dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Weinstein jury indicates it is split on most serious counts

NEW YORK -- The jury deliberating in Harvey Weinstein 's rape trial indicated Friday that it is deadlocked on the most serious charges .
In a note sent to the judge during their lunch break , jurors posed a question asking if it were permissible for them to be hung on two counts of predatory sexual assault while reaching a unanimous verdict on other charges .
After consulting with prosecutors and Weinstein 's lawyers , Judge James Burke told the jury of seven men and five women to keep working toward a unanimous verdict on all charges and sent them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers said they would accept a partial verdict , but prosecutors said no and Burke refused to do so .
The jury , in its fourth day of deliberations , has been particularly focused on the key aspect of both predatory sexual assault counts : `` Sopranos '' actress Annabella Sciorra 's allegations that Weinstein raped and forcibly performed oral sex on her in the mid-1990s .
Jurors started the day Friday by listening to a reading of Sciorra 's cross-examination and follow-up questioning by prosecutors .
About 90 minutes into the reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had `` heard enough '' and resumed their deliberations .
Sciorra testified nearly a month ago .
She was the first accuser to testify in the closely watched # MeToo trial .
The jury has already focused on emails that Weinstein sent regarding Sciorra , including ones to the private Israeli spy agency he allegedly enlisted to dig up dirt on would-be accusers as reporters were working on stories about allegations against him in 2017 .
Sciorra , now 59 , was the first accuser to testify and took the witness stand nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the once-powerful movie mogul showed up unexpectedly at the door of her Manhattan apartment before barging in and raping and forcibly performing oral sex on her in late 1993 or early 1994 .
On cross-examination , Sciorra was grilled about why she opened her door in the first place and did n't find a way to escape if she was under attack .
Weinstein lawyer Donna Rotunno asked : `` Why did n't you try to run out of the apartment ?
Did you scratch him ?
Try to poke him in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only about 110 pounds in those days , making her no match for the 300-pound Weinstein .
`` He was too big '' to fight off , she told the jury .
`` He was frightening . ''
Weinstein , 67 , is charged with five counts stemming from the allegations of Sciorra and two other women -- an aspiring actress who says he raped her in March 2013 and a former film and TV production assistant , Mimi Haleyi , who says he forcibly performed oral sex on her in March 2006 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most serious charges that jurors are weighing in the case -- two counts of predatory sexual assault , which carry a maximum penalty of life in prison .
The charge requires prosecutors to show that a defendant committed a prior rape or other sex crime , but does n't have the statue of limitation constraints that would bar her allegations from consideration on their own .
Weinstein has maintained any sexual encounters were consensual .
The Associated Press has a policy of not publishing the names of people who allege sexual assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name of the 2013 rape accuser because it is n't clear whether she wishes to be identified publicly .
Sciorra went public in a story in The New Yorker in October 2017 after one of the few people she says she told about the incident , actress Rosie Perez , got word to reporter Ronan Farrow that he should call her .
Sciorra did n't get involved in the criminal case until later .
Her allegations were n't part of the original indictment when Weinstein was arrested in May 2018 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an updated one last August .
Weinstein 's lawyers fought to get her nixed from the case in the run-up to the trial , arguing to no avail that prosecutors should n't be allowed to use her claims because they predated the enactment of the predatory sexual assault charge in 2006 .
Weinstein 's lawyers have also argued that it 's plainly unfair to make the producer defend himself against something alleged to have happened more than a quarter-century ago .
They contend prosecutors shoehorned Sciorra into the case to get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Annabella was brought into this case for one reason and one reason only , '' Rotunno said in her closing argument last week .
`` She was brought in so there would be one witness who had some star power , one witness you may recognize and one witness whose name may mean something . ''

Weinstein jury indicates it is split on most serious counts
NEW YORK -- The jury deliberating in Harvey Weinstein's rape trial indicated Friday that it is deadlocked on the most serious charges.
In a note sent to the judge during their lunch break, jurors posed a question asking if it were permissible for them to be hung on two counts of predatory sexual assault while reaching a unanimous verdict on other charges.
After consulting with prosecutors and Weinstein's lawyers, Judge James Burke told the jury of seven men and five women to keep working toward a unanimous verdict on all charges and sent them back to continue deliberating.
Weinstein's lawyers said they would accept a partial verdict, but prosecutors said no and Burke refused to do so.
The jury, in its fourth day of deliberations, has been particularly focused on the key aspect of both predatory sexual assault counts: "Sopranos" actress Annabella Sciorra's allegations that Weinstein raped and forcibly performed oral sex on her in the mid-1990s.
Jurors started the day Friday by listening to a reading of Sciorra's cross-examination and follow-up questioning by prosecutors. About 90 minutes into the reading, the jurors notified the judge they had "heard enough" and resumed their deliberations.
Sciorra testified nearly a month ago. She was the first accuser to testify in the closely watched #MeToo trial.
The jury has already focused on emails that Weinstein sent regarding Sciorra, including ones to the private Israeli spy agency he allegedly enlisted to dig up dirt on would-be accusers as reporters were working on stories about allegations against him in 2017.
Sciorra, now 59, was the first accuser to testify and took the witness stand nearly a month ago, telling jurors how the once-powerful movie mogul showed up unexpectedly at the door of her Manhattan apartment before barging in and raping and forcibly performing oral sex on her in late 1993 or early 1994.
On cross-examination, Sciorra was grilled about why she opened her door in the first place and didn't find a way to escape if she was under attack.
Weinstein lawyer Donna Rotunno asked: "Why didn't you try to run out of the apartment? Did you scratch him? Try to poke him in the eyes?"
Prosecutors say Sciorra weighed only about 110 pounds in those days, making her no match for the 300-pound Weinstein.
"He was too big" to fight off, she told the jury. "He was frightening."
Weinstein, 67, is charged with five counts stemming from the allegations of Sciorra and two other women -- an aspiring actress who says he raped her in March 2013 and a former film and TV production assistant, Mimi Haleyi, who says he forcibly performed oral sex on her in March 2006.
Sciorra's accusations are key to the most serious charges that jurors are weighing in the case -- two counts of predatory sexual assault, which carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The charge requires prosecutors to show that a defendant committed a prior rape or other sex crime, but doesn't have the statue of limitation constraints that would bar her allegations from consideration on their own.
Weinstein has maintained any sexual encounters were consensual.
The Associated Press has a policy of not publishing the names of people who allege sexual assault without their consent. It is withholding the name of the 2013 rape accuser because it isn't clear whether she wishes to be identified publicly.
Sciorra went public in a story in The New Yorker in October 2017 after one of the few people she says she told about the incident, actress Rosie Perez, got word to reporter Ronan Farrow that he should call her.
Sciorra didn't get involved in the criminal case until later. Her allegations weren't part of the original indictment when Weinstein was arrested in May 2018, but after some legal shuffling they were included in an updated one last August.
Weinstein's lawyers fought to get her nixed from the case in the run-up to the trial, arguing to no avail that prosecutors shouldn't be allowed to use her claims because they predated the enactment of the predatory sexual assault charge in 2006.
Weinstein's lawyers have also argued that it's plainly unfair to make the producer defend himself against something alleged to have happened more than a quarter-century ago. They contend prosecutors shoehorned Sciorra into the case to get a marquee name on the witness stand.
"Annabella was brought into this case for one reason and one reason only," Rotunno said in her closing argument last week. "She was brought in so there would be one witness who had some star power, one witness you may recognize and one witness whose name may mean something."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Man convicted of stabbing 2 people to death who tried to stop racist rant against black women on Por

PORTLAND , Ore. -- Man convicted of stabbing 2 people to death who tried to stop racist rant against black @ @ @ @ @ , train .

Man convicted of stabbing 2 people to death who tried to stop racist rant against black women on Portland, Oregon, train
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Man convicted of stabbing 2 people to death who tried to stop racist rant against black women on Portland, Oregon, train.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Owners seek to disconnect Loeber Farm site from Schaumburg

For the moment , there seems to be little hope of a compromise or settlement that would keep a lawsuit seeking to disconnect the 33-acre Loeber Farm along Meacham Road from the village of Schaumburg from going to trial this year .
The Loebers , which have owned the land since 1948 and also owns Loeber Motors in Lincolnwood , is seeking the disconnection out of what they describe as frustration with their inability to sell the land to a developer for 18 years .
And it is the village of Schaumburg 's development standards for the site that Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no proposal during that time has proved affordable .
`` Schaumburg has made it so onerous and so difficult that no one can afford to build on it , '' the 88-year-old CEO of Loeber Motors said .
`` Schaumburg has made it so onerous and so difficult that no one can afford to build on it , '' the 88-year-old CEO of Loeber Motors said .
But village officials , who have a longtime preference for single-family homes there , have a different take on the matter , believing that the Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impact on keeping the site undeveloped .
The village board did approve Toll Brothers ' proposal for a 55-home development there in 2005 , and Dartmoor Homes later submitted a somewhat similar proposal in 2007 shortly before the recession 's devastating impact on the housing market , Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said .
But Loeber said even what the village approved earlier for Toll Brothers was n't achievable .
`` What they approved was something Toll Brothers could n't afford to do , '' he said .
Schaumburg Mayor Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit because there is a recognized value in keeping the property in Schaumburg .
But his recent offer of compromise was rejected by Loeber .
The property is bordered by the International Village apartment complex to the south , The Treehouse of Schaumburg apartment complex along some of its western edge , and single-family homes in the city of Rolling Meadows on the north .
Because the site is bisected by Salt Creek , Dailly suggested allowing townhouses on the south side that would border the apartment complexes , but only single-family homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rolling Meadows neighborhood .
`` I think it would take just a little bit of flexibility on everyone 's part , '' Dailly said .
But while Loeber agreed that only single-family homes on the north side of the creek might be acceptable to the Rolling Meadows neighbors , he insists that only apartments or an assisted living facility would do for the south side .
Dailly insisted equally that assisted living would not be acceptable in that area .
Loeber said that if the land were disconnected from Schaumburg , a future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in unincorporated Cook County or Rolling Meadows , or to try to return to Schaumburg with greater negotiating leverage .
But he added that he wo n't ask another potential buyer to spend money developing a plan to run past Schaumburg first .
`` It comes down to him , '' Dailly said of Loeber 's role in working out a compromise .
`` He wants out of Schaumburg . ''

Owners seek to disconnect Loeber Farm site from Schaumburg
For the moment, there seems to be little hope of a compromise or settlement that would keep a lawsuit seeking to disconnect the 33-acre Loeber Farm along Meacham Road from the village of Schaumburg from going to trial this year.
The Loebers, which have owned the land since 1948 and also owns Loeber Motors in Lincolnwood, is seeking the disconnection out of what they describe as frustration with their inability to sell the land to a developer for 18 years.
And it is the village of Schaumburg's development standards for the site that Paul Loeber of Barrington Hills says are why no proposal during that time has proved affordable. "Schaumburg has made it so onerous and so difficult that no one can afford to build on it," the 88-year-old CEO of Loeber Motors said.
"Schaumburg has made it so onerous and so difficult that no one can afford to build on it," the 88-year-old CEO of Loeber Motors said.
But village officials, who have a longtime preference for single-family homes there, have a different take on the matter, believing that the Great Recession has had at least as large an impact on keeping the site undeveloped.
The village board did approve Toll Brothers' proposal for a 55-home development there in 2005, and Dartmoor Homes later submitted a somewhat similar proposal in 2007 shortly before the recession's devastating impact on the housing market, Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said.
But Loeber said even what the village approved earlier for Toll Brothers wasn't achievable.
"What they approved was something Toll Brothers couldn't afford to do," he said.
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said the village is fighting the lawsuit because there is a recognized value in keeping the property in Schaumburg. But his recent offer of compromise was rejected by Loeber.
The property is bordered by the International Village apartment complex to the south, The Treehouse of Schaumburg apartment complex along some of its western edge, and single-family homes in the city of Rolling Meadows on the north.
Because the site is bisected by Salt Creek, Dailly suggested allowing townhouses on the south side that would border the apartment complexes, but only single-family homes on the north side near the existing Rolling Meadows neighborhood.
"I think it would take just a little bit of flexibility on everyone's part," Dailly said.
But while Loeber agreed that only single-family homes on the north side of the creek might be acceptable to the Rolling Meadows neighbors, he insists that only apartments or an assisted living facility would do for the south side.
Dailly insisted equally that assisted living would not be acceptable in that area.
Loeber said that if the land were disconnected from Schaumburg, a future buyer would have the option to develop it in unincorporated Cook County or Rolling Meadows, or to try to return to Schaumburg with greater negotiating leverage. But he added that he won't ask another potential buyer to spend money developing a plan to run past Schaumburg first.
"It comes down to him," Dailly said of Loeber's role in working out a compromise. "He wants out of Schaumburg."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Man serving 70 years prison for murder of Aurora boy again wants new trial

A man serving a 70-year prison term for killing a 6-year-old boy as he slept in his grandparents ' Aurora home in a 1996 shooting intended for a rival gang member wants a new trial .
Mark A. Downs , 43 , formerly of Montgomery , argued Friday his attorney did n't follow up on an alibi defense and that jurors did n't know the full context of a key witness who made a deal with prosecutors to testify .
Downs was convicted in April 2009 of first-degree murder of Nico Contreras on Nov. 10 , 1996 .
Prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival gang member when he fired a handgun into a bedroom window on Aurora 's east side , killing Nicholas as he slept .
The case remained unsolved until 2006 , when authorities uncovered new evidence .
An appellate court later overturned the conviction , stating a judge erred when a juror asked to define `` reasonable doubt . ''
The state 's Supreme Court later reinstated the conviction .
On Friday , Downs ' new attorney , Don Zuelke , argued jurors were banned from hearing all the details about Ruben Davila @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement under which he was not charged in Nico 's killing and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in an unrelated murder .
`` The jury is back there deliberating ( Davila 's ) credibility and they do n't have a clear picture , '' Zuelke said .
Also Friday , Downs testified his attorney in the 2009 trial -- then Kane County Public Defender David Kliment , now a Kane County judge -- ignored Downs ' alibi defense that he was working a 6 p.m.-to-6 a.m. shift as a temporary worker at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nico was killed .
Downs ' brother , Christopher , also testified Friday the two were at work from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10 , 1996 .
Christopher Downs testified he tried to tell Kliment when the trial began that he wanted to testify in his brother 's defense , but Kliment would have none of it .
On cross examination , Christopher Downs admitted he never told police , prosecutors , the FBI or anyone else about his brother 's supposed alibi before the trial began .
Mark Downs also acknowledged when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Nico 's murder that he told investigators he was out partying with another couple , and did not say he was working at the time .
Kane County Assistant State 's Attorney Mark Stajdohar argued Kliment was unable to verify with the candle factory whether Downs was working Nov. 9 and 10 , 1996 , and that Kliment 's decision not to focus on Downs ' supposed alibi came down to trial strategy .
Also , Stajdohar noted Judge Timothy Sheldon , who is now retired , allowed Kliment to cross-examine Davila @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheldon initially ruled against that line of questioning .
`` The defendant is entitled to receive a fair trial , not a perfect trial , '' Stajdohar said .
In April 2008 , Downs ' co-defendant , Elias R. Diaz , 40 , of Aurora , was convicted of first-degree murder for ordering the supposed gang hit , and he is serving a 60-year sentence .
At his sentencing in 2010 , Downs said `` I 'm absolutely 100 percent not guilty of this crime . ''
But a judge issued a 70-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 17-year term Downs was already serving for an attempted murder conviction in Kane County in 2004 .
The earliest he could be released is April 2054 .

Man serving 70 years prison for murder of Aurora boy again wants new trial
A man serving a 70-year prison term for killing a 6-year-old boy as he slept in his grandparents' Aurora home in a 1996 shooting intended for a rival gang member wants a new trial.
Mark A. Downs, 43, formerly of Montgomery, argued Friday his attorney didn't follow up on an alibi defense and that jurors didn't know the full context of a key witness who made a deal with prosecutors to testify.
Downs was convicted in April 2009 of first-degree murder of Nico Contreras on Nov. 10, 1996. Prosecutors said Downs believed he was shooting at a rival gang member when he fired a handgun into a bedroom window on Aurora's east side, killing Nicholas as he slept. The case remained unsolved until 2006, when authorities uncovered new evidence.
Nicholas "Nico" Contreras was killed by a stray bullet in 1996 that was intended for a gang member.
An appellate court later overturned the conviction, stating a judge erred when a juror asked to define "reasonable doubt." The state's Supreme Court later reinstated the conviction.
On Friday, Downs' new attorney, Don Zuelke, argued jurors were banned from hearing all the details about Ruben Davila, a gang member who had an agreement under which he was not charged in Nico's killing and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in an unrelated murder.
"The jury is back there deliberating (Davila's) credibility and they don't have a clear picture," Zuelke said.
Also Friday, Downs testified his attorney in the 2009 trial -- then Kane County Public Defender David Kliment, now a Kane County judge -- ignored Downs' alibi defense that he was working a 6 p.m.-to-6 a.m. shift as a temporary worker at a West Chicago candle factory the night Nico was killed.
Downs' brother, Christopher, also testified Friday the two were at work from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10, 1996.
Christopher Downs testified he tried to tell Kliment when the trial began that he wanted to testify in his brother's defense, but Kliment would have none of it. On cross examination, Christopher Downs admitted he never told police, prosecutors, the FBI or anyone else about his brother's supposed alibi before the trial began.
Mark Downs also acknowledged when he was questioned by police 10 days after Nico's murder that he told investigators he was out partying with another couple, and did not say he was working at the time.
Kane County Assistant State's Attorney Mark Stajdohar argued Kliment was unable to verify with the candle factory whether Downs was working Nov. 9 and 10, 1996, and that Kliment's decision not to focus on Downs' supposed alibi came down to trial strategy. Also, Stajdohar noted Judge Timothy Sheldon, who is now retired, allowed Kliment to cross-examine Davila about parts of his plea agreement after Sheldon initially ruled against that line of questioning.
"The defendant is entitled to receive a fair trial, not a perfect trial," Stajdohar said.
In April 2008, Downs' co-defendant, Elias R. Diaz, 40, of Aurora, was convicted of first-degree murder for ordering the supposed gang hit, and he is serving a 60-year sentence.
At his sentencing in 2010, Downs said "I'm absolutely 100 percent not guilty of this crime." But a judge issued a 70-year sentence that would be served consecutive to a 17-year term Downs was already serving for an attempted murder conviction in Kane County in 2004. The earliest he could be released is April 2054.
Kane County Judge D.J. Tegeler will issue his decision April 3.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Is your park district also a landlord? And what rent does it charge?

Ryan Risinger might have the shortest commute of any park district director in the suburbs .
That 's if you call the roughly 200-foot walk from his house on Bernard Drive to the back door of the Buffalo Grove Park District 's Alcott Center a commute .
It 's not an accident the park district 's director lives so close to the agency 's administrative headquarters .
The park district owns the house where Risinger and his wife reside .
The park district used to own three houses in a row , but two were torn down to improve access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted the job as the park district 's director in 2014 , he also agreed to move into the remaining house .
He pays no rent , and he also does n't have to pay income taxes on the perk since the board considers his proximity a `` convenience to the employer . ''
`` There are myriad events the park district runs , and the board wants me to attend those as much as I can , '' Risinger said .
`` I can certainly attend many of those things much easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenant of a suburban park district .
A Daily Herald investigation revealed 14 park districts own housing that in most cases is leased to employees or the public , or , as in Risinger 's case , offered as part of a compensation package .
In most cases , the houses came along with property that has been or will be converted to park land .
Meanwhile , the park district becomes a landlord .
Some critics argue removing homes from the tax rolls shifts that tax burden onto neighboring property owners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain the homes .
`` It 's hard to make a connection with what the taxpayers are getting out of these rental deals , '' said Laurence Msall , head of The Civic Federation , a nonpartisan government research organization that specializes in Illinois tax and financial policy .
`` It 's difficult to justify and outside the scope of a park district 's mission .
And the districts should prove the benefit to the taxpayers of taking a property off the tax rolls . ''
The 14 park districts own 24 houses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Combined , the 24 homes generate more than $ 17,000 a month in rent , the park districts reported .
Tenants in six of the properties paid no rent , either because the houses were part of a compensation package for the park district employee , or because sellers still live in the homes and had negotiated their continued occupancy as part of the deal .
West Chicago Park District Executive Director Gary Major lives rent-free in a house owned by the park district he oversees .
In Palatine , an employee of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lodging as part of his employment agreement .
On the high end , the Lombard Park District receives $ 1,925 a month from a couple who rent a house with five bedrooms and 3½ bathrooms adjacent to Madison Meadow Park .
On the other end of the spectrum , Dundee Township Park District receives $ 450 a month from a park district golf pro who rents an apartment above the Bonnie Dundee Golf Course clubhouse .
Most of the park districts rent properties to their employees .
`` The benefit is having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call on them if something occurs , '' said Dave Peterson , Dundee Township Park District executive director .
`` But we 're trying to get out of the landlord business . ''
The Downers Grove Park District paid $ 603,000 for a house near its Lyman Woods park property last month .
Eventually , the park district will probably raze the house to add more park space or construct a storage building , district officials said .
Previous owners of the house paid more than $ 6,000 a year in property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government entities do n't pay property taxes .
`` It is definitely a concern that you 're losing parcels when park districts buy residential properties , because you 're taking a parcel off the tax rolls and the burden is getting spread around to everyone else in a very small way , '' said Chris Goodman , an associate professor of public administration at Northern Illinois University .
Conversely , Goodman said , the rental income could help offset the cost of purchasing the property and save taxpayers some money .
`` Trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and being a landlord in the interim seems like good planning as long as it 's done well . ''
The Illinois Association of Park Districts has no recommended best practices for dealing with purchased land that contains dwellings .
The Arlington Heights Park District owns a house and a triplex on South Belmont Avenue adjacent to Recreation Park .
Eventually , the district would like to buy a third residential property and a commercial lot to expand the park .
For now , the district 's residential units are rented to four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are earning back the capital used to buy the property until it can be developed to become part of the park , '' said Steve Scholten , the district 's interim executive director .
Meanwhile , the public lacks access to the property while tenants are leasing it , others point out .
The Fox Valley Park District in Aurora leases a home at its Blackberry Farm living history museum to a park district electrician who works at the site .
But aside from such rare exceptions , `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing real estate , '' said Jim Pilmer , the park district 's executive director .
Pilmer suggested if a district buys land and ends up with a house that is n't part of the park 's master plan , `` the property could be ( demolished ) and turned into a parking lot until the district gets the land it needs to realize their plans .
Every park could use more parking . ''

Is your park district also a landlord? And what rent does it charge?
Ryan Risinger might have the shortest commute of any park district director in the suburbs.
That's if you call the roughly 200-foot walk from his house on Bernard Drive to the back door of the Buffalo Grove Park District's Alcott Center a commute.
It's not an accident the park district's director lives so close to the agency's administrative headquarters. The park district owns the house where Risinger and his wife reside.
The park district used to own three houses in a row, but two were torn down to improve access to the Alcott Center. When Risinger accepted the job as the park district's director in 2014, he also agreed to move into the remaining house.
He pays no rent, and he also doesn't have to pay income taxes on the perk since the board considers his proximity a "convenience to the employer."
"There are myriad events the park district runs, and the board wants me to attend those as much as I can," Risinger said. "I can certainly attend many of those things much easier."
Risinger isn't the only tenant of a suburban park district. A Daily Herald investigation revealed 14 park districts own housing that in most cases is leased to employees or the public, or, as in Risinger's case, offered as part of a compensation package.
In most cases, the houses came along with property that has been or will be converted to park land. Meanwhile, the park district becomes a landlord.
Some critics argue removing homes from the tax rolls shifts that tax burden onto neighboring property owners. Meanwhile, park district taxpayers pay to maintain the homes.
"It's hard to make a connection with what the taxpayers are getting out of these rental deals," said Laurence Msall, head of The Civic Federation, a nonpartisan government research organization that specializes in Illinois tax and financial policy. "It's difficult to justify and outside the scope of a park district's mission. And the districts should prove the benefit to the taxpayers of taking a property off the tax rolls."
The 14 park districts own 24 houses or apartments that have tenant agreements. Combined, the 24 homes generate more than $17,000 a month in rent, the park districts reported.
Tenants in six of the properties paid no rent, either because the houses were part of a compensation package for the park district employee, or because sellers still live in the homes and had negotiated their continued occupancy as part of the deal.
West Chicago Park District Executive Director Gary Major lives rent-free in a house owned by the park district he oversees. In Palatine, an employee of the park district's stables receives free lodging as part of his employment agreement.
On the high end, the Lombard Park District receives $1,925 a month from a couple who rent a house with five bedrooms and 3½ bathrooms adjacent to Madison Meadow Park. On the other end of the spectrum, Dundee Township Park District receives $450 a month from a park district golf pro who rents an apartment above the Bonnie Dundee Golf Course clubhouse.
Most of the park districts rent properties to their employees. "The benefit is having a body at these facilities and being able to call on them if something occurs," said Dave Peterson, Dundee Township Park District executive director. "But we're trying to get out of the landlord business."
The Downers Grove Park District paid $603,000 for a house near its Lyman Woods park property last month. Eventually, the park district will probably raze the house to add more park space or construct a storage building, district officials said.
Previous owners of the house paid more than $6,000 a year in property taxes, but park districts and other government entities don't pay property taxes.
"It is definitely a concern that you're losing parcels when park districts buy residential properties, because you're taking a parcel off the tax rolls and the burden is getting spread around to everyone else in a very small way," said Chris Goodman, an associate professor of public administration at Northern Illinois University.
Conversely, Goodman said, the rental income could help offset the cost of purchasing the property and save taxpayers some money. "Trying to plan for expansion of a park and being a landlord in the interim seems like good planning as long as it's done well."
The Illinois Association of Park Districts has no recommended best practices for dealing with purchased land that contains dwellings.
- Jake Griffin | Staff Photographer The Arlington Heights Park District bought this house on South Belmont Avenue in 2000 and rents it to a park district employee. A triplex two doors down is also owned by the park district and rented to three employees.
The Arlington Heights Park District owns a house and a triplex on South Belmont Avenue adjacent to Recreation Park. Eventually, the district would like to buy a third residential property and a commercial lot to expand the park. For now, the district's residential units are rented to four employees for almost $34,000 a year.
"We are earning back the capital used to buy the property until it can be developed to become part of the park," said Steve Scholten, the district's interim executive director.
Meanwhile, the public lacks access to the property while tenants are leasing it, others point out.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer The Fox Valley Park District owns this old farmhouse adjacent to Blackberry Farm in Aurora, where a Fox Valley Park District employee lives.
The Fox Valley Park District in Aurora leases a home at its Blackberry Farm living history museum to a park district electrician who works at the site. But aside from such rare exceptions, "we shouldn't be in the business of managing real estate," said Jim Pilmer, the park district's executive director.
Pilmer suggested if a district buys land and ends up with a house that isn't part of the park's master plan, "the property could be (demolished) and turned into a parking lot until the district gets the land it needs to realize their plans. Every park could use more parking."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Constable: Palatine author goes from bikini-clad warriors to female filmmakers

The 26th book from Palatine author David C. Smith tells the story of fictional silent film star Catherine Farr , who is smart , beautiful and modeled after one of several strong and powerful women who really did run the filmmaking business a century ago in Chicago .
`` As the narrative progresses and Catherine 's work becomes more political , Smith effectively and appropriately dramatizes the struggles that she faces , both as a woman and as a filmmaker , '' reads this month 's Kirkus review of Smith 's `` Bright Star , '' a mystery with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 Palatine .
A generation ago , Smith was writing about a different type of strong and independent woman -- Red Sonja .
`` She lived in a world ruled by soldiers and sorcerers , and she was more than a match for any of them , '' reads the paperback cover of `` Red Sonja : Star of Doom , '' which features the heroine walking softly in a skimpy loincloth and carrying a big sword .
Smith teamed with Richard L. Tierney to co-author a series of Red Sonja books .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sword and sorcery cult following , beginning with the publication of his first novel , `` Oron , '' which he wrote as a student at Youngstown State University and which was published in 1978 .
`` His broadsword was wielded for women and wealth , and for the one they called Amrik , the bull man , '' reads the description of Oron on the cover , which shows the armored warrior holding a nasty-looking battle axe .
Smith 's coffee table in the Palatine home he shares with his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lily , ca n't contain all the sword and sorcery books he wrote into the 1980s .
Many of his stories appeared in small chapbooks and fanzines .
`` They paid very little , but that 's how we learned to write .
This was our school , '' Smith says of the fraternity of authors .
`` This one took a month , I got so good at it , '' he says of one book .
`` This one I like because he looks a lot like me , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grabs a book cover featuring a muscular and shirtless warrior with long , flowing hair .
`` It was guys who looked like this saving babes and fighting monsters .
And I was having fun .
I 'm a cult author .
I 've got fans around the world . ''
One of his stories , `` Engor 's Sword Arm , '' inspired the song `` Sword Arm , '' by the Siberian metal band Blacksword .
Smith 's literary agent back then , Kirby McCauley , also helped promote a promising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horror genre and King exploded on the literary scene .
The sword and sorcery market faded as readers embraced high fantasy stories such as J.R.R .
Tolkien 's `` The Hobbit '' and `` The Lord of the Rings . ''
`` In the mid-'80s , we got Tolkien-type literature , world building , dynasties , '' Smith says .
The sword and sorcery books fell to the wayside , and Smith found more traditional work as a medical editor in Cleveland .
He came to Chicago in 1996 as editor of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Rosemont before his retirement .
He 's written books outside the sword and sorcery world , including a textbook titled `` Understanding English : How Sentences Work '' and an award-winning 2018 biography of Robert E. Howard , the writer who popularized the sword and sorcery genre and created the character of Conan the Barbarian before taking his own life at age 30 in 1936 .
Smith also has written some scary books , such as `` Dark Muse '' about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical fiction , and his new book led him to research the film industry in Chicago from 1912 to 1920 .
`` Women were some of the first to make movies , '' Smith says .
`` They were writing the scripts .
They were running the cameras .
They were cutting the film . ''
Coming on the heels of female directors being snubbed at this year 's Oscars , a book about female filmmakers sounds like a movie idea .
`` If you want to pass the idea along , be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is comfortable being the writer he is .
`` I felt bad for a while because I really wanted to be Stephen King . ''
But Smith 's books never fade away .
He 'll be in demand at the 20th annual Windy City Pulp and Paper Convention April 17-19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard , where fans of the old sword and sorcery genre gather .
`` In the long run , '' Smith says , `` I 'll still be there when others are forgotten . ''

Constable: Palatine author goes from bikini-clad warriors to female filmmakers
The 26th book from Palatine author David C. Smith tells the story of fictional silent film star Catherine Farr, who is smart, beautiful and modeled after one of several strong and powerful women who really did run the filmmaking business a century ago in Chicago.
"As the narrative progresses and Catherine's work becomes more political, Smith effectively and appropriately dramatizes the struggles that she faces, both as a woman and as a filmmaker," reads this month's Kirkus review of Smith's "Bright Star," a mystery with a dual timeline of early 20th-century Chicago and 2014 Palatine.
A generation ago, Smith was writing about a different type of strong and independent woman -- Red Sonja.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer She might have been wearing a revealing chainmail bikini on the book cover, but fantasy character Red Sonja was such a strong and independent woman that co-author David C. Smith of Palatine got thank-you letters from female fans.
"She lived in a world ruled by soldiers and sorcerers, and she was more than a match for any of them," reads the paperback cover of "Red Sonja: Star of Doom," which features the heroine walking softly in a skimpy loincloth and carrying a big sword.
Smith teamed with Richard L. Tierney to co-author a series of Red Sonja books. Even before that, Smith had created a sword and sorcery cult following, beginning with the publication of his first novel, "Oron," which he wrote as a student at Youngstown State University and which was published in 1978.
"His broadsword was wielded for women and wealth, and for the one they called Amrik, the bull man," reads the description of Oron on the cover, which shows the armored warrior holding a nasty-looking battle axe.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer David C. Smith wrote his first book, "Oron," while in college. The Palatine resident has built a cult following for his books and short stories in the sword and sorcery genre.
Smith's coffee table in the Palatine home he shares with his wife, Janine, and their 13-year-old daughter, Lily, can't contain all the sword and sorcery books he wrote into the 1980s. Many of his stories appeared in small chapbooks and fanzines. "They paid very little, but that's how we learned to write. This was our school," Smith says of the fraternity of authors.
"This one took a month, I got so good at it," he says of one book.
"This one I like because he looks a lot like me," jokes Smith, 67, as he grabs a book cover featuring a muscular and shirtless warrior with long, flowing hair. "It was guys who looked like this saving babes and fighting monsters. And I was having fun. I'm a cult author. I've got fans around the world."
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer More than 40 years ago, writers David C. Smith and Stephen King had the same agent. King went into horror and found tremendous success. Smith, who lives in Palatine, has a cult following for his books in the sword and sorcery genre.
One of his stories, "Engor's Sword Arm," inspired the song "Sword Arm," by the Siberian metal band Blacksword.
Smith's literary agent back then, Kirby McCauley, also helped promote a promising horror writer, Stephen King. The horror genre and King exploded on the literary scene. The sword and sorcery market faded as readers embraced high fantasy stories such as J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
"In the mid-'80s, we got Tolkien-type literature, world building, dynasties," Smith says. The sword and sorcery books fell to the wayside, and Smith found more traditional work as a medical editor in Cleveland. He came to Chicago in 1996 as editor of an ophthalmology journal and later was managing editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Rosemont before his retirement.
He's written books outside the sword and sorcery world, including a textbook titled "Understanding English: How Sentences Work" and an award-winning 2018 biography of Robert E. Howard, the writer who popularized the sword and sorcery genre and created the character of Conan the Barbarian before taking his own life at age 30 in 1936. Smith also has written some scary books, such as "Dark Muse" about a serial killer. But his love is historical fiction, and his new book led him to research the film industry in Chicago from 1912 to 1920.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Palatine resident David C. Smith had his first book published when he was 24 and built a cult following writing sword and sorcery stories, many featuring strong women such as Red Sonja. His latest novel, "Bright Star," is a fictional mystery revolving around the women working in the silent film industry in early 20th-century Chicago.
"Women were some of the first to make movies," Smith says. "They were writing the scripts. They were running the cameras. They were cutting the film."
Coming on the heels of female directors being snubbed at this year's Oscars, a book about female filmmakers sounds like a movie idea.
"If you want to pass the idea along, be my guest," says Smith, who is comfortable being the writer he is. "I felt bad for a while because I really wanted to be Stephen King."
But Smith's books never fade away. He'll be in demand at the 20th annual Windy City Pulp and Paper Convention April 17-19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, where fans of the old sword and sorcery genre gather.
"In the long run," Smith says, "I'll still be there when others are forgotten."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Naperville boy fundraises for pancreatic cancer research after grandmother diagnosed

Naperville 's Wes Selby decided he wanted to show that children can make a positive difference in the world , after learning his grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer .
Wes , 12 , a sixth-grade student at Scullen Middle School in the city , was spurred to start selling his designs of a custom-made gym shoe and streetwear to raise money for nonprofits dedicated to research for early detection tests -- and potentially a cure -- for pancreatic cancer .
The merchandise is sold through his W3S brand , which he wants to become a `` modern symbol of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cool to just see my family sort of proud and stuff , '' said Wes , who enjoys playing golf , football , lacrosse and basketball .
Wes said he felt helpless when his grandmother , 73-year-old Arlene `` Lee Lee '' Tellis , was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in August .
Already into drawing shoe and logo designs , he threw himself into creation of the sneaker that honors his grandmother 's favorite words to him : `` I love you to the moon and back . ''
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image of man landing on the moon on the inside flap of the tongue .
The red , white and blue shoes are handmade in Italy .
Selling for $ 189 , the shoes can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at aliveshoes.com/W3S , with a cut of the proceeds sent to W3S for the pancreatic cancer research contributions .
Wes ' mother , Kiersten , said W3S ' donations likely will go to Lustgarten Foundation in Woodbury , New York -- the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Selby said her family is fronting the expenses for the clothing production sold from the W3S online store at w3s.launchcart.store/shop .
Sweatshirts , long-sleeved shirts and hoodies featuring the W3S logo are among the selections at varying prices .
Tellis , a resident of Orange Park , Florida , moved in with her daughter 's family in Naperville in early February and is receiving treatment at Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center in Warrenville .
She said she was overwhelmed when she learned Wes wanted to use his shoe and clothing designs to benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fondness of Tellis ' pet phrase means a lot to her .
`` Ever since he was 4 and I would always say good night to him or send him cards , I 'd say , ' I love you to the moon and back ' and I would draw little pictures for him , '' Tellis said .
`` And then to hear that he used that phrase and that 's what inspired him for the design of these marvelous sneakers just brought tears to my eyes . ''
Wes said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shoes went on sale in January -- an effort his mother was willing to promote on her Facebook page after he received his first four orders .
The clothing line was added a few weeks ago .
Selby said her family includes Wes ' 14-year-old brother , Trent , and her husband , Brad .
Wes ' initiative has touched everyone .
`` We did n't expect this to turn into something , '' Selby said .
`` It is a dark journey , and this really is a bright spot for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see grandma proud and Wes feel proud that he 's doing something to help .
You know , a big thing that we talk about a lot in our home is kids helping , but when someone is sick , kids feel helpless . ''
Lustgarten notes that an American Cancer Society 2020 report shows an expected increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer this year .
Lustgarten officials said that demonstrates the continued need for early detection research .
Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of 9 % , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 57,000 people will be diagnosed and 47,000 people will die from pancreatic cancer in the United States this year .
• Do you know any Suburban Heroes ?
Share your story at heroes @ dailyherald.com .

Naperville boy fundraises for pancreatic cancer research after grandmother diagnosed
Naperville's Wes Selby decided he wanted to show that children can make a positive difference in the world, after learning his grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Wes, 12, a sixth-grade student at Scullen Middle School in the city, was spurred to start selling his designs of a custom-made gym shoe and streetwear to raise money for nonprofits dedicated to research for early detection tests -- and potentially a cure -- for pancreatic cancer. The merchandise is sold through his W3S brand, which he wants to become a "modern symbol of a good cause."
"It's cool to just see my family sort of proud and stuff," said Wes, who enjoys playing golf, football, lacrosse and basketball.
Wes said he felt helpless when his grandmother, 73-year-old Arlene "Lee Lee" Tellis, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in August. Already into drawing shoe and logo designs, he threw himself into creation of the sneaker that honors his grandmother's favorite words to him: "I love you to the moon and back."
His shoe is called Moonflag12 and has an image of man landing on the moon on the inside flap of the tongue. The red, white and blue shoes are handmade in Italy.
Selling for $189, the shoes can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at aliveshoes.com/W3S, with a cut of the proceeds sent to W3S for the pancreatic cancer research contributions.
Wes' mother, Kiersten, said W3S' donations likely will go to Lustgarten Foundation in Woodbury, New York -- the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the world -- and Chicago-based Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
Selby said her family is fronting the expenses for the clothing production sold from the W3S online store at w3s.launchcart.store/shop. Sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts and hoodies featuring the W3S logo are among the selections at varying prices.
Tellis, a resident of Orange Park, Florida, moved in with her daughter's family in Naperville in early February and is receiving treatment at Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center in Warrenville. She said she was overwhelmed when she learned Wes wanted to use his shoe and clothing designs to benefit people diagnosed with cancer.
Wes' fondness of Tellis' pet phrase means a lot to her.
"Ever since he was 4 and I would always say good night to him or send him cards, I'd say, 'I love you to the moon and back' and I would draw little pictures for him," Tellis said. "And then to hear that he used that phrase and that's what inspired him for the design of these marvelous sneakers just brought tears to my eyes."
Wes said he's raised at least $1,000 since the shoes went on sale in January -- an effort his mother was willing to promote on her Facebook page after he received his first four orders. The clothing line was added a few weeks ago.
Selby said her family includes Wes' 14-year-old brother, Trent, and her husband, Brad. Wes' initiative has touched everyone.
"We didn't expect this to turn into something," Selby said. "It is a dark journey, and this really is a bright spot for us all and it's nice to see grandma proud and Wes feel proud that he's doing something to help. You know, a big thing that we talk about a lot in our home is kids helping, but when someone is sick, kids feel helpless."
Lustgarten notes that an American Cancer Society 2020 report shows an expected increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer this year. Lustgarten officials said that demonstrates the continued need for early detection research.
Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of 9%, according to Lustgarten. The cancer society estimates about 57,000 people will be diagnosed and 47,000 people will die from pancreatic cancer in the United States this year.
• Do you know any Suburban Heroes? Share your story at heroes@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Get live results: Voting underway as Nevada Democrats weigh in on 2020 fight

LAS VEGAS -- Voting is underway across Nevada as the most diverse state so far has its say in the Democrats ' nomination fight .
Yet there were questions about when results from Saturday 's voting might be released under the complicated new caucus reporting process .
The Washington Post is providing live results on its website .
Just before polls opened at noon PST , Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez would n't commit to a timeline .
`` Our goal is to get results as soon as possible , '' Perez sad .
`` But also , first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Undismayed by logistics , hundreds of uniformed housekeepers and casino workers streamed into the Bellagio , one of seven casino-resorts on the Las Vegas Strip among 200 locations statewide hosting caucuses .
Nevada is the third contest on a 2020 election calendar marked by chaos and uncertainty after the opening votes in Iowa and New Hampshire , overwhelmingly white , rural states .
The first presidential contest in the West is testing the candidates ' strength with black and Latino voters for the first time in 2020 .
`` Nevada represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their appeal to a larger swath of our country , '' said state Attorney General Aaron Ford , a Democrat who is not endorsing a candidate .
Nevada 's population aligns more with the U.S. as a whole , compared with Iowa and New Hampshire : 29 % Latino , 10 % black and 9 % Asian American and Pacific Islander .
Self-described democratic socialist Bernie Sanders has emerged as the front-runner in the race so far as a half-dozen more-moderate candidates criticize one another .
Each wants to be the preferred alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take on President Donald Trump in November .
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , a moderate who has struggled with minority voters , was already playing down the caucuses and looking past Nevada .
`` This is a big day .
We 're excited .
But it is the beginning of the next chapter in our campaign , and this chapter is going to be really fast-moving because we have so many states that we 're going to be covering , and so many events , '' she told volunteers at her Las @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a critical moment for the Democratic Party .
As the Democrats struggle to find a candidate who can beat Trump , new concerns have surfaced about foreign interference in the 2020 contest .
Sanders confirmed reports that he had been briefed by U.S. officials about a month ago that Russia was trying to help his campaign as part of Moscow 's efforts to interfere in the election .
`` It was not clear what role they were going to play , '' Sanders said .
`` We were told that Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get involved in this campaign . ''
He added : `` Here 's the message to Russia : Stay out of American elections . ''
Despite the distraction , Sanders was confident about Nevada .
He has strong support from Latinos and rank-and-file union workers who have warmed to his calls to transform the nation 's economy and political system to help the working class .
There was skepticism about Pete Buttigieg 's ability to win over a more diverse set of voters after strong finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire .
Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , looked to Nevada 's voters of color to prove he still has a viable path to the nomination .
Elizabeth Warren and Klobuchar were fighting for momentum , hoping to benefit from a sudden surge of outside money from newly created super PACs .
New York billionaire Mike Bloomberg , who dominated the political conversation this week after a poor debate-stage debut , was n't on the ballot .
He 's betting everything on a series of delegate-rich states that begin voting next month .
Billionaire Tom Steyer spent more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on television advertising in Nevada , according to data obtained by The Associated Press .
The caucuses were the first since technical glitches and human errors plagued Iowa 's caucuses .
Nearly three weeks later , state Democratic officials have yet to post final results .
Party Chairman Perez said a number of factors , including early voting and potentially high turnout , could affect the tabulation and timing of results .
In addition , Nevada , like Iowa , reports three sets of data from the multistage caucus process .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , while caucus leaders can still use an online form to submit results from individual precincts , they should use a dedicated hotline to call and text in results as their primary form of reporting .
In Iowa , overwhelmed phone lines caused caucus leaders to wait on hold for hours , contributing to the delay in reporting the results .
Nevada Democrats brought in extra help from other state parties to help handle the reporting Saturday night .
Early voting is likely to pose another challenge .
State party officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-day early voting period , and a majority were first-time caucusgoers .
In 2016 , a total of 84,000 Nevada voters participated in the Democratic caucuses .
A small , but significant number of the ballots cast early were disqualified .
Of the early ballots cast , 1,744 , or 2.3 percent , were voided .
The vast majority were voided due to a lack of signature , according to the party .
Of those that were voided , 250 ballots were voided for not filling out all three selections as required , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucus site , 41-year-old Christian Nielsen , a scuba diver for the Cirque du Soleil show `` O , '' said he 's backing Sanders because he believes the country needs a `` major change in the White House . ''
`` We need somebody in the White House who has been on the right side of history for their entire career , somebody who stands with the working class , and will make things more fair for everybody , '' Nielsen said .
He said he tried to vote early but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the sign-in process at the Bellagio was quick and painless .

Sanders wins Nevada caucuses, takes national Democratic lead
FILE -- In this Feb. 15, 2020, file photo, a woman votes at an early voting location at the culinary workers union hall in Las Vegas. Nevada Democrats are hoping to avoid a repeat of the chaos that ensnared the Iowa caucuses, as voters gather across the Silver State on Saturday to make their presidential preferences known. Iowa's process cratered this month following a rushed effort by state Democrats to deploy a mobile app for caucus volunteers to report results. Democrats in Nevada were going to use the same app developer as Iowa did, but quickly sidelined those plans. They will still be relying to some extent on technology to assist in counting and reporting results, though, and like Iowa, they will have paper backups. Associated Press
Democratic presidential candidate Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, center, makes a stop at a Las Vegas taco shop on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, as her presidential campaign heads into caucus day in Nevada. Associated Press
Volunteers for various campaigns talk to voters as they enter a presidential caucus site at Mendive Middle School in Sparks, Nev., on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. Associated Press
Volunteers for various campaigns talk to voters as they enter a presidential caucus site at Mendive Middle School in Sparks, Nev., on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. Associated Press
Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., cheer as they watch results of the Nevada Caucuses during a campaign event in San Antonio, Saturday. Associated Press
LAS VEGAS -- Bernie Sanders scored a commanding victory in Nevada's presidential caucuses on Saturday, cementing his status as the Democrats' national front-runner but escalating tensions over whether he's too liberal to defeat President Donald Trump.
The Washington Post is showing live results on its website.
As Sanders celebrated, Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg vied for second and Elizabeth Warren trailed further behind. They were all seeking any possible momentum heading into next-up South Carolina and then Super Tuesday on March 3.
Nevada's caucuses were the first chance for White House hopefuls to demonstrate appeal to a diverse group of voters in a state far more representative of the country as a whole than Iowa and New Hampshire. Sanders, a 78-year Vermont senator and self-described democratic socialist, won by rallying his fiercely loyal base and tapping into support from Nevada's large Latino community.
In a show of confidence, Sanders left Nevada for Texas, which offers one of the biggest delegate troves in just 10 days on Super Tuesday.
"We are bringing our people together," he declared. "In Nevada we have just brought together a multigenerational, multiracial coalition which is not only going to win in Nevada, it's going to sweep this country."
Saturday's win built on Sanders' win earlier this month in the New Hampshire primary. He essentially tied for first place in the Iowa caucuses with Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who has sought to position himself as an ideological counter to Sanders' unabashedly progressive politics.
But for all the energy and attention devoted to the first three states, they award only a tiny fraction of the delegates needed to capture the nomination. After South Carolina, the contest becomes national in scope, putting a premium on candidates who have the resources to compete in states as large as California and Texas.
While Sanders' victory in Nevada encouraged his supporters, it only deepened concern among establishment-minded Democratic leaders who fear he is too extreme to defeat Trump. Sanders for decades has been calling for transformative policies to address inequities in politics and the economy, none bigger than his signature "Medicare for All" health care plan that would replace the private insurance system with a government-run universal system.
Trump gloated on social media, continuing his weeks-long push to sow discord between Sanders and his Democratic rivals.
"Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada. Biden & the rest look weak," Trump tweeted. "Congratulations Bernie, & don't let them take it away from you!"
Buttigieg congratulated Sanders, too, but then launched an aggressive verbal assault on the senator as too divisive.
"Before we rush to nominate Senator Sanders in our one shot to take on this president, let's take a sober look at what is at stake for our party, for our values and for those with so much to lose," he said. "Senator Sanders believes in an inflexible, ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats, not to mention most Americans."
Biden also took aim at the Vermont senator as he claimed a success -- but not a victory -- in Nevada that would trigger a comeback.
Without naming names, he took a swipe at Sanders and billionaire Mike Bloomberg, who wasn't on the Nevada ballot but has emerged as a threat to Biden in contests that begin next month.
"I ain't a socialist. I'm not a plutocrat. I'm a Democrat," Biden declared.
Also in the fight: Warren, who desperately needed a spark to revive her stalled bid; billionaire Tom Steyer, who spent more than $12 million on Nevada television and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who hoped to prove her strong New Hampshire finish was no fluke.
Klobuchar, campaigning in her home state of Minnesota Saturday night, claimed Nevada success no matter her poor showing.
"As usual I think we have exceeded expectations," she said.
The first presidential contest in the West tested the candidates' strength with black and Latino voters for the first time in 2020. Nevada's population aligns more with the U.S. as a whole, compared with Iowa and New Hampshire: 29% Latino, 10% black and 9% Asian American and Pacific Islander.
Former New York Mayor Bloomberg, who dominated the political conversation this week after a poor debate-stage debut, wasn't on the ballot. He's betting everything on a series of delegate-rich states that begin voting next month.
The stakes were high for Nevada Democrats to avoid a repeat of the chaos in the still-unresolved Iowa caucuses, and it appeared Saturday's contest was largely successful.
Unlike state primaries and the November election, which are run by government officials, caucuses are overseen by state parties.
Nevada Democrats sought to minimize problems by creating multiple redundancies in their reporting system, relying on results called in by phone, a paper worksheet filled out by caucus organizers, a photo of that worksheet sent in by text message and electronic results captured with a Google form.
In addition, it appeared Nevada Democrats were able to successfully navigate a complicated process for adding early voting to the caucus process. Nearly 75,000 people cast early ballots over a four-day period, and the party was able to process those in time for Saturday so they could be integrated into the in-person vote.
At the Bellagio casino caucus site, 41-year-old Christian Nielsen, a scuba diver for the Cirque du Soleil show "O," said he backed Sanders because he believes the country needs a "major change in the White House."
"We need somebody in the White House who has been on the right side of history for their entire career, somebody who stands with the working class, and will make things more fair for everybody," Nielsen said.
The Democrats' 2020 nomination fight shifted beyond Nevada even before the final results were known.
Only Biden, Buttigieg and Steyer were still in the state when news of Sanders' victory was announced.
Sanders and Klobuchar spent the night in Super Tuesday states, and Buttigieg was headed to a third, Virginia. Warren, who began Saturday in Las Vegas, was to finish the day in Washington state, which hosts its election on March 10 but has already begun offering early voting.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Rozner: Andre Dawson says 'cheating is cheating,' and Astros should vacate title

That includes three knee replacements .
Yeah , one of them had to be done twice because the first one did n't take .
Thanks very much .
It could be argued that the 65-year-old gave to the game of baseball everything his body would allow , so when he speaks you can be certain it 's with love and concern for the sport .
And on the issue of the Houston Astros , he is n't at all vague .
`` They should forfeit the title , '' Dawson said .
`` It 's like I felt all along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rewards and they should suffer the ramifications .
They got elite status and made a lot of money and achieved all the accolades .
`` Cheating is cheating .
It 's not fair and you should pay a price for that .
They should take away the title . ''
Dawson was taken aback when informed that commissioner Rob Manfred thought the World Series trophy was nothing more than an irrelevant `` piece of metal '' and not worth retrieving from the Astros .
`` It 's much more than a piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played , '' Dawson said .
`` It 's the prestige of winning and being a part of history .
It 's the glory of getting through an entire season and being the last team standing .
`` It 's something that you live with for the rest of your life when you win , and it 's something that you live with for the rest of your life if you do n't get that chance . ''
There are some very familiar names on that unpleasant list , the leaders of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of , the men who appeared in the most MLB games in history without ever playing in a World Series game .
Topping the list is Rafael Palmeiro , second is Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and third is future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki .
Not surprisingly , there are many Cubs in the Top 30 .
Having retired as the leader , Dawson is No .
4 all-time with 2,627 games and Ernie Banks -- who also retired as the leader -- is No .
5 .
Billy Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at No .
21 and Ryne Sandberg is No .
28 .
They have all been elected to the Hall of Fame , but not one of them got what they wanted most , to play in the Fall Classic .
White Sox great Luke Appling is No .
10 with 2,422 games played -- retiring in 1950 atop the list -- and fellow Hall of Famer Frank Thomas is 17th .
At least Thomas was with the club and got a ring when the Sox won the 2005 World Series , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to injury .
Ask any of those mentioned above and they 'll tell you they feel incomplete , even having achieved immortality and a place in baseball 's most hallowed museum .
`` I got close a couple times , '' Dawson said of the '81 Expos and '89 Cubs .
`` Those are things you think about every year when you watch teams celebrate .
`` That 's the dream when you have a club that you know can go far , but a lot of things have to go right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You 've got to have the personnel .
I do n't care how good you are individually .
Ernie can attest to that .
If you do n't have the personnel , it 's not happening .
`` There 's no use beating yourself up .
It 's just hard when you play against your peers and you see them get there .
For some of us , you just have to accept that it was n't meant to be . ''
That drives home even deeper the foolishness of Manfred diminishing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dawson 's voice and to have seen up close the pain he endured , you ca n't help but feel for a guy who wanted it that much .
`` If I had to do it all over again , I would do it again , '' Dawson says with no hesitation .
`` My knee problems helped build my work ethic , and my attitude was to get that uniform back every year , as opposed to them taking it away from me .
`` After that , it was all a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his distaste for those who used PEDs or swiped a championship .
`` People do stuff for selfish reasons , for personal gain , '' Dawson said .
`` But now they 're gon na have to deal with the fallout , and that fallout can come in a lot of ways .
`` It 's going to be pretty uncomfortable for them this season and probably for a long time .
Like with steroids , probably some of them will never get away from it .
`` They knew what they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or else they would n't have tried to hide it . ''

Rozner: Andre Dawson says 'cheating is cheating,' and Astros should vacate title
Cubs Hall of Famer Andre Dawson has a simple message for MLB and Rob Manfred: take away the Astros' title. Associated Press/July 25, 2010
Andre Dawson has had 18 knee surgeries.
That includes three knee replacements. Yeah, one of them had to be done twice because the first one didn't take.
Thanks very much.
It could be argued that the 65-year-old gave to the game of baseball everything his body would allow, so when he speaks you can be certain it's with love and concern for the sport.
And on the issue of the Houston Astros, he isn't at all vague.
"They should forfeit the title," Dawson said. "It's like I felt all along about steroids.
"Those guys reaped the rewards and they should suffer the ramifications. They got elite status and made a lot of money and achieved all the accolades.
"Cheating is cheating. It's not fair and you should pay a price for that. They should take away the title."
Dawson was taken aback when informed that commissioner Rob Manfred thought the World Series trophy was nothing more than an irrelevant "piece of metal" and not worth retrieving from the Astros.
"It's much more than a piece of metal to all of us who played," Dawson said. "It's the prestige of winning and being a part of history. It's the glory of getting through an entire season and being the last team standing.
"It's something that you live with for the rest of your life when you win, and it's something that you live with for the rest of your life if you don't get that chance."
There are some very familiar names on that unpleasant list, the leaders of a club no one wanted to be a part of, the men who appeared in the most MLB games in history without ever playing in a World Series game.
Topping the list is Rafael Palmeiro, second is Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and third is future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki.
Not surprisingly, there are many Cubs in the Top 30.
Having retired as the leader, Dawson is No. 4 all-time with 2,627 games and Ernie Banks -- who also retired as the leader -- is No. 5.
Billy Williams is No. 7, Ron Santo is at No. 21 and Ryne Sandberg is No. 28. They have all been elected to the Hall of Fame, but not one of them got what they wanted most, to play in the Fall Classic.
White Sox great Luke Appling is No. 10 with 2,422 games played -- retiring in 1950 atop the list -- and fellow Hall of Famer Frank Thomas is 17th. At least Thomas was with the club and got a ring when the Sox won the 2005 World Series, but he was not on the roster due to injury.
Ask any of those mentioned above and they'll tell you they feel incomplete, even having achieved immortality and a place in baseball's most hallowed museum.
"I got close a couple times," Dawson said of the '81 Expos and '89 Cubs. "Those are things you think about every year when you watch teams celebrate.
"That's the dream when you have a club that you know can go far, but a lot of things have to go right and you need some luck.
"You've got to have the personnel. I don't care how good you are individually. Ernie can attest to that. If you don't have the personnel, it's not happening.
"There's no use beating yourself up. It's just hard when you play against your peers and you see them get there. For some of us, you just have to accept that it wasn't meant to be."
That drives home even deeper the foolishness of Manfred diminishing the trophy.
To hear the pain in Dawson's voice and to have seen up close the pain he endured, you can't help but feel for a guy who wanted it that much.
"If I had to do it all over again, I would do it again," Dawson says with no hesitation. "My knee problems helped build my work ethic, and my attitude was to get that uniform back every year, as opposed to them taking it away from me.
"After that, it was all a bonus."
It doesn't minimize his distaste for those who used PEDs or swiped a championship.
"People do stuff for selfish reasons, for personal gain," Dawson said. "But now they're gonna have to deal with the fallout, and that fallout can come in a lot of ways.
"It's going to be pretty uncomfortable for them this season and probably for a long time. Like with steroids, probably some of them will never get away from it.
"They knew what they were doing and they knew it was wrong, or else they wouldn't have tried to hide it."
True enough.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Long-awaited 2018 Harvest Bible Chapel audit released

The latest audit of the financial records of Harvest Bible Chapel shows that revenue declined almost 10 % to $ 41.7 million in 2018 , compared to 2017 .
But half of it was due to taking an `` impairment loss '' for two assets : television broadcast time rights it sold in 2019 , and vacant land it is selling .
The 2018 audit by Capin Crouse of Naperville was published on the church 's website Wednesday .
There are few references to the troubles the church experienced in late 2018 and throughout 2019 , when its governance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pastor James MacDonald came under very public criticism .
The church fired MacDonald in February 2019 and replaced its elder board .
The audit lists the church as having net assets of $ 96.5 million as of Dec. 31 , 2018 , compared to $ 101.2 million at the end of 2017 .
The audit notes that the church sold its broadcast time on the TBN network for $ 4.1 million in cash in April 2019 , and that Harvest 's mortgage lender put $ 3.5 million of that in to a restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Harvest owed at the end of 2018 included $ 26.2 million on a mortgage due in August 2022 , secured by church properties in Elgin and Chicago .
The audit notes that the church suspended matching employees ' contributions to a 403 ( b ) retirement plan for almost a year , from March 2019 to February .
It also notes that in 2018 , the church used the transportation company of a former , unnamed elder , for the second year in a row , at a total cost of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Class B shares in Harvest Bible Chapel Aurora LLC from another elder .
The church leases its campus at 101 S. Barnes Road in Aurora from Harvest Bible Chapel Aurora LLC .
The lease expires in May .
According to the audit , someone has challenged the property-tax exemption for one of its campuses .
It did not say which one .
Writer Julie Roys ran a report on her website in January saying challenges have been filed on the Barnes Road property and on a Lake County property .
The church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in April 2018 .

What long-awaited 2018 Harvest Bible Chapel audit says
The latest audit of the financial records of Harvest Bible Chapel shows that revenue declined almost 10% to $41.7 million in 2018, compared to 2017.
But half of it was due to taking an "impairment loss" for two assets: television broadcast time rights it sold in 2019, and vacant land it is selling.
The 2018 audit by Capin Crouse of Naperville was published on the church's website Wednesday.
There are few references to the troubles the church experienced in late 2018 and throughout 2019, when its governance, financial practices and the leadership of founding pastor James MacDonald came under very public criticism. The church fired MacDonald in February 2019 and replaced its elder board.
The audit lists the church as having net assets of $96.5 million as of Dec. 31, 2018, compared to $101.2 million at the end of 2017.
The audit notes that the church sold its broadcast time on the TBN network for $4.1 million in cash in April 2019, and that Harvest's mortgage lender put $3.5 million of that in to a restricted mortgage reserve account.
The $42.3 million Harvest owed at the end of 2018 included $26.2 million on a mortgage due in August 2022, secured by church properties in Elgin and Chicago.
The audit notes that the church suspended matching employees' contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan for almost a year, from March 2019 to February.
It also notes that in 2018, the church used the transportation company of a former, unnamed elder, for the second year in a row, at a total cost of $95,147. It also bought $100,000 of Class B shares in Harvest Bible Chapel Aurora LLC from another elder.
The church leases its campus at 101 S. Barnes Road in Aurora from Harvest Bible Chapel Aurora LLC. The lease expires in May.
According to the audit, someone has challenged the property-tax exemption for one of its campuses. It did not say which one. Writer Julie Roys ran a report on her website in January saying challenges have been filed on the Barnes Road property and on a Lake County property.
The church's 2017 audit was released more quickly, in April 2018.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Man found dead in Naperville apartment fire

Naperville firefighters responding to an alarm at an apartment complex Saturday morning found an unidentified man dead inside a first-floor @ @ @ @ @ by a neighbor , who told them she could hear the alarm in the unit @ @ @ @ @ the complex on the 0-100 block of Olympus Drive near the city 's downtown reported @ @ @ @ @ floor and made entry to the unit where they discovered the man .
Firefighters removed @ @ @ @ @ and battled the small blaze located in the bedroom , Naperville Fire Department officials said @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Fire officials believe the blaze was started accidentally and the death does not @ @ @ @ @ though both the fire and death are still under investigation .
The other units in @ @ @ @ @ after firefighters ventilated the building and found no significant fire damage to the structure .

Man found dead in Naperville apartment fire
Naperville firefighters responding to an alarm at an apartment complex Saturday morning found an unidentified man dead inside a first-floor unit.
Firefighters were alerted by a neighbor, who told them she could hear the alarm in the unit below. First-responding firefighters to the complex on the 0-100 block of Olympus Drive near the city's downtown reported smoke visible on the first floor and made entry to the unit where they discovered the man.
Firefighters removed the man from the apartment and battled the small blaze located in the bedroom, Naperville Fire Department officials said. No other injuries were reported.
Fire officials believe the blaze was started accidentally and the death does not appear to be suspicious, though both the fire and death are still under investigation.
The other units in the building were deemed habitable after firefighters ventilated the building and found no significant fire damage to the structure.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Man killed trying to cross road in Palatine

Palatine police said a 68-year-old man was killed trying to cross South Quentin Road late Friday night .
The unidentified @ @ @ @ @ 8:25 p.m. on the 500 block of South Quentin Road .
He was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ said .
An autopsy is slated for today , according to the Cook County medical @ @ @ @ @ man was struck by a 2018 Honda Accord driven by a 63-year-old woman headed south @ @ @ @ @ Drive .
The woman was transported to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for injuries @ @ @ @ @ Her condition is unknown .

Man killed trying to cross road in Palatine
First responders tend to a pedestrian hit by a vehicle Friday night in the southbound lanes of Quentin Road just south of Palatine Road. Courtesy of Erin Chan Ding
Palatine police said a 68-year-old man was killed trying to cross South Quentin Road late Friday night.
The unidentified pedestrian was struck at about 8:25 p.m. on the 500 block of South Quentin Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
An autopsy is slated for today, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.
The man was struck by a 2018 Honda Accord driven by a 63-year-old woman headed south on Quentin Road near Kathleen Drive. The woman was transported to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for injuries sustained in the collision. Her condition is unknown.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--Grammar Moses: If your pants are too loose, you might lose them

New subscriber Patricia Casale ( please welcome her aboard , everyone ) was wondering whether I 've ever addressed the vexing issue of when people add an extra `` O '' to the verb `` lose . ''
Because I 'm all about reader retention and because I 've been seeing a lot of this lately in social media -- where spelling , grammar , good sense and social mores are doomed to a fiery extinction -- I 'll explore this idea a bit today .
`` In the last two days I have seen this issue at least three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lose ! '
, '' Patricia wrote .
`` On TV news : 'Biden Looses in NH . '
In a novel : ' I hated loosing ... ' In a tweet : `` It is sad to have loosed someone so young . ''
Misspellings worm their way into my nightmares , but I have yet to see `` lost '' tortured in quite this way .
Patricia wonders whether she is `` loosing '' her mind .
First , if you Googlify an answer to the question of when to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` loose , '' you 'll get oversimplified answers for the most part .
That 's why you have me .
What few people seem to realize is that there is a verb form of `` loose , '' which rhymes with `` moose . ''
It means `` to release . ''
Let 's get this out of the way first : You can `` loose '' the hounds by releasing their leashes .
You can `` loose '' a quiver of arrows .
You can `` loose '' your bowels .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ done reading this .
`` Loose '' as a verb is a rather archaic usage .
The real problem today is that many people do n't seem to know the difference in spelling between the adjective `` loose '' ( again , rhymes with `` moose '' ) and the verb `` lose '' ( rhymes with `` booze '' ) , which means `` to be deprived of or to no longer have . ''
You can have loose pants , loose morals , loose gravel on the bike path ( look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the drive shaft of your lawn mower ( really look out ! )
, a loose tongue , a loose-knit group of friends , loose-leaf notebook paper , a loose cannon for a co-worker and plenty of loose ends .
But too often we see `` loose '' used as a misspelling of the verb `` lose , '' as Patricia points out .
How do we solve this problem ?
With a mnemonic , of course .
My mom liked to tell me that I was as `` loose as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , because I was usually wound tighter than a 10-year-old 's wristwatch .
But for the purposes of a mnemonic , reminding yourself that `` loose '' rhymes with `` goose '' ought to do the trick .
I got a lot of response to last weekend 's column on workplace jargon .
It seems many of you are beset by it .
This must be a driving force behind early retirement .
As I write this , I 've just gotten out of one of those jargon-filled meetings that once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm better now .
I feel like I 'm swimming in the same direction as others in the room .
But Phil Hall , our manager of digital technology , a man whose brain would not fit into a state smaller than Illinois , raised a bit of jargon I 'd never heard before .
It was an uncharacteristically analog idiom .
I do n't remember exactly what he was talking about , but he was referring to something so basic that we would do it without thinking about it .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
And that 's the point in the meeting when I started taking notes .
If you 're looking for a mnemonic for that , think POOP .
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald .
Write him at jbaumann @ dailyherald.com .
Put Grammar Moses in the subject line .
You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim .

Grammar Moses: If your pants are too loose, you might lose them
New subscriber Patricia Casale (please welcome her aboard, everyone) was wondering whether I've ever addressed the vexing issue of when people add an extra "O" to the verb "lose."
Because I'm all about reader retention and because I've been seeing a lot of this lately in social media -- where spelling, grammar, good sense and social mores are doomed to a fiery extinction -- I'll explore this idea a bit today.
"In the last two days I have seen this issue at least three to four times: 'Loose vs. Lose!'," Patricia wrote. "On TV news: 'Biden Looses in NH.' In a novel: 'I hated loosing ...' In a tweet: "It is sad to have loosed someone so young."
Misspellings worm their way into my nightmares, but I have yet to see "lost" tortured in quite this way.
Patricia wonders whether she is "loosing" her mind.
First, if you Googlify an answer to the question of when to use "lose" and when to use "loose," you'll get oversimplified answers for the most part. That's why you have me.
What few people seem to realize is that there is a verb form of "loose," which rhymes with "moose." It means "to release."
Let's get this out of the way first:
You can "loose" the hounds by releasing their leashes.
You can "loose" a quiver of arrows.
You can "loose" your bowels. But please hold it until you're done reading this.
"Loose" as a verb is a rather archaic usage. The real problem today is that many people don't seem to know the difference in spelling between the adjective "loose" (again, rhymes with "moose") and the verb "lose" (rhymes with "booze"), which means "to be deprived of or to no longer have."
You can have loose pants, loose morals, loose gravel on the bike path (look out!), a loose bolt on the drive shaft of your lawn mower (really look out!), a loose tongue, a loose-knit group of friends, loose-leaf notebook paper, a loose cannon for a co-worker and plenty of loose ends.
But too often we see "loose" used as a misspelling of the verb "lose," as Patricia points out.
How do we solve this problem? With a mnemonic, of course.
My mom liked to tell me that I was as "loose as a goose."
She was wrong, of course, because I was usually wound tighter than a 10-year-old's wristwatch. But for the purposes of a mnemonic, reminding yourself that "loose" rhymes with "goose" ought to do the trick.
POOP
I got a lot of response to last weekend's column on workplace jargon. It seems many of you are beset by it. This must be a driving force behind early retirement.
As I write this, I've just gotten out of one of those jargon-filled meetings that once caused me to lapse into comas. I'm better now. I feel like I'm swimming in the same direction as others in the room.
But Phil Hall, our manager of digital technology, a man whose brain would not fit into a state smaller than Illinois, raised a bit of jargon I'd never heard before.
It was an uncharacteristically analog idiom.
I don't remember exactly what he was talking about, but he was referring to something so basic that we would do it without thinking about it.
"That's putting on our pants," he said.
And that's the point in the meeting when I started taking notes.
If you're looking for a mnemonic for that, think POOP.
Write carefully!
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald. Write him at jbaumann@dailyherald.com. Put Grammar Moses in the subject line. You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-22--More than 500 ice fishers flock to derby on Bangs Lake in Wauconda

For the first time in the event 's 11-year history , more than 500 fishers flocked to Bangs Lake in Wauconda Saturday for the Lake View Villa Association ice fishing derby .
The derby , which raises money for a local veterans group , set a high last year with 446 registered fishers , then exceeded it this year .
The ice anglers headed out onto the surface of the lake to pitch tents and drill their holes as early as 4 a.m. , according to association President Chuck Black .
Michael Rodgers , one of the event 's co-founders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had his base of operations set up well before anyone else .
Rodgers lives near the lake and has built himself what he calls a cabin atop a modified pontoon boat -- which is complete with a bar , a heater , two flat screen TVs and a surplus of fishing gear .
He said he leaves it on the lake in the winter so the water freezes around it .
On the morning of the derby , volunteers mixed up Bloody Marys and mimosas in the cabin for the ice fishers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McHenry-based TLS Veterans .
The group 's executive director , Laura Franz , said the event gives their organization around $ 10,000 annually , mostly through registration fees and the 50/50 raffle .
Franz said the money is used to give veterans a hand in securing housing , finding a job and forming a community .
The ice was solid on Saturday .
Rodgers said the event usually is held in late January but there was n't nearly enough ice on the lake then this year .
The object is to catch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : northern pike , bass , crappies , perch and bluegill .
The warmer-than-usual weather gave fishers a break from bitter cold but did make traversing the slippery ice a bit trickier .
Black said the best advice for trodding the frozen lake was to try to find snow to walk on , but the sun melted more and more of that precious resource away as the morning went on .
That was no issue for the many people who brought ATVs or snowmobiles onto the lake to speed around on .
Similarly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they could play hockey .
`` It 's about taking advantage of the lake , '' Rodgers said , watching as a group of boys hauled a hockey net out the window of his cabin during a brief respite in his busy morning .
The first year of the event saw just 38 fishermen take part .
Rodgers said it 's been great to watch it grow over the years .
`` I always say when it starts to feel like work we 'll be done with it , '' Rodgers said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attached to his hip .
`` But I still enjoy taking days off to set up . ''

More than 500 ice fishers flock to derby on Bangs Lake in Wauconda
For the first time in the event's 11-year history, more than 500 fishers flocked to Bangs Lake in Wauconda Saturday for the Lake View Villa Association ice fishing derby.
The derby, which raises money for a local veterans group, set a high last year with 446 registered fishers, then exceeded it this year. The ice anglers headed out onto the surface of the lake to pitch tents and drill their holes as early as 4 a.m., according to association President Chuck Black.
Michael Rodgers, one of the event's co-founders along with U.S. Navy veteran Ryan Jacobsen, had his base of operations set up well before anyone else. Rodgers lives near the lake and has built himself what he calls a cabin atop a modified pontoon boat -- which is complete with a bar, a heater, two flat screen TVs and a surplus of fishing gear. He said he leaves it on the lake in the winter so the water freezes around it.
On the morning of the derby, volunteers mixed up Bloody Marys and mimosas in the cabin for the ice fishers, the proceeds of which went to McHenry-based TLS Veterans. The group's executive director, Laura Franz, said the event gives their organization around $10,000 annually, mostly through registration fees and the 50/50 raffle. Franz said the money is used to give veterans a hand in securing housing, finding a job and forming a community.
The ice was solid on Saturday. Rodgers said the event usually is held in late January but there wasn't nearly enough ice on the lake then this year. The object is to catch the longest fish in one of five species: northern pike, bass, crappies, perch and bluegill.
The warmer-than-usual weather gave fishers a break from bitter cold but did make traversing the slippery ice a bit trickier. Black said the best advice for trodding the frozen lake was to try to find snow to walk on, but the sun melted more and more of that precious resource away as the morning went on.
That was no issue for the many people who brought ATVs or snowmobiles onto the lake to speed around on. Similarly unaffected were those who brought ice skates so they could play hockey.
"It's about taking advantage of the lake," Rodgers said, watching as a group of boys hauled a hockey net out the window of his cabin during a brief respite in his busy morning.
The first year of the event saw just 38 fishermen take part. Rodgers said it's been great to watch it grow over the years.
"I always say when it starts to feel like work we'll be done with it," Rodgers said, as voices squawked on the walkie-talkie attached to his hip. "But I still enjoy taking days off to set up."