dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Electoral College makes it official: Biden won, Trump lost

WASHINGTON -- The Electoral College decisively confirmed Joe Biden as the nation 's next president , ratifying his November victory in an authoritative state-by-state repudiation of President Donald Trump 's refusal to concede he had lost .
The presidential electors on Monday gave Biden a solid majority of 306 electoral votes to Trump 's 232 , the same margin that Trump bragged was a landslide when he won the White House four years ago .
Heightened security was in place in some states as electors met to cast paper ballots , with masks , social distancing and other pandemic precautions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results will be sent to Washington and tallied in a Jan. 6 joint session of Congress over which Vice President Mike Pence will preside .
For all Trump 's unsupported claims of fraud , there was little suspense and no change as every one of the electoral votes allocated to Biden and the president in last month 's popular vote went officially to each man .
On Election Day , the Democrat topped the incumbent Republican by more than 7 million in the popular vote nationwide .
California 's 55 electoral votes put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 3 votes , was the first state to report .
Hawaii , with 4 votes , was the last .
`` Once again in America , the rule of law , our Constitution , and the will of the people have prevailed .
Our democracy -- pushed , tested , threatened -- proved to be resilient , true , and strong , '' Biden said in an evening speech in which he stressed the size of his win and the record 81 million people who voted for him .
He renewed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Americans , whether they voted for him or not , and said the country has hard work ahead on the virus and economy .
But there was no concession from the White House , where Trump has continued to make unsupported allegations of fraud .
Trump remained in the Oval Office long after the sun set in Washington , calling allies and fellow Republicans while keeping track of the running Electoral College tally , according to White House and campaign aides .
The president frequently ducked into the private dining room off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , complaining that the cable networks were treating it like a mini-Election Night while not giving his challenges any airtime .
The president had grown increasingly disappointed with the size of `` Stop the Steal '' rallies across the nation as well as efforts for the GOP to field its own slates of electors in states .
A presidential wish for a fierce administration defense led to TV appearances early Monday by Stephen Miller , one of his most ferocious advocates , to try to downplay the importance of the Electoral College vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would continue all the way to Inauguration Day on Jan. 20 .
Late in the day , he took to Twitter to announce that Attorney General William Barr was leaving the administration before Christmas .
Barr 's departure comes amid lingering tension over Trump 's unsupported fraud claims , especially after Barr 's statement this month to The Associated Press that the election results were unaffected by any fraud .
In a Fox News Channel interview taped over the weekend , Trump said that `` I worry about the country having an illegitimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
A president that lost and lost badly . ''
On Monday in Arizona , Georgia , Michigan , Nevada , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- the six battleground states that Biden won and Trump contested -- electors gave Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris their votes in low-key proceedings .
Nevada 's electors met via Zoom because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump 's efforts to undermine the election results also led to concerns about safety for the electors , virtually unheard of in previous years .
In Michigan , lawmakers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative offices were closed over threats of violence .
Biden won the state by 154,000 votes , or 2.8 percentage points , over Trump .
Georgia state police were out in force at the state Capitol in Atlanta before Democratic electors pledged to Biden met .
There were no protesters seen .
Even with the Electoral College 's confirmation of Biden 's victory , some Republicans continued to refuse to acknowledge that reality .
Yet their opposition to Biden had no practical effect on the electoral process , with the Democrat to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been Trump electors met anyway in a handful of states Biden won .
Pennsylvania Republicans said they cast a `` procedural vote '' for Trump and Pence in case courts that have repeatedly rejected challenges to Biden 's victory were to somehow still determine that Trump had won .
In North Carolina , Utah and other states across the country where Trump won , his electors turned out to duly cast their ballots for him .
Electors in North Carolina had their temperatures checked before being allowed to enter the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reyes withdrew as a Trump elector and was in quarantine because he was exposed to someone with COVID-19 .
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , whom Trump defeated four years ago , were among New York 's 29 electors for Biden and Harris .
In New Hampshire , before the state 's four electors voted for Biden at the State House in Concord , 13-year-old Brayden Harrington led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance .
He had delivered a moving speech at the Democratic National Convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he shares with Biden .
Following weeks of Republican legal challenges that were easily dismissed by judges , Trump and Republican allies tried to persuade the Supreme Court last week to set aside 62 electoral votes for Biden in four states , which might have thrown the outcome into doubt .
The justices rejected the effort on Friday .
The Electoral College was the product of compromise during the drafting of the Constitution between those who favored electing the president by popular vote and those who opposed giving the people the power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets a number of electors equal to its total number of seats in Congress : two senators plus however many members the state has in the House of Representatives .
Washington , D.C. , has three votes , under a constitutional amendment that was ratified in 1961 .
With the exception of Maine and Nebraska , states award all their Electoral College votes to the winner of the popular vote in their state .
The bargain struck by the nation 's founders has produced five elections in which the president did not win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent example in 2016 .
Associated Press writer Jonathan Lemire and AP writers across the United States contributed to this report .

Electoral College makes it official: Biden won, Trump lost
President-elect Joe Biden speaks Monday at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware, after the Electoral College formally elected him as president. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The Electoral College decisively confirmed Joe Biden as the nation's next president, ratifying his November victory in an authoritative state-by-state repudiation of President Donald Trump's refusal to concede he had lost.
The presidential electors on Monday gave Biden a solid majority of 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232, the same margin that Trump bragged was a landslide when he won the White House four years ago.
Heightened security was in place in some states as electors met to cast paper ballots, with masks, social distancing and other pandemic precautions the order of the day. The results will be sent to Washington and tallied in a Jan. 6 joint session of Congress over which Vice President Mike Pence will preside.
For all Trump's unsupported claims of fraud, there was little suspense and no change as every one of the electoral votes allocated to Biden and the president in last month's popular vote went officially to each man. On Election Day, the Democrat topped the incumbent Republican by more than 7 million in the popular vote nationwide.
California's 55 electoral votes put Biden over the top. Vermont, with 3 votes, was the first state to report. Hawaii, with 4 votes, was the last.
"Once again in America, the rule of law, our Constitution, and the will of the people have prevailed. Our democracy -- pushed, tested, threatened -- proved to be resilient, true, and strong," Biden said in an evening speech in which he stressed the size of his win and the record 81 million people who voted for him.
He renewed his campaign promise to be a president for all Americans, whether they voted for him or not, and said the country has hard work ahead on the virus and economy.
But there was no concession from the White House, where Trump has continued to make unsupported allegations of fraud.
Trump remained in the Oval Office long after the sun set in Washington, calling allies and fellow Republicans while keeping track of the running Electoral College tally, according to White House and campaign aides. The president frequently ducked into the private dining room off the Oval Office to watch on TV, complaining that the cable networks were treating it like a mini-Election Night while not giving his challenges any airtime.
The president had grown increasingly disappointed with the size of "Stop the Steal" rallies across the nation as well as efforts for the GOP to field its own slates of electors in states. A presidential wish for a fierce administration defense led to TV appearances early Monday by Stephen Miller, one of his most ferocious advocates, to try to downplay the importance of the Electoral College vote and suggest that Trump's legal challenges would continue all the way to Inauguration Day on Jan. 20.
Late in the day, he took to Twitter to announce that Attorney General William Barr was leaving the administration before Christmas. Barr's departure comes amid lingering tension over Trump's unsupported fraud claims, especially after Barr's statement this month to The Associated Press that the election results were unaffected by any fraud.
In a Fox News Channel interview taped over the weekend, Trump said that "I worry about the country having an illegitimate president, that's what I worry about. A president that lost and lost badly."
On Monday in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- the six battleground states that Biden won and Trump contested -- electors gave Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris their votes in low-key proceedings. Nevada's electors met via Zoom because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump's efforts to undermine the election results also led to concerns about safety for the electors, virtually unheard of in previous years. In Michigan, lawmakers from both parties reported receiving threats, and legislative offices were closed over threats of violence. Biden won the state by 154,000 votes, or 2.8 percentage points, over Trump.
Georgia state police were out in force at the state Capitol in Atlanta before Democratic electors pledged to Biden met. There were no protesters seen.
Even with the Electoral College's confirmation of Biden's victory, some Republicans continued to refuse to acknowledge that reality. Yet their opposition to Biden had no practical effect on the electoral process, with the Democrat to be sworn in next month.
Republicans who would have been Trump electors met anyway in a handful of states Biden won. Pennsylvania Republicans said they cast a "procedural vote" for Trump and Pence in case courts that have repeatedly rejected challenges to Biden's victory were to somehow still determine that Trump had won.
In North Carolina, Utah and other states across the country where Trump won, his electors turned out to duly cast their ballots for him. Electors in North Carolina had their temperatures checked before being allowed to enter the Capitol to vote. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes withdrew as a Trump elector and was in quarantine because he was exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom Trump defeated four years ago, were among New York's 29 electors for Biden and Harris.
In New Hampshire, before the state's four electors voted for Biden at the State House in Concord, 13-year-old Brayden Harrington led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. He had delivered a moving speech at the Democratic National Convention in August about the struggle with stuttering he shares with Biden.
Following weeks of Republican legal challenges that were easily dismissed by judges, Trump and Republican allies tried to persuade the Supreme Court last week to set aside 62 electoral votes for Biden in four states, which might have thrown the outcome into doubt.
The justices rejected the effort on Friday.
The Electoral College was the product of compromise during the drafting of the Constitution between those who favored electing the president by popular vote and those who opposed giving the people the power to directly choose their leader.
Each state gets a number of electors equal to its total number of seats in Congress: two senators plus however many members the state has in the House of Representatives. Washington, D.C., has three votes, under a constitutional amendment that was ratified in 1961. With the exception of Maine and Nebraska, states award all their Electoral College votes to the winner of the popular vote in their state.
The bargain struck by the nation's founders has produced five elections in which the president did not win the popular vote. Trump was the most recent example in 2016.
Associated Press writer Jonathan Lemire and AP writers across the United States contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--'It's heartbreaking': Vietnam veteran with no family, friends honored in Elgin

Not much was known about Stephen Alan Myerson , 72 , when he died Sept. 11 at the Citadel Care Center in Elgin .
He had been at Citadel for a handful of months , but he mentioned to officials that he had served in the Marines during the Vietnam War .
Myerson had no known family and died alone , center officials said , so they reached out to Laird Funeral Home to ask for help with arrangements .
The Elgin funeral home immediately agreed to donate its services .
`` This poor guy was brought out here from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the street , no friends , no family , nobody , '' said Steven Laird , who owns the business with his brother Rob .
`` We 're just happy to help those who need help in our community , '' Laird said .
A lifelong Elginite , Laird said his father opened the family business at 310 S. State St. 40 years ago .
Steve and Rob bought it in 1997 from their parents .
Laird said complications from the pandemic have made it harder to get information from Veterans Affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Myerson .
Limits on the number of people allowed for inside gatherings prevented a traditional funeral service .
Randall Rakowski of Elgin , a fellow Marine Corps and Vietnam War veteran , was among those who came to pay their respects during the 90-minute visitation .
`` It 's sad that he died alone with no family , '' Rakowski said .
`` It makes you feel fortunate for what you have . ''
Myerson was born Aug. 7 , 1948 , in Chicago and served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earned a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal with one star .
Army veteran Herbert Bolding of Elgin said he came out `` to pay my respects to a brother . ''
`` It 's heartbreaking , '' Bolding said .
`` I would hope he would have done the same thing for me if it had happened that way . ''
A burial with honors was scheduled Tuesday at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood .

'It's heartbreaking': Vietnam veteran with no family, friends honored in Elgin
Not much was known about Stephen Alan Myerson, 72, when he died Sept. 11 at the Citadel Care Center in Elgin.
He had been at Citadel for a handful of months, but he mentioned to officials that he had served in the Marines during the Vietnam War.
Myerson had no known family and died alone, center officials said, so they reached out to Laird Funeral Home to ask for help with arrangements. The Elgin funeral home immediately agreed to donate its services.
"This poor guy was brought out here from Chicago and put in a nursing home down the street, no friends, no family, nobody," said Steven Laird, who owns the business with his brother Rob.
"We're just happy to help those who need help in our community," Laird said. A lifelong Elginite, Laird said his father opened the family business at 310 S. State St. 40 years ago. Steve and Rob bought it in 1997 from their parents.
Laird said complications from the pandemic have made it harder to get information from Veterans Affairs, which caused the delay in honoring Myerson. Limits on the number of people allowed for inside gatherings prevented a traditional funeral service.
Randall Rakowski of Elgin, a fellow Marine Corps and Vietnam War veteran, was among those who came to pay their respects during the 90-minute visitation.
"It's sad that he died alone with no family," Rakowski said. "It makes you feel fortunate for what you have."
Myerson was born Aug. 7, 1948, in Chicago and served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. He earned a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal with one star.
Army veteran Herbert Bolding of Elgin said he came out "to pay my respects to a brother."
"It's heartbreaking," Bolding said. "I would hope he would have done the same thing for me if it had happened that way."
A burial with honors was scheduled Tuesday at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Pritzker announces $711M in budget cuts, including for parks, schools, prisons

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov .
JB Pritzker announced $ 711 million in spending cuts on Tuesday , calling it a `` first step '' in closing a $ 3.9 billion revenue shortfall in the current fiscal year 's budget .
As part of those cuts , Pritzker said his office is negotiating with employee labor unions to identify $ 75 million in personnel cost reductions , which could include furloughs , and that he is establishing a work group to identify possible closures of Department of Corrections facilities due to lower inmate populations .
`` These cuts reflect the first phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is within my powers , unilaterally and without the legislature , '' Pritzker said during a news conference in Chicago .
`` This is going to be tough .
And as my ongoing conversations with General Assembly leaders would indicate , there is a great deal of work the legislature must do when it convenes next month . ''
The plan includes hiring freezes at several state agencies as well as reductions or freezes in several grant programs at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity , the Department of Agriculture and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have helped parks .
It also includes a freeze on school maintenance capital grants , which are funded from casino gambling revenues .
And the plan calls for delaying a scheduled rate increase for home health aids who provide in-home and community-based services to the elderly through the state 's Community Care Program .
`` I want to be clear , because tax fairness was taken off the table , there 's a real human impact here , '' he said .
`` I 'm sorry to say we simply can not prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our residents . ''
In addition to the spending cuts announced Tuesday , Pritzker earlier announced a plan to borrow $ 2 billion through the Federal Reserve 's Municipal Liquidity Facility , a program launched earlier this year to help state and local governments close budget gaps that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic .
But that still leaves more than $ 1 billion in savings that will have to be identified , unless Congress authorizes a relief package that includes aid to state and local governments , something that Republican leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about $ 2 billion of this year 's shortfall is due to the COVID-19 pandemic , which has drastically cut into state revenues .
The rest , he said , is part of an ongoing `` structural '' deficit in the state budget , one that he had hoped to fill with passage of his proposed graduated income tax amendment .
He lashed out at Republicans in Illinois who worked to defeat that proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot .
`` It 's been two years since Republicans announced their wholesale opposition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been 40 days since the election , and they have yet to produce any viable answer for balancing the budget , '' Pritzker said .
`` They worked and spent endlessly to defeat the best option Democrats put on the table .
And after all their bluster , it turns out that Republicans have no plan at all to put the state on a firm fiscal foundation . ''
But GOP leaders in the General Assembly responded quickly , arguing that the budget shortfall is the result of Democrats being unwilling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can blame others all he wants for the state 's financial mess , but the fact of the matter is this is a bed of his own making , '' Senate Minority Leader-elect Dan McConchie , of Hawthorn Woods , said in a statement .
`` Voters fundamentally rejected his graduated tax proposal because of their lack of trust in state government , which stems from years of Springfield increasing taxes and ignoring the reforms that Republicans have put on the table time and time again . ''
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficit was built into the budget that the Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed in May , which was predicated on passage of the tax amendment and the state receiving about $ 5 billion in federal aid that so far has not materialized .
`` Governor Pritzker , ( Senate ) President ( Don ) Harmon and ( House Speaker ) Mike Madigan were repeatedly warned about the dire shortfalls in the fantasy budget that relied upon the passage of the graduated tax and a 'fingers crossed ' hoped-for a federal bailout , '' Durkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of living within our means , they attempted to trick voters into raising taxes , and were sorely rejected by Democrat , Republican and Independent voters across the state . ''
The state 's largest public employee labor union pushed back on the cuts .
Roberta Lynch , executive director of AFSCME Council 31 , issued a statement saying the union `` is firmly opposed to any demands that unfairly target state employees . ''
`` Undoubtedly our state faces a severe fiscal crisis and action is urgently needed .
However , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state employees who have already sacrificed so much in our current public health crisis should bear an outsized share of the burden of fixing the state 's fiscal crisis as well , '' she said in the statement .
`` Moreover , it is counterproductive in the extreme to target these employees at a time when the need for state services and the demands on state government are greater than ever . ''

'There's a real human impact here': Pritzker announces $711 million in budget cuts
Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks to reporters after a nurse administered Illinois' first five Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations outside Chicago Tuesday morning at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. JB Pritzker announced $711 million in spending cuts on Tuesday, calling it a "first step" in closing a $3.9 billion revenue shortfall in the current fiscal year's budget.
As part of those cuts, Pritzker said his office is negotiating with employee labor unions to identify $75 million in personnel cost reductions, which could include furloughs, and that he is establishing a work group to identify possible closures of Department of Corrections facilities due to lower inmate populations.
"These cuts reflect the first phase of our path forward, doing what is within my powers, unilaterally and without the legislature," Pritzker said during a news conference in Chicago. "This is going to be tough. And as my ongoing conversations with General Assembly leaders would indicate, there is a great deal of work the legislature must do when it convenes next month."
The plan includes hiring freezes at several state agencies as well as reductions or freezes in several grant programs at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources, which would have helped parks. It also includes a freeze on school maintenance capital grants, which are funded from casino gambling revenues.
And the plan calls for delaying a scheduled rate increase for home health aids who provide in-home and community-based services to the elderly through the state's Community Care Program.
"I want to be clear, because tax fairness was taken off the table, there's a real human impact here," he said. "I'm sorry to say we simply cannot prevent these losses from touching the real lives of our residents."
In addition to the spending cuts announced Tuesday, Pritzker earlier announced a plan to borrow $2 billion through the Federal Reserve's Municipal Liquidity Facility, a program launched earlier this year to help state and local governments close budget gaps that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.
But that still leaves more than $1 billion in savings that will have to be identified, unless Congress authorizes a relief package that includes aid to state and local governments, something that Republican leaders in Congress strongly oppose.
Pritzker said about $2 billion of this year's shortfall is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drastically cut into state revenues. The rest, he said, is part of an ongoing "structural" deficit in the state budget, one that he had hoped to fill with passage of his proposed graduated income tax amendment.
He lashed out at Republicans in Illinois who worked to defeat that proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot.
"It's been two years since Republicans announced their wholesale opposition to the 'Fair Tax,' and it's been 40 days since the election, and they have yet to produce any viable answer for balancing the budget," Pritzker said. "They worked and spent endlessly to defeat the best option Democrats put on the table. And after all their bluster, it turns out that Republicans have no plan at all to put the state on a firm fiscal foundation."
But GOP leaders in the General Assembly responded quickly, arguing that the budget shortfall is the result of Democrats being unwilling to cut spending earlier.
"The Governor can blame others all he wants for the state's financial mess, but the fact of the matter is this is a bed of his own making," Senate Minority Leader-elect Dan McConchie, of Hawthorn Woods, said in a statement. "Voters fundamentally rejected his graduated tax proposal because of their lack of trust in state government, which stems from years of Springfield increasing taxes and ignoring the reforms that Republicans have put on the table time and time again."
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, said the deficit was built into the budget that the Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed in May, which was predicated on passage of the tax amendment and the state receiving about $5 billion in federal aid that so far has not materialized.
"Governor Pritzker, (Senate) President (Don) Harmon and (House Speaker) Mike Madigan were repeatedly warned about the dire shortfalls in the fantasy budget that relied upon the passage of the graduated tax and a 'fingers crossed' hoped-for a federal bailout," Durkin said in a statement. "Instead of living within our means, they attempted to trick voters into raising taxes, and were sorely rejected by Democrat, Republican and Independent voters across the state."
The state's largest public employee labor union pushed back on the cuts. Roberta Lynch, executive director of AFSCME Council 31, issued a statement saying the union "is firmly opposed to any demands that unfairly target state employees."
"Undoubtedly our state faces a severe fiscal crisis and action is urgently needed. However, it is grossly unjust to suggest that front-line state employees who have already sacrificed so much in our current public health crisis should bear an outsized share of the burden of fixing the state's fiscal crisis as well," she said in the statement. "Moreover, it is counterproductive in the extreme to target these employees at a time when the need for state services and the demands on state government are greater than ever."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--'It will be special': New restaurant/bar with live music could be coming to Palatine

A shuttered establishment in downtown Palatine would get new life and a new identity if the plan of a former patron is approved by the village .
Savio Lobo , who works in technology management and lives in Inverness , wants to open MadCats at 117 W. Slade St. , the location of the former Mac 's on Slade .
MadCats would be a restaurant/bar with live music and an expanded floor plan , upgraded decor and a curated menu of excellent food and drinks , Lobo said .
`` It will be special , '' he said .
Lobo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's on Slade for about five years until its closure in August 2019 .
`` For people of my age , there is n't any place in Palatine where you can go and listen to nice music .
At least not in the downtown Palatine area , '' he said .
`` There are places in Arlington Heights , in Barrington .
The only place here is Nellie 's , and that attracts a much younger crowd -- and it 's a lot bigger . ''
The live music at MadCats would include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pop from the 1960s to the 1990s .
`` No rap , no metal , '' Lobo said .
He also would promote young local bands , possibly even high school bands if really talented .
The former Mac 's on Slade was named after William `` Mac '' Reitz , who sold it in 2018 to former manager Jeff Van Horn and others .
The establishment closed after it failed to renew its state liquor license and gave up its local liquor license instead of contesting a suspension imposed by the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mac 's on Slade was a friendly , no-drama establishment with an intimate feel that drew a crowd who truly enjoyed music , Lobo said -- and those are the aspects he hopes to replicate .
Lobo said he 's enlisted a team of professionals : Dan Maderak as general manager , Rick Lucier as entertainment manager , and chef Margaret McCarthy , formerly of Mint Julep Bistro in Palatine .
`` I would not have gone into this without these guys , '' he said .
His three children , ages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would help manage the business , he added .
Lobo said he would be the sole owner and has signed a lease pending village approval .
He applied for a special use permit under the name Wisewolf LLC , and his request will be examined by the village 's zoning board of appeals Dec. 22 .
He would also need a new liquor license .
MadCats would have a larger footprint than its predecessor , taking over space in the southern end of the building previously occupied by an office and hair salon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's director of planning and zoning .
If all goes well , the target opening date is St. Patrick 's Day , if allowed under COVID-19 guidelines , Lobo said .
Otherwise he 'll start by opening with takeout food , he said .
Lobo said he knows the hospitality business is tough , but he 's committed to seeing his new enterprise succeed .
`` Broadly , we want this to be really a community endeavor , '' he said .
`` I am relying on the patrons who keep in touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to open this place .
The success will be based on the people . ''

'It will be special': New restaurant/bar with live music could be coming to Palatine
A shuttered establishment in downtown Palatine would get new life and a new identity if the plan of a former patron is approved by the village.
Savio Lobo, who works in technology management and lives in Inverness, wants to open MadCats at 117 W. Slade St., the location of the former Mac's on Slade. MadCats would be a restaurant/bar with live music and an expanded floor plan, upgraded decor and a curated menu of excellent food and drinks, Lobo said.
"It will be special," he said.
Lobo, 53, said he frequented Mac's on Slade for about five years until its closure in August 2019.
"For people of my age, there isn't any place in Palatine where you can go and listen to nice music. At least not in the downtown Palatine area," he said. "There are places in Arlington Heights, in Barrington. The only place here is Nellie's, and that attracts a much younger crowd -- and it's a lot bigger."
The live music at MadCats would include blues, rock 'n roll and pop from the 1960s to the 1990s.
"No rap, no metal," Lobo said.
He also would promote young local bands, possibly even high school bands if really talented.
The former Mac's on Slade was named after William "Mac" Reitz, who sold it in 2018 to former manager Jeff Van Horn and others. The establishment closed after it failed to renew its state liquor license and gave up its local liquor license instead of contesting a suspension imposed by the village.
Whatever its issues with the village, Mac's on Slade was a friendly, no-drama establishment with an intimate feel that drew a crowd who truly enjoyed music, Lobo said -- and those are the aspects he hopes to replicate.
Lobo said he's enlisted a team of professionals: Dan Maderak as general manager, Rick Lucier as entertainment manager, and chef Margaret McCarthy, formerly of Mint Julep Bistro in Palatine.
"I would not have gone into this without these guys," he said. His three children, ages 19, 21 and 25, also would help manage the business, he added.
Lobo said he would be the sole owner and has signed a lease pending village approval. He applied for a special use permit under the name Wisewolf LLC, and his request will be examined by the village's zoning board of appeals Dec. 22. He would also need a new liquor license.
MadCats would have a larger footprint than its predecessor, taking over space in the southern end of the building previously occupied by an office and hair salon, said Ben Vyverberg, the village's director of planning and zoning.
If all goes well, the target opening date is St. Patrick's Day, if allowed under COVID-19 guidelines, Lobo said. Otherwise he'll start by opening with takeout food, he said.
Lobo said he knows the hospitality business is tough, but he's committed to seeing his new enterprise succeed. "Broadly, we want this to be really a community endeavor," he said. "I am relying on the patrons who keep in touch with me on and off, asking me to open this place. The success will be based on the people."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Lake Zurich trustee charged with domestic battery

Lake Zurich village Trustee Jim Beaudoin faces domestic violence charges stemming from an altercation at his home early Saturday morning , authorities said Tuesday .
Lake Zurich Police Chief Steve Husak said a 9-1-1 call was placed from Beaudoin 's home at 12:52 a.m. reporting an ongoing domestic situation .
When officers arrived , they were able to bring Beaudoin into custody without incident , Husak said .
Beaudoin , 47 , is charged with one count of domestic battery causing bodily harm and one count of domestic battery involving physical contact .
Both are misdemeanors punishable by up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's convicted .
He remained in custody at Lake Zurich police station overnight before being taken to the Lake County courthouse , where a judge set his bail at $ 10,000 later Saturday morning .
According to court documents , Beaudoin paid a 10 % bond , or $ 1,000 , and is out of jail .
He is due back in court Wednesday morning .
Attorney Douglas Zeit , who is listed as Beaudoin 's defense lawyer in court documents , was not immediately available for comment Tuesday afternoon .
Beaudoin 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run out in the spring .
He has not yet filed candidacy paperwork to seek another term in the April 6 election .
This is not Beaudoin 's first run in with the law while serving on the village board .
He was arrested in March 21 , 2019 after crashing his Audi A4 into a `` No Outlet '' sign and a tree near the intersection of Prairie Lane and Cedar Street .
According to police documents , Beaudoin was driving west on Cedar about 6:20 p.m. that day when he tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lane .
Reports state he took the turn too wide , left the road and hit the sign and tree .
Witnesses told officers Beaudoin got out of the vehicle , surveyed the damage , then threw the sign and other debris into the back of his car , police reports state .
He was charged with DUI , but later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor reckless driving .
Under the plea agreement , Beaudion paid a $ 1,000 fine plus court costs , served a year of court supervision and attended a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a $ 1,500 contribution to Lake County 's drug court program .
Under the plea agreement , a conviction would not stand on Beaudoin 's record if he met all the conditions of his supervision sentence .

Lake Zurich trustee charged with domestic battery
Lake Zurich village Trustee Jim Beaudoin faces domestic violence charges stemming from an altercation at his home early Saturday morning, authorities said Tuesday.
Lake Zurich Police Chief Steve Husak said a 9-1-1 call was placed from Beaudoin's home at 12:52 a.m. reporting an ongoing domestic situation. When officers arrived, they were able to bring Beaudoin into custody without incident, Husak said.
Beaudoin, 47, is charged with one count of domestic battery causing bodily harm and one count of domestic battery involving physical contact. Both are misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail, if he's convicted.
He remained in custody at Lake Zurich police station overnight before being taken to the Lake County courthouse, where a judge set his bail at $10,000 later Saturday morning.
According to court documents, Beaudoin paid a 10% bond, or $1,000, and is out of jail. He is due back in court Wednesday morning.
Attorney Douglas Zeit, who is listed as Beaudoin's defense lawyer in court documents, was not immediately available for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Beaudoin's term as village trustee is set to run out in the spring. He has not yet filed candidacy paperwork to seek another term in the April 6 election.
This is not Beaudoin's first run in with the law while serving on the village board.
He was arrested in March 21, 2019 after crashing his Audi A4 into a "No Outlet" sign and a tree near the intersection of Prairie Lane and Cedar Street. According to police documents, Beaudoin was driving west on Cedar about 6:20 p.m. that day when he tried to make a left turn onto Prairie Lane. Reports state he took the turn too wide, left the road and hit the sign and tree.
Witnesses told officers Beaudoin got out of the vehicle, surveyed the damage, then threw the sign and other debris into the back of his car, police reports state.
He was charged with DUI, but later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor reckless driving. Under the plea agreement, Beaudion paid a $1,000 fine plus court costs, served a year of court supervision and attended a victim's impact panel. Beaudoin also made a $1,500 contribution to Lake County's drug court program.
Under the plea agreement, a conviction would not stand on Beaudoin's record if he met all the conditions of his supervision sentence.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Man robs Fifth Third Bank in Aurora

Man robs Fifth Third Bank in Aurora

Authorities are searching for a man who robbed a Fifth Third Bank on Monday afternoon in Aurora .
The man @ @ @ @ @ the teller at the bank , 34 S. Broadway , at 1:56 p.m. , according @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday by the FBI .
The man is white , in his 40s , skinny @ @ @ @ @ .
He was wearing a dark green skull cap , a gray sweatshirt , a @ @ @ @ @ , light-wash blue jeans , dark sneakers , sunglasses and a surgical mask .
The @ @ @ @ @ had a weapon , the FBI said .

Man robs Fifth Third Bank in Aurora
Authorities say this man robbed the Fifth Third Bank at 34 S. Broadway in Aurora on Monday afternoon. Courtesy of the FBI
Authorities are searching for a man who robbed a Fifth Third Bank on Monday afternoon in Aurora.
The man presented a demand note to the teller at the bank, 34 S. Broadway, at 1:56 p.m., according to a news release issued Tuesday by the FBI.
The man is white, in his 40s, skinny and about 6 feet tall. He was wearing a dark green skull cap, a gray sweatshirt, a watch on his left wrist, light-wash blue jeans, dark sneakers, sunglasses and a surgical mask.
The man didn't imply he had a weapon, the FBI said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--School board candidates flood ballot in Indian Prairie District 204

The school board election coming in the spring in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has turned into one of the most competitive races on the ballot in DuPage County .
To date , only two incumbents have formally declared bids to keep their seats , but voters will still have to sort out a slew of challengers .
The election for four open spots on the board is currently an 11-way race just two days into the weeklong filing period for hopefuls to put their names on the April 6 ballot .
Compared with other school districts , the crowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ norm .
So far , many school board races do n't have enough people running for available seats in districts like Bloomingdale , Glendale Heights and Wood Dale .
Candidates have until Dec. 21 to file their nominating petitions with the county clerk 's office .
Here 's a roundup of where key races stand .
Incumbents Laurie Donahue and Susan Taylor-Demming filed their petitions Monday , as did eight challengers : Marina Kosak , Saba Haider , Allison Fosdick , Rajesh Narayan , Kader Sakkaria , Supna Jain , Shannon Adcock and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday with the addition of another challenger , Robert O. Harris , jumping into the race .
Terms also are expiring this spring for school board President Michael Raczak and board member Cathy Piehl , though they have not yet turned in the paperwork needed to seek reelection .
In the lead-up to the election , district officials have been discussing how to bring students back to the classroom for hybrid learning , sparking debate among some parents and community members .
Most students in the Naperville and Aurora-area district have remained in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March .
Sitting school board President Brad Paulsen says he intends to run for a third term in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 .
Paulsen , an architect , has yet to file petitions .
Incumbent Rob Hanlon and four challengers have officially entered the race , setting the stage for a field of at least six candidates for four seats , including Paulsen .
The challengers are Tom Paulsen ( no relation to the board president ) , Anjali Bharadwa , Mary Yeboah and Steven Gross .
Yeboah made her first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drawing attention to academic achievement gaps between student groups .
The race for four board seats in Glenbard High School District 87 will be a contested one .
Three incumbents -- board President Judith Weinstock , Vice President Jennifer Jendras and Robert Friend -- are pursuing reelection .
Also running are newcomers Kermit Eby III and Cyndi Covelli .
The four-school district of roughly 8,000 students covers all or parts of Glen Ellyn , Lombard , Carol Stream , Glendale Heights , Bloomingdale , Wheaton and Hanover Park .
Four open seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fenton High School District 100 .
Board President Paul Wedemann and one other incumbent , Patricia `` Patty '' Jalowiec , are set to square off against at least six challengers : Joseph Minard , Sylvia Hayde , Xavier Pete , John Radzinski , Thalia Anguiano and David Woods .
The school board race in Naperville Unit District 203 remains uncontested , with three incumbents and one newcomer filing petitions for four open seats .
School board President Kristin Fitzgerald , Vice President Donna Wandke and Charles Cush are vying to retain their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social worker and mother of three , also is seeking a spot on the board .
A 4-year term is expiring for Paul Leong , who is running for a Naperville City Council seat .
No one has stepped forward to run in Marquardt School District and Wood Dale School District 7 .
School boards do n't have enough candidates in Butler School District 53 , Bloomingdale Elementary School District 13 and Salt Creek School District 48 .
Each has a single candidate running so far .

School board candidates flood ballot in Indian Prairie District 204
Indian Prairie Unit District 204, which includes Waubonsie Valley High School, has at least 10 school board candidates running for four seats up for election in April. Daily Herald file Photo
The school board election coming in the spring in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has turned into one of the most competitive races on the ballot in DuPage County.
To date, only two incumbents have formally declared bids to keep their seats, but voters will still have to sort out a slew of challengers.
The election for four open spots on the board is currently an 11-way race just two days into the weeklong filing period for hopefuls to put their names on the April 6 ballot.
Compared with other school districts, the crowded field is the exception, not the norm. So far, many school board races don't have enough people running for available seats in districts like Bloomingdale, Glendale Heights and Wood Dale.
Candidates have until Dec. 21 to file their nominating petitions with the county clerk's office. Here's a roundup of where key races stand.
District 204
Incumbents Laurie Donahue and Susan Taylor-Demming filed their petitions Monday, as did eight challengers: Marina Kosak, Saba Haider, Allison Fosdick, Rajesh Narayan, Kader Sakkaria, Supna Jain, Shannon Adcock and Yanmei May Liang. The list grew Tuesday with the addition of another challenger, Robert O. Harris, jumping into the race.
Terms also are expiring this spring for school board President Michael Raczak and board member Cathy Piehl, though they have not yet turned in the paperwork needed to seek reelection.
In the lead-up to the election, district officials have been discussing how to bring students back to the classroom for hybrid learning, sparking debate among some parents and community members. Most students in the Naperville and Aurora-area district have remained in remote instruction since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March.
District 200
Sitting school board President Brad Paulsen says he intends to run for a third term in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200. Paulsen, an architect, has yet to file petitions.
Incumbent Rob Hanlon and four challengers have officially entered the race, setting the stage for a field of at least six candidates for four seats, including Paulsen.
The challengers are Tom Paulsen (no relation to the board president), Anjali Bharadwa, Mary Yeboah and Steven Gross. Yeboah made her first attempt at a board seat in 2019, drawing attention to academic achievement gaps between student groups.
Glenbard District 87
The race for four board seats in Glenbard High School District 87 will be a contested one. Three incumbents -- board President Judith Weinstock, Vice President Jennifer Jendras and Robert Friend -- are pursuing reelection. Also running are newcomers Kermit Eby III and Cyndi Covelli.
The four-school district of roughly 8,000 students covers all or parts of Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Bloomingdale, Wheaton and Hanover Park.
Fenton District 100
Four open seats have attracted twice as many candidates in Fenton High School District 100.
Board President Paul Wedemann and one other incumbent, Patricia "Patty" Jalowiec, are set to square off against at least six challengers: Joseph Minard, Sylvia Hayde, Xavier Pete, John Radzinski, Thalia Anguiano and David Woods.
The Bensenville-based district serves roughly 1,430 students.
Naperville District 203
The school board race in Naperville Unit District 203 remains uncontested, with three incumbents and one newcomer filing petitions for four open seats.
School board President Kristin Fitzgerald, Vice President Donna Wandke and Charles Cush are vying to retain their posts. Naperville resident Amanda McMillen, a social worker and mother of three, also is seeking a spot on the board.
A 4-year term is expiring for Paul Leong, who is running for a Naperville City Council seat.
Too few candidates
No one has stepped forward to run in Marquardt School District and Wood Dale School District 7.
School boards don't have enough candidates in Butler School District 53, Bloomingdale Elementary School District 13 and Salt Creek School District 48. Each has a single candidate running so far.
• Daily Herald staff writer Lauren Rohr contributed to this report


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Ohio man who claimed to be missing Aurora boy sentenced to 2 years

CINCINNATI -- A federal judge Tuesday sentenced an apologetic Ohio man to two years behind bars and one year of probation for falsely claiming to be a long-missing Aurora child .
Brian Michael Rini , who is now 25 , said he was sorry during the video hearing before U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett made his sentence official .
Barrett told Rini earlier this year he faced a mandatory two-year sentence , but the judge wanted to see results of a presentencing investigation before entering his sentence .
Rini gets credit for time served , so he will be released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The judge said Rini should receive mental health treatment and counseling , have no contact with the missing boy 's family , and ca n't have drugs or guns .
Rini earlier pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft .
Prosecutors dismissed two other charges .
Rini , of Medina , Ohio , was arrested by FBI agents in April 2019 .
Rini signed a court document admitting that he claimed he was Timmothy Pitzen , who disappeared at age 6 in 2011 .
Rini had shown up in northern Kentucky claiming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had just escaped captors who sexually and physically abused him for years .
Confronted with DNA results proving he was n't Pitzen , Rini said he had watched a story about the missing boy on ABC 's `` 20/20 '' and wanted to get away from his own family , the FBI said .
Rini 's DNA was already on file because of his criminal record .
He served time for burglary and vandalism .
He twice portrayed himself in Ohio as a juvenile victim of sex trafficking , and in each case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said .

Ohio man who claimed to be missing Aurora boy sentenced to 2 years
CINCINNATI -- A federal judge Tuesday sentenced an apologetic Ohio man to two years behind bars and one year of probation for falsely claiming to be a long-missing Aurora child.
Brian Michael Rini, who is now 25, said he was sorry during the video hearing before U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett made his sentence official. Barrett told Rini earlier this year he faced a mandatory two-year sentence, but the judge wanted to see results of a presentencing investigation before entering his sentence. Rini gets credit for time served, so he will be released on probation in less than four months.
The judge said Rini should receive mental health treatment and counseling, have no contact with the missing boy's family, and can't have drugs or guns.
Rini earlier pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors dismissed two other charges.
Rini, of Medina, Ohio, was arrested by FBI agents in April 2019. Rini signed a court document admitting that he claimed he was Timmothy Pitzen, who disappeared at age 6 in 2011.
Rini had shown up in northern Kentucky claiming to be Pitzen. He told authorities he had just escaped captors who sexually and physically abused him for years.
Confronted with DNA results proving he wasn't Pitzen, Rini said he had watched a story about the missing boy on ABC's "20/20" and wanted to get away from his own family, the FBI said.
Rini's DNA was already on file because of his criminal record. He served time for burglary and vandalism.
He twice portrayed himself in Ohio as a juvenile victim of sex trafficking, and in each case was identified after being fingerprinted, authorities have said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Elmhurst police share photo of robbery suspect

The Elmhurst police are searching for a man who committed an armed robbery last week .
A surveillance photo showed @ @ @ @ @ station near York Road and Grand Avenue about 2 a , m. Dec. 8 and @ @ @ @ @ cash , Elmhurst police said .
Anyone with information about the case should call police @ @ @ @ @ .

Elmhurst police share photo of robbery suspect
Authorities say this man robbed a gas station on Dec. 8 in Elmhurst. Courtesy of Elmhurst police
The Elmhurst police are searching for a man who committed an armed robbery last week.
A surveillance photo showed a man entering a gas station near York Road and Grand Avenue about 2 a, m. Dec. 8 and displaying a handgun while demanding cash, Elmhurst police said.
Anyone with information about the case should call police at (630) 530-3050.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--No shortage of school board candidates in some Lake County districts

Eleven candidates jumped into the race for the Libertyville-Vernon Hills High School District 128 board on the first two days of filing , the most of any school district in the county so far .
The pool of candidates in that race -- vying over four available seats -- and a number of others could easily grow before filing closes on Dec. 21 .
Candidates often like to file at the beginning of the filing period to get their names at the top of the ballot .
Other districts with large candidate pools thus far include Lake Forest High School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where eight candidates filed for four seats in each district by Tuesday .
Seven candidates have filed for four seats on the Stevenson High School District 125 school board .
Driving the high candidate turnout in the April 6 election could be schools ' responses to the pandemic .
In September , for example , about 500 Libertyville and Vernon Hills parents , students and community members staged a rally at Cook Park in Libertyville to urge the school board to return students to in-person learning .
Sean Gay , who was first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file at the Lake County Clerk 's office , said there 's a lot of frustration among District 128 parents right now .
`` The parents by and large have been surveyed time and time again , and they want in-person learning , '' Gay said .
In October , a group of about 100 Stevenson parents , students and community members rallied outside the school to put pressure on the school board to allow students to return to the classroom .
Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor said 135 candidates have applied so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the county .
She said the total number of candidates this time could exceed the 218 candidates who filed to run for school board seats in the 2019 consolidated election .
O'Connor said she would n't be surprised if many more candidates are just waiting to file their paperwork .
`` We 'll get a lot more people in around 4 p.m. next Monday because people like to be the last ones on the ballot , '' said O'Connor , referring to the deadline to file candidacy paperwork by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Libertyville-Vernon Hills High School District 128 board race has nine challengers and two incumbents vying for four seats .
Incumbents Don Carmichael and Kevin Huber have filed along with challengers Gay , Kathryn `` Katy '' Talerico , Chris Coughlin , Cara Benjamin , Sonal Kulkarni , Kara Drumke , Jim Connell , Dale J. Sherman and Julie A. Brua .
Four challengers and three incumbents have entered the race for seats on the Stevenson High School District 125 school board race .
Incumbent board President Steven G. Frost and incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed .
Also in the hunt thus far are Nicole Grimes , Barb M. Tolbert , Robert Lewis and Lalit Jagtap .

No shortage of school board candidates in some Lake County districts
Eleven candidates jumped into the race for the Libertyville-Vernon Hills High School District 128 board on the first two days of filing, the most of any school district in the county so far.
The pool of candidates in that race -- vying over four available seats -- and a number of others could easily grow before filing closes on Dec. 21. Candidates often like to file at the beginning of the filing period to get their names at the top of the ballot.
Other districts with large candidate pools thus far include Lake Forest High School District 115 and Deerfield District 109, where eight candidates filed for four seats in each district by Tuesday. Seven candidates have filed for four seats on the Stevenson High School District 125 school board.
Driving the high candidate turnout in the April 6 election could be schools' responses to the pandemic.
In September, for example, about 500 Libertyville and Vernon Hills parents, students and community members staged a rally at Cook Park in Libertyville to urge the school board to return students to in-person learning.
Sean Gay, who was first in line at 6 a.m. Monday to file at the Lake County Clerk's office, said there's a lot of frustration among District 128 parents right now.
"The parents by and large have been surveyed time and time again, and they want in-person learning," Gay said.
In October, a group of about 100 Stevenson parents, students and community members rallied outside the school to put pressure on the school board to allow students to return to the classroom.
Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor said 135 candidates have applied so far among the 39 school board contests across the county. She said the total number of candidates this time could exceed the 218 candidates who filed to run for school board seats in the 2019 consolidated election.
O'Connor said she wouldn't be surprised if many more candidates are just waiting to file their paperwork.
"We'll get a lot more people in around 4 p.m. next Monday because people like to be the last ones on the ballot," said O'Connor, referring to the deadline to file candidacy paperwork by the end of the day Dec. 21.
So far, the Libertyville-Vernon Hills High School District 128 board race has nine challengers and two incumbents vying for four seats. Incumbents Don Carmichael and Kevin Huber have filed along with challengers Gay, Kathryn "Katy" Talerico, Chris Coughlin, Cara Benjamin, Sonal Kulkarni, Kara Drumke, Jim Connell, Dale J. Sherman and Julie A. Brua.
Four challengers and three incumbents have entered the race for seats on the Stevenson High School District 125 school board race. Incumbent board President Steven G. Frost and incumbent board members Gary Gorson and Fei Shang filed. Also in the hunt thus far are Nicole Grimes, Barb M. Tolbert, Robert Lewis and Lalit Jagtap.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Attention new pet parents: Show us your pandemic fur babies

In a challenging year filled with fear and uncertainty , many of us found comfort in spending time with our @ @ @ @ @ up in 2020 at many suburban rescues and shelters .
We 'd like to feature @ @ @ @ @ in our Neighbor section .
We 're inviting readers to send us a photo ( @ @ @ @ @ large size ) of a new pet they adopted during the pandemic .
And it @ @ @ @ @ just dogs and cats -- all pets are welcome , whether they have fur , @ @ @ @ @ .
Please include your full name , your town , your pet 's name and @ @ @ @ @ like to share -- where you adopted the pet , your pet 's breed , @ @ @ @ @ and details to photos @ dailyherald.com no later than Tuesday , Dec. 22 , and @ @ @ @ @ Neighbor section on Sunday , Dec. 27 .

Attention new pet parents: Show us your pandemic fur babies
Did you adopt a new pet during the pandemic? Send us a photo of your new friend, and we may feature it in an upcoming Neighbor section. Getty Images
In a challenging year filled with fear and uncertainty, many of us found comfort in spending time with our pets.
Pet adoptions were up in 2020 at many suburban rescues and shelters.
We'd like to feature some of these new pets in our Neighbor section. We're inviting readers to send us a photo (JPEG format, in a large size) of a new pet they adopted during the pandemic. And it doesn't have to be just dogs and cats -- all pets are welcome, whether they have fur, feathers, fins or scales.
Please include your full name, your town, your pet's name and any brief details you'd like to share -- where you adopted the pet, your pet's breed, etc.
Email the photo and details to photos@dailyherald.com no later than Tuesday, Dec. 22, and look for it in the Neighbor section on Sunday, Dec. 27.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Honda recalls 1.4M US vehicles for software, other problems

DETROIT -- Honda is recalling over 1.4 million vehicles in the U.S. to fix drive shafts that can break , @ @ @ @ @ and a software flaw .
The software recall includes 737,000 Accords from 2018 to 2020 @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
A programming flaw in a computer can cause the rear camera , turn @ @ @ @ @ malfunction .
Two drive shaft recalls cover 430,000 Honda Civics , Fits and Accords as @ @ @ @ @ .
They 're in 22 states where salt is used on roads in the winter @ @ @ @ @ old as 2007 and as new as 2015 .
The drive shafts can break due @ @ @ @ @ CR-Vs from 2002 through 2006 are included in the power window switch recall .
Water @ @ @ @ @ driver 's window and cause an electrical short , possibly touching off a fire .
@ @ @ @ @ to take their vehicles to dealers .

Honda recalls 1.4M US vehicles for software, other problems
The Honda logo is seen on display at the 2020 Pittsburgh International Auto Show, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, in Pittsburgh. Honda is recalling over 1.4 million vehicles in the U.S. to repair drive shafts that can break, window switches that can overheat and a software flaw. Associated Press
DETROIT -- Honda is recalling over 1.4 million vehicles in the U.S. to repair drive shafts that can break, window switches that can overheat and a software flaw.
The software recall includes 737,000 Accords from 2018 to 2020 and Insights from 2019 and 2020. A programming flaw in a control computer can cause the rear camera, turn signals and windshield wipers to malfunction. Owners will be notified in late January about when they should take their vehicles to a dealer for repairs.
Two drive shaft recalls cover 430,000 Honda Civic Hybrids from 2012, the 2007 through 2014 Honda Fit, the 2013 through 2015 Acura ILX and the 2013 through 2015 Honda Accord. They're in 22 states where salt is used to clear roads in the winter. The drive shafts can break due to corrosion. Dealers will inspect the left and right drive shafts and replace them if needed. Parts aren't available yet. Owners will get an initial notification in February and will be told later when to go to a dealer.
About 268,000 CR-Vs from 2002 through 2006 are included in the power window switch recall. Water can get into an open driver's window and cause an electrical short, possibly touching off a fire. It's the second recall for the same issue. The cars were recalled starting in October of 2012, but the repairs didn't work. Honda says it has reports of 16 fires but no injuries.
Honda says owners should take the SUVs in for repairs as soon as they get a recall notice. Those will be mailed starting in late January. Owners can also check https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls or call (888) 234-2138 to see if their CR-V is affected.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Twenty years and $22 million later, Quentin Road project comes to fruition

After two decades in the making , a $ 22 million project to widen Quentin Road between Kildeer and Lake Zurich is in the books .
Landscaping , cleanup and minor work will be completed in spring , but more than two years of construction on Quentin from White Pine Road near Route 12 to Route 22 is complete .
All five lanes were opened in late November , ending rush-hour traffic snags on the key stretch in southwestern Lake County .
Besides two lanes in each direction , turn lanes and retaining walls were added throughout the 2-mile project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sewers also were installed .
Multiuse paths and sidewalks with access to local businesses and parks were part of the project .
An existing path at White Pine Road as well as local paths on the east side of Quentin were connected , and plans are to extend the path north across Route 22 .
Landscaped fencing and stone are distinguishing features of the project .
`` That was used to give the project a signature look , '' said Alex Carr , spokesman for the Lake County Division of Transportation .
Quentin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county system when it was built in 1947 but became congested as the area grew .
The concept to widen Quentin Road began 20 years ago and progressed from engineering to construction under three county engineers , according to Michael Talbett , chief village officer in Kildeer and a former Lake County Board member .
Public involvement started in 2010 with the formation of a Community Advisory Group consisting of county transportation officials , community leaders and interested residents .
Talbett expressed appreciation for the work in comments to the county board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the road rebuilt and widened , but new features such as medians with trees , noise walls , sidewalks and a bike path were added to the finished product , '' he said .
The bike path being in place this past spring was `` especially fortuitous , '' as it was heavily used by people wanting to get outside during the pandemic , Talbett noted .
The goal of the project was to reduce congestion and increase walking and biking options .
As such , public participation was part of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursue federal funding , according to Carr .
More than 80 % of the cost was paid with federal funding , he added .
The Quentin Road project was the largest completed by Lake County 's transportation department this season .
Three other large projects -- widening Buffalo Grove Road and Weiland Road in Buffalo Grove and 14th Street in North Chicago -- will be entering a second year of construction in 2021 .
The formal list of 2021 projects will be announced in the spring , but it 's expected to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fremont Center Road at Route 60 , plus a roundabout at Fairfield and Monaville roads , Carr added .

Twenty years and $22 million later, Quentin Road project comes to fruition
Construction on Lake County's Quentin Road project is substantially complete, with only minor work left to be finished in the spring. Before-and-after photos show what's been done. Courtesy of Lake County Division of Transportation
After two decades in the making, a $22 million project to widen Quentin Road between Kildeer and Lake Zurich is in the books.
Landscaping, cleanup and minor work will be completed in spring, but more than two years of construction on Quentin from White Pine Road near Route 12 to Route 22 is complete.
All five lanes were opened in late November, ending rush-hour traffic snags on the key stretch in southwestern Lake County.
Besides two lanes in each direction, turn lanes and retaining walls were added throughout the 2-mile project area. New box culverts and storm sewers also were installed.
Multiuse paths and sidewalks with access to local businesses and parks were part of the project. An existing path at White Pine Road as well as local paths on the east side of Quentin were connected, and plans are to extend the path north across Route 22.
Fences with landscaping stone were used to give the Quentin Road project a signature look, officials said. - Courtesy of Lake County Division of Transportation
Landscaped fencing and stone are distinguishing features of the project.
"That was used to give the project a signature look," said Alex Carr, spokesman for the Lake County Division of Transportation.
Quentin Road was the first asphalt-paved road in the county system when it was built in 1947 but became congested as the area grew.
The concept to widen Quentin Road began 20 years ago and progressed from engineering to construction under three county engineers, according to Michael Talbett, chief village officer in Kildeer and a former Lake County Board member.
Public involvement started in 2010 with the formation of a Community Advisory Group consisting of county transportation officials, community leaders and interested residents.
Talbett expressed appreciation for the work in comments to the county board on Dec. 7.
"Not only was the road rebuilt and widened, but new features such as medians with trees, noise walls, sidewalks and a bike path were added to the finished product," he said.
Structural polymer concrete liner is sprayed at the interior of the culvert at Buffalo Creek to prevent deterioration, as part of the $22 million Quentin Road project that recently was deemed substantially complete. - Courtesy of Lake County Division of Transportation
The bike path being in place this past spring was "especially fortuitous," as it was heavily used by people wanting to get outside during the pandemic, Talbett noted.
The goal of the project was to reduce congestion and increase walking and biking options. As such, public participation was part of an extensive process that allowed the county to pursue federal funding, according to Carr. More than 80% of the cost was paid with federal funding, he added.
The Quentin Road project was the largest completed by Lake County's transportation department this season.
Three other large projects -- widening Buffalo Grove Road and Weiland Road in Buffalo Grove and 14th Street in North Chicago -- will be entering a second year of construction in 2021. The formal list of 2021 projects will be announced in the spring, but it's expected to include intersection improvements at Gilmer and Midlothian roads and Fremont Center Road at Route 60, plus a roundabout at Fairfield and Monaville roads, Carr added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--'It's heartbreaking': Vietnam veteran with no family, friends honored in Elgin


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Drive-through food giveaway provides holiday dinner for 500 families in Elgin

Over 350 cars lined up , some hours early , for a drive-through holiday dinner giveaway at the Elgin Sports Complex Tuesday .
`` Uniting for the Holidays , '' a United Way program sponsored locally by Seigle 's Cabinet Center and the Seigle Family Foundation , provided frozen turkeys and side dishes for 500 families in need during the giveaway , in addition to tote bags with masks and hand sanitizers , backpacks for kids , diapers , children 's books and more .
`` It 's both gratifying and sobering to see the number of people who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and who need food in this community , '' said Marcia McMahon , chief professional officer of United Way of Metro Chicago .
Angelica De La Paz of Elgin was the first in line .
She got there at noon with her sister , Zulai , for the giveaway , which was scheduled to start at 4 p.m. , but ended up starting a little after 4:30 p.m. '' This has been a rough year for everybody , this is really helpful , '' De La Paz said .
`` This is providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're thankful . ''
The event was one of six held at suburban sites over the holidays .
There will be another today in West Chicago at 4 p.m. at Leman Middle School , 238 E. Hazel St. Events were already held in Palatine , Des Plaines , Chicago Heights and Blue Island .

Drive-through food giveaway provides holiday dinner for 500 families in Elgin
Over 350 cars lined up, some hours early, for a drive-through holiday dinner giveaway at the Elgin Sports Complex Tuesday.
"Uniting for the Holidays," a United Way program sponsored locally by Seigle's Cabinet Center and the Seigle Family Foundation, provided frozen turkeys and side dishes for 500 families in need during the giveaway, in addition to tote bags with masks and hand sanitizers, backpacks for kids, diapers, children's books and more.
"It's both gratifying and sobering to see the number of people who have come to line up for this event and who need food in this community," said Marcia McMahon, chief professional officer of United Way of Metro Chicago.
Angelica De La Paz of Elgin was the first in line. She got there at noon with her sister, Zulai, for the giveaway, which was scheduled to start at 4 p.m., but ended up starting a little after 4:30 p.m.
"This has been a rough year for everybody, this is really helpful," De La Paz said. "This is providing food for our kids, so we're thankful."
The event was one of six held at suburban sites over the holidays. There will be another today in West Chicago at 4 p.m. at Leman Middle School, 238 E. Hazel St. Events were already held in Palatine, Des Plaines, Chicago Heights and Blue Island.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Palatine repair shop owners 'hope to make huge difference' with car giveaway

One family in the suburbs has no idea that fate is about to smile upon it this holiday season , courtesy of Advanced Automotive car and truck repair in Palatine .
Owners Jim Stepp of Palatine and Rod Knesper of Deer Park do something special every Christmas for an individual or family in the area .
This year , thanks to a customer who donated a 2008 Ford Focus SE otherwise headed to the junkyard , they 're awarding a fortunate family with a like-new ride .
But first , they 're working to rehab the car with new parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We brought the car up to specifications so that we can give somebody a nice product , '' said Stepp , who 's been in business with Knesper since 1993 .
On Dec. 23 , workers in the shop will look through suggested recipients collected through social media and conduct a blind vote to decide the winner .
`` We are looking for someone really , really , desperate , with no other angles to go to , '' Knesper said .
`` Not just someone living in their mom 's basement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The car will come with one year of free maintenance , and Stepp and Knesper will take its new owner to get license plates .
The good deed makes everyone at the shop feel `` awesome , '' Stepp said .
`` People are hurting , they are struggling , '' Knesper added .
`` I feel really good about giving this car away and I feel that this will make a huge difference in somebody 's life . ''
For more on the shop , visit www.advancedautobizz.com/ .

Palatine repair shop owners 'hope to make huge difference' with car giveaway
One family in the suburbs has no idea that fate is about to smile upon it this holiday season, courtesy of Advanced Automotive car and truck repair in Palatine.
Owners Jim Stepp of Palatine and Rod Knesper of Deer Park do something special every Christmas for an individual or family in the area. This year, thanks to a customer who donated a 2008 Ford Focus SE otherwise headed to the junkyard, they're awarding a fortunate family with a like-new ride.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Jim Stepp, right, and Rod Knesper, owners of Advanced Automotive car and truck repair in Palatine, say their work to repair a car that they plan to give away to a family in need this Christmas has made everyone around the shop feel "awesome."
But first, they're working to rehab the car with new parts, shocks, tires and brakes.
"We brought the car up to specifications so that we can give somebody a nice product," said Stepp, who's been in business with Knesper since 1993.
On Dec. 23, workers in the shop will look through suggested recipients collected through social media and conduct a blind vote to decide the winner.
"We are looking for someone really, really, desperate, with no other angles to go to," Knesper said. "Not just someone living in their mom's basement needing a ride to work."
The car will come with one year of free maintenance, and Stepp and Knesper will take its new owner to get license plates.
The good deed makes everyone at the shop feel "awesome," Stepp said.
"People are hurting, they are struggling," Knesper added. "I feel really good about giving this car away and I feel that this will make a huge difference in somebody's life."
For more on the shop, visit www.advancedautobizz.com/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Believe Project: $100 to buy gifts for residents at assisted living facility

Today 's winner of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Susan Fedor of Mount Prospect .
Here @ @ @ @ @ story : '' I work at an assisted living facility , and 2020 has been @ @ @ @ @ keeping residents active , engaged , and social ( while distancing ) .
The reality @ @ @ @ @ n't a time when new residents want to be moving in so census has fallen @ @ @ @ @ the budget .
`` I would love to use the Believe Project funds to buy @ @ @ @ @ gift this year and make our socially distanced holiday party better than ever ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ awarding $ 100 each day in December to a different person with a great idea @ @ @ @ @ money to do a good deed for someone else .
Submit your idea for consideration @ @ @ @ @ at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

Believe Project: $100 to buy gifts for residents at assisted living facility
Today's winner of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Susan Fedor of Mount Prospect.
Here is an excerpt of her story:
"I work at an assisted living facility, and 2020 has been such a challenging year for keeping residents active, engaged, and social (while distancing). The reality is also that this isn't a time when new residents want to be moving in so census has fallen, which in turn decreases the budget.
"I would love to use the Believe Project funds to buy each resident a nice holiday gift this year and make our socially distanced holiday party better than ever!"
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day in December to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else. Submit your idea for consideration in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Feder: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren

Melissa McGurren , who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Ferguson 's top-rated morning show , is @ @ @ @ @ decades at WTMX 101.9-FM , Robert Feder writes .
Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot @ @ @ @ @ about McGurren 's lengthy absence and announced a parting of the ways .
She is @ @ @ @ @ the end of the year , when her contract expires .
A statement released by @ @ @ @ @ contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down , but it provided no other details @ @ @ @ @ sad to announce that after 22 years with the station , Melissa McGurren was offered @ @ @ @ @ to our surprise she declined , '' the statement said .
McGurren and her agent @ @ @ @ @ declined requests for comment .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news @ @ @ @

Feder: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren
Melissa McGurren, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Ferguson's top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX 101.9-FM, Robert Feder writes.
Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absence and announced a parting of the ways. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires.
A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details.
"The Mix is sad to announce that after 22 years with the station, Melissa McGurren was offered a contract extension which much to our surprise she declined," the statement said.
McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Reopening debate fuels school board candidacies in Northwest suburbs

Amid the heated debates in recent months over school reopenings , some Northwest suburban school districts are seeing larger-than-usual fields of candidates who intend to run for their local school boards in April .
More than 480 school board candidates submitted paperwork on the first official filing day Monday across four locations set up by the Cook County clerk 's office .
That included 140 candidates who stood in line to hand in their petitions at Old Orchard Country Club in Mount Prospect .
Candidates have until the close of business next Monday to turn in their nominating paperwork .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates are parents who 've become regulars of their local school board meetings , where the reopening debate has raged through the pandemic .
`` I think there will be more interest of people wanting to run for school board , and a lot of it is driven by wanting to reopen schools , '' said Ben Schwarm , deputy executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards , a nonprofit that advises the elected panels throughout the state .
Schwarm said webinars the association hosted for prospective school board candidates were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's website -- listing various resources for candidates -- is up .
One prominent district attracting several candidates is Northwest Suburban High School District 214 .
The Supporters of District 214 slate -- it has been undefeated in local elections since 2007 -- announced its candidates in September : incumbents Mark Hineman , Millie Palmer and Lenny Walker , and first-time candidate Andrea Rauch .
Those seeking to challenge the slate -- parents Elizabeth Bauer , Tony Rosselli and Richard Menninga -- filed papers to get on the ballot this week .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same opinion and coordinate everything together , '' said Bauer , mother of a Rolling Meadows High School senior who has advocated for a full reopening of schools .
`` It 's not good for democracy .
It 's not good for the school district .
It should n't be that way . ''
In neighboring Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 , no incumbents have yet filed for three available spots on the board .
Those who are running so far are Curtis Bradley , Robi Vollkommer , Kristen Steel , Jessica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District 220 board Vice President Sandra Ficke-Bradford is the lone incumbent to have filed this week .
She was joined by Lauren Klauer , Erin Chan Ding , William Betz and Alex Michael Strobl in a bid for four spots on the panel .
The four incumbents in Maine Township High School District 207 -- Aurora Austriaco , Linda Coyle , Jin Lee and Carla Owen -- filed Monday .
The differences between supporters and opponents of a return to full in-person learning perhaps have n't been more stark than in Arlington Heights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been competing rallies , petitions and yard signs .
It came to a head Dec. 4 when the board voted 4-3 to continue with hybrid learning instead of an adaptive pause recommended by Superintendent Lori Bein .
Running again is longtime incumbent Rich Olejniczak , who has led the charge to reopen schools , and Anisha Patel , who voted for the temporary remote learning period .
Also filing papers this week were Gina Faso , who was appointed to the board last month and voted with Olejniczak ; pro-reopening parents Katie Rausch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melisa Andrews and Greg Scapillato ; and teacher Deborah Tranter .
There 's four positions up for election .
`` It does n't really surprise me that people from both sides are running , because since the coronavirus happened , everybody has been more outspoken , '' Andrews said .
Here 's a look at who has filed so far in other suburban districts : • Palatine Township Elementary District 15 : incumbents Lisa Beth Szczupaj and Frank Annerino , for four positions .
• Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 : incumbents Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dyke , and newcomer Debbie Schmidt , for four positions .
• Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 : incumbents Janice Krinsky , Mardell Schumacher and Roberto Mancilla , and newcomer Joseph Sagerer , for four available positions .
• Mount Prospect Elementary District 57 : incumbent Vicki Chung , and newcomers Corrin Bennett-Kill , Jennifer Ciok and Kevin Bull , for four positions .
• Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 : incumbents Phil Pritzker , Debra McAtee , Bill Harrison and Arlen Gould , for four positions .
• River Trails Elementary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Susan Stolzer , William Grimpe and Robert Rognstad , for four positions .
• Prospect Heights Elementary District 23 : incumbent Kevin Novak and newcomer Becky McClaney , for three positions .
• Des Plaines Elementary District 62 : incumbents Ronald Burton and Stephanie Duckmann , for four positions .
• Rosemont Elementary District 78 : incumbent Dolores Wilson and newcomers Joseph Balogh and Daniel Price , for three positions .

Reopening debate fuels school board candidacies in Northwest suburbs
Amid the heated debates in recent months over school reopenings, some Northwest suburban school districts are seeing larger-than-usual fields of candidates who intend to run for their local school boards in April.
More than 480 school board candidates submitted paperwork on the first official filing day Monday across four locations set up by the Cook County clerk's office. That included 140 candidates who stood in line to hand in their petitions at Old Orchard Country Club in Mount Prospect.
Candidates have until the close of business next Monday to turn in their nominating paperwork. But already, many of the new candidates are parents who've become regulars of their local school board meetings, where the reopening debate has raged through the pandemic.
"I think there will be more interest of people wanting to run for school board, and a lot of it is driven by wanting to reopen schools," said Ben Schwarm, deputy executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards, a nonprofit that advises the elected panels throughout the state.
Schwarm said webinars the association hosted for prospective school board candidates were well-attended, and traffic to the organization's website -- listing various resources for candidates -- is up.
One prominent district attracting several candidates is Northwest Suburban High School District 214. The Supporters of District 214 slate -- it has been undefeated in local elections since 2007 -- announced its candidates in September: incumbents Mark Hineman, Millie Palmer and Lenny Walker, and first-time candidate Andrea Rauch. Those seeking to challenge the slate -- parents Elizabeth Bauer, Tony Rosselli and Richard Menninga -- filed papers to get on the ballot this week.
"It's not healthy having everybody have the same opinion and coordinate everything together," said Bauer, mother of a Rolling Meadows High School senior who has advocated for a full reopening of schools. "It's not good for democracy. It's not good for the school district. It shouldn't be that way."
In neighboring Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, no incumbents have yet filed for three available spots on the board. Those who are running so far are Curtis Bradley, Robi Vollkommer, Kristen Steel, Jessica Hinkle and Denise Wilson.
Barrington Unit District 220 board Vice President Sandra Ficke-Bradford is the lone incumbent to have filed this week. She was joined by Lauren Klauer, Erin Chan Ding, William Betz and Alex Michael Strobl in a bid for four spots on the panel.
The four incumbents in Maine Township High School District 207 -- Aurora Austriaco, Linda Coyle, Jin Lee and Carla Owen -- filed Monday.
The differences between supporters and opponents of a return to full in-person learning perhaps haven't been more stark than in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25, where there's been competing rallies, petitions and yard signs. It came to a head Dec. 4 when the board voted 4-3 to continue with hybrid learning instead of an adaptive pause recommended by Superintendent Lori Bein.
Running again is longtime incumbent Rich Olejniczak, who has led the charge to reopen schools, and Anisha Patel, who voted for the temporary remote learning period.
Also filing papers this week were Gina Faso, who was appointed to the board last month and voted with Olejniczak; pro-reopening parents Katie Rausch and Todd Witherow; pro-adaptive pause parents Melisa Andrews and Greg Scapillato; and teacher Deborah Tranter. There's four positions up for election.
"It doesn't really surprise me that people from both sides are running, because since the coronavirus happened, everybody has been more outspoken," Andrews said.
Here's a look at who has filed so far in other suburban districts:
• Palatine Township Elementary District 15: incumbents Lisa Beth Szczupaj and Frank Annerino, for four positions.
• Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54: incumbents Jim Pye, Nicholas Scipione and Kenneth Van Dyke, and newcomer Debbie Schmidt, for four positions.
• Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59: incumbents Janice Krinsky, Mardell Schumacher and Roberto Mancilla, and newcomer Joseph Sagerer, for four available positions.
• Mount Prospect Elementary District 57: incumbent Vicki Chung, and newcomers Corrin Bennett-Kill, Jennifer Ciok and Kevin Bull, for four positions.
• Wheeling Township Elementary District 21: incumbents Phil Pritzker, Debra McAtee, Bill Harrison and Arlen Gould, for four positions.
• River Trails Elementary District 26: incumbents Janine Freedlund, Susan Stolzer, William Grimpe and Robert Rognstad, for four positions.
• Prospect Heights Elementary District 23: incumbent Kevin Novak and newcomer Becky McClaney, for three positions.
• Des Plaines Elementary District 62: incumbents Ronald Burton and Stephanie Duckmann, for four positions.
• Rosemont Elementary District 78: incumbent Dolores Wilson and newcomers Joseph Balogh and Daniel Price, for three positions.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--COVID-19 case counts per county, ZIP code as of Dec. 15

There have been 371,514 COVID-19 cases in the suburbs as of Tuesday .
That 's 43 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 6,187 deaths in the suburbs , which is 42.6 % of all COVID-19 deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Tuesday , suburban Cook County had 170,934 cases and 3,322 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 187,080 cases and 3,808 fatalities .
• Top suburb case counts as of Tuesday from Cook County 's health department and the medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 146 deaths in Des Plaines , 4,258 cases and 45 deaths in Palatine , 3,940 cases and 87 deaths in Arlington Heights , 3,816 cases and 36 deaths in Schaumburg , 3,265 cases and 44 deaths in Streamwood , 3,092 cases and 30 deaths in Mount Prospect , 2,814 cases and 40 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 2,751 cases and 93 deaths in Wheeling , 2,707 cases and 70 deaths in Glenview , 1,943 cases and 83 deaths in Northbrook , 1,918 cases and 23 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Elk Grove Village , 1,731 cases and 36 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 959 cases and 11 deaths in Prospect Heights , 685 cases and 26 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• As of Tuesday , DuPage County had 55,495 cases and 857 deaths , according to the state .
• Top counts as of Tuesday , according to the county : 4,601 cases and 83 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) , 3,423 cases and 26 deaths in Addison , 3,052 cases and 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 37 deaths in Carol Stream , 2,851 cases and 35 deaths in Wheaton , 2,768 cases and 35 deaths in Lombard , 2,745 cases and 17 deaths in Glendale Heights , 2,729 cases and 51 deaths in Elmhurst , 2,183 cases and 16 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 2,016 cases and 17 deaths in Glen Ellyn , 1,732 cases and 25 deaths in Bensenville , 1,645 cases and 12 deaths in Villa Park , and 1,437 cases and 13 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 684 deaths as of Tuesday on the IDPH website .
The Lake County Health Department has slowed its daily reporting , blaming a data processing issue on the state .
The county is no longer reporting total case counts by municipality.Kane County • 37,534 cases with 504 deaths as of Tuesday on the IDPH website .
• Most recent top counts posted on the county website as of Monday : 11,411 in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 7,410 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 3,567 in St. Charles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elgin , 1,585 in Geneva , 1,381 in Batavia , 619 in Hampshire , 579 in Sugar Grove , 473 in Gilberts , 422 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 16,908 cases and 179 deaths as of Tuesday , according to the IDPH website .
Will County • 46,879 cases and 641 deaths reported , according to the IDPH website Tuesday .

COVID-19 case counts per county, ZIP code as of Dec. 15
Illinois' first 43,000 doses of the vaccine arrived Monday at the state's distribution location at Peoria's St. Francis Medical Center. Courtesy of State of Illinois
Interactive mapSuburbs' portion
There have been 371,514 COVID-19 cases in the suburbs as of Tuesday. That's 43% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 6,187 deaths in the suburbs, which is 42.6% of all COVID-19 deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Tuesday, suburban Cook County had 170,934 cases and 3,322 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 187,080 cases and 3,808 fatalities.
• Top suburb case counts as of Tuesday from Cook County's health department and the medical examiner's office: 6,173 cases and 146 deaths in Des Plaines, 4,258 cases and 45 deaths in Palatine, 3,940 cases and 87 deaths in Arlington Heights, 3,816 cases and 36 deaths in Schaumburg, 3,265 cases and 44 deaths in Streamwood, 3,092 cases and 30 deaths in Mount Prospect, 2,814 cases and 40 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 2,751 cases and 93 deaths in Wheeling, 2,707 cases and 70 deaths in Glenview, 1,943 cases and 83 deaths in Northbrook, 1,918 cases and 23 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 1,899 cases and 54 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 1,731 cases and 36 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 959 cases and 11 deaths in Prospect Heights, 685 cases and 26 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County
• As of Tuesday, DuPage County had 55,495 cases and 857 deaths, according to the state.
• Top counts as of Tuesday, according to the county: 4,601 cases and 83 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 3,423 cases and 26 deaths in Addison, 3,052 cases and 27 deaths in West Chicago, 2,921 cases and 37 deaths in Carol Stream, 2,851 cases and 35 deaths in Wheaton, 2,768 cases and 35 deaths in Lombard, 2,745 cases and 17 deaths in Glendale Heights, 2,729 cases and 51 deaths in Elmhurst, 2,183 cases and 16 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 2,016 cases and 17 deaths in Glen Ellyn, 1,732 cases and 25 deaths in Bensenville, 1,645 cases and 12 deaths in Villa Park, and 1,437 cases and 13 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion).
Lake County • 43,764 cases with 684 deaths as of Tuesday on the IDPH website. The Lake County Health Department has slowed its daily reporting, blaming a data processing issue on the state. The county is no longer reporting total case counts by municipality.Kane County • 37,534 cases with 504 deaths as of Tuesday on the IDPH website. • Most recent top counts posted on the county website as of Monday: 11,411 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 7,410 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 3,567 in St. Charles, 3,134 in Carpentersville, 1,821 in South Elgin, 1,585 in Geneva, 1,381 in Batavia, 619 in Hampshire, 579 in Sugar Grove, 473 in Gilberts, 422 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County• 16,908 cases and 179 deaths as of Tuesday, according to the IDPH website. Will County• 46,879 cases and 641 deaths reported, according to the IDPH website Tuesday.


US-Pres-Sum,100

Needed to win : 270 of the 538 electoral votes ( ev ) from the 50 states and the District @ @ @

US-Pres-Sum,100
Trump 74,223,744 - 47 percent
Has won 25 states with 232 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Others 2,704,851 - 2 percent
Has won 0 states with 0 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Needed to win: 270 of the 538 electoral votes (ev) from
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.