dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Lake County reports already more mail-in ballots returned than in 2016 election

Though the election is still more than two weeks away , the Lake County Clerk 's office has already received 32,367 mail-in ballots .
For comparison , Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor said about 28,000 vote-by-mail ballots had been collected by Election Day in 2016 .
And though so far the county 's only early voting site is at the Waukegan courthouse , already 5,459 votes have been cast there .
`` That number is huge for the courthouse , '' O'Connor said Friday .
O'Connor said there has been a line to vote nearly every day since early voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days the line forms before voting starts at 9 a.m. On Monday , 16 more early voting locations will open to Lake County voters , one more than usual .
A list of sites can be found at lakecountyil.gov .
O'Connor said this time voters across the county , no matter their precinct , can vote at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake .
`` It will be happening in the great hall and there will be safe distance for voters to be from each other , '' O'Connor said .
`` However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it safe , secure , and I like to use the word 'comfortable . '
We want people to vote and make them feel good about voting . ''
In the midst of the pandemic , `` comfortable '' means voting by mail for many .
O'Connor said there have been 154,190 mail-in ballots requested by Lake County voters so far .
That is 31.8 % of the county 's 484,835 registered voters .
It 's likely -- but still too early to declare -- that the county will see a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The county received a total of 32,407 ballots in the mail in 2016 , including late-arriving and provisional ballots , according to O'Connor 's office .
To help count this election 's mail-in ballots , Lake County will receive about $ 187,000 in federal CARES Act grants made available through the Illinois State Board of Elections for a high-speed digital scanner and other equipment .
The Lake County Board on Tuesday approved three separate resolutions accepting the grants as reimbursement .
O'Connor said the office already has a high-speed digital scanner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's more software and it 's very user-friendly for our judges when they 're looking at signatures , '' O'Connor said .
All the vote-by-mail ballots received before Election Day will be counted and put into vote totals after polls close on Nov. 3 .
O'Connor said any ballots dropped off in collection boxes on Nov. 3 or any ballots that arrive by mail on Nov. 3 will be counted on Nov. 4 or after .
`` Everything we do involving ballots requires election judges needing to be involved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Election Day , '' O'Connor said .
O'Connor said any ballot postmarked by Nov. 3 will be counted and added to the total by the time the election is made official on Nov. 17 .

Lake County reports surge in votes by mail
The Lake County clerk's office, at the Lake County courthouse annex in Waukegan, reported that it has already received 32,367 mail-in ballots. Daily Herald File Photo, 2019
Though the election is still more than two weeks away, the Lake County Clerk's office has already received 32,367 mail-in ballots.
For comparison, Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor said about 28,000 vote-by-mail ballots had been collected by Election Day in 2016.
And though so far the county's only early voting site is at the Waukegan courthouse, already 5,459 votes have been cast there.
"That number is huge for the courthouse," O'Connor said Friday.
O'Connor said there has been a line to vote nearly every day since early voting began on Sept. 24, and most days the line forms before voting starts at 9 a.m.
On Monday, 16 more early voting locations will open to Lake County voters, one more than usual. A list of sites can be found at lakecountyil.gov.
O'Connor said this time voters across the county, no matter their precinct, can vote at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.
"It will be happening in the great hall and there will be safe distance for voters to be from each other," O'Connor said. "However people vote, we are trying to make it safe, secure, and I like to use the word 'comfortable.' We want people to vote and make them feel good about voting."
In the midst of the pandemic, "comfortable" means voting by mail for many. O'Connor said there have been 154,190 mail-in ballots requested by Lake County voters so far. That is 31.8% of the county's 484,835 registered voters.
It's likely -- but still too early to declare -- that the county will see a significant spike in completed mail-in ballots this year. The county received a total of 32,407 ballots in the mail in 2016, including late-arriving and provisional ballots, according to O'Connor's office.
To help count this election's mail-in ballots, Lake County will receive about $187,000 in federal CARES Act grants made available through the Illinois State Board of Elections for a high-speed digital scanner and other equipment. The Lake County Board on Tuesday approved three separate resolutions accepting the grants as reimbursement.
O'Connor said the office already has a high-speed digital scanner, but the added equipment will increase efficiency.
"It's more software and it's very user-friendly for our judges when they're looking at signatures," O'Connor said.
All the vote-by-mail ballots received before Election Day will be counted and put into vote totals after polls close on Nov. 3. O'Connor said any ballots dropped off in collection boxes on Nov. 3 or any ballots that arrive by mail on Nov. 3 will be counted on Nov. 4 or after.
"Everything we do involving ballots requires election judges needing to be involved, and all of them will be busy on Election Day," O'Connor said.
O'Connor said any ballot postmarked by Nov. 3 will be counted and added to the total by the time the election is made official on Nov. 17.
The clerk's office maintains early voting statistics online at lakecountyil.gov/331/Press-Power.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Federal judge orders 'Cheer' star Jerry Harris held behind bars while awaiting trial

`` Cheer '' star Jerry Harris will remain behind bars while awaiting trial , a federal judge ruled Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ how he hid his alleged crimes from the cheer community `` overwhelmingly supports detention , @ @ @ @ @ McShain said before issuing her order .
While noting Harris ' community support and lack @ @ @ @ @ said they do not undo the presumption that he is charged with an `` extremely @ @ @ @ @ of child pornography -- that poses an ongoing threat to the community .
Harris was @ @ @ @ @ but was listening in by phone .

Federal judge orders 'Cheer' star Jerry Harris held behind bars while awaiting trial
"Cheer" star Jerry Harris will remain behind bars while awaiting trial, a federal judge ruled Friday. Associated Press
"Cheer" star Jerry Harris will remain behind bars while awaiting trial, a federal judge ruled Friday.
Harris' alleged conduct and how he hid his alleged crimes from the cheer community "overwhelmingly supports detention," U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather McShain said before issuing her order.
While noting Harris' community support and lack of criminal history, McShain said they do not undo the presumption that he is charged with an "extremely serious" crime -- production of child pornography -- that poses an ongoing threat to the community.
Harris wasn't at Friday's hearing but was listening in by phone.
To read the full story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Pritzker extends moratorium on evictions

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov .
J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order Friday extending the statewide moratorium on residential evictions for another 30 days .
Pritzker first put a hold on residential evictions through an executive order on March 20 , the same day he issued a statewide stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
He has reissued the order every 30 days , most recently on Sept 18 .
That order would have expired Saturday .
In addition to extending the eviction moratorium , Pritzker also reissued numerous other executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic , including a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Remember , nothing really has changed in terms of the effect of COVID-19 and its effect on the economy , its effect on people 's jobs , and their ability or inability to pay rent or mortgage , '' Pritzker said during a news conference Friday in Elgin .
`` And it 's one of the reasons why we 've got more and more assistance for housing , as we 're announcing today . ''
Pritzker was in Elgin to announce that his administration is also committing $ 30 million to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which provide services primarily to immigrant communities .
Of that money , $ 18 million will be used for housing and utility assistance while $ 4.5 million will go toward employment and job training services and $ 4 million will be used to provide health care education , the administration said in a release .
The rest will be used for multilingual outreach and technical assistance .
`` We know that using personal information to apply for government services can bring additional stress to our immigrant communities , particularly in this climate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the greatest strengths of our country , our new immigrants , '' Pritzker said .
`` So for this program , our welcoming centers will work directly with the families and neighborhoods who already know and trust them , ensuring that those most in need will be able to stay in their homes without fear of federal government interference . ''
The $ 30 million is being distributed through the Department of Human Services with money appropriated in the current fiscal year 's budget .
In addition to the $ 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office said , IDHS received another $ 30 in federal funds this year for immigrant-related services .
That includes $ 10 million to connect immigrants with critical services and citizenship support and $ 20 million for cash assistance for Illinoisans who are not eligible for the federal pandemic stimulus .

Pritzker extends moratorium on evictions
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces he is extending a statewide moratorium on residential evictions during a Friday news conference in Elgin. He also announced $30 million in pandemic relief funding for services that aid the state's immigrant community. Blueroomstream.com
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order Friday extending the statewide moratorium on residential evictions for another 30 days.
Pritzker first put a hold on residential evictions through an executive order on March 20, the same day he issued a statewide stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has reissued the order every 30 days, most recently on Sept 18. That order would have expired Saturday.
In addition to extending the eviction moratorium, Pritzker also reissued numerous other executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a moratorium on garnishments and wage deductions.
"Remember, nothing really has changed in terms of the effect of COVID-19 and its effect on the economy, its effect on people's jobs, and their ability or inability to pay rent or mortgage," Pritzker said during a news conference Friday in Elgin. "And it's one of the reasons why we've got more and more assistance for housing, as we're announcing today."
Pritzker was in Elgin to announce that his administration is also committing $30 million to the state's network of welcoming centers, which provide services primarily to immigrant communities.
Of that money, $18 million will be used for housing and utility assistance while $4.5 million will go toward employment and job training services and $4 million will be used to provide health care education, the administration said in a release. The rest will be used for multilingual outreach and technical assistance.
"We know that using personal information to apply for government services can bring additional stress to our immigrant communities, particularly in this climate, where the current president seeks to undermine one of the greatest strengths of our country, our new immigrants," Pritzker said. "So for this program, our welcoming centers will work directly with the families and neighborhoods who already know and trust them, ensuring that those most in need will be able to stay in their homes without fear of federal government interference."
The $30 million is being distributed through the Department of Human Services with money appropriated in the current fiscal year's budget.
In addition to the $30 million in state money, the governor's office said, IDHS received another $30 in federal funds this year for immigrant-related services. That includes $10 million to connect immigrants with critical services and citizenship support and $20 million for cash assistance for Illinoisans who are not eligible for the federal pandemic stimulus.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Casten, Ives each raise more than $1 million in 6th Congressional District race

Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten and Republican challenger Jeanne Ives each raised more than $ 1 million from their supporters during the year 's third quarter , new financial disclosure reports show .
Ives received sizable help from Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas .
His Cruz 20 for 20 Victory Fund gave Ives ' campaign $ 71,500 during the period , the most either candidate reported from any one source .
Although the 6th District candidates ' revenue totals were similar , their spending totals were not .
Casten 's quarterly operational expenses nearly doubled Ives ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterly financial reports with the Federal Election Commission .
The latest reports were due Thursday and cover transactions made between July 1 and Sept. 30 .
Casten , a freshman lawmaker from Downers Grove , defeated six-term Republican Peter Roskam to win the 6th District post in 2018 .
His victory was part of the blue wave that gave the Democrats majority control of the House , and the seat is a key target for both parties in the Nov. 3 election .
Casten for Congress reported receiving more than $ 1.1 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nearly all of that came from individual supporters , records show .
Campaign spokesman Jacob Vurpillat said the donations `` reflect a wide surge of support for Rep. Casten and everything he has accomplished in the past two years . ''
`` Voters have recognized that he 's lived up to his promises , hosting more than 40 town halls , protecting people with preexisting conditions and combating climate change , '' Vurpillat said in a news release .
Casten also received nearly $ 97,000 from political action committees representing special interests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun-control advocacy group named after former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords , who was wounded in a 2011 mass shooting .
• $ 2,500 from the 314 Action Fund , a group aiming to get more scientists elected to federal , state and local offices .
• $ 2,500 from the Onward Together Committee , a group co-founded by former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton .
Team Casten also received $ 10,500 from the Underwood Casten Joint Victory Fund , which supports him and Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood of the neighboring 14th District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 2.1 million on payroll , media production , yard signs , printing and other expenses .
It finished September with nearly $ 2 million saved and more than $ 141,756 in outstanding debt , all to the congressman for loans from 2017 .
Ives ' Jeanne for Congress committee netted just over $ 1 million in donations during the third quarter .
As with Casten , nearly all of that came from individual supporters , records show .
`` As our team surges with grass-roots support and a winning infrastructure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) will only continue to build momentum heading into November , '' Ives , a former state legislator from Wheaton , said in a news release .
`` We are tremendously grateful to the thousands of people who have joined our team over the past year who want to bring real representation and leadership back to the 6th District . ''
• $ 1,000 from the National Rifle Association of America Political Victory Fund .
• $ 1,000 from the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund , which supports anti-abortion candidates .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential aspirant backed Ives in her primary campaign and has continued to support her bid to take back the 6th District seat for the GOP .
Ives had endorsed Cruz for president in 2016 .
`` We are happy to have support from all branches of the party , '' Ives spokeswoman Kathleen Murphy said .
Ives ' campaign reported spending nearly $ 1.1 million on advertising , payroll , polling , video preparation and other expenses during the quarter .
It finished September with more than $ 493,239 in the bank and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of West Dundee also is running .
The Redpath for Congress committee reported less than $ 3,600 in donations for the quarter and less than $ 7,200 in expenses .
It finished September with less than $ 1,400 in the bank and nearly $ 5,000 in debts to the candidate .
All three candidates ' financial reports can be viewed at fec.gov .
The 6th District includes parts of Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake and McHenry counties .

Casten, Ives each raise more than $1 million in 6th Congressional District race
Sean Casten, left, and Jeanne Ives, right, are candidates for the 6th Congressional District race.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten and Republican challenger Jeanne Ives each raised more than $1 million from their supporters during the year's third quarter, new financial disclosure reports show.
Ives received sizable help from Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. His Cruz 20 for 20 Victory Fund gave Ives' campaign $71,500 during the period, the most either candidate reported from any one source.
Although the 6th District candidates' revenue totals were similar, their spending totals were not. Casten's quarterly operational expenses nearly doubled Ives', records show.
Congressional hopefuls must file quarterly financial reports with the Federal Election Commission. The latest reports were due Thursday and cover transactions made between July 1 and Sept. 30.
Casten, a freshman lawmaker from Downers Grove, defeated six-term Republican Peter Roskam to win the 6th District post in 2018. His victory was part of the blue wave that gave the Democrats majority control of the House, and the seat is a key target for both parties in the Nov. 3 election.
Casten for Congress reported receiving more than $1.1 million in donations during the third quarter. Nearly all of that came from individual supporters, records show.
Campaign spokesman Jacob Vurpillat said the donations "reflect a wide surge of support for Rep. Casten and everything he has accomplished in the past two years."
"Voters have recognized that he's lived up to his promises, hosting more than 40 town halls, protecting people with preexisting conditions and combating climate change," Vurpillat said in a news release.
Casten reported nearly $97,000 from political action committees representing special interests, including:
• $3,000 from a gun-control advocacy group named after former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was wounded in a 2011 mass shooting.
• $4,000 from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
• $2,500 from the 314 Action Fund, a group aiming to get more scientists elected to federal, state and local offices.
• $2,500 from the Onward Together Committee, a group co-founded by former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Team Casten also received $10,500 from the Underwood Casten Joint Victory Fund, which supports him and Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood of the neighboring 14th District.
Casten's campaign reported spending more than $2.1 million on payroll, media production, yard signs, printing and other expenses. It finished September with nearly $2 million saved and more than $141,756 in outstanding debt, all to the congressman for loans from 2017.
Ives' Jeanne for Congress committee reported just over $1.1 million in total receipts during the third quarter. As with Casten, nearly all of that came from individual supporters, records show.
"As our team surges with grass-roots support and a winning infrastructure, our effort to flip the (district) will only continue to build momentum heading into November," Ives, a former state legislator from Wheaton, said in a news release. "We are tremendously grateful to the thousands of people who have joined our team over the past year who want to bring real representation and leadership back to the 6th District."
Team Ives reported $61,050 from political action committees, including:
• $1,000 from the National Rifle Association of America Political Victory Fund.
• $1,250 from Illinois Citizens for Life.
• $2,500 from the House Conservatives Fund.
• $1,000 from the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund, which supports anti-abortion candidates.
As for Cruz, the senator and former presidential aspirant backed Ives in her primary campaign and has continued to support her bid to take back the 6th District seat for the GOP. Ives had endorsed Cruz for president in 2016.
"We are happy to have support from all branches of the party," Ives spokeswoman Kathleen Murphy said.
Ives' campaign reported spending nearly $1.1 million on advertising, payroll, polling, video preparation and other expenses during the quarter. It finished September with more than $493,239 in the bank and no debts.
Libertarian candidate Bill Redpath of West Dundee also is running.
The Redpath for Congress committee reported less than $3,600 in donations for the quarter and less than $7,200 in expenses. It finished September with less than $1,400 in the bank and nearly $5,000 in debts to the candidate.
All three candidates' financial reports can be viewed at fec.gov.
The 6th District includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Group moving forward with plan to remove Graue Mill dam

Planning is underway to remove the Graue Mill dam at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook .
Last week , DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners voted 5-2 to grant a project license to the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup , which wants to improve the water quality in Salt Creek by installing a `` rock and boulder riffle . ''
The riffle would replace the 1930s-era low-level dam , which is owned by the forest preserve .
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup , which helps municipalities and wastewater treatment plants comply with federal clean water regulations , hopes to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work in 2022 .
Officials say the project at Fullersburg Woods would help bring Salt Creek into compliance with federal environmental regulations .
If rivers are n't meeting water quality goals , the state can impose additional requirements on the local wastewater treatment plants .
But many costly mandates could be avoided if the treatment plants pay for projects that improve local waterways .
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup 's master plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods is estimated to cost $ 5 million .
It will not require additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to removing the dam , the master plan includes the creation of a natural wetland and habitat , with canoe launces and fishing stations at the Fullersburg Woods Nature Center and additional amenities at the preserve .
Stephen McCracken , director of the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup , said the group previously has worked with other agencies to remove dams , including at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve near Naperville and the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison .
`` We have seen nearly instantaneous improvements in the fish population , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as water quality improvements , '' McCracken said .
`` It 's a cost-effective method of doing this , and it 's a highly predictable method . ''
But the plan to remove the Graue Mill dam has faced strong opposition from local residents .
More than 14,000 people have signed a still-active change.org petition organized by Karen Bush , a former Oak Brook village president .
The Oak Brook Village Board also passed a resolution against it .
And state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst has proposed legislation that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removal of any structures associated with the mill and the dam without the approval of an oversight board . ''
Even though Graue Mill has used an electric motor for its interior milling operations for years , there is still a desire for the building 's exterior water wheel to spin with the flow of Salt Creek .
But McCracken points out that sediment buildup and the height of the dam do not allow for this to naturally occur .
Opposition to the removal of Graue Mill has been challenging to the DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the group welcomes the attention it brings to its efforts to improve waterways in northeastern Illinois .
`` There 's a lot of money and good science being thrown at this issue , so it 's a pretty exciting time , '' McCracken said .
`` We have implemented several projects like this with good feelings for taxpayers , but they do n't get noticed because nobody was fighting them . ''

Graue Mill dam removal plans moving forward
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is moving ahead to remove a low-level dam near the Graue Mill & Museum. This rendering shows a "rock riffle" that will be built in its place to allow fish to travel upstream and to improve the water quality in Salt Creek. illustration courtesy of DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup
Planning is underway to remove the Graue Mill dam at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook.
Last week, DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners voted 5-2 to grant a project license to the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, which wants to improve the water quality in Salt Creek by installing a "rock and boulder riffle." The riffle would replace the 1930s-era low-level dam, which is owned by the forest preserve.
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, which helps municipalities and wastewater treatment plants comply with federal clean water regulations, hopes to begin the project late next year and complete the work in 2022.
Officials say the project at Fullersburg Woods would help bring Salt Creek into compliance with federal environmental regulations.
If rivers aren't meeting water quality goals, the state can impose additional requirements on the local wastewater treatment plants. But many costly mandates could be avoided if the treatment plants pay for projects that improve local waterways.
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup's master plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods is estimated to cost $5 million. It will not require additional public investment, officials said.
In addition to removing the dam, the master plan includes the creation of a natural wetland and habitat, with canoe launces and fishing stations at the Fullersburg Woods Nature Center and additional amenities at the preserve.
Stephen McCracken, director of the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, said the group previously has worked with other agencies to remove dams, including at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve near Naperville and the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison.
"We have seen nearly instantaneous improvements in the fish population, the insect population and the aquatic habitat, as well as water quality improvements," McCracken said. "It's a cost-effective method of doing this, and it's a highly predictable method."
But the plan to remove the Graue Mill dam has faced strong opposition from local residents. More than 14,000 people have signed a still-active change.org petition organized by Karen Bushy, a former Oak Brook village president.
The Oak Brook village board also passed a resolution against it. And state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst has proposed legislation that "forbids the reduction, demolition, or removal of any structures associated with the mill and the dam without the approval of an oversight board."
Even though Graue Mill has used an electric motor for its interior milling operations for years, there is still a desire for the building's exterior water wheel to spin with the flow of Salt Creek. But sediment buildup and the height of the dam do not allow for this to naturally occur, McCracken said
Opposition to the removal of the Graue Mill dam has been challenging to the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, he said, but the group welcomes the attention it brings to its efforts to improve waterways in northeastern Illinois.
"There's a lot of money and good science being thrown at this issue, so it's a pretty exciting time," McCracken said. "We have implemented several projects like this with good feelings for taxpayers, but they don't get noticed because nobody was fighting them."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Project Daffodil aiming to plant 5,000 flowers in St. Charles

Mr. Eggward is about to have a bunch of company .
Beyond the 100 volunteers meeting Saturday at Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles , next spring the iconic Humpty Dumpty-esque statue will be surrounded by the blooms of 5,000 daffodil bulbs being planted this weekend to bring an eyeful of joy to those visiting the park along the Fox River .
Project Daffodil is the brainchild of John Rabchuk , a member of the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles .
In conjunction with the St. Charles Park District -- and thanks to a generous donation of bulbs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- a team of volunteers will get their hands dirty starting at 9 a.m. Saturday with the goal of laying the groundwork for beautiful blossoms along the western edge of the park and the nearby bicycle trail .
Rabchuk believes that after a long winter continuing to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic , the public will appreciate the brightness .
`` Everybody we 've talked to thinks it 's just a great idea , '' Rabchuk said .
`` After such a horrible 2020 , we 're hoping in the spring of 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around Mr. Eggward and bring smiles to people . ''
Dave Johnson , the St. Charles Park District 's assistant superintendent of parks , said the area around Mr. Eggward was mowed to prepare for the planting but the ground needs no clearing to accommodate the daffodils .
While they are n't native to the area , Johnson said they 'll do well in the exiting landscape .
`` We think it 'll make an impressive display and it 'll welcome people as they come into St. Charles from the south on Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's a nice , happy greeting .
It 's a good place to have that kind of impact . ''
This could be just the beginning of the planting partnership at Mount St. Mary Park .
There 's still plenty of room around Mr. Eggward for different types of flowers in future seasons .
Depending how this planting session turns out , Mr. Eggward might have more flowery friends in the years to come .
`` If we go all the way from the Mr. Eggward sculpture down to the south parking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulbs , '' Rabchuk said .
`` The Fox River Valley is such a wonderful place , and it 's kind of a hidden gem .
Anything we can do to make it better , that 's our goal . ''

Project Daffodil aiming to plant 5,000 flowers in St. Charles
A team of volunteers will participate in Project Daffodil today with the goal of planting 5,000 daffodil bulbs at Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles. Courtesy of the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles
The Mr. Eggward statue in St. Charles will be the site of Project Daffodil as a team of volunteers plants 5,000 daffodil bulbs today at Mount St. Mary Park. Courtesy of the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles
Mr. Eggward is about to have a bunch of company.
Beyond the 100 volunteers meeting Saturday at Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles, next spring the iconic Humpty Dumpty-esque statue will be surrounded by the blooms of 5,000 daffodil bulbs being planted this weekend to bring an eyeful of joy to those visiting the park along the Fox River.
Project Daffodil is the brainchild of John Rabchuk, a member of the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles. In conjunction with the St. Charles Park District -- and thanks to a generous donation of bulbs from the Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center -- a team of volunteers will get their hands dirty starting at 9 a.m. Saturday with the goal of laying the groundwork for beautiful blossoms along the western edge of the park and the nearby bicycle trail.
Rabchuk believes that after a long winter continuing to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the public will appreciate the brightness.
"Everybody we've talked to thinks it's just a great idea," Rabchuk said. "After such a horrible 2020, we're hoping in the spring of 2021 we'll have a bunch of blossoms around Mr. Eggward and bring smiles to people."
Dave Johnson, the St. Charles Park District's assistant superintendent of parks, said the area around Mr. Eggward was mowed to prepare for the planting but the ground needs no clearing to accommodate the daffodils. While they aren't native to the area, Johnson said they'll do well in the exiting landscape.
"We think it'll make an impressive display and it'll welcome people as they come into St. Charles from the south on Route 31," Johnson said. "It's a nice, happy greeting. It's a good place to have that kind of impact."
This could be just the beginning of the planting partnership at Mount St. Mary Park. There's still plenty of room around Mr. Eggward for different types of flowers in future seasons.
Depending how this planting session turns out, Mr. Eggward might have more flowery friends in the years to come.
"If we go all the way from the Mr. Eggward sculpture down to the south parking lot, there's room for 100,000 bulbs," Rabchuk said. "The Fox River Valley is such a wonderful place, and it's kind of a hidden gem. Anything we can do to make it better, that's our goal."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--How a suburban police chief is using her Ph.D. in psychology to help fellow cops

Laura King knows better than most the impact a career in law enforcement has an officer 's mental and physical well-being .
King , the McHenry County Conservation District police chief , grew up in a home in which both her parents were police officers , and she remembers seeing the challenges and frustrations of the job take their toll on her father in particular .
She followed in their footsteps , spending two decades with the McHenry Police Department , then serving as chief investigator for the McHenry County state 's attorney before landing in her current role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sight of how the job affected her father or her colleagues , and that 's one reason she pursued a Ph.D. in psychology , with a focus on stress management and work-life balance .
Now , King 's two worlds of expertise have come together with her book , `` Officer Safety : REDEFINED . ''
Published last week and available on Amazon , King 's book serves as a guide for police officers -- or those in other life-or-death professions , such as first responders and military personnel -- working to overcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their careers .
`` Officer safety is not only about what we face on the street with violent offenders , but also how it effects our bodies and our minds , '' King told us this week .
The evidence of those effects is clear : Police officers , on average , die younger than those in other professions , commit suicide more often , have higher rates of divorce and are more likely to suffer from depression , anxiety , substance abuse and chronic health problems , such as heart disease and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative consequences of the job are n't fait accompli .
But police need to be given the tools to overcome them .
That 's where her book comes in .
`` We have more control over our psychological health than we 're often led to believe , '' she told us .
`` We have the ability to protect our mental health and psychological resiliency .
And we are the ones who have to take the responsibility for doing that . ''
King believes working in law enforcement literally can change the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to traumatic events over and over again -- known as Critical Incident Exposure -- trains the mind to be always on the lookout for threats , constantly guarded .
`` We 're waiting for the next bad thing to happen , '' she said .
That , King says , makes it difficult for police officers to simply turn off and enjoy time away from their duties .
So while some of her advice sounds common for anyone dealing with stress or anxiety -- get enough sleep , eat healthy , exercise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- King said police officers need to be especially mindful and intentional about those pursuits .
`` I 'm really hopeful ( the book ) will help create healthy experiences for police officers across the nation , '' she said .
Kudos to McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim , who this month received the Lieutenant Rich Kozik Memorial Valor Award from the 100 Club of Chicago .
The award recognizes Prim for his work furthering the mission of the club , which provides financial and other support to the families of fallen first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong advocate for the mission of the 100 Club and was an integral piece in bringing assistance to the families of first responders in McHenry County , '' Caitlyn Brennan , CEO of the 100 Club of Chicago , said in an announcement of the award .
The club expanded into McHenry County last year after the killing of sheriff 's Deputy Jacob Keltner in March 2019 .
Keltner , 35 , of Crystal Lake , was assigned to the U.S .
Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capture a suspect at a Rockford motel .
He was survived by his wife and two young sons .
`` Ghostbusters , '' starring Dan Aykroyd , Bill Murray and Harold Ramis , is one of two 1980s ghost comedies that will be shown next weekend during the `` Fall Flicks in the Yard '' fundraiser at the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site .
Big screen in the Big House Susan confesses she 's the kind of scaredy-cat who sometimes watches `` Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein '' through fingers covering her eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two ghost movies being shown next weekend at the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site .
The Rialto Theater and the Joliet Area Historical Museum are teaming for the fundraiser `` Fall Flicks in the Yard , '' featuring the comedically spooky 1980s classics `` Beetlejuice '' ( Oct. 23 ) and `` Ghostbusters '' ( Oct. 24 ) .
Tickets are $ 50 per twosome , with additional tickets $ 20 per person .
You 'll have to bring your own lawn chair or blanket .
The money will help support both nonprofit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rain or shine , no refunds .
The movies will be shown at 7 p.m. on a four-story screen inside the old prison 's walls .
There also will be self-guided tours , and food and beverages will be sold .
By the way The Joliet state prison was built in 1858 and closed in 2002 .
It has starred in movies and television shows , including the opening sequence of `` The Blue Brothers . ''
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com @

How a suburban police chief is using her Ph.D. in psychology to help fellow cops
Laura King knows better than most the impact a career in law enforcement has an officer's mental and physical well-being.
King, the McHenry County Conservation District police chief, grew up in a home in which both her parents were police officers, and she remembers seeing the challenges and frustrations of the job take their toll on her father in particular.
She followed in their footsteps, spending two decades with the McHenry Police Department, then serving as chief investigator for the McHenry County state's attorney before landing in her current role in January 2019.
But she never lost sight of how the job affected her father or her colleagues, and that's one reason she pursued a Ph.D. in psychology, with a focus on stress management and work-life balance.
Now, King's two worlds of expertise have come together with her book, "Officer Safety: REDEFINED." Published last week and available on Amazon, King's book serves as a guide for police officers -- or those in other life-or-death professions, such as first responders and military personnel -- working to overcome the negative mental and physical consequences of their careers.
"Officer safety is not only about what we face on the street with violent offenders, but also how it effects our bodies and our minds," King told us this week.
The evidence of those effects is clear: Police officers, on average, die younger than those in other professions, commit suicide more often, have higher rates of divorce and are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, substance abuse and chronic health problems, such as heart disease and obesity.
King makes the argument those negative consequences of the job aren't fait accompli. But police need to be given the tools to overcome them. That's where her book comes in.
"We have more control over our psychological health than we're often led to believe," she told us. "We have the ability to protect our mental health and psychological resiliency. And we are the ones who have to take the responsibility for doing that."
'The next bad thing'
King believes working in law enforcement literally can change the way a person's mind works. Responding to traumatic events over and over again -- known as Critical Incident Exposure -- trains the mind to be always on the lookout for threats, constantly guarded.
"We're waiting for the next bad thing to happen," she said.
That, King says, makes it difficult for police officers to simply turn off and enjoy time away from their duties. So while some of her advice sounds common for anyone dealing with stress or anxiety -- get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise, make time for the things you enjoy -- King said police officers need to be especially mindful and intentional about those pursuits.
"I'm really hopeful (the book) will help create healthy experiences for police officers across the nation," she said.
Bill Prim -
Kudos to McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim, who this month received the Lieutenant Rich Kozik Memorial Valor Award from the 100 Club of Chicago.
The award recognizes Prim for his work furthering the mission of the club, which provides financial and other support to the families of fallen first responders.
"Sheriff Prim has been a strong advocate for the mission of the 100 Club and was an integral piece in bringing assistance to the families of first responders in McHenry County," Caitlyn Brennan, CEO of the 100 Club of Chicago, said in an announcement of the award.
The club expanded into McHenry County last year after the killing of sheriff's Deputy Jacob Keltner in March 2019.
Keltner, 35, of Crystal Lake, was assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force when he was shot to death while trying to capture a suspect at a Rockford motel. He was survived by his wife and two young sons.
"Ghostbusters," starring Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis, is one of two 1980s ghost comedies that will be shown next weekend during the "Fall Flicks in the Yard" fundraiser at the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site. - Courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Susan confesses she's the kind of scaredy-cat who sometimes watches "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" through fingers covering her eyes. But she can probably handle the two ghost movies being shown next weekend at the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site.
The Rialto Theater and the Joliet Area Historical Museum are teaming for the fundraiser "Fall Flicks in the Yard," featuring the comedically spooky 1980s classics "Beetlejuice" (Oct. 23) and "Ghostbusters" (Oct. 24).
Tickets are $50 per twosome, with additional tickets $20 per person. You'll have to bring your own lawn chair or blanket.
The money will help support both nonprofit organizations.
The show will go on, rain or shine, no refunds. The movies will be shown at 7 p.m. on a four-story screen inside the old prison's walls. There also will be self-guided tours, and food and beverages will be sold.
To buy tickets, visit jolietprison.org.
By the way
The Joliet state prison was built in 1858 and closed in 2002. It has starred in movies and television shows, including the opening sequence of "The Blue Brothers."
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Experts testify about systemic racism in Illinois home loan, banking industries

SPRINGFIELD -- In Illinois and around the country , an increasing number of universities , investigators and researchers are turning up evidence of systemic racism in the financial sector .
In June , a report from Chicago radio station WBEZ-FM and the nonprofit news organization City Bureau found that for every dollar banks loaned in a white Chicago neighborhood , they invested only 12 cents in Black neighborhoods .
A 2019 Duke University study estimates Black Chicagoans lost between $ 3 to $ 4 billion in the 1950s and 60s due to predatory housing contracts .
A 2013 Pew report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 53 percent of their wealth between 2005 and 2009 due to the collapse of the housing market .
On Thursday , the Illinois Senate Executive and Commerce and Economic Development committees held a joint hearing on racial equity in lending and homeownership .
The hearing was the latest in an ongoing series of hearings prompted by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda to end systemic racism .
`` The time is long overdue for Black households to be met with policies that uplift them and provide them with access to better credit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter , a Chicago Democrat who chairs the Executive Committee , said .
`` It 's imperative that we work to close the wealth gap and level the playing field . ''
Officials from various state agencies , banking executives , community advocacy groups and researchers all appeared before lawmakers as part of a four-hour hearing that delved into the evidence and ongoing practice of systemic racism in Illinois ' financial institutions , and what solutions the state government can pursue in partnership with private firms to end it .
`` What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where race is not the largest predictor of approval for a home loan .
We ultimately want to see a lending market where these disparities do not occur , '' state Sen. Jacqueline Collins , a Chicago Democrat and chair of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee , said .
`` We need an end to this cycle of disinvestment , which is at the very root of generational poverty here in Chicago and throughout the state and the country . ''
Chasse Rehwinkel , acting director of banking for the Illinois Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to build assets , such as property or businesses , is `` key to intergenerational wealth creation .
Without adequate access to lending , it is impossible for communities to develop long-lasting economic growth . ''
Rehwinkel said African Americans have historically been and continue to be systematically excluded from this process of wealth creation .
Rehwinkel told lawmakers that African Americans in Chicago were nearly three times more likely to have mortgage applications denied than white applicants .
In 2017 , according to Rehwinkel , 30.3 % of mortgage loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of applications submitted by Latino households were denied in the city .
Referencing WBEZ 's report , Rehwinkel explained that Lincoln Park , a primarily white neighborhood in Chicago , received 13 % greater loan investments from banks than every majority Black neighborhood in the city combined .
`` This is a large disparity , '' Rehwinkel said .
`` It is only the tip of a larger systematic issue .
Our economic system , for better or worse , is built on the extension of credit and the repayment of debt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reserve to Congress found that nationally , Black business owners had their applications for credit denied twice as often as white business owners .
A 2019 Federal Reserve report on access to credit found that 45 percent of borrowers who were Black and applied for any type of credit in the prior year were denied , compared to 18 percent of white borrowers .
The process of deregulation and consolidation , which has been going on for the last four decades , according to Rehwinkel , has pushed out smaller unique institutions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethnic enclaves in metropolitan areas .
That has resulted in some communities being underbanked or having no access to banking services at all , making it harder to obtain loans .
That applies to about 45 % of African American households , a financial status the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation estimates costs consumers an average of $ 182 per year to access their own money .
Rehwinkel suggested lawmakers could help combat systemic inequities by creating programs to incentivize lending in disadvantaged communities and create opportunities for banks to create branches in underbanked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack services .
Cerita Battles , who serves as head of affordable lending at JPMorgan Chase & Co. , also testified before the committee .
`` As one of the largest lenders to Black and Latinx homeowners nationally , it was apparent that we needed to be more intentional about serving our local communities , especially those of color , '' Battles said .
`` We also hold ourselves accountable to doing more , not just in the city of Chicago , but in the state of Illinois and nationally to advance homeownership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced it was committing $ 30 billion over the next five years nationally to `` address some of the largest drivers of the racial wealth divide . ''
The commitment includes $ 8 billion in mortgages and $ 4 billion in refinance loans , explicitly to help Black and Latino households .
Chase has also committed to provide $ 600 million in mortgage lending to Black and Latino Chicagoans over the next 5 years , making Chicago the only city where the bank made a commitment separate from its national plan , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report on lending in Chicago , which showed Chase was the worst offender among major banks in the city for giving less to Black homeowners .
As a percentage of all dollars lent by Chase between 2012 and 2018 , Black neighborhoods received around 2 % , Latino neighborhoods 5 % .
Wells Fargo , U.S. Bank , Fifth Third Bank and Associated Bank each submitted written testimony affirming support for diversity initiatives and a commitment to more equitable lending in the future , but Battles was the only representative of a banking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 Brookings Institute paper called `` The devaluation of assets in black neighborhoods , '' which found that homes in Black neighborhoods of similar quality to homes in non-Black neighborhoods were worth 23 percent less , or about $ 48,000 per home on average , in U.S. metropolitan areas between 2012 and 2016 .
That equates to about $ 156 billion in cumulative losses in asset value for Black homeowners in the United States , more than the combined operating budgets of Illinois , Michigan and Wisconsin 's state governments for their most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interim president of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago , spoke to lawmakers about the difficulties faced by Black homeowners around the U.S. '' I 've spoken to other Black community development groups in other major urban cities , and yeah the data is the same and in some instances it 's even worse , '' Clarke said .
`` In 2019 the Black homeownership rate in the United States hit its second-lowest rate in 26 years at 42.1 percent .
In Illinois the rate was even lower at 39 percent . ''
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Black and white Americans is higher today than it was in 1934 .
Citing a 2020 MIT study called `` The Unequal Costs of Black Homeownership , '' Clarke told lawmakers that African Americans on average pay higher mortgage interest rates , higher insurance premiums and higher property taxes than white families .
By retirement age , those extra housing costs are estimated to equal $ 67,320 in lost savings , which contributes to the wealth gap and serves as a barrier to Black Americans owning or keeping their homes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new promises to infuse capital into Black and brown communities ...
However , if the systemic issues in the mortgage lending process that contributes to these disparities are not also addressed , this money will not reach our communities and we will be here in another 20 years , '' Clarke said .
`` At the rate we 're going , it 's going to take us 238 years to close the racial wealth gap , '' According to Clarke , there is no single solution that will solve every inequity in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would lead to the most immediate and obvious relief for Black homeowners .
Several testified about the appraisal system , which is a somewhat subjective process in which a qualified third party determines a property 's value based on factors such as market trends , recent sales and visual inspection of the home .
Critics of the appraisal system say the race of the owner has been shown to skew the value of the home .
The Chicago Sun-Times recently reported an incident where a black homeowner in Chicago had their home appraised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid .
After getting a second appraisal , this time without disclosing their race , the property was valued $ 62,000 higher than the first appraisal .
A 2020 study that looked at appraised values concluded neighborhood racial composition was a larger factor in appraised value in 2015 than it was in 1980 .
Sheila Sutton , who testified as a policy expert representing Housing Action Illinois , spoke about the appraisal process through the lens of her prior work with a lender .
`` We had homes that were the exact same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference between appraisals , on homes that were across the street from each other . ''
Sutton suggested lawmakers could revise the appraisal process at the state level , given that appraisers are licensed by the state .
Collins said the challenges to addressing the issues lie partly in state government 's regulatory framework , but she stressed that banks must be held to account .
`` The solutions to how we achieve a fairer lending market are going to need to come from banking institutions themselves , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have made time to participate today , but I do want to express disappointment that some have declined to do so . ''
Hunter said legislators `` have a lot of work to do '' to remedy the issues before addressing the banking firms in her closing remarks .
`` This is a criminal situation here as far as I 'm concerned , '' the senator said .
`` You have withheld billions and billions and billions of dollars from my community , from our community .
And many of y'all really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banking license .
Regulation is n't working , it has n't worked ... Today is the beginning , only the beginning , and we are watching you all , especially as you all sit down with us as soon as possible to resolve these issues . ''

Experts testify about systemic racism in Illinois home loan, banking industries
According to a WBEZ report, Chase was the worst offender among major banks in Chicago for loaning less to Black homeowners. Associated Press file photo
SPRINGFIELD -- In Illinois and around the country, an increasing number of universities, investigators and researchers are turning up evidence of systemic racism in the financial sector.
In June, a report from Chicago radio station WBEZ-FM and the nonprofit news organization City Bureau found that for every dollar banks loaned in a white Chicago neighborhood, they invested only 12 cents in Black neighborhoods. A 2019 Duke University study estimates Black Chicagoans lost between $3 to $4 billion in the 1950s and 60s due to predatory housing contracts. A 2013 Pew report shows that nationally, African Americans lost 53 percent of their wealth between 2005 and 2009 due to the collapse of the housing market.
On Thursday, the Illinois Senate Executive and Commerce and Economic Development committees held a joint hearing on racial equity in lending and homeownership. The hearing was the latest in an ongoing series of hearings prompted by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda to end systemic racism.
"The time is long overdue for Black households to be met with policies that uplift them and provide them with access to better credit and lending opportunities," state Sen. Mattie Hunter, a Chicago Democrat who chairs the Executive Committee, said. "It's imperative that we work to close the wealth gap and level the playing field."
Officials from various state agencies, banking executives, community advocacy groups and researchers all appeared before lawmakers as part of a four-hour hearing that delved into the evidence and ongoing practice of systemic racism in Illinois' financial institutions, and what solutions the state government can pursue in partnership with private firms to end it.
"What we want to see is a lending market where race is not the largest predictor of approval for a home loan. We ultimately want to see a lending market where these disparities do not occur," state Sen. Jacqueline Collins, a Chicago Democrat and chair of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee, said. "We need an end to this cycle of disinvestment, which is at the very root of generational poverty here in Chicago and throughout the state and the country."
Loans
Chasse Rehwinkel, acting director of banking for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, testified that being able to build assets, such as property or businesses, is "key to intergenerational wealth creation. Without adequate access to lending, it is impossible for communities to develop long-lasting economic growth." Rehwinkel said African Americans have historically been and continue to be systematically excluded from this process of wealth creation.
Rehwinkel told lawmakers that African Americans in Chicago were nearly three times more likely to have mortgage applications denied than white applicants. In 2017, according to Rehwinkel, 30.3% of mortgage loan applications by African Americans and 22% of applications submitted by Latino households were denied in the city.
Referencing WBEZ's report, Rehwinkel explained that Lincoln Park, a primarily white neighborhood in Chicago, received 13% greater loan investments from banks than every majority Black neighborhood in the city combined.
"This is a large disparity," Rehwinkel said. "It is only the tip of a larger systematic issue. Our economic system, for better or worse, is built on the extension of credit and the repayment of debt."
A 2017 report from the Federal Reserve to Congress found that nationally, Black business owners had their applications for credit denied twice as often as white business owners. A 2019 Federal Reserve report on access to credit found that 45 percent of borrowers who were Black and applied for any type of credit in the prior year were denied, compared to 18 percent of white borrowers.
The process of deregulation and consolidation, which has been going on for the last four decades, according to Rehwinkel, has pushed out smaller unique institutions that specialized in serving lower income borrowers and ethnic enclaves in metropolitan areas. That has resulted in some communities being underbanked or having no access to banking services at all, making it harder to obtain loans.
That applies to about 45% of African American households, a financial status the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation estimates costs consumers an average of $182 per year to access their own money.
Rehwinkel suggested lawmakers could help combat systemic inequities by creating programs to incentivize lending in disadvantaged communities and create opportunities for banks to create branches in underbanked communities to cater to individuals who currently lack services.
Cerita Battles, who serves as head of affordable lending at JPMorgan Chase & Co., also testified before the committee.
"As one of the largest lenders to Black and Latinx homeowners nationally, it was apparent that we needed to be more intentional about serving our local communities, especially those of color," Battles said. "We also hold ourselves accountable to doing more, not just in the city of Chicago, but in the state of Illinois and nationally to advance homeownership."
Earlier this month, Chase announced it was committing $30 billion over the next five years nationally to "address some of the largest drivers of the racial wealth divide." The commitment includes $8 billion in mortgages and $4 billion in refinance loans, explicitly to help Black and Latino households. Chase has also committed to provide $600 million in mortgage lending to Black and Latino Chicagoans over the next 5 years, making Chicago the only city where the bank made a commitment separate from its national plan, according to WBEZ.
Battles referenced WBEZ's report on lending in Chicago, which showed Chase was the worst offender among major banks in the city for giving less to Black homeowners. As a percentage of all dollars lent by Chase between 2012 and 2018, Black neighborhoods received around 2%, Latino neighborhoods 5%.
Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Fifth Third Bank and Associated Bank each submitted written testimony affirming support for diversity initiatives and a commitment to more equitable lending in the future, but Battles was the only representative of a banking institution to testify.
Home ownership
Rehwinkel cited a 2018 Brookings Institute paper called "The devaluation of assets in black neighborhoods," which found that homes in Black neighborhoods of similar quality to homes in non-Black neighborhoods were worth 23 percent less, or about $48,000 per home on average, in U.S. metropolitan areas between 2012 and 2016.
That equates to about $156 billion in cumulative losses in asset value for Black homeowners in the United States, more than the combined operating budgets of Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin's state governments for their most recent fiscal year.
Donna Clarke, interim president of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, spoke to lawmakers about the difficulties faced by Black homeowners around the U.S.
"I've spoken to other Black community development groups in other major urban cities, and yeah the data is the same and in some instances it's even worse," Clarke said. "In 2019 the Black homeownership rate in the United States hit its second-lowest rate in 26 years at 42.1 percent. In Illinois the rate was even lower at 39 percent."
According to Clarke, the gap in homeownership between Black and white Americans is higher today than it was in 1934. Citing a 2020 MIT study called "The Unequal Costs of Black Homeownership," Clarke told lawmakers that African Americans on average pay higher mortgage interest rates, higher insurance premiums and higher property taxes than white families. By retirement age, those extra housing costs are estimated to equal $67,320 in lost savings, which contributes to the wealth gap and serves as a barrier to Black Americans owning or keeping their homes.
"The financial institutions and other companies make new promises to infuse capital into Black and brown communities ... However, if the systemic issues in the mortgage lending process that contributes to these disparities are not also addressed, this money will not reach our communities and we will be here in another 20 years," Clarke said. "At the rate we're going, it's going to take us 238 years to close the racial wealth gap,"
According to Clarke, there is no single solution that will solve every inequity in the housing industry, but down payment assistance would lead to the most immediate and obvious relief for Black homeowners.
Several testified about the appraisal system, which is a somewhat subjective process in which a qualified third party determines a property's value based on factors such as market trends, recent sales and visual inspection of the home.
Critics of the appraisal system say the race of the owner has been shown to skew the value of the home. The Chicago Sun-Times recently reported an incident where a black homeowner in Chicago had their home appraised at a lower price than what they paid. After getting a second appraisal, this time without disclosing their race, the property was valued $62,000 higher than the first appraisal.
A 2020 study that looked at appraised values concluded neighborhood racial composition was a larger factor in appraised value in 2015 than it was in 1980.
Sheila Sutton, who testified as a policy expert representing Housing Action Illinois, spoke about the appraisal process through the lens of her prior work with a lender. "We had homes that were the exact same home ... And we had $100,000 difference between appraisals, on homes that were across the street from each other."
Sutton suggested lawmakers could revise the appraisal process at the state level, given that appraisers are licensed by the state.
Collins said the challenges to addressing the issues lie partly in state government's regulatory framework, but she stressed that banks must be held to account.
"The solutions to how we achieve a fairer lending market are going to need to come from banking institutions themselves," she said. "I appreciate the representatives of those institutions who have made time to participate today, but I do want to express disappointment that some have declined to do so."
Hunter said legislators "have a lot of work to do" to remedy the issues before addressing the banking firms in her closing remarks.
"This is a criminal situation here as far as I'm concerned," the senator said. "You have withheld billions and billions and billions of dollars from my community, from our community. And many of y'all really need to lose your license, your banking license. Regulation isn't working, it hasn't worked ... Today is the beginning, only the beginning, and we are watching you all, especially as you all sit down with us as soon as possible to resolve these issues."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Graue Mill dam removal plans moving forward

Planning is underway to remove the Graue Mill dam at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook .
Last week , DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners voted 5-2 to grant a project license to the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup , which wants to improve the water quality in Salt Creek by installing a `` rock and boulder riffle . ''
The riffle would replace the 1930s-era low-level dam , which is owned by the forest preserve .
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup , which helps municipalities and wastewater treatment plants comply with federal clean water regulations , hopes to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work in 2022 .
Officials say the project at Fullersburg Woods would help bring Salt Creek into compliance with federal environmental regulations .
If rivers are n't meeting water quality goals , the state can impose additional requirements on the local wastewater treatment plants .
But many costly mandates could be avoided if the treatment plants pay for projects that improve local waterways .
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup 's master plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods is estimated to cost $ 5 million .
It will not require additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to removing the dam , the master plan includes the creation of a natural wetland and habitat , with canoe launces and fishing stations at the Fullersburg Woods Nature Center and additional amenities at the preserve .
Stephen McCracken , director of the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup , said the group previously has worked with other agencies to remove dams , including at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve near Naperville and the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison .
`` We have seen nearly instantaneous improvements in the fish population , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as water quality improvements , '' McCracken said .
`` It 's a cost-effective method of doing this , and it 's a highly predictable method . ''
But the plan to remove the Graue Mill dam has faced strong opposition from local residents .
More than 14,000 people have signed a still-active change.org petition organized by Karen Bushy , a former Oak Brook village president .
The Oak Brook village board also passed a resolution against it .
And state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst has proposed legislation that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removal of any structures associated with the mill and the dam without the approval of an oversight board . ''
Even though Graue Mill has used an electric motor for its interior milling operations for years , there is still a desire for the building 's exterior water wheel to spin with the flow of Salt Creek .
But sediment buildup and the height of the dam do not allow for this to naturally occur , McCracken said Opposition to the removal of the Graue Mill dam has been challenging to the DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the group welcomes the attention it brings to its efforts to improve waterways in northeastern Illinois .
`` There 's a lot of money and good science being thrown at this issue , so it 's a pretty exciting time , '' McCracken said .
`` We have implemented several projects like this with good feelings for taxpayers , but they do n't get noticed because nobody was fighting them . ''


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--COVID struck Nevada man twice, and second time was worse

The first study to investigate the case of a person in the U.S. who contracted COVID-19 twice found reinfection can occur swiftly and the second bout of illness can be more severe .
The research , published in the Lancet medical journal , examined the case of a 25-year-old man living in Nevada who became infected with two different genetic variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in less than two months .
He tested negative twice in between , meaning he 's unlikely to have suffered a single prolonged infection .
The findings come as President Donald Trump says he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encounter .
Any new findings on resistance can also have implications for a vaccine as drugmakers race toward the finish line .
The degree of protective immunity after a COVID-19 infection is one of the pandemic 's great unknowns .
So far a handful of reinfection cases have been recorded since the start of the outbreak late last year .
One patient in Ecuador also suffered a worse bout of illness the second time around and an elderly woman in the Netherlands died after testing positive a second time .
It 's also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected multiple times without knowing it .
The Nevada man first tested positive for the virus mid-April after experiencing a headache , coughing , nausea and diarrhea .
He had no underlying conditions that could 've worsened his illness .
He isolated and got better by the end of the month .
At the end of May , though , the man consulted at an urgent care center with fever and dizziness in addition to the symptoms he 'd experienced the prior month .
Five days later he was hospitalized with shortness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 once more .
Scientists sequenced the genomes of the patient 's virus samples and found significant differences , suggesting the man was infected by two distinct versions of the coronavirus .
The researchers said they could n't be sure why the second infection was worse .
It 's possible the patient was exposed to a higher dose of virus the second time , that the version he encountered was more virulent , or even that the presence of antibodies from the first infection was to blame in a twist observed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though unlikely , that there was a continuous infection with some sort of deactivation-reactivation dynamic , they wrote .
`` There are still many unknowns , '' said Mark Pandori , director of the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory and lead author of the study .
`` Our findings signal that a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection may not necessarily protect against future infection .
The possibility of reinfections could have significant implications for our understanding of COVID-19 immunity , especially in the absence of an effective vaccine . ''

COVID struck Nevada man twice, and second time was worse, doctors say
The degree of immunity a person has after a COVID-19 infection is one of the pandemic's great unknowns. Courtesy of the CDC
The first study to investigate the case of a person in the U.S. who contracted COVID-19 twice found reinfection can occur swiftly and the second bout of illness can be more severe.
The research, published in the Lancet medical journal, examined the case of a 25-year-old man living in Nevada who became infected with two different genetic variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in less than two months. He tested negative twice in between, meaning he's unlikely to have suffered a single prolonged infection.
The findings come as President Donald Trump says he's immune to the virus after a single encounter. Any new findings on resistance can also have implications for a vaccine as drugmakers race toward the finish line.
The degree of protective immunity after a COVID-19 infection is one of the pandemic's great unknowns.
So far a handful of reinfection cases have been recorded since the start of the outbreak late last year. One patient in Ecuador also suffered a worse bout of illness the second time around and an elderly woman in the Netherlands died after testing positive a second time. It's also possible people with no symptoms could be infected multiple times without knowing it.
The Nevada man first tested positive for the virus mid-April after experiencing a headache, coughing, nausea and diarrhea. He had no underlying conditions that could've worsened his illness. He isolated and got better by the end of the month.
At the end of May, though, the man consulted at an urgent care center with fever and dizziness in addition to the symptoms he'd experienced the prior month. Five days later he was hospitalized with shortness of breath and given oxygen before testing positive for COVID-19 once more.
Scientists sequenced the genomes of the patient's virus samples and found significant differences, suggesting the man was infected by two distinct versions of the coronavirus.
The researchers said they couldn't be sure why the second infection was worse. It's possible the patient was exposed to a higher dose of virus the second time, that the version he encountered was more virulent, or even that the presence of antibodies from the first infection was to blame in a twist observed with another coronavirus. It's even possible, though unlikely, that there was a continuous infection with some sort of deactivation-reactivation dynamic, they wrote.
"There are still many unknowns," said Mark Pandori, director of the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory and lead author of the study. "Our findings signal that a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection may not necessarily protect against future infection. The possibility of reinfections could have significant implications for our understanding of COVID-19 immunity, especially in the absence of an effective vaccine."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--FDA extends pregnancy warning for common pain relievers

WASHINGTON -- Pregnant women should avoid a group of common pain relievers including Advil and Aleve for the last four months of pregnancy , federal health officials said last week , expanding the warning from three months .
The Food and Drug Administration said the fever-and-pain-reducing drugs can cause a rare but serious complication that can harm the fetus .
They can lead to kidney problems in the fetus that can result in low levels of amniotic fluid that fills the womb .
The warning applies to a family of anti-inflammatory drugs that includes both over-the-counter ingredients like ibuprofen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tablets are among the most widely taken medications in the U.S. and include hundreds of generic cold , flu and sleep aids that often combine multiple pharmaceutical ingredients .
FDA labeling already warns that they should be avoided in the last three months of pregnancy due to the risk of other complications .
In one exception , the FDA said the new warning does not apply to low-dose aspirin when recommended by a doctor .
Federal regulators said they decided to extend the warning after finding 35 cases of the amniotic fluid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar examples in published research .
Use of the pain relievers reduced amniotic fluid in as little as two days , in some cases , the FDA said .
Generally , the problem reversed itself three to six days after women stopped taking the medications .
Women who are n't sure if their medication contains the drugs should talk to a doctor or a pharmacist , the agency said .
The industry group for makers of over-the-counter medicines said companies `` will work with FDA to update labels accordingly , '' it said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute 's Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

FDA extends pregnancy warning for common pain relievers
The Food and Drug Administration said that pregnant women should avoid a group of common pain relievers, including ibuprofen, for the last four months of pregnancy, expanding the warning from three months. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Pregnant women should avoid a group of common pain relievers including Advil and Aleve for the last four months of pregnancy, federal health officials said last week, expanding the warning from three months.
The Food and Drug Administration said the fever-and-pain-reducing drugs can cause a rare but serious complication that can harm the fetus. They can lead to kidney problems in the fetus that can result in low levels of amniotic fluid that fills the womb.
The warning applies to a family of anti-inflammatory drugs that includes both over-the-counter ingredients like ibuprofen and prescription-strength drugs like Celebrex. The pills and tablets are among the most widely taken medications in the U.S. and include hundreds of generic cold, flu and sleep aids that often combine multiple pharmaceutical ingredients.
FDA labeling already warns that they should be avoided in the last three months of pregnancy due to the risk of other complications.
In one exception, the FDA said the new warning does not apply to low-dose aspirin when recommended by a doctor.
Federal regulators said they decided to extend the warning after finding 35 cases of the amniotic fluid problem reported to the FDA and reviewing similar examples in published research. Use of the pain relievers reduced amniotic fluid in as little as two days, in some cases, the FDA said. Generally, the problem reversed itself three to six days after women stopped taking the medications.
Women who aren't sure if their medication contains the drugs should talk to a doctor or a pharmacist, the agency said.
The industry group for makers of over-the-counter medicines said companies "will work with FDA to update labels accordingly," it said in an emailed statement.
• The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Tips from ophthalmologists for protecting your kids' eyes during screen time

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , children between 8-18 years old spend up to nine hours each day looking at a screen for entertainment purposes .
This year , with social distancing and virtual schooling necessary because of the COVID-19 pandemic , young people may be spending even more time looking at screens every day .
Lots of screen time can lead to digital eye strain and concerns of nearsightedness progression .
With this in mind , Lurie Children 's Division of Ophthalmology eye specialists have compiled some tips for good `` screen hygiene . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your child 's computer monitor about an adult arm 's length away ( goal : 18-24 inches ) from their face and positioned at eye level with them sitting upright .
This avoids the excessive eye strain that comes with focusing too close and promotes good posture .
• Appropriate lighting : Have good backlighting in the area your child is using the screen -- such as open windows for sunlight or overhead room lighting that is n't too bright .
Avoid dark or dimly lighted rooms or bright lights in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e.g.
, desk lamp next to the monitor ) , which will cause uncomfortable glare .
• What about `` blue light ?
`` : There is no proven harm or toxicity that comes from blue light in screens .
Blue-filter lenses are not necessary but may subjectively feel more comfortable .
You can also adjust display settings to `` warm '' the screen away from harsher white/blue light that may lead to discomfort .
• The 20-20-20 Rule : Follow the 20-20-20 rule to avoid eye strain and fatigue that comes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes to relax and `` reset '' : Every 20 minutes , look away from the screen and off in the distance 20 feet … for 20 seconds .
• Blinking is important : Without realizing it , we likely do n't blink as frequently as we should when staring at screens .
Remind your child of the need to blink periodically .
You could also use over-the-counter artificial tear drops or have a humidifier in the room to help prevent dry eyes .
• Do n't rub your eyes : If your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they avoid rubbing .
This can aggravate the situation , and it 's also important to avoid touching one 's eyes , nose and mouth to mitigate the spread of germs .
• No screen time before bed : Avoid screen use just before bedtime , which can affect having good quality sleep .
• Play time : Remember to regularly get outside ( weather permitting ) and play !
• Children 's health is a continuing series .
This week 's article is courtesy of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , visit www.LurieChildrens.org .

Tips from ophthalmologists for protecting your kids' eyes during screen time
Now that your children are learning remotely using computers in addition to their own time on devices, their screen time has greatly increased. Stock Photo
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children between 8-18 years old spend up to nine hours each day looking at a screen for entertainment purposes. This year, with social distancing and virtual schooling necessary because of the COVID-19 pandemic, young people may be spending even more time looking at screens every day.
Lots of screen time can lead to digital eye strain and concerns of nearsightedness progression. With this in mind, Lurie Children's Division of Ophthalmology eye specialists have compiled some tips for good "screen hygiene."
• Appropriate spacing: Try to keep your child's computer monitor about an adult arm's length away (goal: 18-24 inches) from their face and positioned at eye level with them sitting upright. This avoids the excessive eye strain that comes with focusing too close and promotes good posture.
• Appropriate lighting: Have good backlighting in the area your child is using the screen -- such as open windows for sunlight or overhead room lighting that isn't too bright. Avoid dark or dimly lighted rooms or bright lights in front of their face or against the screen (e.g., desk lamp next to the monitor), which will cause uncomfortable glare.
• What about "blue light?": There is no proven harm or toxicity that comes from blue light in screens. Blue-filter lenses are not necessary but may subjectively feel more comfortable. You can also adjust display settings to "warm" the screen away from harsher white/blue light that may lead to discomfort.
• The 20-20-20 Rule: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to avoid eye strain and fatigue that comes with prolonged near focusing. This allows the eyes to relax and "reset":
Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and off in the distance 20 feet … for 20 seconds.
• Blinking is important: Without realizing it, we likely don't blink as frequently as we should when staring at screens. Remind your child of the need to blink periodically. You could also use over-the-counter artificial tear drops or have a humidifier in the room to help prevent dry eyes.
• Don't rub your eyes: If your child's eyes feel irritated, advise that they avoid rubbing. This can aggravate the situation, and it's also important to avoid touching one's eyes, nose and mouth to mitigate the spread of germs.
• No screen time before bed: Avoid screen use just before bedtime, which can affect having good quality sleep.
• Play time: Remember to regularly get outside (weather permitting) and play!
• Children's health is a continuing series. This week's article is courtesy of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. For more information, visit www.LurieChildrens.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-16--Window, door improvements made

Window, door improvements made

We have all been spending more time at home over the past year , so home improvement issues have come to the forefront of many minds .
Home improvement companies have been searching the globe to find new and better ways to make our homes more comfortable year-round -- for example , the European Tilt and Turn Vinyl Windows and Doors series .
American Thermal Window of Chicago and its Sahara Window and Doors division , which recently relocated from Mount Prospect to an expanded facility in Niles , is no exception .
In fact , the company recently added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This sophisticated style has been available for years in Europe .
Turn the handle upward and the upper part of the sash tilts slightly to allow safe and easy ventilation .
You may also turn the handle to the horizontal position and the sash pivots vertically to offer a larger opening .
Turn the handle down and it will be hermetically sealed , '' said Iver Johnson Sr. , owner .
Johnson is a former Chicago police officer who has been providing windows and doors to Chicago-area homeowners for 38 years .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the two showrooms function as the same company with identical offerings and crews that skillfully install a variety of products in single-family homes , townhouses , condominiums and commercial properties .
Johnson said most people think of a front door as giving visitors their first impression of the home and providing security .
But it , like a home 's windows , should also provide a wind break to keep cold breezes outside and heated air inside .
Fiberglass is a common modern choice for outside doors because it is very durable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies also offer nationally recognized Simpson Doors that are made of solid oak , birch , cherry , poplar and other woods , produced in America .
Doors that must be fire-rated ( such as those between a garage and a home ) must be metal and the showrooms also sell those .
American Thermal Window and Sahara Window and Doors often open exterior walls or enlarge existing windows ( in homes with all types of exteriors ) in order to allow the installation of replacement doors and windows .
It offers 58 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stain combinations and more than 200 custom glass options .
Custom colors are also possible , as are security wrought iron decorated doors with lockguards and nonremovable hinges for those who like the New Orleans look -- or are worried about their safety .
The wrought iron doors come with screens for air flow and mail slots , too .
Johnson 's two companies also install custom patio doors .
Custom cuts , designer glass and designer grids are readily available .
Steel security storm doors are also part of the inventory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows for growing plants , windows with blinds between the panes and fashionable doors with decorative glass options .
Johnson stressed that if you are one of the many who are working and educating children from home these days , the next time we have a chilly day it might behoove you to sit on the floor in various spots around your home ( especially the places where your children and grandchildren like to play and/or study ) and see if you feel cold breezes infiltrating from outdoors .
If you can feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss/cold air invasion will do to your family 's heating bills this winter .
`` Window manufacturers are continually upgrading their products .
Today 's windows , which are generally available in wood , vinyl and aluminum , have much higher energy ratings than those being replaced , of course , so they save on heating and cooling costs , '' Johnson said .
Windows also act as `` ambassadors to your home and family . ''
Eye-catching bay , picture and other specialty windows add personality to a home while also keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His companies carry 10 window lines , including Marvin , Pella and Andersen .
`` We only offer the best .
If it is n't up to our standards , we do n't carry it , '' Johnson said .
Johnson cautioned that homeowners shopping for replacement windows and doors need to do their homework .
`` You want to choose a company that makes sure your improvement project is completed to expectation , from the point of choosing the most suitable items with the help of knowledgeable reps , to the installation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only use our own very experienced installation crews and almost all of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties . ''
When you contract with a company , it should also have a long track record and high standing on rating services like Angie 's List and Yelp .
`` You ca n't purchase those ratings .
They have to be earned .
We have been awarded with the Angie 's List 's Super Service Award for several years in a row and have exceptional ratings from Yelp , Google and the Better Business Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers feel about us , '' Johnson said .
`` At American Thermal and Sahara we all understand what it is to own a home , so we are easily able to relate to our customers , '' Johnson said .
`` We strive to make sure our customers receive a positive experience from beginning to end , from their initial phone call to their interaction with the sales rep and the showroom staff , to their experience with the installation crews .
We want nothing but positive experiences ! ''
Delivery times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so if you want new doors or windows before winter , make your choices soon , Johnson advises .
But keep in mind that his crews do work year-round `` because we are capable of doing all of the windows in an average house in a day without causing undue temperature fluctuations . ''
So even if the snow flies early , your installations can be done .
All of Johnson 's installation crews are employed directly by American Thermal Window and Sahara Window and Doors and are highly trained and held to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company trucks and the average installer has a minimum of 13 years of experience , he said .
Incidentally , Johnson 's firms also have a good following with condominium and townhouse associations because they are willing to attend association meetings at no charge .
They also offer a wide variety of fire-rated windows and doors for mid- to high-rise residential buildings and commercial properties , as well as gutter guards for residential properties .
The American Thermal Window showroom is located at 5304 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago and the new Sahara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6619 W. Jarvis in Niles .
`` We encourage people to come in to one of our showrooms and see our displays , '' he said .
`` There is always someone to serve you .
We are open in Niles , Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m .
In Chicago we are open those same hours , Monday through Friday , as well as 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays . ''
For more information , call ( 847 ) 259-9099 or ( 773 ) 774-3131 or visit @ @ @ @

Window, door improvements made
If you are in need of doors or windows, American Thermal Window of Chicago and Sahara Window and Doors in Niles carry multiple lines of products.
With European Tilt and Turn windows, the upper part of the sash tilts slightly to allow easy ventilation. Photos Courtesy of American Thermal Window
We have all been spending more time at home over the past year, so home improvement issues have come to the forefront of many minds. Home improvement companies have been searching the globe to find new and better ways to make our homes more comfortable year-round -- for example, the European Tilt and Turn Vinyl Windows and Doors series.
American Thermal Window of Chicago and its Sahara Window and Doors division, which recently relocated from Mount Prospect to an expanded facility in Niles, is no exception. In fact, the company recently added this series to its inventory.
"This sophisticated style has been available for years in Europe. Turn the handle upward and the upper part of the sash tilts slightly to allow safe and easy ventilation. You may also turn the handle to the horizontal position and the sash pivots vertically to offer a larger opening. Turn the handle down and it will be hermetically sealed," said Iver Johnson Sr., owner.
Johnson is a former Chicago police officer who has been providing windows and doors to Chicago-area homeowners for 38 years. Both stores have retained their individual names, but the two showrooms function as the same company with identical offerings and crews that skillfully install a variety of products in single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums and commercial properties.
Johnson said most people think of a front door as giving visitors their first impression of the home and providing security. But it, like a home's windows, should also provide a wind break to keep cold breezes outside and heated air inside.
Fiberglass is a common modern choice for outside doors because it is very durable, Johnson said, but his two companies also offer nationally recognized Simpson Doors that are made of solid oak, birch, cherry, poplar and other woods, produced in America. Doors that must be fire-rated (such as those between a garage and a home) must be metal and the showrooms also sell those.
American Thermal Window and Sahara Window and Doors often open exterior walls or enlarge existing windows (in homes with all types of exteriors) in order to allow the installation of replacement doors and windows. It offers 58 different door styles with 36 standard paint and stain combinations and more than 200 custom glass options. Custom colors are also possible, as are security wrought iron decorated doors with lockguards and nonremovable hinges for those who like the New Orleans look -- or are worried about their safety. The wrought iron doors come with screens for air flow and mail slots, too.
Johnson's two companies also install custom patio doors. Custom cuts, designer glass and designer grids are readily available. Steel security storm doors are also part of the inventory for unbeatable protection, as are garden windows for growing plants, windows with blinds between the panes and fashionable doors with decorative glass options.
Johnson stressed that if you are one of the many who are working and educating children from home these days, the next time we have a chilly day it might behoove you to sit on the floor in various spots around your home (especially the places where your children and grandchildren like to play and/or study) and see if you feel cold breezes infiltrating from outdoors.
If you can feel a chill, consider what that heat loss/cold air invasion will do to your family's heating bills this winter.
"Window manufacturers are continually upgrading their products. Today's windows, which are generally available in wood, vinyl and aluminum, have much higher energy ratings than those being replaced, of course, so they save on heating and cooling costs," Johnson said.
Windows also act as "ambassadors to your home and family." Eye-catching bay, picture and other specialty windows add personality to a home while also keeping the interior of the home comfortable. His companies carry 10 window lines, including Marvin, Pella and Andersen.
"We only offer the best. If it isn't up to our standards, we don't carry it," Johnson said.
Johnson cautioned that homeowners shopping for replacement windows and doors need to do their homework.
"You want to choose a company that makes sure your improvement project is completed to expectation, from the point of choosing the most suitable items with the help of knowledgeable reps, to the installation," he explained. "We only use our own very experienced installation crews and almost all of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties."
When you contract with a company, it should also have a long track record and high standing on rating services like Angie's List and Yelp.
"You can't purchase those ratings. They have to be earned. We have been awarded with the Angie's List's Super Service Award for several years in a row and have exceptional ratings from Yelp, Google and the Better Business Bureau. Those ratings reflect the way our customers feel about us," Johnson said.
"At American Thermal and Sahara we all understand what it is to own a home, so we are easily able to relate to our customers," Johnson said. "We strive to make sure our customers receive a positive experience from beginning to end, from their initial phone call to their interaction with the sales rep and the showroom staff, to their experience with the installation crews. We want nothing but positive experiences!"
Delivery times depend on the order's complexity, so if you want new doors or windows before winter, make your choices soon, Johnson advises. But keep in mind that his crews do work year-round "because we are capable of doing all of the windows in an average house in a day without causing undue temperature fluctuations." So even if the snow flies early, your installations can be done.
All of Johnson's installation crews are employed directly by American Thermal Window and Sahara Window and Doors and are highly trained and held to exacting standards. They always arrive in company trucks and the average installer has a minimum of 13 years of experience, he said.
Incidentally, Johnson's firms also have a good following with condominium and townhouse associations because they are willing to attend association meetings at no charge. They also offer a wide variety of fire-rated windows and doors for mid- to high-rise residential buildings and commercial properties, as well as gutter guards for residential properties.
The American Thermal Window showroom is located at 5304 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago and the new Sahara Window and Doors showroom is located at 6619 W. Jarvis in Niles.
"We encourage people to come in to one of our showrooms and see our displays," he said. "There is always someone to serve you. We are open in Niles, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Chicago we are open those same hours, Monday through Friday, as well as 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays."
For more information, call (847) 259-9099 or (773) 774-3131 or visit www.americanthermalwindow.com or www.saharawindowanddoors.com.