living out of state .
`` We just could not get them all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitchell said with a laugh .
But both were serious when they talked about their marriage .
Rago said he knew he loved her by the time of their first big date .
`` We really found our soul mates , '' Mitchell said .
Meanwhile , 47 couples renewed their vows in an afternoon ceremony at Medieval Times .
Lilly and Bill Berlett of Hoffman Estates , who have been married for 30 years , participated along with two other couples who are friends .
`` It was something new , something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a memorable day . ''
Lilly wore a red dress for the occasion .
`` I love when all the different couples come and share their love in a public way , and get to reaffirm the love that they have and share together , '' she said .
O'Donnell said she also liked that many of the couples brought their children to the ceremony .
`` It 's exciting to have families come together in a festive environment . ''

Love in the air as couples tie the knot or renew vows the modern or medieval way
There was a whole lot of smoochin' going on Friday.
On a greeting card holiday designed to celebrate love, couples gathered to tie the knot in a modern setting at the DuPage County Judicial Center in Wheaton and to renew their vows in a not-so-modern setting at Medieval Times in Schaumburg.
Every Friday is wedding day at the courthouse, but with Valentine's Day falling on this one, it was an extra-busy -- and romantic -- session.
Officials were expecting as many as 75 couples -- about twice the usual number -- to say their "I dos" in three courtrooms and three multipurpose rooms on the first floor of the courthouse in Wheaton. Extra judges, sheriff's department volunteers and Spanish-language interpreters were on hand.
Many of the brides wore fancy party dresses and some men and women wore red in honor of Valentine's Day. But there were also couples in jeans and sweatshirts.
Among the earliest to be married were Roberto Jose Rodriguez, 22, and Melanie Dziabula, 20, of Bensenville, in a ceremony officiated by Associate Judge Beth Sexton. The duo dressed for the occasion, with Rodriquez in a suit and Dziabula in a sleeveless, floor-length ivory gown.
Dziabula carefully wiped a few tears away while taking her vows.
The two met at the Downers Delight restaurant in Downers Grove, where she was working as a table busser and he was a customer, being served by her mother. She noticed that, first, he was cute, and second, he ordered what she usually orders, a chicken-and-mozzarella panini.
"I kept cleaning tables around him," she said, before giving him her phone number on a napkin.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer DuPage County Associate Judge Beth Sexton performs a Valentine's Day wedding for Roberto Jose Rodriguez and Melanie Dziabula, of Bensenville, at the DuPage County Judicial Center.
Eight months later, she is now Mrs. Rodriguez.
Al Rago, 56, and Renee Mitchell, 51, of Lombard met years ago, when their respective children were friends in first grade. They were married to other people then.
They began dating about three years ago.
Rago's face beamed as he took his vows; Mitchell started crying about halfway through.
Afterward, Rago exclaimed, "We did it!"
Associate Judge Bryan Chapman asked if they had plans to celebrate. When Rago said they were going out for a nice lunch, Chapman quipped, "I'm married, so I know: You let her pick (the place)."
Why Valentine's Day?
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Couples line up Friday to register to get married at the DuPage County Judicial Center in Wheaton.
The Rodriguezes wanted a special day but did not want to wait for the time it takes to plan a big wedding, Melanie said.
For Rago and Mitchell, it was practicality. They have five adult children between them, with at least one living out of state. "We just could not get them all to agree on a date," Mitchell said with a laugh.
But both were serious when they talked about their marriage. Rago said he knew he loved her by the time of their first big date.
"We really found our soul mates," Mitchell said.
Meanwhile, 47 couples renewed their vows in an afternoon ceremony at Medieval Times.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Lilly and Bill Berlett of Hoffman Estates kiss at the conclusion of a Valentine's Day ceremony at Medieval Times.
Lilly and Bill Berlett of Hoffman Estates, who have been married for 30 years, participated along with two other couples who are friends.
"It was something new, something fun," Lilly said. "It was a memorable day." Lilly wore a red dress for the occasion.
Allyssa O'Donnell, playing Queen Maria Isabella, led the ceremony and a champagne toast afterward.
"I love when all the different couples come and share their love in a public way, and get to reaffirm the love that they have and share together," she said.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Queen Maria Isabella (Allyssa O'Donnell) congratulates the 47 couples who participated in a Valentine's Day ceremony where they renewed their wedding vows at Medieval Times.
O'Donnell said she also liked that many of the couples brought their children to the ceremony. "It's exciting to have families come together in a festive environment."
• Daily Herald photographer Joe Lewnard contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--'AJ's Law' would create new local agency to take over DCFS duties in McHenry County

State Rep. Steve Reick on Friday announced legislation to be known as AJ 's Law that would create a pilot McHenry County Children and Family Services Agency .
The Woodstock Republican said the legislation would replace Illinois Department of Children and Family Services operations in McHenry County .
It 's named for AJ Freund , the 5-year old Crystal Lake boy who was beaten to death in April 2019 .
For nine months , Reick said , he has been part of a bipartisan legislative working group established to examine DCFS operations .
`` DCFS is an agency on life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said at a news conference in Woodstock .
Internal efforts to address shortcomings at DCFS have n't worked , he added .
As proposed , the county agency would operate for five years but could be curtailed sooner .
It would have `` all the powers and duties '' of DCFS .
The bill allows for hiring an executive director , with county board consent , and employees would be county employees .
Reick said the local agency would be funded by state appropriations for DCFS , not local taxes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a framework which will make this new county agency a model for the rest of the state , '' he said .
`` Under the jurisdiction of local government , the purpose of this agency is to provide more responsive , effective and efficient child welfare services to the people of this community . ''
He said DCFS has shortcomings , particularly with investigative resources in McHenry County , and a local agency could be more responsive and effective .
`` I realize that changing an entire agency from a one-size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buck stops at the county line will be a heavy lift but it has to be done , '' Reick said .
`` A little boy resigned to an anonymous grave along a back road deserves nothing less from us . ''
Reick said he expects `` pretty strong bipartisan support '' from legislators .
However , Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker is said to be `` skeptical '' of the effort .
Pritzker `` has prioritized rebuilding DCFS statewide , with significant investments in staffing and reform , '' said press secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to work with lawmakers who are dedicated to ensuring our state 's most vulnerable children are protected , but the administration is skeptical that this effort would have the intended effect of improving services , '' Abudayyeh added .
During his news conference , Reick said he found Pritzker to be approachable .
`` He may not change his mind but at least he 's willing to listen to you .
And to be honest , that is huge . ''
Reick said he sent 113 emails Friday seeking legislative support .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be chief co-sponsor , according to Reick .
AJ 's parents , JoAnn Cunningham , 36 , and Andrew Freund Sr. , 61 , were charged with first-degree murder and other crimes after his body was found in a shallow grave in a semirural area near Woodstock six days after he was reported missing .
Both pleaded not guilty but Cunningham on Dec. 5 changed her plea to guilty to one charge of first-degree murder .
She is awaiting sentencing and faces up to 60 years in prison .
Freund next scheduled court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jailed on $ 5 million bail each .

'AJ's Law' would create new agency to take over for DCFS in McHenry County
State Rep. Steve Reick on Friday announced legislation to be known as AJ's Law that would create a pilot McHenry County Children and Family Services Agency.
The Woodstock Republican said the legislation would replace Illinois Department of Children and Family Services operations in McHenry County. It's named for AJ Freund, the 5-year old Crystal Lake boy who was beaten to death in April 2019.
For nine months, Reick said, he has been part of a bipartisan legislative working group established to examine DCFS operations.
"DCFS is an agency on life support and it needs systemic change," he said at a news conference in Woodstock. Internal efforts to address shortcomings at DCFS haven't worked, he added.
As proposed, the county agency would operate for five years but could be curtailed sooner. It would have "all the powers and duties" of DCFS. The bill allows for hiring an executive director, with county board consent, and employees would be county employees.
Reick said the local agency would be funded by state appropriations for DCFS, not local taxes.
"The goal of this legislation is to create a framework which will make this new county agency a model for the rest of the state," he said. "Under the jurisdiction of local government, the purpose of this agency is to provide more responsive, effective and efficient child welfare services to the people of this community."
He said DCFS has shortcomings, particularly with investigative resources in McHenry County, and a local agency could be more responsive and effective.
"I realize that changing an entire agency from a one-size fits all model to one where the buck stops at the county line will be a heavy lift but it has to be done," Reick said.
"A little boy resigned to an anonymous grave along a back road deserves nothing less from us."
Reick said he expects "pretty strong bipartisan support" from legislators.
However, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker is said to be "skeptical" of the effort. Pritzker "has prioritized rebuilding DCFS statewide, with significant investments in staffing and reform," said press secretary Jordan Abudayyeh.
"The Governor will continue to work with lawmakers who are dedicated to ensuring our state's most vulnerable children are protected, but the administration is skeptical that this effort would have the intended effect of improving services," Abudayyeh added.
During his news conference, Reick said he found Pritzker to be approachable.
"He may not change his mind but at least he's willing to listen to you. And to be honest, that is huge."
Reick said he sent 113 emails Friday seeking legislative support. House Minority Leader Jim Durkin agreed to be chief co-sponsor, according to Reick.
AJ's parents, JoAnn Cunningham, 36, and Andrew Freund Sr., 61, were charged with first-degree murder and other crimes after his body was found in a shallow grave in a semirural area near Woodstock six days after he was reported missing.
Both pleaded not guilty but Cunningham on Dec. 5 changed her plea to guilty to one charge of first-degree murder. She is awaiting sentencing and faces up to 60 years in prison.
Freund next scheduled court appearance is Feb. 27. Both remain jailed on $5 million bail each.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--In Allied basketball, high school students with disabilities build skills, bonds

Tim Phelps can be easily described as a team player .
His favorite part of basketball is passing to his teammates , which according to him , keeps everyone involved in the game .
Though Phelps sometimes likes to shoot , passing is his contribution on the court .
Phelps , 20 , who is in Stevenson High School 's transition program for special education students over 18 , participates in Stevenson 's coed interscholastic Allied sports program .
It allows teens and young adults with disabilities to take part in athletics in partnership with other students who are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an emphasis on physical fitness , social skills , communication , decision making and relationship building .
The basketball program , in its second year at the Lincolnshire school , is part of the statewide Unified Special Olympics .
This year , the number of participants playing basketball more than doubled , to 12 athletes and 19 partners .
Bowling , soccer and spirit are the other Allied sports at Stevenson .
This season , Stevenson faced athletes from McHenry , Mundelein , Libertyville and Vernon Hills .
The team heads to regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Aurora .
If the team qualifies for state , it will compete March 13 and 14 at the Peoria Civic Center .
During games , there are three athletes and two partners per team .
Referees work the four seven-minute quarters .
When a player hit a 3-point shot during one recent game , spectators for both teams cheered .
The program fosters inclusion and gets kids out to play in a competitive environment .
`` In Unified basketball , the students are expected to compete , and play defense and score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity for these kids , '' said Ryan Hutchins , who coaches along with Emma Degen .
Hutchins is a special-education teacher and girls junior varsity golf coach at Stevenson .
Degen is an adaptive physical education teacher in Kildeer Countryside Elementary District 96 and Stevenson 's girls varsity track and golf coach .
The program bridges a gap between students who are in special ed and those who are not , Hutchins said .
Along with that , `` it bridges the gap between ages and genders .
We have students from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 years old , and we have students here that are freshmen . ''
That connection shows in moments such as Allied basketball athlete Jeremy Millman getting help putting on his practice vest from partner Sean Pokoski , a junior , or Allied team member Mikayla Needlman and partner Haylie Popkey , both freshmen , laughing together on the sidelines .
Haylie wants to pursue a career working with people with disabilities .
`` I just like to see them have fun .
I like interacting with them and being their friend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be with them , '' Popkey said .
`` I am definitely going to do it all four years .
It 's a really good program .
And it 's very competitive , too . ''
Jesse Zhou 's daughter , Shephia Zhou , is a junior and has played two years of Allied basketball .
The Long Grove resident says he likes the teamwork and he 's seeing Shephia 's skills progress .
`` She looks forward to it every day , '' the father said .
`` She is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with friends and seeing her team progress . ''
Hutchins said academics are the priority in the classroom , but being involved in extracurricular activities is just as important .
`` What makes a game successful is being able to see the partners and athletes interact with each other as friends and have fun doing that while playing the game of basketball .
There is a sense of accomplishment for the athletes , often accompanied by their parents enjoying their achievements , that makes the season fulfilling , '' Hutchins said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my workweek . ''

In Allied basketball, high school students with disabilities build skills, bonds
Tim Phelps can be easily described as a team player.
His favorite part of basketball is passing to his teammates, which according to him, keeps everyone involved in the game. Though Phelps sometimes likes to shoot, passing is his contribution on the court.
Phelps, 20, who is in Stevenson High School's transition program for special education students over 18, participates in Stevenson's coed interscholastic Allied sports program. It allows teens and young adults with disabilities to take part in athletics in partnership with other students who are not in the special education programs, with an emphasis on physical fitness, social skills, communication, decision making and relationship building.
The basketball program, in its second year at the Lincolnshire school, is part of the statewide Unified Special Olympics. This year, the number of participants playing basketball more than doubled, to 12 athletes and 19 partners. Bowling, soccer and spirit are the other Allied sports at Stevenson.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer Allied basketball player David Ha, left, is guarded by the Mundelein Mustangs' Isaias Hernandez during a Unified Special Olympics game at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
This season, Stevenson faced athletes from McHenry, Mundelein, Libertyville and Vernon Hills. The team heads to regional competition Saturday at Metea Valley High School in Aurora. If the team qualifies for state, it will compete March 13 and 14 at the Peoria Civic Center.
During games, there are three athletes and two partners per team. Referees work the four seven-minute quarters. When a player hit a 3-point shot during one recent game, spectators for both teams cheered.
The program fosters inclusion and gets kids out to play in a competitive environment.
"In Unified basketball, the students are expected to compete, and play defense and score. So it does create a unique opportunity for these kids," said Ryan Hutchins, who coaches along with Emma Degen.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer Stevenson High School's Allied basketball coach Emma Degen encourages players from the sidelines during a game at the Lincolnshire school.
Hutchins is a special-education teacher and girls junior varsity golf coach at Stevenson. Degen is an adaptive physical education teacher in Kildeer Countryside Elementary District 96 and Stevenson's girls varsity track and golf coach.
The program bridges a gap between students who are in special ed and those who are not, Hutchins said. Along with that, "it bridges the gap between ages and genders. We have students from our transition program, boys that are 20 years old, and we have students here that are freshmen."
That connection shows in moments such as Allied basketball athlete Jeremy Millman getting help putting on his practice vest from partner Sean Pokoski, a junior, or Allied team member Mikayla Needlman and partner Haylie Popkey, both freshmen, laughing together on the sidelines.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer Allied basketball participant Mikayla Needlman, left, shares a laugh with partner Haylie Popkey during a practice at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. Both are freshmen.
Haylie wants to pursue a career working with people with disabilities.
"I just like to see them have fun. I like interacting with them and being their friend, not just a coach. I want to be with them," Popkey said. "I am definitely going to do it all four years. It's a really good program. And it's very competitive, too."
Jesse Zhou's daughter, Shephia Zhou, is a junior and has played two years of Allied basketball. The Long Grove resident says he likes the teamwork and he's seeing Shephia's skills progress.
"She looks forward to it every day," the father said. "She is really happy with playing the game, playing with friends and seeing her team progress."
Hutchins said academics are the priority in the classroom, but being involved in extracurricular activities is just as important.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer Allied basketball athlete and Shephia Zhou, a junior, has plenty of smiles to share on the court at Stevenson High School.
"What makes a game successful is being able to see the partners and athletes interact with each other as friends and have fun doing that while playing the game of basketball. There is a sense of accomplishment for the athletes, often accompanied by their parents enjoying their achievements, that makes the season fulfilling," Hutchins said. "Allied basketball is one of the highlights of my workweek."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-14--Volunteers, customers sad about closing of Elgin's Shop and Share next month

The upcoming closing of Elgin 's Shop and Share resale store after four decades in support of the Ecker Center for Mental Health is emotional and disappointing , volunteers and customers said .
`` I 'm sad .
We 're all sad , '' said volunteer manager Judy DiFulvio .
`` I like the people I work with , and I feel like I am doing a little bit of good for somebody with this . ''
The store kicked off a half-price sale Wednesday and will close at the end of March .
It occupies a nearly 6,000-square-foot space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ave. , whose landlord wanted to raise the rent to $ 1,500 from $ 955 per month .
The store makes money from consignment fees and the sale of donated items , with all profits going to the Ecker Center , DiFulvio said .
Ecker Center CFO Tim Bates said the store 's average yearly donation to Ecker was $ 8,019 for the last four years .
The shop contributed $ 51,725 in the last 14 years , he said .
The store 's volunteers , older women mostly in their 80s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping busy for a good cause .
`` It 's a fun job , '' said volunteer Myrlene Hayes of Carpentersville .
`` And it 's a contribution to Ecker Center , '' said volunteer Betty Villella of South Elgin .
Customer Sandy Skulski of Elgin said she gives a lot of credit to the volunteers .
`` I 'm very sad , '' she said .
`` These ladies are awesome .
I always think they are doing their best and they are so friendly .
And ( Ecker ) is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The closing initially was announced in mid-January but was put on hold as the Ecker Center 's board of directors considered stepping in to cover the rent increase .
The board ultimately decided against that this week , Bates said .
The volunteer group , while dedicated , has been dwindling over the years and it would be difficult for the Ecker Center to assume the eventual responsibility of running the store , Bates said .
Landlord Andrew Cuming was `` very patient and helpful in the negotiations , '' initially asking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,500 with a 30-day exit clause , Bates said .
Even with the increase , rent would have been `` well below '' market price , Bates said .
Also , while the current lease says the store should pay for all utilities , the landlord has been paying for that , Cuming and Bates said .
DiFulvio , however , said the store has paid about $ 900 per year in electric bills .
DiFulvio questioned the rent increase , saying the basement space , while large , constantly need repairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all requests for repairs , including maintenance issues that under the lease are the store 's responsibility .
The store would have to pay for all utilities moving forward .
Coupled with the rent increase , the total expenses would probably exceed any contribution to Ecker , Bates said .
Cuming also had offered Shop and Share a rental unit on the building 's first floor for $ 1,500 a month , saying he would take care of the move .
That unit is too small to accommodate the store 's needs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new space altogether ?
DiFulvio said that 's pretty much an impossible proposition , what with paying for moving costs and the volunteers not being as sprightly as they once were .
`` All our customers are upset , but it 's the way it is , '' she said .

Volunteers, customers sad about closing of Elgin's Shop and Share next month
The upcoming closing of Elgin's Shop and Share resale store after four decades in support of the Ecker Center for Mental Health is emotional and disappointing, volunteers and customers said.
"I'm sad. We're all sad," said volunteer manager Judy DiFulvio. "I like the people I work with, and I feel like I am doing a little bit of good for somebody with this."
The store kicked off a half-price sale Wednesday and will close at the end of March. It occupies a nearly 6,000-square-foot space in the basement of 76 S. Grove Ave., whose landlord wanted to raise the rent to $1,500 from $955 per month. The store makes money from consignment fees and the sale of donated items, with all profits going to the Ecker Center, DiFulvio said.
Ecker Center CFO Tim Bates said the store's average yearly donation to Ecker was $8,019 for the last four years. The shop contributed $51,725 in the last 14 years, he said.
The store's volunteers, older women mostly in their 80s, said they have forged friendships and enjoy keeping busy for a good cause. "It's a fun job," said volunteer Myrlene Hayes of Carpentersville.
"And it's a contribution to Ecker Center," said volunteer Betty Villella of South Elgin.
Customer Sandy Skulski of Elgin said she gives a lot of credit to the volunteers.
"I'm very sad," she said. "These ladies are awesome. I always think they are doing their best and they are so friendly. And (Ecker) is a worthwhile organization to fundraise for."
The closing initially was announced in mid-January but was put on hold as the Ecker Center's board of directors considered stepping in to cover the rent increase. The board ultimately decided against that this week, Bates said.
The volunteer group, while dedicated, has been dwindling over the years and it would be difficult for the Ecker Center to assume the eventual responsibility of running the store, Bates said.
Landlord Andrew Cuming was "very patient and helpful in the negotiations," initially asking for $1,600 monthly and lowering that to $1,500 with a 30-day exit clause, Bates said. Even with the increase, rent would have been "well below" market price, Bates said.
Also, while the current lease says the store should pay for all utilities, the landlord has been paying for that, Cuming and Bates said. DiFulvio, however, said the store has paid about $900 per year in electric bills.
DiFulvio questioned the rent increase, saying the basement space, while large, constantly need repairs. Cuming said he's responded to all requests for repairs, including maintenance issues that under the lease are the store's responsibility.
The store would have to pay for all utilities moving forward. Coupled with the rent increase, the total expenses would probably exceed any contribution to Ecker, Bates said.
Cuming also had offered Shop and Share a rental unit on the building's first floor for $1,500 a month, saying he would take care of the move. That unit is too small to accommodate the store's needs, DiFulvio said.
So what about finding a new space altogether? DiFulvio said that's pretty much an impossible proposition, what with paying for moving costs and the volunteers not being as sprightly as they once were.
"All our customers are upset, but it's the way it is," she said.