dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Churches work toward cautious reopening

Churches work toward cautious reopening

As small gatherings of worshippers prepare to return to Catholic churches across Illinois as early as May 23 , other Christian denominations are cautiously inching forward with reopening plans .
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will release new guidelines next week for a gradual , but `` very modest '' reopening , Bishop Jeffrey Lee said Thursday .
Starting June 1 , the first stage of the plan will only allow groups of less than five to return to church buildings for the purpose of recording or live broadcasting services .
`` We 're still encouraging people to plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes out of an excess of caution , '' Lee said .
The diocese encompasses three of the four regions in Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's five-step recovery plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions in Illinois .
Each region can move forward from one phase to the next based on various metrics , meaning the diocese will have to knit together a variety of protocols .
So Lee is encouraging cooperation among clusters of congregations to work together on more detailed modifications .
`` We 're quite likely going to have different communities being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as this moves on , '' he said .
Lee and other religious leaders are reluctant to attach a date to resuming in-person worship .
`` We know that people are anxious and want to get back to worship , but we also know that this is a health crisis like we 've not seen before , and we really do n't want to put people at risk , '' said the Rev .
Gary Erickson , assistant to the bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod , a regional body for 141 Lutheran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weddings and funerals with small groups of 10 or fewer people , but many other congregations have put those services on hold , Erickson said .
The synod is n't in any hurry to move beyond the governor 's limits on gatherings , he said .
`` We 're willing to be slow and cautious and take the whole summer if that 's what it takes to keep people safe , '' Erickson said .
Wheaton Bible Church near West Chicago will continue meeting virtually through the end of June , spokesman Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Creek in South Barrington , does not plan to open for in-person pastoral services in May , spokeswoman Liz Schauer said .
Instead , Willow Creek will continue to offer services online , along with digital small groups and events .
`` While we greatly anticipate the day when we can gather physically for church , we believe we have a part in continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and caring for our community and church family , '' Schauer said via email .
`` We are consulting local officials and medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopening our building . ''
As shelter-in-place restrictions ease , some staff will return and follow public health recommendations , but many will continue working from home , Schauer said .
`` As further guidelines are revealed by the state , we will offer in-person small groups , classes and workshops , and on-site Care Center services , '' she wrote .
`` We are exploring ways to hold in-person church services at limited capacities that follow safety protocols to ensure the protection of our congregants , guests , volunteers and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the diocese stretching from Chicago to Galena to Warsaw , noted reopening plans are a `` living document '' and not a linear process .
`` Christians are called , I believe , to act together for the common good , '' he said .
`` Refraining physical worship right now can be an act of discipleship and actually a kind of prayer .
Our job is to protect each other and especially those who are most vulnerable . ''

How other Christian churches in suburbs are working toward reopening
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will release new guidelines next week for a gradual but "very modest" reopening, Bishop Jeffrey Lee said. Courtesy St. James Episcopal Church
Wheaton Bible Church near West Chicago will continue meeting virtually through the end of June, spokesman Michael Stein said. Daily Herald file photo
As small gatherings of worshippers prepare to return to Catholic churches across Illinois as early as May 23, other Christian denominations are cautiously inching forward with reopening plans.
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will release new guidelines next week for a gradual but "very modest" reopening, Bishop Jeffrey Lee said Thursday.
Starting June 1, the first stage of the plan will allow groups of only less than five to return to church buildings to record or livestream services.
"We're still encouraging people to plan to continue online worship and Bible studies and classes out of an excess of caution," Lee said.
The diocese encompasses three of the four regions in Gov. J.B. Pritzker's five-step recovery plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions in Illinois. Each region can move forward from one phase to the next based on various metrics, meaning the diocese will have to knit together a variety of protocols.
So Lee is encouraging cooperation among clusters of congregations to work together on more detailed modifications.
"We're quite likely going to have different communities being ready for different steps at different times as this moves on," he said.
Lee and other religious leaders are reluctant to attach a date to resuming in-person worship.
"We know that people are anxious and want to get back to worship, but we also know that this is a health crisis like we've not seen before, and we really don't want to put people at risk," said the Rev. Gary Erickson, assistant to the bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod, a regional body for 141 Lutheran congregations.
Some pastors have presided over weddings and funerals with groups of 10 or fewer people, but many other congregations have put those services on hold, Erickson said. The synod isn't in any hurry to move beyond the governor's limits on gatherings, he said.
"We're willing to be slow and cautious and take the whole summer if that's what it takes to keep people safe," Erickson said.
Wheaton Bible Church near West Chicago will continue meeting virtually through the end of June, spokesman Michael Stein said.
Another megachurch, Willow Creek in South Barrington, does not plan to open for in-person pastoral services in May, spokeswoman Liz Schauer said. Instead, Willow Creek will continue to offer services online, along with digital small groups and events.
"While we greatly anticipate the day when we can gather physically for church, we believe we have a part in continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and caring for our community and church family," Schauer said via email. "We are consulting local officials and medical professionals as we form a multistep approach to reopening our building."
As stay-at-home restrictions ease, some staff members will return and follow public health recommendations, but many will continue working from home, Schauer said.
"As further guidelines are revealed by the state, we will offer in-person small groups, classes and workshops, and on-site Care Center services," she wrote. "We are exploring ways to hold in-person church services at limited capacities that follow safety protocols to ensure the protection of our congregants, guests, volunteers and staff."
Lee, the bishop of the diocese stretching from Chicago to Galena to Warsaw, noted reopening plans are a "living document" and not a linear process.
"Christians are called, I believe, to act together for the common good," he said. "Refraining physical worship right now can be an act of discipleship and actually a kind of prayer. Our job is to protect each other and especially those who are most vulnerable."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Kane sheriff: Deputies need court order to enforce governor's orders

Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said his deputies will need a court order before issuing a ticket or closing a business to enforce Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's stay-at-home directive .
Hain said Thursday there is no law that applies to violation of the governor 's COVID-19 orders .
Because deputies do not have legal immunity if they attempt enforcement , they will not take enforcement action against any one person or entity without an order from a local judge , he explained .
But he also urged people to follow government guidelines to slow the virus 's spread and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is not a time to test law enforcement or challenge the Governor 's direction with blatant and egregious activity that may be harmful to society .
It is a time to view this as a global health concern and to act in the best interest of your fellow citizens , '' read part of Hain 's statement .
Hain said he wanted to clarify his position as the Northwest Bible Baptist Church , 9N889 Nesler Road , near Elgin , has said it will reopen Sunday for religious services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the public becomes more anxious about any potential extension of the governor 's order , I felt it was important to make a blanket statement , '' he said .
Hain said he was concerned his department could be sued if it does act and noted U.S. Attorney General William Barr has said the U.S. Constitution has not been suspended because of the pandemic .
His announcement comes as counties and states grapple with a timetable to reopen businesses and restart the nation 's economy .
The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders were unconstitutional , giving the green light for bars to reopen without any social distancing protocols .
The Kendall County sheriff 's office said this week that its deputies would not fine or arrest people who gather in large groups or target small businesses that violate social distancing guidelines .
Kane County State 's Attorney Joe McMahon has said tickets and fines are a `` last resort '' to enforce stay-home orders and his office preferred to educate and engage in a dialogue .
But McMahon also said a business or entity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to COVID-19 could be subject to charges of involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide if an outbreak results in a fatality .
His office said Thursday Hain 's announcement has not changed its approach .
Hain said his deputies have transitioned to a more humanitarian role during the pandemic , helping deliver care packages to seniors in incorporated and unincorporated areas .
He noted his office helped move some 170 people from the Aurora homeless shelter Hesed House into a hotel to self-quarantine .
He said the state 's attorney 's office would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` closure order '' before deputies would take action .
`` We will not 'enforce ' the executive orders .
What we will do is absolutely everything in our power to help people understand and comply with the executive orders , '' Hain said .
`` This is not about law enforcement whatsoever .
This is about a pandemic and strictly about public health . ''

Kane sheriff: Deputies need court order to enforce governor's orders
Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said his deputies will need a court order before issuing a ticket or closing a business to enforce Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home directive.
Hain said Thursday there is no law that applies to violation of the governor's COVID-19 orders. Because deputies do not have legal immunity if they attempt enforcement, they will not take enforcement action against any one person or entity without an order from a local judge, he explained.
But he also urged people to follow government guidelines to slow the virus's spread and praised residents for their compliance and patience.
"This is not a time to test law enforcement or challenge the Governor's direction with blatant and egregious activity that may be harmful to society. It is a time to view this as a global health concern and to act in the best interest of your fellow citizens," read part of Hain's statement.
Hain said he wanted to clarify his position as the Northwest Bible Baptist Church, 9N889 Nesler Road, near Elgin, has said it will reopen Sunday for religious services.
"We've had so many inquiries as the public becomes more anxious about any potential extension of the governor's order, I felt it was important to make a blanket statement," he said.
Hain said he was concerned his department could be sued if it does act and noted U.S. Attorney General William Barr has said the U.S. Constitution has not been suspended because of the pandemic.
His announcement comes as counties and states grapple with a timetable to reopen businesses and restart the nation's economy. The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled the state's governor's stay-home orders were unconstitutional, giving the green light for bars to reopen without any social distancing protocols.
The Kendall County sheriff's office said this week that its deputies would not fine or arrest people who gather in large groups or target small businesses that violate social distancing guidelines.
Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon has said tickets and fines are a "last resort" to enforce stay-home orders and his office preferred to educate and engage in a dialogue.
But McMahon also said a business or entity that knowingly exposes its customers or employees to COVID-19 could be subject to charges of involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide if an outbreak results in a fatality.
His office said Thursday Hain's announcement has not changed its approach.
Hain said his deputies have transitioned to a more humanitarian role during the pandemic, helping deliver care packages to seniors in incorporated and unincorporated areas. He noted his office helped move some 170 people from the Aurora homeless shelter Hesed House into a hotel to self-quarantine.
He said the state's attorney's office would have to petition a local judge for a "closure order" before deputies would take action.
"We will not 'enforce' the executive orders. What we will do is absolutely everything in our power to help people understand and comply with the executive orders," Hain said. "This is not about law enforcement whatsoever. This is about a pandemic and strictly about public health."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Our two new Facebook groups, newsletters bring you school news, good news

We all know a teacher , and we all love good news , right ?
That 's why we 've created two new Facebook groups for you to join -- Suburban Teachers and Good News from the Suburbs -- along with two new corresponding newsletters .
If you are a teacher , or you know an amazing teacher you 'd like to recognize , we 'd love for you to join our group by clicking here .
We 'll share all sorts of education and teacher-related news , and we 'd love for you to do the same .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite teachers in this group , along with other news and stories that are important to educators , parents and your community .
And we all need a daily dose of good news to lift our spirits , especially now .
That 's the goal of our Good News Facebook group , which you can join by clicking here .
Share positive and uplifting news from around the Chicago suburbs -- news about your neighbors , your schools , people in your community .
We want to hear about all of it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ News Sunday newsletters .
They are free and sent to your inbox once a week , full of news to keep you up to date on the latest education news and positive suburban stories .
Sign up for both by clicking here .

Our two new Facebook groups, newsletters bring you school news, good news
Our new Suburban Teachers Facebook group and newsletter will feature news and stories that are important to educators, parents and community members.
We all know a teacher, and we all love good news, right? That's why we've created two new Facebook groups for you to join -- Suburban Teachers and Good News from the Suburbs -- along with two new corresponding newsletters.
If you are a teacher, or you know an amazing teacher you'd like to recognize, we'd love for you to join our group by clicking here. We'll share all sorts of education and teacher-related news, and we'd love for you to do the same. We also hope to highlight some of your favorite teachers in this group, along with other news and stories that are important to educators, parents and your community.
Share positive and uplifting news from your community as part of our Good News from the Suburbs Facebook group. -
And we all need a daily dose of good news to lift our spirits, especially now. That's the goal of our Good News Facebook group, which you can join by clicking here. Share positive and uplifting news from around the Chicago suburbs -- news about your neighbors, your schools, people in your community. We want to hear about all of it.
We also offer Suburban Teachers and Good News Sunday newsletters. They are free and sent to your inbox once a week, full of news to keep you up to date on the latest education news and positive suburban stories. Sign up for both by clicking here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Nearly 73,000 more file for unemployment in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- The U.S. saw nearly 3 million more unemployment claims the week ending May 9 , including 72,993 in Illinois , according to the U.S. Department of Labor .
The 2.98 million claims nationwide in the week pushed the jobless claims in the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic to more than 36 million .
The unprecedented number of claims made for a national unemployment rate of 15.7 percent the week ending May 2 .
In Illinois , the number of new claims on the week was 1,483 fewer than the week prior .
The number of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peak of 201,041 during the week of April 4 .
The Illinois Department of Employment Security said in a news release it has now processed 1,076,461 claims for regular unemployment benefits from March 1 through May 9 .
Continued claims reached 756,441 in the state last week , which was the final period before contractors and self-employed persons were able to file for special federal pandemic unemployment assistance in Illinois .
`` While the number of initial claims for regular benefits has plateaued in the last two weeks , IDES will experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federal pandemic unemployment assistance claims data becomes available Thursday , May 21 , '' according to the department 's news release .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said this week more than 50,000 applications had been filed through the state 's new pandemic unemployment assistance system since Monday .
`` It is working reasonably well , '' he said of the new portal in his Tuesday daily briefing , calling the new system `` a more robust system than the existing one for regular unemployment . ''
Pritzker said the existing system was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expecting to take the kind of size of applications that have come in for regular unemployment . ''
Reports of long wait times and an inability to reach employment offices over the phone persist amid the unprecedented inflow of new claims .
`` We have many thousands of calls that come in each day , thousands get answered and responded to .
And people get processed over the phone as well , '' Pritzker said in his Wednesday briefing .
The state has expanded call center capacity and Pritzker said online applications are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the system .
`` I realize that it is difficult when you ca n't file , if there 's some problem with your filing online , and it requires perhaps an arbitration or some other intervention that it does have a personal discussion with somebody , '' Pritzker said Wednesday .
`` We 're working very hard ; we 've just spun up this outside call center to add on top of the internal IDES capability .
And we 're getting to them as fast as possible again with an unprecedented number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The Illinois Department of Employment Security said in the news release it has processed 33,729 Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation claims , which provide up to 13 weeks of federally funded benefits to individuals who have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits .
At his Thursday briefing , Pritzker announced a new `` Get Hired Illinois '' website that is aimed at connecting job hunters with employers looking for new employees .
That site , at Illinois.gov/gethired , also has information on virtual job fairs and training opportunities .
He said from June through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning platform Coursera , the state will offer unemployed workers `` free , unlimited access to 3,800 online courses and 400 specializations offered by over 160 of the best universities in the world . ''
Pritzker said the level of access normally costs $ 400 a year , but is free to those who are unemployed in Illinois .

Nearly 73,000 more file for unemployment in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD -- The U.S. saw nearly 3 million more unemployment claims the week ending May 9, including 72,993 in Illinois, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The 2.98 million claims nationwide in the week pushed the jobless claims in the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic to more than 36 million. The unprecedented number of claims made for a national unemployment rate of 15.7 percent the week ending May 2.
In Illinois, the number of new claims on the week was 1,483 fewer than the week prior. The number of new claims each week has gone down since a peak of 201,041 during the week of April 4. The Illinois Department of Employment Security said in a news release it has now processed 1,076,461 claims for regular unemployment benefits from March 1 through May 9.
Continued claims reached 756,441 in the state last week, which was the final period before contractors and self-employed persons were able to file for special federal pandemic unemployment assistance in Illinois.
"While the number of initial claims for regular benefits has plateaued in the last two weeks, IDES will experience an increase in overall claims processed when the federal pandemic unemployment assistance claims data becomes available Thursday, May 21," according to the department's news release.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said this week more than 50,000 applications had been filed through the state's new pandemic unemployment assistance system since Monday.
"It is working reasonably well," he said of the new portal in his Tuesday daily briefing, calling the new system "a more robust system than the existing one for regular unemployment."
Pritzker said the existing system was "built on a 10-year-old platform not expecting to take the kind of size of applications that have come in for regular unemployment."
Reports of long wait times and an inability to reach employment offices over the phone persist amid the unprecedented inflow of new claims.
"We have many thousands of calls that come in each day, thousands get answered and responded to. And people get processed over the phone as well," Pritzker said in his Wednesday briefing.
The state has expanded call center capacity and Pritzker said online applications are the best way to get an application through the system.
"I realize that it is difficult when you can't file, if there's some problem with your filing online, and it requires perhaps an arbitration or some other intervention that it does have a personal discussion with somebody," Pritzker said Wednesday. "We're working very hard; we've just spun up this outside call center to add on top of the internal IDES capability. And we're getting to them as fast as possible again with an unprecedented number of filings, it is difficult."
The Illinois Department of Employment Security said in the news release it has processed 33,729 Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation claims, which provide up to 13 weeks of federally funded benefits to individuals who have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits.
At his Thursday briefing, Pritzker announced a new "Get Hired Illinois" website that is aimed at connecting job hunters with employers looking for new employees. That site, at Illinois.gov/gethired, also has information on virtual job fairs and training opportunities.
He said from June through December, in a partnership with online learning platform Coursera, the state will offer unemployed workers "free, unlimited access to 3,800 online courses and 400 specializations offered by over 160 of the best universities in the world."
Pritzker said the level of access normally costs $400 a year, but is free to those who are unemployed in Illinois.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Blagojevich to host 'The Lightning Rod' podcast for WLS Radio

Rod Blagojevich , the disgraced and unrepentant former governor of Illinois , has just been signed to host a weekly @ @ @ @ @ WLS 890-AM , Robert Feder writes .
Starting Wednesday , `` The Lightning Rod '' @ @ @ @ @ online at wlsam.com and on iTunes .
They 're billing it as showcase for Blagojevich @ @ @ @ @ , trending stories and global issues , featuring `` conversations with politicians , political experts @ @ @ @ @ influencers about what 's worked , what has n't and who can make it better @ @ @ @ @ employment have been swirling since the ex-governor was released from prison in February after serving @ @ @ @ @ His sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump , prompting the onetime Democrat to describe @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com @

Blagojevich to host 'The Lightning Rod' podcast for WLS Radio
Rod Blagojevich, the disgraced and unrepentant former governor of Illinois, has just been signed to host a weekly podcast for Cumulus Media news/talk WLS 890-AM, Robert Feder writes.
Starting Wednesday, "The Lightning Rod" will be available each week online at wlsam.com and on iTunes.
They're billing it as showcase for Blagojevich to analyze politics, government, trending stories and global issues, featuring "conversations with politicians, political experts, policymakers, celebrities and influencers about what's worked, what hasn't and who can make it better."
Rumors of media employment have been swirling since the ex-governor was released from prison in February after serving eight years for corruption. His sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump, prompting the onetime Democrat to describe himself as a "Trumpocrat."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Wisconsin governor warns of 'massive confusion' after ruling

MADISON , Wis. -- Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers warned Thursday of `` massive confusion '' after the the state Supreme Court tossed out the Democrat 's stay-at-home order and Republicans said they may leave it up to local governments to enact their own unique rules for combating the coronavirus pandemic .
The court 's order threw communities into chaos , with some bars opening immediately while local leaders in other areas moved to keep strict restrictions in place to prevent further spread of the virus .
If Wisconsin is to have a statewide plan , Evers will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulted in Wednesday 's Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling .
After a Thursday meeting with Evers , Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said GOP lawmakers and the governor may not be able to reach agreement and that a statewide policy might not be needed .
`` Apparently they believe that different rules are OK , '' Evers said of Republicans .
`` I ca n't imagine another state that is in this predicament .
Mile by mile there may be different rules across the state of Wisconsin . ''
Vos downplayed the concern , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statewide approach . ''
`` We already know that local health departments have the ability to utilize their power , which is already there to deal with those situations if they feel it 's unsafe , '' Vos said .
Wisconsin is just one of several states where governors have run into increasing resistance from Republican legislators over coronavirus restrictions .
Democratic governors in Pennsylvania , Michigan and Louisiana have faced a mix of legislation and lawsuits aiming to curtail their power .
And in Kansas on Wednesday , Republicans resisted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disaster declaration .
It 's not clear whether any of those states are about to see as thorough a move as in Wisconsin , where the state 's powerful Republican legislative leaders long been able to count on help from the conservative-dominated state Supreme Court .
Vos said he had faith that the `` vast majority '' of Wisconsin businesses would act responsibly and open with safety precautions , such as ensuring customers keep at least 6 feet ( 2 meters ) away from each other .
That was n't the case at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bar in Platteville , in far southwest Wisconsin , posted a 30-second video that showed the bar teeming with people without masks as they drank , talked and bobbed their heads to music .
Bars in Appleton and Kaukauna in northeast Wisconsin also opened and were packed with people .
The party may be short-lived in Appleton .
City officials signed an order that took effect at 8 a.m. Thursday continuing the state 's `` safer at home '' order .
Other communities were taking similar steps , including Racine , Kenosha County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay .
In Dane County , home to the capital of Madison , officials quickly imposed a mandate incorporating most of the statewide order until May 26 .
Milwaukee health officials said a stay-at-home order they enacted in late March remains in effect and does not have an end date .
Tom Diehl , president of the Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions , runs the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory and water ski show in Lake Delton in Sauk County , one of the state 's tourist destinations .
He plans next week to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some 175 interactive exhibits like giant levers and a mock-up of a Russian space station capsule .
Diehl said he will take precautions such as having hand sanitizer available and asking visitors to keep their distance from each other .
`` If Home Depot , Walmart and Costco can do it safely , we can do it safely as well , '' he said .
Not everyone was moving quickly to reopen .
Wisconsin Restaurant Association Chairwoman Joanne Platzkill , co-owner of Za 51 Pizzeria and Draganetti 's Ristorante in Altoona in Eau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering only takeout for now .
It will take time to bring back laid-off workers , rearrange seating to accommodate social distancing guidelines and order more food .
Outdoor seating may open next week at 25 % capacity , she said .
`` The light switch went off when the ( stay-at-home ) order was in place and we ca n't flip it back on easily , '' she said .
`` Honestly , I do n't think it will ever be the same as it was.
`` Wisconsin tribes will keep their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Shannon Hosley , president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council , said .
The Wisconsin court ruling drew praise from President Donald Trump , who called it a `` win '' in a Twitter post on Thursday and added : `` Its Democrat Governor was forced by the courts to let the State Open .
The people want to get on with their lives .
The place is bustling ! ''
Evers had been slowly easing restrictions on closed businesses as the percentage of new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of his reopening plan were met .
As of Thursday , there were more than 11,200 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and 434 deaths , according to the state Department of Health Services .
Associated Press writers Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee , Doug Glass in Minneapolis and David Eggert in Lansing , Michigan , contributed to this report .

Wisconsin governor warns of 'massive confusion' after ruling
Owner Michael Mattson toasts the opening of the Friends and Neighbors bar Wednesday in Appleton, Wisconsin, following the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to strike down Gov. Tony Evers' stay-at-home restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press
Marvin Radtke toasts the opening of the Friends and Neighbors bar Wednesday in Appleton, Wisconsin, following the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to strike down Gov. Tony Evers' safer-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers warned Thursday of "massive confusion" after the the state Supreme Court tossed out the Democrat's stay-at-home order and Republicans said they may leave it up to local governments to enact their own unique rules for combating the coronavirus pandemic.
The court's order threw communities into chaos, with some bars opening immediately while local leaders in other areas moved to keep strict restrictions in place to prevent further spread of the virus.
If Wisconsin is to have a statewide plan, Evers will have to work with the same Republicans whose lawsuit resulted in Wednesday's Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling. After a Thursday meeting with Evers, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said GOP lawmakers and the governor may not be able to reach agreement and that a statewide policy might not be needed.
"Apparently they believe that different rules are OK," Evers said of Republicans. "I can't imagine another state that is in this predicament. Mile by mile there may be different rules across the state of Wisconsin."
Vos downplayed the concern, saying "we don't necessarily need a statewide approach."
"We already know that local health departments have the ability to utilize their power, which is already there to deal with those situations if they feel it's unsafe," Vos said.
Wisconsin is just one of several states where governors have run into increasing resistance from Republican legislators over coronavirus restrictions. Democratic governors in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Louisiana have faced a mix of legislation and lawsuits aiming to curtail their power. And in Kansas on Wednesday, Republicans resisted the Democratic governor's request to extend a disaster declaration.
It's not clear whether any of those states are about to see as thorough a move as in Wisconsin, where the state's powerful Republican legislative leaders long been able to count on help from the conservative-dominated state Supreme Court.
Vos said he had faith that the "vast majority" of Wisconsin businesses would act responsibly and open with safety precautions, such as ensuring customers keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from each other.
That wasn't the case at some bars Wednesday night. Nick's Bar in Platteville, in far southwest Wisconsin, posted a 30-second video that showed the bar teeming with people without masks as they drank, talked and bobbed their heads to music. Bars in Appleton and Kaukauna in northeast Wisconsin also opened and were packed with people.
The party may be short-lived in Appleton. City officials signed an order that took effect at 8 a.m. Thursday continuing the state's "safer at home" order. Other communities were taking similar steps, including Racine, Kenosha County and Brown County, home to Green Bay.
In Dane County, home to the capital of Madison, officials quickly imposed a mandate incorporating most of the statewide order until May 26. Milwaukee health officials said a stay-at-home order they enacted in late March remains in effect and does not have an end date.
Tom Diehl, president of the Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions, runs the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory and water ski show in Lake Delton in Sauk County, one of the state's tourist destinations.
He plans next week to open the exploratory, an indoor attraction featuring some 175 interactive exhibits like giant levers and a mock-up of a Russian space station capsule. Diehl said he will take precautions such as having hand sanitizer available and asking visitors to keep their distance from each other.
"If Home Depot, Walmart and Costco can do it safely, we can do it safely as well," he said.
Not everyone was moving quickly to reopen.
Wisconsin Restaurant Association Chairwoman Joanne Platzkill, co-owner of Za 51 Pizzeria and Draganetti's Ristorante in Altoona in Eau Claire County, said she will continue offering only takeout for now. It will take time to bring back laid-off workers, rearrange seating to accommodate social distancing guidelines and order more food. Outdoor seating may open next week at 25% capacity, she said.
"The light switch went off when the (stay-at-home) order was in place and we can't flip it back on easily," she said. "Honestly, I don't think it will ever be the same as it was. "
Wisconsin tribes will keep their casinos closed at least through May 26, Shannon Hosley, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, said.
The Wisconsin court ruling drew praise from President Donald Trump, who called it a "win" in a Twitter post on Thursday and added: "Its Democrat Governor was forced by the courts to let the State Open. The people want to get on with their lives. The place is bustling!"
Evers had been slowly easing restrictions on closed businesses as the percentage of new cases dropped and other metrics that were a part of his reopening plan were met. As of Thursday, there were more than 11,200 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and 434 deaths, according to the state Department of Health Services.
Associated Press writers Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee, Doug Glass in Minneapolis and David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Animal Control calls deadly Ingleside attack by 55-pound bulldog mix 'a unique isolated incident'

Editor 's note : This story updated to include new information on the breed of the dog , which is a French bulldog-bulldog mix .
Lake County Animal Care and Control officials shared details Wednesday on the dog believed to have killed its owner Saturday in Ingleside .
The dog that attacked Lisa Urso , 52 , is a 55-pound French bulldog-bulldog mix named Blue , according to Animal Care and Control spokeswoman Hannah Goering .
She said in early April Blue was first reported to Animal Control by Urso as a pure French bulldog but Animal Control officials later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mix .
Contrary to some media reports , Goering said there is no evidence that Blue was ever involved in dog fighting or other mistreatment .
`` Typically dogs which have been trained to fight , whether as the aggressor or the victim , have visible scars or chewed-up ears , '' Goering said .
`` This was a very healthy-looking dog ; there were no signs of scarring .
There is no reason to believe that . ''
Goering said Blue , who has been showing signs of aggression while in animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanely euthanized .
If a member of Urso 's family expresses interest in adopting Blue , the matter could end up before a judge , and Goering said animal control officials would advocate against Blue 's being adopted .
Goering said animal control officials avoid labeling one breed of dog as `` safe '' and another as `` dangerous . ''
`` People should think of this attack as a unique isolated incident , '' Goering said .
`` I think people want to have closure over something this tragic and shocking , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know why this happened . ''
Officials believe the ultimately fatal attack on May 9 started when Blue bit Urso while she was alone at home .
It appears Urso tried to flee through the back door .
Her mutilated body was found on her back porch Saturday .
Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper 's office performed an autopsy Tuesday and determined Urso had been killed in a dog attack .
Blue first came to the attention of Animal Care and Control on April 13 after the dog bit someone .
Goering said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , Blue was not taken into animal control possession .
Instead , Urso was instructed to keep Blue in the house and observe the dog for any signs he might have rabies .
There was no evidence Blue has or had rabies .
On April 21 , Blue bit again , so Animal Control and Care took the dog away from Urso , Goering said .
During the period Blue was with Animal Control and Care , the dog did not exhibit signs of being aggressive , Goering said .
Upon Urso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her on April 30 .
Goering said Blue and the other two dogs taken from Urso 's home after the attack Saturday will be held at the animal control facility in Libertyville until May 18 .
The other two dogs , a 1-year-old male French bulldog and a 15-year-old border collie-Australian cattle dog mix , will be offered to Urso 's family .
If no one takes the dogs , the animals will be sent to a shelter for adoption .

Animal Control calls deadly Ingleside attack by 55-pound bulldog mix 'a unique isolated incident'
Editor's note: This story updated to include new information on the breed of the dog, which is a French bulldog-bulldog mix.
Lake County Animal Care and Control officials shared details Wednesday on the dog believed to have killed its owner Saturday in Ingleside.
The dog that attacked Lisa Urso, 52, is a 55-pound French bulldog-bulldog mix named Blue, according to Animal Care and Control spokeswoman Hannah Goering. She said in early April Blue was first reported to Animal Control by Urso as a pure French bulldog but Animal Control officials later categorized the dog as a French bulldog-Bulldog mix.
Contrary to some media reports, Goering said there is no evidence that Blue was ever involved in dog fighting or other mistreatment.
"Typically dogs which have been trained to fight, whether as the aggressor or the victim, have visible scars or chewed-up ears," Goering said. "This was a very healthy-looking dog; there were no signs of scarring. There is no reason to believe that."
Goering said Blue, who has been showing signs of aggression while in animal control's custody, will likely be humanely euthanized. If a member of Urso's family expresses interest in adopting Blue, the matter could end up before a judge, and Goering said animal control officials would advocate against Blue's being adopted.
Goering said animal control officials avoid labeling one breed of dog as "safe" and another as "dangerous."
"People should think of this attack as a unique isolated incident," Goering said. "I think people want to have closure over something this tragic and shocking, but we're never necessarily going to know why this happened."
Officials believe the ultimately fatal attack on May 9 started when Blue bit Urso while she was alone at home. It appears Urso tried to flee through the back door. Her mutilated body was found on her back porch Saturday.
Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper's office performed an autopsy Tuesday and determined Urso had been killed in a dog attack.
Blue first came to the attention of Animal Care and Control on April 13 after the dog bit someone. Goering said because the bite happened inside Urso's home, Blue was not taken into animal control possession. Instead, Urso was instructed to keep Blue in the house and observe the dog for any signs he might have rabies. There was no evidence Blue has or had rabies.
On April 21, Blue bit again, so Animal Control and Care took the dog away from Urso, Goering said. During the period Blue was with Animal Control and Care, the dog did not exhibit signs of being aggressive, Goering said. Upon Urso's request, Blue was returned to her on April 30.
Goering said Blue and the other two dogs taken from Urso's home after the attack Saturday will be held at the animal control facility in Libertyville until May 18.
The other two dogs, a 1-year-old male French bulldog and a 15-year-old border collie-Australian cattle dog mix, will be offered to Urso's family. If no one takes the dogs, the animals will be sent to a shelter for adoption.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

Experts ' 7 best ideas on how to beat COVID-19 and save the economy Does it sometimes feel as if we are all just wringing our hands not sure of how to proceed ?
In this piece from Vox , Matthew Yglesias says the public policy challenges presented by the pandemic are great but not insurmountable .
He 's compiled seven ideas from experts on how America could attack the pandemic on multiple fronts .
A Guide to Pandemic Scams , and What Not to Fall For The global pandemic has created more opportunities for scammers and hackers .
Fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies .
`` Spoof '' callers pretending to be your bank or the government .
The New York Times gives an overview of some of the most common scams and how you can protect yourself .
Your Boss Is Watching You : Work-From-Home Boom Leads To More Surveillance Critics call it `` tattleware . ''
It 's the software some companies are using to monitor the keystrokes and screens of employees working from home -- all in the name of productivity .
Listen to the story on NPR .
Funeral homes are running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminder of the mounting death toll from COVID-19 .
Roll Call explores how the country 's `` last responders '' are struggling to care for the dead while protecting themselves and others .
Those empty nests are suddenly full again .
The New York Times talks to experts in family therapy about how to navigate this new dynamic .
Read the story .

What others are writing about COVID-19
Jerry A Mann, second from right, watches as his grandmother, Sylvia Rubio, is tested for COVID-19 by the San Antonio Fire Department at a free walk-up test site set up to help underserved and minority communities in San Antonio, Thursday, May 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Experts' 7 best ideas on how to beat COVID-19 and save the economy
Does it sometimes feel as if we are all just wringing our hands not sure of how to proceed? In this piece from Vox, Matthew Yglesias says the public policy challenges presented by the pandemic are great but not insurmountable. He's compiled seven ideas from experts on how America could attack the pandemic on multiple fronts.
A Guide to Pandemic Scams, and What Not to Fall For
The global pandemic has created more opportunities for scammers and hackers. Fake websites claiming to sell masks and cleaning supplies. "Spoof" callers pretending to be your bank or the government. The New York Times gives an overview of some of the most common scams and how you can protect yourself.
Your Boss Is Watching You: Work-From-Home Boom Leads To More Surveillance
Critics call it "tattleware." It's the software some companies are using to monitor the keystrokes and screens of employees working from home -- all in the name of productivity. Listen to the story on NPR.
National body bag shortage exacerbates funeral homes' problems
Funeral homes are running out of body bags -- a sad reminder of the mounting death toll from COVID-19. Roll Call explores how the country's "last responders" are struggling to care for the dead while protecting themselves and others.
For Young Adults, Quarantining With Parents Turns Back Time
Those empty nests are suddenly full again. The New York Times talks to experts in family therapy about how to navigate this new dynamic. Read the story.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Prosecutors: Mount Prospect woman intentionally set 2019 apartment fire

A Mount Prospect woman was ordered held on $ 75,000 bail Thursday on charges she set fire to her bed and headboard last year .
Marilu Bautista-Romero , 46 , is charged with aggravated arson stemming from the May 31 , 2019 , blaze at her apartment on Hawthorne Circle .
According to prosecutors , she told police she was grief-stricken over the death of her husband of 25 years when she returned from a birthday party early that morning .
While one of her sons slept in the living room , Bautista-Romero entered her bedroom and used a lighter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pillow and headboard , said Assistant Cook County State 's Attorney Nicole Murphy .
Bautista-Romero then called another son , who arrived moments later .
Breaking a window , he `` observed a large quantity of black smoke '' and pulled his mother out of the apartment .
The son alerted other residents and told them they had to leave the building , said Murphy .
No one was injured .
Bautista-Romero at first told police and firefighters that the fire broke out after a candle overturned , Murphy said .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged were the cause were not tipped over , '' Murphy said .
Investigators also uncovered two separate start points and a partially melted lighter , she said .
Bautista-Romero later told authorities she set the fire because `` she was drunk and upset about the recent death of her husband and wanted to die , '' Murphy said .
Bautista-Romero is scheduled to return to court May 27 .

Prosecutors: Mount Prospect woman intentionally set 2019 apartment fire
A Mount Prospect woman was ordered held on $75,000 bail Thursday on charges she set fire to her bed and headboard last year.
Marilu Bautista-Romero, 46, is charged with aggravated arson stemming from the May 31, 2019, blaze at her apartment on Hawthorne Circle.
According to prosecutors, she told police she was grief-stricken over the death of her husband of 25 years when she returned from a birthday party early that morning.
While one of her sons slept in the living room, Bautista-Romero entered her bedroom and used a lighter to set fire to her bed, pillow and headboard, said Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Nicole Murphy.
Bautista-Romero then called another son, who arrived moments later.
Breaking a window, he "observed a large quantity of black smoke" and pulled his mother out of the apartment. The son alerted other residents and told them they had to leave the building, said Murphy. No one was injured.
Bautista-Romero at first told police and firefighters that the fire broke out after a candle overturned, Murphy said. However, arson investigators noted "the candles she alleged were the cause were not tipped over," Murphy said. Investigators also uncovered two separate start points and a partially melted lighter, she said.
Bautista-Romero later told authorities she set the fire because "she was drunk and upset about the recent death of her husband and wanted to die," Murphy said.
Bautista-Romero is scheduled to return to court May 27.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Elgin man charged with home invasion, pistol whipping man Sunday

A 21-year-old Elgin man is wanted on charges that he forced his way into an Elgin apartment on Sunday and pistol-whipped a man inside .
An arrest warrant has been issued in Kane County for Damiani N. McHughes , of the 2000 block of Royal Boulevard , on felony charges of home invasion and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and two counts of misdemeanor aggravated assault .
The charges stem from a case on the 500 block of Locust Street on the city 's near west side .
McHughes is accused of wearing a hood and face mask when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The victim required stitches .
The Daily Herald submitted a Freedom of Information Act request on Tuesday for more information about the case ; the city has five business days to respond .
McHughes was on probation after pleading guilty in March 2020 to a felony drug charge stemming from a March 2019 arrest in Elgin .
He had been charged with possession of 124 Ecstasy pills , 17 grams of marijuana , possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest .
McHughes received four years of probation after pleading guilty to the methamphetamine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other counts .
He also was free on bail from an April 2019 arrest in Elgin on four counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and from a February 2019 charge of possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine , also a felony , according to court records .
McHughes is next due in court on June 5 on those cases , records show .
If convicted of the most severe offense of home invasion from his most recent arrest , McHughes faces a sentence ranging from six to 30 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Elgin man charged with home invasion, pistol whipping man Sunday
A 21-year-old Elgin man is wanted on charges that he forced his way into an Elgin apartment on Sunday and pistol-whipped a man inside.
An arrest warrant has been issued in Kane County for Damiani N. McHughes, of the 2000 block of Royal Boulevard, on felony charges of home invasion and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and two counts of misdemeanor aggravated assault.
The charges stem from a case on the 500 block of Locust Street on the city's near west side. McHughes is accused of wearing a hood and face mask when beating a man, court records show. The victim required stitches.
The Daily Herald submitted a Freedom of Information Act request on Tuesday for more information about the case; the city has five business days to respond.
McHughes was on probation after pleading guilty in March 2020 to a felony drug charge stemming from a March 2019 arrest in Elgin. He had been charged with possession of 124 Ecstasy pills, 17 grams of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest.
McHughes received four years of probation after pleading guilty to the methamphetamine charge, and prosecutors dismissed all the other counts.
He also was free on bail from an April 2019 arrest in Elgin on four counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and from a February 2019 charge of possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, also a felony, according to court records.
McHughes is next due in court on June 5 on those cases, records show.
If convicted of the most severe offense of home invasion from his most recent arrest, McHughes faces a sentence ranging from six to 30 years in prison with no chance of probation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Bears a distant fourth in NFC North at running back

In this series we rank the four NFC North clubs at every position .
Rankings are based on performance to date , scouting reports and a consensus of evaluations from general managers , coaches and scouts around the NFL .
1 .
Minnesota Vikings , B+ : The Vikings running game is the division 's best in part because Dalvin Cook is the best back in the NFC North and one of the best in the league right now , and , in part because Mike Zimmer is completely committed to it .
He is the only head coach in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball than throw it .
Cook is that rare package that can handle 20-to-30 touches a game and is also a threat to hit a home run every time he touches the ball .
The Vikings ground game was sixth best in the NFL last year and 12th in average gain per carry behind a barely mediocre offensive line that may be upgraded this season with the addition of rookie tackle Ezra Cleveland .
Depth is a concern as Cook played just four games as a rookie , missed five games in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have behind him is Alexander Mattison , who also missed three games last year as a promising rookie , Mike Boone , who was impressive in relief of Cook and Mattison last season and the oft-injured Ameer Abdullah .
2 .
Green Bay Packers , B : Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are the best one-two punch in the NFC North , and Jones is coming off a monster 2019 campaign in which he scored 19 touchdowns .
Sixteen came on the ground as he played all 16 games for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first two seasons .
He is neither the workhorse or big play threat the Vikings ' Cook is , but he is the perfect lead back in a two-back tandem in which Williams is more the pounder and sledgehammer , and they were Aaron Rodgers No .
2 and 3 receivers last year with 49 and 39 catches , respectively .
They were 15th in team rushing last year and 16th in average gain per carry due mainly to Matt LaFleur 's preference to have the offense run through Rodgers .
Dexter Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rookie A.J .
Dillon is a fascinating prospect at 6-0 , 250 , who is likely to be a fourth-quarter , four-minute offense specialist to begin his NFL career .
3 .
Detroit Lions , B- : The Lions run game has struggled for years but appeared to get a boost last year from Kerryon Johnson before he tore a ligament in his knee in Week 9 .
Backups Bo Scarbrough , Ty Johnson and J.D .
McKissic picked up the ball nicely in the second half of the season in a running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 21st in rushing and 22nd in average gain per carry .
Part of the problem was with Matt Stafford missing the second half of the season .
Lions backs usually saw eight or nine defenders in the box .
The Lions added an absolute steal in this year when D'Andre Swift out of Georgia , the top rated back in this draft was still there for them at 35 .
We ca n't grade a player who 's never touched the ball in the NFL , but if Swift is who we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full recovery , along with the addition of free agent Halapoulavatti Vaitai at right tackle the Lions ground game could take off .
4 .
Bears , C- : Much like the quarterback position , the Bears do n't just begin the season fourth best in the division at running back .
It 's a distant fourth .
The issue is not David Montgomery , who had a very promising rookie campaign and could still emerge as one of the NFC 's top RBs , it 's the unknown of a sketchy offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and questions as to whether coach Matt Nagy gets how to grow his ground game .
The Bears are the thinnest in the division at this position .
Tarik Cohen is an outstanding third-down back , but the Bears do n't have a No .
2 with only undrafted rookie free agent Ryan Nall and wide receiver/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson behind Montgomery .

Bears a distant fourth in NFC North at running back
Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen is an outstanding third-down back, but the Bears don't have a No. 2 with only undrafted rookie free agent Ryan Nall and wide receiver/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson behind David Montgomery. Associated Press
Second in a series
In this series we rank the four NFC North clubs at every position. Rankings are based on performance to date, scouting reports and a consensus of evaluations from general managers, coaches and scouts around the NFL.
Running backs
1. Minnesota Vikings, B+: The Vikings running game is the division's best in part because Dalvin Cook is the best back in the NFC North and one of the best in the league right now, and, in part because Mike Zimmer is completely committed to it. He is the only head coach in the division who'd rather run the ball than throw it.
Cook is that rare package that can handle 20-to-30 touches a game and is also a threat to hit a home run every time he touches the ball.
The Vikings ground game was sixth best in the NFL last year and 12th in average gain per carry behind a barely mediocre offensive line that may be upgraded this season with the addition of rookie tackle Ezra Cleveland.
Depth is a concern as Cook played just four games as a rookie, missed five games in 2018 and two last year.
All they have behind him is Alexander Mattison, who also missed three games last year as a promising rookie, Mike Boone, who was impressive in relief of Cook and Mattison last season and the oft-injured Ameer Abdullah.
2. Green Bay Packers, B: Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are the best one-two punch in the NFC North, and Jones is coming off a monster 2019 campaign in which he scored 19 touchdowns. Sixteen came on the ground as he played all 16 games for the first time after missing four in each of his first two seasons.
He is neither the workhorse or big play threat the Vikings' Cook is, but he is the perfect lead back in a two-back tandem in which Williams is more the pounder and sledgehammer, and they were Aaron Rodgers No. 2 and 3 receivers last year with 49 and 39 catches, respectively.
They were 15th in team rushing last year and 16th in average gain per carry due mainly to Matt LaFleur's preference to have the offense run through Rodgers.
Dexter Williams is interesting as the third back and rookie A.J. Dillon is a fascinating prospect at 6-0, 250, who is likely to be a fourth-quarter, four-minute offense specialist to begin his NFL career.
3. Detroit Lions, B-: The Lions run game has struggled for years but appeared to get a boost last year from Kerryon Johnson before he tore a ligament in his knee in Week 9.
Backups Bo Scarbrough, Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic picked up the ball nicely in the second half of the season in a running back-by-committee plan, but the Lions finished just 21st in rushing and 22nd in average gain per carry.
Part of the problem was with Matt Stafford missing the second half of the season. Lions backs usually saw eight or nine defenders in the box.
The Lions added an absolute steal in this year when D'Andre Swift out of Georgia, the top rated back in this draft was still there for them at 35.
We can't grade a player who's never touched the ball in the NFL, but if Swift is who we think he is and Johnson makes a full recovery, along with the addition of free agent Halapoulavatti Vaitai at right tackle the Lions ground game could take off.
4. Bears, C-: Much like the quarterback position, the Bears don't just begin the season fourth best in the division at running back. It's a distant fourth.
The issue is not David Montgomery, who had a very promising rookie campaign and could still emerge as one of the NFC's top RBs, it's the unknown of a sketchy offensive line, a new offensive line coach and questions as to whether coach Matt Nagy gets how to grow his ground game.
The Bears are the thinnest in the division at this position.
Tarik Cohen is an outstanding third-down back, but the Bears don't have a No. 2 with only undrafted rookie free agent Ryan Nall and wide receiver/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson behind Montgomery.
• @Hub_Arkush


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Marine who spent 4 years as POW approaches 100th birthday

He does n't consider himself a hero .
He 's the only one who does n't .
Wheaton resident William Howard `` Howie '' Chittenden , who chugged two gallons of water just to reach the weight limit to join the Marines in 1939 , spent nearly four years in prisoner of war camps during World War II .
Upon his return home , he graduated in three years from the University of Notre Dame , started a 32-year career at Sears , and raised two sons and a daughter with his wife of 59 years , Patricia .
Chittenden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China who were forced to surrender to Japanese forces on Dec. 8 , 1941 , after the attack on Pearl Harbor .
He is the only one of those Marines still living .
`` I do n't consider myself a hero .
In my opinion , the heroes are all buried in foreign soil , or at sea .
The real heroes did n't come home , '' he said this week from his home in the Wyndemere senior living center in Wheaton .
`` I want to share any honor that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to share anything accorded to me with the other 202 comrades that are no longer living , '' he said .
And he will be honored .
Vick Lombardo , a former Marine major now with the FBI , has worked with Wyndemere to assemble a tribute to Chittenden on his birthday , being very mindful of social distancing .
`` Being a Marine myself , I deeply respect his service of over four years in a POW camp , '' Lombardo said .
`` But more so than that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , raised a family , and he did n't feel sorry for himself .
He went on with his life and was a very productive member of society , '' '' I think the most interesting thing , with all this COVID-19 stuff , one of the things that amazes me about him is how does he manage to keep such a positive attitude ? ''
said Lombardo , who first encountered Chittenden in his work with the Travis Manion Foundation .
`` He makes light of whatever challenges are in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's one reason he made it to 100 . ''
Connecting with the St. Francis High School boys basketball team as a mentor in character development , Lombardo arranged for Chittenden to speak to the team in February at Wyndemere .
`` When he talked to the kids , the thing they took away , right away , is he 's 99 years old and he 's still sharp as a whip , '' said St. Francis coach Erin Dwyer .
`` In his last message to the kids , he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you just treat people with respect , things seem to work themselves out . ''
Chittenden , who also went by `` Chick , '' used grit , will and faith to survive the Pacific theater in World War II .
A corporal who had volunteered for U.S. Embassy security duty in China , Chittenden 's detachment was captured in Peking ( now Beijing ) three days before it was scheduled to vacate the embassy .
Instead of attending the U.S .
Naval Academy or Marine officer 's training as he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China and three in Japan before being liberated on Sept. 2 , 1945 .
Performing hard labor building roads and working in steel factories while subsisting on minimal portions of food and exposed to extreme cold , by the time of his release the 5-foot , 6-inch Chittenden weighed 115 pounds .
He was discharged from service in February 1946 as a platoon sergeant .
He published a book about his service in 1995 .
`` Let 's say I prayed a lot , '' said Chittenden , a graduate of York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think my faith helped me get through a lot of that , and it 's helped me get through this whole 100 years . ''
The son of an Army lieutenant who served in France during World War I and one of three siblings who served in World War II -- his brother , Dick , lives in Chicago and will be 93 on May 19 -- Chittenden sent two sons , both now deceased , through Wheaton North High School .
His daughter , Peggy , lives in Gloucester , Virginia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 .
`` I 'm happy with my life .
I 've been blessed in many ways and I try to appreciate it .
I 've been very fortunate with good friends , I think that 's important , '' Chittenden said .
`` I do n't mean to be corny , but I truly believe that a man can be wealthy even if he does n't have a lot of money .
He can be wealthy if he has good friends .
I know that sounds corny , but I believe it @ @

Marine who spent 4 years as POW approaches 100th birthday
William Howard "Howie" Chittenden, shown here three years ago, will turn 100 on Saturday. The Wheaton man and York High School graduate spent nearly four years in prisoner of war camps during World War II. Courtesy of Judy Miltner
He doesn't consider himself a hero.
He's the only one who doesn't.
Wheaton resident William Howard "Howie" Chittenden, who chugged two gallons of water just to reach the weight limit to join the Marines in 1939, spent nearly four years in prisoner of war camps during World War II.
Upon his return home, he graduated in three years from the University of Notre Dame, started a 32-year career at Sears, and raised two sons and a daughter with his wife of 59 years, Patricia.
On Saturday, he'll turn 100.
Chittenden was among 203 Marines stationed in North China who were forced to surrender to Japanese forces on Dec. 8, 1941, after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
He is the only one of those Marines still living.
"I don't consider myself a hero. In my opinion, the heroes are all buried in foreign soil, or at sea. The real heroes didn't come home," he said this week from his home in the Wyndemere senior living center in Wheaton.
"I want to share any honor that's given to me with my buddies. I want to share anything accorded to me with the other 202 comrades that are no longer living," he said.
And he will be honored.
Vick Lombardo, a former Marine major now with the FBI, has worked with Wyndemere to assemble a tribute to Chittenden on his birthday, being very mindful of social distancing.
"Being a Marine myself, I deeply respect his service of over four years in a POW camp," Lombardo said. "But more so than that, I respect the fact that he came home, raised a family, and he didn't feel sorry for himself. He went on with his life and was a very productive member of society,"
"I think the most interesting thing, with all this COVID-19 stuff, one of the things that amazes me about him is how does he manage to keep such a positive attitude?" said Lombardo, who first encountered Chittenden in his work with the Travis Manion Foundation.
"He makes light of whatever challenges are in his life, and honestly, I think that's one reason he made it to 100."
The St. Francis High School boys basketball team met with Chittenden at the Wyndemere Senior Living Center in February. - Courtesy of Judy Miltner
Connecting with the St. Francis High School boys basketball team as a mentor in character development, Lombardo arranged for Chittenden to speak to the team in February at Wyndemere.
"When he talked to the kids, the thing they took away, right away, is he's 99 years old and he's still sharp as a whip," said St. Francis coach Erin Dwyer.
"In his last message to the kids, he was using the word 'respect.' ... If you just treat people with respect, things seem to work themselves out."
Chittenden, who also went by "Chick," used grit, will and faith to survive the Pacific theater in World War II.
A corporal who had volunteered for U.S. Embassy security duty in China, Chittenden's detachment was captured in Peking (now Beijing) three days before it was scheduled to vacate the embassy.
William Howard Chittenden served in the Marines during World War II and spent nearly four years in prison camps. This photo came from a book he wrote about the experience, titled in part, "My 1,364 Day Journey through Hell." - Courtesy of Vick Lombardo
Instead of attending the U.S. Naval Academy or Marine officer's training as he had planned, Chittenden endured two POW camps in China and three in Japan before being liberated on Sept. 2, 1945.
Performing hard labor building roads and working in steel factories while subsisting on minimal portions of food and exposed to extreme cold, by the time of his release the 5-foot, 6-inch Chittenden weighed 115 pounds.
He was discharged from service in February 1946 as a platoon sergeant. He published a book about his service in 1995.
"Let's say I prayed a lot," said Chittenden, a graduate of York High School in Elmhurst. "I think my faith helped me get through a lot of that, and it's helped me get through this whole 100 years."
Pictured shortly after returning home from their service in World War II are Marine Pvt. Richard Chittenden, Army Air Corps Lt. Robert Chittenden, Marine Cpl. William Chittenden and their father, Army Lt. Robert Chittenden. - Courtesy of Vick Lombardo
The son of an Army lieutenant who served in France during World War I and one of three siblings who served in World War II -- his brother, Dick, lives in Chicago and will be 93 on May 19 -- Chittenden sent two sons, both now deceased, through Wheaton North High School. His daughter, Peggy, lives in Gloucester, Virginia. His wife, Patricia, died in 2008.
"I'm happy with my life. I've been blessed in many ways and I try to appreciate it. I've been very fortunate with good friends, I think that's important," Chittenden said.
"I don't mean to be corny, but I truly believe that a man can be wealthy even if he doesn't have a lot of money. He can be wealthy if he has good friends. I know that sounds corny, but I believe it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Fittest Loser winner's tale reflects weighty issue for police officers

Many of us fail to eat right and exercise enough , regardless of what we do for a living .
But being a police officer does n't help , according to experts .
And this year 's winner of the Daily Herald 's Fittest Loser contest can attest to that .
Karl `` Van '' Dillenkoffer worked 32 years for the Lombard Police Department , retiring as chief in 2002 .
He weighed a whopping 165 pounds when he went to the police academy at the University of Illinois in 1970 , and he came out 15 pounds heavier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrol officer to chief , the pounds kept coming .
`` Unfortunately , because of the nature of the job , you do n't always have an opportunity to sit down and eat your meals without getting called out to respond to a call , '' Dillenkoffer said .
`` So eating fast food on the run is not the best for anyone .
Unfortunately , we all did that a lot . ''
He tried to get into the habit of exercising , but it did n't take .
And , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Dunkin ' Donuts .
That did n't help at all , '' he said .
By the time he started the three-month weight-loss contest in February , Dillenkoffer tipped the scales at 244 pounds .
He ended it this week at 195 pounds -- the lightest he has been since attending an FBI training program 24 years ago .
`` Police officers should strive to stay in shape as best they can for their own well-being and safety , '' he said .
That jibes with what Lt. Dr. Jon Sheinberg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardiac Foundation , preaches when he speaks to law enforcement officials .
Sheinberg is a full-time cardiologist and a part-time police officer in Texas .
In a January 2020 interview for a federal Bureau of Justice podcast `` The Beat , '' Sheinberg said cops have lower life expectancies than civilians , by a whopping 22 years ; they are much more prone to have heart attacks ; and they have them at much younger ages , compared to civilians .
He attributes it to several factors : the prevalence of shift work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , and the tendency to eat `` a diet of convenience . ''
He cited a 2014 FBI report that estimated 80 % of police officers in the U.S. were overweight , with 40 % classified as obese .
And he pointed out that the Officer Down Memorial Page , which tracks line-of-duty deaths , reports `` heart attack '' as one of the top causes .
In 2019 , the top cause was gunfire , followed by 9/11-related illness , automobile crashes , then heart attacks .
It 's not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A federal study that tracked differences in behavior between obese and non-obese police officers found the heavier cops were getting far less exercise .
For the Fittest Loser , Dillenkoffer worked with a personal trainer from Push Fitness in Schaumburg , and he credits her for making sure he did exercises correctly .
He also took 4- to 5-mile daily walks around his neighborhood with his wife .
And now instead of burgers and fries , he looks forward to protein-packed salads , doused with a low-calorie balsamic vinaigrette , for dinner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day for those in the law enforcement community .
Police are marking Peace Officers Memorial Day , an annual observance paying tribute to the local , state and federal law enforcement officers who lost their lives or gained a disability in the line of duty in the past year .
The observance , part of National Police Week , this year includes the addition 307 officers ' names to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington , D.C .
They include 135 officers killed in 2019 and 172 officers who died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone unrecognized until now .
The roll call this year includes : McHenry County Sheriff 's Deputy Jacob Keltner , who was shot to death while trying to arrest a fugitive in March 2019 ; Illinois State Police Trooper Gerald Ellis of Antioch , killed March 30 , 2019 , by a wrong-way driver on I-94 ; and Illinois State Police Trooper Christopher Lambert of Highland Park , killed Jan. 12 , 2019 , when he was struck by an SUV while helping at a crash scene on I-294 .
To see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What had been a positive trend for the state 's legal community took a step in the wrong direction last year , according to the latest annual report from the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission .
The report shows 96 state-licensed attorneys were sanctioned for misconduct in 2019 , including 29 who were disbarred and another 48 who were suspended .
That 's up from just 75 sanctions , 22 disbarments and 37 suspensions in 2018 , but below the five-year high of 129 sanctions in 2015 .
According to the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ARDC received about lawyers in 2019 stemmed from a breakdown of the attorney-client relationship , with accusations of neglect being the most frequent gripe .
Among the cases that led to a formal complaint from the ARDC , 73 % involved allegations of fraudulent or deceptive activity .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Fittest Loser winner's tale reflects weighty issue for police officers
Karl "Van" Dillenkoffer, enjoying a healthy breakfast as part of his participation in the Daily Herald's Fittest Loser contest. Courtesy of Karl Dillenkoffer
Many of us fail to eat right and exercise enough, regardless of what we do for a living.
But being a police officer doesn't help, according to experts. And this year's winner of the Daily Herald's Fittest Loser contest can attest to that.
Karl "Van" Dillenkoffer worked 32 years for the Lombard Police Department, retiring as chief in 2002. He weighed a whopping 165 pounds when he went to the police academy at the University of Illinois in 1970, and he came out 15 pounds heavier. As he worked his way up from patrol officer to chief, the pounds kept coming.
"Unfortunately, because of the nature of the job, you don't always have an opportunity to sit down and eat your meals without getting called out to respond to a call," Dillenkoffer said. "So eating fast food on the run is not the best for anyone. Unfortunately, we all did that a lot."
Karl "Van" Dillenkoffer in 2002, when he retired as chief of the Lombard Police Department. - Daily Herald File Photo, 2002
He tried to get into the habit of exercising, but it didn't take. And, "sadly, I was huge 'stockholder' of Dunkin' Donuts. That didn't help at all," he said.
By the time he started the three-month weight-loss contest in February, Dillenkoffer tipped the scales at 244 pounds. He ended it this week at 195 pounds -- the lightest he has been since attending an FBI training program 24 years ago.
"Police officers should strive to stay in shape as best they can for their own well-being and safety," he said.
That jibes with what Lt. Dr. Jon Sheinberg, founder and CEO of the Public Safety Cardiac Foundation, preaches when he speaks to law enforcement officials. Sheinberg is a full-time cardiologist and a part-time police officer in Texas.
In a January 2020 interview for a federal Bureau of Justice podcast "The Beat," Sheinberg said cops have lower life expectancies than civilians, by a whopping 22 years; they are much more prone to have heart attacks; and they have them at much younger ages, compared to civilians.
He attributes it to several factors: the prevalence of shift work, a lot of sitting on the job, and the tendency to eat "a diet of convenience." He cited a 2014 FBI report that estimated 80% of police officers in the U.S. were overweight, with 40% classified as obese.
And he pointed out that the Officer Down Memorial Page, which tracks line-of-duty deaths, reports "heart attack" as one of the top causes. In 2019, the top cause was gunfire, followed by 9/11-related illness, automobile crashes, then heart attacks.
It's not just doughnuts and fast food, either. A federal study that tracked differences in behavior between obese and non-obese police officers found the heavier cops were getting far less exercise.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer 2020 Daily Herald Fittest Loser contestant Karl "Van" Dillenkoffer, with trainer Michelle Jeeninga, at the beginning of the contest.
For the Fittest Loser, Dillenkoffer worked with a personal trainer from Push Fitness in Schaumburg, and he credits her for making sure he did exercises correctly. He also took 4- to 5-mile daily walks around his neighborhood with his wife.
And now instead of burgers and fries, he looks forward to protein-packed salads, doused with a low-calorie balsamic vinaigrette, for dinner, he said.
Honoring the fallen
Today is a somber day for those in the law enforcement community. Police are marking Peace Officers Memorial Day, an annual observance paying tribute to the local, state and federal law enforcement officers who lost their lives or gained a disability in the line of duty in the past year.
The observance, part of National Police Week, this year includes the addition 307 officers' names to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. They include 135 officers killed in 2019 and 172 officers who died in previous years, but whose sacrifice had gone unrecognized until now.
The roll call this year includes: McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Keltner, who was shot to death while trying to arrest a fugitive in March 2019; Illinois State Police Trooper Gerald Ellis of Antioch, killed March 30, 2019, by a wrong-way driver on I-94; and Illinois State Police Trooper Christopher Lambert of Highland Park, killed Jan. 12, 2019, when he was struck by an SUV while helping at a crash scene on I-294.
To see the full roll call, visit nleomf.org/facts-figures/2020-roll-call-of-heroes.
Misbehaving lawyers
What had been a positive trend for the state's legal community took a step in the wrong direction last year, according to the latest annual report from the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.
The report shows 96 state-licensed attorneys were sanctioned for misconduct in 2019, including 29 who were disbarred and another 48 who were suspended.
That's up from just 75 sanctions, 22 disbarments and 37 suspensions in 2018, but below the five-year high of 129 sanctions in 2015.
According to the report, nearly two-thirds of the complaints the ARDC received about lawyers in 2019 stemmed from a breakdown of the attorney-client relationship, with accusations of neglect being the most frequent gripe. Among the cases that led to a formal complaint from the ARDC, 73% involved allegations of fraudulent or deceptive activity.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Flash flood warning in effect through morning

The U.S. National Weather Service office in Chicago has issued a flash flood watch in effect through Friday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ Cook , DuPage and Kane counties as multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected overnight and @ @ @ @ @ in excess of three inches .
Forecasts call for the highest threat along the Interstate @ @ @ @ @ of Will County and portions of Cook , DuPage and Kane counties listed among those @ @ @ @ @ the most .
Wind gusts of up to 70 mph are anticipated along with potential @ @ @ @ @ hail and frequent lightning .
Forecasts will be updated throughout the day at weather.gov/chicago .

Flash flood warning in effect through morning
Severe thunderstorms are expected throughout much of the suburbs Thursday night, with the greatest threat along the Interstate 80 corridor, according to the National Weather Service. Daily Herald File Photo/August 2008
The U.S. National Weather Service office in Chicago has issued a flash flood watch in effect through Friday morning.
The flash flood watch includes Cook, DuPage and Kane counties as multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected overnight and possibly result in rain totals in excess of three inches.
Forecasts call for the highest threat along the Interstate 80 corridor, with all of Will County and portions of Cook, DuPage and Kane counties listed among those areas to likely be affected the most.
Wind gusts of up to 70 mph are anticipated along with potential flash flooding, Ping-Pong-ball sized hail and frequent lightning.
Forecasts will be updated throughout the day at weather.gov/chicago.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--May 14 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Since the outbreak began , there have been 44,729 cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs , 51 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 1,996 deaths in the suburbs , about 51 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Here are cases per county and some towns .
Not every town with cases is included .
• As of Thursday , suburban Cook County had 24,116 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,123 deaths , according to the IDPH 's coronavirus website ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In Chicago : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Cook County Department of Public Health and medical examiner 's office listed 1,100 cases of COVID-19 and 58 deaths in Des Plaines , 415 cases and 5 deaths in Mount Prospect , 409 cases and 9 deaths in Wheeling , 354 cases and 26 deaths in Glenview , 362 cases and 8 deaths in Streamwood , 345 cases and 6 deaths in Palatine , 287 cases and five deaths in Hoffman Estates , 295 cases and 7 deaths in Schaumburg , 268 cases and 12 deaths in Arlington Heights , 229 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 201 cases and 7 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 176 cases and 6 deaths in Elk Grove Village , 134 cases and 3 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 56 cases and nine deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The Lake County Health Department listed 6,078 confirmed cases and 196 deaths as of Thursday .
• Cases in some towns : 1,765 to 1,769 in Waukegan ; 235 to 239 in Mundelein ; 170 to 174 in Gurnee ; 120 to 124 in Round Lake ; 110 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 64 in Libertyville ; 75 to 79 each in Wauconda and Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) ; 65 to 69 in Lake Zurich ; 55 to 59 in Grayslake ; and 25 to 29 in Lake Villa .
• The DuPage County Health Department reported 5,457 confirmed cases and 278 deaths on its coronavirus website Thursday .
• Cases and deaths per suburb include 491 cases and five deaths in Addison , 461 cases and 1 death in West Chicago , 374 cases and three deaths in Glendale Heights , 367 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 340 cases and 21 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage portion ) , 343 cases and 25 deaths in Carol Stream , 209 cases and 9 deaths in Lombard , 182 cases and 25 deaths in Elmhurst , 181 cases and 5 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 149 cases and 2 deaths in Villa Park , 145 cases and 14 deaths in Downers Grove , 142 cases and 14 deaths in Wheaton , 108 cases and 15 deaths in Willowbrook , and 105 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed 4,053 cases with 104 deaths on its website Thursday at kanehealth.com .
• Cases per town include 1,877 in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 888 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 359 in Carpentersville , 168 in South Elgin , 160 in St. Charles , 98 in Geneva , 84 in North Aurora , 67 in Batavia , and 30 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
• There have been 1,100 cases and 59 deaths in McHenry County , according to the health department 's website Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 and 231 deaths , according to the county health department 's website Thursday .
• Cases per town include 245 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) , and 44 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

May 14 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Cook County's Department of Public Health has a website, shown here at the end of March, that breaks down cases of COVID-19 suburb by suburb.
Interactive map
Since the outbreak began, there have been 44,729 cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs, 51% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 1,996 deaths in the suburbs, about 51% of all deaths in Illinois.
Here are cases per county and some towns. Not every town with cases is included.
Cook County
• As of Thursday, suburban Cook County had 24,116 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,123 deaths, according to the IDPH's coronavirus website (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 34,341 cases and 1,552 fatalities.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health and medical examiner's office listed 1,100 cases of COVID-19 and 58 deaths in Des Plaines, 415 cases and 5 deaths in Mount Prospect, 409 cases and 9 deaths in Wheeling, 354 cases and 26 deaths in Glenview, 362 cases and 8 deaths in Streamwood, 345 cases and 6 deaths in Palatine, 287 cases and five deaths in Hoffman Estates, 295 cases and 7 deaths in Schaumburg, 268 cases and 12 deaths in Arlington Heights, 229 cases and 26 deaths in Park Ridge, 201 cases and 7 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 176 cases and 6 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 134 cases and 3 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 56 cases and nine deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
Lake County
• The Lake County Health Department listed 6,078 confirmed cases and 196 deaths as of Thursday.
• Cases in some towns: 1,765 to 1,769 in Waukegan; 235 to 239 in Mundelein; 170 to 174 in Gurnee; 120 to 124 in Round Lake; 110 to 114 in Vernon Hills; 60 to 64 in Libertyville; 75 to 79 each in Wauconda and Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion); 65 to 69 in Lake Zurich; 55 to 59 in Grayslake; and 25 to 29 in Lake Villa.
DuPage County
• The DuPage County Health Department reported 5,457 confirmed cases and 278 deaths on its coronavirus website Thursday.
• Cases and deaths per suburb include 491 cases and five deaths in Addison, 461 cases and 1 death in West Chicago, 374 cases and three deaths in Glendale Heights, 367 cases and 7 deaths in Bensenville, 340 cases and 21 deaths in Naperville (DuPage portion), 343 cases and 25 deaths in Carol Stream, 209 cases and 9 deaths in Lombard, 182 cases and 25 deaths in Elmhurst, 181 cases and 5 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 149 cases and 2 deaths in Villa Park, 145 cases and 14 deaths in Downers Grove, 142 cases and 14 deaths in Wheaton, 108 cases and 15 deaths in Willowbrook, and 105 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
Kane County
• The Kane County Health Department confirmed 4,053 cases with 104 deaths on its website Thursday at kanehealth.com.
• Cases per town include 1,877 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 888 in Elgin (Kane portion), 359 in Carpentersville, 168 in South Elgin, 160 in St. Charles, 98 in Geneva, 84 in North Aurora, 67 in Batavia, and 30 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County
• There have been 1,100 cases and 59 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department's website Thursday.
Will County
• There have been 4,090 cases of COVID-19 and 231 deaths, according to the county health department's website Thursday.
• Cases per town include 245 in Naperville (Will County portion), and 44 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--A song to make you smile: 'Let's Stay Together' by Al Green

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Let 's Stay Together '' by Al Green , released in 1971 .

A song to make you smile: 'Let's Stay Together' by Al Green
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green, released in 1971.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--How other Christian churches in suburbs are working toward reopening

As small gatherings of worshippers prepare to return to Catholic churches across Illinois as early as May 23 , other Christian denominations are cautiously inching forward with reopening plans .
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will release new guidelines next week for a gradual but `` very modest '' reopening , Bishop Jeffrey Lee said Thursday .
Starting June 1 , the first stage of the plan will allow groups of only less than five to return to church buildings to record or livestream services .
`` We 're still encouraging people to plan to continue online worship and Bible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of caution , '' Lee said .
The diocese encompasses three of the four regions in Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's five-step recovery plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions in Illinois .
Each region can move forward from one phase to the next based on various metrics , meaning the diocese will have to knit together a variety of protocols .
So Lee is encouraging cooperation among clusters of congregations to work together on more detailed modifications .
`` We 're quite likely going to have different communities being ready for different steps at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Lee and other religious leaders are reluctant to attach a date to resuming in-person worship .
`` We know that people are anxious and want to get back to worship , but we also know that this is a health crisis like we 've not seen before , and we really do n't want to put people at risk , '' said the Rev .
Gary Erickson , assistant to the bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod , a regional body for 141 Lutheran congregations .
Some pastors have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 10 or fewer people , but many other congregations have put those services on hold , Erickson said .
The synod is n't in any hurry to move beyond the governor 's limits on gatherings , he said .
`` We 're willing to be slow and cautious and take the whole summer if that 's what it takes to keep people safe , '' Erickson said .
Wheaton Bible Church near West Chicago will continue meeting virtually through the end of June , spokesman Michael Stein said .
Another megachurch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not plan to open for in-person pastoral services in May , spokeswoman Liz Schauer said .
Instead , Willow Creek will continue to offer services online , along with digital small groups and events .
`` While we greatly anticipate the day when we can gather physically for church , we believe we have a part in continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and caring for our community and church family , '' Schauer said via email .
`` We are consulting local officials and medical professionals as we form a multistep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As stay-at-home restrictions ease , some staff members will return and follow public health recommendations , but many will continue working from home , Schauer said .
`` As further guidelines are revealed by the state , we will offer in-person small groups , classes and workshops , and on-site Care Center services , '' she wrote .
`` We are exploring ways to hold in-person church services at limited capacities that follow safety protocols to ensure the protection of our congregants , guests , volunteers and staff . ''
Lee , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Galena to Warsaw , noted reopening plans are a `` living document '' and not a linear process .
`` Christians are called , I believe , to act together for the common good , '' he said .
`` Refraining physical worship right now can be an act of discipleship and actually a kind of prayer .
Our job is to protect each other and especially those who are most vulnerable . ''


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-15--The U.S. Geological Service reports a magnitude-6.4 earthquake in remote western Nevada, about 35 mi

TONOPAH , Nev. -- The U.S. Geological Service reports a magnitude-6.4 earthquake in remote western Nevada , about 35 miles @ @ @

The U.S. Geological Service reports a magnitude-6.4 earthquake in remote western Nevada, about 35 miles outside Tonopah
TONOPAH, Nev. -- The U.S. Geological Service reports a magnitude-6.4 earthquake in remote western Nevada, about 35 miles outside Tonopah.