dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-09--How suburban Jewish congregations are celebrating Hanukkah this year

With the coronavirus pandemic hampering holiday traditions and religious celebrations , faith communities are getting creative to bring together a socially distanced flock .
Beginning this week , several suburban Jewish congregations will observe Hanukkah virtually amid COVID-19 restrictions , with drive-in menorah lightings and concerts , and gift baskets sent to families and seniors isolated from their communities .
The eight-day Festival of Lights , which begins at sundown today , represents the victory of light over darkness .
`` The message of Hanukkah is about increasing in more light , '' said Rabbi Mendy Goldstein , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's in the challenge ... in the hardship that we have to find the light . ''
Typically , Goldstein lights a Hanukkah menorah at Naperville City Hall .
This year , instead , there will be a Hanukkah parade of cars with portable menorahs on top through downtown Naperville , culminating in a drive-in menorah lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora .
A video presentation about Hanukkah will be played on a giant screen .
`` We want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and somewhat connect with the community and other people , '' Goldstein said .
The Chabad Jewish Center of Elgin , which usually rents out the ballroom at the Centre of Elgin for a big Hanukkah celebration , will gather members virtually via Zoom on the first night of Hanukkah and have an online celebration Sunday night instead of a drive-in event planned earlier .
The latter will include a guest illusionist , Ilan Smith .
`` We 're going to light the menorah and it 's going to be broadcast online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center co-director .
`` ( We 're ) just trying to remind everyone that there is a community that is thinking about them . ''
Events at the Northbrook-based Jewish Community Center of Chicago include a cooking demonstration featuring a recipe from Food Network star and Glenview native Molly Yeh that 's a twist on a traditional Hanukkah jelly doughnut : s'mores sufganiyot .
In Northbrook Northbrook-based Jewish Community Center of Chicago for the first time will host two drive-in concerts Sunday with outdoor candle lighting at its early childhood centers in Northbrook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive a swag bag with fun activities to do at home .
`` It 's really for young families , '' said Jill Kahan , program marketing manager .
`` Most of the eight nights are going to be virtual programming where you can log on and watch a cooking demo , play bingo , trivia night , ( have ) a virtual pajama party . ''
The program runs today through Dec. 17 .
It includes a family-friendly video performance by popular Jewish beatboxer Yuri Lane ; a streaming of `` Dreaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentary film about Jewish songwriters who wrote some of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time ; and a video presentation of famed National Geographic photographer Udi Goren walking the Israel National Trail .
JCC Chicago also is selling a `` Hoppy Hanukkah Brew Box '' with eight craft beers and will host online discussions with the brew masters .
On the last night , there will be a cooking demonstration featuring a recipe from Food Network star Molly Yeh , a Glenview native and Camp Chi alum , for a s'mores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hanukkah jelly doughnut recipe .
To register for events , visit jccchicago.org/8nights/ .
`` A lot of people have really kind of struggled during the pandemic and worried how do we continue on , '' Kahan said .
`` We have been able to maintain our staffing and not only continue on , but being able to pivot to an online platform and matter to a community in a way we never have been able to before .
We are looking for opportunities to connect people , and that 's really what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Chabad F.R.E.E .
of Niles and surrounding suburbs will be delivering 750 gift baskets with supplies , including masks and gloves , to seniors in the Des Plaines , Niles and Park Ridge area and patients at local hospitals .
`` A lot of our volunteers are teenagers who have very little to do .
This is a great way for them to connect with their heritage in a meaningful way by helping others , '' said Rabbi Lazer Hershkovich , who runs the chabad 's outreach division .
Families that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get a special visit from the Hanukkah mobile with a giant menorah on top .
`` It 's going to deliver packages to them with a menorah , candles , activities for the children , and traditional treats , '' Hershkovich said .
`` Everyone is going to tune into Zoom and we are going to light the menorah together . ''
Chabad members can pick up catered traditional meals from the synagogue Sunday afternoon and join on Zoom for a special concert featuring the Hasidic pop rock band 8th Day Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chabadcarestoday.com/storytime , and for tickets for Sunday 's concert , visit jewishniles.com/virtual .
`` The theme of Hanukkah , it was a time of darkness ... today we find ourselves in a very similar situation , '' Hershkovich said .

How suburban Jewish congregations are celebrating Hanukkah this year
Events at the Northbrook-based Jewish Community Center of Chicago will include a video presentation of famed National Geographic photographer Udi Goren walking the Israel National Trail. Courtesy of JCC Chicago
Northbrook-based Jewish Community Center of Chicago is selling a "Hoppy Hanukkah Brew Box" with eight craft beers. Courtesy of JCC Chicago
With the coronavirus pandemic hampering holiday traditions and religious celebrations, faith communities are getting creative to bring together a socially distanced flock.
Beginning this week, several suburban Jewish congregations will observe Hanukkah virtually amid COVID-19 restrictions, with drive-in menorah lightings and concerts, and gift baskets sent to families and seniors isolated from their communities.
The eight-day Festival of Lights, which begins at sundown today, represents the victory of light over darkness.
"The message of Hanukkah is about increasing in more light," said Rabbi Mendy Goldstein, director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Naperville. "It's in the challenge ... in the hardship that we have to find the light."
Typically, Goldstein lights a Hanukkah menorah at Naperville City Hall. This year, instead, there will be a Hanukkah parade of cars with portable menorahs on top through downtown Naperville, culminating in a drive-in menorah lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora. A video presentation about Hanukkah will be played on a giant screen.
"We want to make this available for people to get out and somewhat connect with the community and other people," Goldstein said.
In Elgin
The Chabad Jewish Center of Elgin, which usually rents out the ballroom at the Centre of Elgin for a big Hanukkah celebration, will gather members virtually via Zoom on the first night of Hanukkah and have an online celebration Sunday night instead of a drive-in event planned earlier. The latter will include a guest illusionist, Ilan Smith.
"We're going to light the menorah and it's going to be broadcast online," said Rabbi Mendel Shemtov, center co-director. "(We're) just trying to remind everyone that there is a community that is thinking about them."
Events at the Northbrook-based Jewish Community Center of Chicago include a cooking demonstration featuring a recipe from Food Network star and Glenview native Molly Yeh that's a twist on a traditional Hanukkah jelly doughnut: s'mores sufganiyot. - Courtesy of JCC Chicago
Northbrook-based Jewish Community Center of Chicago for the first time will host two drive-in concerts Sunday with outdoor candle lighting at its early childhood centers in Northbrook and Evanston. Each participating family will receive a swag bag with fun activities to do at home.
"It's really for young families," said Jill Kahan, program marketing manager.
"Most of the eight nights are going to be virtual programming where you can log on and watch a cooking demo, play bingo, trivia night, (have) a virtual pajama party."
The program runs today through Dec. 17. It includes a family-friendly video performance by popular Jewish beatboxer Yuri Lane; a streaming of "Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas," a documentary film about Jewish songwriters who wrote some of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time; and a video presentation of famed National Geographic photographer Udi Goren walking the Israel National Trail.
JCC Chicago also is selling a "Hoppy Hanukkah Brew Box" with eight craft beers and will host online discussions with the brew masters.
On the last night, there will be a cooking demonstration featuring a recipe from Food Network star Molly Yeh, a Glenview native and Camp Chi alum, for a s'mores sufganiyot -- a twist on a traditional Hanukkah jelly doughnut recipe. To register for events, visit jccchicago.org/8nights/.
"A lot of people have really kind of struggled during the pandemic and worried how do we continue on," Kahan said.
"We have been able to maintain our staffing and not only continue on, but being able to pivot to an online platform and matter to a community in a way we never have been able to before. We are looking for opportunities to connect people, and that's really what it's about."
Gift basket delivery
Roughly 40 volunteers from Chabad Cares, the outreach arm of Chabad F.R.E.E. of Niles and surrounding suburbs, will be delivering 750 gift baskets with supplies, including masks and gloves, to seniors in the Des Plaines, Niles and Park Ridge area and patients at local hospitals.
"A lot of our volunteers are teenagers who have very little to do. This is a great way for them to connect with their heritage in a meaningful way by helping others," said Rabbi Lazer Hershkovich, director of Chabad Cares.
Families that sign up for an interactive Hanukkah storytime will get a special visit from the Hanukkah mobile with a giant menorah on top.
"It's going to deliver packages to them with a menorah, candles, activities for the children, and traditional treats," Hershkovich said. "Everyone is going to tune into Zoom and we are going to light the menorah together."
Chabad members can pick up catered traditional meals from the synagogue Sunday afternoon and join on Zoom for a special concert featuring the Hasidic pop rock band 8th Day Sunday night.
For storytime tickets, visit chabadcarestoday.com/storytime, and for tickets for Sunday's concert, visit jewishniles.com/virtual.
"The theme of Hanukkah is shining light on a time of darkness ... today we find ourselves in a very similar situation," Hershkovich said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-09--Dist. 131 program's goal: Make every student bilingual

Alicia Smith wanted to help her biracial children connect with their cultural heritage .
Smith , of Aurora , is Black .
The father of her two sons is Mexican .
It 's why Smith enrolled the boys in a bilingual program at Johnson Elementary School in Aurora .
Her 7-year-old , Alphonse Mendoza , started in the dual-language program in kindergarten and now is excelling academically in second grade , while her 6-year-old , Alano Mendoza , is doing well in first grade .
`` I love the program .
It is amazing , '' Smith said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunger to want to come to school and know something different .
They love their teachers . ''
This year , East Aurora District 131 launched a districtwide dual-language program that is unique statewide .
It aims eventually to make all students in kindergarten through 12th grade bilingual and biliterate by the time they graduate .
This fall , 835 kindergartners across 12 school sites are receiving daily bilingual instruction .
The goal is to roll up the program by one grade level each year until all students earn dual-language certification .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools opted out of the dual-language program .
By next year , officials hope to have all kindergartners and first-graders enrolled in the program .
English and Spanish will serve as the foundational languages for all students to build upon in later grades , said Lisa Dallacqua , senior executive director of teaching and learning .
`` When you talk about a multilingual ecology within a school district , it 's always a good idea to start by building the base , '' Dallacqua said .
`` We also have students that come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( a refugee resettlement group based in DuPage/Aurora ) .
It 's really interesting to watch those students because the interplay of three languages when they 're so young ... the kids ' minds are like little sponges . ''
Many suburban districts offer opt-in dual-language programs for students who are n't English language learners .
Among them are Elgin Area School District U-46 , Barrington Unit District 220 , Cary District 26 , Community Unit District 300 , Crystal Lake District 47 , Diamond Lake District 76 , Elmhurst District 205 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 73 , Huntley Community School District 158 , Naperville Unit District 203 , Schaumburg District 54 , West Chicago District 33 , Wheeling District 21 , and Woodland Unit District 200 .
At District 131 , 44 % of its 13,561 students are native Spanish speakers compared to the state 's average of 13 % .
Nearly 70 % of District 131 students in kindergarten through second grade are English language learners , officials said .
Its population is nearly 88 % Hispanic , 7 % Black , about 3 % white , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ races , with 37 languages represented districtwide .
Ramping up bilingual education was a key pillar of the district 's strategic plan .
It was something the school board committed to after conducting a districtwide needs assessment because an earlier bilingual program for Spanish speakers and all students was found to be `` subpar at best , '' Superintendent Jennifer Norrell said .
`` Our model was straight out of the '70s or '80s , where you would have children go into bilingual education to try to become more English proficient by second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they simply got put out , whether you were proficient or not , '' Norrell said , `` and then had very limited , if any , services ( in ) third grade through high school .
For many children , that was n't enough . ''
Children from families with high mobility rates that joined the district in third grade or later often fell through the cracks .
District 131 tested a pilot dual-language program at one school three years ago with students in kindergarten , first and second grades .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lottery deciding who could get in .
`` We knew that we wanted to have some equity in the language development and have ample opportunities for all of our students , not just for our English learners , '' said Rita Guzman , executive director of language acquisition and early learning .
Officials had to quell some early opposition , then began educating all teachers , administrators and parents before the program could be rolled out districtwide .
Norrell said it required a paradigm shift to start viewing multilingualism as an added value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Biliteracy upon graduating high school can be an asset for students no matter what career they pursue .
It 's why district officials added Mandarin Chinese education starting in middle school and biliteracy pathways in French and German for high schoolers .
`` We 're having a cultural shift , '' Norrell said .
`` We struggled some brutal battles to adopt dual ( language ) for all .
We 're like the only district out of 852 probably that have sought out and won to be able to do this districtwide @ @

Dist. 131 program's goal: Make every student bilingual
Terry Crossen teaches the English portion of a dual-language kindergarten class at Benavides STEAM Academy. East Aurora District 131 this year launched a districtwide dual language program for all kindergartners. Courtesy of East Aurora District 131
Stephanie Paul teaches a dual-language Spanish kindergarten class at Benavides STEAM Academy in Aurora. East Aurora District 131's dual-language program will be rolled up each subsequent year through 12th grade. Courtesy of East Aurora District 131
Alicia Smith wanted to help her biracial children connect with their cultural heritage.
Smith, of Aurora, is Black. The father of her two sons is Mexican.
It's why Smith enrolled the boys in a bilingual program at Johnson Elementary School in Aurora. Her 7-year-old, Alphonse Mendoza, started in the dual-language program in kindergarten and now is excelling academically in second grade, while her 6-year-old, Alano Mendoza, is doing well in first grade.
"I love the program. It is amazing," Smith said. "It gives kids, like, a hunger to want to come to school and know something different. They love their teachers."
This year, East Aurora District 131 launched a districtwide dual-language program that is unique statewide. It aims eventually to make all students in kindergarten through 12th grade bilingual and biliterate by the time they graduate.
This fall, 835 kindergartners across 12 school sites are receiving daily bilingual instruction. The goal is to roll up the program by one grade level each year until all students earn dual-language certification.
Only one kindergarten class out of 13 elementary schools opted out of the dual-language program. By next year, officials hope to have all kindergartners and first-graders enrolled in the program.
English and Spanish will serve as the foundational languages for all students to build upon in later grades, said Lisa Dallacqua, senior executive director of teaching and learning.
"When you talk about a multilingual ecology within a school district, it's always a good idea to start by building the base," Dallacqua said. "We also have students that come in with other languages from World Relief (a refugee resettlement group based in DuPage/Aurora). It's really interesting to watch those students because the interplay of three languages when they're so young ... the kids' minds are like little sponges."
Many suburban districts offer opt-in dual-language programs for students who aren't English language learners. Among them are Elgin Area School District U-46, Barrington Unit District 220, Cary District 26, Community Unit District 300, Crystal Lake District 47, Diamond Lake District 76, Elmhurst District 205, Glen Ellyn District 41, Hawthorn District 73, Huntley Community School District 158, Naperville Unit District 203, Schaumburg District 54, West Chicago District 33, Wheeling District 21, and Woodland Unit District 200.
At District 131, 44% of its 13,561 students are native Spanish speakers compared to the state's average of 13%. Nearly 70% of District 131 students in kindergarten through second grade are English language learners, officials said.
Its population is nearly 88% Hispanic, 7% Black, about 3% white, and 1% of two or more races, with 37 languages represented districtwide.
Ramping up bilingual education was a key pillar of the district's strategic plan. It was something the school board committed to after conducting a districtwide needs assessment because an earlier bilingual program for Spanish speakers and all students was found to be "subpar at best," Superintendent Jennifer Norrell said.
"Our model was straight out of the '70s or '80s, where you would have children go into bilingual education to try to become more English proficient by second grade, and if they weren't, they simply got put out, whether you were proficient or not," Norrell said, "and then had very limited, if any, services (in) third grade through high school. For many children, that wasn't enough."
Children from families with high mobility rates that joined the district in third grade or later often fell through the cracks.
District 131 tested a pilot dual-language program at one school three years ago with students in kindergarten, first and second grades. There was a waiting list with a lottery deciding who could get in.
"We knew that we wanted to have some equity in the language development and have ample opportunities for all of our students, not just for our English learners," said Rita Guzman, executive director of language acquisition and early learning.
Officials had to quell some early opposition, then began educating all teachers, administrators and parents before the program could be rolled out districtwide.
Norrell said it required a paradigm shift to start viewing multilingualism as an added value and recognizing that earning a state Seal of Biliteracy upon graduating high school can be an asset for students no matter what career they pursue.
It's why district officials added Mandarin Chinese education starting in middle school and biliteracy pathways in French and German for high schoolers.
"We're having a cultural shift," Norrell said. "We struggled some brutal battles to adopt dual (language) for all. We're like the only district out of 852 probably that have sought out and won to be able to do this districtwide."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-09--$100 to a woman who helps mothers

$100 to a woman who helps mothers

Today 's winner of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Klaudia Bogdan of Schaumburg .
She wants @ @ @ @ @ her friend .
Here is an excerpt of her story : '' Paulina is caring @ @ @ @ @ love for her baby .
Her baby 's name is Sophie ( and ) she @ @ @ @ @ .
`` She was always by her side every day ... Now she 's voluntarily @ @ @ @ @ to give hope and strength . ''
• The Believe Project is awarding $ 100 @ @ @ @ @ a different person with a good idea for how to use the money to do @ @ @ @ @ else .
If you 'd like the chance to help someone , submit your idea @ @ @ @ @ or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

Believe Project: $100 to a woman who helps mothers
Today's winner of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Klaudia Bogdan of Schaumburg.
She wants to give the money to her friend. Here is an excerpt of her story:
"Paulina is caring, helpful and has unconditional love for her baby. Her baby's name is Sophie (and) she was born at 25 weeks.
"She was always by her side every day ... Now she's voluntarily helping mothers with sick babies to give hope and strength."
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day in December to a different person with a good idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else. If you'd like the chance to help someone, submit your idea for consideration in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Illinois COVID-19 infection rate, hospitalizations continue to decline

Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker remained hopeful Thursday that a decline in the seven-day average infection rate and in hospitalizations foretell a lasting trend for the state in its battle against the spread of COVID-19 .
`` I was hopeful that some of the recent early improvement in our COVID leading indicators would continue , and I 'm glad to say we 've yet to see a reversal in our progress that would dash that hope , '' the governor said at his daily media briefing .
`` Though , again , we are not out of the Thanksgiving surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-day average infection rate dipped again for the fourth straight day to 9.5 % , and remains below 10 % for the third straight day , which has n't happened since early November .
The state 's seven-day average infection rate peaked during the current case surge at 13.2 % on Nov. 13 .
After three days of modest hospitalization increases , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 146 fewer patients in the state 's hospitals Wednesday .
The 5,138 people hospitalized statewide is the lowest number since Nov. 10 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also hundreds below our overall pandemic record , '' Pritzker said .
At its peak during the current surge , hospitals statewide reported 6,175 patients on Nov. 20 .
But hospitalizations are a lagging indicator of the spread of the disease .
It could be a few more days or even a couple weeks before state health officials know whether Thanksgiving gatherings caused a spike in cases .
Also Thursday , the state reported 196 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 with 11,101 new cases of the disease diagnosed , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll to 13,861 since the outbreak began and 823,531 residents have contracted the disease , according to IDPH records .
Health experts are urging everyone to avoid holiday gatherings to help ensure another wave of the virus does n't hit the U.S. Thursday marked the start of Hanukkah .
`` Only when people adjust their personal behaviors with the masks and the distancing and avoiding gatherings , combined with vaccinations , will we get to the end of this pandemic and get to our normal way of living , '' said IDPH Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you not to plan any end-of-the-year parties or holiday parties in large gatherings , '' Ezike said .
`` Start planning for the end-of-the-pandemic party for next year . ''
Ezike said hospitals are still under threat of being overwhelmed if cases surge again .
Many hospitals have fewer than 20 % of beds available .
Of those currently hospitalized , 1,081 are being treated in intensive care , nearly 100 fewer than were in ICUs the day before .
It 's also the fewest number of patients in intensive care since Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Illinois COVID-19 infection rate, hospitalizations continue to decline
Nurses in the intensive care unit at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview help each other with their personal protective equipment at the outset of the pandemic. Photo courtesy of Jon Hillenbrand/April 22
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker remained hopeful Thursday that a decline in the seven-day average infection rate and in hospitalizations foretell a lasting trend for the state in its battle against the spread of COVID-19.
"I was hopeful that some of the recent early improvement in our COVID leading indicators would continue, and I'm glad to say we've yet to see a reversal in our progress that would dash that hope," the governor said at his daily media briefing. "Though, again, we are not out of the Thanksgiving surge period yet."
The state's seven-day average infection rate dipped again for the fourth straight day to 9.5%, and remains below 10% for the third straight day, which hasn't happened since early November.
The state's seven-day average infection rate peaked during the current case surge at 13.2% on Nov. 13.
After three days of modest hospitalization increases, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 146 fewer patients in the state's hospitals Wednesday. The 5,138 people hospitalized statewide is the lowest number since Nov. 10, according to IDPH figures.
"We're also hundreds below our overall pandemic record," Pritzker said.
At its peak during the current surge, hospitals statewide reported 6,175 patients on Nov. 20.
But hospitalizations are a lagging indicator of the spread of the disease. It could be a few more days or even a couple weeks before state health officials know whether Thanksgiving gatherings caused a spike in cases.
Also Thursday, the state reported 196 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 with 11,101 new cases of the disease diagnosed, as well.
That brings the state's death toll to 13,861 since the outbreak began and 823,531 residents have contracted the disease, according to IDPH records.
Health experts are urging everyone to avoid holiday gatherings to help ensure another wave of the virus doesn't hit the U.S. Thursday marked the start of Hanukkah.
"Only when people adjust their personal behaviors with the masks and the distancing and avoiding gatherings, combined with vaccinations, will we get to the end of this pandemic and get to our normal way of living," said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "I urge you not to plan any end-of-the-year parties or holiday parties in large gatherings," Ezike said. "Start planning for the end-of-the-pandemic party for next year."
Ezike said hospitals are still under threat of being overwhelmed if cases surge again. Many hospitals have fewer than 20% of beds available.
Of those currently hospitalized, 1,081 are being treated in intensive care, nearly 100 fewer than were in ICUs the day before. It's also the fewest number of patients in intensive care since Nov. 14, according to IDPH records.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Suspect in 1999 Des Plaines slaying captured in Mexico, extradited to U.S.

Following a lengthy international manhunt , the man suspected of murdering a Des Plaines woman 21 years ago has been arrested and returned to the U.S. , police announced Thursday .
Luis Rodriguez-Mena , 46 , formerly of Des Plaines , is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the 1999 slaying of 30-year-old Young Kavila .
Kavila was found stabbed to death in an apartment she shared with a fellow flight attendant .
Police believe the killing may have been a crime of opportunity .
Both Rodriguez-Mena and Kavila lived in the Colonial Park Apartments complex off Elmhurst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection with the slaying since 2008 , a year after a relative came forward with information linking him to the killing .
Rodriguez-Mena was arrested in June in Cuernavaca , Mexico , where he 'd been living .
The FBI and Interpol had tried several times to grab him over the years but were unable to do so until this summer because his family kept moving him around Mexico , Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner said during a news conference Thursday at city hall .
`` They kept hiding him , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most uncooperative . ''
Rodriguez-Mena was turned over to Des Plaines police Tuesday at O'Hare International Airport .
His return to the U.S. was delayed because of the extradition process , police said .
Rodriguez-Mena spoke to Des Plaines detectives for about 30 minutes before requesting a lawyer , Kushner said .
The former fugitive did n't say anything of interest , he added .
At a court hearing Thursday , Rodriguez-Mena was ordered held without bail in the Cook County jail .
Kavila 's body was discovered by her roommate on Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floor of her first-floor apartment .
She was attacked shortly after returning home with sushi she 'd purchased in Arlington Heights , said former Des Plaines Detective Cmdr .
Randy Akin , who retired in 2015 and now serves as a police officer in Inverness .
The uneaten meal was found on the kitchen table , Akin said .
Kavila had been stabbed and slashed in the neck but also fought back , cutting her assailant with a box cutter .
Because of how she was found , police also believe Kavila was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his then-girlfriend the day after the murder , police said .
Relatives stitched wounds police believe he suffered in the attack , Akin said .
Rodriguez-Mena was identified as a suspect after a relative told police in 2007 that he had bragged about the murder and threatened to kill anyone who gave him up .
Police later tracked down Rodriguez-Mena 's former girlfriend , who they said had been battered and held hostage by him and his family members until she escaped years later with their baby son .
She subsequently left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNA test of the couple 's child linked blood found at the murder scene to Rodriguez-Mena , police have said .
The samples had a 99.98 % match , Kushner said .
Fingerprint evidence also tied Rodriguez-Mena to the crime , Kushner said .
Rodriguez-Mena was seen in March 2011 in Chicago , spying on his son , police once said .
That child now is 18 .
The murder was featured on an episode of the television show `` America 's Most Wanted '' in 2012 .
Kushner , who is retiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Des Plaines , praised the `` tireless '' work of the detectives who worked the case .
`` You hate to leave anything unfinished , '' he said .
Akin was one of the first investigators in the apartment the night of the killing .
Of all the murders Akin investigated through the years , Kavila 's stood out , he said .
He remained optimistic police would solve the case and put Rodriguez-Mena in handcuffs .
The arrest `` closes the circle , '' Akin said .
The U.S. Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexican government assisted with the arrest .

Suspect in 1999 Des Plaines slaying captured in Mexico, extradited to U.S.
Following a lengthy international manhunt, the man suspected of murdering a Des Plaines woman 21 years ago has been arrested and returned to the U.S., police announced Thursday.
Luis Rodriguez-Mena, 46, formerly of Des Plaines, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the 1999 slaying of 30-year-old Young Kavila.
Kavila was found stabbed to death in an apartment she shared with a fellow flight attendant.
Police believe the killing may have been a crime of opportunity. Both Rodriguez-Mena and Kavila lived in the Colonial Park Apartments complex off Elmhurst Road.
Rodriguez-Mena had been wanted in connection with the slaying since 2008, a year after a relative came forward with information linking him to the killing.
Rodriguez-Mena was arrested in June in Cuernavaca, Mexico, where he'd been living. The FBI and Interpol had tried several times to grab him over the years but were unable to do so until this summer because his family kept moving him around Mexico, Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner said during a news conference Thursday at city hall.
"They kept hiding him," Kushner said. "His family was most uncooperative."
Rodriguez-Mena was turned over to Des Plaines police Tuesday at O'Hare International Airport. His return to the U.S. was delayed because of the extradition process, police said.
Rodriguez-Mena spoke to Des Plaines detectives for about 30 minutes before requesting a lawyer, Kushner said. The former fugitive didn't say anything of interest, he added.
At a court hearing Thursday, Rodriguez-Mena was ordered held without bail in the Cook County jail.
Kavila's body was discovered by her roommate on Nov. 30, 1999, on the kitchen floor of her first-floor apartment. She was attacked shortly after returning home with sushi she'd purchased in Arlington Heights, said former Des Plaines Detective Cmdr. Randy Akin, who retired in 2015 and now serves as a police officer in Inverness.
The uneaten meal was found on the kitchen table, Akin said.
Kavila had been stabbed and slashed in the neck but also fought back, cutting her assailant with a box cutter.
"She fought valiantly," Akin said.
Because of how she was found, police also believe Kavila was sexually assaulted.
Rodriguez-Mena fled to Mexico with his then-girlfriend the day after the murder, police said. Relatives stitched wounds police believe he suffered in the attack, Akin said.
Rodriguez-Mena was identified as a suspect after a relative told police in 2007 that he had bragged about the murder and threatened to kill anyone who gave him up.
Police later tracked down Rodriguez-Mena's former girlfriend, who they said had been battered and held hostage by him and his family members until she escaped years later with their baby son. She subsequently left Mexico and returned to Chicago.
A DNA test of the couple's child linked blood found at the murder scene to Rodriguez-Mena, police have said. The samples had a 99.98% match, Kushner said.
Fingerprint evidence also tied Rodriguez-Mena to the crime, Kushner said.
Rodriguez-Mena was seen in March 2011 in Chicago, spying on his son, police once said. That child now is 18.
The murder was featured on an episode of the television show "America's Most Wanted" in 2012.
Kushner, who is retiring this month after eight years as chief in Des Plaines, praised the "tireless" work of the detectives who worked the case.
"You hate to leave anything unfinished," he said.
Akin was one of the first investigators in the apartment the night of the killing. Of all the murders Akin investigated through the years, Kavila's stood out, he said. He remained optimistic police would solve the case and put Rodriguez-Mena in handcuffs.
The arrest "closes the circle," Akin said.
The U.S. Justice Department's office of international affairs and the Mexican government assisted with the arrest.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Major hospital systems won't mandate, but 'strongly' encourage, COVID-19 vaccines for employees

Major hospital systems in Illinois wo n't require their employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine on the cusp of federal approval .
The first doses of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech could reach hospitals as early as next week , launching a mass immunization campaign that experts hope will mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic .
`` This is an incredible landmark , '' said Dr. Robert Citronberg , executive medical director of infectious disease and prevention for Advocate Aurora Health .
`` The fact that this vaccine was able to be developed in such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the great scientific achievements of our time . ''
Limited supplies of the vaccine mean hospitals will prioritize shots for health care workers who directly care for COVID-19 patients and face the highest risk of contracting the virus .
But at this point , hospital leaders say they 're strongly encouraging , not mandating , vaccinations for personnel .
`` We do n't feel like we have enough information to mandate it , '' Citronberg said .
`` We also do n't think that 's the right strategy right now .
Encouragement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to take the vaccine .
Now down the line , in subsequent months , that policy may change . ''
Edward-Elmhurst Health and Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the suburbs also wo n't force their employees to get the vaccine .
Advocate Aurora Health is one of the largest systems in the Midwest , with 10 hospitals in Illinois and 16 in Wisconsin .
While Citronberg cited a lack of data about any possible long-term effects , he also sought to address public skepticism over the vaccine during a briefing with reporters Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration endorsed its authorization for emergency use .
`` The vaccine is incredibly effective , preventing COVID in about 95 % of people who received the vaccine , '' Citronberg said .
`` It is not without side effects .
Side effects are expected with vaccines , but there 's no doubt that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risk . ''
Reported effects from the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine include muscle aches , sore arms , transient fatigue and fever , signs that the immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Citronberg said .
`` Those are all good signs , '' he said .
`` There were no serious safety concerns that were reported within that trial , and on balance , this is a really , really favorable report on the efficacy and the safety . ''
Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn will serve as regional distribution hubs along with eight other hospitals in the state 's plan for allocating the first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine .
Of the roughly 109,000 doses slated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bound for Chicago and 86,000 to the rest of the state .
In DuPage County , public health authorities expect an allotment of about 13,000 doses .
It could take several months to provide vaccines for the estimated 58,000 health care personnel and long-term care facility residents in the county -- groups that are first in line .
Hospitals have to identify which employees within COVID-19 units will get the vaccine first .
The supply through this month likely wo n't be enough to immunize everyone , Citronberg said .
`` We expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six weeks we should be able to immunize all of our patient-facing team members who want to get a vaccine , '' he said .
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge was treating 111 COVID-19 patients as of Wednesday .
Advocate Sherman had 39 .
Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove logged 69 and 43 , respectively .
Systemwide , officials reported a total of 960 COVID-19 patients , reflecting a slight downward trend in recent weeks , but they 're bracing for another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are just absolutely imploring the public to not gather together and to celebrate virtually , '' said Dr. Gary Stuck , the system 's chief medical officer .

Why major hospital systems won't mandate COVID-19 vaccines for employees
One of the largest health systems in the Midwest, including Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, expects to roll out vaccines as early as next week. Courtesy of Advocate Aurora Health
Major hospital systems in Illinois won't require their employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine on the cusp of federal approval.
The first doses of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech could reach hospitals as early as next week, launching a mass immunization campaign that experts hope will mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic.
"This is an incredible landmark," said Dr. Robert Citronberg, executive medical director of infectious disease and prevention for Advocate Aurora Health. "The fact that this vaccine was able to be developed in such a short period of time is one of the great scientific achievements of our time."
Limited supplies of the vaccine mean hospitals will prioritize shots for health care workers who directly care for COVID-19 patients and face the highest risk of contracting the virus. But at this point, hospital leaders say they're strongly encouraging, not mandating, vaccinations for personnel.
"We don't feel like we have enough information to mandate it," Citronberg said. "We also don't think that's the right strategy right now. Encouragement, education are the ways to get people to take the vaccine. Now down the line, in subsequent months, that policy may change."
Edward-Elmhurst Health and Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the suburbs also won't force their employees to get the vaccine. Advocate Aurora Health is one of the largest systems in the Midwest, with 10 hospitals in Illinois and 16 in Wisconsin.
While Citronberg cited a lack of data about any possible long-term effects, he also sought to address public skepticism over the vaccine during a briefing with reporters Thursday, hours before a key advisory panel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration endorsed its authorization for emergency use.
"The vaccine is incredibly effective, preventing COVID in about 95% of people who received the vaccine," Citronberg said. "It is not without side effects. Side effects are expected with vaccines, but there's no doubt that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risk."
Reported effects from the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine include muscle aches, sore arms, transient fatigue and fever, signs that the immune system is responding to the inoculation, Citronberg said.
"Those are all good signs," he said. "There were no serious safety concerns that were reported within that trial, and on balance, this is a really, really favorable report on the efficacy and the safety."
The rollout
Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn will serve as regional distribution hubs along with eight other hospitals in the state's plan for allocating the first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Of the roughly 109,000 doses slated to come to Illinois, 23,000 are bound for Chicago and 86,000 to the rest of the state.
In DuPage County, public health authorities expect an allotment of about 13,000 doses. It could take several months to provide vaccines for the estimated 58,000 health care personnel and long-term care facility residents in the county -- groups that are first in line.
Hospitals have to identify which employees within COVID-19 units will get the vaccine first. The supply through this month likely won't be enough to immunize everyone, Citronberg said.
"We expect that hopefully in the next four or six weeks we should be able to immunize all of our patient-facing team members who want to get a vaccine," he said.
Hospital caseload
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge was treating 111 COVID-19 patients as of Wednesday. Advocate Sherman had 39. Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove logged 69 and 43, respectively.
Systemwide, officials reported a total of 960 COVID-19 patients, reflecting a slight downward trend in recent weeks, but they're bracing for another spike fueled by holiday gatherings.
"We are just absolutely imploring the public to not gather together and to celebrate virtually," said Dr. Gary Stuck, the system's chief medical officer.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Shake Shack in Vernon Hills is chain's first with a drive-up window

The Shake Shack restaurant in Vernon Hills has become the international chain 's first location with a drive-up window .
The standard feature elsewhere on the restaurant landscape is part of the New York-based company 's larger `` Shack Track '' digital initiative sparked by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Vernon Hills Shake Shack opened in June 2019 at the Mellody Farm shopping center at Route 60 and Route 21 .
The company secured a special-use permit from the village this summer for the drive-up , which officially opened Monday .
Customers are required to pre-order through the Shack App @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As we began to focus on the importance of accessibility and choice , the decision was made to incorporate into preexisting shacks such as Vernon Hills , '' said company spokeswoman Meg Castranova .
The `` digital preordering and fulfillment experience '' also includes walk-up windows , curbside pickup , in-house self-service pickup shelves and delivery through the app .
Vernon Hills only has the drive-up at this point , Castranova said , but roughly half the Shake Shacks in the Chicago market will have either a drive-up or walk-up window in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a combination of the other pickup options .
Shake Shack describes itself as a modern day `` roadside '' burger stand serving fresh , simple , high-quality food using premium ingredients .
The company has 308 `` shacks '' worldwide and nine in Chicago and the suburbs , including Oak Brook , Skokie and Schaumburg .
Castranova said Vernon Hills is `` definitely one of our busier '' suburban locations and has received good turnout and feedback on the new feature .
Opened in October 2018 , Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than a dozen restaurants .
While all restaurants have been hurting , some are faring better than others , said Village Manager Mark Fleischhauer .
`` I think everything is going as well as can be expected , '' he said , adding that he is n't aware of many closings .
`` Most places that always have had drive-ups , I think they 're doing very well , '' Fleischhauer said .
`` Where they 're hurting is all the businesses that are closed or operating with minimal staff are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pickup dinners , outdoor dining , tents and other options have helped .
`` Most of the bigger places , they seem to be weathering the storm , '' he added .
Scott Adams , president and CEO of the GLMV ( Green Oaks , Libertyville , Mundelein , Vernon Hills ) Chamber said he has n't heard of any closings .
`` Obviously , they are all down in sales compared to a year ago , '' he said .
`` But the ones that are marketing curbside and delivery are holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tents are doing some business . ''
Adams said coronavirus cases related to restaurants are low but like small retailers , they have the most restrictive rules , a situation he mentioned to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .

Shake Shack in Vernon Hills is chain's first with a drive-up window
The Shake Shack restaurant in Vernon Hills has become the international chain's first location with a drive-up window.
The standard feature elsewhere on the restaurant landscape is part of the New York-based company's larger "Shack Track" digital initiative sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Vernon Hills Shake Shack opened in June 2019 at the Mellody Farm shopping center at Route 60 and Route 21. The company secured a special-use permit from the village this summer for the drive-up, which officially opened Monday.
Customers are required to pre-order through the Shack App and select the drive-up option.
"As we began to focus on the importance of accessibility and choice, the decision was made to incorporate into preexisting shacks such as Vernon Hills," said Steph So, vice president of digital experience at Shake Shack.
The "digital preordering and fulfillment experience" also includes walk-up windows, curbside pickup, in-house self-service pickup shelves and delivery through the app.
Vernon Hills only has the drive-up at this point, So said, but roughly half the Shake Shacks in the Chicago market will have either a drive-up or walk-up window in the next year. The remaining locations will have a combination of the other pickup options.
Shake Shack describes itself as a modern day "roadside" burger stand serving fresh, simple, high-quality food using premium ingredients. The company has 308 "shacks" worldwide and nine in Chicago and the suburbs, including Oak Brook, Skokie and Schaumburg.
So said Vernon Hills is "definitely one of our busier" suburban locations and has received good turnout and feedback on the new feature.
Opened in October 2018, Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills has become a hub for dining, with more than a dozen restaurants. While all restaurants have been hurting, some are faring better than others, said Village Manager Mark Fleischhauer.
"I think everything is going as well as can be expected," he said, adding that he isn't aware of many closings.
"Most places that always have had drive-ups, I think they're doing very well," Fleischhauer said. "Where they're hurting is all the businesses that are closed or operating with minimal staff aren't going out to lunch."
Pickup dinners, outdoor dining, tents and other options have helped.
"Most of the bigger places, they seem to be weathering the storm," he added.
Scott Adams, president and CEO of the GLMV (Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills) Chamber said he hasn't heard of any closings.
"Obviously, they are all down in sales compared to a year ago," he said. "But the ones that are marketing curbside and delivery are holding their own, and the ones with tents are doing some business."
Adams said coronavirus cases related to restaurants are low but like small retailers, they have the most restrictive rules, a situation he mentioned to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Twice Blest closing for good after 40 years in Palatine

After 40 years in Palatine , Twice Blest Thrift Shoppe is permanently closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic , with a final sale next week .
The volunteer-run thrift store is owned by Misericordia Heart of Mercy in Chicago , a nonprofit that provides residential and day services for children and adults with developmental disabilities .
Misericordia Assistant Executive Director Lois Gates said the decision to close was difficult but made sense financially .
`` The thrift store is just such a special place .
Forty years is a good run , '' Gates said .
`` I think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because we 've reached the end of journey in Palatine . ''
The store closed its doors in March with the state 's stay-at-home order and never reopened because Misericordia did n't want to put the health of its volunteers at risk , Gates said .
The store has always been profitable , with proceeds helping fund the nonprofit 's operations , but has run at a loss during the closure due to monthly rent payments , she said .
The store 's lease runs out in February .
`` The decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that even with the news of a COVID-19 vaccine , it 's difficult to predict when things will go back to normal .
Customer Carla Engelson of Palatine stopped by Thursday to browse for Christmas items , not knowing the store had been closed -- much less that it 's closing for good .
`` I do feel disappointed , especially knowing that they support Misericordia .
Places like that , that support a worthy cause , you hate to see them leave , '' she said .
Misericordia has about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6300 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago , and 82 residents living in 13 homes with support staff in Chicago , Evanston , Skokie and Lincolnwood .
Thrift shop volunteers over the years have included relatives of residents of Misericordia , Gates said .
`` It provided an opportunity ( to volunteer ) for family members who really wanted to make a difference in their children 's lives if they could n't come to campus or lived out ( in the Northwest suburbs ) , '' she said .
Misericordia also runs Sweet Heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which opened in 2018 .
The Palatine thrift store was founded 40 years ago by Misericordia volunteers Pat Martin , Kay Murtha , Kathy Ritter and Janet O'Driscoll .
Martin lived in Palatine and was the sister of Sister Rosemary Connelly , executive director of Misericordia .
`` ( Martin ) and her fellow founders felt this would be a great opportunity to reach out to Misericordia friends and supporters in the area as well as reach a broader audience , '' said Julie O'Sullivan , the nonprofit 's marketing manager and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murtha have since passed away .
The name `` Twice Blest '' comes from a line in William Shakespeare 's poem , `` Merchant of Venice , '' that says : `` It is twice blest ; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes . ''
The thrift store gave Misericordia a presence in the Northwest suburbs and built support among the community , Gates said .
`` It was really wonderful public relations , '' she said .
`` These women made so may friends .
Just wonderful , wonderful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday , at Misericordia Twice Blest Thrift Shoppe , 27 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine .
The nonprofit hired Sheridan Estate Sales II Inc. of Wilmette to manage the sale that will feature furniture , household items , jewelry , clothing , art , books , Christmas items and more .

Twice Blest closing for good after 40 years in Palatine
Some of the many volunteers who helped run Twice Blest Thrift Shoppe in Palatine over the last 40 years. Courtesy of Misericordia Heart of Mercy
After 40 years in Palatine, Twice Blest Thrift Shoppe is permanently closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a final sale next week.
The volunteer-run thrift store is owned by Misericordia Heart of Mercy in Chicago, a nonprofit that provides residential and day services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Misericordia Assistant Executive Director Lois Gates said the decision to close was difficult but made sense financially.
"The thrift store is just such a special place. Forty years is a good run," Gates said. "I think it's really sad. It's melancholy, because we've reached the end of journey in Palatine."
The store closed its doors in March with the state's stay-at-home order and never reopened because Misericordia didn't want to put the health of its volunteers at risk, Gates said. The store has always been profitable, with proceeds helping fund the nonprofit's operations, but has run at a loss during the closure due to monthly rent payments, she said. The store's lease runs out in February.
"The decision is really financial," she said, adding that even with the news of a COVID-19 vaccine, it's difficult to predict when things will go back to normal.
Customer Carla Engelson of Palatine stopped by Thursday to browse for Christmas items, not knowing the store had been closed -- much less that it's closing for good.
"I do feel disappointed, especially knowing that they support Misericordia. Places like that, that support a worthy cause, you hate to see them leave," she said.
Misericordia has about 533 residents on its main campus at 6300 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago, and 82 residents living in 13 homes with support staff in Chicago, Evanston, Skokie and Lincolnwood. Thrift shop volunteers over the years have included relatives of residents of Misericordia, Gates said.
"It provided an opportunity (to volunteer) for family members who really wanted to make a difference in their children's lives if they couldn't come to campus or lived out (in the Northwest suburbs)," she said.
Misericordia also runs Sweet Heart Shoppe bakery and gift shop in Glenview, which opened in 2018.
The founders of Twice Blest Thrift Shoppe in Palatine were, from left to right, Kay Murtha, Pat Martin, Kathy Ritter and Janet O'Driscoll. Murtha and Martin have since died. - Courtesy of Misericordia Heart of Mercy
The Palatine thrift store was founded 40 years ago by Misericordia volunteers Pat Martin, Kay Murtha, Kathy Ritter and Janet O'Driscoll. Martin lived in Palatine and was the sister of Sister Rosemary Connelly, executive director of Misericordia.
"(Martin) and her fellow founders felt this would be a great opportunity to reach out to Misericordia friends and supporters in the area as well as reach a broader audience," said Julie O'Sullivan, the nonprofit's marketing manager and director of creative arts. Martin and Murtha have since passed away.
The name "Twice Blest" comes from a line in William Shakespeare's poem, "Merchant of Venice," that says: "It is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."
The thrift store gave Misericordia a presence in the Northwest suburbs and built support among the community, Gates said. "It was really wonderful public relations," she said. "These women made so may friends. Just wonderful, wonderful friends."
The sale takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday, at Misericordia Twice Blest Thrift Shoppe, 27 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine. The nonprofit hired Sheridan Estate Sales II Inc. of Wilmette to manage the sale that will feature furniture, household items, jewelry, clothing, art, books, Christmas items and more.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Police: Man, woman found shot in Beach Park garage were murdered

Lake County sheriff 's police believe the man and woman found shot dead inside a Beach Park garage late Tuesday were murdered and are investigating the case as a double homicide .
Sheriff 's Sgt .
Christopher Covelli said detectives investigated other possibilities , including murder-suicide , but now believe both were murder victims .
The case remains under intense investigation , he added .
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the man Thursday as Carlos Rafael Rodas Perez , 52 , and the woman as Mercedes Rodas , 49 .
Banek said they were husband and wife and lived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found dead .
Banek 's office performed autopsies on the couple Thursday morning and concluded they both died as a result of gunshot wounds .
The couple was found in the garage of their home on the 10000 block of West Wadsworth Road at about 9:40 p.m. Tuesday .
Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful , and the two were pronounced dead at the scene , sheriff 's police said .
No arrests have been made .
Anyone with information about the shootings is encouraged to call sheriff 's detectives at ( 847 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lakecountycrimestoppers.com .

Police: Man, woman found shot in Beach Park garage were murdered
Lake County sheriff's police believe the man and woman found shot dead inside a Beach Park garage late Tuesday were murdered and are investigating the case as a double homicide.
Sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli said detectives investigated other possibilities, including murder-suicide, but now believe both were murder victims. The case remains under intense investigation, he added.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the man Thursday as Carlos Rafael Rodas Perez, 52, and the woman as Mercedes Rodas, 49. Banek said they were husband and wife and lived at the home in which they were found dead.
Banek's office performed autopsies on the couple Thursday morning and concluded they both died as a result of gunshot wounds.
The couple was found in the garage of their home on the 10000 block of West Wadsworth Road at about 9:40 p.m. Tuesday. Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful, and the two were pronounced dead at the scene, sheriff's police said.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information about the shootings is encouraged to call sheriff's detectives at (847) 377-4000 or make an anonymous tip at lakecountycrimestoppers.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--St. Charles man fatally struck by vehicle in Geneva

A 71-year-old St. Charles man died Thursday after being struck by a car while attempting to cross the street in @ @ @ @ @ The man was walking across West State Street just east of the crosswalk at the @ @ @ @ @ a.m. when he was hit by a silver Toyota Yaris , which was heading east @ @ @ @ @ , according to a news release from Geneva police .
The driver , a 63-year-old @ @ @ @ @ at the scene that he did not see the pedestrian in the roadway because of @ @ @ @ @ pedestrian was taken to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva , where he later died @ @ @ @ @ name has not been released pending notification of his family .
As of Thursday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ filed against the driver , who was uninjured and has been `` fully cooperating '' @ @ @ @ @ .
An investigation is ongoing by Geneva police and the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team @

St. Charles man fatally struck by vehicle in Geneva
A 71-year-old St. Charles man died Thursday after being struck by a car while attempting to cross the street in Geneva, officials said.
The man was walking across West State Street just east of the crosswalk at the Bricher Road intersection about 7:45 a.m. when he was hit by a silver Toyota Yaris, which was heading east with a green traffic signal, according to a news release from Geneva police.
The driver, a 63-year-old DeKalb man, told officials at the scene that he did not see the pedestrian in the roadway because of the morning sunlight.
The pedestrian was taken to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, where he later died, police said. His name has not been released pending notification of his family.
As of Thursday afternoon, no charges had been filed against the driver, who was uninjured and has been "fully cooperating" with police, officials said. An investigation is ongoing by Geneva police and the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Suspect in attempted ATM theft in Round Lake captured, two more remain at large

Round Lake police said they 've captured one of three men who they say tried to steal an ATM from a Chase Bank on Route 134 early Thursday morning .
Chief Michael Gillette said the man remains in custody .
His identity has not been publicly released .
According to police , dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call at about 2:30 a.m. reporting that someone was trying to steal an ATM from the Chase Bank at 1271 Route 134 .
The caller said someone in a pickup truck was pulling the ATM with a chain while a white sedan followed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found the ATM lying in the road near the intersection of Town Center Road and Fox Trail , about 750 feet from the bank .
Officers also found an unoccupied pickup truck nearby and spotted a white sedan parked nearby with three men inside .
The driver of the sedan sped away from officers but later crashed near a marsh area a few hundred feet down the road , on the 500 block of Fox Trail , police said .
The three men fled into the marsh , according to police .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Deputy John Forlenza were called to the scene and tracked down one of the three men hiding in the marsh .
The man is believed to be the driver of the white sedan , according to police .
Gillette said the search for the remaining suspects is ongoing .

Suspect in attempted ATM theft in Round Lake captured, two more remain at large
Round Lake police said they've captured one of three men who they say tried to steal an ATM from a Chase Bank on Route 134 early Thursday morning.
Chief Michael Gillette said the man remains in custody. His identity has not been publicly released.
According to police, dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call at about 2:30 a.m. reporting that someone was trying to steal an ATM from the Chase Bank at 1271 Route 134. The caller said someone in a pickup truck was pulling the ATM with a chain while a white sedan followed, police said.
When officers arrived they found the ATM lying in the road near the intersection of Town Center Road and Fox Trail, about 750 feet from the bank. Officers also found an unoccupied pickup truck nearby and spotted a white sedan parked nearby with three men inside.
The driver of the sedan sped away from officers but later crashed near a marsh area a few hundred feet down the road, on the 500 block of Fox Trail, police said. The three men fled into the marsh, according to police.
Police dog Dax and partner Lake County Sheriff's Deputy John Forlenza were called to the scene and tracked down one of the three men hiding in the marsh. The man is believed to be the driver of the white sedan, according to police.
Gillette said the search for the remaining suspects is ongoing.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Wild day for Chicago Bears, but in some ways 'it was like riding a bike'

In some ways , it was a strange day at Halas Hall on Thursday as the Bears prepared to host the Houston Texans on Sunday at Soldier Field .
And , in other ways , it was n't .
It was just so 2020 .
When players , coaches and staff arrived in the morning , it was learned that a player tested positive for COVID-19 .
The Bears ' response was to shut down the facility , call off practice and send the players home .
At first , the hope was just to be able to hold a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with an all-out practice Friday .
But 2020 being 2020 , things turned on a dime and the Bears actually were able to hold a full practice at 2:30 p.m. Because they 've been through similar situations this season , the Bears are getting to be old hands at adjusting on the fly and staying flexible on a minute-by-minute basis .
`` I feel like we had a day like that in training camp where we all left and came back , '' said offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. `` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like riding a bike honestly . ''
The Bears ended up placing wide receiver DeAndre Carter on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday afternoon .
He has begun self-isolation , and the Bears were working with medical experts to identify any close contacts with Carter .
If a player is deemed to be a high-risk close contact , he would also go on the reserve/COVID-19 list and miss Sunday 's game against Houston .
The Bears did put three practice-squad players on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week : defensive tackle LaCale London , linebacker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ives .
This list is meant for players who tested positive as well as being a close contact with a positive person .
So far the Bears have been relatively lucky in dealing with COVID-19 .
They 've been spared the nightmares that have affected the Broncos ( who lost four QBs in one week ) , the Ravens ( who had a game rescheduled three times ) and the 49ers ( who have temporarily relocated to Arizona ) .
Some wonder how much of a toll this is taking on players , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that when he met with the team via Zoom on Thursday .
`` This is where you have to be built for this kind of mental toughness , '' Nagy said .
`` All of us . ''
Said Leno Jr. : `` That 's what this season is all about .
We 've been talking about adapting from every single situation .
So we 've been doing that since Day 1 .
... '' I 'm just happy we was able to get to work ... ( because ) I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave and I thought I was n't coming back .
Coming back in was really cool , seeing everybody again . ''
Nagy thought back to the beginning of the season , when he was wondering just how bad things might get if everyone did n't take things seriously .
In the months since , he has been impressed with the league 's handling of the pandemic and is thrilled that `` we 've made it this far . ''
Now that we 've reached Week 14 , there 's a big difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test compared to earlier in the season .
`` Now you start learning a little bit more on how to handle certain things , '' he said .
`` There 's a lot more calm between ( everybody ) .
... '' In an organization like this -- with 125 people in the building -- ( it 's ) making sure that you communicate the right way .
You explain what 's going on , why it 's going on and everybody understands .
`` This is a worldwide pandemic and we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us telling us , 'Listen -- this is gon na happen .
You 're crazy if you think there 's gon na be no cases . '
... '' Now that we 've had a few more cases recently , we 've got to keep digging into , 'How do we do everything that we can to eliminate it the best we can ? '
But ( we still want ) to have your meetings and still be able to have your practices and still be able to play games .
`` Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to help this league play games . ''

Wild day for Chicago Bears, but in some ways 'it was like riding a bike'
The Bears closed Halas Hall Thursday morning after they said someone tested positive for COVID-19. Associated Press
In some ways, it was a strange day at Halas Hall on Thursday as the Bears prepared to host the Houston Texans on Sunday at Soldier Field.
And, in other ways, it wasn't. It was just so 2020.
Let's explain.
When players, coaches and staff arrived in the morning, it was learned that a player tested positive for COVID-19. The Bears' response was to shut down the facility, call off practice and send the players home.
At first, the hope was just to be able to hold a walk-through in the evening and follow that up with an all-out practice Friday.
But 2020 being 2020, things turned on a dime and the Bears actually were able to hold a full practice at 2:30 p.m.
Because they've been through similar situations this season, the Bears are getting to be old hands at adjusting on the fly and staying flexible on a minute-by-minute basis.
"I feel like we had a day like that in training camp where we all left and came back," said offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. "We've already been through this. So it was like riding a bike honestly."
The Bears ended up placing wide receiver DeAndre Carter on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday afternoon. He has begun self-isolation, and the Bears were working with medical experts to identify any close contacts with Carter.
If a player is deemed to be a high-risk close contact, he would also go on the reserve/COVID-19 list and miss Sunday's game against Houston.
The Bears did put three practice-squad players on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week: defensive tackle LaCale London, linebacker Manti Te'o and receiver Thomas Ives. This list is meant for players who tested positive as well as being a close contact with a positive person.
So far the Bears have been relatively lucky in dealing with COVID-19.
They've been spared the nightmares that have affected the Broncos (who lost four QBs in one week), the Ravens (who had a game rescheduled three times) and the 49ers (who have temporarily relocated to Arizona).
Some wonder how much of a toll this is taking on players, but head coach Matt Nagy sensed none of that when he met with the team via Zoom on Thursday.
"This is where you have to be built for this kind of mental toughness," Nagy said. "All of us."
Said Leno Jr.: "That's what this season is all about. We've been talking about adapting from every single situation. So we've been doing that since Day 1. ...
"I'm just happy we was able to get to work ... (because) I was in here and I was told to leave and I thought I wasn't coming back. Coming back in was really cool, seeing everybody again."
Nagy thought back to the beginning of the season, when he was wondering just how bad things might get if everyone didn't take things seriously. In the months since, he has been impressed with the league's handling of the pandemic and is thrilled that "we've made it this far."
Now that we've reached Week 14, there's a big difference in how Nagy reacts to a positive test compared to earlier in the season.
"Now you start learning a little bit more on how to handle certain things," he said. "There's a lot more calm between (everybody). ...
"In an organization like this -- with 125 people in the building -- (it's) making sure that you communicate the right way. You explain what's going on, why it's going on and everybody understands.
"This is a worldwide pandemic and we've been educated from people way higher than us telling us, 'Listen -- this is gonna happen. You're crazy if you think there's gonna be no cases.' ...
"Now that we've had a few more cases recently, we've got to keep digging into, 'How do we do everything that we can to eliminate it the best we can?' But (we still want) to have your meetings and still be able to have your practices and still be able to play games.
"Because that's our job -- to be able to help this league play games."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--You might be able to see the northern lights tonight

Some parts of the suburbs might be able to see the aurora borealis , also known as the northern lights @ @ @ @ @ cooperate .
The best chances to see the lights will be closer to the Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ p.m .
The forecast tonight calls for partly cloudy skies in the evening and overcast @ @ @ @

You might be able to see the northern lights tonight
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, fill the sky above the Takotna, Alaska, checkpoint during the 2011 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Associated Press/March 9, 2011
Some parts of the suburbs might be able to see the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, tonight if the skies cooperate.
The best chances to see the lights will be closer to the Wisconsin border, and after 9 p.m.
The forecast tonight calls for partly cloudy skies in the evening and overcast skies after midnight.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Six Flags Great America debuts drive-through dates for Holiday in the Park

Six Flags Great America officials announced Wednesday that the park will add days during its holiday season where guests can , for the first time , drive inside the Gurnee theme park .
The drive-through experience will start on Dec. 16 and continue on select days through Jan. 18 .
The park 's winter season , called Holiday in the Park , began on Nov. 27 .
Because of concerns about spreading COVID-19 , park officials wo n't run rides for the winter season , whose offerings include live entertainers and millions of holiday lights .
`` We have successfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holiday in the Park into a walk-through and now a new , drive-through experience , '' Great America President Hank Salemi said .
`` Plus , theme park enthusiasts wo n't want to miss this extremely rare opportunity to drive around inside the park . ''
Unlike the walk-through days , guests in their cars will not be allowed to freely move about the park .
Guests will begin their drive at what is usually known as Hometown Square .
They will then wind through a park route to see the decorations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa and Mrs. Claus .
Once their circuit is complete , guests will exit by the Southwest Territory , which is called Kalightoscope during Holiday in the Park .
Public relations manager Caitlin Kepple said officials wanted to create another safe way for guests to come to the park and took a cue from Six Flags parks in California , New Jersey and Texas that are hosting similar drive-through events .
Kepple said admission is $ 14.99 per person or free to Great America members or season pass holders .
Reservations are required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered Dec. 16 through 18 , Jan. 2 and 3 , Jan. 7 through 10 and Jan. 14 through 18 .
Guests will be required to wear masks if they have their car windows open .
No motorcycles or vehicles larger than a van will be permitted .
The regular Holiday in the Park days are scheduled for Dec. 12 and 13 , Dec. 19 through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 through Dec. 30 .

Six Flags Great America debuts drive-through dates for Holiday in the Park
For the first time, Six Flags Great America will allow guests to drive their cars through the park as part of its special winter season. Photo courtesy Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America officials announced Wednesday that the park will add days during its holiday season where guests can, for the first time, drive inside the Gurnee theme park.
The drive-through experience will start on Dec. 16 and continue on select days through Jan. 18.
The park's winter season, called Holiday in the Park, began on Nov. 27. Because of concerns about spreading COVID-19, park officials won't run rides for the winter season, whose offerings include live entertainers and millions of holiday lights.
"We have successfully transformed the traditional operation of our beloved Holiday in the Park into a walk-through and now a new, drive-through experience," Great America President Hank Salemi said. "Plus, theme park enthusiasts won't want to miss this extremely rare opportunity to drive around inside the park."
Unlike the walk-through days, guests in their cars will not be allowed to freely move about the park. Guests will begin their drive at what is usually known as Hometown Square. They will then wind through a park route to see the decorations and be entertained by performers as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Once their circuit is complete, guests will exit by the Southwest Territory, which is called Kalightoscope during Holiday in the Park.
Public relations manager Caitlin Kepple said officials wanted to create another safe way for guests to come to the park and took a cue from Six Flags parks in California, New Jersey and Texas that are hosting similar drive-through events.
Kepple said admission is $14.99 per person or free to Great America members or season pass holders. Reservations are required at sixflags.com/greatamerica/reserve.
The drive-through will be offered Dec. 16 through 18, Jan. 2 and 3, Jan. 7 through 10 and Jan. 14 through 18. Guests will be required to wear masks if they have their car windows open. No motorcycles or vehicles larger than a van will be permitted.
The regular Holiday in the Park days are scheduled for Dec. 12 and 13, Dec. 19 through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 through Dec. 30.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-11--Two girls killed, four injured in Ingleside fire

Two girls have died after a house fire in Ingleside Thursday night , ABC 7 Chicago is reporting .
Four @ @ @ @ @ , fire officials told ABC 7 Chicago .
The victims are eight and five years @ @ @ @ @ released their identities .
Get the full report at abc7chicago.com .

'It's just a heart-wrenching tragedy': 2 girls killed, 4 people injured in Ingleside fire
A still frame from video shows the fatal house fire on the 35700 block of North Hunt Avenue in Ingleside. courtesy of Joan Norkus
8-year-old Elizabeth Evans and 5-year-old Autumn Evans celebrate their birthdays over the summer. They were killed by a fast-moving fire that spread throughout their Ingleside house late Thursday. Courtesy of Bridget Lavelle
Despite firefighters' rescue attempts, two young sisters were killed in a house fire late Thursday in Ingleside.
Firefighters repeatedly tried to reach 8-year-old Elizabeth Evans and 5-year-old Autumn Evans inside the burning house on the 35700 block of North Hunt Avenue, but crews couldn't get to them, Fox Lake Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Edward Lescher said.
According to authorities and friends, also hurt in the fire were: the girls' mother, Katie Evans, 35; a brother, Cory, 17; and two grandparents, Scott and Dori Evans, both 66.
Katie Evans jumped from a second-story window as the house burned, neighbor Shannon Carroll said. Neighbors came to her assistance.
"Everybody tried to do everything we could to help," Carroll said.
Friends mourned the girls Friday. Balloons, roses and stuffed bears were left at a wooden fence outside the two-story home.
An online fundraiser has been set up for the Evans family of Ingleside after the fire at their home. -
"It's just a heart-wrenching tragedy," said Lake County Board member Judy Martini of Fox Lake, whose district includes the Ingleside area.
The blaze was reported about 10:45 p.m. Thursday. It engulfed the house and left it a total loss.
Lake County sheriff's deputies got there first and tried to enter the house but couldn't because of the flames, Sgt. Chris Covelli said.
They found Katie Evans and the girls' grandfather outside. Both were badly injured. Using an emergency litter and a tarp found in the backyard, the deputies pulled them to safer positions, Covelli said.
Cory Evans' girlfriend, Emma Dinitz of Fox Lake, said she had been at the Evans house shortly before the fire and was video chatting with Cory when he announced the house was ablaze. She drove right over with her mom.
"Everything was just in flames," Dinitz recalled.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Emma Dinitz of Fox Lake, right, is hugged by her mom, Tracie, outside the home where two girls died in a fire on North Hunt Avenue in Ingleside late Thursday. Dinitz is the girlfriend of Cory Evans, the girls' brother who was able to escape the fire.
Cory Evans got out of the burning house on his own. He was hurt, but less seriously than the others, officials said.
One resident told firefighters there was another woman inside, as well as the two girls.
Lescher said firefighters entered through a back door and found the girls' grandmother about 10 or 15 feet from the door.
Firefighters tried to move deeper into the home but were driven back by smoke and flames.
"We tried to go back in to get a second attempt and just couldn't go inside," Lescher said.
Lescher said they sent a crew in again a few minutes later only to find that part of the second floor had collapsed onto the first floor.
"We went in six additional times to try and get to the kids while still fighting the fire," Lescher said.
About 50 firefighters from 10 area departments battled the flames. None were hurt.
Once firefighters had the blaze under control and were able to safely reach the second floor, they found Elizabeth's body in a bedroom and Autumn's body in a hallway, he said.
Autopsies conducted Friday revealed both girls died of smoke inhalation, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said in a news release.
The older victims were taken to suburban hospitals. The girls' mother and both grandparents were transferred to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood with severe burns.
All three were in critical condition Friday, Covelli said.
Cory Evans was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and remained there in fair condition, Covelli said.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Two people died in a fire late Thursday at a home on the 35700 block of North Hunt Avenue in Ingleside.
Firefighters and investigators didn't find smoke detectors in the home, Lescher said.
The fire remained under investigation Friday. The state fire marshal is participating in the search for clues.
Neighbors described the Evanses as a big, happy family.
One, Raul Paz, said Elizabeth and Autumn enjoyed playing outside and running around from yard to yard, often barefoot.
Paz's 9-year-old daughter, Vivianna, regularly played with them and would sometimes join the Evanses when they hosted outdoor movie nights using a projector.
"She has been crying all night," Paz said. "It has hit her the hardest."
Shannon Carroll, who lives across the street from the Evans house, cried while talking about how nice the Evans family has been to her. She was a single mother when she moved in and said the Evanses helped when she couldn't afford groceries.
The Evans family celebrate Thanksgiving this year: Teig, Scott, Jess, Randy, Dori, Autumn, Cory and Elizabeth. 8-year-old Elizabeth Evans and 5-year-old Autumn Evans were killed by a fast-moving fire that spread thread throughout their Ingleside house late Thursday. - Courtesy of Bridget Lavelle
Carroll said her young son played with the Evans girls nearly every day and went to their house for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I just don't know what I'm going to tell my son," Carroll said.
At least one of the sisters attended school in Gavin Elementary District 37. Superintendent Julie A. Brua informed families of the tragedy with a message Friday. School officials made a crisis intervention team available for students, parents and staffers.
"We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need," Brua said in her message.
An online fundraiser has been launched to help the family. It can be found at gofundme.com/f/evans-family-fire-fundraiser and has been verified as legitimate by GoFundMe, a spokesperson said. The account had collected about $110,000 toward a $150,000 goal from at least 1,900 donors by 10 p.m.
• Daily Herald staff writers Jake Griffin and Joe Lewnard contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-11--Mother thanks Arlington Heights police for peaceful resolution to son's crash, crisis

When a Milwaukee pastor and his wife got a call the night of Nov. 13 that their 20-year-old son was in a standoff with Arlington Heights police , they feared the worst .
`` Our hearts are beating fast , and with all the racial injustice that was on the TV , I was praying and hoping that I would not have to be that mother who has to say the words , 'say his name , ' or be that mother that has to file a lawsuit , '' said the mother of the man , who is Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were very positive whatever the situation was , he would not do anything to aggravate the situation because we know how we raised him . ''
They hurried across the state line to get to Palatine Road and Windsor Drive , where their son had crashed his vehicle and was having what police described as a mental health crisis .
As paramedics tried to help , the driver began to cut himself , prompting a larger police response .
But after a 90-minute negotiation , the man came out of the car and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his parents arrived .
The Milwaukee couple pointed to a host of factors -- namely the police officers ' training and de-escalation techniques , and even the power of prayer -- that helped secure a peaceful resolution .
The 20-year-old man 's mother spoke to the Daily Herald after publicly thanking the Arlington Heights Police Department during a virtual village board meeting this week .
`` It could have gone sour , '' said the woman , who asked not to be named to protect her son 's privacy .
`` But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get there .
Time allowed them to use their training , along with prayer , and it worked .
We 're grateful . ''
They say their gratitude extends to the first responder who kept them on the phone as they drove down from Wisconsin ; the officer who answered at the police station when the Milwaukee man 's grandmother -- a retired police detective herself -- called to ask them to be patient with her grandson ; Pastor John Elleson , who tried to intervene at the accident scene that was across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer who called their son by his name and asked to pray with him .
`` Obviously we 're a religious family , but that triggered something inside of my son where he was able to come out of the car peacefully and receive the help that he needed , '' his mother said .
Now nearly a month after the incident , she said her son is doing well .
She also thanked Police Chief Nick Pecora for the two-way communication they 've established , and explaining the police response that night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of officers , including those trained in crisis intervention .
The Milwaukee mom also learned from the chief that the police force does n't have one Black officer , but recently began renewing efforts to hire people of color .
`` Everyone wants to see diversity I would hope because that 's what brings people together .
But when I look at an all-white police force and this situation ending the way it did , it lets me know that I do n't have to have such a small mind that it ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` What makes us happy is that it can work in a community regardless of what color you are if training is properly given and if the character of officers is receptive to training , and you allow humanity to prevail . ''

Mother thanks Arlington Heights police for peaceful resolution to son's crash, crisis
When a Milwaukee pastor and his wife got a call the night of Nov. 13 that their 20-year-old son was in a standoff with Arlington Heights police, they feared the worst.
"Our hearts are beating fast, and with all the racial injustice that was on the TV, I was praying and hoping that I would not have to be that mother who has to say the words, 'say his name,' or be that mother that has to file a lawsuit," said the mother of the man, who is Black.
"Because my husband and I were very positive whatever the situation was, he would not do anything to aggravate the situation because we know how we raised him."
They hurried across the state line to get to Palatine Road and Windsor Drive, where their son had crashed his vehicle and was having what police described as a mental health crisis. As paramedics tried to help, the driver began to cut himself, prompting a larger police response.
But after a 90-minute negotiation, the man came out of the car and the situation ended peacefully, just as his parents arrived.
The Milwaukee couple pointed to a host of factors -- namely the police officers' training and de-escalation techniques, and even the power of prayer -- that helped secure a peaceful resolution. The 20-year-old man's mother spoke to the Daily Herald after publicly thanking the Arlington Heights Police Department during a virtual village board meeting this week.
"It could have gone sour," said the woman, who asked not to be named to protect her son's privacy. "But we had time. They trusted us to get there. Time allowed them to use their training, along with prayer, and it worked. We're grateful."
They say their gratitude extends to the first responder who kept them on the phone as they drove down from Wisconsin; the officer who answered at the police station when the Milwaukee man's grandmother -- a retired police detective herself -- called to ask them to be patient with her grandson; Pastor John Elleson, who tried to intervene at the accident scene that was across from his Lakewood Chapel; and the officer who called their son by his name and asked to pray with him.
"Obviously we're a religious family, but that triggered something inside of my son where he was able to come out of the car peacefully and receive the help that he needed," his mother said.
Now nearly a month after the incident, she said her son is doing well.
She also thanked Police Chief Nick Pecora for the two-way communication they've established, and explaining the police response that night.
The department dispatched three different teams of officers, including those trained in crisis intervention.
The Milwaukee mom also learned from the chief that the police force doesn't have one Black officer, but recently began renewing efforts to hire people of color.
"Everyone wants to see diversity I would hope because that's what brings people together. But when I look at an all-white police force and this situation ending the way it did, it lets me know that I don't have to have such a small mind that it can't be peaceful with the opposite race," she said.
"What makes us happy is that it can work in a community regardless of what color you are if training is properly given and if the character of officers is receptive to training, and you allow humanity to prevail."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-10--Fund in Bob Frisk's name to help student journalists in three suburban districts

Bob Frisk spent his life making high school sports a positive experience for athletes , doing it through his stories and columns and hundreds of relationships with athletic directors , coaches and students .
Frisk was hired full time at the Daily Herald in 1958 and retired in 2008 .
He passed away in May at the age of 83 .
Shortly after his passing , the District 214 Education Foundation received word from an anonymous donor who has given significantly in the past that he wanted to make a $ 20,000 contribution in Frisk 's name .
He left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that money would be used , said Erin Holmes , the foundation 's executive director .
The board looked at sports initially before deciding journalism was the vehicle Frisk used to support sports .
On Thursday , the Bob Frisk Legacy Fund was announced , a fund that will support journalism at District 214 , and also Districts 220 and 211 .
`` Our hope is the fund will be able to grow and support journalistic education for students who will be following in his footsteps and making an impact in journalism for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The board quickly realized that Frisk 's impact did n't stop at District 214 .
So they reached out to surrounding communities .
`` When we talked to the foundations in 220 and 211 and asked if they want to be part of this fund building , they were absolutely on board , '' Holmes said .
`` Everybody adored Bob and he made prep sports his life .
It is such a good feeling that his legacy is living on . ''
`` I think it 's great three districts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board member Lenny Walker said during Thursday night 's District 214 school board meeting .
Anyone interested in adding to the fund can direct to which district they want their donation used .
Each district is able to use the funds as they see fit in helping the next generation of journalists .
Holmes said the foundation hopes to use the initial $ 20,000 in an endowment and have the fund grow with additional contributions .
`` We hope people who knew Bob and respected Bob , and the number is many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Holmes said .
To donate , visit district214educationfoundation.salsalabs.org/bobfrisklegacyfund/index.html .
It is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) charity .
Checks also can be sent to the D214 Education Foundation and note in the memo line `` Frisk '' with the District ( 211 , 214 or 220 ) you wish to support .
Checks can be mailed to 2121 S. Goebbert Rd .
in Arlington Heights , 60005 .

Fund in Bob Frisk's name to help student journalists in three suburban districts
District 214 announced the creation of the Bob Frisk Legacy Fund which will be used for high school students interested in journalism in Districts 214, 220 and 211. Daily Herald file photo, 2003
Bob Frisk spent his life making high school sports a positive experience for athletes, doing it through his stories and columns and hundreds of relationships with athletic directors, coaches and students.
Frisk was hired full time at the Daily Herald in 1958 and retired in 2008. He passed away in May at the age of 83.
Shortly after his passing, the District 214 Education Foundation received word from an anonymous donor who has given significantly in the past that he wanted to make a $20,000 contribution in Frisk's name. He left it to the board to determine how that money would be used, said Erin Holmes, the foundation's executive director.
The board looked at sports initially before deciding journalism was the vehicle Frisk used to support sports. On Thursday, the Bob Frisk Legacy Fund was announced, a fund that will support journalism at District 214, and also Districts 220 and 211.
"Our hope is the fund will be able to grow and support journalistic education for students who will be following in his footsteps and making an impact in journalism for years to come," Holmes said.
The board quickly realized that Frisk's impact didn't stop at District 214. So they reached out to surrounding communities.
"When we talked to the foundations in 220 and 211 and asked if they want to be part of this fund building, they were absolutely on board," Holmes said. "Everybody adored Bob and he made prep sports his life. It is such a good feeling that his legacy is living on."
"I think it's great three districts are honoring Bob's legacy," school board member Lenny Walker said during Thursday night's District 214 school board meeting.
Anyone interested in adding to the fund can direct to which district they want their donation used.
Each district is able to use the funds as they see fit in helping the next generation of journalists.
Holmes said the foundation hopes to use the initial $20,000 in an endowment and have the fund grow with additional contributions.
"We hope people who knew Bob and respected Bob, and the number is many, consider donating and paying it forward," Holmes said.
To donate, visit district214educationfoundation.salsalabs.org/bobfrisklegacyfund/index.html. It is a 501(c)(3) charity.
Checks also can be sent to the D214 Education Foundation and note in the memo line "Frisk" with the District (211, 214 or 220) you wish to support. Checks can be mailed to 2121 S. Goebbert Rd. in Arlington Heights, 60005.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-11--Feder: WGN's Dean Richards bounces back from COVID-19 experience

Dean Richards , the veteran Chicago media personality , entertainment critic and talk show host , returns to work this weekend -- two weeks after he tested positive for COVID-19 , Robert Feder writes .
For at least the next week or so , Richards said , he 'll broadcast from his home .
On Sunday he 'll be back on Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN 720-AM , where `` Dean Richards ' Sunday Morning '' airs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m .
The following day he 'll return to `` WGN Morning News '' on Nexstar Media Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he had a slight fever and felt achy the first day of his illness , but otherwise was not seriously affected .
`` My breathing was never compromised at all except for a little congestion and coughing , but I was not even remotely as bad as you hear about other people , '' he said .
Richards still does n't know how he contracted the coronavirus .
He said he never went anywhere without a mask , and he maintained social distancing scrupulously .
`` The moral of my story is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're being , be ten times more careful than that , '' he said .
`` Because I thought I was being super careful .
I know I was being super careful . ''
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: WGN's Dean Richards bounces back from COVID-19 experience
Dean Richards, the veteran Chicago media personality, entertainment critic and talk show host, returns to work this weekend -- two weeks after he tested positive for COVID-19, Robert Feder writes.
For at least the next week or so, Richards said, he'll broadcast from his home. On Sunday he'll be back on Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN 720-AM, where "Dean Richards' Sunday Morning" airs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The following day he'll return to "WGN Morning News" on Nexstar Media Group WGN-Channel 9.
Richards, 66, said he had a slight fever and felt achy the first day of his illness, but otherwise was not seriously affected. "My breathing was never compromised at all except for a little congestion and coughing, but I was not even remotely as bad as you hear about other people," he said.
Richards still doesn't know how he contracted the coronavirus. He said he never went anywhere without a mask, and he maintained social distancing scrupulously.
"The moral of my story is no matter how careful you think you're being, be ten times more careful than that," he said. "Because I thought I was being super careful. I know I was being super careful."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.