dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Hospitalizations, ventilator use dip in Illinois; 46 more have died

The number of Illinoisans fighting COVID-19 in hospitals has decreased , as has the tally of those on ventilators , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Monday .
Regarding ventilators , `` that 's a lot lower than we expected at this point , '' Pritzker said .
The news came as the number of people perishing from COVID-19 increased by 46 in one day , officials said Monday , and the tally of cases climbed by 2,341 .
The average number of daily new cases over the last seven days was 2,565 , and the average number of deaths was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are below average .
Total fatalities statewide are 2,662 with 63,840 reported infections since the respiratory disease outbreak began .
The state has ramped up testing , announcing a record 19,417 tests in 24 hours Sunday with new drive-through sites , including one in Waukegan , coming online .
Officials on Monday said 13,834 new tests were performed in the last 24 hours with a positive rate of about 17 % compared to averages of 20 % earlier in April .
Meanwhile , Illinois ' hospitalization rate is showing some progress -- for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were 3,680 COVID-19 patients in hospitals compared to 4,599 on April 19 .
That number climbed to 4,672 on April 26 , but dipped to 4,493 as of midnight Sunday , Pritzker said .
As for ventilator use , it has declined in the last four weeks , from 29 % of COVID-19 patients being on ventilators on April 6 to 22 % as of midnight Sunday .
But that does n't mean the state should relax its vigilance , Pritzker said .
He defended the effort and millions spent at McCormick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now is being partly dismantled .
`` The fact we have n't had to use most of the beds at McCormick Place is an indicator of the success we 've had with the stay-at-home order , '' Pritzker said .
So far , data shows ICU beds remain available for COVID-19 patients in the suburbs .
In the West suburbs , 15.9 % or 77 ICU beds were available as of midnight Sunday , Pritzker said .
In the Northwest suburbs , 38.3 % or 152 beds were available , and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were available .
The next prong is contact tracing , or finding out individuals who are in contact with COVID-19 individuals while they are infectious .
Pritzker has announced the state will hire `` thousands '' and promised more information will come soon .
`` We want to make we sure have a system that 's up and running for accepting those applications , '' he said .
The latest data comes after a weekend of beautiful weather coinciding with an extension of the state 's stay-at-home order until May 30 to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were lifted on businesses , golf courses and state parks on Friday .
That was n't enough for some people , who protested across the state , including about 100 individuals in Algonquin Sunday saying Pritzker is ruining the economy .
However , federal Judge John Lee on Sunday dismissed the Beloved Church of Lena 's lawsuit stating the executive order violates its religious freedoms .
The Church wanted a temporary restraining order allowing it to hold services .
`` Given the continuing threat posed by COVID-19 , the order preserves relatively robust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and passes constitutional muster , '' Lee wrote .
Asked about people who ignored social distancing requirements and if scofflaws should be arrested , Pritzker said , `` if they are persistently defiant they can be put in jail .
It 's not the best answer but it is an option for local law enforcement . ''
As numbers of cases flatten `` it 's because people have followed the rules , '' Pritzker said .
But if people break the rules and congregate , `` they 'll spread the virus , '' @ @ @

Hospitalizations, ventilator use dip in Illinois; 46 more have died
The number of Illinoisans fighting COVID-19 in hospitals has decreased, as has the tally of those on ventilators, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday.
Regarding ventilators, "that's a lot lower than we expected at this point," Pritzker said.
The news came as the number of people perishing from COVID-19 increased by 46 in one day, officials said Monday, and the tally of cases climbed by 2,341.
The average number of daily new cases over the last seven days was 2,565, and the average number of deaths was 99. Both of Monday's tallies are below average.
Total fatalities statewide are 2,662 with 63,840 reported infections since the respiratory disease outbreak began.
The state has ramped up testing, announcing a record 19,417 tests in 24 hours Sunday with new drive-through sites, including one in Waukegan, coming online. Officials on Monday said 13,834 new tests were performed in the last 24 hours with a positive rate of about 17% compared to averages of 20% earlier in April.
Meanwhile, Illinois' hospitalization rate is showing some progress -- for now. As of April 5, there were 3,680 COVID-19 patients in hospitals compared to 4,599 on April 19.
That number climbed to 4,672 on April 26, but dipped to 4,493 as of midnight Sunday, Pritzker said.
As for ventilator use, it has declined in the last four weeks, from 29% of COVID-19 patients being on ventilators on April 6 to 22% as of midnight Sunday.
But that doesn't mean the state should relax its vigilance, Pritzker said.
He defended the effort and millions spent at McCormick Place on readying a temporary hospital that now is being partly dismantled.
"The fact we haven't had to use most of the beds at McCormick Place is an indicator of the success we've had with the stay-at-home order," Pritzker said.
So far, data shows ICU beds remain available for COVID-19 patients in the suburbs.
In the West suburbs, 15.9% or 77 ICU beds were available as of midnight Sunday, Pritzker said. In the Northwest suburbs, 38.3% or 152 beds were available, and in the North suburbs 11.9% or 27 beds were available.
The next prong is contact tracing, or finding out individuals who are in contact with COVID-19 individuals while they are infectious. Pritzker has announced the state will hire "thousands" and promised more information will come soon.
"We want to make we sure have a system that's up and running for accepting those applications," he said.
The latest data comes after a weekend of beautiful weather coinciding with an extension of the state's stay-at-home order until May 30 to reduce spread of the virus.
Some restrictions were lifted on businesses, golf courses and state parks on Friday.
That wasn't enough for some people, who protested across the state, including about 100 individuals in Algonquin Sunday saying Pritzker is ruining the economy.
However, federal Judge John Lee on Sunday dismissed the Beloved Church of Lena's lawsuit stating the executive order violates its religious freedoms. The Church wanted a temporary restraining order allowing it to hold services.
"Given the continuing threat posed by COVID-19, the order preserves relatively robust avenues for praise, prayer and fellowship and passes constitutional muster," Lee wrote.
Asked about people who ignored social distancing requirements and if scofflaws should be arrested, Pritzker said, "if they are persistently defiant they can be put in jail. It's not the best answer but it is an option for local law enforcement."
As numbers of cases flatten "it's because people have followed the rules," Pritzker said.
But if people break the rules and congregate, "they'll spread the virus," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--'We want to give hope to kids': How schools are creating special moments for graduating seniors

Yard signs .
Banners in the town center .
Car parades .
Lots of virtual recognitions .
These are some of the ways suburban high school educators are making the final school year special for graduating seniors amid the COVID-19 lockdown .
Illinois ' stay-at-home order now extending through the rest of the school year has foiled many time-honored senior milestones , including athletic events , proms , spring plays and concerts , special recognitions and , most importantly , graduation ceremonies that have been canceled or delayed until summer .
`` Our heart goes out to all these kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their life , '' said Daniel Klett , principal of Wauconda High School .
`` We want to give hope to kids .
We are trying to find ways to keep them engaged and let them have something that they can remember of a poor situation . ''
Many seniors might consider the setbacks a disappointment .
But Sam Bogner of Schaumburg has found a silver lining .
`` I 've never really seen my school more united than it is now , '' said the 18-year-old Schaumburg High School senior .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ working together just to kind of honor each other and make the best out of the situation . ''
Bogner said seniors are making a video honoring spring sports and activities that have been the highlight of their high school years , compiling quotes and memories for the school yearbook , and creating a map of the colleges students will attend .
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 has other activities in the works , including drive-by parades , virtual recognitions and lighting up stadiums on Friday nights .
The district is moving ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five schools on originally scheduled dates in May .
Officials also are exploring the possibility of live gatherings in June or July .
`` Even though we are not able to actually be there , we still have plenty of opportunities to symbolically be there , '' said Bogner , who is excited about picking up his cap and gown next week .
`` I 'm going to be walking across my living room on May 20 .
( It ) is a really big deal for me . ''
Many school leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremonies will be possible this summer .
Wauconda 's Klett has set a tentative July 21 date for in-person graduation , and is trying to set a date for prom that month as well .
The school is planning a virtual graduation in early June for 320 seniors .
Students will submit photos and 10-second videos wearing their gowns and honor cords , and some will deliver speeches .
Elgin Area School District U-46 canceled its five high school graduations for more than 2,600 seniors that had been rescheduled for July 11 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , the district plans virtual celebrations June 13 .
Officials also have been planting `` Class of 2020 '' yard signs at seniors ' homes .
Streamwood High School officials recorded a special video for seniors , singing to the tune of the `` Friends '' theme song , `` to let them know that we care for them and we are here for them , '' Principal Jennifer Van Deusen said .
`` Our yard sign is not going to replace the memories of prom and of a ceremony , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to honor their accomplishments and recognize them .
We are trying to do that on a community level . ''
End-of-year recognitions and honors night for the top 2 % of graduating seniors will be done virtually .
And funds students raised for prom will go toward a class reunion in December , she said .
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 is planning a separate virtual commencement ceremony for each of its six schools May 20 .
In-person graduations complete with caps and gowns on football fields will occur if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July or August .
Naperville Unit District 203 is planning for in-person graduations in July .
Naperville North has prom scheduled for July 17 and graduation July 19 , at the Embassy Suites in Naperville .
Yearbooks , caps and gowns will be distributed in May , while other senior traditions are under review .
`` It 's important that we give seniors that closure , '' District 203 spokeswoman Sinikka Mondini said .
The graduations are planned `` far enough in the future that we hope will be able to come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Village President Erik Spande has offered to put up banners honoring seniors from West Chicago High School District 94 , Wheaton-Warrenville Unit District 200 , St. Francis High School and Wheaton Academy .
`` A banner in Town Center is n't the same thing , but it is the least we can do , '' he wrote on Facebook .
Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire is recognizing graduates with `` Senior Shoutouts '' on Instagram .
Parents have created yard signs honoring seniors and organized a sale , with proceeds benefiting the Stevenson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are putting together some videos to honor graduating seniors that will be released throughout the month of May , '' spokesman Jim Conrey said .
Officials have set tentative dates for prom and graduation in June and July at the Sears Centre .
If large gatherings are n't allowed until August or later , the school will not have commencement or prom , Conrey said .

'We want to give hope to kids': How schools are creating special moments for graduating seniors
Yard signs. Banners in the town center. Car parades. Lots of virtual recognitions.
These are some of the ways suburban high school educators are making the final school year special for graduating seniors amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
Illinois' stay-at-home order now extending through the rest of the school year has foiled many time-honored senior milestones, including athletic events, proms, spring plays and concerts, special recognitions and, most importantly, graduation ceremonies that have been canceled or delayed until summer.
"Our heart goes out to all these kids because they have missed so many markers in their life," said Daniel Klett, principal of Wauconda High School. "We want to give hope to kids. We are trying to find ways to keep them engaged and let them have something that they can remember of a poor situation."
Many seniors might consider the setbacks a disappointment. But Sam Bogner of Schaumburg has found a silver lining.
"I've never really seen my school more united than it is now," said the 18-year-old Schaumburg High School senior. "All the staff and students are working together just to kind of honor each other and make the best out of the situation."
Bogner said seniors are making a video honoring spring sports and activities that have been the highlight of their high school years, compiling quotes and memories for the school yearbook, and creating a map of the colleges students will attend.
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 has other activities in the works, including drive-by parades, virtual recognitions and lighting up stadiums on Friday nights. The district is moving ahead with separate virtual graduation ceremonies for its five schools on originally scheduled dates in May. Officials also are exploring the possibility of live gatherings in June or July.
"Even though we are not able to actually be there, we still have plenty of opportunities to symbolically be there," said Bogner, who is excited about picking up his cap and gown next week. "I'm going to be walking across my living room on May 20. (It) is a really big deal for me."
Many school leaders are holding out hope that live graduation ceremonies will be possible this summer.
Wauconda's Klett has set a tentative July 21 date for in-person graduation, and is trying to set a date for prom that month as well. The school is planning a virtual graduation in early June for 320 seniors. Students will submit photos and 10-second videos wearing their gowns and honor cords, and some will deliver speeches.
Elgin Area School District U-46 canceled its five high school graduations for more than 2,600 seniors that had been rescheduled for July 11 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Instead, the district plans virtual celebrations June 13. Officials also have been planting "Class of 2020" yard signs at seniors' homes.
Streamwood High School officials recorded a special video for seniors, singing to the tune of the "Friends" theme song, "to let them know that we care for them and we are here for them," Principal Jennifer Van Deusen said.
"Our yard sign is not going to replace the memories of prom and of a ceremony," Van Deusen said. "We want to honor their accomplishments and recognize them. We are trying to do that on a community level."
End-of-year recognitions and honors night for the top 2% of graduating seniors will be done virtually. And funds students raised for prom will go toward a class reunion in December, she said.
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 is planning a separate virtual commencement ceremony for each of its six schools May 20. In-person graduations complete with caps and gowns on football fields will occur if the state allows large gatherings in June, July or August.
Naperville Unit District 203 is planning for in-person graduations in July. Naperville North has prom scheduled for July 17 and graduation July 19, at the Embassy Suites in Naperville. Yearbooks, caps and gowns will be distributed in May, while other senior traditions are under review.
"It's important that we give seniors that closure," District 203 spokeswoman Sinikka Mondini said. The graduations are planned "far enough in the future that we hope will be able to come to fruition," she said.
Winfield Village President Erik Spande has offered to put up banners honoring seniors from West Chicago High School District 94, Wheaton-Warrenville Unit District 200, St. Francis High School and Wheaton Academy.
"A banner in Town Center isn't the same thing, but it is the least we can do," he wrote on Facebook.
Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire is recognizing graduates with "Senior Shoutouts" on Instagram. Parents have created yard signs honoring seniors and organized a sale, with proceeds benefiting the Stevenson Foundation's fund to help struggling families.
"We are putting together some videos to honor graduating seniors that will be released throughout the month of May," spokesman Jim Conrey said.
Officials have set tentative dates for prom and graduation in June and July at the Sears Centre. If large gatherings aren't allowed until August or later, the school will not have commencement or prom, Conrey said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Glen Ellyn unveils plans for downtown apartment building at McChesney & Miller property

Glen Ellyn officials have unveiled plans for the redevelopment of the former McChesney & Miller grocery store downtown .
South Bend , Indiana-based Holladay Properties is proposing a five- to six-story apartment building at the northwest corner of Crescent Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue .
Holladay has a contract to buy the McChesney site more than six months after another development team put the property up for sale with a listing price of $ 3 million .
The apartment building would contain 86 units and about 1,000 square feet of restaurant or retail space .
An enclosed , two-level parking garage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm Tandem Architecture is working on the project to create a new `` architectural and visual focal point '' at a downtown gateway , Holladay vice presidents Michael O'Connor and T. Drew Mitchell wrote in a letter to the village .
`` We are confident that our proposed development , to be located at the heart of Glen Ellyn 's vibrant downtown district , will be a catalyst to transform the north side of the downtown into a thriving , walkable , urban living environment attracting both new and existing residents to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ellyn , '' O'Connor and Mitchell wrote .
The village 's plan commission is tentatively set to give initial feedback on conceptual plans Thursday , May 14 .
The village has released preliminary renderings and floor plans on a project website .
`` We 're just starting to meet with them , but we 're hopeful that it 's meeting the vision of the community and the village board , '' Village Manager Mark Franz said last week .
Holladay also could seek tax incentives to offset the costs of land acquisition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure .
In Lombard , Holladay gained village approval in December for a development at the long-dormant site of the old DuPage Theatre .
One building would contain 118 apartments and 3,000 to 4,000 square feet of commercial space , possibly for a restaurant , on the ground floor .
A grocery store run by Prairie Food Co-op would occupy a second , 10,000-square-foot building at the southeast corner of East Parkside Avenue and South Main Street .
The village has used the site as a Metra commuter parking lot after the iconic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2020 .
The McChesney property has stood vacant since the downtown grocery closed in October 2014 after more than 150 years in business .

Glen Ellyn unveils plans for downtown apartment building at McChesney & Miller property
A rendering shows plans for a new apartment building at the site of the old McChesney & Miller property downtown. Courtesy of the village of Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn officials have unveiled plans for the redevelopment of the former McChesney & Miller grocery store downtown.
South Bend, Indiana-based Holladay Properties is proposing a five- to six-story apartment building at the northwest corner of Crescent Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue.
Holladay has a contract to buy the McChesney site more than six months after another development team put the property up for sale with a listing price of $3 million.
The apartment building would contain 86 units and about 1,000 square feet of restaurant or retail space. An enclosed, two-level parking garage would provide 105 residential spaces.
Chicago firm Tandem Architecture is working on the project to create a new "architectural and visual focal point" at a downtown gateway, Holladay vice presidents Michael O'Connor and T. Drew Mitchell wrote in a letter to the village.
"We are confident that our proposed development, to be located at the heart of Glen Ellyn's vibrant downtown district, will be a catalyst to transform the north side of the downtown into a thriving, walkable, urban living environment attracting both new and existing residents to live, work and play in downtown Glen Ellyn," O'Connor and Mitchell wrote.
The village's plan commission is tentatively set to give initial feedback on conceptual plans Thursday, May 14. The village has released preliminary renderings and floor plans on a project website.
"We're just starting to meet with them, but we're hopeful that it's meeting the vision of the community and the village board," Village Manager Mark Franz said last week.
Holladay also could seek tax incentives to offset the costs of land acquisition, the parking deck, utility relocations and infrastructure.
In Lombard, Holladay gained village approval in December for a development at the long-dormant site of the old DuPage Theatre. One building would contain 118 apartments and 3,000 to 4,000 square feet of commercial space, possibly for a restaurant, on the ground floor.
A grocery store run by Prairie Food Co-op would occupy a second, 10,000-square-foot building at the southeast corner of East Parkside Avenue and South Main Street. The village has used the site as a Metra commuter parking lot after the iconic movie palace was torn down in 2007.
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2020.
The McChesney property has stood vacant since the downtown grocery closed in October 2014 after more than 150 years in business.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Boys soccer: Marmion tabs Alvarez new soccer coach

Native to Argentina , Alvarez 's family moved to Aurora in 1991 .
In his junior season at Marmion he broke the single-season school record for goals ( 27 ) and then shattered the record the next season with 46 goals .
Alvarez , The Daily Herald All-Area captain and Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year as a senior , was selected All-State and All-Midwest .
He remains the school 's all-time career scoring leader with 90 goals and 48 assists .
In 2017 he was inducted into the Marmion Academy Hall of Fame .
Upon graduation , Alvarez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up 28 goals , 24 assists and 80 points in his collegiate career earning him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors as well as All-Big Ten Honors .
He also led the Big Ten in scoring as a sophomore , and was selected first team NSCAA All-Region .
Alvarez was a 3-year captain and contributed four goals as a senior in Northwestern 's run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament .
He participated in the 2007 MLS Combine before beginning his professional career with the Cleveland City Stars of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleats for a corporate job , Alvarez currently works as a Business Relationship Manager for JPM Chase in Wheaton .
He simultaneously worked as an assistant coach at Aurora University from 2009-2012 and later at Benedictine University from 2012-2015 , during which they won the league for the first time in school history .
Alvarez lives in Yorkville with his wife Megan Carey , a 2003 Rosary graduate , and their four children .

Boys soccer: Marmion tabs Alvarez new soccer coach
Marmion named 2003 graduate Gerardo Alvarez its new soccer coach.
Native to Argentina, Alvarez's family moved to Aurora in 1991. In his junior season at Marmion he broke the single-season school record for goals (27) and then shattered the record the next season with 46 goals.
Alvarez, The Daily Herald All-Area captain and Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year as a senior, was selected All-State and All-Midwest. He remains the school's all-time career scoring leader with 90 goals and 48 assists. In 2017 he was inducted into the Marmion Academy Hall of Fame.
Upon graduation, Alvarez attended Northwestern University, where he racked up 28 goals, 24 assists and 80 points in his collegiate career earning him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors as well as All-Big Ten Honors. He also led the Big Ten in scoring as a sophomore, and was selected first team NSCAA All-Region.
Alvarez was a 3-year captain and contributed four goals as a senior in Northwestern's run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. He participated in the 2007 MLS Combine before beginning his professional career with the Cleveland City Stars of the United Soccer League.
Trading in his cleats for a corporate job, Alvarez currently works as a Business Relationship Manager for JPM Chase in Wheaton. He simultaneously worked as an assistant coach at Aurora University from 2009-2012 and later at Benedictine University from 2012-2015, during which they won the league for the first time in school history.
Alvarez lives in Yorkville with his wife Megan Carey, a 2003 Rosary graduate, and their four children.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Autopsy rules Rolling Meadows death a homicide; no charges yet

The Cook County medical examiner 's office on Monday determined the death of a 30-year-old man found early Sunday in Rolling Meadows to be homicide .
An autopsy showed the man -- whose name was still undisclosed -- died from a gunshot wound to the torso , the medical examiner 's office said in a report Monday afternoon .
Rolling Meadows police , meanwhile , have remained mum on the case since Sunday morning , as they questioned persons of interest .
Police did not release additional details Monday , return calls seeking comment or announce any charges .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wound at about 5 a.m. Sunday while responding to reports of shots fired in the 2000 block of Kirchoff Road on the city 's eastern border .
The man was taken from the scene to nearby Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights , where he was officially pronounced dead at 5:35 a.m. , authorities said .
For a time Sunday , police tape surrounded Gateway Park , on the northwest corner of Kirchoff and Wilke roads , and a police mobile command unit vehicle was parked in the driveway of an adjacent home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an isolated event .

Victim of Rolling Meadows shooting identified as Palatine man
The Cook County medical examiner's office on Monday determined the death of a Palatine man found early Sunday in Rolling Meadows to be a homicide.
An autopsy showed the man -- identified Monday night as 39-year-old Marco Guerrero-Lopez -- died from a gunshot wound to the torso, the medical examiner's office said.
Officers discovered the man suffering from the gunshot wound about 5 a.m. Sunday while responding to reports of shots fired on the 2000 block of Kirchoff Road on the city's eastern border.
Guerrero-Lopez was taken to nearby Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, where he was pronounced dead at 5:35 a.m., authorities said.
For a time Sunday, police tape surrounded Gateway Park, on the northwest corner of Kirchoff and Wilke roads, and a police mobile command unit vehicle was parked in the driveway of an adjacent home.
Police said the shooting appears to be an isolated event.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Civil War Days canceled again, as Lake County forest preserve calls off summer events

Summer events , activities and programs that attract crowds or do not lend themselves to social distancing will be canceled by the Lake County Forest Preserve District due to concerns with the spread of COVID-19 .
The lengthy list of popular summer fare that will be shut down includes Civil War Days at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda , the beach and marina at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville , and the outdoor concert series at Independence Grove and Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago .
Also at Independence Grove , the district 's busiest preserve , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Plaza and open areas will be canceled .
The forest board 's operations committee on Monday unanimously agreed with an extensive list of staff recommendations involving dozens of events , programs and facilities .
The consensus does not require approval by the full forest board .
As a result of the changes , district officials estimate an `` identifiable '' revenue loss of $ 900,000 .
About half that loss is expected to be offset by not hiring the full complement of temporary summer help in operations , education and at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greenbelt .
Cancellations in some cases , like Civil War Days , were almost a certainty given the expected large crowds which would include a substantial at-risk population .
Last year , the two-day Civil War Days event for the first time in decades was canceled due to unspecified threats .
It was expected to be back in a revised fashion this summer , but the pandemic descended before any details were determined .
Besides many re-enactors being at risk , the lack of running water at the site in Lakewood was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district 's education director .
`` The risk to the staff and public outweighs any additional benefits that program might bring , '' she said .
Picnic shelter rentals are also off , and the remote control airfield , youth camping areas , Adlai E. Stevenson historic home will remain closed to the public .
Some programs , like Conservation Explorers and Kids Nature Fun Fest , are canceled , while others will be modified to take place remotely or under public health guidelines at the time .
Off-leash dog parks will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention not to let canines interact .
Dogs are allowed at forest preserves but must be on a leash .
A few users questioned the decision , but officials noted dog parks operated by Cook and DuPage forest preserves previously left open were closed last weekend .
`` We 're not on an island here , '' said Mike Tully , chief operations officer .
Lake County forest preserves and trails have remained open throughout the stay-at-home order .
but officials have warned that could abruptly change if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of the few district activities allowed to take place during the stay-at-home order began Friday with the opening -- with limitations -- of the 36-hole Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein , one of the district 's three courses .
District officials also hope to open the Dunn Museum at its Libertyville headquarters , but with changes such as how many people are allowed in at a time .

Civil War Days canceled again, as Lake County forest preserve calls off summer events
Rentals of paddle boats, canoes and kayaks at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville are among the activities to be canceled this summer by the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Daily Herald file photo
Summer events, activities and programs that attract crowds or do not lend themselves to social distancing will be canceled by the Lake County Forest Preserve District due to concerns with the spread of COVID-19.
The lengthy list of popular summer fare that will be shut down includes Civil War Days at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda, the beach and marina at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville, and the outdoor concert series at Independence Grove and Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago.
Also at Independence Grove, the district's busiest preserve, all rentals and permits at North Bay Shelter, the Plaza and open areas will be canceled.
The forest board's operations committee on Monday unanimously agreed with an extensive list of staff recommendations involving dozens of events, programs and facilities. The consensus does not require approval by the full forest board.
As a result of the changes, district officials estimate an "identifiable" revenue loss of $900,000. About half that loss is expected to be offset by not hiring the full complement of temporary summer help in operations, education and at facilities that offer rentals, such as Greenbelt.
Cancellations in some cases, like Civil War Days, were almost a certainty given the expected large crowds which would include a substantial at-risk population.
Last year, the two-day Civil War Days event for the first time in decades was canceled due to unspecified threats. It was expected to be back in a revised fashion this summer, but the pandemic descended before any details were determined.
Besides many re-enactors being at risk, the lack of running water at the site in Lakewood was a concern, said Nan Buckardt, the district's education director.
"The risk to the staff and public outweighs any additional benefits that program might bring," she said.
Picnic shelter rentals are also off, and the remote control airfield, youth camping areas, Adlai E. Stevenson historic home will remain closed to the public.
Some programs, like Conservation Explorers and Kids Nature Fun Fest, are canceled, while others will be modified to take place remotely or under public health guidelines at the time.
Off-leash dog parks will remain closed in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention not to let canines interact. Dogs are allowed at forest preserves but must be on a leash.
A few users questioned the decision, but officials noted dog parks operated by Cook and DuPage forest preserves previously left open were closed last weekend.
"We're not on an island here," said Mike Tully, chief operations officer.
Lake County forest preserves and trails have remained open throughout the stay-at-home order. but officials have warned that could abruptly change if people don't obey distancing rules.
One of the few district activities allowed to take place during the stay-at-home order began Friday with the opening -- with limitations -- of the 36-hole Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein, one of the district's three courses.
District officials also hope to open the Dunn Museum at its Libertyville headquarters, but with changes such as how many people are allowed in at a time.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--No major injuries in Arlington Heights crash

A crash involving a car and semitrailer truck shut down the intersection of Algonquin and Arlington Heights roads in Arlington @ @ @ @ @ hour Monday .
Arlington Heights police received a call at 12:53 p.m. of a crash @ @ @ @ @ Freightliner m2100 .
Both vehicles were westbound on Algonquin Road .
The driver of the @ @ @ @ @ hospital with minor injuries and also issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to @ @ @ @ @ .

No major injuries in Arlington Heights crash
A crash involving a car and semitrailer truck shut down the intersection of Algonquin and Arlington Heights roads in Arlington Heights for more than an hour Monday.
Arlington Heights police received a call at 12:53 p.m. of a crash involving a BMW 538 and Freightliner m2100. Both vehicles were westbound on Algonquin Road. The driver of the BMW was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and also issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid accident, authorities said.
The intersection reopened at 2:20 p.m.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Raising Cane's planning to open new location in Bloomingdale

A Louisiana-based fast-food chain that specializes in chicken fingers is hoping to begin construction `` as soon as possible '' on a new location in Bloomingdale , village officials say .
Raising Cane 's is expected to get final approval next week from the village board to build a 3,290-square-foot restaurant with a drive-through at 334 W. Army Trail Road .
The plan calls for an existing KFC restaurant to be demolished to make room for the building .
`` We look forward to Bloomingdale , '' said Anna Ball , regional leader of marketing for Raising Cane 's .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do business in Bloomingdale , we want to give back to the community . ''
Raising Cane 's , which has roughly 500 locations worldwide , entered the Chicago market in 2017 .
It now has nine area restaurants and plans to open another this summer in Glen Ellyn .
`` When you enter a market , you want to test the waters and see how it goes , '' Ball said .
`` We feel like we 've had a good testing period in the Chicago area .
It 's done well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a number of fans who call themselves `` Caneiacs . ''
She said they enjoy the focused menu of chicken fingers , crinkle-cut fries , Texas toast , coleslaw and Cane 's Sauce .
`` We serve one thing : the perfect box , '' Ball said .
`` It 's always fresh , it 's always hot , and we serve it quickly .
And our customers know that . ''
She said the chicken fingers are marinated for 24 hours and never frozen .
They 're then hand-battered and cooked-to-order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` tangy with a little bit of spice . ''
`` It gives you a nice pop in your mouth , '' Ball said .
`` It 's pretty phenomenal . ''
Ball could n't provide a timeline for when construction of the Bloomingdale location would start .
Once the village approves the project , Raising Cane 's would need to get a permit to demolish the existing KFC building .
Sean Gascoigne , Bloomingdale 's community and economic development director , said it 's unclear when KFC will move out .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get started `` as soon as possible . ''
`` In their mind , they are ready to go as soon as they can , '' Gascoigne said .
The Raising Cane 's in Bloomingdale would have indoor and outdoor seating .
Hours are expected to be 10 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays , and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays .

Raising Cane's planning to open new location in Bloomingdale
Raising Cane's is expected to get final approval from Bloomingdale to open a location in the village. The fast-food chain has a simple menu of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and Cane's Sauce. Courtesy of Raising Cane's
A Louisiana-based fast-food chain that specializes in chicken fingers is hoping to begin construction "as soon as possible" on a new location in Bloomingdale, village officials say.
Raising Cane's is expected to get final approval next week from the village board to build a 3,290-square-foot restaurant with a drive-through at 334 W. Army Trail Road. The plan calls for an existing KFC restaurant to be demolished to make room for the building.
"We look forward to Bloomingdale," said Anna Ball, regional leader of marketing for Raising Cane's. "Not only do we want to do business in Bloomingdale, we want to give back to the community."
Raising Cane's, which has about 500 locations worldwide, entered the Chicago market in 2017. It now has nine area restaurants and plans to open another this summer in Glen Ellyn.
"When you enter a market, you want to test the waters and see how it goes," Ball said. "We feel like we've had a good testing period in the Chicago area. It's done well for us."
Ball says a number of fans call themselves "Caniacs" and enjoy the focused menu of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and Cane's Sauce.
"We serve one thing: the perfect box," Ball said. "It's always fresh, it's always hot, and we serve it quickly. And our customers know that."
She said the chicken fingers are marinated for 24 hours and never frozen. They're then hand-battered and cooked-to-order.
She described Cane's Sauce as "tangy with a little bit of spice."
"It gives you a nice pop in your mouth," Ball said. "It's pretty phenomenal."
Ball couldn't provide a timeline for when construction of the Bloomingdale location would start.
Once the village approves the project, Raising Cane's would need to get a permit to demolish the existing KFC building.
Sean Gascoigne, Bloomingdale's community and economic development director, said it's unclear when KFC will move out. But he said Raising Cane's would like to get started "as soon as possible."
"In their mind, they are ready to go as soon as they can," Gascoigne said.
The Raising Cane's in Bloomingdale would have indoor and outdoor seating. Hours are expected to be 10 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Billy Bricks in Elgin leading charge for donations to first responders

Billy Bricks Wood Fired Pizza restaurants across the suburbs have delivered more than 1,000 donated meals to first responders , and the Elgin location has been leading the charge .
`` Feed the Front Lines : Bag Lunch '' consists of donating $ 10 for an individual lunch , which the restaurants match with another lunch and deliver to nearby hospitals , fire departments and police departments .
The idea came from the Elgin restaurant , responsible for the delivery of more than 300 donated meals , said Bob Webster , co-owner of the Elgin location , which is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in West Dundee , Wheaton , Lombard , Glen Ellyn , Naperville , Mount Prospect and Oak Park .
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused business to decline by 65 % in Elgin , Webster said .
Ten employees were furloughed with four remaining , he said .
`` Liquor sales have completely diminished to zero .
The carryout itself has been supportive , but it 's just not like being open . ''
Still , the restaurant loves being part of the Elgin community and is committed to continuing to match customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As long as the will of God is giving us blessings , and I can still eat and everybody that works for me that 's left can still eat , I will donate what I can , '' he said .
Webster joined the Elgin restaurant in August when former co-owner Frank Sibr died .
The other two co-owners are Phil Lencioni and Tony Perez .
The donation idea came after an ICU nurse picked up food in late March and shared the difficulties of fighting the new coronavirus while living in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her family at risk , Webster said .
`` We were all teary eyed .
We ( restaurant owners ) all got together and said , 'We 're doing it , ' '' he said of the initiative for first responders .
The community has been wonderfully supportive , Webster said .
The Realtor Association of the Fox Valley donated 50 meals last week for Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin , which turned into a donation of 100 meals with the restaurant 's match .
The Elgin restaurant is now collecting donations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in South Elgin .
Visit brickswoodfiredpizza.com for more information .
Webster said he 's applied for economic assistance for the restaurant , including the state 's hospitality emergency grant , the federal paycheck protection program , a loan from the Small Business Association and loans from two lenders , but he has n't heard anything back .
Fortunately , the landlord is being helpful and family members are stepping in to help with operations , he said .

Billy Bricks in Elgin leading charge for donations to first responders
Elgin's Billy Bricks Wood Fired Pizza co-owner Bob Webster, left, with cook Alex Harrison, second from left, worker Chenzo Tito and co-owner Tony Perez. Photo of courtesy Bob Webster
Billy Bricks Wood Fired Pizza restaurants across the suburbs have delivered more than 1,000 donated meals to first responders, and the Elgin location has been leading the charge.
"Feed the Front Lines: Bag Lunch" consists of donating $10 for an individual lunch, which the restaurants match with another lunch and deliver to nearby hospitals, fire departments and police departments.
The idea came from the Elgin restaurant, responsible for the delivery of more than 300 donated meals, said Bob Webster, co-owner of the Elgin location, which is the only Billy Bricks franchise. Company-owned locations are in West Dundee, Wheaton, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Mount Prospect and Oak Park.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused business to decline by 65% in Elgin, Webster said. Ten employees were furloughed with four remaining, he said.
"Liquor sales have completely diminished to zero. The carryout itself has been supportive, but it's just not like being open."
Still, the restaurant loves being part of the Elgin community and is committed to continuing to match customers' donations, said Webster.
"As long as the will of God is giving us blessings, and I can still eat and everybody that works for me that's left can still eat, I will donate what I can," he said.
Webster joined the Elgin restaurant in August when former co-owner Frank Sibr died. The other two co-owners are Phil Lencioni and Tony Perez.
The donation idea came after an ICU nurse picked up food in late March and shared the difficulties of fighting the new coronavirus while living in a hotel room so as to not put her family at risk, Webster said.
"We were all teary eyed. We (restaurant owners) all got together and said, 'We're doing it,'" he said of the initiative for first responders.
The community has been wonderfully supportive, Webster said. The Realtor Association of the Fox Valley donated 50 meals last week for Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, which turned into a donation of 100 meals with the restaurant's match.
The Elgin restaurant is now collecting donations to deliver food Thursday to Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin. Visit brickswoodfiredpizza.com for more information.
Webster said he's applied for economic assistance for the restaurant, including the state's hospitality emergency grant, the federal paycheck protection program, a loan from the Small Business Association and loans from two lenders, but he hasn't heard anything back.
Fortunately, the landlord is being helpful and family members are stepping in to help with operations, he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Three years after devastating storm, Mundelein to begin $9M flood-control project

Now that a contractor has been hired for the bulk of the work , a $ 9 million flood-control project in Mundelein should begin within 45 days , officials said .
Nearly 1 mile of new sewer pipes will be installed beneath Division Street south of the downtown district to take stormwater away from the Western Slope neighborhood , which has experienced severe floods after significant rainstorms for decades .
Additionally , culverts on Route 45 and Seymour Avenue will be replaced and a stormwater detention pond will be created on the former U.S. Music factory site , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Courtland Street .
`` It 's our big dig project , '' Trustee Ray Semple said , making reference to a historic , decades-spanning highway and tunnel construction project in Boston .
The village board last week approved a $ 6.9 million contract with Wadsworth construction company Campanella & Sons for the work .
The board also approved an approximately $ 813,000 contract with Iowa-based HR Green Inc. to inspect the work and ensure it complies with the village 's plans .
The remainder of the project 's estimated total cost , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to create a park elsewhere on the former U.S. Music property , Village Administrator John Lobaito said .
The stormwater project was developed after heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding in the Western Slope neighborhood and elsewhere in July 2017 , damaging many homes .
The neighborhood is west of Route 45 near Division Street .
After the 2017 disaster , frustrated Western Slope residents filled the village boardroom and demanded officials fix the problem .
The board hired HR Green to investigate why the neighborhood floods .
The consultants discovered the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle heavy storms like the one that hit three years ago .
The firm also found rainwater enters the town 's sanitary sewers through cracks in pipes and improper customer hookups , which resulted in sewage backups in some houses during the 2017 storm .
HR Green 's engineers recommended building detention ponds and constructing new sewer lines to relieve the flooding .
The problems with the town 's sanitary sewers are separate and are n't being addressed now .
What will be done Campanella & Sons will install storm sewers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood to Route 45 , providing extra capacity for rainwater , Lobaito said .
Sewers with 4½-foot diameters already are underground there and will remain .
Six-foot pipes also will be installed beneath Division on the east side of Route 45 to Seymour Avenue , which will allow water to flow underground to the detention pond to be built on Courtland Street east of Seymour .
In all , more than 2,000 feet of the bigger pipes will be added to Mundelein 's sewer system , Lobaito said .
Storm drains and smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere , too , Lobaito said .
The work should be completed in fall 2021 .
`` Now we 've got to have our fingers crossed that we do n't have an incident like ( the 2017 deluge ) while we 're under construction , '' Semple said .
The entire project initially had a $ 10 million price tag , but the sum decreased to $ 9 million once plans were refined , Lobaito said .
Mundelein will borrow money to pay for the effort .
Revenue from a stormwater utility fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax on packaged liquor sales will be used to pay back the loan over 15 years .
Streets will be torn up for the new pipes and culverts to be installed , so officials cautioned that traffic will be disrupted once work begins .
Residents in the construction zones will be notified of pending work through automated phone calls or door hangers , officials said .
Construction updates will be posted on the village website , mundelein.org , too .
`` I would ask all our residents to please be patient , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
`` These temporary inconveniences are all for a very good cause . ''

Three years after devastating storm, Mundelein to begin $9M flood-control project
Now that a contractor has been hired for the bulk of the work, a $9 million flood-control project in Mundelein should begin within 45 days, officials said.
Nearly 1 mile of new sewer pipes will be installed beneath Division Street south of the downtown district to take stormwater away from the Western Slope neighborhood, which has experienced severe floods after significant rainstorms for decades.
Additionally, culverts on Route 45 and Seymour Avenue will be replaced and a stormwater detention pond will be created on the former U.S. Music factory site, which is just to the east of the neighborhood on Courtland Street.
"It's our big dig project," Trustee Ray Semple said, making reference to a historic, decades-spanning highway and tunnel construction project in Boston.
The village board last week approved a $6.9 million contract with Wadsworth construction company Campanella & Sons for the work.
The board also approved an approximately $813,000 contract with Iowa-based HR Green Inc. to inspect the work and ensure it complies with the village's plans.
The remainder of the project's estimated total cost, about $1.3 million, will be used to create a park elsewhere on the former U.S. Music property, Village Administrator John Lobaito said.
Pipes are inadequate
The stormwater project was developed after heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding in the Western Slope neighborhood and elsewhere in July 2017, damaging many homes. The neighborhood is west of Route 45 near Division Street.
After the 2017 disaster, frustrated Western Slope residents filled the village boardroom and demanded officials fix the problem.
The board hired HR Green to investigate why the neighborhood floods. The consultants discovered the village's stormwater system is not big enough to handle heavy storms like the one that hit three years ago.
The firm also found rainwater enters the town's sanitary sewers through cracks in pipes and improper customer hookups, which resulted in sewage backups in some houses during the 2017 storm.
HR Green's engineers recommended building detention ponds and constructing new sewer lines to relieve the flooding.
The problems with the town's sanitary sewers are separate and aren't being addressed now.
What will be done
Campanella & Sons will install storm sewers with 6-foot diameters underneath Division Street through the neighborhood to Route 45, providing extra capacity for rainwater, Lobaito said. Sewers with 4½-foot diameters already are underground there and will remain.
Six-foot pipes also will be installed beneath Division on the east side of Route 45 to Seymour Avenue, which will allow water to flow underground to the detention pond to be built on Courtland Street east of Seymour.
In all, more than 2,000 feet of the bigger pipes will be added to Mundelein's sewer system, Lobaito said.
Storm drains and smaller pipes will be installed in backyards and elsewhere, too, Lobaito said.
The work should be completed in fall 2021.
"Now we've got to have our fingers crossed that we don't have an incident like (the 2017 deluge) while we're under construction," Semple said.
How it'll be funded
The entire project initially had a $10 million price tag, but the sum decreased to $9 million once plans were refined, Lobaito said.
Mundelein will borrow money to pay for the effort. Revenue from a stormwater utility fee on water bills and a 3% tax on packaged liquor sales will be used to pay back the loan over 15 years.
Streets will be torn up for the new pipes and culverts to be installed, so officials cautioned that traffic will be disrupted once work begins.
Residents in the construction zones will be notified of pending work through automated phone calls or door hangers, officials said. Construction updates will be posted on the village website, mundelein.org, too.
"I would ask all our residents to please be patient," Mayor Steve Lentz said in a news release. "These temporary inconveniences are all for a very good cause."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--$37.2 million in recreational pot sales in April

Recreational-use customers spent more than $ 37.2 million on legal marijuana in April , the second highest-earning month for dispensaries since sales of the drug became legal in January .
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported 818,954 items were sold during the 30-day period , for an average sale amount of $ 45.50 per purchase .
Illinois residents spent $ 29.7 million , while $ 7.5 million worth of items were sold to out-of-state visitors , according to the state figures .
Marijuana dispensaries were deemed essential businesses when Gov .
J.B. Pritzker declared a state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-March .
`` Our top priority is to ensure consumers are safe when they go to a dispensary to purchase cannabis , '' said Toi Hutchinson , senior adviser for cannabis control to Gov .
Pritzker .
`` The steps we 've taken to increase social distancing at dispensaries are accomplishing that , while also enabling this new industry to continue to grow .
As such , curbside pickup will remain an option for medical cannabis users to obtain the product they need through May 30 . ''
In January , dispensaries received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , those figures had dipped to $ 34.8 million , but rebounded to $ 35.9 million in March .
There are also several more dispensaries selling for recreational use now .
It wo n't be known how much the state made from marijuana taxes and sales taxes until later this month .
Tax revenue from the recreational sales fund a variety of initiatives .
The state 's general fund gets 35 % , a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25 % , while 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health programs and 10 % goes toward the state 's bill backlog .
Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8 % , and 2 % goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization .

$37.2 million in recreational pot sales in April
Recreational-use customers spent more than $37.2 million on legal marijuana in April, the second highest-earning month for dispensaries since sales of the drug became legal in January.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported 818,954 items were sold during the 30-day period, for an average sale amount of $45.50 per purchase.
Illinois residents spent $29.7 million, while $7.5 million worth of items were sold to out-of-state visitors, according to the state figures.
Marijuana dispensaries were deemed essential businesses when Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak in mid-March.
"Our top priority is to ensure consumers are safe when they go to a dispensary to purchase cannabis," said Toi Hutchinson, senior adviser for cannabis control to Gov. Pritzker. "The steps we've taken to increase social distancing at dispensaries are accomplishing that, while also enabling this new industry to continue to grow. As such, curbside pickup will remain an option for medical cannabis users to obtain the product they need through May 30."
In January, dispensaries received $39.2 million in sales. In February, those figures had dipped to $34.8 million, but rebounded to $35.9 million in March. There are also several more dispensaries selling for recreational use now.
It won't be known how much the state made from marijuana taxes and sales taxes until later this month.
Tax revenue from the recreational sales fund a variety of initiatives. The state's general fund gets 35%, a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25%, while 20% goes to substance abuse and mental health programs and 10% goes toward the state's bill backlog. Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8%, and 2% goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--SUV plows into Arlington Heights restaurant

A Mundelein man and his children escaped serious injury Sunday when his SUV swerved off the road , knocked over a light pole and slammed into a Denny 's restaurant in Arlington Heights , police said .
Police said driver Jose Ozaeta , 43 , apparently suffered a medical episode just after noon while behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban traveling west on Algonquin Road near Arlington Heights Road .
Witnesses told police that after the Suburban passed through the intersection , it veered into the eastbound lanes of Algonquin then left the roadway , striking the pole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant at 17 W. Algonquin Road .
A witness helped remove Ozaeta 's three minor children from the vehicle while police and firefighters extricated the Mundelein man .
Arlington Heights Police Chief Nicholas Pecora said Ozaeta was unconscious after the crash and taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for treatment of injuries police later said were not life-threatening .
The children and a restaurant employee were treated at the scene by paramedics , according to police .
The restaurant is closed for dine-in customers because of the state 's stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup Sunday afternoon .
After the crash , the front of the Suburban was lodged inside the building where one of the windows on the southeast side used to be .
The shattered remains of the window were scattered on the asphalt nearby and the dislodged light pole was resting on the roof of the restaurant .
Ozaeta later was issued a ticket for improper lane use , police said .
His court date is pending .

SUV plows into Arlington Heights restaurant
A Mundelein man and his children escaped serious injury Sunday when his SUV swerved off the road, knocked over a light pole and slammed into a Denny's restaurant in Arlington Heights, police said.
Police said driver Jose Ozaeta, 43, apparently suffered a medical episode just after noon while behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban traveling west on Algonquin Road near Arlington Heights Road.
Witnesses told police that after the Suburban passed through the intersection, it veered into the eastbound lanes of Algonquin then left the roadway, striking the pole and crashing into the east side of the restaurant at 17 W. Algonquin Road.
A witness helped remove Ozaeta's three minor children from the vehicle while police and firefighters extricated the Mundelein man.
Arlington Heights Police Chief Nicholas Pecora said Ozaeta was unconscious after the crash and taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for treatment of injuries police later said were not life-threatening.
The children and a restaurant employee were treated at the scene by paramedics, according to police.
The restaurant is closed for dine-in customers because of the state's stay-at-home order, but was open for curbside pickup Sunday afternoon.
After the crash, the front of the Suburban was lodged inside the building where one of the windows on the southeast side used to be. The shattered remains of the window were scattered on the asphalt nearby and the dislodged light pole was resting on the roof of the restaurant.
Ozaeta later was issued a ticket for improper lane use, police said. His court date is pending.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Longtime Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley dies overnight, sources confirm

Shepley , 56 , was pronounced dead at his Crystal Lake home Monday morning , McHenry County Interim Coroner John Miller confirmed .
A cause of death has not yet been determined , although the situation did not appear suspicious , Miller said .
An autopsy will be performed at a later date .
The city of Crystal Lake announced the news in an official statement Monday .
`` Mayor Shepley loved Crystal Lake and was a strong advocate for our community , '' the release stated .
`` We celebrate his life and trust that his legacy will inspire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
The City of Crystal Lake extends our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time . ''
Shepley served as the mayor for more 21 years and was elected in April 2019 to another four-year term .
His plans for Crystal Lake included drawing in businesses to fill the city 's vacant storefront , particularly along Route 14 .
Before being elected mayor , Shepley spent two years as a city council member from 1997 to 1999 .
`` As the city 's longest serving mayor , he impacted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the city 's release stated .
`` Mayor Shepley championed a united City Council , working together for one purpose and vision : to make Crystal Lake a great place to live . ''
He worked as vice president and senior associate general counsel at Northwestern Medicine .
He had served on the Pace board of directors since 1999 .
In his spare time , Shepley enjoyed sports and action photography , and drumming .
He eventually transformed his hobby into Strikers , a well-known drum line that has marched hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on TV and donated about $ 50,000 in college scholarships .
Strikers also has spun off into five educational programs involving more than 100 students .
`` Crystal Lake , and McHenry County , have lost a true champion for the people with the sudden passing of Mayor Aaron Shepley , '' McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks said in an official statement .
Franks described Shepley as a `` tireless public servant who cared deeply about the Crystal Lake community , '' and lauded the mayor for his involvement with the MCRide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station .
`` Most importantly , Aaron was a humble man who told anyone who would listen that behind every good elected leader was an army of dedicated and talented civil servants , '' Franks said .
`` Mayor Shepley 's death has ripped a huge hole in the Crystal Lake community.
`` Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bill Eichs said Shepley worked hard to create an `` inviting and collaborative '' business environment for the city .
`` On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go out to Mayor Aaron Shepley 's family , '' Eich wrote .
`` His accomplishments and dedication to making Crystal Lake a great place to live and work will remain with us for a long time to come . ''
McHenry Mayor Wayne Jett took to Facebook Monday morning to express his condolences .
`` While I have only been able to work with Mayor Shepley on municipal matters for a few years , I am in awe of his personal and professional accomplishments , which include having served as the Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , '' Jett wrote .
The McHenry mayor went on to say he would personally miss Shepley 's experience and insight , which helped transform the City of Crystal Lake , `` even in difficult times . ''

Longtime Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley dies overnight
Crystal Lake's longest serving mayor, Aaron Shepley, has died.
Shepley, 56, was pronounced dead at his Crystal Lake home Monday morning, McHenry County Interim Coroner John Miller said.
A cause of death has not yet been determined, although the situation did not appear suspicious, Miller said. An autopsy will be performed at a later date.
Shepley is survived by his wife, Regan Shepley, and his daughters Madison and Chase, a family whom colleagues agree Shepley loved to no end.
The city of Crystal Lake announced the news in an official statement Monday.
"Mayor Shepley loved Crystal Lake and was a strong advocate for our community," the release stated. "We celebrate his life and trust that his legacy will inspire all residents and businesses to serve their community. The City of Crystal Lake extends our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time."
Shepley served as the mayor for more than 21 years and was elected in April 2019 to another four-year term. His plans for Crystal Lake included drawing in businesses to fill the city's vacant storefront, particularly along Route 14.
Before being elected mayor, Shepley spent two years as a city council member from 1997 to 1999.
"As the city's longest serving mayor, he impacted the community with a positive and empowering message," the city's release stated. "Mayor Shepley championed a united City Council, working together for one purpose and vision: to make Crystal Lake a great place to live."
He worked as vice president and senior associate general counsel at Northwestern Medicine. He had served on the Pace board of directors since 1999.
In his spare time, Shepley enjoyed sports and action photography, and drumming. He eventually transformed his hobby into Strikers, a well-known drum line that has marched hundreds of miles in local parades, performed on TV and donated about $50,000 in college scholarships.
Strikers also has spun off into five educational programs involving more than 100 students.
"Crystal Lake, and McHenry County, have lost a true champion for the people with the sudden passing of Mayor Aaron Shepley," McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks said in an official statement.
Franks described Shepley as a "tireless public servant who cared deeply about the Crystal Lake community," and lauded the mayor for his involvement with the MCRide paratransit service and the Pingree Road Metra station.
"Most importantly, Aaron was a humble man who told anyone who would listen that behind every good elected leader was an army of dedicated and talented civil servants," Franks said. "Mayor Shepley's death has ripped a huge hole in the Crystal Lake community. "
Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bill Eichs said Shepley worked hard to create an "inviting and collaborative" business environment for the city.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff at the Chamber of Commerce, our heartfelt condolences go out to Mayor Aaron Shepley's family," Eich wrote. "His accomplishments and dedication to making Crystal Lake a great place to live and work will remain with us for a long time to come."
McHenry Mayor Wayne Jett took to Facebook Monday morning to express his condolences.
"While I have only been able to work with Mayor Shepley on municipal matters for a few years, I am in awe of his personal and professional accomplishments, which include having served as the Mayor of Crystal Lake for more than 20 years," Jett wrote.
The McHenry mayor went on to say he would personally miss Shepley's experience and insight, which helped transform the City of Crystal Lake, "even in difficult times."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Feder: Shrinking Hubbard Radio Chicago doubles up on program directors

On the heels of firing 12 employees in response to revenue declines , Hubbard Radio Chicago eliminated the program director 's position Monday at adult contemporary WSHE 100.3-FM , Robert Feder writes .
Cat Thomas , who held the job since 2015 , will move to Seattle to become brand and content director of two Hubbard Radio stations -- KQMV and KRWM .
Taking over his duties here will be Jimmy Steal , who 's been vice president of brand and content at hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM since 2019 .
Now Steal will oversee programming at both stations .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which cost the jobs of scores of radio station staffers employed by Saint Paul , Minnesota-based Hubbard Broadcasting .
A company statement cited `` extended and extreme revenue challenges that we are experiencing as a result of government mandated shutdowns due to COVID-19 '' for the unprecedented moves at the privately held , family-owned business .
Among the 12 layoffs here were evening host Brian Middleton and morning show producer and on-air host Robb Rose at SHE 100.3 , and evening host Phil Manicki and overnight host Greg Easterling at classic rock WDRV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Shrinking Hubbard Radio Chicago doubles up on program directors
On the heels of firing 12 employees in response to revenue declines, Hubbard Radio Chicago eliminated the program director's position Monday at adult contemporary WSHE 100.3-FM.
On the heels of firing 12 employees in response to revenue declines, Hubbard Radio Chicago eliminated the program director's position Monday at adult contemporary WSHE 100.3-FM, Robert Feder writes.
Cat Thomas, who held the job since 2015, will move to Seattle to become brand and content director of two Hubbard Radio stations -- KQMV and KRWM.
Taking over his duties here will be Jimmy Steal, who's been vice president of brand and content at hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM since 2019. Now Steal will oversee programming at both stations.
The consolidation follows a companywide downsizing Friday, which cost the jobs of scores of radio station staffers employed by Saint Paul, Minnesota-based Hubbard Broadcasting. A company statement cited "extended and extreme revenue challenges that we are experiencing as a result of government mandated shutdowns due to COVID-19" for the unprecedented moves at the privately held, family-owned business.
Among the 12 layoffs here were evening host Brian Middleton and morning show producer and on-air host Robb Rose at SHE 100.3, and evening host Phil Manicki and overnight host Greg Easterling at classic rock WDRV 97.1-FM.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Officials at reopened state parks say visitors respected social distancing

Many suburbanites shook off cabin fever at reopened Illinois state parks over the weekend .
Select state parks closed by the pandemic reopened Friday for hiking , biking , horseback riding , fishing and wildlife observation , among other activities .
Mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s drew a large number of visitors to Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry , where the entrance gate had to be shut for a time because the parking lot was full .
`` We actually had to turn some cars away to keep the overcrowding down , '' said Jacob Shurpit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park and Volo Bog State Natural Area .
`` We had to call conservation officers over to keep an eye on available spots versus how much traffic was in there .
They tried to give us an estimate so we could allow traffic flow to come through . ''
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources asks visitors to come alone or with members of their own household , visit parks closest to where they live , practice social distancing and cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue and throw it in the trash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , playgrounds , beaches and concessions remain closed and educational programs and special events are canceled .
Also , hunting is still suspended until further notice as are shelter reservations .
That did n't stop visitors from showing up in atypically high numbers at Moraine Hills .
Shurpit said several visitors he spoke to , particularly parents with young children , chose the park because it offers restrooms .
Officials recommend visitors bring their own hand sanitizer .
Alternate sites were suggested for those turned away from Moraine Hills .
`` We sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park ) to try to alleviate some of the overcrowding , '' said Stacy Iwanicki , nature education coordinator at Moraine Hills and Volo Bog .
`` We also sent some people over to Volo Bog .
`` People really love open space .
They need places where they can recreate , get out , get some fresh air and exercise .
It was perfect timing . ''
Proper social distancing was practiced at Moraine Hills , according to Shurpit .
He said some grilled out in small groups while respecting each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trails to let others pass at a distance .
`` It was really good to see people practice that without us having to preach to them , '' Shurpit said .
`` It went really well .
They were extra cautious about leaving trash behind and being clean .
Honestly , people were just really happy to be outside . ''
Volo Bog in Ingleside also experienced unusually high traffic over the weekend , Iwanicki said , though not like Moraine Hills .
No fishing or bicycling is allowed in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bog remains closed due to disrepair .
Illinois State Beach State Park in Zion reopened Monday morning after floodwaters receded from the south entrance , superintendent Bob Feffer said .
More than a foot of water covered some roads last Thursday morning .
Only North Point Marina opened Friday .
The park 's 6.5-mile beach , campground and concessions remain closed until further notice .
However , licensed visitors can fish in the sand ponds , and the park 's nine miles of trails are open for hiking and biking .
Feffer warns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trail are still wet and sections have been washed out by flooding .
He said it 's a great time of year for bird watching at Illinois Beach State Park .
Ducks , sandhill cranes , egrets and blue herons can be seen regularly .
`` The birds are taking over the place , '' Feffer said .
`` It 's time for migration .
And with all the water we 've had , a lot of the water fowl has stuck around . ''
Fishing is allowed from the bank and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per boat , according to the IDNR .

Officials at reopened state parks say visitors respected social distancing
Volo Bog is one of the state parks that reopened this weekend. Daily Herald file photo
Many suburbanites shook off cabin fever at reopened Illinois state parks over the weekend.
Select state parks closed by the pandemic reopened Friday for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and wildlife observation, among other activities.
Mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s drew a large number of visitors to Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, where the entrance gate had to be shut for a time because the parking lot was full.
"We actually had to turn some cars away to keep the overcrowding down," said Jacob Shurpit, acting superintendent of Moraine Hills State Park and Volo Bog State Natural Area. "We had to call conservation officers over to keep an eye on available spots versus how much traffic was in there. They tried to give us an estimate so we could allow traffic flow to come through."
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources asks visitors to come alone or with members of their own household, visit parks closest to where they live, practice social distancing and cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue and throw it in the trash.
State park visitor centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, beaches and concessions remain closed and educational programs and special events are canceled. Also, hunting is still suspended until further notice as are shelter reservations.
That didn't stop visitors from showing up in atypically high numbers at Moraine Hills. Shurpit said several visitors he spoke to, particularly parents with young children, chose the park because it offers restrooms. Officials recommend visitors bring their own hand sanitizer.
Alternate sites were suggested for those turned away from Moraine Hills.
"We sent people over to McHenry Dam (State Park) to try to alleviate some of the overcrowding," said Stacy Iwanicki, nature education coordinator at Moraine Hills and Volo Bog. "We also sent some people over to Volo Bog.
"People really love open space. They need places where they can recreate, get out, get some fresh air and exercise. It was perfect timing."
Proper social distancing was practiced at Moraine Hills, according to Shurpit. He said some grilled out in small groups while respecting each other's areas. Hikers stepped aside on the trails to let others pass at a distance.
"It was really good to see people practice that without us having to preach to them," Shurpit said. "It went really well. They were extra cautious about leaving trash behind and being clean. Honestly, people were just really happy to be outside."
Volo Bog in Ingleside also experienced unusually high traffic over the weekend, Iwanicki said, though not like Moraine Hills. No fishing or bicycling is allowed in the state natural area. The walkway into the bog remains closed due to disrepair.
Illinois State Beach State Park in Zion reopened Monday morning after floodwaters receded from the south entrance, superintendent Bob Feffer said. More than a foot of water covered some roads last Thursday morning.
Only North Point Marina opened Friday. The park's 6.5-mile beach, campground and concessions remain closed until further notice.
However, licensed visitors can fish in the sand ponds, and the park's nine miles of trails are open for hiking and biking. Feffer warns bicyclists to be cautious; parts of the trail are still wet and sections have been washed out by flooding.
He said it's a great time of year for bird watching at Illinois Beach State Park. Ducks, sandhill cranes, egrets and blue herons can be seen regularly.
"The birds are taking over the place," Feffer said. "It's time for migration. And with all the water we've had, a lot of the water fowl has stuck around."
Fishing is allowed from the bank and boats with a limit of two people per boat, according to the IDNR.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Elk Grove Village company finds sudden success with 'safe touch' products

Brothers Michael and Kevin Tunney and longtime friend Andrew Bedell have found their key to success is , literally , keys .
Lifelong friends and graduates of Hersey High School in Arlington Heights , the three had made a modest business selling products like KeySmart , a pocket key organizer developed by Michael Tunney with proceeds from a 2013 Kickstarter campaign .
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit this year , the Elk Grove Village company found a new life through two of its product offerings .
The first , Bedell said , was the NanoStylus , which allows people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fingers .
Ironically , he notes , the NanoStylus was n't a big seller for a long while , as it was originally designed to be used to make Instagram stories .
`` When it came out to use with Instagram , the product did n't take off , '' said Bedell , KeySmart 's director of marketing .
`` After COVID-19 , we had people start to reach out on Twitter saying , ' I 've been using NanoStylus and I never touch any surfaces . '
'' After the three changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid touching screens , sales started to take off , he added .
'We sold four in February , then more than 10,000 in March , '' Bedell said .
`` That 's how we saw there was this need for these kinds of germ prevention products , and that 's where we came up with the idea of the CleanKey . ''
The CleanKey is a brass multi-tool designed to open doors , press buttons and work with touch screens .
The company launched CleanKey in mid-April and in one day sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The CleanKey became the fastest selling product we ever had , '' he said .
`` It 's been unbelievable popular . ''
So popular that the company had a back order of 150,000 and is working with the manufacturer to fulfill it .
`` We started with 3,000 units a day .
Now we 're up to 40,000 a day and we 're having to rent planes to get them ( from the manufacturer ) , '' he said .
Bedell said he can not predict how long the success of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he estimated it could translate into a `` conservative estimate '' of $ 5 million in sales this year .
`` We do n't know how long the coronavirus is going to last , and we do n't know if people are just going to go back to living normal lives , '' he said .
However , the company plans to expand its germ prevention product line , developing products that can kill germs on keys with ultraviolet light , as well as an `` everyday carry mask '' -- a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keys , wallets and other items .
`` The virus has refocused us .
We 've been able to be nimble enough and to adjust to it and come out with things that we are able to grow , '' Bedell said .
`` We 're still an everyday carry company , and that 's where all our products come from , '' he added .
`` Just so happens this COVID-19 niche works really well with it . ''

Elk Grove Village company finds sudden success with 'safe touch' products
Brothers Michael and Kevin Tunney and longtime friend Andrew Bedell have found their key to success is, literally, keys.
Lifelong friends and graduates of Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, the three had made a modest business selling products like KeySmart, a pocket key organizer developed by Michael Tunney with proceeds from a 2013 Kickstarter campaign.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit this year, the Elk Grove Village company found a new life through two of its product offerings.
The first, Bedell said, was the NanoStylus, which allows people to use a touch screen without their fingers. Ironically, he notes, the NanoStylus wasn't a big seller for a long while, as it was originally designed to be used to make Instagram stories.
"When it came out to use with Instagram, the product didn't take off," said Bedell, KeySmart's director of marketing. "After COVID-19, we had people start to reach out on Twitter saying, 'I've been using NanoStylus and I never touch any surfaces.'"
After the three changed marketing to focus on the ability to avoid touching screens, sales started to take off, he added.
'We sold four in February, then more than 10,000 in March," Bedell said. "That's how we saw there was this need for these kinds of germ prevention products, and that's where we came up with the idea of the CleanKey."
The CleanKey is a brass multi-tool designed to open doors, press buttons and work with touch screens. The company launched CleanKey in mid-April and in one day sold more than 19,000, Bedell said.
"The CleanKey became the fastest selling product we ever had," he said. "It's been unbelievable popular."
So popular that the company had a back order of 150,000 and is working with the manufacturer to fulfill it.
"We started with 3,000 units a day. Now we're up to 40,000 a day and we're having to rent planes to get them (from the manufacturer)," he said.
Bedell said he cannot predict how long the success of the CleanKey and NanoStylus will continue, but he estimated it could translate into a "conservative estimate" of $5 million in sales this year.
"We don't know how long the coronavirus is going to last, and we don't know if people are just going to go back to living normal lives," he said.
However, the company plans to expand its germ prevention product line, developing products that can kill germs on keys with ultraviolet light, as well as an "everyday carry mask" -- a filter-lined pouch that would carry items like keys, wallets and other items.
"The virus has refocused us. We've been able to be nimble enough and to adjust to it and come out with things that we are able to grow," Bedell said.
"We're still an everyday carry company, and that's where all our products come from," he added. "Just so happens this COVID-19 niche works really well with it."