dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Family's 6-year search for missing relative ends with news of Elgin memorial service

Irene Donovan was on an early morning grocery trip when she heard the end of a radio story about a man in Elgin who was laid to rest Tuesday .
The report said the funeral home did n't find any of his family or friends and had invited the public to attend the visitation .
The man was Stephen Myerson -- the same name as Donovan 's cousin whom she and her family had been seeking for six years .
`` The age was right , but I did n't want to jump to conclusions , '' said Donovan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the radio station and they filled her in on the part of the story she missed and that Myerson , 72 , was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Marine Corps .
He died Sept. 11 at the Citadel Care Center in Elgin .
Donovan knew it was him .
The radio station got the story from The Associated Press .
She called the AP national office , which sent her to the Chicago bureau , which told her it was a Daily Herald story and gave her a phone number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm Irene Donovan .
I 'm Steve Myerson 's cousin , '' she said .
`` You wrote about him yesterday . ''
Donovan said she and family members had been out of touch and searching for him .
Myerson had a falling out with the family after becoming estranged from his wife and two children , she said .
`` He was kind of a traveler , did n't want to stick in one place for too long , '' she said .
`` It got rough about six years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged him to get in touch with his kids , Donovan said , but Myerson eventually `` did n't want to hear it anymore '' and just drifted away from everyone .
In the past two years , Donovan stepped up her search after his twin sister and his son died within months .
`` I searched everything I could on the internet .
I even had a friend who is a former police chief try to help , '' she said .
`` All the bridges went to nowhere .
He did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A representative from Laird Funeral Home in Elgin , which donated services to honor the veteran , said Myerson told the people at Citadel that he had no family .
Myerson 's mother , Lorraine Armonda , lives in a nursing home in Lake Geneva .
She does n't know about Myerson 's death .
`` I do n't want to tell her because I ca n't be there with her , and this is going to hit her hard , '' Donovan said .
She told Myerson 's brothers , Ralph and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to tell their mom .
She ca n't have visitors at the home because of the pandemic .
For Donovan , the whirlwind morning was a lot to take .
`` It 's mixed emotions , '' she said .
`` I 'm happy there 's some closure , but my aunt ( Steve 's mother ) has been beside herself about him .
She worries about him all the time . ''
`` I just wish I could be there to hold her when she finds out . ''
Myerson is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his daughter Kristen and several cousins , nieces and nephews .
Donovan said they 'll probably have a service or visit his grave at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood when the situation with the pandemic allows .

Family's 6-year search for missing relative ends with news of Elgin memorial service
This photo of Stephen A. Myerson was taken in the 1970s. COURTESY OF IRENE DONOVAN
This photo of Stephen A. Myerson was taken at a wedding of one of his brothers in the 1980s. Myerson died Sept. 11 at the Citadel Care Center in Elgin and the public was invited to a memorial service for him Tuesday when no family was located, but now the family knows. COURTESY OF IRENE DONOVAN
Irene Donovan was on an early morning grocery trip when she heard the end of a radio story about a man in Elgin who was laid to rest Tuesday.
The report said the funeral home didn't find any of his family or friends and had invited the public to attend the visitation.
The man was Stephen Myerson -- the same name as Donovan's cousin whom she and her family had been seeking for six years.
"The age was right, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions," said Donovan, who lives in Winthrop Harbor.
She called the radio station and they filled her in on the part of the story she missed and that Myerson, 72, was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Marine Corps. He died Sept. 11 at the Citadel Care Center in Elgin.
Donovan knew it was him.
The radio station got the story from The Associated Press. She called the AP national office, which sent her to the Chicago bureau, which told her it was a Daily Herald story and gave her a phone number. She called at 7:24 a.m.
"I'm Irene Donovan. I'm Steve Myerson's cousin," she said. "You wrote about him yesterday."
Donovan said she and family members had been out of touch and searching for him. Myerson had a falling out with the family after becoming estranged from his wife and two children, she said.
"He was kind of a traveler, didn't want to stick in one place for too long," she said.
"It got rough about six years ago," Donovan said. His mother urged him to get in touch with his kids, Donovan said, but Myerson eventually "didn't want to hear it anymore" and just drifted away from everyone.
In the past two years, Donovan stepped up her search after his twin sister and his son died within months.
"I searched everything I could on the internet. I even had a friend who is a former police chief try to help," she said.
"All the bridges went to nowhere. He didn't want to be found."
A representative from Laird Funeral Home in Elgin, which donated services to honor the veteran, said Myerson told the people at Citadel that he had no family.
Myerson's mother, Lorraine Armonda, lives in a nursing home in Lake Geneva. She doesn't know about Myerson's death.
"I don't want to tell her because I can't be there with her, and this is going to hit her hard," Donovan said. She told Myerson's brothers, Ralph and John, who will decide the best way to tell their mom. She can't have visitors at the home because of the pandemic.
For Donovan, the whirlwind morning was a lot to take.
"It's mixed emotions," she said. "I'm happy there's some closure, but my aunt (Steve's mother) has been beside herself about him. She worries about him all the time."
"I just wish I could be there to hold her when she finds out."
Myerson is survived by his mother, two brothers, his daughter Kristen and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Donovan said they'll probably have a service or visit his grave at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood when the situation with the pandemic allows.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Barrington District 220 sets return to hybrid learning for Jan. 19

Barrington Area Unit District 220 has a plan for a return to hybrid learning Jan. 19 , citing revised guidance from the Lake County Health Department and the anticipation that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for educators sometime next month .
The Jan. 19 date accounts for keeping schools closed for a period after winter break , as advised by the health department due to expected travel and gatherings , Superintendent Brian Harris told the school board Tuesday night .
The health department says its data shows that consistently wearing masks , social distancing , hand hygiene and contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the disease , Harris said .
As long as those measures are in place , students can return to school , even if metrics like weekly case counts and positivity rate still show significant community spread , he said .
`` The key to returning is to be able to successfully implement all mitigation , including social distancing , '' Harris said .
`` If we see a change in that at the secondary level , we will have to come back and maybe make modifications . ''
Harris also pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs have been going to school all along .
Phase 1 of the state 's COVID-19 vaccination plan consists of three tiers of distribution : the first for health care personnel and residents on long-term care facilities , the second possibly for `` essential front-line workers , '' and the third possibly for adults with high-risk medical conditions and those over 65 .
Harris said educators would be part of the `` essential front-line workers '' category , and it 's anticipated that vaccines for them will be available sometime in January .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather quickly in relation to the general public , '' he said .
District staff members wo n't be required by the district to get the vaccine , but it 's `` highly recommended '' they do , Harris said .
Those who choose not to get the vaccine still will be asked to come back to work , he said .
Families will have a choice between sending students back to school in January for hybrid learning -- a mix of in-person and remote learning -- or keeping students learning remotely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.6 million , officials said .
That includes mostly transportation costs -- elementary school students will go to school in two groups , one in the morning and one in the afternoon -- as well as additional staff members so most teachers wo n't have to teach students in the classroom and via Zoom at the same time , Harris said .
The district started in-person classes Oct. 19 with a hybrid model but returned to remote learning shortly after , following guidance from the Lake County Health Department regarding an increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaints from frustrated parents who say remote learning is detrimental to their children 's education and emotional well-being .
An online petition asking for Harris ' firing and/or resignation has garnered more than 1,700 signatures , including from outside the district .
Harris , who is retiring in June , did n't return a request for comment regarding the petition .
`` The board has received and read the petition , '' board President Penny Kazmier said Wednesday .
`` I understand that these COVID times have been very difficult on everyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of the board of education . ''
The board spent five evenings in the last two weeks meeting with superintendent candidates and feels `` really good '' about the interviews , Kazmier said .
The new superintendent is expected to be named in early 2021 .

Barrington District 220 sets return to hybrid learning for Jan. 19
Barrington Area Unit District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris, second row from top, first from left, presented a plan for a return to hybrid learning Jan. 19 during the school board meeting held via Zoom on Tuesday night. Courtesy of Barrington Area Unit District 220
Barrington Area Unit District 220 has a plan for a return to hybrid learning Jan. 19, citing revised guidance from the Lake County Health Department and the anticipation that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for educators sometime next month.
The Jan. 19 date accounts for keeping schools closed for a period after winter break, as advised by the health department due to expected travel and gatherings, Superintendent Brian Harris told the school board Tuesday night.
The health department says its data shows that consistently wearing masks, social distancing, hand hygiene and contact tracing are effective at stopping the spread of the disease, Harris said. As long as those measures are in place, students can return to school, even if metrics like weekly case counts and positivity rate still show significant community spread, he said.
"The key to returning is to be able to successfully implement all mitigation, including social distancing," Harris said. "If we see a change in that at the secondary level, we will have to come back and maybe make modifications."
Harris also pointed out that small groups of students with specific needs have been going to school all along.
Phase 1 of the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan consists of three tiers of distribution: the first for health care personnel and residents on long-term care facilities, the second possibly for "essential front-line workers," and the third possibly for adults with high-risk medical conditions and those over 65.
Harris said educators would be part of the "essential front-line workers" category, and it's anticipated that vaccines for them will be available sometime in January. "We do believe it will be rather quickly in relation to the general public," he said.
District staff members won't be required by the district to get the vaccine, but it's "highly recommended" they do, Harris said. Those who choose not to get the vaccine still will be asked to come back to work, he said.
Families will have a choice between sending students back to school in January for hybrid learning -- a mix of in-person and remote learning -- or keeping students learning remotely.
Hybrid learning will cost an additional $2.6 million, officials said. That includes mostly transportation costs -- elementary school students will go to school in two groups, one in the morning and one in the afternoon -- as well as additional staff members so most teachers won't have to teach students in the classroom and via Zoom at the same time, Harris said.
The district started in-person classes Oct. 19 with a hybrid model but returned to remote learning shortly after, following guidance from the Lake County Health Department regarding an increase in COVID-19 cases. The board has received complaints from frustrated parents who say remote learning is detrimental to their children's education and emotional well-being.
An online petition asking for Harris' firing and/or resignation has garnered more than 1,700 signatures, including from outside the district. Harris, who is retiring in June, didn't return a request for comment regarding the petition.
"The board has received and read the petition," board President Penny Kazmier said Wednesday. "I understand that these COVID times have been very difficult on everyone, but Dr. Harris continues to have the support of the board of education."
The board spent five evenings in the last two weeks meeting with superintendent candidates and feels "really good" about the interviews, Kazmier said. The new superintendent is expected to be named in early 2021.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Palatine repair shop owners 'hope to make huge difference' with car giveaway

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

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


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Illinois struggles to recruit instate kids. Could Jeff Monken's triple option fix that?

On the first day of the football signing period Wednesday , the Daily Herald has a chart of suburban players headed to schools like Arizona , Penn State , Wisconsin , Northwestern and Minnesota .
That would be the state 's flagship university , Illinois .
Even before Lovie Smith was fired as the Illini coach Sunday , Illinois had commitments from 13 players .
Not a single one from Illinois .
And that 's been the trend , not an outlier .
Why do the Illini have such a hard time recruiting Illinois ?
Ted Monken , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago whose family is as synonymous with high school football in Illinois as any , puts the blame both with Smith and larger issues .
`` Lovie did n't make any effort , '' Monken said .
`` None of the high school coaches I talked to had any contact with Lovie let alone the assistants .
They really do n't know the coaches .
And Lovie is a good coach , he went to the Super Bowl and the Bears have fallen off since he left .
I 'm not saying he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't think he understands the college game .
It 's all about recruiting .
`` When Lovie Smith got the job , how hard would it have been for him to bite the bullet , spend half of April and May and hit as many schools as he could and try to impress on every coach who at the time would love to meet Lovie Smith , he was the big name , he 's walking into the school , he 's coming to say hello to my players ?
Just spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to lay the groundwork .
And after that you do n't have to go to every school , send your assistants out , and you go see the good players like every coach does .
He made zero effort . ''
Because of that and other reasons , Smith is out at Illinois after going 17-39 in five seasons .
Monken 's brother Todd , the offensive coordinator at Georgia , and his cousin Jeff , the head coach at Army , are two names that show up often as potential Lovie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school football in the state .
Ted and Todd 's father Bob coached at Lake Park and started the Illinois Football Coaches Association All-State program 26 years ago that Ted does a lot of the work for today .
Jeff 's father Mike coached at Joliet East , and Bob and Mike Monken had three brothers who also coached high school football .
When you add in the next generation that Ted is part of , there 's 12 Monkens who have coached at least one year of high school football in Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state who could help with recruiting , you would think it would be a Monken .
Ted Monken said Todd , who also has NFL experience as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay and Cleveland , is happy where he is .
Todd 's name has surfaced with past Illini searches , but Ted said Todd 's agent never got a call from Illinois .
So do n't expect this year 's opening to be a fit .
`` It 's hard to leave Georgia and all the success they are having , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not a financial decision because he 's doing well at Georgia .
He would probably make more money at Illinois but it 's not like he 's going to the soup kitchen .
You want to move from Athens , Georgia to Champaign ?
He would rather stay there or bounce back to the NFL than try to restart at Illinois and maybe be fired in four or five years . ''
Jeff is the more likely candidate .
He 's 48-38 in 7 seasons at Army where he runs the triple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson at Georgia Tech .
Ted thinks the triple option , and Jeff 's recruiting , would work in Champaign .
`` He definitely would ( improve recruiting ) , '' Ted said .
`` The kids in Illinois would fit the triple option .
There would be enough big guys , enough road graders , he could scholarship the hell out of these linemen in Illinois .
I 'm not sure you can recruit Illinois to be an air raid team .
He would do a heck of a job because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm not saying these things just because I want Jeff to get the job .
Any of those guys who run the triple , it makes a ton of sense to go that direction .
Look what Georgia Tech did .
They went from being a nonfactor to being competitive and scared the heck out of everybody every week . ''
Whoever the next football coach is at Illinois , and speculation continues to range from the Monkens to dream candidates like Cincinnati 's Luke Fickell to more realistic targets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coach is going to have a heck of a time improving instate recruiting .
Other Midwestern states do n't have the same problem keeping top players home .
`` Wisconsin rarely scholarships a kid instate because every kid would grow up dying to be a Badger , and kids were tickled to death to be a preferred walk-on , '' Monken said .
`` That 's a fortunate situation that Illinois just does n't have .
Kids in Illinois do n't grow up wanting to be Illini .
They are more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans .
`` Illinois has been the definition of insanity , '' Monken continued .
`` Continue to do the same thing over and expect a different result .
Right now they ca n't beat anybody on a recruit .
Who is Illinois going to beat on a recruit ?
If you are a player and have a choice to go to Iowa or Illinois , you will probably go to Iowa .
You have a chance to win some games and be competitive . ''
Illini athletic director Josh Whitman said instate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next coach .
Monken hopes so , and thinks a change in the offensive identity can help .
`` So who does Illinois beat like this ?
I 'm going to try to beat you at what you are doing with lesser players , '' Monken said .
`` You have to be the reincarnation of Knute Rockne , Vince Lombardi and whoever else all rolled into one .
I think it would make a ton of sense for Illinois to go with the triple option .
When you have good players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare for especially when you see it one time a year .
I think Illinois would be brilliant to bring him in ( Jeff Monken ) or someone like him but I 'm afraid they are going to go with another retread , a good coach that will go to Illinois to die . ''

Illinois struggles to recruit in-state kids. Could Jeff Monken's triple option fix that?
Former St. Charles East and West Chicago football coach Ted Monken has some candid thoughts on the search for Lovie Smith's replacement at Illinois. Daily Herald File Photo
Could the triple option offense work at Illinois? Jeff Monken coaches it at Army and is on the list of potential candidates to replace Lovie Smith as the Illini's new head coach. ASSOCIATED PRESS
On the first day of the football signing period Wednesday, the Daily Herald has a chart of suburban players headed to schools like Arizona, Penn State, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Minnesota.
One school noticeably absent?
That would be the state's flagship university, Illinois.
Even before Lovie Smith was fired as the Illini coach Sunday, Illinois had commitments from 14 players, only 3 from Illinois.
And that's been the trend, not an outlier.
Why do the Illini have such a hard time recruiting Illinois?
Ted Monken, a former coach at St. Charles East and West Chicago whose family is as synonymous with high school football in Illinois as any, puts the blame both with Smith and larger issues.
"Lovie didn't make any effort," Monken said. "None of the high school coaches I talked to had any contact with Lovie let alone the assistants. They really don't know the coaches. And Lovie is a good coach, he went to the Super Bowl and the Bears have fallen off since he left. I'm not saying he's a bad football coach. I don't think he understands the college game. It's all about recruiting.
"When Lovie Smith got the job, how hard would it have been for him to bite the bullet, spend half of April and May and hit as many schools as he could and try to impress on every coach who at the time would love to meet Lovie Smith, he was the big name, he's walking into the school, he's coming to say hello to my players? Just spend a month and a half of your time to lay the groundwork. And after that you don't have to go to every school, send your assistants out, and you go see the good players like every coach does. He made zero effort."
Because of that and other reasons, Smith is out at Illinois after going 17-39 in five seasons.
Monken's brother Todd, the offensive coordinator at Georgia, and his cousin Jeff, the head coach at Army, are two names that show up often as potential Lovie replacements.
The Monken family knows high school football in the state. Ted and Todd's father Bob coached at Lake Park and started the Illinois Football Coaches Association All-State program 26 years ago that Ted does a lot of the work for today. Jeff's father Mike coached at Joliet East, and Bob and Mike Monken had three brothers who also coached high school football.
When you add in the next generation that Ted is part of, there's 12 Monkens who have coached at least one year of high school football in Illinois.
If anyone would have contacts around the state who could help with recruiting, you would think it would be a Monken.
Ted Monken said Todd, who also has NFL experience as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay and Cleveland, is happy where he is. Todd's name has surfaced with past Illini searches, but Ted said Todd's agent never got a call from Illinois.
So don't expect this year's opening to be a fit.
"It's hard to leave Georgia and all the success they are having," Ted Monken said. "It's not a financial decision because he's doing well at Georgia. He would probably make more money at Illinois but it's not like he's going to the soup kitchen. You want to move from Athens, Georgia to Champaign? He would rather stay there or bounce back to the NFL than try to restart at Illinois and maybe be fired in four or five years."
Jeff is the more likely candidate. He's 48-38 in 7 seasons at Army where he runs the triple option, which he learned under Paul Johnson at Georgia Tech.
Ted thinks the triple option, and Jeff's recruiting, would work in Champaign.
"He definitely would (improve recruiting)," Ted said. "The kids in Illinois would fit the triple option. There would be enough big guys, enough road graders, he could scholarship the hell out of these linemen in Illinois. I'm not sure you can recruit Illinois to be an air raid team. He would do a heck of a job because he gets it, he knows the coaches.
"I'm not saying these things just because I want Jeff to get the job. Any of those guys who run the triple, it makes a ton of sense to go that direction. Look what Georgia Tech did. They went from being a nonfactor to being competitive and scared the heck out of everybody every week."
Whoever the next football coach is at Illinois, and speculation continues to range from the Monkens to dream candidates like Cincinnati's Luke Fickell to more realistic targets like Buffalo's Lance Leipold, the new coach is going to have a heck of a time improving instate recruiting.
Other Midwestern states don't have the same problem keeping top players home.
"Wisconsin rarely scholarships a kid instate because every kid would grow up dying to be a Badger, and kids were tickled to death to be a preferred walk-on," Monken said. "That's a fortunate situation that Illinois just doesn't have. Kids in Illinois don't grow up wanting to be Illini. They are more likely to be Ohio State or Notre Dame fans.
"Illinois has been the definition of insanity," Monken continued. "Continue to do the same thing over and expect a different result. Right now they can't beat anybody on a recruit. Who is Illinois going to beat on a recruit? If you are a player and have a choice to go to Iowa or Illinois, you will probably go to Iowa. You have a chance to win some games and be competitive."
Illini athletic director Josh Whitman said instate recruiting will be a priority in selecting the next coach.
Monken hopes so, and thinks a change in the offensive identity can help.
"So who does Illinois beat like this? I'm going to try to beat you at what you are doing with lesser players," Monken said. "You have to be the reincarnation of Knute Rockne, Vince Lombardi and whoever else all rolled into one. I think it would make a ton of sense for Illinois to go with the triple option. When you have good players it's a bear to stop and prepare for especially when you see it one time a year. I think Illinois would be brilliant to bring him in (Jeff Monken) or someone like him but I'm afraid they are going to go with another retread, a good coach that will go to Illinois to die."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--1979 Inverness murder case may be resolved without retrial, attorney says

A former Inverness woman facing retrial after her 2016 murder conviction was overturned by the Illinois Appellate Court may have her case resolved short of another trial , according to her attorney .
Jacquelyn Greco , 73 , was convicted in October 2016 of the 1979 murder of her husband Carl Gaimari , 34 , who was fatally shot with his own gun in the couple 's Inverness home .
Last summer , the appellate court set aside Greco 's conviction and ordered a new trial .
During a hearing Wednesday , Assistant Cook County Public Defender Caroline Glennon told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County prosecutors to `` resolve the matter short of a trial . ''
Greco told authorities that on the day of her husband 's murder 41 years ago two masked men entered the home , tied her and three of her four children up , locked them in a master bedroom closet and waited for Gaimari to return from his job with the Chicago Board of Trade .
The couple 's 15-year-old daughter , who was away from home at the time , returned to discover her mother and siblings in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 13-year-old daughter discovered Gaimari 's body in the basement .
Prosecutors claimed greed motivated Greco and her lover , whom she married months after her husband 's murder .
Authorities say that man arranged the home invasion and murder but was never charged .
The gunmen were never identified , and authorities say the investigation remains open .
The case went cold until Inverness police received permission from Greco 's older sister , Elsie Fry , to tape a 2013 phone conversation between the siblings during which prosecutors say Greco implicated herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say Greco did n't want her husband killed .
They pointed to the conversation played for jurors during the first trial in which Greco told Fry : `` Your testimony is enough to put me away .
You 're my sister but you 're a witness against me ... That 's enough to put me away .
Not that I killed him , but I knew . ''
In their appeal , Greco 's attorneys say the original trial court erred in not instructing jurors on the defense theory that Greco had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband . ''
The appellate court agreed , stating , `` A defendant in a criminal case is entitled to have the jury instructed on any legally recognized defense theory which has some foundation in the evidence , however tenuous . ''
Greco next appears in court on Jan. 25 .

1979 Inverness murder case may be resolved without retrial, attorney says
A former Inverness woman facing retrial after her 2016 murder conviction was overturned by the Illinois Appellate Court may have her case resolved short of another trial, according to her attorney.
Jacquelyn Greco, 73, was convicted in October 2016 of the 1979 murder of her husband Carl Gaimari, 34, who was fatally shot with his own gun in the couple's Inverness home. Last summer, the appellate court set aside Greco's conviction and ordered a new trial.
During a hearing Wednesday, Assistant Cook County Public Defender Caroline Glennon told the court she was in negotiations with Cook County prosecutors to "resolve the matter short of a trial."
Greco told authorities that on the day of her husband's murder 41 years ago two masked men entered the home, tied her and three of her four children up, locked them in a master bedroom closet and waited for Gaimari to return from his job with the Chicago Board of Trade. The couple's 15-year-old daughter, who was away from home at the time, returned to discover her mother and siblings in the closet. Moments later, the couple's 13-year-old daughter discovered Gaimari's body in the basement.
Prosecutors claimed greed motivated Greco and her lover, whom she married months after her husband's murder. Authorities say that man arranged the home invasion and murder but was never charged. The gunmen were never identified, and authorities say the investigation remains open.
The case went cold until Inverness police received permission from Greco's older sister, Elsie Fry, to tape a 2013 phone conversation between the siblings during which prosecutors say Greco implicated herself in Gaimari's death.
Defense attorneys say Greco didn't want her husband killed. They pointed to the conversation played for jurors during the first trial in which Greco told Fry: "Your testimony is enough to put me away. You're my sister but you're a witness against me ... That's enough to put me away. Not that I killed him, but I knew."
In their appeal, Greco's attorneys say the original trial court erred in not instructing jurors on the defense theory that Greco had "withdrawn from the plan to kill her husband."
The appellate court agreed, stating, "A defendant in a criminal case is entitled to have the jury instructed on any legally recognized defense theory which has some foundation in the evidence, however tenuous."
Greco next appears in court on Jan. 25.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Late McHenry County restauranteur Brett Coleman remembered as friend to all

The words used in a tribute by Coleman 's in Cary pretty much sum up Coleman , known throughout McHenry County as not only a business leader , but someone who touched the lives of many .
Brett Ralph Coleman died at age 67 on Dec. 11 after a battle with COVID-19 .
`` He was one of a kind , '' said one of his three sons , Brady Coleman of Crystal Lake .
`` I 'm devastated that he 's left us , but I am filled with so much gratitude because of the father he was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so grateful I had such an amazing teacher to show me how to show up for people and connect with people . ''
Along with his sons , Brady , Seth and Egan , Brett Coleman is survived by his daughter , Mae , and his wife Ann .
Brady recently bought the Crystal Lake home he grew up in from his parents , who moved to Cary .
He hopes to continue his father 's legacy of hosting so many family gatherings through the years .
Very much involved in the Cary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Coleman family since 1996 , Brett Coleman still was going into the business daily before his illness , his son said .
He began running restaurants in his early 20s , following in the footsteps of his father .
He 'd grown up in Woodstock , where his father once ran a restaurant and bar .
Through the years , Brett Coleman owned and operated bars and restaurants in at least six locations in Elgin , Dundee , Chicago , Crystal Lake , Cary and Algonquin .
He also built and owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The number of people he worked with , employed , mentored and helped seem endless .
Tribute , messages and condolences to the family fill social media .
Fellow restaurateurs responded with numerous tributes .
A post from Port Edward in Algonquin called him `` a staple in the restaurant industry since the late 1970s . ''
`` We will miss your energetic personality and your great self , '' Cattleman 's Burger and Brew in Algonquin posted .
Cary Chamber of Commerce President Lynn Caccavallo knew him through his businesses and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children worked for him at various points .
`` He 'd always come over to the table and ask how the kids were doing , '' she said .
`` He was very kind and had so much knowledge ...
Anytime I needed something , I just had to pick up the phone and ask him .
He was the kind of person who said , 'What do you need ?
It 's yours . '
'' In a tribute posted on the Facebook page for Coleman 's in Cary , Brett Coleman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our leader , our mentor , our coach , our cheerleader and occasionally our court jester . ''
The tribute went on to say , `` He had the compassion of a priest , the joviality of a comedian , the wisdom of a nurse and the heart of a lion .
That heart was made of gold .
Whether you need sage advice or someone to liven up the party it was all there in one package . ''
Along with the outpouring of condolences , the Coleman family is touched by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's something Brett , who also ran a catering business , would do , Brady Coleman said .
`` Whenever someone would pass away , he would be there the next day with his catering food so they did n't have to cook for the next few days , '' he said .
`` A dozen people stopped by that have said he 's done that for him .
So much he did we did n't even know about , always giving to others , always helping out .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Late McHenry County restauranteur Brett Coleman remembered as friend to all
Brett Coleman never met a stranger.
The words used in a tribute by Coleman's in Cary pretty much sum up Coleman, known throughout McHenry County as not only a business leader, but someone who touched the lives of many. Brett Ralph Coleman died at age 67 on Dec. 11 after a battle with COVID-19.
"He was one of a kind," said one of his three sons, Brady Coleman of Crystal Lake. "I'm devastated that he's left us, but I am filled with so much gratitude because of the father he was to us all.
"I'm just so grateful I had such an amazing teacher to show me how to show up for people and connect with people."
Along with his sons, Brady, Seth and Egan, Brett Coleman is survived by his daughter, Mae, and his wife Ann. Brady recently bought the Crystal Lake home he grew up in from his parents, who moved to Cary. He hopes to continue his father's legacy of hosting so many family gatherings through the years.
Very much involved in the Cary bar and grill owned and operated by the Coleman family since 1996, Brett Coleman still was going into the business daily before his illness, his son said.
He began running restaurants in his early 20s, following in the footsteps of his father.
He'd grown up in Woodstock, where his father once ran a restaurant and bar. Through the years, Brett Coleman owned and operated bars and restaurants in at least six locations in Elgin, Dundee, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Cary and Algonquin. He also built and owned a Holiday Inn Express in Algonquin.
The number of people he worked with, employed, mentored and helped seem endless.
Tribute, messages and condolences to the family fill social media.
Fellow restaurateurs responded with numerous tributes. A post from Port Edward in Algonquin called him "a staple in the restaurant industry since the late 1970s."
"We will miss your energetic personality and your great self," Cattleman's Burger and Brew in Algonquin posted.
Cary Chamber of Commerce President Lynn Caccavallo knew him through his businesses and as a friend. Three of her six children worked for him at various points.
Living nearby, she'd frequent his restaurant.
"He'd always come over to the table and ask how the kids were doing," she said. "He was very kind and had so much knowledge ... Anytime I needed something, I just had to pick up the phone and ask him. He was the kind of person who said, 'What do you need? It's yours.'"
In a tribute posted on the Facebook page for Coleman's in Cary, Brett Coleman is described as "our friend, our leader, our mentor, our coach, our cheerleader and occasionally our court jester."
The tribute went on to say, "He had the compassion of a priest, the joviality of a comedian, the wisdom of a nurse and the heart of a lion. That heart was made of gold. Whether you need sage advice or someone to liven up the party it was all there in one package."
Along with the outpouring of condolences, the Coleman family is touched by the amount of people sending food. That's something Brett, who also ran a catering business, would do, Brady Coleman said.
"Whenever someone would pass away, he would be there the next day with his catering food so they didn't have to cook for the next few days," he said. "A dozen people stopped by that have said he's done that for him. So much he did we didn't even know about, always giving to others, always helping out.
"It's amazing how many people he's touched."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Car crashes into Bartlett martial arts studio

The crash of a vehicle into a martial arts studio in Bartlett Wednesday afternoon caused no apparent injuries to either @ @ @ @ @ inside the business , police said .
According to Bartlett police , officers called at @ @ @ @ @ Plaza in The Streets of Bartlett arrived to find that a 1999 Honda Accord had @ @ @ @ @ into the studio .
A female employee of the business initially was reported to be @ @ @ @ @ , but she was able to walk out unharmed , police said .
The 69-year-old @ @ @ @ @ also appeared to be uninjured but was taken to the hospital as a precaution .
@ @ @ @ @ remained under investigation Wednesday evening .
The village 's building division confirmed that the damaged @ @ @ @ @ .

Car crashes into Bartlett martial arts studio
Bartlett police are investigating the crash of a 1999 Honda Accord into a martial arts studio Wednesday afternoon. No injuries were reported. Courtesy of Bartlett Police Department
The crash of a vehicle into a martial arts studio in Bartlett Wednesday afternoon caused no apparent injuries to either the driver or a person inside the business, police said.
According to Bartlett police, officers called at 3:50 p.m. to 154 Bartlett Plaza in The Streets of Bartlett arrived to find that a 1999 Honda Accord had struck the building and plunged into the studio.
A female employee of the business initially was reported to be trapped underneath a desk inside, but she was able to walk out unharmed, police said.
The 69-year-old female driver of the Honda also appeared to be uninjured but was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation Wednesday evening.
The village's building division confirmed that the damaged building remained safe for occupancy.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Arlington Heights woman killed in Buffalo Grove crash

An Arlington Heights woman died Tuesday night after her vehicle struck a tree in the median on Lake-Cook Road near @ @ @ @ @ , according to Buffalo Grove police .
The crash occurred about 7 p.m. Jeneane Richards @ @ @ @ @ to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights , where she was pronounced dead about an @ @ @ @ @ is still under investigation .

Arlington Heights woman killed in Buffalo Grove crash
An Arlington Heights woman died Tuesday night after her vehicle struck a tree in the median on Lake-Cook Road near Weidner Road in Buffalo Grove, according to Buffalo Grove police.
The crash occurred about 7 p.m. Jeneane Richards, 59, was taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, where she was pronounced dead about an hour later.
The accident is still under investigation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Des Plaines mechanic who died in O'Hare accident 'was taking care of everyone' in his family

Jijo George emigrated from India 17 years ago and worked hard to make things better for his family .
He earned an associate degree in mechanical engineering and landed a job as a mechanic at Envoy Air at O'Hare International Airport about two years ago , his family said .
What 's more , he and his wife had a 2-year-old child and were expecting another within the next month , his cousin Blesson George said .
`` It took him 17 years to get where he is now -- by working hard -- and then suddenly it 's all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jijo George , 35 , died Sunday after being crushed by an `` aircraft drivable pushback apparatus '' at hangar 764 , according to the Cook County medical examiner 's office .
George was the main provider for his Des Plaines household , which also included his parents and brother 's family .
`` He was taking care of everyone , '' Blesson George said .
`` They lost the person who had been taking care of them .
They 're all crying .
... Life was about to get better for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him . ''

Des Plaines mechanic who died in O'Hare accident 'was taking care of everyone' in his family
Jijo George emigrated from India 17 years ago and worked hard to make things better for his family.
He earned an associate degree in mechanical engineering and landed a job as a mechanic at Envoy Air at O'Hare International Airport about two years ago, his family said.
What's more, he and his wife had a 2-year-old child and were expecting another within the next month, his cousin Blesson George said.
"It took him 17 years to get where he is now -- by working hard -- and then suddenly it's all gone," Blesson George said.
Jijo George, 35, died Sunday after being crushed by an "aircraft drivable pushback apparatus" at hangar 764, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.
George was the main provider for his Des Plaines household, which also included his parents and brother's family.
"He was taking care of everyone," Blesson George said. "They lost the person who had been taking care of them. They're all crying. ... Life was about to get better for him, and that's when this happened to him."
• For the full story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Antigen testing, vaccine help fight big hospital numbers in Kane County

The new use of rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 and deployment of the Pfizer version of a vaccine are bolstering the outlook of Kane County public health professionals .
But they warned against the public letting down its guard as the number of patients in hospital beds is far beyond anything experienced in recent months .
The county received the BinaxNOW rapid antigen test shortly before Thanksgiving .
It has administered 425 of those tests at six sites , mostly at homeless shelters , long-term care facilities and industrial businesses .
So far , 20 have come back positive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool kit for any businesses or organizations interested in using rapid antigen tests .
However , a Clinical Laboratory Implement Act waiver is needed , as well as a standing order from a medical provider .
`` We ca n't just give them to anyone , '' said Kathy Fosser , interim executive director of the health department .
The newest weapon in the pandemic fight is deployment of the Pfizer version of the vaccine .
Health officials expect Moderna 's version will receive emergency use authorization by this weekend , allowing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week .
There are no estimates yet on how many doses will be locally available .
For that reason , medical personnel and long-term care centers will be the focus for the initial doses .
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses .
Staff and residents at the county jail , because of the relatively tight living quarters , will also get access to the vaccine before the general public .
Once vaccine manufacturing increases , health department staff said local pharmacies and primary care doctors should have access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free , the federal government is allowing providers to charge a fee to cover administration costs .
Health officials said most health insurance plans should cover that cost .
It unclear yet if any professions will require getting the vaccine as a condition of ongoing employment .
Michael Isaacson , the county 's assistant director for community health , said he has `` not heard directly of a lot of strong movement to require it in the near term .
Could that change over time ?
It certainly could . ''
That said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible to get the vaccine as soon as they can .
He pointed to a `` dramatic increase '' positive COVID-19 tests since the summer .
The positivity rate in Kane County has stayed above 12 % for two months , beyond the 8 % goal set in the summer .
Likewise , the availability of ICU and medical-surgical beds has bounced just above and below the target of at least 20 % capacity for the last month .
`` We have not seen the overwhelming spike , although we still have way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Isaacson said .
`` Our hospitals are quite busy .
We are still seeing way too many people who are seriously ill , and the number of deaths in a week that we 're seeing in Kane County is still 10 times what we were seeing in the summer . ''

Antigen testing, vaccine start to help fight big hospital numbers in Kane County
The new use of rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 and deployment of Pfizer's vaccine are bolstering the outlook of Kane County public health professionals.
But they warned against the public letting down its guard as the number of patients in hospital beds is far beyond anything experienced in recent months.
The county received the BinaxNOW rapid antigen test shortly before Thanksgiving. It has administered 425 of those tests at six sites, mostly at homeless shelters, long-term care facilities and industrial businesses. So far, 20 have come back positive.
The county health department does have a tool kit for any businesses or organizations interested in using rapid antigen tests, but a Clinical Laboratory Implement Act waiver is needed, as well as a standing order from a medical provider.
"We can't just give them to anyone," said Kathy Fosser, interim executive director of the health department.
The newest weapon in the pandemic fight is deployment of Pfizer's vaccine. Health officials expect Moderna's version will receive emergency use authorization by this weekend, allowing it to also roll out in Kane County next week. There are no estimates yet on how many doses will be locally available.
For that reason, medical personnel and long-term care centers will be the focus for the initial doses. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.
Staff members and residents at the county jail, because of the relatively tight living quarters, will also get access to the vaccine before the general public.
Once vaccine manufacturing increases, the health department said local pharmacies and primary care doctors should have access to the shots.
While the vaccine is free, the federal government is allowing providers to charge a fee to cover administration costs. Health officials said most health insurance plans should cover that cost.
It's unclear yet if any professions will require getting the vaccine as a condition of ongoing employment. Michael Isaacson, the county's assistant director for community health, said he has "not heard directly of a lot of strong movement to require it in the near term. Could that change over time? It certainly could."
That said, Isaacson encouraged as many people as possible to get the vaccine as soon as they can. He pointed to a "dramatic increase" positive COVID-19 tests since the summer.
The positivity rate in Kane County has stayed above 12% for two months, beyond the 8% goal set in the summer. Likewise, the availability of ICU and medical-surgical beds has bounced just above and below the target of at least 20% capacity for the last month.
"We have not seen the overwhelming spike, although we still have way too much COVID activity in the community," Isaacson said. "Our hospitals are quite busy. We are still seeing way too many people who are seriously ill, and the number of deaths in a week that we're seeing in Kane County is still 10 times what we were seeing in the summer."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Naperville District 203 'on track' to offer hybrid learning next month

Naperville Unit District 203 is on track to begin a hybrid learning model in late January as COVID-19 case counts and local health metrics stabilize , Superintendent Dan Bridges said in a letter to parents .
Positive tests among students and staff members , as well as transmission of the virus within schools , have been consistently low in recent weeks , he said , suggesting that `` our mitigation strategies are working and that we will be able to provide a healthy and safe learning environment . ''
Elementary through high school students are being asked to choose between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Families are expected to receive separate emails for each child this week , Bridges said .
The transition to a hybrid format is slated to begin Jan. 25 , at which point all early childhood students also are expected to transition to in-person learning four days a week , he said .
A timeline presented during a virtual school board meeting last week indicated an enhanced e-learning phase will continue until winter break , which takes place Dec. 23 to Jan. 4 .
All students will learn remotely from Jan. 6-8 , followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which some targeted students receive in-person services .
`` It is the goal again that working and learning remotely will provide time after the holidays to adequately monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms and help reduce the spread of the virus within our schools , '' Bridges said .
Detailed information about the hybrid model is expected to be presented during Monday 's board meeting .

Naperville District 203 'on track' to offer hybrid learning next month
Superintendent Dan Bridges says Naperville Unit District 203 is on track to transition to hybrid learning next month. Daily Herald file photo
Naperville Unit District 203 is on track to begin a hybrid learning model in late January as COVID-19 case counts and local health metrics stabilize, Superintendent Dan Bridges said in a letter to parents.
Positive tests among students and staff members, as well as transmission of the virus within schools, have been consistently low in recent weeks, he said, suggesting that "our mitigation strategies are working and that we will be able to provide a healthy and safe learning environment."
Elementary through high school students are being asked to choose between in-person and online-only learning by Tuesday. Families are expected to receive separate emails for each child this week, Bridges said.
The transition to a hybrid format is slated to begin Jan. 25, at which point all early childhood students also are expected to transition to in-person learning four days a week, he said.
A timeline presented during a virtual school board meeting last week indicated an enhanced e-learning phase will continue until winter break, which takes place Dec. 23 to Jan. 4. All students will learn remotely from Jan. 6-8, followed by two more weeks of enhanced e-learning, in which some targeted students receive in-person services.
"It is the goal again that working and learning remotely will provide time after the holidays to adequately monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms and help reduce the spread of the virus within our schools," Bridges said.
Detailed information about the hybrid model is expected to be presented during Monday's board meeting.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Twenty years and $22 million later, Quentin Road project comes to fruition

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

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


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--'There's a real human impact here': Pritzker announces $711 million in budget cuts

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

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


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Illinois solicits device donations for Computer Equity Network

SPRINGFIELD -- The state is soliciting computers and related equipment from individuals and companies as part of a new program announced Wednesday that will distribute refurbished devices to low-income households .
The Computer Equity Network is a collaboration between the state , the non-profit PCs for People , municipal governments and private businesses .
The program is tied to the ongoing Connect Illinois initiative based out of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that seeks to expand broadband access in the state .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced the program during his daily COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more significant in this pandemic is the digital divide , '' Pritzker said .
`` How can your child learn from home if you do n't have internet access ?
How can you shop for groceries safely online if you do n't have a computer ?
Accessing the digital world has become essential for students , for small business owners , for patient-doctor communications , for job applications .
Really there 's no realm in which connecting online has n't become absolutely necessary in the modern era . ''
DCEO estimates that out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1.1 million lack home computer access .
According to DCEO Director Erin Guthrie , the Equity Network will host community hand-off events in all 102 Illinois counties to give away the upgraded devices to eligible families .
The events will also feature on-site support from DCEO to provide digital literacy courses and options for accessing low-cost internet services .
What 's outside of the state 's hands , however , are the actual computers .
`` We know that sourcing hardware is a limiting factor in this work , we are here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help us meet this challenge , '' Guthrie said .
`` We are counting on you to maximize the impact of this initiative ; your donation is essential as we work to close the gap . ''
Pritzker suggested that `` in the spirit of this holiday season , '' Illinois companies , when upgrading equipment , can donate their old technology to the Equity Network , where PCs For People will upgrade it and give it to a family in need .
`` It 's all hands on deck .
Employers large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and small , '' Matt Schmit , the state 's Office of Broadband Director , said in an interview .
Colleges and other institutions of higher education that are upgrading equipment and can donate their older computers will be likely donors .
Counties , cities or even small towns are also encouraged to partner with local businesses to recycle equipment during an update cycle .
`` It can be computers by the hundreds or just a couple here and there .
It all makes a difference , '' he said .
Companies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are eligible for tax reductions under applicable regulations for property donations to charitable organizations .
Philanthropic entities are also encouraged to contribute .
Current partners of the Equity Network include the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund , the Jewish United Fund , the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois , and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis .
PCs for People CEO Casey Sorensen said the network has currently committed to providing 20,000 computers to low-income families during the non-profit 's first year operating in Illinois .
Given the state 's number of households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , significant investment in the program from public , private and philanthropic entities will be necessary to source enough computers to meet the demand .
`` It 's easy for many to take for granted access to a computer and internet , but the pandemic has shown us millions of kids can not access education , '' Sorensen said .
`` We have received the warm welcome from local corporations , and now with the governor 's call to action , we 're optimistic about announcing many new partnerships in the near future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach Illinois families . ''
Illinois residents who are eligible for free computers must be below 200 % of the federal poverty line or enrolled in income-based government assistance programs such as free or reduced school lunch , Medicaid or SNAP .
Alongside the distribution events scheduled in every Illinois county , two statewide distribution centers , one in the Metro East area and one in Chicago , will be open for donations .
Households looking to receive computers , or companies looking to donate their older equipment , can visit Illinois.gov/ComputerEquityNetwork for @ @ @

Illinois solicits device donations for Computer Equity Network
SPRINGFIELD -- The state is soliciting computers and related equipment from individuals and companies as part of a new program announced Wednesday that will distribute refurbished devices to low-income households.
The Computer Equity Network is a collaboration between the state, the non-profit PCs for People, municipal governments and private businesses. The program is tied to the ongoing Connect Illinois initiative based out of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that seeks to expand broadband access in the state.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the program during his daily COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday.
"One of the largest gaps made even more significant in this pandemic is the digital divide," Pritzker said.
"How can your child learn from home if you don't have internet access? How can you shop for groceries safely online if you don't have a computer? Accessing the digital world has become essential for students, for small business owners, for patient-doctor communications, for job applications. Really there's no realm in which connecting online hasn't become absolutely necessary in the modern era."
DCEO estimates that out of 4.9 million Illinois households, more than 1.1 million lack home computer access.
According to DCEO Director Erin Guthrie, the Equity Network will host community hand-off events in all 102 Illinois counties to give away the upgraded devices to eligible families. The events will also feature on-site support from DCEO to provide digital literacy courses and options for accessing low-cost internet services.
What's outside of the state's hands, however, are the actual computers.
"We know that sourcing hardware is a limiting factor in this work, we are here today to call on Illinois companies to help us meet this challenge," Guthrie said. "We are counting on you to maximize the impact of this initiative; your donation is essential as we work to close the gap."
Pritzker suggested that "in the spirit of this holiday season," Illinois companies, when upgrading equipment, can donate their old technology to the Equity Network, where PCs For People will upgrade it and give it to a family in need.
"It's all hands on deck. Employers large and small, and likewise governments large and small," Matt Schmit, the state's Office of Broadband Director, said in an interview.
Colleges and other institutions of higher education that are upgrading equipment and can donate their older computers will be likely donors. Counties, cities or even small towns are also encouraged to partner with local businesses to recycle equipment during an update cycle.
"It can be computers by the hundreds or just a couple here and there. It all makes a difference," he said.
Companies and individuals who give computers to the program are eligible for tax reductions under applicable regulations for property donations to charitable organizations.
Philanthropic entities are also encouraged to contribute. Current partners of the Equity Network include the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund, the Jewish United Fund, the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
PCs for People CEO Casey Sorensen said the network has currently committed to providing 20,000 computers to low-income families during the non-profit's first year operating in Illinois. Given the state's number of households lacking computers is more than one million, significant investment in the program from public, private and philanthropic entities will be necessary to source enough computers to meet the demand.
"It's easy for many to take for granted access to a computer and internet, but the pandemic has shown us millions of kids cannot access education," Sorensen said. "We have received the warm welcome from local corporations, and now with the governor's call to action, we're optimistic about announcing many new partnerships in the near future, that help us sustain supply to reach Illinois families."
Illinois residents who are eligible for free computers must be below 200% of the federal poverty line or enrolled in income-based government assistance programs such as free or reduced school lunch, Medicaid or SNAP.
Alongside the distribution events scheduled in every Illinois county, two statewide distribution centers, one in the Metro East area and one in Chicago, will be open for donations.
Households looking to receive computers, or companies looking to donate their older equipment, can visit Illinois.gov/ComputerEquityNetwork for more information.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-16--Biden's challenge: Creating a COVID-19-free White House

WASHINGTON -- Three blocks from the White House , office space for more than 500 Biden transition staffers sits mostly idle .
The government is shipping out laptops so staffers can work from home .
President-elect Joe Biden , surrounded by just a handful of aides in Delaware , is using Zoom to oversee his plans to assume power .
But Biden soon will be entering a no-Zoom zone at the White House -- just one sign of the challenges his new administration will face when it moves to Washington in the midst of a pandemic .
After months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his campaign and transition team have taken toward COVID-19 , Biden 's prudence will be tested by technology and tradition when he arrives on Jan. 20 .
White House computers do n't allow the popular video conference software Zoom or rival systems like Google Meet and Slack .
Government-issue cellphones only gained texting capabilities a few years ago .
And many employees will need to be present at the White House to access classified information .
Biden 's team has limited experience with staffing a physical office during the pandemic .
His campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Philadelphia headquarters and sending staff back to their families in Washington , New York and beyond .
His transition team plotted out his path to power entirely online .
The closest Biden 's team has come to experimenting with in-person work was election night , when a small selection of masked and socially distanced aides in Wilmington , Delaware , monitored returns in hotel conference rooms , a far cry from running a White House 24/7 .
Even now , the most prominent use of the 100,000-plus square feet ( 9,290 square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transition is for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to receive the highly classified President 's Daily Brief .
Telework is possible for some White House staff , and improvements in both secure and unclassified videoconferencing have been made over the last two decades .
But the lack of in-person coordination could pose an additional challenge to the new government facing a multitude of crises .
Further complicating matters , the Biden team must devise health and safety protocols from scratch .
The Trump administration was , at best , a cautionary tale in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .
Despite relying on an aggressive testing regimen that is not available in other workplaces , the West Wing under President Donald Trump has been the locus of at least two significant outbreaks of COVID-19 since Trump himself came down with the virus five weeks before Election Day .
Besides the first family , the dozens in Trump world who have tested positive include the White House chief of staff , the vice president 's chief of staff , the White House press secretary and the president 's campaign manager .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after potential exposure .
The full scale of the infections is not publicly known .
The problems stemmed in large part from the Trump White House flouting its own guidelines for COVID-19 safety , including holding large events , allowing frequent travel and above all not requiring face masks .
The Biden team believes that some of the greatest risk can be mitigated simply by adhering to scientific advice : holding safer events , requiring face coverings and continuing regular testing .
White House veterans say the task of making the West Wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require intense discipline , among both White House staff and the hundreds of government employees from other federal agencies who support it .
Detailed planning is still underway , but some early considerations are to curtail the number of staffers who have unfettered access to the West Wing , encourage remote work where possible and even have staffers use secure teleconferencing between individual offices to minimize use of shared spaces .
Biden 's team may get a blueprint of sorts for its use of COVID-19 vaccines from the Trump White House , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some critical government staffers , including military aides to the president , Secret Service agents and Situation Room watch officers .
Biden himself appears likely to receive at least a first dose of the vaccine before taking office , relying on the advice of the nation 's top U.S. infectious-disease expert .
Dr. Anthony Fauci called for Biden and Harris to swiftly receive the vaccine .
`` For security reasons , I really feel strongly that we should get them vaccinated as soon as we possibly can , '' Fauci said on ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him fully protected as he enters into the presidency in January . ''
Moving the Bidens into the White House -- a stressful process even in normal times -- will be more complicated this year .
There will be a top-to-bottom cleaning of the West Wing in the hours after Trump vacates the premises and before Biden 's team moves in .
Public health experts say it 's crucial that extra steps be taken to mitigate the spread of the disease during that changeover .
One former official said the White House ventilation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats , poses less of a concern than in typical buildings , but the Biden team is not taking any risks .
`` The two things to think about are cleaning off all surfaces , especially high-touch places like doorknobs ... and transmission via aerosols and the possibility of aerosols lingering in the air between the two transitions if someone there is currently sick , '' said Dr. Abraar Karan , a global health specialist at Brigham and Women 's Hospital and Harvard Medical School .
`` Having full air exchange , filtration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cleaning and the moving in of the new presidential family . ''
Typically , the entire move is completed in about five or six hours , said Kate Andersen Brower , author of `` The Residence : Inside the Private World of the White House . ''
For security reasons , moving day is carried out by White House household staff -- an undertaking that enlists everyone from building engineers to kitchen staff .
`` In the past , there 's literally one moving truck in the South Lawn entrance and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It 's very much an all-hands-on-deck situation . ''

Biden's challenge: Creating a COVID-19-free White House
President-elect Joe Biden soon will be entering a no-Zoom zone at the White House. It's just one sign of the challenges his new administration will face when it moves to Washington in the midst of a pandemic. After months of making a virtue of being cautious about COVID-19, Biden's prudence will be tested by technology and tradition when his new administration arrives on Jan. 20. Associated Press/Sept. 18, 2019
WASHINGTON -- Three blocks from the White House, office space for more than 500 Biden transition staffers sits mostly idle. The government is shipping out laptops so staffers can work from home. President-elect Joe Biden, surrounded by just a handful of aides in Delaware, is using Zoom to oversee his plans to assume power.
But Biden soon will be entering a no-Zoom zone at the White House -- just one sign of the challenges his new administration will face when it moves to Washington in the midst of a pandemic.
After months of making a virtue of the cautious approach his campaign and transition team have taken toward COVID-19, Biden's prudence will be tested by technology and tradition when he arrives on Jan. 20.
White House computers don't allow the popular video conference software Zoom or rival systems like Google Meet and Slack. Government-issue cellphones only gained texting capabilities a few years ago. And many employees will need to be present at the White House to access classified information.
Biden's team has limited experience with staffing a physical office during the pandemic. His campaign went all-virtual in mid-March, clearing out its Philadelphia headquarters and sending staff back to their families in Washington, New York and beyond. His transition team plotted out his path to power entirely online.
The closest Biden's team has come to experimenting with in-person work was election night, when a small selection of masked and socially distanced aides in Wilmington, Delaware, monitored returns in hotel conference rooms, a far cry from running a White House 24/7.
Even now, the most prominent use of the 100,000-plus square feet (9,290 square meters) of office space reserved for the transition is for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to receive the highly classified President's Daily Brief.
Telework is possible for some White House staff, and improvements in both secure and unclassified videoconferencing have been made over the last two decades. But the lack of in-person coordination could pose an additional challenge to the new government facing a multitude of crises.
Further complicating matters, the Biden team must devise health and safety protocols from scratch. The Trump administration was, at best, a cautionary tale in how not to run a workplace during a pandemic.
Despite relying on an aggressive testing regimen that is not available in other workplaces, the West Wing under President Donald Trump has been the locus of at least two significant outbreaks of COVID-19 since Trump himself came down with the virus five weeks before Election Day.
Besides the first family, the dozens in Trump world who have tested positive include the White House chief of staff, the vice president's chief of staff, the White House press secretary and the president's campaign manager. Still more aides have had to isolate after potential exposure. The full scale of the infections is not publicly known.
The problems stemmed in large part from the Trump White House flouting its own guidelines for COVID-19 safety, including holding large events, allowing frequent travel and above all not requiring face masks. The Biden team believes that some of the greatest risk can be mitigated simply by adhering to scientific advice: holding safer events, requiring face coverings and continuing regular testing.
White House veterans say the task of making the West Wing a safe workspace is attainable but will require intense discipline, among both White House staff and the hundreds of government employees from other federal agencies who support it.
Detailed planning is still underway, but some early considerations are to curtail the number of staffers who have unfettered access to the West Wing, encourage remote work where possible and even have staffers use secure teleconferencing between individual offices to minimize use of shared spaces.
Biden's team may get a blueprint of sorts for its use of COVID-19 vaccines from the Trump White House, which is beginning to roll out inoculations for some critical government staffers, including military aides to the president, Secret Service agents and Situation Room watch officers.
Biden himself appears likely to receive at least a first dose of the vaccine before taking office, relying on the advice of the nation's top U.S. infectious-disease expert. Dr. Anthony Fauci called for Biden and Harris to swiftly receive the vaccine.
"For security reasons, I really feel strongly that we should get them vaccinated as soon as we possibly can," Fauci said on ABC News on Tuesday. "You want him fully protected as he enters into the presidency in January."
Moving the Bidens into the White House -- a stressful process even in normal times -- will be more complicated this year.
There will be a top-to-bottom cleaning of the West Wing in the hours after Trump vacates the premises and before Biden's team moves in. Public health experts say it's crucial that extra steps be taken to mitigate the spread of the disease during that changeover.
One former official said the White House ventilation system, hardened against chemical and biological threats, poses less of a concern than in typical buildings, but the Biden team is not taking any risks.
"The two things to think about are cleaning off all surfaces, especially high-touch places like doorknobs ... and transmission via aerosols and the possibility of aerosols lingering in the air between the two transitions if someone there is currently sick," said Dr. Abraar Karan, a global health specialist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. "Having full air exchange, filtration and open ventilation will be important between the cleaning and the moving in of the new presidential family."
Typically, the entire move is completed in about five or six hours, said Kate Andersen Brower, author of "The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House." For security reasons, moving day is carried out by White House household staff -- an undertaking that enlists everyone from building engineers to kitchen staff.
"In the past, there's literally one moving truck in the South Lawn entrance and one in the north entrance," she said. "It's very much an all-hands-on-deck situation."
Madhani reported from Wilmington, Del.