dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Best bets: 'Disney On Ice' returns to Allstate Arena & United Center

`` Disney On Ice : Road Trip Adventures '' takes families on a skating journey to meet with Mary Poppins , Aladdin , Moana and many more characters brought to life on ice .
The tour stops at the Allstate Arena , 6920 N. Mannheim Road , Rosemont , and also at the United Center , 1901 W. Madison St. , Chicago .
$ 15- $ 65 .
( 800 ) 745-3000 or disneyonice.com .
Various shows Thursday through Sunday , Jan. 23-26 , and Thursday through Sunday , Feb. 6-9 , in Rosemont and Wednesday through Sunday , Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Ice : Road Trip Adventures '' tours to both the Allstate Arena in Rosemont and the United Center in Chicago .
MLK musical tribute The Chicago Sinfonietta pays homage to the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual `` MLK Tribute Concert '' at two locations : first on Sunday at North Central College 's Wentz Concert Hall , 171 E. Chicago Ave. , Naperville ; then on Monday at Symphony Center , 220 S. Michigan Ave. , Chicago .
$ 10- $ 63 .
( 312 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , Jan. 19 , in Naperville and 7:30 p.m. Monday , Jan. 20 , in Chicago Sun-Kyun Lee , left , and Yeo-Jeong Jo star in `` Parasite . ''
The award-winning South Korean film is screened by the After Hours Film Society at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove on Monday , Jan. 20 .
Acclaimed horror The After Hours Film Society presents a special screening of the Academy Award-nominated South Korean film `` Parasite '' at the Tivoli Theatre , 5021 Highland Ave. , Downers Grove .
$ 10 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7:30 p.m. Monday , Jan. 20 Mandy Patinkin performs at the Chicago Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday , Jan. 23 .
Broadway legend See Emmy and Tony Award-winner Mandy Patinkin in a show called `` Diaries '' with Adam Ben-David on piano at the Chicago Theatre , 175 N. State St. , Chicago .
$ 45- $ 125 .
( 800 ) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com .
7:30 p.m. Thursday , Jan. 23 The Chicagoland Fishing & Outdoor Expo promises a fishing simulator , a casting pond , loads of boats and more for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schaumburg Convention Center , 1551 N. Thoreau Drive , Schaumburg .
( 847 ) 303-4100 or sportshows.com .
Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday , Jan. 23-24 ; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday , Jan. 25 ; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday , Jan. 26

Best bets: 'Disney On Ice' returns to Allstate Arena & United Center
"Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures" tours to both the Allstate Arena in Rosemont and the United Center in Chicago. Courtesy of Feld Entertainment
Disney journeys
"Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures" takes families on a skating journey to meet with Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Moana and many more characters brought to life on ice. The tour stops at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, and also at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $15-$65. (800) 745-3000 or disneyonice.com. Various shows Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 23-26, and Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 6-9, in Rosemont and Wednesday through Sunday, Jan. 29-Feb. 2, in Chicago
"Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures" tours to both the Allstate Arena in Rosemont and the United Center in Chicago. - Courtesy of Feld Entertainment
The Chicago Sinfonietta pays homage to the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual "MLK Tribute Concert" at two locations: first on Sunday at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville; then on Monday at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $10-$63. (312) 284-1554 or chicagosinfonietta.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, in Naperville and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, in Chicago
Sun-Kyun Lee, left, and Yeo-Jeong Jo star in "Parasite." The award-winning South Korean film is screened by the After Hours Film Society at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove on Monday, Jan. 20. - Courtesy of Neon
The After Hours Film Society presents a special screening of the Academy Award-nominated South Korean film "Parasite" at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. $10. (630) 968-0219 or afterhoursfilmsociety.com. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20
Mandy Patinkin performs at the Chicago Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. - Associated Press, 2011
See Emmy and Tony Award-winner Mandy Patinkin in a show called "Diaries" with Adam Ben-David on piano at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $45-$125. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23
Something fishy
The Chicagoland Fishing & Outdoor Expo promises a fishing simulator, a casting pond, loads of boats and more for fishing enthusiasts starting Thursday at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. (847) 303-4100 or sportshows.com. Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 23-24; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Farnsworth Road reopens in Aurora after crash causes power lines to fall

Farnsworth Road in Aurora was closed between Reckinger and Molitor roads for several hours Saturday after a crash that caused @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The road reopened in both directions by about 2:30 a.m. , Aurora @ @ @ @ @ about 4:05 p.m. after a car hit the pole at Farnsworth Road and Marshall Boulevard @ @ @ @ @ Edgar Gallardo of the Aurora Police Department .
Nobody was injured as a result of @ @ @ @ @ .

Farnsworth Road reopens in Aurora after crash causes power lines to fall
Farnsworth Road in Aurora was closed between Reckinger and Molitor roads for several hours Saturday after a crash that caused power lines to fall, police said.
The road reopened in both directions by about 2:30 a.m., Aurora police said.
Authorities responded about 4:05 p.m. after a car hit the pole at Farnsworth Road and Marshall Boulevard, according to Sgt. Edgar Gallardo of the Aurora Police Department. Nobody was injured as a result of the crash, Gallardo said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Police searching for missing and endangered Carol Stream woman

Authorities said Sunday evening that a 66-year-old Carol Stream woman who went missing Saturday has been located .
Sylvia Curry-Watson @ @ @ @ @ 6:45 p.m. Saturday at a home on the 100 block of Mantle Lane in Carol @ @ @ @ @

Missing Carol Stream woman located
Authorities said Sunday evening that a 66-year-old Carol Stream woman who went missing Saturday has been located.
Sylvia Curry-Watson had last been seen about 6:45 p.m. Saturday at a home on the 100 block of Mantle Lane in Carol Stream, police said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Piniella heads new hires for Cubs' Marquee Sports Network, no deal yet with Comcast

Chairman Tom Ricketts did n't waste any time plugging the Cubs ' new Marquee Sports Network .
Addressing the crowd during opening ceremonies at the Cubs Convention Friday , Ricketts laid out his vision .
`` Our promise for the next 10 years is to continue to have the best relationship with our fans of any professional sports team in the world , '' Ricketts said .
`` And that starts with the Marquee Network . ''
`` What do you have against the Marquee Network ? ''
Ricketts said .
`` Believe me , you wo n't be booing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That remains to be seen , especially if the Cubs still do n't have a deal with Comcast , the area 's largest cable network .
On WSCR 670-AM , the Cubs ' flagship radio station , Ricketts said he 's `` pretty confident '' of reaching a deal with Comcast .
At the Cubs Convention Saturday , 13 hires were officially announced for the Marquee Network .
Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies will be back in the broadcast booth for the eighth year , and former Cubs manager Lou Piniella is joining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former players Ryan Dempster , Mark DeRosa , Dan Plesac , Rick Sutcliffe , Carlos Pena , Doug Glanville and Jason Hammel will also appear as analysts .

Piniella heads new hires for Cubs' Marquee Sports Network, no deal yet with Comcast
Chairman Tom Ricketts didn't waste any time plugging the Cubs' new Marquee Sports Network.
Addressing the crowd during opening ceremonies at the Cubs Convention Friday, Ricketts laid out his vision.
"Our promise for the next 10 years is to continue to have the best relationship with our fans of any professional sports team in the world," Ricketts said. "And that starts with the Marquee Network."
The crowd booed, somewhat stunning Ricketts.
"What do you have against the Marquee Network?" Ricketts said. "Believe me, you won't be booing about that in a year."
That remains to be seen, especially if the Cubs still don't have a deal with Comcast, the area's largest cable network.
On WSCR 670-AM, the Cubs' flagship radio station, Ricketts said he's "pretty confident" of reaching a deal with Comcast.
At the Cubs Convention Saturday, 13 hires were officially announced for the Marquee Network.
Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies will be back in the broadcast booth for the eighth year, and former Cubs manager Lou Piniella is joining the station as a part-time analyst.
Former players Ryan Dempster, Mark DeRosa, Dan Plesac, Rick Sutcliffe, Carlos Pena, Doug Glanville and Jason Hammel will also appear as analysts.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Missing Waukegan man located safely

Missing Waukegan man located safely

A 74-year-old Waukegan man who suffers from Alzheimer 's disease has been found safe , hours after he had been @ @ @ @ @ a family member went to his home and discovered its front door open with no @ @ @ @ @ is taking Maurillo Melgoza to an area hospital for a precautionary checkup , police said @ @ @ @ @ last seen about midnight Sunday at the home in the 2800 block of Central Avenue @ @ @ @ @ relative reported him missing at about 4 a.m. Melgoza normally would not have left the @ @ @ @ @ according to police .
Police initially feared Melgoza may have been outside in the bitter @ @ @ @ @ footwear .

Missing Waukegan man located
A 74-year-old Waukegan man who suffers from Alzheimer's disease has been found safe, hours after he had been reported missing early Sunday after a family member went to his home and discovered its front door open with no one inside.
The family is taking Maurillo Melgoza to an area hospital for a precautionary checkup, police said Sunday afternoon.
Melgoza was last seen about midnight Sunday at the home in the 2800 block of Central Avenue, police said. A relative reported him missing at about 4 a.m. Melgoza normally would not have left the home on his own, according to police.
Police initially feared Melgoza may have been outside in the bitter cold temperatures Sunday without any footwear.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--No astrovans for SpaceX, crews riding to rockets in Teslas

CAPE CANAVERAL , Fla. -- Astronauts launched by SpaceX in coming months will ride to their rockets in high fashion .
Instead of using a retro-style astrovan , SpaceX crews will travel to the launch pad in Tesla sports cars .
Elon Musk , who also runs both SpaceX and the electric car company , used Teslas to get around Kennedy Space Center for Sunday 's launch escape test .
No one was aboard for the test flight , just two mannequins .
But during a launch dress rehearsal Friday , the two NASA astronauts assigned to the first SpaceX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Tesla Model X .
The sleek white and black spacesuits worn by astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken for Friday 's practice matched the white Tesla roadster with wing-like doors waiting for them outside Kennedy 's crew quarters .
A SpaceX employee drove them to the pad .
A second white Model X carried SpaceX support staff .
A SpaceX spokesman confirmed Sunday that this will be the transport for crew missions moving forward .
The first SpaceX crew launch , with Hurley and Behnken , could occur as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game of us learning to work with a commercial provider , '' said NASA spokesman Joshua Santora .
Boeing , which also aims to fly NASA astronauts this year , is sticking with the vintage look .
It plans to use a shiny new Airstream van similar to the astrovans used for decades by NASA .
Two years ago next month , Musk launched his own cherry-red Tesla Roadster on the debut flight of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket .
The convertible - with a spacesuited mannequin named Starman at the wheel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past Mars .

No astrovans for SpaceX, crews riding to rockets in Teslas
A Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket lifts off during a test flight to demonstrate the capsule's emergency escape system at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Associated Press
A Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket lifts off from pad 39A during a test flight to demonstrate the capsule's emergency escape system at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Associated Press
In this Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, photo provided by NASA, astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken pose in front of a Tesla Model X at a SpaceX launch dress rehearsal, at Kennedy Space Center, in Florida. The NASA astronauts rode to the pad in the Tesla. (Kim Shiflett/NASA via AP) Associated Press
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Astronauts launched by SpaceX in coming months will ride to their rockets in high fashion. Instead of using a retro-style astrovan, SpaceX crews will travel to the launch pad in Tesla sports cars.
Elon Musk, who also runs both SpaceX and the electric car company, used Teslas to get around Kennedy Space Center for Sunday's launch escape test. No one was aboard for the test flight, just two mannequins. But during a launch dress rehearsal Friday, the two NASA astronauts assigned to the first SpaceX crew got a lift to the pad in a Tesla Model X.
The sleek white and black spacesuits worn by astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken for Friday's practice matched the white Tesla roadster with wing-like doors waiting for them outside Kennedy's crew quarters. A SpaceX employee drove them to the pad. A second white Model X carried SpaceX support staff.
A SpaceX spokesman confirmed Sunday that this will be the transport for crew missions moving forward. The first SpaceX crew launch, with Hurley and Behnken, could occur as soon as April.
"This is part of the game of us learning to work with a commercial provider," said NASA spokesman Joshua Santora.
Boeing, which also aims to fly NASA astronauts this year, is sticking with the vintage look. It plans to use a shiny new Airstream van similar to the astrovans used for decades by NASA.
Two years ago next month, Musk launched his own cherry-red Tesla Roadster on the debut flight of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The convertible - with a spacesuited mannequin named Starman at the wheel - was placed in an orbit stretching past Mars.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Have you waited a long time at a freight train crossing? The feds want to hear about it.

Fuming in the idling car while an interminable freight train steals 20 minutes you 'll never get back ?
Get revenge -- or at least get on the record -- by reporting the delay to a new Federal Railroad Administration database .
The agency recently launched the website www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings with the intent of capturing data on blocked crossings to help identify chronic situations where trains cause traffic jams and hamstring first-responders for long stretches of time .
`` The FRA understands that blocked crossings pose potential safety risks and negatively impact quality of life in locations where trains routinely stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said .
It will `` help empower the public to hold the freight railroads accountable when they are blocking crossings , '' said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin , a Springfield Democrat who lobbied to create and fund the website .
Freight trains have grown in length by about 25 % since 2008 , with trains on some railroads averaging 1.2 to 1.4 miles in 2017 , according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office .
`` Blocked crossings are an ongoing problem without a solution , '' Illinois Commerce Commission Railroad Safety Specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how long a train can obstruct a crossing , and railroads are tight-lipped about the issue .
Once enough valid and reliable data on train obstructions is gathered , it will be made public , the FRA promises .
Finding worst cases will help `` communities work with railroads to minimize or prevent their recurrence , '' officials said .
But will knowledge equal power ?
The hope is communities that experience the worst train-generated gridlock could lobby for federal dollars to build grade separations or use the knowledge to pressure railroads to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the website can scroll a map that designates specific crossings and give the reason for the blocked crossing and how long they had to wait .
There 's also a chance to advise about problems like stymied ambulances or pedestrians crawling under trains , as happened in June 2018 in Barrington when a stalled CN train blocked crossings for one hour .
`` I am glad FRA is launching it and I think it will be helpful , '' Barrington Mayor Karen Darch said .
`` Actually , though , having the railroads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the Surface Transportation Board had CN do ... would yield even more effective and comprehensive data . ''
CN was ordered to report blocked crossing occurrences from 2009 through 2017 after it merged with the EJ & E Railroad that runs through the suburbs .
The data showed multiple cases of blockages lasting over an hour .
Meanwhile , Illinois crashes at railway tracks intersecting with roads in public areas jumped from 66 between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31 , 2018 , to 85 during the same period in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 and 17 in 2019 .
What 's the worst crossing for train delays on your commute ?
Drop an email to mpyke @ dailyherald.com .
Hey ... were n't freight trains shorter a few years back ?
It 's not your faulty memory , a Government Accountability Office report shows .
Seven major railroads operating in the U.S. are running longer than average trains on specific routes , although some indicated that 's just a small percentage of total traffic .
`` One railroad said it runs a 3-mile-long train twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A new discount airline is coming to Midway International Airport .
More at Midway A new discount airline is coming to Midway International Airport .
Allegiant announced last week it would start offering service between Midway and the following cities : Allentown , Pennsylvania ; Des Moines , Iowa ; Savannah , Georgia ; Asheville , North Carolina ; Knoxville , Tennessee ; and Destin/Fort Walton Beach , Florida .
As an incentive , some fares will be as low as $ 35 one-way .
To learn more , go to allegiantair.com .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago Auto Show Feb. 8-17 , at McCormick Place in Chicago , including Steve Vondrak of Palatine .
It 's a 12-year tradition for him and adult son , Andy .
`` I love the luxury SUVs and am always switching back and forth year to year between the Escalades and the Navigators .
The Cadillac XT4 and XT5 really grabbed both our attentions last year , '' Vondrak wrote .
Lynne Kalberg of Schaumburg drives a 2008 Honda Odyssey dubbed `` the Nana bus '' that is `` able to transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her husband drives a 2008 Honda CR-V , and the couple plan to downsize to one automobile .
`` Having different makes and models of cars in one place , indoors , would be very helpful for us , '' she wrote .
Downsizing became a necessity Jan. 15 after Ken and the CR-V collided with a deer , Kalberg said .
`` The cost of repair would be more than the Blue Book value of a 2008 , '' she noted .

Have you waited a long time at a freight train crossing? The feds want to hear about it.
Fuming in the idling car while an interminable freight train steals 20 minutes you'll never get back? Get revenge -- or at least get on the record -- by reporting the delay to a new Federal Railroad Administration database.
The agency recently launched the website www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings with the intent of capturing data on blocked crossings to help identify chronic situations where trains cause traffic jams and hamstring first-responders for long stretches of time.
"The FRA understands that blocked crossings pose potential safety risks and negatively impact quality of life in locations where trains routinely stand idle for extended periods," a spokesman said.
It will "help empower the public to hold the freight railroads accountable when they are blocking crossings," said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat who lobbied to create and fund the website.
Freight trains have grown in length by about 25% since 2008, with trains on some railroads averaging 1.2 to 1.4 miles in 2017, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
"Blocked crossings are an ongoing problem without a solution," Illinois Commerce Commission Railroad Safety Specialist Steve Laffey said.
No laws regulate how long a train can obstruct a crossing, and railroads are tight-lipped about the issue.
Once enough valid and reliable data on train obstructions is gathered, it will be made public, the FRA promises.
Finding worst cases will help "communities work with railroads to minimize or prevent their recurrence," officials said.
But will knowledge equal power? The hope is communities that experience the worst train-generated gridlock could lobby for federal dollars to build grade separations or use the knowledge to pressure railroads to offer operational fixes.
Participants who visit the website can scroll a map that designates specific crossings and give the reason for the blocked crossing and how long they had to wait. There's also a chance to advise about problems like stymied ambulances or pedestrians crawling under trains, as happened in June 2018 in Barrington when a stalled CN train blocked crossings for one hour.
"I am glad FRA is launching it and I think it will be helpful," Barrington Mayor Karen Darch said. "Actually, though, having the railroads report their delays which exceed 10 minutes, as the Surface Transportation Board had CN do ... would yield even more effective and comprehensive data."
CN was ordered to report blocked crossing occurrences from 2009 through 2017 after it merged with the EJ&E Railroad that runs through the suburbs. The data showed multiple cases of blockages lasting over an hour.
Meanwhile, Illinois crashes at railway tracks intersecting with roads in public areas jumped from 66 between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2018, to 85 during the same period in 2019, Laffey reported. There were 13 fatalities in 2018 and 17 in 2019.
What's the worst crossing for train delays on your commute? Drop an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
One more thing
Hey ... weren't freight trains shorter a few years back? It's not your faulty memory, a Government Accountability Office report shows.
Seven major railroads operating in the U.S. are running longer than average trains on specific routes, although some indicated that's just a small percentage of total traffic. "One railroad said it runs a 3-mile-long train twice week," the GOA noted.
A new discount airline is coming to Midway International Airport. -
A new discount airline is coming to Midway International Airport. Allegiant announced last week it would start offering service between Midway and the following cities: Allentown, Pennsylvania; Des Moines, Iowa; Savannah, Georgia; Asheville, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Florida. As an incentive, some fares will be as low as $35 one-way. To learn more, go to allegiantair.com.
Your voice
Lots of folks are revving up for the Chicago Auto Show Feb. 8-17, at McCormick Place in Chicago, including Steve Vondrak of Palatine. It's a 12-year tradition for him and adult son, Andy. "I love the luxury SUVs and am always switching back and forth year to year between the Escalades and the Navigators. The Cadillac XT4 and XT5 really grabbed both our attentions last year," Vondrak wrote.
Lynne Kalberg of Schaumburg drives a 2008 Honda Odyssey dubbed "the Nana bus" that is "able to transport all six of my grandchildren." Her husband drives a 2008 Honda CR-V, and the couple plan to downsize to one automobile. "Having different makes and models of cars in one place, indoors, would be very helpful for us," she wrote.
Downsizing became a necessity Jan. 15 after Ken and the CR-V collided with a deer, Kalberg said. "The cost of repair would be more than the Blue Book value of a 2008," she noted.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--MLK event in Lisle looks back, forward

MLK event in Lisle looks back, forward

Both the history and the future of black Americans were honored Sunday in Lisle at the Agape Connection 's 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel .
Agape Connection is a nonprofit that serves children and youth in the Western suburbs with educational and cultural initiatives , including the Dreamers Wax Museum of African American History .
On Sunday , the celebration featured the Jubilate Singers led by Lana Manson , formerly of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and currently assistant director of Music for St. James AME Church of Chicago .
The group performed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Got Long , '' which touched on both joys and sorrows throughout black history .
The audience was moved at times to clap along with the singers , who alternated poetic narration with choral singing .
While the past was highlighted , the present and the future were the focus of the top three finishers in the oratorical contest .
The trio -- Peter Eta of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora , Matthew Dean of Aurora Central Catholic High School and Teja Davis of Oswego East High School -- took on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race relations in the last decade of King 's life with the situation today .
The winner was Davis , who delivered a rousing speech that concluded with singing the words of `` We Shall Overcome . ''
After paying tribute to such giant historical figures as Rosa Parks , Malcolm X and King , Davis said the United States has overcome the days of segregation .
But `` beatings still occur , '' she said , and prisons unfortunately have become `` a home away from home for far too many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , black Americans are stereotyped by the clothes that we wear , our hairstyles and the music we listen to .
As a young African American girl , I , too , share a similar dream that one day the color of my skin , the style of my hair , or the simple fact that I love to eat greens , chicken and watermelon will not determine who I am or what I can accomplish , '' she said , referring to King 's `` I Have a Dream '' speech The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which honored outstanding area students , were Jonathan Pernell of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville , Brian Griffin of Metea Valley High School in Aurora , Anthony Eddy of West Aurora High School and Bryce Logan of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora .
Other award recipients included Mae Smith , Karen Sullivan , Alvenia Rhea Albright and Cynthia Latimer , who received the Chairman 's Award , and Elaine Johnson and Marlene Rickmond , who received the Distinguished Service Award .
The Sankofa Award went to Elaine Mosley , the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MLK event in Lisle looks back, forward
Troy Davis Jr. of Oswego and his mother, Kathy, arrive Sunday for the Agape Connection's 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Agape Connection board member Aleta Butler, center, shares a laugh at the check-in table Sunday at the organization's Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lisle. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Sankofa Award recipient Elaine Mosley of Woodridge looks up with moist eyes as her accomplishments are read Sunday at the Agape Connection's 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Teja Davis, 15, center, an Oswego East High School sophomore, won the oratorical contest Sunday at the Agape Connection's Martin Luther King Day celebration in Lisle. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
With the awards table in the foreground, Lana Manson of Chicago directs the Jubilate Singers on Sunday during the Agape Connection's 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lisle. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Both the history and the future of black Americans were honored Sunday in Lisle at the Agape Connection's 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Agape Connection is a nonprofit that serves children and youth in the Western suburbs with educational and cultural initiatives, including the Dreamers Wax Museum of African American History.
On Sunday, the celebration featured the Jubilate Singers led by Lana Manson, formerly of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and currently assistant director of Music for St. James AME Church of Chicago. The group performed a selection from her piece "Ain't Got Long," which touched on both joys and sorrows throughout black history.
The audience was moved at times to clap along with the singers, who alternated poetic narration with choral singing.
While the past was highlighted, the present and the future were the focus of the top three finishers in the oratorical contest. The trio -- Peter Eta of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, Matthew Dean of Aurora Central Catholic High School and Teja Davis of Oswego East High School -- took on the rhetorical task of comparing the state of race relations in the last decade of King's life with the situation today.
The winner was Davis, who delivered a rousing speech that concluded with singing the words of "We Shall Overcome."
After paying tribute to such giant historical figures as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and King, Davis said the United States has overcome the days of segregation. But "beatings still occur," she said, and prisons unfortunately have become "a home away from home for far too many, innocent or guilty."
"Today, black Americans are stereotyped by the clothes that we wear, our hairstyles and the music we listen to. As a young African American girl, I, too, share a similar dream that one day the color of my skin, the style of my hair, or the simple fact that I love to eat greens, chicken and watermelon will not determine who I am or what I can accomplish," she said, referring to King's "I Have a Dream" speech
The winners of the MLK Character Awards, which honored outstanding area students, were Jonathan Pernell of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Brian Griffin of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Anthony Eddy of West Aurora High School and Bryce Logan of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora.
Other award recipients included Mae Smith, Karen Sullivan, Alvenia Rhea Albright and Cynthia Latimer, who received the Chairman's Award, and Elaine Johnson and Marlene Rickmond, who received the Distinguished Service Award.
The Sankofa Award went to Elaine Mosley, the first director of Agape's Sankofa Program.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Mom's 'really scary moment' led South Barrington sisters to launch charity for brain treatment

For Rhea and Ranya Sharma , creating a charity meant triumphing over their worst fears .
It all started around the holidays in 2017 , with the most terrifying moment of their lives : their mother lying in a hospital bed at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates , tubes coming out of her head .
Nupur Sharma had a subdural hematoma , a pooling of blood outside the brain , and needed emergency surgery .
Her daughters , now a senior and a sophomore at Barrington High School , think it occurred when she accidentally banged her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` My sister and I did n't really know what was going on , '' Rhea said .
`` I think that image basically broke us .
It was a really scary moment , and one that affected us deeply . ''
Doctors told them the surgery was successful .
Still , a month later , their mother was back in the hospital with the same symptoms -- splitting headaches , dizziness , nausea -- and in need of another surgery .
She got it , and this time she recovered completely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) were really down-to-earth and really explained what the issue was , '' Rhea said .
`` I really appreciated that . ''
It took Rhea , 17 , and Ranya , 15 , a while to recover from the experience , too .
As they did , they were struck by how lucky they 'd been .
Their mother was able to get the surgery she needed , twice .
Insurance covered most of the costs .
The family did n't go bankrupt from one bad health scare .
`` Toward the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was doing a lot better and our world was coming back together , we started just becoming more aware of all the blessings that we had , '' Ranya said .
With that in mind , the sisters in early 2019 formed Skulls & Drills .
The nonprofit aims to help fund brain surgeries for people who need one but can not afford it .
Their goal is to partner with doctors and hospitals around the world .
To begin , they 're targeting India and the U.S .
In the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annually in medical expenses .
Traumatic brain injury is the primary cause of death and disability for children and young adults , according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders .
More than 280,000 people were hospitalized with brain injuries in 2010 , the last year for which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made data available .
In India , traumatic brain injury is a major public health problem .
More than 1 million people suffer serious head injuries every year , according to the Indian Head Injury Foundation .
Rhea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sonal Gupta , the director of neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi , to build a list of criteria for patients to receive assistance .
The Sharmas said their story resonated with Gupta , who , after working in rural areas of India , had seen her share of traumatic brain injuries .
`` We 're getting actually near the end of that process and are getting ready to offer some aid , '' Ranya said .
They 've raised about $ 3,000 so far .
Their first fundraiser was at their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their second fundraiser was a bake sale .
While it 's been a challenge to run their own charity , Rhea said she drew inspiration from a philanthropy summer camp where she learned about the ways teenagers can make a difference .
It taught her `` to empathize with people who do n't have as much as you , '' she said .
And Ranya said their mother has been a constant source of guidance and support .
When their mother was in the hospital , they were afraid to share their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this nonprofit organization was being more open about what our family went through , '' Ranya said .
They hope to help families who are facing the same nightmare by getting what funds they have to deserving brain injury patients .
`` I definitely think that experience with our mom impacted our plans for the future , '' Ranya said .
`` We want to expand Skulls & Drills even further ... just seeing it all become possible for those who need it . ''
`` Hopefully as we grow we can extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Rhea said .
The sisters have started a GoFundMe campaign .
More information is available at skullsanddrills.org .

Mom's 'really scary moment' led South Barrington sisters to launch charity for brain treatment
For Rhea and Ranya Sharma, creating a charity meant triumphing over their worst fears.
It all started around the holidays in 2017, with the most terrifying moment of their lives: their mother lying in a hospital bed at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, tubes coming out of her head.
Nupur Sharma had a subdural hematoma, a pooling of blood outside the brain, and needed emergency surgery. Her daughters, now a senior and a sophomore at Barrington High School, think it occurred when she accidentally banged her head while opening a car door.
"My sister and I didn't really know what was going on," Rhea said. "I think that image basically broke us. It was a really scary moment, and one that affected us deeply."
Doctors told them the surgery was successful. Still, a month later, their mother was back in the hospital with the same symptoms -- splitting headaches, dizziness, nausea -- and in need of another surgery.
She got it, and this time she recovered completely.
"The doctors (at St. Alexius) were really down-to-earth and really explained what the issue was," Rhea said. "I really appreciated that."
It took Rhea, 17, and Ranya, 15, a while to recover from the experience, too. As they did, they were struck by how lucky they'd been. Their mother was able to get the surgery she needed, twice. Insurance covered most of the costs. The family didn't go bankrupt from one bad health scare.
"Toward the end of 2018, when our mom was doing a lot better and our world was coming back together, we started just becoming more aware of all the blessings that we had," Ranya said.
With that in mind, the sisters in early 2019 formed Skulls & Drills. The nonprofit aims to help fund brain surgeries for people who need one but cannot afford it.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Barrington High School students Ranya, left, and Rhea Sharma of South Barrington launched the charity Skulls and Drills to help fund treatment of brain injuries for those who need assistance. The Barrington High School students were inspired after their mother suffered a subdural hematoma in late 2017 and required a pair of surgeries.
Their goal is to partner with doctors and hospitals around the world. To begin, they're targeting India and the U.S.
In the U.S., brain injuries cost about $76 billion annually in medical expenses. Traumatic brain injury is the primary cause of death and disability for children and young adults, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders.
More than 280,000 people were hospitalized with brain injuries in 2010, the last year for which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made data available.
In India, traumatic brain injury is a major public health problem. More than 1 million people suffer serious head injuries every year, according to the Indian Head Injury Foundation.
Rhea and Ranya have been collaborating with Dr. Sonal Gupta, the director of neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, to build a list of criteria for patients to receive assistance. The Sharmas said their story resonated with Gupta, who, after working in rural areas of India, had seen her share of traumatic brain injuries.
"We're getting actually near the end of that process and are getting ready to offer some aid," Ranya said.
They've raised about $3,000 so far. Their first fundraiser was at their graduation ceremony from Indian classical dance lessons. Their second fundraiser was a bake sale.
While it's been a challenge to run their own charity, Rhea said she drew inspiration from a philanthropy summer camp where she learned about the ways teenagers can make a difference. It taught her "to empathize with people who don't have as much as you," she said.
And Ranya said their mother has been a constant source of guidance and support.
When their mother was in the hospital, they were afraid to share their struggle with others. But "creating this nonprofit organization was being more open about what our family went through," Ranya said.
They hope to help families who are facing the same nightmare by getting what funds they have to deserving brain injury patients.
"I definitely think that experience with our mom impacted our plans for the future," Ranya said. "We want to expand Skulls & Drills even further ... just seeing it all become possible for those who need it."
"Hopefully as we grow we can extend to all areas of the world," Rhea said.
The sisters have started a GoFundMe campaign. More information is available at skullsanddrills.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Blackhawks' Kane gets 1,000th career point in win over Jets

It was a moment Patrick Kane will never forget .
A moment made possible by his immense talent .
By incredible teammates throughout the years .
By an amazing stroke of lottery luck .
And , finally , by a teammate and friend who thought ahead and helped orchestrate a once-in-a-generation celebration on the United Center ice Sunday night .
The historic moment arrived when Kane recorded the 1,000th point of his career by assisting on Brandon Saad 's third-period goal during a 5-2 Blackhawks victory over the Winnipeg Jets .
Kane became the 90th player in league history and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the milestone when Saad tapped in Ryan Carpenter 's pass with 5:46 remaining in the game .
Kane had fed Carpenter to begin the scoring play .
Carpenter , Saad , Erik Gustafsson and Connor Murphy immediately engulfed Kane , but seconds later it was a true mob scene as the rest of the Hawks jumped over the boards and joined in the celebration .
The game was stopped for over a minute , and Kane mouthed `` thank you '' to the hysterical crowd after sitting down on the bench .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here at home before we went on a long break , '' Kane said .
`` It 's a pretty special day . ''
And made even more special thanks to Jonathan Toews , who asked the referees beforehand if it would be OK for everyone to jump on the ice .
From Kane 's reaction in the postgame dressing room , it was clear the gesture meant a lot to him .
`` I was kind of at the bottom of the circle there , '' Kane said .
`` I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards by all the guys .
`` I 'll never forget that moment and I told the team that after .
Just kind of looking at everyone 's face and everyone 's excitement was a cool moment . ''
Said Robin Lehner , who made 36 saves : `` He 's obviously a ( heckuva ) hockey player , but he 's even ( a ) better person .
He deserves it , and everyone was truly and genuinely happy for him .
It was cool to be a part of . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' jersey retired by the OHL 's London Knights on Friday , joins Stan Mikita ( 1,467 ) , Bobby Hull ( 1,153 ) and Denis Savard ( 1,096 ) as the only Hawks to hit 1,000 points .
Kane ( 31 years , 61 days ) is also the youngest American-born player to hit the milestone , passing former Blackhawks forward Jeremy Roenick ( 32 years , 13 days ) .
`` I 've been very fortunate in my career , whether it 's been getting drafted by Chicago or making some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away at 14 years old , '' said Kane , who played one season in London before being taken first overall in 2007 .
`` Obviously , Chicago winning the lottery , getting drafted by Chicago , then having a lot of good pieces in place here with some great players where we could turn the corner pretty fast and become a good team .
`` There were a lot of things that were lined up .
When you reach a milestone like this you think of all those players you played with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The only bummer for Kane was that bad weather in Buffalo kept his parents from attending .
`` It 's tough not having them here , '' Kane said .
`` They 've been a big part of my career .
I 'm sure I 'll talk to them after this and hopefully there will be some better moments in the future that they 'll be here for . ''
So what 's next for the future Hall of Famer ?
Well , that 's easy .
`` Oh -- 1,001 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smile .
`` Start there and then move forward .
...
I feel like I can help the team even more and get rolling here .
The team is playing great .
A lot of guys are stepping up . ''

Blackhawks' Kane gets 1,000th career point in win over Jets
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) poses with the puck after getting his 1,0000th point on an assist against the Winnipeg Jets after an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Chicago.
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates his 1,000th point on an assist against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
It was a moment Patrick Kane will never forget.
A moment made possible by his immense talent. By incredible teammates throughout the years. By an amazing stroke of lottery luck.
And, finally, by a teammate and friend who thought ahead and helped orchestrate a once-in-a-generation celebration on the United Center ice Sunday night.
The historic moment arrived when Kane recorded the 1,000th point of his career by assisting on Brandon Saad's third-period goal during a 5-2 Blackhawks victory over the Winnipeg Jets.
Kane became the 90th player in league history and the fourth in Hawks history to achieve the milestone when Saad tapped in Ryan Carpenter's pass with 5:46 remaining in the game. Kane had fed Carpenter to begin the scoring play.
Carpenter, Saad, Erik Gustafsson and Connor Murphy immediately engulfed Kane, but seconds later it was a true mob scene as the rest of the Hawks jumped over the boards and joined in the celebration.
The game was stopped for over a minute, and Kane mouthed "thank you" to the hysterical crowd after sitting down on the bench.
"I was hoping to get it done here at home before we went on a long break," Kane said. "It's a pretty special day."
And made even more special thanks to Jonathan Toews, who asked the referees beforehand if it would be OK for everyone to jump on the ice. From Kane's reaction in the postgame dressing room, it was clear the gesture meant a lot to him.
"I was kind of at the bottom of the circle there," Kane said. "I got pushed back pretty far up against the boards by all the guys.
"I'll never forget that moment and I told the team that after. Just kind of looking at everyone's face and everyone's excitement was a cool moment."
Said Robin Lehner, who made 36 saves: "He's obviously a (heckuva) hockey player, but he's even (a) better person. He deserves it, and everyone was truly and genuinely happy for him. It was cool to be a part of."
Kane, who had his "88" jersey retired by the OHL's London Knights on Friday, joins Stan Mikita (1,467), Bobby Hull (1,153) and Denis Savard (1,096) as the only Hawks to hit 1,000 points. Kane (31 years, 61 days) is also the youngest American-born player to hit the milestone, passing former Blackhawks forward Jeremy Roenick (32 years, 13 days).
"I've been very fortunate in my career, whether it's been getting drafted by Chicago or making some decisions when I was younger to move away at 14 years old," said Kane, who played one season in London before being taken first overall in 2007. "Obviously, Chicago winning the lottery, getting drafted by Chicago, then having a lot of good pieces in place here with some great players where we could turn the corner pretty fast and become a good team.
"There were a lot of things that were lined up. When you reach a milestone like this you think of all those players you played with that had a big part of it."
The only bummer for Kane was that bad weather in Buffalo kept his parents from attending.
"It's tough not having them here," Kane said. "They've been a big part of my career. I'm sure I'll talk to them after this and hopefully there will be some better moments in the future that they'll be here for."
So what's next for the future Hall of Famer? Well, that's easy.
"Oh -- 1,001," he said with a wide smile. "Start there and then move forward. ... I feel like I can help the team even more and get rolling here. The team is playing great. A lot of guys are stepping up."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Harmon of Oak Park chosen to serve as president of Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD -- State Senator Don Harmon , an Oak Park Democrat , was elected by his peers as the 39th president of the Illinois Senate on Sunday after hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations .
The race had been weeks in the making , and by the time the closed-door negotiations began Sunday shortly after 11 a.m. , the field of candidates was down to two : Harmon , who has served in the chamber since 2003 , and Sen. Kimberly Lightford , a Maywood Democrat and the majority leader , who has served in the Senate since 1998 .
The negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , which was then occupied by John Cullerton , who relinquished the gavel Sunday prior to the vote on Harmon .
The doors to that office were locked to the public and media .
Harmon succeeds Cullerton , a Chicago Democrat who surprised his colleagues in November by announcing his plans to step down .
Harmon reportedly held a 22-17 lead after the first blind ballot , with two senators calling in their votes via phone .
Midway through the second round of negotiations , Sen. Emil Jones III , a Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president before Cullerton , spoke briefly with reporters about the intensity of the negotiations .
`` I do n't want to say hard feelings , but strong emotions , '' he said of tension among Democrats .
`` The stakes are high , so emotions are running . ''
The race appeared to divide the Senate Black Caucus .
Jones , who is black , said he backed Harmon in the race .
But Lightford , also black , was vying to become the first woman elected Senate president .
`` I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first round , '' Jones said .
`` Going back and forth , sitting down with both candidates , I had to make a decision for my district .
I want to best represent my district and I picked which person I want to help me represent my district . ''
Democrats emerged from their closed-door caucus shortly before 5 p.m. with a deal that Lightford would concede the race and support Harmon , but that she would also stay on as majority leader .
After the caucus meeting , the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Don and I have neighboring districts , and we have since 2002 , '' Lightford said in a speech nominating Harmon .
`` So we 've been neighbors in the western suburbs and on the west side of Chicago .
We 've been neighbors in our district offices , Senate offices , we 've been neighbors here on the Senate floor .
I ca n't think of anyone else who would do a wonderful job of leading our caucus , and I look forward to working with him in unity . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ favor .
Two of the Senate 's 40 Democrats were absent from the chamber and Cullerton abstained .
Harmon and Minority Leader Bill Brady , a Bloomington Republican , voted for each other as Republicans ceremoniously nominated Brady for the post .
After the vote , Harmon said he expects unity from Democrats after the long race between he and Lightford .
`` You know , we 're Democrats , we fight with each other , but we always seem to come together and rally around the important issues for working families of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have no doubt that there will be work involved , but we will be able to do that successfully and move forward as a very united caucus . ''
Harmon , 53 , was born and raised in Oak Park .
During the 2019 session , he was the principal sponsor in the Senate of the proposed constitutional amendment to overhaul the state 's income tax system , which will appear on the November general election ballot .
Earlier , he pushed for legislation to require gun dealers to be licensed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education programs .
He has also been an advocate for voting rights and clean energy initiatives .
`` A staunch advocate for working families , Don was instrumental in shepherding the most sweeping and consequential legislative agenda through the state Senate this past year , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , who presided over the floor vote , said in a statement following Harmon 's election .
Harmon takes over leadership of the Senate at a time when some Democratic lawmakers are being targeted by a sprawling federal investigation .
Former Sen. Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to step down last year after federal authorities executed a search warrant on his Statehouse office .
In addition , Sen. Tom Cullerton , a Villa Park Democrat , was indicted last year on federal charges alleging that he was on a ghost payroll of a Chicago labor union , being paid while doing little or no work .
He continues to hold office and has said he intends to serve when lawmakers convene the 2020 session later this month .
Harmon acknowledged the ethical cloud hanging over the General Assembly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , he quoted the late President John F. Kennedy , saying : `` No responsibility of government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the highest standard of ethical behavior for those who conduct the public business . ''

Harmon of Oak Park chosen to serve as president of Illinois Senate
State Sen. Emil Jones III, a Chicago Democrat, speaks to members of the media Sunday in Springfield after stepping out of closed-door negotiations on the next Senate president. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register
Gov. J.B. Pritzker greets Sen. Don Harmon before swearing him in Sunday as the next state Senate president. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register
Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon closes Sunday's special session in Springfield after taking the oath to become the next state Senate president. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register
SPRINGFIELD -- State Senator Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat, was elected by his peers as the 39th president of the Illinois Senate on Sunday after hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
The race had been weeks in the making, and by the time the closed-door negotiations began Sunday shortly after 11 a.m., the field of candidates was down to two: Harmon, who has served in the chamber since 2003, and Sen. Kimberly Lightford, a Maywood Democrat and the majority leader, who has served in the Senate since 1998.
The negotiations took place in the Senate president's office, which was then occupied by John Cullerton, who relinquished the gavel Sunday prior to the vote on Harmon. The doors to that office were locked to the public and media.
Harmon succeeds Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat who surprised his colleagues in November by announcing his plans to step down.
Harmon reportedly held a 22-17 lead after the first blind ballot, with two senators calling in their votes via phone.
Midway through the second round of negotiations, Sen. Emil Jones III, a Chicago Democrat whose father was the previous Senate president before Cullerton, spoke briefly with reporters about the intensity of the negotiations.
"I don't want to say hard feelings, but strong emotions," he said of tension among Democrats. "The stakes are high, so emotions are running."
The race appeared to divide the Senate Black Caucus. Jones, who is black, said he backed Harmon in the race. But Lightford, also black, was vying to become the first woman elected Senate president.
"I did vote for him (Harmon) on the first round," Jones said. "Going back and forth, sitting down with both candidates, I had to make a decision for my district. I want to best represent my district and I picked which person I want to help me represent my district."
Democrats emerged from their closed-door caucus shortly before 5 p.m. with a deal that Lightford would concede the race and support Harmon, but that she would also stay on as majority leader.
After the caucus meeting, the full Senate convened for the formal vote.
"Don and I have neighboring districts, and we have since 2002," Lightford said in a speech nominating Harmon. "So we've been neighbors in the western suburbs and on the west side of Chicago. We've been neighbors in our district offices, Senate offices, we've been neighbors here on the Senate floor. I can't think of anyone else who would do a wonderful job of leading our caucus, and I look forward to working with him in unity."
The vote went 37-12 in Harmon's favor. Two of the Senate's 40 Democrats were absent from the chamber and Cullerton abstained. Harmon and Minority Leader Bill Brady, a Bloomington Republican, voted for each other as Republicans ceremoniously nominated Brady for the post.
After the vote, Harmon said he expects unity from Democrats after the long race between he and Lightford.
"You know, we're Democrats, we fight with each other, but we always seem to come together and rally around the important issues for working families of Illinois," he said. "I have no doubt that there will be work involved, but we will be able to do that successfully and move forward as a very united caucus."
Harmon, 53, was born and raised in Oak Park. During the 2019 session, he was the principal sponsor in the Senate of the proposed constitutional amendment to overhaul the state's income tax system, which will appear on the November general election ballot.
Earlier, he pushed for legislation to require gun dealers to be licensed by the state and to expand early childhood education programs. He has also been an advocate for voting rights and clean energy initiatives.
"A staunch advocate for working families, Don was instrumental in shepherding the most sweeping and consequential legislative agenda through the state Senate this past year," Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who presided over the floor vote, said in a statement following Harmon's election.
Harmon takes over leadership of the Senate at a time when some Democratic lawmakers are being targeted by a sprawling federal investigation. Former Sen. Martin Sandoval, a Chicago Democrat, was forced to step down last year after federal authorities executed a search warrant on his Statehouse office.
In addition, Sen. Tom Cullerton, a Villa Park Democrat, was indicted last year on federal charges alleging that he was on a ghost payroll of a Chicago labor union, being paid while doing little or no work. He continues to hold office and has said he intends to serve when lawmakers convene the 2020 session later this month.
Harmon acknowledged the ethical cloud hanging over the General Assembly. In his first speech after being sworn in, he quoted the late President John F. Kennedy, saying: "No responsibility of government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the highest standard of ethical behavior for those who conduct the public business."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--'Parasite,' 'Fleabag' star, 'Maisel' cast among SAG winners

`` Parasite '' has officially infected this year 's award season .
Bong Joon Ho 's Korean class satire became the first foreign language film to take top honors from the Screen Actors Guild on Sunday , setting itself up as a legitimate best picture contender to the front-runner `` 1917 '' at next month 's Academy Awards .
The best ensemble win for `` Parasite '' came over the starry epics `` Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood '' and `` The Irishman . ''
It was a surprise but only to a degree .
`` Parasite , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture , has emerged as perhaps the stiffest competition for Sam Mendes ' `` 1917 , '' which won at the highly predictive Producers Guild Awards on Saturday .
But `` Parasite '' was the clear crowd favorite Sunday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles , where even the cast 's appearance introducing the film drew a standing ovation .
Yet until the SAG Awards , the many honors for `` Parasite '' have seldom included wins for its cast , none of whom was nominated for an Oscar .
`` Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the story is about coexistence and how we can all live together , '' said Song Kang Ho , one of the film 's stars .
Because actors make up the largest percentage of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences , their picks are closely watched as an Academy Awards harbinger .
This year 's Oscar front-runner , `` 1917 , '' more acclaimed for its technical acumen , was n't nominated by the screen actors .
If `` Parasite '' can pull off the upset at the Feb. 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign language film to do so .
Before the win for `` Parasite , '' the SAG Awards were most notable as a reunion for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston , who divorced in 2005 .
They each took home awards and celebrated the other 's wins .
Pitt is headed toward his first acting Academy Award for his supporting performance in `` Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood , '' and he added to his front-runner status with a win from the actors ' guild .
Along the way , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he did n't disappoint Sunday .
Pitt , who said he was nursing a flu , looked down at his award and said , `` I 've got to add this to my Tinder profile . ''
He added : `` Let 's be honest , it was a difficult part .
A guy who gets high , takes his shirt off and does n't get on with his wife .
It was a big stretch . ''
The audience laughed and clapped , including -- as the cameras captured -- Aniston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an award of her own for best female actor in a drama series for the Apple TV Plus show `` The Morning Show . ''
`` What ! ''
she said upon reaching the stage .
Aniston finished her speech with a shout-out to her `` Murder Mystery '' co-star Adam Sandler , whose performance in `` Uncut Gems '' has gone mostly unrewarded this season despite considerable acclaim .
`` Your performance is extraordinary , and your magic is real .
I love you , buddy , '' said Aniston .
Along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept their momentum , including wins for Renee Zellweger ( `` Judy '' ) , Joaquin Phoenix ( `` Phoenix '' ) and Laura Dern ( `` Marriage Story '' ) .
As expected , Phoenix took best performance by a male actor .
After individually praising each fellow nominee , Phoenix concluded with a nod to his Joker predecessor .
`` I 'm standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor , Heath Ledger , '' said Phoenix .
Dern also further established herself as the best supporting actress favorite with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On her way to the stage , she hugged her father , Bruce Dern ( part of the `` Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood '' ensemble ) .
Phoebe Waller-Bridge continued her awards sweep for `` Fleabag , '' a winner at the Emmys and the Golden Globes .
Waller-Bridge added a SAG win for best female actor in a comedy series and took a moment to reflect on the show 's parade of accolades .
`` This whole thing really has been a dream , and if I wake up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then thank you , '' said Waller-Bridge .
`` It 's been the most beautiful dream . ''
`` The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel '' also continued its streak , winning best comedy series ensemble for the second straight year , along with Tony Shalhoub taking home the statue for best male actor in a comedy series .
But accepting the ensemble award , the show 's shocked Alex Borstein said she had voted for `` Fleabag . ''
`` Honestly this makes no sense , ' said Borstein .
`` 'Fleabag ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Niro was given the guild 's lifetime achievement award , an honor presented by Leonardo DiCaprio who , like De Niro , is a frequent leading man for Martin Scorsese .
( The two co-star in Scorsese 's upcoming `` Killers of the Flower Moon . ''
) A raucous standing ovation greeted the 76-year-old actor .
`` Game of Thrones '' closed out its eight-season run with wins for Peter Dinklage for best male actor in a drama series and for best stunt ensemble work .
`` The Crown '' took best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both `` Fosse/Verdon '' stars -- Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell -- won for their performances in the miniseries .

'Parasite,' 'Fleabag' star, 'Maisel' cast among SAG winners
Jennifer Aniston reacts before going on stage to accept the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series for "The Morning Show" at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo/Chris Pizzello)
FILE -- This Jan. 27, 2019 file photo shows The Actor statue on the red carpet at the 25th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles. The 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be held on Jan. 19, 2020. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
Cara Buono, from left, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Priah Ferguson, and Gaten Matarazzo arrive at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Brad Pitt accepts the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Lupita Nyong'o arrives at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Renee Zellweger accepts the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role for "Judy" at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Joaquin Phoenix poses in the press room with the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role for "Joker" at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Jennifer Aniston accepts the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series for "The Morning Show" at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Brad Pitt kisses "The Actor" statuette as he accepts the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Park So-dam, from left, Lee Sun Gyun, Choi Woo-shik, Lee Jeong-eun and Kang-Ho Song accept the award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture for "Parasite" at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards Sunday. Associated Press
"Parasite" has officially infected this year's award season. Bong Joon Ho's Korean class satire became the first foreign language film to take top honors from the Screen Actors Guild on Sunday, setting itself up as a legitimate best picture contender to the front-runner "1917" at next month's Academy Awards.
The best ensemble win for "Parasite" came over the starry epics "Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" and "The Irishman." It was a surprise but only to a degree. "Parasite," up for six Oscars including best picture, has emerged as perhaps the stiffest competition for Sam Mendes' "1917," which won at the highly predictive Producers Guild Awards on Saturday.
But "Parasite" was the clear crowd favorite Sunday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, where even the cast's appearance introducing the film drew a standing ovation. Yet until the SAG Awards, the many honors for "Parasite" have seldom included wins for its cast, none of whom was nominated for an Oscar.
"Although the title is 'Parasite,' I think the story is about coexistence and how we can all live together," said Song Kang Ho, one of the film's stars.
Because actors make up the largest percentage of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, their picks are closely watched as an Academy Awards harbinger. This year's Oscar front-runner, "1917," more acclaimed for its technical acumen, wasn't nominated by the screen actors.
If "Parasite" can pull off the upset at the Feb. 9 Oscars, it would be the first foreign language film to do so.
Before the win for "Parasite," the SAG Awards were most notable as a reunion for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, who divorced in 2005. They each took home awards and celebrated the other's wins.
Pitt is headed toward his first acting Academy Award for his supporting performance in "Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood," and he added to his front-runner status with a win from the actors' guild.
Along the way, his speeches have been full of one-liners, and he didn't disappoint Sunday. Pitt, who said he was nursing a flu, looked down at his award and said, "I've got to add this to my Tinder profile."
He added: "Let's be honest, it was a difficult part. A guy who gets high, takes his shirt off and doesn't get on with his wife. It was a big stretch." The audience laughed and clapped, including -- as the cameras captured -- Aniston, his ex-wife.
Aniston later won an award of her own for best female actor in a drama series for the Apple TV Plus show "The Morning Show."
"What!" she said upon reaching the stage. Aniston finished her speech with a shout-out to her "Murder Mystery" co-star Adam Sandler, whose performance in "Uncut Gems" has gone mostly unrewarded this season despite considerable acclaim. "Your performance is extraordinary, and your magic is real. I love you, buddy," said Aniston.
Along with Pitt, all the Oscar favorites kept their momentum, including wins for Renee Zellweger ("Judy"), Joaquin Phoenix ("Phoenix") and Laura Dern ("Marriage Story").
As expected, Phoenix took best performance by a male actor. After individually praising each fellow nominee, Phoenix concluded with a nod to his Joker predecessor. "I'm standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor, Heath Ledger," said Phoenix.
Dern also further established herself as the best supporting actress favorite with a win from the actors guild. On her way to the stage, she hugged her father, Bruce Dern (part of the "Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" ensemble).
Phoebe Waller-Bridge continued her awards sweep for "Fleabag," a winner at the Emmys and the Golden Globes. Waller-Bridge added a SAG win for best female actor in a comedy series and took a moment to reflect on the show's parade of accolades.
"This whole thing really has been a dream, and if I wake up tomorrow and discover it was just that, then thank you," said Waller-Bridge. "It's been the most beautiful dream."
"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" also continued its streak, winning best comedy series ensemble for the second straight year, along with Tony Shalhoub taking home the statue for best male actor in a comedy series. But accepting the ensemble award, the show's shocked Alex Borstein said she had voted for "Fleabag."
"Honestly this makes no sense,' said Borstein. "'Fleabag' is brilliant.'"
Robert De Niro was given the guild's lifetime achievement award, an honor presented by Leonardo DiCaprio who, like De Niro, is a frequent leading man for Martin Scorsese. (The two co-star in Scorsese's upcoming "Killers of the Flower Moon.") A raucous standing ovation greeted the 76-year-old actor.
"Game of Thrones" closed out its eight-season run with wins for Peter Dinklage for best male actor in a drama series and for best stunt ensemble work. "The Crown" took best ensemble in a drama series. And both "Fosse/Verdon" stars -- Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell -- won for their performances in the miniseries.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--49ers, Rolling Meadows grad Garoppolo beat Packers for Super Bowl berth

SANTA CLARA , Calif. -- Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns to make quarterback ( and Rolling Meadows High School grad ) Jimmy Garoppolo mostly a spectator , Nick Bosa harassed Aaron Rodgers from the start and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37-20 for the NFC championship on Sunday .
The 49ers ( 15-3 ) advanced to their first Super Bowl in seven years and will play the Kansas City Chiefs in two weeks in Miami for the championship .
It 's been a remarkable turnaround for a team that won just 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch and had the No .
2 pick in the most recent draft .
Now , San Francisco is one of two teams left standing after delivering a second thorough beating of the season to Rodgers and the Packers ( 14-4 ) .
The Niners are the third team to make it to the Super Bowl a year after winning four or fewer games , joining Cincinnati ( 1988 ) and the Rams ( 1999 ) .
Bosa , the prize for last year 's rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick , helped set the tone when he ended Green Bay 's second drive of the game with a 13-yard sack of Rodgers .
Mostert , a former special teams standout , did much of the rest in a remarkable redemption story for a former surfer who was cut seven times and carried the ball only eight times in his first three seasons in the NFL .
But he has become a key part of the NFC 's top team this year , leading the Niners with 772 yards rushing in the regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ages in the NFC title game .
He had the second-most yards rushing in a playoff game to Eric Dickerson 's 248 for the Rams on Jan. 4 , 1986 , and was the first player to rush for at least four TDs and 200 yards in a playoff game .
He got started when he burst 36 yards on a third-and-8 trap play to open the scoring on San Francisco 's second drive and kept ripping off long runs behind impressive blocking .
He added TD runs of 9 and 18 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards rushing at the half , becoming the only player in NFL history to rush for at least 150 yards and three TDs in the first half of a playoff game .
Mostert added a 22-yard TD run in the third quarter .
Rodgers and the Packers were unable to match that performance as they got overwhelmed by San Francisco 's dominant front for a second time this season .
Rodgers had a career-low 3.15 yards per attempt in a 37-8 loss here back in November and was n't much better in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost a snap from center to end Green Bay 's only promising drive of the half , threw an interception to Emmanuel Moseley late in the half and did n't convert his first third down of the season against the Niners until connecting on a 6-yard pass to Aaron Jones on the opening drive of the second quarter for his first third-down conversion in 18 attempts this season against the Niners .
Rodgers capped that drive with a 9-yard TD pass to Jones , but the game was too far out of hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay to two more TDs and finished with 326 yards passing , but it was n't nearly enough as the Packers lost the NFC title game for the third time since their last Super Bowl trip following the 2010 season .
The Niners asked very little of Garoppolo , who threw only eight passes thanks to the big-play running game and lopsided score .
He went 24 minutes of game time between his sixth and seventh passes and finished with six completions for 77 yards .

49ers, Rolling Meadows grad Garoppolo beat Packers for Super Bowl berth
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates after converting a first down against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of the NFL NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. Associated Press
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns to make quarterback (and Rolling Meadows High School grad) Jimmy Garoppolo mostly a spectator, Nick Bosa harassed Aaron Rodgers from the start and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37-20 for the NFC championship on Sunday.
The 49ers (15-3) advanced to their first Super Bowl in seven years and will play the Kansas City Chiefs in two weeks in Miami for the championship.
It's been a remarkable turnaround for a team that won just 10 games in the first two seasons under coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch and had the No. 2 pick in the most recent draft.
Now, San Francisco is one of two teams left standing after delivering a second thorough beating of the season to Rodgers and the Packers (14-4). The Niners are the third team to make it to the Super Bowl a year after winning four or fewer games, joining Cincinnati (1988) and the Rams (1999).
Bosa, the prize for last year's rough season as the No. 2 overall pick, helped set the tone when he ended Green Bay's second drive of the game with a 13-yard sack of Rodgers.
Mostert, a former special teams standout, did much of the rest in a remarkable redemption story for a former surfer who was cut seven times and carried the ball only eight times in his first three seasons in the NFL.
But he has become a key part of the NFC's top team this year, leading the Niners with 772 yards rushing in the regular season and delivering a performance for the ages in the NFC title game.
He had the second-most yards rushing in a playoff game to Eric Dickerson's 248 for the Rams on Jan. 4, 1986, and was the first player to rush for at least four TDs and 200 yards in a playoff game.
He got started when he burst 36 yards on a third-and-8 trap play to open the scoring on San Francisco's second drive and kept ripping off long runs behind impressive blocking.
He added TD runs of 9 and 18 yards in the second quarter and had 160 yards rushing at the half, becoming the only player in NFL history to rush for at least 150 yards and three TDs in the first half of a playoff game.
Mostert added a 22-yard TD run in the third quarter.
Rodgers and the Packers were unable to match that performance as they got overwhelmed by San Francisco's dominant front for a second time this season.
Rodgers had a career-low 3.15 yards per attempt in a 37-8 loss here back in November and wasn't much better in the first half of the rematch.
He lost a snap from center to end Green Bay's only promising drive of the half, threw an interception to Emmanuel Moseley late in the half and didn't convert his first third down of the season against the Niners until connecting on a 6-yard pass to Aaron Jones on the opening drive of the second quarter for his first third-down conversion in 18 attempts this season against the Niners.
Rodgers capped that drive with a 9-yard TD pass to Jones, but the game was too far out of hand by that point.
He led Green Bay to two more TDs and finished with 326 yards passing, but it wasn't nearly enough as the Packers lost the NFC title game for the third time since their last Super Bowl trip following the 2010 season.
The Niners asked very little of Garoppolo, who threw only eight passes thanks to the big-play running game and lopsided score. He went 24 minutes of game time between his sixth and seventh passes and finished with six completions for 77 yards.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Glen Ellyn man who worked as Berwyn police officer dies in crash

An off-duty police officer who lived in Glen Ellyn was killed Sunday morning in a collision on southbound Interstate 55 @ @ @ @ @ was slowed by an earlier crash .
Charles Schauer , 33 , who worked as @ @ @ @ @ to ABC 7 Chicago , died after the Dodge Durango truck he was a passenger @ @ @ @ @ a Hino box truck shortly after 6 a.m. just north of Route 30 .
The @ @ @ @ @ , Erin L. Zilka of Plainfield , was charged with driving under the influence , @ @ @ @ @ issued Sunday night by the Illinois State Police .
Zilka was taken to the hospital @ @ @ @ @ considered life-threatening .

Glen Ellyn man who worked as Berwyn police officer dies in crash
An off-duty police officer who lived in Glen Ellyn was killed Sunday morning in a collision on southbound Interstate 55 in Will County as traffic was slowed by an earlier crash.
Charles Schauer, 33, who worked as a Berwyn police officer according to ABC 7 Chicago, died after the Dodge Durango truck he was a passenger in struck the rear of a Hino box truck shortly after 6 a.m. just north of Route 30.
The driver of the pickup truck, Erin L. Zilka of Plainfield, was charged with driving under the influence, according to a news release issued Sunday night by the Illinois State Police.
Zilka was taken to the hospital with injuries that weren't considered life-threatening.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-19--Term limits, school upgrades among Northwest suburban ballot questions

While their names may not be listed , a March 17 ballot question in Elk Grove Village will be a de facto referendum on Mayor Craig Johnson and his long-tenured board of trustees .
The binding municipal retroactive term limits question -- if it survives remaining legal challenges -- is among the queries voters in the Northwest suburbs will consider when they go to the polls March 17 .
Though it is a primary election with Democratic and Republican presidential , legislative and countywide candidates , those who want to vote only in referendums can request a nonpartisan ballot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the mayor and village trustees should be able to serve no more than two consecutive 4-year terms .
If approved , it would prevent four longtime incumbents -- including Johnson , the mayor since 1997 -- from running again in April 2021 .
A Cook County judge last week declared a 2019 state law barring retroactive local term limits unconstitutional , but a remaining objection from a Johnson-backed political committee is now making its way through the courts .
Another Elk Grove question is advisory : whether the village should have local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at other referendums on tap in the Northwest suburbs : Voters will decide whether aldermen from the city 's seven wards should have tighter term limits than they do now .
The binding question , if approved , would make limits for city council members consistent with the mayor 's position , which since 1995 has been capped at two consecutive 4-year terms .
A ballot measure limited aldermen to three consecutive terms effective with the 1993 election .
Voters in the two towns will decide if the clerk 's job -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed instead .
Clerks attend council and board meetings and are paid for part-time work , but under the proposed changes , they would be appointed government staff members instead .
If approved , the new arrangement would take effect in April 2021 .
That 's when the terms of Des Plaines City Clerk Jennifer Tsalapatanis and Wheeling Village Clerk Elaine Simpson end .
The village 's 1,600 registered voters will be able to weigh in on two advisory questions : whether the village should overturn its long-standing ban on video gambling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales in town .
Mayor Brad Stephens said informal conversations with village board members and residents show opinions on both controversial issues are `` pretty much down the middle . ''
The village board enacted a temporary ban on recreational pot sales through June , giving officials enough time to prepare regulations should voters recommend overturning it .
The existing Rosemont Elementary School within the town 's gated community would be demolished , and a new one built next door , under a plan that seeks voter approval in March .
New District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village 's gated community will decide if a new Rosemont Elementary School should be built .
A binding question seeks approval to issue up to $ 40 million in bonds for a new K-8 school , which would be built on open space next to the current building , which was erected in the 1960s .
That would enable a seamless transition for students to finish school in the old building , then start a new year in the new building , according to Superintendent Kevin Anderson .
The old building would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Though the single-school district would have to borrow funds , Anderson believes property taxes would stay at the same level , because two tax increment financing districts are expiring .
That would allow funds to flow to the school instead of being directed to the village for economic development projects .
Barrington Area Unit District 220 wants voters to authorize borrowing $ 147 million .
DETAILS ON PAGE 4 .
Barrington Area Unit District 220 wants voters to authorize borrowing $ 147 million .
DETAILS ON PAGE 4 .
District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to issue $ 147 million in school building bonds for a variety of projects to include paying for basic improvements at all schools in areas such as safety and security , plumbing , electrical , roofing and heating , ventilation and air conditioning .
Voters last April rejected a request to borrow $ 185 million for facility upgrades .
Due to existing debt the district expects to pay off in 2021 , approval of the ballot measure would have the owner of a $ 500,000 home still see a net decrease of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referendum , the same homeowner would see a reduction of $ 468 .
In other questions , the South Barrington Park District is taking another shot at gaining permission to sell a vacant 34-acre lot at Bartlett Road and Route 59 that officials say is not needed .
Voters rejected the same ballot measure in 2018 .
And Hoffman Estates voters will weigh in on three advisory questions : whether the village should encourage the creation of a full interchange at Beverly Road and the tollway ; whether the village should encourage the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should advocate for judges to be appointed based on merit .

Term limits, school upgrades among Northwest suburban ballot questions
A referendum on the primary ballot in Elk Grove Village would impose term limits on the mayor and village trustees. The elected government is known for having one of the longest streaks of continuity in the suburbs. Courtesy of Elk Grove Village
While their names may not be listed, a March 17 ballot question in Elk Grove Village will be a de facto referendum on Mayor Craig Johnson and his long-tenured board of trustees.
The binding municipal retroactive term limits question -- if it survives remaining legal challenges -- is among the queries voters in the Northwest suburbs will consider when they go to the polls March 17.
Though it is a primary election with Democratic and Republican presidential, legislative and countywide candidates, those who want to vote only in referendums can request a nonpartisan ballot.
The Elk Grove question would ask voters whether the mayor and village trustees should be able to serve no more than two consecutive 4-year terms. If approved, it would prevent four longtime incumbents -- including Johnson, the mayor since 1997 -- from running again in April 2021.
A Cook County judge last week declared a 2019 state law barring retroactive local term limits unconstitutional, but a remaining objection from a Johnson-backed political committee is now making its way through the courts.
Another Elk Grove question is advisory: whether the village should have local neighborhood community events.
Here's a look at other referendums on tap in the Northwest suburbs:
Tighter term limits in Rolling Meadows
Voters will decide whether aldermen from the city's seven wards should have tighter term limits than they do now.
The binding question, if approved, would make limits for city council members consistent with the mayor's position, which since 1995 has been capped at two consecutive 4-year terms.
A ballot measure limited aldermen to three consecutive terms effective with the 1993 election.
Clerks' positions in Des Plaines, Wheeling
Voters in the two towns will decide if the clerk's job -- currently an elected post -- should be appointed instead.
Clerks attend council and board meetings and are paid for part-time work, but under the proposed changes, they would be appointed government staff members instead.
If approved, the new arrangement would take effect in April 2021.
That's when the terms of Des Plaines City Clerk Jennifer Tsalapatanis and Wheeling Village Clerk Elaine Simpson end.
Rosemont seeks advice
The village's 1,600 registered voters will be able to weigh in on two advisory questions: whether the village should overturn its long-standing ban on video gambling and whether the community should allow recreational marijuana sales in town.
Mayor Brad Stephens said informal conversations with village board members and residents show opinions on both controversial issues are "pretty much down the middle."
The village board enacted a temporary ban on recreational pot sales through June, giving officials enough time to prepare regulations should voters recommend overturning it.
The existing Rosemont Elementary School within the town's gated community would be demolished, and a new one built next door, under a plan that seeks voter approval in March. - Daily Herald File Photo, 2010
Those who live in the village's gated community will decide if a new Rosemont Elementary School should be built.
A binding question seeks approval to issue up to $40 million in bonds for a new K-8 school, which would be built on open space next to the current building, which was erected in the 1960s.
That would enable a seamless transition for students to finish school in the old building, then start a new year in the new building, according to Superintendent Kevin Anderson.
The old building would be demolished, creating open space again, he added.
Though the single-school district would have to borrow funds, Anderson believes property taxes would stay at the same level, because two tax increment financing districts are expiring. That would allow funds to flow to the school instead of being directed to the village for economic development projects.
- Bob Susnjara | Staff Photographer, July 2017 Barrington Area Unit District 220 wants voters to authorize borrowing $147 million. DETAILS ON PAGE 4.
The district is seeking authority to issue $147 million in school building bonds for a variety of projects to include paying for basic improvements at all schools in areas such as safety and security, plumbing, electrical, roofing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Voters last April rejected a request to borrow $185 million for facility upgrades.
Due to existing debt the district expects to pay off in 2021, approval of the ballot measure would have the owner of a $500,000 home still see a net decrease of about $75 a year. Without the referendum, the same homeowner would see a reduction of $468.
Other measures
In other questions, the South Barrington Park District is taking another shot at gaining permission to sell a vacant 34-acre lot at Bartlett Road and Route 59 that officials say is not needed. Voters rejected the same ballot measure in 2018.
And Hoffman Estates voters will weigh in on three advisory questions: whether the village should encourage the creation of a full interchange at Beverly Road and the tollway; whether the village should encourage the development of entertainment venues; and whether it should advocate for judges to be appointed based on merit.