dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--U.S. gets 1st case of mysterious Chinese illness; O'Hare to screen passengers

SEATTLE -- The U.S. on Tuesday reported its first case of a new and potentially deadly virus circulating in China , saying a Washington state resident who returned last week from the outbreak 's epicenter was hospitalized in good condition near Seattle .
The man , identified only as a Snohomish County resident is in his 30s , was not considered a threat to medical staff or the public , health officials said .
The virus has infected about 300 people , all of whom had been in China , and killed six .
The newly discovered virus can cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia .
On Tuesday , the CDC announced it will start screening passengers at O'Hare airport and Atlanta 's airport later this week .
Late last week , U.S. health officials began screening passengers from Wuhan in central China , where the outbreak began , at New York City 's Kennedy airport and the Los Angeles and San Francisco airports .
The U.S. is the fifth country to report seeing the illness , following China , Thailand , Japan , and South Korea .
What 's more , officials will begin forcing all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one of those five airports if they wish to enter the U.S. Officials around the world have implemented similar airport screenings in hopes of containing the virus during the busy Lunar New Year travel season .
The U.S. resident had no symptoms when he arrived at the Seattle-Tacoma airport last Wednesday , but he contacted doctors on Sunday when he started feeling ill , officials said .
Last month , doctors began seeing the new virus in people who got sick after spending time at a food market in Wuhan .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus have been confirmed in China , most of them in Wuhan , according to the World Health Organization .
The count includes six deaths -- all in China , most of them age 60 or older , including at least some who had a previous medical condition .
Officials have said it probably spread from animals to people , but this week Chinese officials said they 've concluded it also can spread from person to person .
Health authorities this month identified the germ behind the outbreak as a new type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of viruses , some of which cause the common cold ; others found in bats , camels and other animals have evolved into more severe illnesses .
SARS , or severe acute respiratory syndrome , belongs to the coronavirus family , but Chinese state media say the illness in Wuhan is different from coronaviruses that have been identified in the past .
Earlier laboratory tests ruled out SARS and MERS -- Middle East respiratory syndrome -- as well as influenza , bird flu , adenovirus and other common lung-infecting germs .
The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be as deadly as SARS and MERS , but viruses can sometimes mutate to become more dangerous .
University of Washington coronavirus researcher David Veesler said the public `` should not be panicking right now . ''
The response has been `` very efficient , '' Veesler said .
`` In a couple of weeks , China was able to identify the virus , isolate it , sequence it and share that information . ''
Veesler added : `` We do n't have enough data to judge how severe the disease is .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said health officials expected to see more cases in the U.S. and around the world in the coming days .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute 's Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

U.S. gets 1st case of mysterious Chinese illness; O'Hare to screen passengers
People wear face masks Tuesday as they ride an escalator at the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong. Face masks sold out and temperature checks at airports and train stations became the new norm as China strove Tuesday to control the outbreak of a new coronavirus that has reached four other countries and territories and threatens to spread further during the Lunar New Year travel rush. Associated PRess
SEATTLE -- The U.S. on Tuesday reported its first case of a new and potentially deadly virus circulating in China, saying a Washington state resident who returned last week from the outbreak's epicenter was hospitalized in good condition near Seattle.
The man, identified only as a Snohomish County resident is in his 30s, was not considered a threat to medical staff or the public, health officials said.
The virus has infected about 300 people, all of whom had been in China, and killed six. The newly discovered virus can cause coughing, fever, breathing difficulty and pneumonia.
On Tuesday, the CDC announced it will start screening passengers at O'Hare airport and Atlanta's airport later this week.
Late last week, U.S. health officials began screening passengers from Wuhan in central China, where the outbreak began, at New York City's Kennedy airport and the Los Angeles and San Francisco airports.
The U.S. is the fifth country to report seeing the illness, following China, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.
What's more, officials will begin forcing all passengers that originate in Wuhan to go to one of those five airports if they wish to enter the U.S.
Officials around the world have implemented similar airport screenings in hopes of containing the virus during the busy Lunar New Year travel season.
The U.S. resident had no symptoms when he arrived at the Seattle-Tacoma airport last Wednesday, but he contacted doctors on Sunday when he started feeling ill, officials said.
Last month, doctors began seeing the new virus in people who got sick after spending time at a food market in Wuhan. More than 275 cases of the newly identified coronavirus have been confirmed in China, most of them in Wuhan, according to the World Health Organization.
The count includes six deaths -- all in China, most of them age 60 or older, including at least some who had a previous medical condition.
Officials have said it probably spread from animals to people, but this week Chinese officials said they've concluded it also can spread from person to person.
Health authorities this month identified the germ behind the outbreak as a new type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which cause the common cold; others found in bats, camels and other animals have evolved into more severe illnesses.
SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, belongs to the coronavirus family, but Chinese state media say the illness in Wuhan is different from coronaviruses that have been identified in the past. Earlier laboratory tests ruled out SARS and MERS -- Middle East respiratory syndrome -- as well as influenza, bird flu, adenovirus and other common lung-infecting germs.
The new virus so far does not appear to be as deadly as SARS and MERS, but viruses can sometimes mutate to become more dangerous.
University of Washington coronavirus researcher David Veesler said the public "should not be panicking right now."
The response has been "very efficient," Veesler said. "In a couple of weeks, China was able to identify the virus, isolate it, sequence it and share that information."
Veesler added: "We don't have enough data to judge how severe the disease is."
The CDC's Dr. Nancy Messonnier said health officials expected to see more cases in the U.S. and around the world in the coming days.
Stobbe reported from New York.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--Michigan murder suspect captured after standoff in Montgomery

A man wanted in connection with a murder in Kalamazoo , Michigan , was captured in Kane County this morning after an hourslong standoff at a relative 's apartment in Montgomery , authorities said .
Scott Kenneth Jones , 35 , was taken into custody after members of the Kane County Regional SWAT team entered the apartment about 8:50 a.m. , according to the Kane County Sheriff 's Office .
A baby girl found in the apartment with Jones was not injured , the sheriff 's office reported .
The standoff began overnight when Montgomery police were called about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 700 block of Oakton Drive .
As the call progressed , police learned Jones might be in the residence , authorities said .
Three adults and two children left the apartment as Montgomery police called the sheriff 's office for assistance about 5:50 a.m .
The U.S .
Marshal 's Service and crisis negotiators also responded to the scene .
When the SWAT team entered the apartment about three hours later , they captured Jones and found the infant asleep , sheriff 's police said .
Jones faces murder and multiple weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 slaying of a 20-year-old man found shot multiple times outside a Kalamazoo apartment complex , according to Kalamazoo police .
An arrest warrant for Jones was issued five days later .
Jones will be transported today to the Kane County jail to await extradition to Michigan , sheriff 's police said .
Kane County Undersheriff Pat Gengler said no additional charges against Jones were expected from the sheriff 's office ; a message left for Montgomery police was not immediately returned .

Michigan murder suspect captured after standoff in Montgomery
SWAT vehicles are stationed near the scene of a Tuesday morning standoff in Montgomery between police and a man wanted out of Michigan on a murder charge. Courtesy of Kane County Sheriff's Office
A man wanted in connection with a murder in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was captured in Kane County this morning after an hourslong standoff at a relative's apartment in Montgomery, authorities said.
Scott Kenneth Jones, 35, was taken into custody after members of the Kane County Regional SWAT team entered the apartment about 8:50 a.m., according to the Kane County Sheriff's Office. A baby girl found in the apartment with Jones was not injured, the sheriff's office reported.
The standoff began overnight when Montgomery police were called about a domestic incident at the Victoria Apartments in the 700 block of Oakton Drive. As the call progressed, police learned Jones might be in the residence, authorities said.
Three adults and two children left the apartment as Montgomery police called the sheriff's office for assistance about 5:50 a.m. The U.S. Marshal's Service and crisis negotiators also responded to the scene.
When the SWAT team entered the apartment about three hours later, they captured Jones and found the infant asleep, sheriff's police said.
Jones faces murder and multiple weapons charges stemming from the Sept. 21, 2019 slaying of a 20-year-old man found shot multiple times outside a Kalamazoo apartment complex, according to Kalamazoo police. An arrest warrant for Jones was issued five days later.
Jones will be transported today to the Kane County jail to await extradition to Michigan, sheriff's police said.
Kane County Undersheriff Pat Gengler said no additional charges against Jones were expected from the sheriff's office; a message left for Montgomery police was not immediately returned.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Show squirrels some love on their special day: Squirrel Appreciation Day

The much-hyped holidays of December leave many people in a funk come January .
If you 're one of those suffering from the January blahs , never fear .
There 's a special day to look forward to : Squirrel Appreciation Day !
This big holiday is Tuesday , Jan. 21 .
In case you 're wondering why on earth there 's a day for squirrels , well , the squirrels probably scratch their heads over Black Friday and Casimir Pulaski Day .
I say , what the heck , Squirrel Appreciation Day is a great excuse to walk in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or just look out the window for a while .
We might be surprised -- and cheered -- by what we see .
The squirrels we 're most familiar with are tree squirrels .
These are just a part of a larger family of rodents called the Sciuridae .
There are more than 270 species in this family , including the gray squirrel and its compatriot , the fox squirrel .
The chipmunk and flying squirrels , inspiration for so many lovable cartoon characters , are also in the squirrel family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Squirrel species are native to every continent except Australia and Antarctica .
( Unfortunately , squirrels were introduced to Australia the 1880s , adding to the disruption of the beleaguered ecosystems Down Under .
Gray squirrels also made their way to Europe , where they are ecological pests . )
Let 's zero in on the squirrels native to Illinois .
Our tree squirrels come in a bunch of colors and have more confusing names than you can shake a stick at .
The Eastern gray squirrel is the common bushy-tailed squirrel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards .
Its coat has an overall gray cast , but if you look closely at a gray squirrel pelt , you 'll see a mix of black , gray and brown , tipped with white .
Some gray squirrels are white .
They are either leucistic , with a partial loss of pigmentation , or , more rarely , albinistic , with complete loss of pigment and telltale pink eyes .
Then , there 's a black morph ( form ) of the Eastern gray squirrel .
These black `` grays '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is dominant .
There are pockets of melanistic populations in northeastern Illinois .
Many are quite handsome in their jet-black coats , especially in the snow -- but they 're still gray squirrels .
Confusing ?
It gets even more befuddling with our second native tree squirrel , the fox squirrel .
Its pelage is reddish-brown , suggestive of a red fox .
Its scientific name , however , is Sciurus niger -- which means `` black squirrel . ''
To further confound things , the fox squirrel is sometimes mistakenly called a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the real red squirrel is a different species .
That feisty squirrel has a more northern and eastern range .
Our third tree squirrel is the Southern flying squirrel .
Lots of people are surprised to learn that flying squirrels are common in our area .
They 're beautiful little critters , with soft , light-brown coats and big , endearing eyes .
They 're strictly nocturnal , so their shenanigans go largely unnoticed by humans .
If you 're lucky enough to spot them while you 're out taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antics entertaining .
They scramble up tree trunks , then take the proverbial flying leap to glide down to their food source .
Sunflower seeds at bird feeders are favorite snacks for them , so if you use a flashlight , you might catch a glimpse of them near your feeders .
As for the more down-to-earth squirrels , our native ground squirrels comprise the Eastern chipmunk , the thirteen-lined ground squirrel , the Franklin 's ground squirrel , and the groundhog .
These terra-firma squirrels , like the tree squirrels , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And sometimes they do climb trees .
The thirteen-liner is frequently ( and disparagingly ) called a gopher .
Gophers are a different beast entirely .
Plus , gophers do n't live in northern Illinois .
Then there 's the groundhog , saddled with nicknames like whistle-pig and woodchuck , which raises the eternally unanswerable question about `` how much wood … `` Chances are , you have n't seen a Franklin 's ground squirrel .
It has the distinction of being a threatened species in Illinois .
The Franklin 's requires dense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rarity in the Prairie State .
Back in the day , the Franklin 's was common in the northern two-thirds of Illinois , but now the species is relegated to isolated areas of restored or remnant prairie .
The Eastern chipmunk is a voracious little rodent that is generally considered cute until it excavates your flower garden .
With noisy `` chips '' and `` chuks , '' chipmunks alert others to any possible danger under the sun , although few threats are serious enough to interrupt their stuffing their cheeks .
Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chipmunk has an internal cheek pouch for carrying groceries .
So , what 's to appreciate on Squirrel Appreciation Day ?
All of these native species !
Sure , we dislike it when they hijack the bird feeders , and we certainly do n't want them in our garages and attics .
But , as author Don H. Corrigan so succinctly put it , `` the ubiquity , resilience , spunk and spirit of squirrels '' is what draws us to admire them .
By the way , if you 're still looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that special person in your life , try Corrigan 's 2019 book `` Nuts About Squirrels : The Rodents That Conquered Popular Culture . ''
Do n't put all the decorations away too soon , because Groundhog Day is just around the corner .
• Valerie Blaine is a lifelong naturalist with deep roots in the Prairie State .
She welcomes your comments , questions , and suggestions at natvblaine @ gmail.com .

Show squirrels some love on their special day: Squirrel Appreciation Day
A thick fur coat is essential winter attire for squirrels. This Eastern gray squirrel was out and about during the polar vortex last year when few other animals ventured out in the open. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
The much-hyped holidays of December leave many people in a funk come January. If you're one of those suffering from the January blahs, never fear. There's a special day to look forward to: Squirrel Appreciation Day! This big holiday is Tuesday, Jan. 21.
A thick fur coat is essential winter attire for squirrels. This Eastern gray squirrel was out and about during the polar vortex last year when few other animals ventured out in the open. - Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
In case you're wondering why on earth there's a day for squirrels, well, the squirrels probably scratch their heads over Black Friday and Casimir Pulaski Day. I say, what the heck, Squirrel Appreciation Day is a great excuse to walk in the woods to observe these native mammals, or just look out the window for a while. We might be surprised -- and cheered -- by what we see.
The squirrels we're most familiar with are tree squirrels. These are just a part of a larger family of rodents called the Sciuridae. There are more than 270 species in this family, including the gray squirrel and its compatriot, the fox squirrel. The chipmunk and flying squirrels, inspiration for so many lovable cartoon characters, are also in the squirrel family. So too are woodchucks and prairie dogs. Squirrel species are native to every continent except Australia and Antarctica. (Unfortunately, squirrels were introduced to Australia the 1880s, adding to the disruption of the beleaguered ecosystems Down Under. Gray squirrels also made their way to Europe, where they are ecological pests.)
Tree squirrels
Let's zero in on the squirrels native to Illinois. Our tree squirrels come in a bunch of colors and have more confusing names than you can shake a stick at. The Eastern gray squirrel is the common bushy-tailed squirrel of woods, parks, and suburban yards. Its coat has an overall gray cast, but if you look closely at a gray squirrel pelt, you'll see a mix of black, gray and brown, tipped with white.
A fresh snowfall is great for tracking squirrels. In this photo, you can see the hind feet ahead of the front feet. That's because a squirrel places its front feet on the ground first, and then puts its back feet down ahead of the front feet. Any guesses about which direction this squirrel was headed? - Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
Some gray squirrels are white. They are either leucistic, with a partial loss of pigmentation, or, more rarely, albinistic, with complete loss of pigment and telltale pink eyes. Then, there's a black morph (form) of the Eastern gray squirrel. These black "grays" exhibit melanism, meaning that black pigmentation is dominant. There are pockets of melanistic populations in northeastern Illinois. Many are quite handsome in their jet-black coats, especially in the snow -- but they're still gray squirrels. Confusing?
It gets even more befuddling with our second native tree squirrel, the fox squirrel. Its pelage is reddish-brown, suggestive of a red fox. Its scientific name, however, is Sciurus niger -- which means "black squirrel." To further confound things, the fox squirrel is sometimes mistakenly called a red squirrel due to its reddish coat. But the real red squirrel is a different species. That feisty squirrel has a more northern and eastern range.
Do they really remember where they hide their acorns? Research shows that squirrels do not remember each cache. Random rummaging in the woods turns up enough nuts for them to survive. These tracks in the snow indicate that a squirrel got lucky! - Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
Our third tree squirrel is the Southern flying squirrel. Lots of people are surprised to learn that flying squirrels are common in our area. They're beautiful little critters, with soft, light-brown coats and big, endearing eyes. They're strictly nocturnal, so their shenanigans go largely unnoticed by humans. If you're lucky enough to spot them while you're out taking a night hike, you'll find their antics entertaining. They scramble up tree trunks, then take the proverbial flying leap to glide down to their food source. Sunflower seeds at bird feeders are favorite snacks for them, so if you use a flashlight, you might catch a glimpse of them near your feeders.
Ground squirrels
As for the more down-to-earth squirrels, our native ground squirrels comprise the Eastern chipmunk, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, the Franklin's ground squirrel, and the groundhog. These terra-firma squirrels, like the tree squirrels, are muddled by misnomers and mistaken identities. And sometimes they do climb trees.
The thirteen-liner is frequently (and disparagingly) called a gopher. Gophers are a different beast entirely. Plus, gophers don't live in northern Illinois. Then there's the groundhog, saddled with nicknames like whistle-pig and woodchuck, which raises the eternally unanswerable question about "how much wood … "
Chances are, you haven't seen a Franklin's ground squirrel. It has the distinction of being a threatened species in Illinois. The Franklin's requires dense, undisturbed prairie vegetation -- itself a rarity in the Prairie State. Back in the day, the Franklin's was common in the northern two-thirds of Illinois, but now the species is relegated to isolated areas of restored or remnant prairie.
The Eastern chipmunk spends the coldest parts of winter in a dormant state, in a burrow or other protected spot. Chipmunks are not true hibernators and may come out during the mild spells of winter. - Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
The Eastern chipmunk is a voracious little rodent that is generally considered cute until it excavates your flower garden. With noisy "chips" and "chuks," chipmunks alert others to any possible danger under the sun, although few threats are serious enough to interrupt their stuffing their cheeks. Like the other ground squirrels, the Eastern chipmunk has an internal cheek pouch for carrying groceries.
Appreciating their antics
So, what's to appreciate on Squirrel Appreciation Day? All of these native species! Sure, we dislike it when they hijack the bird feeders, and we certainly don't want them in our garages and attics. But, as author Don H. Corrigan so succinctly put it, "the ubiquity, resilience, spunk and spirit of squirrels" is what draws us to admire them.
A makeshift box provided temporary shelter for this Southern flying squirrel. These squirrels are rarely seen due to their nocturnal lifestyle. - Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
By the way, if you're still looking for the perfect Squirrel Appreciation Day gift for that special person in your life, try Corrigan's 2019 book "Nuts About Squirrels: The Rodents That Conquered Popular Culture."
Have a merry Squirrel Appreciation Day!
Don't put all the decorations away too soon, because Groundhog Day is just around the corner.
• Valerie Blaine is a lifelong naturalist with deep roots in the Prairie State. She welcomes your comments, questions, and suggestions at natvblaine@gmail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--Hometown fans are pumped about Jimmy Garoppolo's Super Bowl appearance

While the Bears wo n't be playing in Super Bowl LIV next month , many in the Northwest suburbs will have a deep stake in the game 's outcome when native son and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo takes the field in Miami .
The success of the Rolling Meadows High School grad -- whose football roots go back to the Cowboys youth program in his hometown Arlington Heights -- is never far from the thoughts of today 's students and athletes , local school officials said .
Last week , Garoppolo 's old yearbooks were pulled out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heights .
The school held a pep rally Friday and created a `` Good Luck , Jimmy ! ''
social media video ahead of Sunday 's NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers .
`` It 's just a cool thing , '' said Adam Harris , head of communications and storytelling for Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 .
`` Someone who went to our schools is in the Super Bowl .
It 's a really rare , rare thing for the community to celebrate . ''
Lisa Da Rocha , assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garoppolo 's budding NFL stardom is watched closely at the school .
`` With all the things that he 's accomplished in his short career , we 're just super happy for him and proud of how he 's handling himself , '' she said .
Tony Wolanski , an assistant football coach at Rolling Meadows High when Garoppolo played there , attested to the natural talent and character of the Super Bowl-bound quarterback .
`` I think as a player , he was always one of the more talented Rolling Meadows High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But I think what separates him from a lot of others was his leadership skills . ''
Through his 28 seasons as a football coach , Wolanski said , Garoppolo was one of only three players he believed could make it to the NFL if he wanted .
`` He wanted to always get better and improve , '' Wolanski said .
Wolanski has since become friends with Garoppolo 's dad and said he knows now where the young man 's character came from .
`` His family brought him up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He 's a very nice guy .
He 's grown up to be a very humble adult .
He really does take care of people .
That 's the way his family is . ''
Wolanski , who now coaches girls softball at Rolling Meadows , said everyone at the school is a San Francisco 49ers fan .
Garoppolo 's local fans made themselves felt Sunday at Rep 's Place in Rolling Meadows , where his high school jersey hangs on the wall .
`` We had a full house for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' sports bar owner Mike Reppe said .
`` It was a very high-energy . ''
Both 49ers playoff games brought Rep 's its biggest crowds of the season , and arrangements likely will be made to create even more space for the Super Bowl audience Feb. 2 , he said .
`` If the Bears ca n't be in it , this is better or the next best thing , '' Reppe said .
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said he expects village officials will formally reach out to Garoppolo to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a village board meeting sometime after the Super Bowl and be formally recognized for his recent accomplishments .
On May 8 , 2014 -- the day Garoppolo was drafted into the NFL -- the village honored him by declaring it Jimmy Garoppolo Day in Arlington Heights .

Hometown fans are pumped about Jimmy Garoppolo's Super Bowl appearance
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo celebrates after converting a first down against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of the NFC Championship Game. AP Photo/Tony Avelar
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo celebrates Sunday after he helped lead the team to an NFC Championship game win and a Super Bowl berth. It was just 10 years ago that he was Rolling Meadows High's quarterback, top. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
South Middle School social studies teacher Dave Frintner sports a Jimmy Garoppolo jersey as he leads the student body in a pep rally Friday for the Arlington Heights school's famous alumnus. Frintner coached Garoppolo in basketball at the middle school. Courtesy of Arlington Heights Elementary District 25
While the Bears won't be playing in Super Bowl LIV next month, many in the Northwest suburbs will have a deep stake in the game's outcome when native son and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo takes the field in Miami.
The success of the Rolling Meadows High School grad -- whose football roots go back to the Cowboys youth program in his hometown Arlington Heights -- is never far from the thoughts of today's students and athletes, local school officials said.
Last week, Garoppolo's old yearbooks were pulled out for students at South Middle School in Arlington Heights. The school held a pep rally Friday and created a "Good Luck, Jimmy!" social media video ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers.
"It's just a cool thing," said Adam Harris, head of communications and storytelling for Arlington Heights Elementary District 25. "Someone who went to our schools is in the Super Bowl. It's a really rare, rare thing for the community to celebrate."
Lisa Da Rocha, assistant principal at Rolling Meadows High, said Garoppolo's budding NFL stardom is watched closely at the school.
"With all the things that he's accomplished in his short career, we're just super happy for him and proud of how he's handling himself," she said.
Tony Wolanski, an assistant football coach at Rolling Meadows High when Garoppolo played there, attested to the natural talent and character of the Super Bowl-bound quarterback.
"I think as a player, he was always one of the more talented Rolling Meadows High School ever had," Wolanski said. "But I think what separates him from a lot of others was his leadership skills."
Through his 28 seasons as a football coach, Wolanski said, Garoppolo was one of only three players he believed could make it to the NFL if he wanted.
And Jimmy did.
"He wanted to always get better and improve," Wolanski said.
Wolanski has since become friends with Garoppolo's dad and said he knows now where the young man's character came from.
"His family brought him up the right way," he said. "He's a very nice guy. He's grown up to be a very humble adult. He really does take care of people. That's the way his family is."
Wolanski, who now coaches girls softball at Rolling Meadows, said everyone at the school is a San Francisco 49ers fan.
Garoppolo's local fans made themselves felt Sunday at Rep's Place in Rolling Meadows, where his high school jersey hangs on the wall.
"We had a full house for the second game yesterday for sure," sports bar owner Mike Reppe said. "It was a very high-energy."
Both 49ers playoff games brought Rep's its biggest crowds of the season, and arrangements likely will be made to create even more space for the Super Bowl audience Feb. 2, he said.
"If the Bears can't be in it, this is better or the next best thing," Reppe said.
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said he expects village officials will formally reach out to Garoppolo to see if he might be able to come to a village board meeting sometime after the Super Bowl and be formally recognized for his recent accomplishments.
On May 8, 2014 -- the day Garoppolo was drafted into the NFL -- the village honored him by declaring it Jimmy Garoppolo Day in Arlington Heights.
• Daily Herald staff writer Christopher Placek contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--Pro Bowl to let scoring team keep possession, face 4th down

ORLANDO , Fla. -- The Pro Bowl is adding a new twist that could reward teams for taking a risk .
The NFL announced Tuesday that its upcoming all-star game in Orlando will feature a rule change that allows a team to keep the ball after it scores .
The scoring team can retain possession at its own 25-yard line and face a fourth-and-15 play .
Pick up a first down , and the offense gets a new set of downs .
Fail to gain 15 yards , and it 's a turnover on downs and good field position for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also could elect to give the opponent the ball at the opponent 's 25-yard line , much like a kickoff that results in a touchback .
The 2020 Pro Bowl also tweaked rules regarding pre-snap penalties .
It is no longer a a false start if a flexed , eligible receiver in a two-point stance flinches or picks up one foot as long as his other foot remains partially on the ground .
He also must reset for a second before the snap .
A receiver who fits this exception is not considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a false start if all 11 offensive players are set for at a full second and any flexed , eligible receiver breaks his stance by picking up both feet .

Pro Bowl to let scoring team keep possession, face 4th down
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Pro Bowl is adding a new twist that could reward teams for taking a risk.
The NFL announced Tuesday that its upcoming all-star game in Orlando will feature a rule change that allows a team to keep the ball after it scores. The scoring team can retain possession at its own 25-yard line and face a fourth-and-15 play. Pick up a first down, and the offense gets a new set of downs. Fail to gain 15 yards, and it's a turnover on downs and good field position for the other conference.
The scoring team also could elect to give the opponent the ball at the opponent's 25-yard line, much like a kickoff that results in a touchback.
The 2020 Pro Bowl also tweaked rules regarding pre-snap penalties.
It is no longer a a false start if a flexed, eligible receiver in a two-point stance flinches or picks up one foot as long as his other foot remains partially on the ground. He also must reset for a second before the snap. A receiver who fits this exception is not considered to be in motion.
It is a false start if all 11 offensive players are set for at a full second and any flexed, eligible receiver breaks his stance by picking up both feet.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--Arlington Park officials deny track is for sale

Arlington International Racecourse officials on Tuesday denied the Arlington Heights racetrack is for sale or that any offers have been made to purchase it .
Their denial came during a monthly Illinois Racing Board meeting in response to earlier statements by Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen 's Association President Mike Campbell .
Campbell told the Daily Herald Jan. 10 that two groups have expressed interest in buying the track from owner Churchill Downs and adding a casino to the property .
Campbell had said he was approached by leadership of the two groups to gauge support from horse owners and trainers about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the groups has had discussions with Churchill officials , he said .
Racing Board Chairman Jeffrey Brincat took those comments to mean that an offer was made , but Campbell countered that Brincat was putting words in his mouth .
`` Two gaming companies called me , '' said Campbell , who added that both asked not to be publicly identified .
Brincat asked Campbell to provide the racing board with a letter stating the names of the groups and specifics of any offer .
`` I 'm sure the people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look into it , '' said Brincat , of Lake Forest .
After reading news reports , Brincat said he called a top Churchill official , who said the company never received an offer `` or anything construed as an offer . ''
When pressed by Brincat , Arlington President Tony Petrillo and Vice President/Senior Counsel John Matter said they were not aware of any sale offers .
Discussion about a possible sale came during a nearly four-hour meeting at the James R. Thompson Center , mostly dominated by back-and-forth between Arlington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their protracted contract dispute that both sides agree is at an impasse .
At issue are the level of purses for the upcoming 68-date live racing meet scheduled to begin May 1 .
And underlying the dispute is Churchill 's refusal to pursue casino games -- allowed under state gambling expansion legislation approved last year -- that could supplement declining purse revenues .
The association , which represents some 2,500 thoroughbred horse owners and trainers who work at Arlington , is asking for as much as $ 200,000 in daily purse money , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little as $ 130,000 .
Petrillo said Arlington might be able to offer as much as $ 142,000 , but he considered the horsemen 's higher demands to be `` unreasonable . ''
`` It 's unrealistic in this economic environment within our industry , '' Petrillo said .
`` It would cripple us . ''
The Illinois horsemen have suggested a possible hiatus of at least some of the high-stakes races during Arlington Million Day -- such as the Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes -- where big purses on that single day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners .
`` To see that money leave the purse account on one day is difficult for me to watch , '' said Chris Block , an Elk Grove Village horse owner , trainer and breeder .
`` I would love to run in the Million or the other races .
I have before .
But in this day and age right now in 2020 , unfortunately this industry can not afford that big of a day . ''
Brincat said both parties could be subject to fines , should the contract dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year 's deadline to finalize a deal .

Arlington Park officials deny track is for sale
Arlington International Racecourse officials on Tuesday denied the Arlington Heights racetrack is for sale or that any offers have been made to purchase it.
Their denial came during a monthly Illinois Racing Board meeting in response to earlier statements by Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association President Mike Campbell.
Campbell told the Daily Herald Jan. 10 that two groups have expressed interest in buying the track from owner Churchill Downs and adding a casino to the property.
Campbell had said he was approached by leadership of the two groups to gauge support from horse owners and trainers about the potential move. At least one of the groups has had discussions with Churchill officials, he said.
Racing Board Chairman Jeffrey Brincat took those comments to mean that an offer was made, but Campbell countered that Brincat was putting words in his mouth.
"Two gaming companies called me," said Campbell, who added that both asked not to be publicly identified.
Brincat asked Campbell to provide the racing board with a letter stating the names of the groups and specifics of any offer.
"I'm sure the people of Illinois expect us as a regulatory body to look into it," said Brincat, of Lake Forest.
After reading news reports, Brincat said he called a top Churchill official, who said the company never received an offer "or anything construed as an offer."
When pressed by Brincat, Arlington President Tony Petrillo and Vice President/Senior Counsel John Matter said they were not aware of any sale offers.
Discussion about a possible sale came during a nearly four-hour meeting at the James R. Thompson Center, mostly dominated by back-and-forth between Arlington brass and the horsemen's group over their protracted contract dispute that both sides agree is at an impasse.
At issue are the level of purses for the upcoming 68-date live racing meet scheduled to begin May 1. And underlying the dispute is Churchill's refusal to pursue casino games -- allowed under state gambling expansion legislation approved last year -- that could supplement declining purse revenues.
The association, which represents some 2,500 thoroughbred horse owners and trainers who work at Arlington, is asking for as much as $200,000 in daily purse money, and they say Churchill has offered as little as $130,000.
Last year, purses averaged $151,000 per day.
Petrillo said Arlington might be able to offer as much as $142,000, but he considered the horsemen's higher demands to be "unreasonable."
"It's unrealistic in this economic environment within our industry," Petrillo said. "It would cripple us."
The Illinois horsemen have suggested a possible hiatus of at least some of the high-stakes races during Arlington Million Day -- such as the Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes -- where big purses on that single day in August primarily go to out-of-state horse owners.
"To see that money leave the purse account on one day is difficult for me to watch," said Chris Block, an Elk Grove Village horse owner, trainer and breeder. "I would love to run in the Million or the other races. I have before. But in this day and age right now in 2020, unfortunately this industry cannot afford that big of a day."
Brincat said both parties could be subject to fines, should the contract dispute continue, since they missed a New Year's deadline to finalize a deal.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--After video of overturning car, Arlington Heights to discuss speeding concerns with residents

Arlington Heights officials are expected to host a neighborhood meeting with residents of a stretch of South Cleveland Avenue near downtown who point to video of a car careening off a parked SUV and overturning as an example of why they want to curtail frequent speeding down their street .
Village board members Tuesday night officially approved a 25 mph limit for the area of Cleveland in question , between Davis Street and Central Road .
While there has been a 25 mph sign on Cleveland , village officials recently discovered there was not an ordinance ordering the limit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- with some children holding signs such as `` Slow = Safe '' -- attended the village board session seeking more than the 25 mph limit becoming official .
Some during public comment time asked the village to meet with them to help fix what they contend is a safety problem .
That led Village Manager Randy Recklaus to suggest a neighborhood meeting with police , engineering representatives , Cleveland residents and others to explore potential solutions .
`` We can dialogue about these issues easier than we can at this type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we can go through the ( traffic ) data , talk about how it was collected , answer any question and brainstorm in a little bit more of an open forum . ''
Recklaus said a 2016 traffic survey showed the average speed down the stretch of Cleveland was 24 mph and excessive speeding at 15 mph or more over the limit was less than 1 % .
Another study in 2019 showed the average speed at 25 mph and excessive speeding also was less than 1 % .
Police said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry traveling north on Cleveland -- as seen on the video from a neighbor 's home security system -- and attempting to go around a parked Ford Explorer while a southbound vehicle came toward her .
The driver did n't move enough to the left and struck the Explorer , causing the Camry to overturn , police said .
The driver , who was found to be traveling 32 mph in the 25 mph zone , was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident Tiffany Marston said she 's concerned about the safety of about 50 young children living on the 700 and 800 blocks of Cleveland .
`` I feel our children have the right to play outside on the sidewalk or walk safely to school without having that fear , '' Marston said .
Village board members said they understood the residents ' concerns .
Trustee Robin LaBedz said drivers need to be encouraged to obey speed limits throughout the village .
`` Because it is a problem throughout the village , '' LaBedz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your problem , but we need to somehow start reaching out to people that , 'Slow down , we do n't have to hurry . '
An extra five seconds is not going to make a difference and it could save someone 's life or save someone from being seriously injured . ''

After video of overturning car, Arlington Heights to discuss speeding concerns with residents
A speeding car hits a parked SUV and starts to flip on Cleveland Street in Arlington Heights on Dec. 10, 2019. Video frame courtesy of Casaletto
Arlington Heights officials are expected to host a neighborhood meeting with residents of a stretch of South Cleveland Avenue near downtown who point to video of a car careening off a parked SUV and overturning as an example of why they want to curtail frequent speeding down their street.
Village board members Tuesday night officially approved a 25 mph limit for the area of Cleveland in question, between Davis Street and Central Road. While there has been a 25 mph sign on Cleveland, village officials recently discovered there was not an ordinance ordering the limit.
But about 30 South Cleveland Avenue residents -- with some children holding signs such as "Slow = Safe" -- attended the village board session seeking more than the 25 mph limit becoming official. Some during public comment time asked the village to meet with them to help fix what they contend is a safety problem.
That led Village Manager Randy Recklaus to suggest a neighborhood meeting with police, engineering representatives, Cleveland residents and others to explore potential solutions.
"We can dialogue about these issues easier than we can at this type of meeting," Recklaus said. "And we can go through the (traffic) data, talk about how it was collected, answer any question and brainstorm in a little bit more of an open forum."
Recklaus said a 2016 traffic survey showed the average speed down the stretch of Cleveland was 24 mph and excessive speeding at 15 mph or more over the limit was less than 1%. Another study in 2019 showed the average speed at 25 mph and excessive speeding also was less than 1%.
Police said a woman on the afternoon of Dec. 10 was behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry traveling north on Cleveland -- as seen on the video from a neighbor's home security system -- and attempting to go around a parked Ford Explorer while a southbound vehicle came toward her.
The driver didn't move enough to the left and struck the Explorer, causing the Camry to overturn, police said. The driver, who was found to be traveling 32 mph in the 25 mph zone, was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, he said.
Cleveland Avenue resident Tiffany Marston said she's concerned about the safety of about 50 young children living on the 700 and 800 blocks of Cleveland.
"I feel our children have the right to play outside on the sidewalk or walk safely to school without having that fear," Marston said.
Village board members said they understood the residents' concerns. Trustee Robin LaBedz said drivers need to be encouraged to obey speed limits throughout the village.
"Because it is a problem throughout the village," LaBedz said. "You're definitely experiencing your problem, but we need to somehow start reaching out to people that, 'Slow down, we don't have to hurry.' An extra five seconds is not going to make a difference and it could save someone's life or save someone from being seriously injured."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--Screenings for mystery virus at O'Hare: What you need to know

Passengers arriving at O'Hare International Airport from a region in eastern China will start being screened this week for a new virus that causes pneumonia and has sickened hundreds in Asia .
Information is still emerging about the 2019 novel coronavirus , but authorities confirmed Tuesday that a Washington state resident who returned Jan. 15 from Wuhan , China , is the first American known to have contracted the respiratory illness .
Screening at O'Hare by federal health workers `` will impact a very limited group of travelers , and the broader traveling public and airport employees are not at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner Jamie Rhee said .
`` We 're taking these proactive measures based on recommendations from the CDC to ensure we are monitoring traveler health appropriately , '' Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said .
Travelers at O'Hare do not need to take special precautions and will not be affected unless their flights are departing to or arriving from the Wuhan region of China , officials said .
Screening typically involves passengers filling out questionnaires and having their temperatures checked .
Travelers with fever , cough or trouble breathing might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention began screening passengers from Wuhan Friday at San Francisco , Los Angeles and New York 's John F. Kennedy international airports .
O'Hare and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are being added to the list .
Coronaviruses are described as a `` family '' of viruses causing respiratory problems that include the common cold .
One coronavirus , however , was severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS , a respiratory infection that resulted in a global outbreak in 2003 , killing 774 people , according to the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know about the new coronavirus yet .
`` While originally thought to be spreading from animal to person , there are growing indications that limited person-to-person spread is happening .
It 's unclear how easily this virus is spreading between people , '' CDC officials said .
Chinese authorities estimate the virus , first detected in December , has infected about 440 people in China and caused nine deaths .
Other cases have been reported in Thailand , Japan and South Korea .
Those most susceptible are the elderly or people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , preliminary information indicates .
Authorities noted that despite the fatalities , other patients have been treated and released .
It 's not the first time O'Hare has hosted CDC screenings for viruses ; this also occurred in 2014 during the Ebola epidemic in Africa .
`` Over the years , we 've developed deep relationships and gained useful experiences when it comes to addressing situations like the 2019 Novel Coronavirus , and airport contingency preparations began a week ago -- before the CDC initiated this step , '' Rhee stated .

Screenings for mystery virus at O'Hare: What you need to know
Travelers wear face masks as they walk outside of the Beijing Railway Station on Monday in the wake of an outbreak of a new coronavirus, including the first cases in the capital. The outbreak coincides with the country's busiest travel period, as millions board trains and planes for the Lunar New Year holidays. Associated Press
An airport staff member uses a temperature gun to check people leaving Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in Wuhan, China, Tuesday. Associated Press
Passengers arriving at O'Hare International Airport from a region in eastern China will start being screened this week for a new virus that causes pneumonia and has sickened hundreds in Asia.
Information is still emerging about the 2019 novel coronavirus, but authorities confirmed Tuesday that a Washington state resident who returned Jan. 15 from Wuhan, China, is the first American known to have contracted the respiratory illness.
Screening at O'Hare by federal health workers "will impact a very limited group of travelers, and the broader traveling public and airport employees are not at risk," Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee said.
"We're taking these proactive measures based on recommendations from the CDC to ensure we are monitoring traveler health appropriately," Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said.
Travelers at O'Hare do not need to take special precautions and will not be affected unless their flights are departing to or arriving from the Wuhan region of China, officials said. Screening typically involves passengers filling out questionnaires and having their temperatures checked. Travelers with fever, cough or trouble breathing might undergo additional assessments.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began screening passengers from Wuhan Friday at San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York's John F. Kennedy international airports. O'Hare and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are being added to the list.
Coronaviruses are described as a "family" of viruses causing respiratory problems that include the common cold.
One coronavirus, however, was severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS, a respiratory infection that resulted in a global outbreak in 2003, killing 774 people, according to the World Health Organization.
There's a lot scientists don't know about the new coronavirus yet.
"While originally thought to be spreading from animal to person, there are growing indications that limited person-to-person spread is happening. It's unclear how easily this virus is spreading between people," CDC officials said.
Chinese authorities estimate the virus, first detected in December, has infected about 440 people in China and caused nine deaths. Other cases have been reported in Thailand, Japan and South Korea.
Those most susceptible are the elderly or people with health problems and compromised immune systems, preliminary information indicates.
Authorities noted that despite the fatalities, other patients have been treated and released.
It's not the first time O'Hare has hosted CDC screenings for viruses; this also occurred in 2014 during the Ebola epidemic in Africa.
"Over the years, we've developed deep relationships and gained useful experiences when it comes to addressing situations like the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, and airport contingency preparations began a week ago -- before the CDC initiated this step," Rhee stated.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--Rozner: Emotional night for Quenneville, Blackhawks fans

Joel Quenneville knew he was going to cry , but for the moment he had to laugh .
His arrival at the United Center on Tuesday afternoon demanded enough cameras to make him glance over his shoulder to see who might have been behind him .
So yeah , he chuckled at the attention .
But he smiled and took it in stride , never breaking stride as he found the visitor 's locker room , first joking habit might force him into the wrong office .
It was n't quite No .
23 returning to Chicago in a Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a future Hall of Fame coach , one who stood behind the bench during the greatest decade in Chicago Blackhawks history .
This was not a small deal , but being the focus of the evening was clearly not what Quenneville wanted , not with two teams riding five-game win streaks and heading into a 10-day holiday .
The Panthers ' first-year coach knew the standing ovation would get to him , understood the video tribute could bring tears to his eyes -- and those of his fans -- and he knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a different uniform would cause a flood of memories .
And it all happened just as he suspected .
During the first TV timeout , the players from both teams returned to their benches , the Quenneville highlights played on the huge video screen and everyone in the building watched .
When it was done , play was held up by the officials as the standing ovation continued , Hawks players tapping their sticks and Hawks coaches clapping , Quenneville repeatedly acknowledging the fans and ultimately his former captain on the ice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return of a beloved figure in Chicago sports history , a man that is on any coaching Rushmore this city can ever carve .
But in a crowded and entertaining pregame session with the media , Quenneville tried to stress that the game was truly the important matter for both hockey clubs , and that he had n't even mentioned his own situation to his team , which -- like the Hawks -- is fighting for a playoff spot and won with only seconds remaining Monday night in Minnesota .
`` Never brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that infectious Quenneville smile .
`` Got a hockey game tonight .
Both teams are excited about where they 're at going into the break .
It 's a very meaningful game to sustain momentum .
`` That 's all we 're focused on . ''
It does n't mean he did n't understand the fans ' love for him and does n't mean he was n't grateful for the fascination in his first game back in Chicago .
`` I think it 's two different things , '' Quenneville said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most important thing .
Dealing with your team and trying to win .
`` There 's a moment when you can say thank you and the appreciation that you have for what transpired and all the people that touched you . ''
The abundance of pomp was not at all surprising given the circumstance .
It had all the passion one would expect for someone as revered as Quenneville , bringing the grizzled coach to his emotional knees , the first opportunity for fans to salute him since he was fired , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Quenneville recounted his many favorite memories , all dealing with the toughest moments en route to three Stanley Cups , the most brutal series and the great comebacks , like Detroit in 2013 , the 17 seconds in Boston and Anaheim in 2015 .
`` I know I was fortunate to have the team that we had .
I was lucky , '' Quenneville said .
`` And we had to change on the fly with three different kinds of teams over those years , fortunate to retool in the salary-cap era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depth .
`` We had a couple of runs that were disappointing as well , some frustrating losses .
So it was n't all easy or we just expected to win .
`` We gave the guys a lot of freedom to play .
We tried to instill in them doing things the right way .
`` But the cooperation that we had from the guys was always outstanding .
The motivation part of the game was basically as simple as you can imagine , which is not always easy .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without even trying to push or shove or demand or beg .
As a coach you could n't ask for an easier setup than that .
The players did it . ''
Quenneville credited ownership , management and so many who contributed to clearly the greatest years of his hockey life .
`` It all brings back a special time in our lives and a special time with the city , going through some amazing runs that are so memorable , '' Quenneville said .
`` So many people shared in it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and were responsible for it .
`` I was very fortunate to have that type of career here in Chicago . ''
And Chicago was very fortunate to have had Joel Quenneville .

Rozner: Emotional night for Quenneville, Blackhawks fans
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comFormer Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville smiles during a video tribute to him at the United Center in Chicago Tuesday.
Joel Quenneville knew he was going to cry, but for the moment he had to laugh.
His arrival at the United Center on Tuesday afternoon demanded enough cameras to make him glance over his shoulder to see who might have been behind him.
So yeah, he chuckled at the attention.
But he smiled and took it in stride, never breaking stride as he found the visitor's locker room, first joking habit might force him into the wrong office.
It wasn't quite No. 23 returning to Chicago in a Washington uniform, but there was much interest in a future Hall of Fame coach, one who stood behind the bench during the greatest decade in Chicago Blackhawks history.
This was not a small deal, but being the focus of the evening was clearly not what Quenneville wanted, not with two teams riding five-game win streaks and heading into a 10-day holiday.
The Panthers' first-year coach knew the standing ovation would get to him, understood the video tribute could bring tears to his eyes -- and those of his fans -- and he knew seeing his former stars on the ice in a different uniform would cause a flood of memories.
And it all happened just as he suspected.
During the first TV timeout, the players from both teams returned to their benches, the Quenneville highlights played on the huge video screen and everyone in the building watched.
When it was done, play was held up by the officials as the standing ovation continued, Hawks players tapping their sticks and Hawks coaches clapping, Quenneville repeatedly acknowledging the fans and ultimately his former captain on the ice.
Finally, the game overshadowed the return of a beloved figure in Chicago sports history, a man that is on any coaching Rushmore this city can ever carve.
But in a crowded and entertaining pregame session with the media, Quenneville tried to stress that the game was truly the important matter for both hockey clubs, and that he hadn't even mentioned his own situation to his team, which -- like the Hawks -- is fighting for a playoff spot and won with only seconds remaining Monday night in Minnesota.
"Never brought it up," Quenneville said with that infectious Quenneville smile. "Got a hockey game tonight. Both teams are excited about where they're at going into the break. It's a very meaningful game to sustain momentum.
"That's all we're focused on."
It doesn't mean he didn't understand the fans' love for him and doesn't mean he wasn't grateful for the fascination in his first game back in Chicago.
"I think it's two different things," Quenneville said. "When the game starts, that's the most important thing. Dealing with your team and trying to win.
"There's a moment when you can say thank you and the appreciation that you have for what transpired and all the people that touched you."
The abundance of pomp was not at all surprising given the circumstance.
It had all the passion one would expect for someone as revered as Quenneville, bringing the grizzled coach to his emotional knees, the first opportunity for fans to salute him since he was fired, to remember together so many great times.
Quenneville recounted his many favorite memories, all dealing with the toughest moments en route to three Stanley Cups, the most brutal series and the great comebacks, like Detroit in 2013, the 17 seconds in Boston and Anaheim in 2015.
"I know I was fortunate to have the team that we had. I was lucky," Quenneville said. "And we had to change on the fly with three different kinds of teams over those years, fortunate to retool in the salary-cap era, able to have four-line teams and depth.
"We had a couple of runs that were disappointing as well, some frustrating losses. So it wasn't all easy or we just expected to win.
"We gave the guys a lot of freedom to play. We tried to instill in them doing things the right way.
"But the cooperation that we had from the guys was always outstanding. The motivation part of the game was basically as simple as you can imagine, which is not always easy.
"That was one standard that was always achieved without even trying to push or shove or demand or beg. As a coach you couldn't ask for an easier setup than that. The players did it."
Quenneville credited ownership, management and so many who contributed to clearly the greatest years of his hockey life.
"It all brings back a special time in our lives and a special time with the city, going through some amazing runs that are so memorable," Quenneville said. "So many people shared in it and so many people played a hand in it and were responsible for it.
"I was very fortunate to have that type of career here in Chicago."
And Chicago was very fortunate to have had Joel Quenneville.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--Kane County, Algonquin residents could pay less in Longmeadow Parkway tolls

It 's going to cost Kane County and Algonquin residents to use the Longmeadow Parkway toll bridge when it opens in 2022 .
It just wo n't cost as much as it will for other people -- unless you 're a truck driver .
The Kane County Board 's transportation committee gave preliminary approval to place a toll of 95 cents for most vehicles crossing the bridge over the Fox River .
KDOT officials also unveiled a plan for the residents of Kane County and Algonquin that will give them unlimited access to the toll bridge for $ 200 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an overall goal to pay off the $ 28 million borrowed to help build the bridge with money from outside the county .
KDOT officials said the $ 200 cost pays for itself for any resident who uses the toll bridge round-trip twice a week for the year .
Commuters who use the bridge five days per week for work would see that $ 200 cost average out to about 38 cents per crossing , officials said .
If you live outside Kane County or Algonquin and plan to be a regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will offer a $ 300 annual pass .
All discounts will require an I-PASS .
Drivers of large commercial trucks , on the other hand , will get no discount .
In what KDOT officials described as an effort to discourage large truck traffic on the parkway , the proposed toll for such vehicles is $ 7 with an I-PASS and $ 8.50 without one .
Those tolls fall close to the median compared to what commercial truck drivers pay on other tollways .
The DeKalb exit off the Reagan Memorial Tollway now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marengo-Hampshire exit off I-90 is $ 13.60 for truck drivers .
On the low side , truck drivers pay $ 2.55 to exit the Tri-State Tollway at Halsted Street .
Noisy truck traffic and the toll are two of the reasons thousands of residents near the new Longmeadow Parkway opposed the project .
Recent nonbinding referendums documented that opposition .
Board member Chris Kious represented those sentiments in three failed resolutions Tuesday .
The first resolution attempted to eliminate the parkway toll .
It received the support only of county board member Jarett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place tolls on all other county-controlled roadways .
Kious said the resolution was an effort to have all county residents experience the same burdens his constituents will feel when using Longmeadow .
It also failed .
Kious ' final resolution suggested naming the toll bridge after county board Chairman Chris Lauzen .
Kious blames Lauzen for the project moving forward .
The Longmeadow Parkway is more than 30 years in the making , far preceding Lauzen 's term of office .
Though Lauzen backed away from a binding countywide referendum proposal , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll to pay for the bridge .
He chastised Democrats on the board last summer for not bringing in more state funds to eliminate the toll .
Republicans on the committee rose to Lauzen 's defense Tuesday .
`` He 's the one who pushed all of us to work on these solutions to reduce the toll , '' said transportation committee Chairman Drew Frasz .
`` It 's not his fault , '' echoed fellow Republican Mike Kenyon .
Told about the resolution , Lauzen said Kious `` has a truly perverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a resolution to make all bridges in Kane County toll bridges .
That shows the quality of Chris Kious ' contribution to the board , '' Lauzen said .
The full county board still must approve the suggested toll amounts and discounts .
The bridge is on schedule to open to traffic in 2022 .

Kane County, Algonquin residents could pay less in Longmeadow Parkway tolls
Bridge beams go up for the Longmeadow Parkway bridge in Carpentersville last year. Daily Herald file photo
It's going to cost Kane County and Algonquin village residents to use the Longmeadow Parkway toll bridge when it opens in 2022. It just won't cost as much as it will for other people -- unless you're a truck driver.
The Kane County Board's transportation committee gave preliminary approval to place a toll of 95 cents for most vehicles crossing the bridge over the Fox River. KDOT officials also unveiled a plan for the residents of Kane County and Algonquin that will give them unlimited access to the toll bridge for $200 a year.
The discount is in recognition of an overall goal to pay off the $28 million borrowed to help build the bridge with money from outside the county.
KDOT officials said the $200 cost pays for itself for any resident who uses the toll bridge round-trip twice a week for the year. Commuters who use the bridge five days per week for work would see that $200 cost average out to about 38 cents per crossing, officials said.
If you live outside Kane County or Algonquin and plan to be a regular user of the toll bridge, KDOT will offer a $300 annual pass.
Drivers of large commercial trucks, on the other hand, will get no discount. In what KDOT officials described as an effort to discourage large truck traffic on the parkway, the proposed toll for such vehicles is $7 with an I-PASS and $8.50 without one.
Those tolls fall close to the median compared to what commercial truck drivers pay on other tollways. The DeKalb toll plaza on the Reagan Memorial Tollway now charges truck drivers $16.15. The Marengo-Hampshire toll plaza on I-90 is $13.60 for truck drivers. On the low side, truck drivers pay $2.55 to exit the Tri-State Tollway at Halsted Street.
Noisy truck traffic and the toll are two of the reasons thousands of residents near the new Longmeadow Parkway opposed the project. Recent nonbinding referendums documented that opposition. Board member Chris Kious represented those sentiments in three failed resolutions Tuesday.
The first resolution attempted to eliminate the parkway toll. It received the support only of county board member Jarett Sanchez.
The second resolution attempted to place tolls on all other county-controlled roadways. Kious said the resolution was an effort to have all county residents experience the same burdens his constituents will feel when using Longmeadow. It also failed.
Kious' final resolution suggested naming the toll bridge after county board Chairman Chris Lauzen. Kious blames Lauzen for the project moving forward.
The Longmeadow Parkway is more than 30 years in the making, far preceding Lauzen's term of office. Though Lauzen backed away from a binding countywide referendum proposal, he is an outspoken critic of using a toll to pay for the bridge. He chastised Democrats on the board last summer for not bringing in more state funds to eliminate the toll. Republicans on the committee rose to Lauzen's defense Tuesday.
"He's the one who pushed all of us to work on these solutions to reduce the toll," said transportation committee Chairman Drew Frasz.
"It's not his fault," echoed fellow Republican Mike Kenyon.
Told about the resolution, Lauzen said Kious "has a truly perverse sense of humor."
"He made a resolution to make all bridges in Kane County toll bridges. That shows the quality of Chris Kious' contribution to the board," Lauzen said.
The full county board still must approve the suggested toll amounts and discounts. The bridge is on schedule to open to traffic in 2022.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--60 speakers line up for 'puppy mill' debate at Naperville meeting

Animal rights advocates came out with their talking points ready Tuesday evening as Naperville again took up a subject that has remained unresolved for five years : pet sales regulations .
Advocates representing rescue groups , some of them in yellow `` GO HUMANE '' shirts , encouraged the council to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit the sales of dogs and cats from commercial breeders , which many refer to as `` puppy mills . ''
`` The treatment of mill animals is not humane , '' Naperville resident Nancy Laures said .
`` We urge you to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lisa Paschal Alcorn said .
But the council also heard from speakers favoring the other option under consideration : adopting an ordinance that would require pet stores to ensure the breeders from which they source their dogs and cats follow ten standards of care put forward by the Humane Society of the United States .
Those standards include regulations about the size , stacking , flooring and temperature of animal cages at breeder facilities and the treatment of retired dogs .
Several canine health and welfare measures also would be regulated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialization , preventive care , grooming and potable water .
Reba Osborne , director of government affairs and business development for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce , called higher care standards `` a step in the right direction '' and said the alternative of banning sales of pets from commercial breeders would put pet stores out of business .
A third option of a local task force to `` develop guidelines that would work for us all '' is the idea the chamber most supports , she said .
Animal advocates had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's customer base supports several stores that only adopt out rescue animals and questioning how the city would enforce standards on breeders that typically are located in other cities or states .
`` All that could be done is to take the word of pet stores that are taking the word of the breeders that regulations are being met , '' said Amy Wolf , president of ADOPT Pet Shelter in Naperville .
City council members were slated to hear from roughly 60 speakers -- including a commercial breeder , a pet store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state representative , animal shelter operators and pet owners -- during their first reading of the two potential ways to regulate pet sales .
A vote is expected at a later meeting .
Discussion on Tuesday also covered demand for purebred puppies , health issues of animals purchased at pet stores and breeder inspection practices .
The debate followed several rounds of talks about potential pet regulations since advocates first came to the Naperville City Council opposing puppy mills in summer 2014 .
Advocates and some legislators also have pushed for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain animals from commercial breeders , but past proposals at both the city and state level have not been enacted .

60 speakers line up for 'puppy mill' debate at Naperville meeting
Advocates representing rescue groups, some of them in yellow "GO HUMANE" shirts, encouraged the Naperville city council on Tuesday to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit the sales of dogs and cats from commercial breeders, which many refer to as "puppy mills." Associated Press file photo
Animal rights advocates came out with their talking points ready Tuesday evening as Naperville again took up a subject that has remained unresolved for five years: pet sales regulations.
Advocates representing rescue groups, some of them in yellow "GO HUMANE" shirts, encouraged the council to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit the sales of dogs and cats from commercial breeders, which many refer to as "puppy mills."
"The treatment of mill animals is not humane," Naperville resident Nancy Laures said.
"We urge you to pass this long overdue ordinance for Naperville," Lisa Paschal Alcorn said.
But the council also heard from speakers favoring the other option under consideration: adopting an ordinance that would require pet stores to ensure the breeders from which they source their dogs and cats follow ten standards of care put forward by the Humane Society of the United States.
Those standards include regulations about the size, stacking, flooring and temperature of animal cages at breeder facilities and the treatment of retired dogs. Several canine health and welfare measures also would be regulated, such as access to exercise areas, socialization, preventive care, grooming and potable water.
Reba Osborne, director of government affairs and business development for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, called higher care standards "a step in the right direction" and said the alternative of banning sales of pets from commercial breeders would put pet stores out of business. A third option of a local task force to "develop guidelines that would work for us all" is the idea the chamber most supports, she said.
Animal advocates had a rebuttal ready, saying the city's customer base supports several stores that only adopt out rescue animals and questioning how the city would enforce standards on breeders that typically are located in other cities or states.
"All that could be done is to take the word of pet stores that are taking the word of the breeders that regulations are being met," said Amy Wolf, president of ADOPT Pet Shelter in Naperville.
City council members were slated to hear from roughly 60 speakers -- including a commercial breeder, a pet store operator, a county board member, a state representative, animal shelter operators and pet owners -- during their first reading of the two potential ways to regulate pet sales. A vote is expected at a later meeting.
Discussion on Tuesday also covered demand for purebred puppies, health issues of animals purchased at pet stores and breeder inspection practices.
The debate followed several rounds of talks about potential pet regulations since advocates first came to the Naperville City Council opposing puppy mills in summer 2014. Advocates and some legislators also have pushed for a state law to ban the sales of certain animals from commercial breeders, but past proposals at both the city and state level have not been enacted.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--21 apartments proposed for First Street project in downtown St. Charles

Among the bustling businesses and pedestrian-friendly amenities that make up downtown St. Charles , a proposed four-story residential development could help round out the city 's vision for its First Street corridor .
Slated for a vacant grassy lot just east of Blue Goose Market , the 21-unit apartment building would be one of three final pieces of the First Street redevelopment project .
A concept plan received preliminary support Tuesday from aldermen , who voted as a committee to designate R & B Development , LLC as the developer of the city-owned property .
Building plans call for six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above 19 ground-level parking spaces designated for residents .
City officials said they believe the proposal fits well into the downtown area south of Main Street , where mixed-use developments and streetscape improvements have transformed the properties between Route 31 and the Fox River .
`` I think the use is very consistent with what we 've talked about doing on First Street , '' Alderman Dan Stellato said .
`` I say we move forward . ''
The most recent phase of the First Street project included the construction of three riverfront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than originally planned , said Russell Colby , assistant community and economic development director .
As the city began seeking developers for three remaining parcels within the project area , he said , officials looked for opportunities to incorporate some additional housing and increase foot traffic downtown .
St. Charles already has an agreement in place with Frontier Development , LLC for the construction of a restaurant and office building at Illinois Street and Route 31 .
If the R & B apartment building moves forward , that leaves only one city-owned property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridor : a temporary parking lot at Illinois and First streets .
`` From an economic development standpoint , this presents an opportunity to continue the momentum that we have ( experienced ) the past couple of decades , '' Community and Economic Development Director Rita Tungare said .
R & B Development , led by Bob Rasmussen and Rick Dahl , is the only group to express interest in the vacant lot next to Blue Goose , Colby said .
Rasmussen has been involved in prior phases of the First Street project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to facilitate such a plan .
If ratified by the city council , the memorandum of understanding presented Tuesday gives developers 120 days to submit plans for the apartment building and negotiate a redevelopment agreement with St. Charles .
Rasmussen and Dahl are asking the city to convey the property to them , Tungare said , and to design and fund the completion of adjacent streetscape improvements , such as sidewalks and landscaping .
Some aldermen expressed concerns regarding the residential building 's design and parking plan , though officials said those details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
The goal is to present the project for final approval within the next four months so construction could begin this summer , Tungare said .

21 apartments proposed for First Street project in downtown St. Charles
R&B Development, LLC has proposed constructing a four-story residential building on a vacant grassy lot east of Blue Goose Market in downtown St. Charles. Courtesy of the city of St. Charles
Among the bustling businesses and pedestrian-friendly amenities that make up downtown St. Charles, a proposed four-story residential development could help round out the city's vision for its First Street corridor.
Slated for a vacant grassy lot just east of Blue Goose Market, the 21-unit apartment building would be one of three final pieces of the First Street redevelopment project. A concept plan received preliminary support Tuesday from aldermen, who voted as a committee to designate R&B Development, LLC as the developer of the city-owned property.
Building plans call for six two-bedroom and 15 one-bedroom apartments, constructed above 19 ground-level parking spaces designated for residents. City officials said they believe the proposal fits well into the downtown area south of Main Street, where mixed-use developments and streetscape improvements have transformed the properties between Route 31 and the Fox River.
"I think the use is very consistent with what we've talked about doing on First Street," Alderman Dan Stellato said. "I say we move forward."
The most recent phase of the First Street project included the construction of three riverfront buildings, which contained fewer residential units than originally planned, said Russell Colby, assistant community and economic development director. As the city began seeking developers for three remaining parcels within the project area, he said, officials looked for opportunities to incorporate some additional housing and increase foot traffic downtown.
St. Charles already has an agreement in place with Frontier Development, LLC for the construction of a restaurant and office building at Illinois Street and Route 31. If the R&B apartment building moves forward, that leaves only one city-owned property available for redevelopment in the First Street corridor: a temporary parking lot at Illinois and First streets.
"From an economic development standpoint, this presents an opportunity to continue the momentum that we have (experienced) the past couple of decades," Community and Economic Development Director Rita Tungare said.
R&B Development, led by Bob Rasmussen and Rick Dahl, is the only group to express interest in the vacant lot next to Blue Goose, Colby said. Rasmussen has been involved in prior phases of the First Street project and lauded the city for its ability to facilitate such a plan.
If ratified by the city council, the memorandum of understanding presented Tuesday gives developers 120 days to submit plans for the apartment building and negotiate a redevelopment agreement with St. Charles. Rasmussen and Dahl are asking the city to convey the property to them, Tungare said, and to design and fund the completion of adjacent streetscape improvements, such as sidewalks and landscaping.
Some aldermen expressed concerns regarding the residential building's design and parking plan, though officials said those details would be worked out during the approval process.
The goal is to present the project for final approval within the next four months so construction could begin this summer, Tungare said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--New soccer field highlights park plan in Round Lake Beach

Recreational opportunities in the Round Lake Beach area could multiply quickly with big pending plans for Sports Center Park .
`` The goal would be to have the whole park done , if weather cooperates , in the next 12 months , '' said Bob Newport , executive director of the Round Lake Area Park District .
A master plan for the 14-acre park is among 85 projects statewide that will receive funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant .
The state grant must be matched by the receiving agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with parks agencies in Highland Park , Lake Zurich and Waukegan and the city of Highwood , each received $ 400,000 .
Sports Center Park occupies an area north and east of the park district 's 50,000-square-foot indoor sports center .
Both are part of a municipal complex that includes the village hall/police department , cultural and civic center , Hook Lake and a post office west of Route 83 and north of Rollins Road .
The plan calls for an entry plaza , splash pad , fitness area , sand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the biggest part will be relocating the existing outdoor soccer field to the east on the park site .
`` It 's a completely new spot that has been used as a practice field , '' Newport said .
The existing field was downsized and reoriented to minimize impact on its neighbors , Newport said , and there is not enough space in that location for a full-scale facility .
Once graded , the grass on the new field will take 12 to 15 months to become playable .
Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District is awaiting official notification before bidding the work and selecting a contractor .
`` It 's not like building a building , '' Newport added .
`` It 's stuff we do n't expect too much hiccups with . ''
A bocce ball court also is in the master plan .
While available to all , it is a nod to the Round Lake Superstars , who won the state title representing the Special Recreation Services of North Lake County .
`` We 're trying to get them a nice home court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waukegan will use its funding for renovations to Victory Park ; Lake Zurich will add a fishing pier and other amenities at Paulus Park ; and Highwood will proceed with the first phase of an events park .
In Highland Park , the grant will be used for trail work , amenities and landscaping at the 100-acre Community Park .

New soccer field highlights park plan in Round Lake Beach
An entry plaza, splash pad, fitness area, tennis/pickleball court and other amenities are in the master plan for Sports Center Park in Round Lake Beach. Courtesy of Round Lake Area Park District
Recreational opportunities in the Round Lake Beach area could multiply quickly with big pending plans for Sports Center Park.
"The goal would be to have the whole park done, if weather cooperates, in the next 12 months," said Bob Newport, executive director of the Round Lake Area Park District.
A master plan for the 14-acre park is among 85 projects statewide that will receive funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant.
The state grant must be matched by the receiving agency. The Round Lake Area Park District, along with parks agencies in Highland Park, Lake Zurich and Waukegan and the city of Highwood, each received $400,000.
Sports Center Park occupies an area north and east of the park district's 50,000-square-foot indoor sports center. Both are part of a municipal complex that includes the village hall/police department, cultural and civic center, Hook Lake and a post office west of Route 83 and north of Rollins Road.
The plan calls for an entry plaza, splash pad, fitness area, sand volleyball, tennis/pickleball courts and trail connections.
However, the biggest part will be relocating the existing outdoor soccer field to the east on the park site.
"It's a completely new spot that has been used as a practice field," Newport said. The existing field was downsized and reoriented to minimize impact on its neighbors, Newport said, and there is not enough space in that location for a full-scale facility.
Once graded, the grass on the new field will take 12 to 15 months to become playable.
Like other agencies, Round Lake Area Park District is awaiting official notification before bidding the work and selecting a contractor.
"It's not like building a building," Newport added. "It's stuff we don't expect too much hiccups with."
A bocce ball court also is in the master plan. While available to all, it is a nod to the Round Lake Superstars, who won the state title representing the Special Recreation Services of North Lake County.
"We're trying to get them a nice home court," Newport said.
Elsewhere, Waukegan will use its funding for renovations to Victory Park; Lake Zurich will add a fishing pier and other amenities at Paulus Park; and Highwood will proceed with the first phase of an events park. In Highland Park, the grant will be used for trail work, amenities and landscaping at the 100-acre Community Park.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-21--Memorial at East Aurora High School will honor fallen soldier

Aurora will hold a memorial ceremony next week to honor U.S. Army Spc .
Miguel Villalon , the former East Aurora High School student killed earlier this month by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan .
Villalon 's parents will bury their 21-year-old son Saturday in his family 's hometown of Brownsville , Texas .
His mother , Olivia Guzman Villalon , will return to his alma mater Wednesday , Jan. 29 , for a service that will give the Aurora community a chance to pay its respects .
Mayor Richard Irvin will invite Gold Star families to attend the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's auditorium .
Irvin , an Army veteran , has felt a personal connection to the young man , killed during his first deployment to the 18-year war in Afghanistan .
`` I , too , was about the same age when I joined the U.S. Army , '' Irvin said Tuesday .
`` I was a young kid from East High School , trying to figure life out .
`` I remember the feeling of leaving home and later flying to the Middle East during the Gulf War .
I remember those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I would make it to see another day .
I sacrificed some .
Miguel Villalon sacrificed all . ''
Aurora officials have been in regular communication with Villalon 's mother since he was killed , Irvin said .
She has shared stories of an `` inquisitive young boy who went above and beyond to take care of his family and loved ones , '' Irvin said .
His mother has expressed a desire for cadets in East Aurora 's Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp -- her son 's unit -- to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olivia looks forward to joining us in Aurora next week to personally thank the community as we celebrate her son in a memorial ceremony at the place he loved so much , '' Irvin said .
Villalon and a second soldier , Staff Sgt .
Ian McLaughlin of Newport News , Virginia , were killed Jan. 11 when their vehicle was struck by an explosive in the southern province of Kandahar .
They were assigned to the 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion , 3rd Brigade Combat Team , 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pentagon .
Their deaths were the first U.S. casualties of 2020 in Afghanistan .
The Taliban has claimed responsibility .
During his media briefing Tuesday , Irvin held a moment of silence in tribute to Villalon , calling him an `` intelligent , brave , disciplined , dedicated '' young man .
Memorial donations , cards and letters for the Villalon family can be brought to a collection box at Wednesday 's ceremony , Irvin said .
`` Out of respect to her and her family , we have held off on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until she has had time to lay her son to rest and return home , '' Irvin said of Villalon 's mother .
`` She sincerely thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support she has received . ''
Visitation is set for Friday at the Brownsville Event Center in Brownsville , Texas .
Villalon 's funeral services will be held there Saturday .
Friends in Aurora have remembered Villalon as a steadying influence within their tight circle .
He joined the Army in 2018 .
`` He was always one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about anything , '' West Aurora High School alum Marlo Guzon said last week .

Memorial at East Aurora High School will honor fallen soldier
Miguel Villalon, far right, with friends, from left, Marlo Guzon, Rodrigo Hull and Gerardo Franco. Villalon was killed while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan Jan. 11. Courtesy of Marlo Guzon
Aurora will hold a memorial ceremony next week to honor U.S. Army Spc. Miguel Villalon, the former East Aurora High School student killed earlier this month by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
Villalon's parents will bury their 21-year-old son Saturday in his family's hometown of Brownsville, Texas. His mother, Olivia Guzman Villalon, will return to his alma mater Wednesday, Jan. 29, for a service that will give the Aurora community a chance to pay its respects.
Mayor Richard Irvin will invite Gold Star families to attend the public service at 2 p.m. in East Aurora's auditorium. Irvin, an Army veteran, has felt a personal connection to the young man, killed during his first deployment to the 18-year war in Afghanistan.
"I, too, was about the same age when I joined the U.S. Army," Irvin said Tuesday. "I was a young kid from East High School, trying to figure life out.
"I remember the feeling of leaving home and later flying to the Middle East during the Gulf War. I remember those cold nights in the desert not knowing if I would make it to see another day. I sacrificed some. Miguel Villalon sacrificed all."
Aurora officials have been in regular communication with Villalon's mother since he was killed, Irvin said. She has shared stories of an "inquisitive young boy who went above and beyond to take care of his family and loved ones," Irvin said.
His mother has expressed a desire for cadets in East Aurora's Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp -- her son's unit -- to participate in Wednesday's service.
"Olivia looks forward to joining us in Aurora next week to personally thank the community as we celebrate her son in a memorial ceremony at the place he loved so much," Irvin said.
Villalon and a second soldier, Staff Sgt. Ian McLaughlin of Newport News, Virginia, were killed Jan. 11 when their vehicle was struck by an explosive in the southern province of Kandahar. They were assigned to the 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, according to the Pentagon.
Their deaths were the first U.S. casualties of 2020 in Afghanistan. The Taliban has claimed responsibility.
During his media briefing Tuesday, Irvin held a moment of silence in tribute to Villalon, calling him an "intelligent, brave, disciplined, dedicated" young man.
Memorial donations, cards and letters for the Villalon family can be brought to a collection box at Wednesday's ceremony, Irvin said.
"Out of respect to her and her family, we have held off on hosting a public ceremony here in Aurora until she has had time to lay her son to rest and return home," Irvin said of Villalon's mother. "She sincerely thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support she has received."
Visitation is set for Friday at the Brownsville Event Center in Brownsville, Texas. Villalon's funeral services will be held there Saturday.
Friends in Aurora have remembered Villalon as a steadying influence within their tight circle. He joined the Army in 2018.
"He was always one of those people that I could talk to about anything," West Aurora High School alum Marlo Guzon said last week.