dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Vernon Area Public Library to remain closed indefinitely, officials say

Lincolnshire 's Vernon Area Public Library will remain closed to the public indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic , officials have announced .
Even though many other suburban libraries have reopened their doors , Vernon Area officials believe taking that step would create too much of a health risk to patrons and employees .
`` The highest form of public service we can provide is to protect the health and safety of our public , '' spokeswoman Catherine Savage said .
`` It is our ethical obligation to avoid any service models that put our community in jeopardy . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , administrators recommended the building at 300 Olde Half Day Road remain off limits to patrons .
Trustees agreed without taking a formal vote .
`` We felt that opening the building up would bring too many people into contact with each other , '' board member George Goldstein said Wednesday .
`` It 's just not what we feel would be a safe situation . ''
Vernon Area 's various online services -- including video and concert streaming , e-books and audiobooks -- will remain active .
The library has offered curbside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will continue .
Patrons can place holds via vapld.info and then retrieve the items when they 're ready to be picked up .
Calling ( 224 ) 543-1485 or ( 224 ) 543-1486 is an option for reserving materials , too .
The library 's interior has changed dramatically since patrons last were inside the building in mid-March .
Tables , chairs and some displays have been removed from public areas , and those spaces have been taken over by employees to satisfy social distancing guidelines .
`` We do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other anymore , '' Savage said .
`` The spacing ( for ) employees takes up the entire public floor as well as the staff space . ''
About 50 library employees report to work each day to catalog new materials , fulfill curbside orders and perform other tasks , Savage said .
Other employees work from home .
They 're answering reference questions , leading online programs , making objects on the library 's 3D printer for patrons and more .
`` We have provided nearly uninterrupted service on every front -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new ways , '' Savage said .
`` The only thing that 's off the table is access to the building . ''
In contrast , the Fremont Public Library in Mundelein , the Cook Park Library in Libertyville , the Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills , the Naperville Public Library and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library are among those that have reopened to the public .
Goldstein said Vernon Area officials believe it would be a mistake to reopen the building , see infection rates rise and then have to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caution is a better option , '' he said .
For more information and updates , visit vapld.info/service-updates.html .

Vernon Area Public Library to remain closed indefinitely, officials say
Paper bags containing reserved materials await patron pickup inside the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire. While many suburban libraries have reopened this month, Vernon Area officials have decided to keep the library building closed indefinitely. Courtesy of Vernon Area Public Library
Lincolnshire's Vernon Area Public Library will remain closed to the public indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials have announced.
Even though many other suburban libraries have reopened their doors, Vernon Area officials believe taking that step would create too much of a health risk to patrons and employees.
"The highest form of public service we can provide is to protect the health and safety of our public," spokeswoman Catherine Savage said. "It is our ethical obligation to avoid any service models that put our community in jeopardy."
During a board meeting held remotely Monday, administrators recommended the building at 300 Olde Half Day Road remain off limits to patrons. Trustees agreed without taking a formal vote.
"We felt that opening the building up would bring too many people into contact with each other," board member George Goldstein said Wednesday. "It's just not what we feel would be a safe situation."
Vernon Area's various online services -- including video and concert streaming, e-books and audiobooks -- will remain active. The library has offered curbside pickup service since late June, and that will continue.
Patrons can place holds via vapld.info and then retrieve the items when they're ready to be picked up. Calling (224) 543-1485 or (224) 543-1486 is an option for reserving materials, too.
The library's interior has changed dramatically since patrons last were inside the building in mid-March. Tables, chairs and some displays have been removed from public areas, and those spaces have been taken over by employees to satisfy social distancing guidelines.
"We don't have people sitting in desks next to each other anymore," Savage said. "The spacing (for) employees takes up the entire public floor as well as the staff space."
About 50 library employees report to work each day to catalog new materials, fulfill curbside orders and perform other tasks, Savage said.
Other employees work from home. They're answering reference questions, leading online programs, making objects on the library's 3D printer for patrons and more.
"We have provided nearly uninterrupted service on every front -- we are just delivering those services in new ways," Savage said. "The only thing that's off the table is access to the building."
In contrast, the Fremont Public Library in Mundelein, the Cook Park Library in Libertyville, the Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills, the Naperville Public Library and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library are among those that have reopened to the public.
Goldstein said Vernon Area officials believe it would be a mistake to reopen the building, see infection rates rise and then have to close down again.
"We feel that caution is a better option," he said.
For more information and updates, visit vapld.info/service-updates.html.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Dist. 211 moves forward with hybrid reopening plan

Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 will start the new school year next month with a hybrid plan in which 50 % of students will attend classes in person while the other half learn virtually , with the two groups trading places on alternating weeks .
However , Superintendent Lisa Small said in an email to parents Wednesday that changing health conditions could alter that plan at any time -- including during the next three weeks before classes begin .
`` Should District 211 no longer be able to offer a Hybrid Scenario because of the health within our region or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will begin , '' Small wrote .
The first two days of the school year - Thursday , Aug. 13 and Friday , Aug. 14 -- will be conducted online only , before transitioning to the hybrid scenario for the full week of classes that follow .
While no more than 50 % of students can attend in-person classes at the same time under the plan , any student whose turn it is to be in the school building can choose to learn virtually that week .
Students with individualized education plans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes in-person every day beginning on Monday , Aug. 17 .
While in school buildings , students and staff must wear face coverings , observe social distancing as much as possible and self-certify that they are symptom-free .
The school will not allow more than 50 people to gather in a space and schoolwide cleaning and disinfection will take place frequently , under the plan .
A scenario involving all students attending classes in person is not likely for the foreseeable future , according to the district .
Registration for the 2020-21 school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed either online or during the in-person registration scheduled at the schools during the week of July 27 .
More information is available on the District 211 or individual school websites .

Dist. 211 moves forward with hybrid reopening plan
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 will reopen next month with about half of its students attending classes in person while the other half learns online. Those groups will then alternate between in-person and virtual classes every other week. Daily Herald file photo
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 will start the new school year next month with a hybrid plan in which 50% of students will attend classes in person while the other half learn virtually, with the two groups trading places on alternating weeks.
However, Superintendent Lisa Small said in an email to parents Wednesday that changing health conditions could alter that plan at any time -- including during the next three weeks before classes begin.
"Should District 211 no longer be able to offer a Hybrid Scenario because of the health within our region or schools, the 100% Remote Scenario will begin," Small wrote.
The first two days of the school year - Thursday, Aug. 13 and Friday, Aug. 14 -- will be conducted online only, before transitioning to the hybrid scenario for the full week of classes that follow.
While no more than 50% of students can attend in-person classes at the same time under the plan, any student whose turn it is to be in the school building can choose to learn virtually that week.
Students with individualized education plans and English learners will be allowed to attend classes in-person every day beginning on Monday, Aug. 17.
While in school buildings, students and staff must wear face coverings, observe social distancing as much as possible and self-certify that they are symptom-free. The school will not allow more than 50 people to gather in a space and schoolwide cleaning and disinfection will take place frequently, under the plan.
A scenario involving all students attending classes in person is not likely for the foreseeable future, according to the district.
Registration for the 2020-21 school year already has begun and may be completed either online or during the in-person registration scheduled at the schools during the week of July 27.
More information is available on the District 211 or individual school websites.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--How Wheaton Warrenville District 200 is adjusting class schedules to clean school buildings

Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 has outlined new details about plans to reopen schools as a Friday deadline nears for families grappling with whether to send their children to a classroom environment reshaped by the COVID-19 crisis .
The day-to-day schedule in the K-12 system will vary for students based on their grade level .
But across the board , the district plans to temporarily close schools midweek to do a deep cleaning of its 20 buildings .
Amid high stakes and much uncertainty , districts are trying to build a routine into the new school year while preparing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with flu season .
Families in District 200 need to decide by the end of Friday if they want to enroll in a `` virtual academy '' for five hours of daily distance learning at home .
The district has set that deadline to sort out staffing needs and finalize scheduling .
Officials say they would prefer to create a team of teachers that will work with groups of students in the middle and high school virtual academies , but the district may need to use an online course provider for certain subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or low enrollment in specific courses .
Middle and high school students in the virtual academies also can still participate in extracurricular activities .
Alternatively , families have the option of sending children back for in-person learning in the district 's elementary schools and early childhood center .
Elementary students will attend school four days a week , with classes letting out early at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays to allow for campus cleanings .
The district normally runs a four-day early childhood program , but those students will now have Wednesdays off instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regimen .
At the middle and high school levels , the district will offer a hybrid model , dividing the student population at each school into two groups to accommodate social distancing measures .
Each group will alternate between two days of in-person instruction and two days of remote learning every week .
On Wednesdays , both groups will participate in live e-learning designed to bring together sections of students who will otherwise be split for the hybrid schedule so that they can collaborate with their peers , Superintendent Jeff Schuler said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district lacks the custodial manpower to clean each classroom between passing periods , but every room will have hand sanitizer and disinfectant products , Assistant Superintendent Bill Farley said .
Several parents raised questions about how the district will handle confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
A district nurse will serve as the point person for contact tracing with the support of the county health department .
The nurse will notify families if their child has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus .
A student or staff member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 14 days if they were in close contact -- within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer -- with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 .
`` Whenever we 're talking about a health issue , there is some degree of right to privacy that we 're going to balance with making sure that we provide appropriate notification to those that may have been in contact , '' Schuler said .
Before classes start on Aug. 17 , the district will ask all parents and teachers to sign a waiver certifying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will verify each day that they or their children are symptom-free .

How Wheaton Warrenville District 200 is adjusting class schedules to clean school buildings
At the middle and high school levels, District 200 will offer a hybrid model, dividing the student population at each school into two groups to accommodate social distancing measures Daily Herald file photo
Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 has outlined new details about plans to reopen schools as a Friday deadline nears for families grappling with whether to send their children to a classroom environment reshaped by the COVID-19 crisis.
The day-to-day schedule in the K-12 system will vary for students based on their grade level. But across the board, the district plans to temporarily close schools midweek to do a deep cleaning of its 20 buildings.
Amid high stakes and much uncertainty, districts are trying to build a routine into the new school year while preparing for a possible resurgence of virus cases coinciding with flu season.
Families in District 200 need to decide by the end of Friday if they want to enroll in a "virtual academy" for five hours of daily distance learning at home. The district has set that deadline to sort out staffing needs and finalize scheduling.
Officials say they would prefer to create a team of teachers that will work with groups of students in the middle and high school virtual academies, but the district may need to use an online course provider for certain subject areas if there is low enrollment overall or low enrollment in specific courses.
Middle and high school students in the virtual academies also can still participate in extracurricular activities.
Alternatively, families have the option of sending children back for in-person learning in the district's elementary schools and early childhood center.
Elementary students will attend school four days a week, with classes letting out early at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays to allow for campus cleanings.
The district normally runs a four-day early childhood program, but those students will now have Wednesdays off instead of Mondays to align with the cleaning regimen.
At the middle and high school levels, the district will offer a hybrid model, dividing the student population at each school into two groups to accommodate social distancing measures. Each group will alternate between two days of in-person instruction and two days of remote learning every week.
On Wednesdays, both groups will participate in live e-learning designed to bring together sections of students who will otherwise be split for the hybrid schedule so that they can collaborate with their peers, Superintendent Jeff Schuler said during a parent webinar this week.
The district lacks the custodial manpower to clean each classroom between passing periods, but every room will have hand sanitizer and disinfectant products, Assistant Superintendent Bill Farley said.
Several parents raised questions about how the district will handle confirmed cases of COVID-19. A district nurse will serve as the point person for contact tracing with the support of the county health department.
The nurse will notify families if their child has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. A student or staff member would need to go into quarantine for at least 14 days if they were in close contact -- within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer -- with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19.
"Whenever we're talking about a health issue, there is some degree of right to privacy that we're going to balance with making sure that we provide appropriate notification to those that may have been in contact," Schuler said.
Before classes start on Aug. 17, the district will ask all parents and teachers to sign a waiver certifying that, for the full year, they will verify each day that they or their children are symptom-free.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--'This bloodshed must end': Trump deploys feds to Chicago under 'law-and-order' push

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will send federal agents into Chicago and Albuquerque to help combat rising crime , expanding the administration 's intervention in local enforcement as he runs for reelection under a `` law-and-order '' mantle .
Using the same language that he has employed in the past to describe illegal immigration , Trump painted Democrat-led cities as out of control and lashed out at the `` radical left , '' even though criminal justice experts say the increase in violence in some cities defies easy explanation .
`` In recent weeks there has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismantle and dissolve our police department , '' Trump said at a White House event , blaming the movement for `` a shocking explosion of shootings , killings , murders and heinous crimes of violence . ''
`` This bloodshed must end , '' he said .
`` This bloodshed will end . ''
The decision to dispatch federal agents to American cities is playing out at a hyperpoliticized moment when Trump is trying to show that he stands with law enforcement and depict Democrats as weak on crime .
With less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump has been serving up dire warnings that the violence would worsen if his Democratic rival Joe Biden is elected in November , as he tries to win over voters who could be swayed by that message .
In trying to explain the spike in violence , experts point to the unprecedented moment the country is living through -- a pandemic that has killed more than 140,000 Americans , historic unemployment , stay-at-home orders , a mass reckoning over race and police brutality , intense stress and even the weather .
Compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall .
Local authorities have also complained that deploying federal agents to their cities has only exacerbated tensions on the streets .
Hundreds of federal agents already have been sent to Kansas City , Missouri , to help quell a record rise in violence after the shooting death of a young boy there .
Sending federal agents to help localities is not uncommon .
Barr announced a similar surge effort in December for seven cities that had seen spiking violence .
Usually , the Justice Department sends agents under its own umbrella , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives or the Drug Enforcement Agency .
But this surge effort will include at least 100 Department of Homeland Security Investigations officers working in the region who generally conduct drug trafficking and child exploitation investigations .
DHS officers have already been dispatched to Portland , Oregon , and other localities to protect federal property and monuments as Trump has lambasted efforts by protesters to knock down Confederate statutes .
But civil unrest in Portland only escalated after federal agents there were accused of whisking people away in unmarked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in crime has hit hard in some cities with resources already stretched thin from the pandemic .
But local leaders initially rejected the move to send in federal forces .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot later said she and other local officials had spoken with federal authorities and come to an understanding .
`` I 've been very clear that we welcome actual partnership , '' the Democratic mayor said Tuesday after speaking with federal officials .
`` But we do not welcome dictatorship .
We do not welcome authoritarianism , and we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our residents .
That is something I will not tolerate . ''
In New Mexico , meanwhile , Democratic elected officials were cautioning Trump against any possible plans to send federal agents to the state , with U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich calling on Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales , who will be at the White House on Wednesday , to resign .
`` Instead of collaborating with the Albuquerque Police Department , the Sheriff is inviting the President 's stormtroopers into Albuquerque , '' the Democratic senator said in a statement .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalties than state crimes -- and larger-scale federal investigations that can cross state lines tend to make a big impact .
The Justice Department will reimburse Chicago $ 3.5 million for local law enforcement 's work on the federal task force .
Through a separate federal fund , Chicago received $ 9.3 million to hire 75 new officers .
Two dozen agents will be sent to Albuquerque , and the administration made available $ 1.5 million in funding for the Bernalillo County Sheriff 's Department for five new deputies and $ 9.4 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas City , the top federal prosecutor said any agents involved in an operation to reduce violent crime in the area will be clearly identifiable when making arrests , unlike what has been seen in Portland .
`` These agents wo n't be patrolling the streets , '' U.S. Attorney Timothy Garrison said .
`` They wo n't replace or usurp the authority of local officers . ''
Operation Legend -- named after 4-year-old LeGend Taliferro , who was fatally shot while sleeping in a Kansas City apartment late last month -- was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest came earlier this week .
Garrison has said that the additional 225 federal agents from the FBI , DEA , ATF and the U.S .
Marshals Service join 400 agents already working and living in the Kansas City area .
The Trump administration is facing growing pushback in Portland .
Multiple lawsuits have been filed questioning the federal government 's authority to use broad policing powers in cities .
One suit filed Tuesday says federal agents are violating protesters ' 10th Amendment rights by engaging in police activities designated to local and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sued last week , asking a judge to block federal agents ' actions .
The state argued that masked agents had arrested people on the streets without probable cause and far from the U.S. courthouse that 's become a target of vandalism .
Federal authorities , however , said state and local officials had been unwilling to work with them to stop the vandalism and violence against federal officers and the U.S. courthouse .
___ Associated Press writers Michael Tarm in Chicago and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report .

'This bloodshed must end': Trump deploys feds to Chicago under 'law-and-order' push
President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday during an event on "Operation Legend: Combattg Violent Crime in American Cities," in the East Room of the White House. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will send federal agents into Chicago and Albuquerque to help combat rising crime, expanding the administration's intervention in local enforcement as he runs for reelection under a "law-and-order" mantle.
Using the same language that he has employed in the past to describe illegal immigration, Trump painted Democrat-led cities as out of control and lashed out at the "radical left," even though criminal justice experts say the increase in violence in some cities defies easy explanation.
"In recent weeks there has been a radical movement to defend, dismantle and dissolve our police department," Trump said at a White House event, blaming the movement for "a shocking explosion of shootings, killings, murders and heinous crimes of violence."
"This bloodshed must end," he said. "This bloodshed will end."
The decision to dispatch federal agents to American cities is playing out at a hyperpoliticized moment when Trump is trying to show that he stands with law enforcement and depict Democrats as weak on crime.
With less than four months to go before Election Day, Trump has been serving up dire warnings that the violence would worsen if his Democratic rival Joe Biden is elected in November, as he tries to win over voters who could be swayed by that message.
In trying to explain the spike in violence, experts point to the unprecedented moment the country is living through -- a pandemic that has killed more than 140,000 Americans, historic unemployment, stay-at-home orders, a mass reckoning over race and police brutality, intense stress and even the weather. Compared with other years, crime is down overall.
Local authorities have also complained that deploying federal agents to their cities has only exacerbated tensions on the streets.
Hundreds of federal agents already have been sent to Kansas City, Missouri, to help quell a record rise in violence after the shooting death of a young boy there. Sending federal agents to help localities is not uncommon. Barr announced a similar surge effort in December for seven cities that had seen spiking violence.
Usually, the Justice Department sends agents under its own umbrella, like agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or the Drug Enforcement Agency. But this surge effort will include at least 100 Department of Homeland Security Investigations officers working in the region who generally conduct drug trafficking and child exploitation investigations.
DHS officers have already been dispatched to Portland, Oregon, and other localities to protect federal property and monuments as Trump has lambasted efforts by protesters to knock down Confederate statutes.
But civil unrest in Portland only escalated after federal agents there were accused of whisking people away in unmarked cars without probable case.
The spike in crime has hit hard in some cities with resources already stretched thin from the pandemic. But local leaders initially rejected the move to send in federal forces.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot later said she and other local officials had spoken with federal authorities and come to an understanding.
"I've been very clear that we welcome actual partnership," the Democratic mayor said Tuesday after speaking with federal officials. "But we do not welcome dictatorship. We do not welcome authoritarianism, and we do not welcome unconstitutional arrest and detainment of our residents. That is something I will not tolerate."
In New Mexico, meanwhile, Democratic elected officials were cautioning Trump against any possible plans to send federal agents to the state, with U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich calling on Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales, who will be at the White House on Wednesday, to resign.
"Instead of collaborating with the Albuquerque Police Department, the Sheriff is inviting the President's stormtroopers into Albuquerque," the Democratic senator said in a statement.
But federal gun crimes generally carry much stiffer penalties than state crimes -- and larger-scale federal investigations that can cross state lines tend to make a big impact.
The Justice Department will reimburse Chicago $3.5 million for local law enforcement's work on the federal task force. Through a separate federal fund, Chicago received $9.3 million to hire 75 new officers.
Two dozen agents will be sent to Albuquerque, and the administration made available $1.5 million in funding for the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department for five new deputies and $9.4 million for 40 new Albuquerque officers.
In Kansas City, the top federal prosecutor said any agents involved in an operation to reduce violent crime in the area will be clearly identifiable when making arrests, unlike what has been seen in Portland.
"These agents won't be patrolling the streets," U.S. Attorney Timothy Garrison said. "They won't replace or usurp the authority of local officers."
Operation Legend -- named after 4-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was fatally shot while sleeping in a Kansas City apartment late last month -- was announced on July 8. The first arrest came earlier this week.
Garrison has said that the additional 225 federal agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service join 400 agents already working and living in the Kansas City area.
The Trump administration is facing growing pushback in Portland. Multiple lawsuits have been filed questioning the federal government's authority to use broad policing powers in cities. One suit filed Tuesday says federal agents are violating protesters' 10th Amendment rights by engaging in police activities designated to local and state governments.
Oregon's attorney general sued last week, asking a judge to block federal agents' actions. The state argued that masked agents had arrested people on the streets without probable cause and far from the U.S. courthouse that's become a target of vandalism.
Federal authorities, however, said state and local officials had been unwilling to work with them to stop the vandalism and violence against federal officers and the U.S. courthouse.
___
Associated Press writers Michael Tarm in Chicago and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Daily Herald experiencing technical difficulties

The Daily Herald 's computerized operating systems were the target early Tuesday of a sophisticated cyberattack .
We are working with several cyber security experts to analyze and resolve the issue , but in the meantime , today 's newspaper has fewer sections and pages compared with our standard portfolio .
I am so proud of the innovative and tireless staff that worked through myriad problems to create today 's newspaper .
Miracle truly is the right word for it .
Because of the problems , it 's possible delivery of today 's newspaper was delayed .
Those challenges required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of its normal design .
In that regard , today 's paper was condensed to two sections , with Neighbor and Food moved into the front section .
The cyberattack also shut down our phone system , including the line to our Customer Service Department .
If you need to get in touch , please email circulation @ dailyherald.com .
As always , up-to-the-minute news and advertising is available at dailyherald.com , and your print subscription provides you with complete access to it .
It is difficult to tell how long the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack .
But please be assured that our staff is working tirelessly to address the challenges .
And that we 're committed , as always , to serving you .
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience .
Thank you for reading .
Stay well .

Daily Herald experiencing technical difficulties
The Daily Herald's computerized operating systems were the target early Tuesday of a sophisticated cyberattack. We are working with several cyber security experts to analyze and resolve the issue, but in the meantime, today's newspaper has fewer sections and pages compared with our standard portfolio.
The functionality of our e-edition is also limited and readers are unable to click on individual stories at this time.
I am so proud of the innovative and tireless staff that worked through myriad problems to create today's newspaper. Miracle truly is the right word for it.
Because of the problems, it's possible delivery of today's newspaper was delayed.
Those challenges required us to streamline the newspaper and alter some of its normal design. In that regard, today's paper was condensed.
The cyberattack also shut down our phone system, including the line to our Customer Service Department. If you need to get in touch, please email circulation@dailyherald.com.
As always, up-to-the-minute news and advertising is available at dailyherald.com, and your print subscription provides you with complete access to it.
It is difficult to tell how long the newspaper will be affected by this criminal attack. But please be assured that our staff is working tirelessly to address the challenges. And that we're committed, as always, to serving you.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
Thank you for reading. Stay well.
John Lampinen
Editor


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--BullsEye Axe Lounge making Schaumburg debut

Disappointed with darts ?
Annoyed by archery ?
A new business at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg is aiming to be at the cutting edge of entertainment venues .
BullsEye Axe Lounge , where axe throwing is the sport of choice , opened its second location in the Northwest suburbs this week at 601 N. Martingale Road , Suite 243 in Schaumburg , next to Legoland and behind Jamba Juice and Starbucks .
A 50 % discount is in effect during the grand opening , running through Sunday .
The business opened its first site last September in The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siyaj said she and her husband thought they 'd try out axe throwing at an existing business during one of their date nights without the kids one cold January night .
But when they arrived , they were told the business was fully booked and the next available spot was two weeks later .
`` My husband and I looked at each other and knew we stumbled onto a jackpot , '' Siyaj said .
Though preparing their business ' second location amid a pandemic was n't the easiest of tasks , Siyaj @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people would be ready to try new things as they became able to leave their homes again .
`` Axe throwing is a great stress relief , and with everything going on in the world most people are on edge , '' she said .
`` Also , it 's so important to support local businesses especially during times like these . ''
BullsEye Axe Lounge 's hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday , 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday , noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

BullsEye Axe Lounge making Schaumburg debut
BullsEye Axe Lounge has opened a new location at the Streets of Woodfield shopping center in Schaumburg. The first BullsEye is at The Arboretum of South Barrington. Courtesy of BullsEye Axe Lounge
Disappointed with darts? Annoyed by archery? A new business at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg is aiming to be at the cutting edge of entertainment venues.
BullsEye Axe Lounge, where axe throwing is the sport of choice, opened its second location in the Northwest suburbs this week at 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 243 in Schaumburg, next to Legoland and behind Jamba Juice and Starbucks.
A 50% discount is in effect during the grand opening, running through Sunday.
The business opened its first site last September in The Arboretum of South Barrington.
Co-founder Aleya Siyaj said she and her husband thought they'd try out axe throwing at an existing business during one of their date nights without the kids one cold January night.
But when they arrived, they were told the business was fully booked and the next available spot was two weeks later.
"My husband and I looked at each other and knew we stumbled onto a jackpot," Siyaj said.
Though preparing their business' second location amid a pandemic wasn't the easiest of tasks, Siyaj said she and her husband remained confident that people would be ready to try new things as they became able to leave their homes again.
"Axe throwing is a great stress relief, and with everything going on in the world most people are on edge," she said. "Also, it's so important to support local businesses especially during times like these."
BullsEye Axe Lounge's hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--July 22 COVID-19 cases per county

July 22 COVID-19 cases per county

Since the outbreak began , there have been 82,925 cases in the suburbs as of Wednesday , 50.2 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,739 deaths in the suburbs , representing almost 51 % of all deaths in Illinois .
• As of Wednesday , suburban Cook County had 42,430 cases and 2,065 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 57,694 cases and 2,736 fatalities .
• Top suburban Cook County counts from the county health department and medical examiner 's office : 1,883 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 871 cases and 61 deaths in Wheeling , 819 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 730 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood , 712 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 677 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg , 676 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview , 661 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 558 cases and 28 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 539 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 396 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 394 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 390 cases and 48 deaths in Northbrook , 290 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 136 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The county reported 10,527 cases and 497 deaths as of Wednesday .
• Top counts : 884 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 846 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago , 724 cases and 11 deaths in Glendale Heights , 635 cases and 34 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) , 578 cases and 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 deaths in Carol Stream , 494 cases and 24 deaths in Lombard , 472 cases and 38 deaths in Elmhurst , 406 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 352 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton , 293 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 274 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) , 245 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn .
• The county reported 11,070 cases and 424 deaths as of Wednesday .
• Top counts : 2,895 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 654 in Round Lake Beach , 415 to 419 in Mundelein , 350 to 354 in Gurnee , 260 to 264 in Round Lake , 225 to 229 in Lake Zurich , 220 to 224 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 200 to 204 in Vernon Hills , 175 to 179 in Wauconda , 165 to 169 in Libertyville , 130 to 134 in Grayslake .
• The county confirmed 8,548 cases with 294 deaths on its website Wednesday .
• Top counts : 3,569 cases in Aurora ( Kane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Kane County portion ) , 802 in Carpentersville , 406 in St. Charles , 366 in South Elgin , 235 in Geneva , 233 in North Aurora , 170 in Batavia , and 61 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
• 7,845 cases and 336 deaths , as of Wednesday .
• Cases per town include 509 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) and 100 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

July 22 COVID-19 cases per county
Since the outbreak began, there have been 82,925 cases in the suburbs as of Wednesday, 50.2% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 3,739 deaths in the suburbs, representing almost 51% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County
• As of Wednesday, suburban Cook County had 42,430 cases and 2,065 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 57,694 cases and 2,736 fatalities.
• Top suburban Cook County counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 1,883 cases and 101 deaths in Des Plaines, 871 cases and 61 deaths in Wheeling, 819 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 730 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood, 712 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 677 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg, 676 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview, 661 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 558 cases and 28 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 539 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 396 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 394 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 390 cases and 48 deaths in Northbrook, 290 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 136 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County
• The county reported 10,527 cases and 497 deaths as of Wednesday.
• Top counts: 884 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 846 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago, 724 cases and 11 deaths in Glendale Heights, 635 cases and 34 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 578 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 589 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 494 cases and 24 deaths in Lombard, 472 cases and 38 deaths in Elmhurst, 406 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 352 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton, 293 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 274 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion), 245 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
Lake County
• The county reported 11,070 cases and 424 deaths as of Wednesday.
• Top counts: 2,895 to 2,899 in Waukegan, 650 to 654 in Round Lake Beach, 415 to 419 in Mundelein, 350 to 354 in Gurnee, 260 to 264 in Round Lake, 225 to 229 in Lake Zurich, 220 to 224 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 200 to 204 in Vernon Hills, 175 to 179 in Wauconda, 165 to 169 in Libertyville, 130 to 134 in Grayslake.
Kane County
• The county confirmed 8,548 cases with 294 deaths on its website Wednesday.
• Top counts: 3,569 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,041 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 802 in Carpentersville, 406 in St. Charles, 366 in South Elgin, 235 in Geneva, 233 in North Aurora, 170 in Batavia, and 61 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County
• 2,559 cases and 110 deaths, according IDPH Wednesday.
Will County
• 7,845 cases and 336 deaths, as of Wednesday.
• Cases per town include 509 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 100 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Sales tax revenue down more than $2.8M in DuPage

Sales tax revenue for DuPage County is more than $ 2.8 million short of projections because of the COVID-19 crisis , but officials say it could be worse .
The county 's sales tax revenue was ahead of budget until shopping malls , movie theaters and other nonessential businesses were forced to close due to the pandemic .
Then sales tax collections were about $ 1.37 million , or 15.9 % , less than expected for April and $ 2.72 million , or 32 % , less than expected for May .
County board member Robert Larsen on Wednesday said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad as predicted .
`` They were n't as bad as our worst fears , '' said Larsen , a Wheaton Republican and chairman of the board 's finance committee .
Because of a lag in when the county receives the money , officials wo n't know the June sales tax receipts until August .
`` We 're hoping they 're going to be better than they were May , '' Larsen said .
`` May was kind of the peak of the issues before we started opening things back up again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ general fund budget for the 2020 fiscal year that started Dec. 1 .
The fund , which includes the budgets of most county offices and departments , was supposed to get roughly 55 % of its revenue from sales taxes .
To prepare for the reduction in sales tax revenue , department heads and countywide elected officials were asked several months ago to find savings .
So while total revenue for the county could be down by an estimated $ 20 million this fiscal year , Larsen said total expenditures are expected be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , officials have been documenting all virus-related costs because the county may use federal relief money to offset those expenses .
In the meantime , there are no plans for the county to cut staff .
`` We 're not filling vacant positions unnecessarily , '' Larsen said , `` but there is no across-the-board hiring freeze . ''
County officials will continue examining revenue numbers , and determine what budget adjustments are needed , as the year continues .
If DuPage ends its fiscal year on Nov. 30 with a shortfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash reserves , which is currently more than $ 59 million .
`` The good news is that because of our fiscal planning , '' Larsen said , `` we 're in a good cash position . ''

Sales tax revenue down more than $2.8M in DuPage
Sales tax revenue for DuPage County is more than $2.8 million short of projections because of the COVID-19 crisis, but officials say it could be worse.
The county's sales tax revenue was ahead of budget until shopping malls, movie theaters and other nonessential businesses were forced to close due to the pandemic. Then sales tax collections were about $1.37 million, or 15.9%, less than expected for April and $2.72 million, or 32%, less than expected for May.
County board member Robert Larsen on Wednesday said the numbers are concerning but not as bad as predicted.
"They weren't as bad as our worst fears," said Larsen, a Wheaton Republican and chairman of the board's finance committee.
Because of a lag in when the county receives the money, officials won't know the June sales tax receipts until August.
"We're hoping they're going to be better than they were May," Larsen said. "May was kind of the peak of the issues before we started opening things back up again."
DuPage has a $183.8 million general fund budget for the 2020 fiscal year that started Dec. 1. The fund, which includes the budgets of most county offices and departments, was supposed to get roughly 55% of its revenue from sales taxes.
To prepare for the reduction in sales tax revenue, department heads and countywide elected officials were asked several months ago to find savings.
So while total revenue for the county could be down by an estimated $20 million this fiscal year, Larsen said total expenditures are expected be reduced by roughly $8 million.
Also, officials have been documenting all virus-related costs because the county may use federal relief money to offset those expenses.
In the meantime, there are no plans for the county to cut staff.
"We're not filling vacant positions unnecessarily," Larsen said, "but there is no across-the-board hiring freeze."
County officials will continue examining revenue numbers, and determine what budget adjustments are needed, as the year continues.
If DuPage ends its fiscal year on Nov. 30 with a shortfall, the county can dip into its cash reserves, which is currently more than $59 million.
"The good news is that because of our fiscal planning," Larsen said, "we're in a good cash position."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Authorities: Man on probation for drug possession beat teen during marijuana deal

A Geneva man who was on probation after pleading guilty to drug possession in 2019 now faces charges that he beat up a 17-year-old during a marijuana deal in June .
Jacob K. Keen , 21 , of the 700 block of Anderson Boulevard , is charged with one count of misdemeanor battery in connection with the June 16 attack , according to Kane County court records .
Keen is accused of punching a teen in the face , kicking him while he was on the ground and running over the teen 's right foot as Keen drove off in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court records A search warrant for Keen 's vehicle implicated another person was involved in the attack and also claimed Keen was armed with a black handgun at the time .
According to the warrant , which was for a possible armed robbery , police responded the morning of June 16 to the 500 block of Anderson Boulevard in Geneva for a battery in progress .
The victim , the 17-year-old male , told police he was going to buy $ 40 of marijuana from Keen .
Keen and another man , 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence and told him to go to the trunk area of Keen 's 2019 Ford Fiesta to complete the drug deal , according to the warrant .
The second man punched Keen in the head , and the man and Keen both punched and kicked the victim while he was on the ground , according to the search warrant .
The victim told police Keen put a gun to the victim 's head , told him `` Do n't ( bleeping ) move , '' and stole $ 40 from the victim , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Keen discarded a short distance away , according to the warrant .
Keen was arrested a short time later in St. Charles , but his passenger was gone .
The Daily Herald is not naming the other person in the search warrant because he has not been charged with a crime .
Keen is free on bond and next due in court Aug. 25 .
Messages left this week with Keen 's defense attorney , Scott Sheen , were not returned If convicted of misdemeanor battery , Keen faces up to 364 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also faces possible prison of up to five years for violating the probation that he received after for an April 2018 drug arrest .
In that case , Keen was arrested at his parents ' house on Anderson after sheriff 's deputies executed a search warrant and seized 36 Xanax pills that Keen was not allowed to possess .
Authorities found him near a sump pump pit and believe he disposed of more drugs .
He pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in November 2019 and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 2022 , court records show .

Authorities: Man on probation for drug possession beat teen during marijuana deal
Jacob K. Keen, 21, of the 700 block of Anderson Boulevard, is charged with one count of misdemeanor battery in connection with the June 16 attack, according to Kane County court records.
A Geneva man who was on probation after pleading guilty to drug possession in 2019 now faces charges that he beat up a 17-year-old during a marijuana deal in June.
Jacob K. Keen, 21, of the 700 block of Anderson Boulevard, is charged with one count of misdemeanor battery in connection with the June 16 attack, according to Kane County court records.
Keen is accused of punching a teen in the face, kicking him while he was on the ground and running over the teen's right foot as Keen drove off in his 2019 Ford Fiesta, according to court records
A search warrant for Keen's vehicle implicated another person was involved in the attack and also claimed Keen was armed with a black handgun at the time.
According to the warrant, which was for a possible armed robbery, police responded the morning of June 16 to the 500 block of Anderson Boulevard in Geneva for a battery in progress. The victim, the 17-year-old male, told police he was going to buy $40 of marijuana from Keen.
Keen and another man, 21, pulled up to the victim's residence and told him to go to the trunk area of Keen's 2019 Ford Fiesta to complete the drug deal, according to the warrant.
The second man punched Keen in the head, and the man and Keen both punched and kicked the victim while he was on the ground, according to the search warrant.
The victim told police Keen put a gun to the victim's head, told him "Don't (bleeping) move," and stole $40 from the victim, along with the victim's cellphone, which Keen discarded a short distance away, according to the warrant. Keen was arrested a short time later in St. Charles, but his passenger was gone.
The Daily Herald is not naming the other person in the search warrant because he has not been charged with a crime.
Keen is free on bond and next due in court Aug. 25. Messages left this week with Keen's defense attorney, Scott Sheen, were not returned
If convicted of misdemeanor battery, Keen faces up to 364 days in jail.
However, Keen also faces possible prison of up to five years for violating the probation that he received after for an April 2018 drug arrest.
In that case, Keen was arrested at his parents' house on Anderson after sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant and seized 36 Xanax pills that Keen was not allowed to possess.
Authorities found him near a sump pump pit and believe he disposed of more drugs. He pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in November 2019 and was sentenced to 30 months of probation through May 2022, court records show.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--How should online-only learning look for District 304? Board members weigh in

For Geneva Unit District 304 students , an online-only learning option for the fall semester would offer a parallel but entirely separate track from a hybrid model that blends in-person and off-site instruction , administrators said .
The fully remote format is designed for families with health concerns or those who have significant reservations about sending their children back to school .
But there are some limitations , including fewer class offerings and less flexibility to return to an in-person setting , said Andy Barrett , assistant superintendent for learning and teaching .
`` What we really have is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We ca n't replicate our entire rich curriculum in this virtual world while we 're still doing the full in-person and A/B hybrid schedule . ''
Presented with an overview of the `` Back Together 304 '' plan Monday , the school board supported allowing families to decide which instructional model is best for their kids when classes resume next month .
With a hybrid format , up to half the students at all grade levels will attend school in person at a time , while the other half will be completing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off campus , according to the plan .
The online-only option , which requires a commitment through December , incorporates synchronous lessons and daily assignments into a structured schedule centered around core subjects , officials said .
Students will be placed into districtwide virtual sections taught by educators dedicated to remote learning .
Board President Taylor Egan said she believes the plan best represents the needs of students and teachers , as reflected in conversations with Geneva Education Association President Kevin Gannon .
`` I think that speaks to our district 's goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , that our students are safe and that the educational integrity that we have delivered in the past is maintained , '' she said .
However , board member Leslie Juby said the lack of electives and other restrictions of the online-only plan are unfair for students who have no choice but to stay home .
`` To me , that is not equity and that is not what this district is about , '' she said .
`` I ca n't back that for our students . ''
Egan echoed Juby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself on offering equal opportunities to all students .
Though not every course may be adaptable to an online format , she said , `` I would like to narrow that gap a little bit and find creative ways to do that . ''
The back-to-school plan has some wiggle room for administrators to explore expanding the online curriculum , Barrett said , though doing so may lead to increased staffing levels or other costs .
`` This is an area that honestly all of us struggled with , '' said Shonette Sims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` How do we create this in a way that 's meaningful and quite frankly does n't appear punitive ? ''
Offering live-streaming of in-person classes , as suggested by some members , would require the installation of expensive and robust infrastructure , Barrett added , which is not a realistic option for what is likely a temporary situation .
Extracurricular activities and athletics will be offered to all students regardless of the instructional format they choose , officials said .
Families are expected to receive information this week about how to select @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Administrators stressed that the district is prepared to implement other scenarios , including a districtwide remote option , should the COVID-19 crisis evolve and state regulations change .

How should online-only learning look for District 304? Board members weigh in
For Geneva Unit District 304 students, an online-only learning option for the fall semester would offer a parallel but entirely separate track from a hybrid model that blends in-person and off-site instruction, administrators said.
The fully remote format is designed for families with health concerns or those who have significant reservations about sending their children back to school. But there are some limitations, including fewer class offerings and less flexibility to return to an in-person setting, said Andy Barrett, assistant superintendent for learning and teaching.
"What we really have is a capacity issue," he said. "We can't replicate our entire rich curriculum in this virtual world while we're still doing the full in-person and A/B hybrid schedule."
Presented with an overview of the "Back Together 304" plan Monday, the school board supported allowing families to decide which instructional model is best for their kids when classes resume next month.
With a hybrid format, up to half the students at all grade levels will attend school in person at a time, while the other half will be completing assignments and participating in independent learning experiences off campus, according to the plan.
The online-only option, which requires a commitment through December, incorporates synchronous lessons and daily assignments into a structured schedule centered around core subjects, officials said. Students will be placed into districtwide virtual sections taught by educators dedicated to remote learning.
Board President Taylor Egan said she believes the plan best represents the needs of students and teachers, as reflected in conversations with Geneva Education Association President Kevin Gannon.
"I think that speaks to our district's goal of making sure that our staff is safe, that our students are safe and that the educational integrity that we have delivered in the past is maintained," she said.
However, board member Leslie Juby said the lack of electives and other restrictions of the online-only plan are unfair for students who have no choice but to stay home.
"To me, that is not equity and that is not what this district is about," she said. "I can't back that for our students."
Egan echoed Juby's concerns, saying the district prides itself on offering equal opportunities to all students. Though not every course may be adaptable to an online format, she said, "I would like to narrow that gap a little bit and find creative ways to do that."
The back-to-school plan has some wiggle room for administrators to explore expanding the online curriculum, Barrett said, though doing so may lead to increased staffing levels or other costs.
"This is an area that honestly all of us struggled with," said Shonette Sims, director of learning and teaching. "How do we create this in a way that's meaningful and quite frankly doesn't appear punitive?"
Offering live-streaming of in-person classes, as suggested by some members, would require the installation of expensive and robust infrastructure, Barrett added, which is not a realistic option for what is likely a temporary situation.
Extracurricular activities and athletics will be offered to all students regardless of the instructional format they choose, officials said.
Families are expected to receive information this week about how to select a plan for the fall semester.
Administrators stressed that the district is prepared to implement other scenarios, including a districtwide remote option, should the COVID-19 crisis evolve and state regulations change.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Quick pandemic vacations from safety of your car

The pandemic has canceled many summer vacation plans , but Gerry Lekas of Glenview knows plenty of grisly , glamorous and eclectic places you can visit in the city and the suburbs , many without even leaving the safety of your car .
His new book , `` Where the Tour Buses Do n't Go , '' gives readers nearly 200 places linked to the famous , the criminal or the weird .
Lekas , 71 , started developing his keen sense of quirky as a boy growing up on Chicago 's Northwest Side .
`` Some kids were into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police blotter , '' Lekas says .
Sometimes the offbeat finds him .
After graduating from Lane Tech High School during the Vietnam War , Lekas enlisted in the National Guard , where he did military basic training with soldiers and Marines before being deployed to a special instruction school .
`` I was trained as a typewriter repairman .
It was very dangerous work , '' Lekas deadpans .
During his career as a language arts and social studies teacher at Jack London Middle School in Wheeling and Friendship Junior High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unusual ways to grab kids ' attention .
`` I was a strange teacher , '' Lekas confesses .
`` My hall pass was a rock from the site of the first Jack the Ripper murder .
It was a little unusual . ''
His book gives the location of local horrific crimes , such as the Des Plaines pharmacy ( now a day-care center ) where serial killer John Gacy met his final victim .
Lekas does n't give the address of the home where Gacy buried his victims in the crawl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who built a new home on that ground , but he does include the McDonald 's restaurant in Niles where Gacy was arrested and a Chicago bar frequented by Gacy and fellow serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer .
Crime and celebrity sometimes overlap , as in the case of the Villa Venice in Wheeling , which was owned by mobster Sam Giancana , offered gondola rides on the Des Plaines River , and for one glorious week had Frank Sinatra , Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. entertain the crowds .
The book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and where Giancana was gunned down while cooking in his Oak Park home .
But that 's not all .
`` I give you the recipe for the last meal he made , '' Lekas says .
His `` Dine Like a Mafioso '' recipe for Giancana 's favorite -- sausage , escarole and beans -- also includes the warning , `` Do n't allow anyone to sidle up behind you . ''
Instead of providing the address for the `` St. Valentine 's Day Massacre '' or the Biograph Theater where outlaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urges readers to visit the alley where the Outfit 's getaway car was stashed or the apartment where the `` Woman in Red '' was living on the night she led cops to Dillinger .
The book shows addresses for the Essanay Studios in Chicago , where Charlie Chaplin , Ben Turpin and Gloria Swanson honed their acting chops ; the club where Moe and Shemp Howard met a stooge named Larry Fine ; the Woodstock apartment building that once was the Todd School for Boys , where Orson Welles developed his love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where a teenage Marlon Brando got fired for being a bit too much of a rebel .
`` You could take a ride to see Bill Murray 's house and the park across the street where he and his brothers played , '' says Lekas , adding that Wilmette location is n't far from where Charlton Heston , Ann-Margret , Harold Ramis and John Hughes once lived .
`` You go to the house where Harrison Ford grew up in Park Ridge , walk a couple of blocks and you 're at Hillary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home of John Belushi in Wheaton has been updated , but his parents are still buried in River Grove .
The boyhood home of Robert Reed , who played the dad in TV 's `` The Brady Bunch , '' still stands in Des Plaines , a short drive from the gravesite of baseball announcer Harry Caray .
Jack Ruby , who gunned down Lee Harvey Oswald after the John F. Kennedy assassination , is buried in Norridge .
Chicago Bears founder George Halas rests in the family crypt in Niles .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not have to interact with people , '' Lekas says .
Married for 47 years , Lekas and his wife Noreen have a daughter , Elizabeth Kozek , and a son , Joe Lekas , who took the photographs for the book .
`` It was on my bucket list , '' Lekas says of his book .
He 's also written a couple of plays that have been performed , created several board games , and composed a song that appeared in Ron Howard 's 1982 movie , `` Night Shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modest royalty checks .
What 's left on his list ?
`` Attain enlightenment , '' says Lekas .
`` And it 's still early in the day . ''

Quick pandemic vacations from safety of your car
With most summer vacation plans ravaged by COVID-19, Glenview author Gerry Lekas provides a bunch of local day trips in his new book, "Where the Tour Buses Don't Go." Joe Lewnard
With most summer vacation plans ravaged by COVID-19, Glenview author Gerry Lekas provides a bunch of local day trips in his new book, "Where the Tour Buses Don't Go." Joe Lewnard
The pandemic has canceled many summer vacation plans, but Gerry Lekas of Glenview knows plenty of grisly, glamorous and eclectic places you can visit in the city and the suburbs, many without even leaving the safety of your car. His new book, "Where the Tour Buses Don't Go," gives readers nearly 200 places linked to the famous, the criminal or the weird.
Lekas, 71, started developing his keen sense of quirky as a boy growing up on Chicago's Northwest Side.
"Some kids were into baseball cards. I'd be reading the police blotter," Lekas says. Sometimes the offbeat finds him. After graduating from Lane Tech High School during the Vietnam War, Lekas enlisted in the National Guard, where he did military basic training with soldiers and Marines before being deployed to a special instruction school.
"I was trained as a typewriter repairman. It was very dangerous work," Lekas deadpans.
During his career as a language arts and social studies teacher at Jack London Middle School in Wheeling and Friendship Junior High School in Des Plaines, Lekas found unusual ways to grab kids' attention.
"I was a strange teacher," Lekas confesses. "My hall pass was a rock from the site of the first Jack the Ripper murder. It was a little unusual."
His book gives the location of local horrific crimes, such as the Des Plaines pharmacy (now a day-care center) where serial killer John Gacy met his final victim. Lekas doesn't give the address of the home where Gacy buried his victims in the crawl space, out of respect for the people who built a new home on that ground, but he does include the McDonald's restaurant in Niles where Gacy was arrested and a Chicago bar frequented by Gacy and fellow serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
Crime and celebrity sometimes overlap, as in the case of the Villa Venice in Wheeling, which was owned by mobster Sam Giancana, offered gondola rides on the Des Plaines River, and for one glorious week had Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. entertain the crowds. The book also gives you the description of how and where Giancana was gunned down while cooking in his Oak Park home. But that's not all. "I give you the recipe for the last meal he made," Lekas says. His "Dine Like a Mafioso" recipe for Giancana's favorite -- sausage, escarole and beans -- also includes the warning, "Don't allow anyone to sidle up behind you."
Instead of providing the address for the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" or the Biograph Theater where outlaw John Dillinger was gunned down, Lekas urges readers to visit the alley where the Outfit's getaway car was stashed or the apartment where the "Woman in Red" was living on the night she led cops to Dillinger.
The book shows addresses for the Essanay Studios in Chicago, where Charlie Chaplin, Ben Turpin and Gloria Swanson honed their acting chops; the club where Moe and Shemp Howard met a stooge named Larry Fine; the Woodstock apartment building that once was the Todd School for Boys, where Orson Welles developed his love of theater; and the Libertyville theater where a teenage Marlon Brando got fired for being a bit too much of a rebel.
"You could take a ride to see Bill Murray's house and the park across the street where he and his brothers played," says Lekas, adding that Wilmette location isn't far from where Charlton Heston, Ann-Margret, Harold Ramis and John Hughes once lived. "You go to the house where Harrison Ford grew up in Park Ridge, walk a couple of blocks and you're at Hillary Clinton's house."
The boyhood home of John Belushi in Wheaton has been updated, but his parents are still buried in River Grove. The boyhood home of Robert Reed, who played the dad in TV's "The Brady Bunch," still stands in Des Plaines, a short drive from the gravesite of baseball announcer Harry Caray. Jack Ruby, who gunned down Lee Harvey Oswald after the John F. Kennedy assassination, is buried in Norridge. Chicago Bears founder George Halas rests in the family crypt in Niles.
"People can take these little road trips and not have to interact with people," Lekas says. Married for 47 years, Lekas and his wife Noreen have a daughter, Elizabeth Kozek, and a son, Joe Lekas, who took the photographs for the book.
"It was on my bucket list," Lekas says of his book. He's also written a couple of plays that have been performed, created several board games, and composed a song that appeared in Ron Howard's 1982 movie, "Night Shift," for which he still receives modest royalty checks. What's left on his list?
"Attain enlightenment," says Lekas. "And it's still early in the day."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Decision on third Barrington Countryside fire station expected in September

Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals members are expected to make a recommendation in September on whether Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District should be allowed to build a new station its leaders say is needed to improve service on the agency 's east side .
The zoning panel Wednesday concluded a two-session public hearing that featured testimony on the proposal , which calls for a 10,000-square-foot station on roughly 5 acres at 1004 S. Hough St .
The land sits just outside the borders of Barrington Hills and Barrington in unincorporated Cook County .
The advisory panel is being asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station in a residential neighborhood zoned for single-family homes .
Barrington Countryside Chief James Kreher and other proponents say the third station would reduce response times and benefit residents in Inverness and nearby areas .
Opponents have voiced concerns about noise , traffic and the firehouse lowering the value of surrounding properties .
Kreher said during the hearing that another appropriate property is not available .
Because 95 % of the district is without hydrants , it 's necessary to get to structure fires quickly , he added .
`` Fire doubles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kreher said .
`` New houses are being built ( with ) lightweight construction .
They fail much quicker .
You need to get to those residences to stop the spread of fire and get the residents out so they can be saved . ''
Jim Arie , the recently retired village of Barrington fire chief , disputed the lack of hydrants that Kreher cited .
He also said that because fire departments routinely help each other , Barrington Countryside can receive backup if response time is an issue .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arie said of the proposed fire station site .
`` It 's on the fringe of Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District . ''
Barrington Hills resident Thomas McGrath , whose Hawthorne Road house is on the western border of the site , submitted a petition signed by fellow homeowners opposed to the proposal .
`` Believe me , the 50 people who signed the petition who live in the exact location they want to put this fire station do not believe it will increase their happiness or their well-being , so ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ( county ) approval , '' McGrath said .
The district 's tentative deal to buy the 5 acres hinges on the county granting a special-use permit , Kreher said .
The entire project could cost $ 3 million to $ 5 million , if approved .
Barrington Countryside already has received Illinois Department of Transportation approval to install a flashing light to warn drivers about exiting fire trucks or ambulances at the entrance to the Hough Street site .
District efforts for a third station elsewhere were blocked last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and zoning variances needed to build at 36 E. Dundee Road .
That plan called for converting a vacant house into a station on an acre between Barrington Middle School-Prairie Campus and an early learning center .
The district currently has two firehouses to cover its 48-square-mile territory .
The district provides fire and emergency medical service to residents in portions of Barrington Hills , South Barrington , Lake Barrington and Inverness , as well as sections of unincorporated Cook , Lake and McHenry counties .
A decision from the zoning panel is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .

Decision on third Barrington Countryside fire station expected in September
A Cook County zoning panel heard additional testimony Wednesday about the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District's proposal to build a new fire station on this site at 1004 S. Hough St., just outside the Barrington village limits. Bob Susnjara
Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals members are expected to make a recommendation in September on whether Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District should be allowed to build a new station its leaders say is needed to improve service on the agency's east side.
The zoning panel Wednesday concluded a two-session public hearing that featured testimony on the proposal, which calls for a 10,000-square-foot station on roughly 5 acres at 1004 S. Hough St. The land sits just outside the borders of Barrington Hills and Barrington in unincorporated Cook County.
The advisory panel is being asked to recommend a special-use permit allowing the station in a residential neighborhood zoned for single-family homes.
Barrington Countryside Chief James Kreher and other proponents say the third station would reduce response times and benefit residents in Inverness and nearby areas.
Opponents have voiced concerns about noise, traffic and the firehouse lowering the value of surrounding properties.
Kreher said during the hearing that another appropriate property is not available. Because 95% of the district is without hydrants, it's necessary to get to structure fires quickly, he added.
"Fire doubles (in size) every minute," Kreher said. "New houses are being built (with) lightweight construction. They fail much quicker. You need to get to those residences to stop the spread of fire and get the residents out so they can be saved."
Jim Arie, the recently retired village of Barrington fire chief, disputed the lack of hydrants that Kreher cited. He also said that because fire departments routinely help each other, Barrington Countryside can receive backup if response time is an issue.
"It's not strategically or geographically located," Arie said of the proposed fire station site. "It's on the fringe of Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District."
Barrington Hills resident Thomas McGrath, whose Hawthorne Road house is on the western border of the site, submitted a petition signed by fellow homeowners opposed to the proposal.
"Believe me, the 50 people who signed the petition who live in the exact location they want to put this fire station do not believe it will increase their happiness or their well-being, so (the district) does not meet that standard of (county) approval," McGrath said.
The district's tentative deal to buy the 5 acres hinges on the county granting a special-use permit, Kreher said. The entire project could cost $3 million to $5 million, if approved.
Barrington Countryside already has received Illinois Department of Transportation approval to install a flashing light to warn drivers about exiting fire trucks or ambulances at the entrance to the Hough Street site.
District efforts for a third station elsewhere were blocked last year, when the county denied a special-use permit and zoning variances needed to build at 36 E. Dundee Road. That plan called for converting a vacant house into a station on an acre between Barrington Middle School-Prairie Campus and an early learning center.
The district currently has two firehouses to cover its 48-square-mile territory. The district provides fire and emergency medical service to residents in portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness, as well as sections of unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.
A decision from the zoning panel is expected when it meets Sept. 2., officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Anonymous donor's gift a big boost for Arlington Heights school

A donor 's most recent contribution to St. James School in Arlington Heights is enough to purchase an iPad for every student and put a smartboard in every classroom .
The local man , who wishes to remain anonymous , recently gave $ 155,000 to St. James , allowing the school to purchase more than 100 iPads - so now all 483 students have them - and 13 more smartboards for the remaining half of classrooms that did n't have them .
The recent gift was on top of some $ 400,000 the same donor , described by school leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has given in recent years .
`` He is a wonderful steward of our community , not just at St. James , but for our entire city of Arlington Heights at large , '' said Julie Cohen , the school 's development director .
`` I refer to him as our angel donor . ''
St. James is planning to start the school year Aug. 18 with in-person instruction five days a week .
But if health conditions necessitate students learning remotely , the iPads can go .
`` It allows us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the situation calls for , '' said Principal Mike Kendrick .
`` One of our mantras at St. James is 'find a way . '
We do n't let the challenges slow us down .
... We will not stop the educational flow , no matter where we are located . ''
Other recent donations have funded a number of capital projects around the school campus , including gym bleachers installed this week , a refurbished cafeteria over the summer , new playground last summer and the Bulldog Commons area .

Anonymous donor's gift a big boost for Arlington Heights school
Gina Zebron, technology coordinator at St. James School, teaches a computer science lesson using a smartboard. A recent donation will put a smartboard in every classroom that doesn't yet have one at the Arlington Heights school. Courtesy of St. James School
Thanks to a recent donation, now all students at St. James School in Arlington Heights will be getting an iPad for technology-based learning. Courtesy of St. James School
A donor's most recent contribution to St. James School in Arlington Heights is enough to purchase an iPad for every student and put a smartboard in every classroom.
The local man, who wishes to remain anonymous, recently gave $155,000 to St. James, allowing the school to purchase more than 100 iPads - so now all 483 students have them - and 13 more smartboards for the remaining half of classrooms that didn't have them.
The recent gift was on top of some $400,000 the same donor, described by school leaders as a youth advocate and technology enthusiast, has given in recent years.
"He is a wonderful steward of our community, not just at St. James, but for our entire city of Arlington Heights at large," said Julie Cohen, the school's development director. "I refer to him as our angel donor."
St. James is planning to start the school year Aug. 18 with in-person instruction five days a week. But if health conditions necessitate students learning remotely, the iPads can go.
"It allows us to have access to education no matter what the situation calls for," said Principal Mike Kendrick. "One of our mantras at St. James is 'find a way.' We don't let the challenges slow us down. ... We will not stop the educational flow, no matter where we are located."
Other recent donations have funded a number of capital projects around the school campus, including gym bleachers installed this week, a refurbished cafeteria over the summer, new playground last summer and the Bulldog Commons area.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-22--Report: Blackhawks one of two NHL teams to vote against Return to Play

When Phase 3 of the NHL season officially began on July 13 , Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews was asked what he thought about the Return to Play protocol and the fact that there would be labor peace until at least the 2025-26 season .
Toews seemed pleased with the agreements , telling reporters in a Zoom interview that `` both sides really understood that it 's a really crazy time , and we need to find a way to work together to come up with a deal and an understanding that works for not only the two of us but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't say , however , is that -- according to SportsNet 's Elliotte Friedman -- the Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes were the only two teams to vote no to the proposals .
Friedman said he was told by `` many , many , many players '' that Toews was one of the most vocal players during negotiations .
`` They said he was great , he asked relevant questions , he challenged whether or not this was really safe to play , '' Friedman said during his `` 31 Thoughts : The Podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about star players standing up for other players , he did that .
... '' A couple guys told me at times they think that Toews was a real pain in the butt for some of the people at the NHLPA , but it came from a place that had good intentions .
… He 's smart .
He 's very curious .
He 's obviously very concerned about his body and how he takes care of his body . ''
Toews , who is one of 31 players who make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a full participant at training camp until missing the second half of Monday 's practice and all of Tuesday 's .
The Hawks were off Wednesday and will practice Thursday at 11 a.m. Toews gave a lengthy , well-thought out answer when asked about how the NHL and NHLPA came together to make this 24-team playoff happen .
After saying he was `` pretty happy , pretty excited '' about the CBA agreement , he then went on to talk about the bubbles that players will be dealing with in Edmonton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find all sorts of different attitudes as far as the bubble , '' Toews said .
`` Part of me just says being away from people and isolating ourselves is n't really the answer .
`` But I 'm not going to sit here and talk about my views too much in that sense .
At the end of the day there 's a sacrifice we have to make and it 'll be nice to get things going . ''

Report: Blackhawks one of two NHL teams to vote against Return to Play
When Phase 3 of the NHL season officially began on July 13, Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews was asked what he thought about the Return to Play protocol and the fact that there would be labor peace until at least the 2025-26 season.
Toews seemed pleased with the agreements, telling reporters in a Zoom interview that "both sides really understood that it's a really crazy time, and we need to find a way to work together to come up with a deal and an understanding that works for not only the two of us but for fans."
What Toews didn't say, however, is that -- according to SportsNet's Elliotte Friedman -- the Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes were the only two teams to vote no to the proposals. Friedman said he was told by "many, many, many players" that Toews was one of the most vocal players during negotiations.
"They said he was great, he asked relevant questions, he challenged whether or not this was really safe to play," Friedman said during his "31 Thoughts: The Podcast" last week. "When you talk about star players standing up for other players, he did that. ...
"A couple guys told me at times they think that Toews was a real pain in the butt for some of the people at the NHLPA, but it came from a place that had good intentions. … He's smart. He's very curious. He's obviously very concerned about his body and how he takes care of his body."
Toews, who is one of 31 players who make up the NHLPA's Executive Board, had been a full participant at training camp until missing the second half of Monday's practice and all of Tuesday's. The Hawks were off Wednesday and will practice Thursday at 11 a.m.
Toews gave a lengthy, well-thought out answer when asked about how the NHL and NHLPA came together to make this 24-team playoff happen. After saying he was "pretty happy, pretty excited" about the CBA agreement, he then went on to talk about the bubbles that players will be dealing with in Edmonton and Toronto.
"You're going to find all sorts of different attitudes as far as the bubble," Toews said. "Part of me just says being away from people and isolating ourselves isn't really the answer.
"But I'm not going to sit here and talk about my views too much in that sense. At the end of the day there's a sacrifice we have to make and it'll be nice to get things going."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-23--Racing is back in Arlington. Will spectators soon follow?

When the starting gates open and bell rings this afternoon for the first post of an abbreviated 30-day racing season at Arlington International Racecourse , one sound missing will be that of fans cheering from the grandstand .
But management at the Arlington Heights racetrack still holds out hope they can persuade state regulators to allow in some spectators before season 's end Sept. 26 .
Until then , bettors can wager online , on mobile apps , or at local off-track-betting parlors , including the one just around the corner from Arlington .
Opening day , which was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of COVID-19 and a yearlong contract dispute between management and horse owners and trainers , which at one time made even a shortened season seem impossible .
`` We 're hopeful that we will have spectators within the first few weeks , for sure by the Kentucky Derby ( Sept. 5 ) , '' said Arlington President Tony Petrillo , expressing optimism Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health will approve Arlington 's proposed reopening plan .
That plan calls for a capacity of about 3,000 or 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seating outdoors and could go inside the grandstand only to wager and use restrooms .
During normal times , upwards of 30,000 attend Arlington Million Day , which will not take place this year .
Officials say handwashing and sanitation stations would be placed throughout the nearly half-mile outdoor spectator area along the stretch .
There also would be a smaller-scale menu of prewrapped food available for purchase outside .
Most major tracks across the country that have reopened have done so without fans , but Monmouth Park in New Jersey opened earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Churchill Downs -- the namesake track of Arlington 's parent company -- will be allowed to have some spectators for the Kentucky Derby .
Despite the urging of the Illinois Racing Board and Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen 's Association , brass at the Louisville-based horse racing and gambling corporation initially resisted calls to host an Arlington race meet without fans .
Officials pointed to a high cost structure .
Petrillo said Arlington is on track to lose $ 7 million to $ 8 million this year with the loss of general admission , group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The track for now will operate with a skeleton crew of about 80 , rather than its 1,100 full , part-time and seasonal employees .
Having spectators could help mitigate some of those losses , but the decision to have even an abbreviated racing season was made `` as a commitment to the industry and community , '' Petrillo said .
Horses will enter the starting gates a month after Arlington and the horsemen 's association inked a two-year agreement after negotiations that went into the eleventh hour .
With an agreement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local health departments , Arlington reopened its backstretch to horses in early July .
Until then , Hawthorne Race Course in Southwest suburban Stickney hosted about 130 thoroughbreds on its backstretch .
Others arrived from Florida , Kentucky , Louisiana , Minnesota and Texas , for a total of some 600 equines that will race at Arlington this year .
That represents about half of what would be expected in a normal season of some 70 days .
But it should be enough for eight races a day and about eight horses per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , only a trainer and handler will be allowed to accompany a horse down a single pathway from the backstretch to the paddock .
Both will have their temperatures taken .
Considering the circumstances , the horse population and purse structure -- an estimated average of $ 130,000 per day -- is `` as good as we can hope for , '' said Chris Block of Elk Grove Village , a horse owner , trainer and breeder who is vice president of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen 's Association .
`` I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can to put on a 30-day meet there that will serve the horsemen as best we can , '' said Block , who brought 40 horses to Arlington 's backstretch this month .
`` I 'm glad we can all come together as horsemen and Arlington Park to do what is right for the industry , and that is hold a meet . ''
Live racing is scheduled on Thursdays , Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 26 , with post times at 2 p.m .

Racing is back in Arlington. Will spectators soon follow?
When the starting gates open and bell rings this afternoon for the first post of an abbreviated 30-day racing season at Arlington International Racecourse, one sound missing will be that of fans cheering from the grandstand.
But management at the Arlington Heights racetrack still holds out hope they can persuade state regulators to allow in some spectators before season's end Sept. 26.
Until then, bettors can wager online, on mobile apps, or at local off-track-betting parlors, including the one just around the corner from Arlington.
Opening day, which was originally set for May 1, follows the outbreak of COVID-19 and a yearlong contract dispute between management and horse owners and trainers, which at one time made even a shortened season seem impossible.
"We're hopeful that we will have spectators within the first few weeks, for sure by the Kentucky Derby (Sept. 5)," said Arlington President Tony Petrillo, expressing optimism Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health will approve Arlington's proposed reopening plan.
That plan calls for a capacity of about 3,000 or 4,000 spectators, who would have to reserve seating outdoors and could go inside the grandstand only to wager and use restrooms. During normal times, upwards of 30,000 attend Arlington Million Day, which will not take place this year.
Officials say handwashing and sanitation stations would be placed throughout the nearly half-mile outdoor spectator area along the stretch. There also would be a smaller-scale menu of prewrapped food available for purchase outside.
Most major tracks across the country that have reopened have done so without fans, but Monmouth Park in New Jersey opened earlier this month with capacity limits, and Churchill Downs -- the namesake track of Arlington's parent company -- will be allowed to have some spectators for the Kentucky Derby.
Despite the urging of the Illinois Racing Board and Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, brass at the Louisville-based horse racing and gambling corporation initially resisted calls to host an Arlington race meet without fans. Officials pointed to a high cost structure.
Petrillo said Arlington is on track to lose $7 million to $8 million this year with the loss of general admission, group sales and food and beverage revenues. The track for now will operate with a skeleton crew of about 80, rather than its 1,100 full, part-time and seasonal employees.
Having spectators could help mitigate some of those losses, but the decision to have even an abbreviated racing season was made "as a commitment to the industry and community," Petrillo said.
Horses will enter the starting gates a month after Arlington and the horsemen's association inked a two-year agreement after negotiations that went into the eleventh hour. With an agreement in hand and approvals received from state and local health departments, Arlington reopened its backstretch to horses in early July.
Until then, Hawthorne Race Course in Southwest suburban Stickney hosted about 130 thoroughbreds on its backstretch. Others arrived from Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota and Texas, for a total of some 600 equines that will race at Arlington this year.
That represents about half of what would be expected in a normal season of some 70 days. But it should be enough for eight races a day and about eight horses per race.
Among the safety precautions in place, only a trainer and handler will be allowed to accompany a horse down a single pathway from the backstretch to the paddock. Both will have their temperatures taken.
Considering the circumstances, the horse population and purse structure -- an estimated average of $130,000 per day -- is "as good as we can hope for," said Chris Block of Elk Grove Village, a horse owner, trainer and breeder who is vice president of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.
"I think we're going to do the best we can to put on a 30-day meet there that will serve the horsemen as best we can," said Block, who brought 40 horses to Arlington's backstretch this month. "I'm glad we can all come together as horsemen and Arlington Park to do what is right for the industry, and that is hold a meet."
Live racing is scheduled on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 26, with post times at 2 p.m.