dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--GOP: Tying school funding to tax vote 'shameful'

SPRINGFIELD -- Republicans on Thursday called it `` shameful '' that Gov .
J.B. Pritzker is floating a budget plan that ties more than 40 % of promised education funding to voter approval of his coveted tax-structure overhaul .
Educators agreed planning for the coming school year would be difficult under the Democratic governor 's proposal .
It promises the expected minimum $ 350 million boost to schools , but there 's a catch .
Classrooms would never see $ 150 million of it if a constitutional amendment to adopt a graduated income tax fails at the ballot box in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the state of Illinois , if you want to fund things that are important to you , then you have to go along with my political agenda and I think that 's a false choice , '' Assistant House Republican Leader Avery Bourne of Morrisonville said at a morning Capitol news conference .
`` It 's a shameful tactic to use , rather than talking about what we can afford to spend . ''
The centerpiece of Pritzker 's 2018 campaign , the income tax plan would hit heftier incomes at higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional annual revenue , according to advocates .
As collection ramped up , nearly $ 1.4 billion would be available in the second half of the next fiscal year , which ends in June 2021 .
That 's the amount Pritzker has included in his budget plan as `` reserves '' that only materialize with the income-tax switch , including the $ 150 million education-funding carrot .
That leaves school boards across the state wondering whether to anticipate spending based on a $ 200 million allocation or roll the dice and plan on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2017 education-funding revamp .
Once budgets are set and students answer the bell , it 's very difficult to adjust budgets .
`` If additional revenues come in November or December , there 's no time to develop any strategies to improve classroom instruction , '' said Tony Sanders , CEO of school district U-46 in Elgin , the state 's next-to-largest .
`` You ca n't hire staff on a promise another $ 150 million .
You ca n't lower class size ... . ''
You 're talking about people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to hire people for the second half of the year . ''
Sen. Andy Manar , a Bunker Hill Democrat who helped craft the 2017 evidence-based funding model , said the schoolhouse apprehension is no different than in any other year immediately following a gubernatorial budget unveiling .
Manar said Pritzker made the case for a $ 350 million allotment and `` there 's multiple paths to get that done . ''
Designed to prioritize state funding for the neediest school districts in terms of academic achievement and the ability of local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law sets $ 350 million as the minimum annual state contribution to make it work , but if it 's lower , schools most in need still get an influx .
`` One of the biggest advantages we have today is we injected stability into the system , '' Manar said .
`` But there 's always going to be doubts ... .
From the time the governor presents a budget to the time one is signed into law , there 's always going to be some level of uncertainty . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected -- $ 800 million -- to cover the full education bill .
Ben Schwarm , deputy executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards , agreed that there 's a lot of legislative debate to come before the General Assembly 's May 31 scheduled adjournment .
And if lawmakers put $ 350 million in a budget bill they send to the governor , it would be difficult for Pritzker to veto it .
But approval of Pritzker 's plan as it stands would ensure only $ 200 million for schools when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School boards will react accordingly , Schwarm said .
`` They 'll go with what they think might be coming , '' Schwarm said .
`` They 're prudent in the way they do that and they 're going to go with the lower number . ''

GOP: Tying school funding to tax vote 'shameful'
Illinois Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, the sponsor of the 2017 education funding overhaul, tells reporters that Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal for schools is a blueprint and the Legislature will craft the final budget before its May 31 adjournment at the Statehouse in Springfield, Ill., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. Pritzker proposed a $350 million increase for schools, but would deliver only $200 million unless voters approve a revamp in the state's income tax structure in November.
State Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, tells reporters that Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal for education funding will hurt schools during a state Capitol news conference Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2020, in Springfield, Ill. Pritzker proposed a $350 million increase for K-12 schools, but says only $200 million will be provided if voters don't approve a constitutional amendment to overhaul the income tax structure in November.
SPRINGFIELD -- Republicans on Thursday called it "shameful" that Gov. J.B. Pritzker is floating a budget plan that ties more than 40% of promised education funding to voter approval of his coveted tax-structure overhaul.
Educators agreed planning for the coming school year would be difficult under the Democratic governor's proposal. It promises the expected minimum $350 million boost to schools, but there's a catch. Classrooms would never see $150 million of it if a constitutional amendment to adopt a graduated income tax fails at the ballot box in November.
"He is trying to tell the state of Illinois, if you want to fund things that are important to you, then you have to go along with my political agenda and I think that's a false choice," Assistant House Republican Leader Avery Bourne of Morrisonville said at a morning Capitol news conference. "It's a shameful tactic to use, rather than talking about what we can afford to spend."
The centerpiece of Pritzker's 2018 campaign, the income tax plan would hit heftier incomes at higher rates and produce $3.6 billion in additional annual revenue, according to advocates.
As collection ramped up, nearly $1.4 billion would be available in the second half of the next fiscal year, which ends in June 2021. That's the amount Pritzker has included in his budget plan as "reserves" that only materialize with the income-tax switch, including the $150 million education-funding carrot.
That leaves school boards across the state wondering whether to anticipate spending based on a $200 million allocation or roll the dice and plan on the $350 million boost promised in a 2017 education-funding revamp. Once budgets are set and students answer the bell, it's very difficult to adjust budgets.
"If additional revenues come in November or December, there's no time to develop any strategies to improve classroom instruction," said Tony Sanders, CEO of school district U-46 in Elgin, the state's next-to-largest. "You can't hire staff on a promise another $150 million. You can't lower class size ....
"You're talking about people, and you're not going to be able to hire people for the second half of the year."
Sen. Andy Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat who helped craft the 2017 evidence-based funding model, said the schoolhouse apprehension is no different than in any other year immediately following a gubernatorial budget unveiling. Manar said Pritzker made the case for a $350 million allotment and "there's multiple paths to get that done."
Designed to prioritize state funding for the neediest school districts in terms of academic achievement and the ability of local property wealth to provide financial support, the law sets $350 million as the minimum annual state contribution to make it work, but if it's lower, schools most in need still get an influx.
"One of the biggest advantages we have today is we injected stability into the system," Manar said. "But there's always going to be doubts .... From the time the governor presents a budget to the time one is signed into law, there's always going to be some level of uncertainty."
Bourne argued there's enough revenue growth expected -- $800 million -- to cover the full education bill.
Ben Schwarm, deputy executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards, agreed that there's a lot of legislative debate to come before the General Assembly's May 31 scheduled adjournment. And if lawmakers put $350 million in a budget bill they send to the governor, it would be difficult for Pritzker to veto it.
But approval of Pritzker's plan as it stands would ensure only $200 million for schools when the fiscal year begins July 1. School boards will react accordingly, Schwarm said.
"They'll go with what they think might be coming," Schwarm said. "They're prudent in the way they do that and they're going to go with the lower number."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Feder: One-woman show 'Reporting Live: I'm Ana Belaval' goes onstage

Ana Belaval , the multitalented `` Around Town '' reporter on the top-rated `` WGN Morning News , '' is @ @ @ @ @ own one-woman comedy show , Robert Feder writes .
`` Reporting Live : I 'm @ @ @ @ @ personal story `` on how facing weakness can be the key to unlocking destiny .
@ @ @ @ @ Belaval ( and subtitled `` I 've Kept It Real : A One-Woman Show '' @ @ @ @ @ 23 for one week at The Den Theatre , 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago @ @ @ @ @ , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: One-woman show 'Reporting Live: I'm Ana Belaval' goes onstage
Ana Belaval, the multitalented "Around Town" reporter on the top-rated "WGN Morning News," is about to star in her own one-woman comedy show, Robert Feder writes.
"Reporting Live: I'm Ana Belaval" shares her personal story "on how facing weakness can be the key to unlocking destiny."
Written and performed by Belaval (and subtitled "I've Kept It Real: A One-Woman Show"), it opens April 23 for one week at The Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Concerns grow that high school gymnastics won't survive

Is high school gymnastics in danger of becoming obsolete ?
Some coaches and officials said they 're concerned it could become a reality , but the Illinois High School Association said it 's not looking to cut the sport , in either gender .
Those involved with the sport are n't so sure about that .
Cutbacks already are taking place as the technology screens and projection features showing replays of routines and scoring leaders will no longer be a part of the state experience at Palatine High School this weekend when the state girls meet is held .
Could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elimination of the sport ?
`` When dealing with the IHSA , it 's hard to tell if they 're speaking the truth or if they 're really saying what they mean , '' said Judy Harwood , president of the Illinois High School Girls Gymnastics Coaches Association .
`` I 've heard a couple of different things .
One person told me that her athletic director is on a committee that would have to do this ( drop the sport ) if they 're going to get rid of gymnastics , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years . ''
IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said the sport is not in immediate danger .
`` The message our board of directors asked our staff to convey at our town hall meetings in November was not that sports/activities below the threshold are in any immediate danger of being cut , but more so opening a dialogue on how we can increase participation in these sports that have fallen below the threshold , '' Anderson said .
`` So while it 's hard to say what the long-term future for high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the participation continues to drop , we do not foresee any significant changes , such as eliminating the sport , in the short term . ''
Chad Jaros , president of the Illinois High School Gymnastics Association , admitted he does n't know what to expect , but he understands there is a participation-requirement policy in place that the IHSA has not adhered to .
In October , Tracie Henry , assistant executive director for the IHSA , reached out to the Gymnastics Advisory Committee , IHSA official reps and coaches and reminded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the IHSA membership to be involved in a sport for the state series to continue .
Despite girls gymnastics being at 9 % in 2019 and boys being at 6 % , Henry said that the IHSA decided to allow all programs under the 10 % threshold of the policy to continue for another year .
Another factor is the lack of schools offering gymnastics south of Interstate 80 .
The Lincoln-Way schools , from the Frankfort area , and Andrew High School from Tinley Park , will be the southernmost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` From my perspective , from the numbers I 've seen , the numbers have been pretty static the last 20 years , '' Jaros said .
`` The IHSA has a rule on the books that requires them to look at all sports that are under the participation thresholds every year , so there were a lot of years where they were n't doing that regularly .
`` I think a lot of this is coming out of procedural changes , but I 'm not really sure what to expect or under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Last spring , the IHSA went through a strategic-planning session that focused on what the next decade will bring for the IHSA and its membership .
That makes a great deal of sense since there have been recent additions to IHSA 's offerings , including boys and girls lacrosse just a few years ago and competitive dance in 2012 .
`` The strategic-planning process culminated with the group voting on the top goals for the IHSA moving forward , '' Anderson said .
`` One of those goals was to maintain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in a position to not only maintain our current programs but also have the flexibility to be able to add in the future as new programs like esports emerge . ''
Schools have n't necessarily helped themselves in this matter ... or have they ?
Just this season , Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South transitioned into a co-op team and Sandburg and Stagg co-op joined forces with Andrew co-op resulting in the loss of two teams .
But also in the last few years , Lake Zurich has started a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The IHSA does n't consider participation numbers by schools represented , but by teams .
This winter there are 65 girls gymnastics teams , but 83 schools are represented on those teams while an additional 13 have individual competitors .
Technically , the participation number ( 96 schools ) this year is closer to 12 percent , but the IHSA 's policy is n't written to look at it that way .
Henry has requested feedback , searching for suggestions on how to increase team participation and less co-oping , how to decrease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from fans , students and alumni to purchase tickets not only at the state finals but throughout the entire state series .
The IHSGCA and IHSGGCA are in the process of working on proposals to share with the IHSA .
`` There is a big-budget aspect in this whole thing , and if we can increase ticket sales that 's going to make a meaningful impact on the budget , '' Jaros said .
For now , the consensus from the gymnastics community is to come out to Palatine in big numbers Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IHSA has talked about is how financially gymnastics does n't draw a big crowd , '' said Palatine girls gymnastics coach Terry Theobald .
`` So we 're trying to get people in the stands .
We 're asking for all the coaches to bring their teams to the meet and pack the stands and show the IHSA we 're serious about gymnastics . ''

Concerns grow that high school gymnastics won't survive
Is high school gymnastics in danger of becoming obsolete?
Some coaches and officials said they're concerned it could become a reality, but the Illinois High School Association said it's not looking to cut the sport, in either gender.
Those involved with the sport aren't so sure about that.
Cutbacks already are taking place as the technology screens and projection features showing replays of routines and scoring leaders will no longer be a part of the state experience at Palatine High School this weekend when the state girls meet is held.
Could this be the first step toward the elimination of the sport?
"When dealing with the IHSA, it's hard to tell if they're speaking the truth or if they're really saying what they mean," said Judy Harwood, president of the Illinois High School Girls Gymnastics Coaches Association. "I've heard a couple of different things. One person told me that her athletic director is on a committee that would have to do this (drop the sport) if they're going to get rid of gymnastics, and he said it'll be gone in two years."
IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said the sport is not in immediate danger.
"The message our board of directors asked our staff to convey at our town hall meetings in November was not that sports/activities below the threshold are in any immediate danger of being cut, but more so opening a dialogue on how we can increase participation in these sports that have fallen below the threshold," Anderson said. "So while it's hard to say what the long-term future for high school gymnastics in Illinois will be if the participation continues to drop, we do not foresee any significant changes, such as eliminating the sport, in the short term."
About the numbers
Chad Jaros, president of the Illinois High School Gymnastics Association, admitted he doesn't know what to expect, but he understands there is a participation-requirement policy in place that the IHSA has not adhered to.
In October, Tracie Henry, assistant executive director for the IHSA, reached out to the Gymnastics Advisory Committee, IHSA official reps and coaches and reminded them that IHSA Policy 14 requires 10% of the IHSA membership to be involved in a sport for the state series to continue.
Despite girls gymnastics being at 9% in 2019 and boys being at 6%, Henry said that the IHSA decided to allow all programs under the 10% threshold of the policy to continue for another year.
Another factor is the lack of schools offering gymnastics south of Interstate 80. The Lincoln-Way schools, from the Frankfort area, and Andrew High School from Tinley Park, will be the southernmost schools participating at Palatine this weekend.
"From my perspective, from the numbers I've seen, the numbers have been pretty static the last 20 years," Jaros said. "The IHSA has a rule on the books that requires them to look at all sports that are under the participation thresholds every year, so there were a lot of years where they weren't doing that regularly.
"I think a lot of this is coming out of procedural changes, but I'm not really sure what to expect or under what circumstances the IHSA might act."
Last spring, the IHSA went through a strategic-planning session that focused on what the next decade will bring for the IHSA and its membership. That makes a great deal of sense since there have been recent additions to IHSA's offerings, including boys and girls lacrosse just a few years ago and competitive dance in 2012.
"The strategic-planning process culminated with the group voting on the top goals for the IHSA moving forward," Anderson said. "One of those goals was to maintain the IHSA's financial stability so that we are in a position to not only maintain our current programs but also have the flexibility to be able to add in the future as new programs like esports emerge."
Not making money
Schools haven't necessarily helped themselves in this matter ... or have they?
Just this season, Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South transitioned into a co-op team and Sandburg and Stagg co-op joined forces with Andrew co-op resulting in the loss of two teams. But also in the last few years, Lake Zurich has started a new team as has Antioch/Lakes co-op.
The IHSA doesn't consider participation numbers by schools represented, but by teams. This winter there are 65 girls gymnastics teams, but 83 schools are represented on those teams while an additional 13 have individual competitors.
Technically, the participation number (96 schools) this year is closer to 12 percent, but the IHSA's policy isn't written to look at it that way.
Henry has requested feedback, searching for suggestions on how to increase team participation and less co-oping, how to decrease expenses and how to generate more interest from fans, students and alumni to purchase tickets not only at the state finals but throughout the entire state series.
The IHSGCA and IHSGGCA are in the process of working on proposals to share with the IHSA.
"There is a big-budget aspect in this whole thing, and if we can increase ticket sales that's going to make a meaningful impact on the budget," Jaros said.
For now, the consensus from the gymnastics community is to come out to Palatine in big numbers Friday and Saturday.
"The big thing the IHSA has talked about is how financially gymnastics doesn't draw a big crowd," said Palatine girls gymnastics coach Terry Theobald. "So we're trying to get people in the stands. We're asking for all the coaches to bring their teams to the meet and pack the stands and show the IHSA we're serious about gymnastics."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--5 fun weekend events: Suds up at the Lake County Craft Beer Fest in Grayslake

The Lincoln State Cat Club 's 59th annual Cat Show returns to St. Charles , the Lake County Craft Beer Festival returns to Grayslake and Scott Simon of NPR 's `` Weekend Edition Saturday '' does a reading from his new book , `` Sunnyside Plaza , '' at Anderson 's Bookshop in Naperville .
Here are five things to do this weekend .
For more ideas , see dailyherald.com/calendar .
Comedian Mia Jackson performs this weekend at Zanies in Rosemont .
Merriment from Mia Comedian Mia Jackson ( `` Last Comic Standing , '' `` NickMom 's Night Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets this weekend at Zanies at Parkway Bank Park , 5437 Park Place , Rosemont .
$ 25 plus a two-item purchase .
( 847 ) 813-0484 or rosemont.zanies.com .
8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday , Feb. 21 , and 7 and 9:30 Saturday , Feb. 22 .
Get ideas to soup up your car by browsing the latest racing technologies and products at the Race & Performance Expo 2020 this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center , 1551 N. Thoreau Drive , Schaumburg .
$ 15 Saturday ; $ 10 Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday , Feb. 22 , and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday , Feb. 23 .
The Lincoln State Cat Show returns to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles on Saturday and Sunday , Feb. 22-23 .
Meow Mix The Lincoln State Cat Club 's 59th Annual Cat Show features pedigree breeds competing for titles , plus other activities like a feline agility course , shopping and more this weekend at the Kane County Fairgrounds , 525 S. Randall Road , St. Charles .
$ 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( 630 ) 584-6926 or kanecountyfair.com or lscats.org .
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday , Feb. 22-23 .
The Lake County Craft Beer Festival returns to showcase local , regional and national breweries , distilleries and wineries at the Lake County Fairgrounds , 1060 E. Peterson Road , Grayslake .
$ 60 admission includes a souvenir glass and 25 sample tickets ; $ 80 VIP early admission ; $ 10 designated driver admission .
Must be 21 or older .
( 847 ) 680-7200 or lcfair.com .
5 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VIP entry at 4 p.m. ) .
Scott Simon appears at Anderson 's Bookshop in Naperville on Sunday , Feb. 23 .
Mystery by Simon Scott Simon , the host of NPR 's `` Weekend Edition Saturday , '' reads from and signs his new middle-grade mystery , `` Sunnyside Plaza , '' at Anderson 's Bookshop , 123 W. Jefferson Ave. , Naperville .
Free admission , but a book purchase is required to join the signing line .
( 630 ) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com .
2 p.m. Sunday , Feb. 23 @

5 fun weekend events: Suds up at the Lake County Craft Beer Fest in Grayslake
The Lake County Craft Beer Festival returns to the Lake County Fairgrounds this weekend.
The Lincoln State Cat Club's 59th annual Cat Show returns to St. Charles, the Lake County Craft Beer Festival returns to Grayslake and Scott Simon of NPR's "Weekend Edition Saturday" does a reading from his new book, "Sunnyside Plaza," at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. Here are five things to do this weekend. For more ideas, see dailyherald.com/calendar.
Comedian Mia Jackson performs this weekend at Zanies in Rosemont. - Courtesy of Mindy Tucker/Comedy Central
Comedian Mia Jackson ("Last Comic Standing," "NickMom's Night Out") performs a series of standup sets this weekend at Zanies at Parkway Bank Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $25 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or rosemont.zanies.com. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and 7 and 9:30 Saturday, Feb. 22.
Revving roundup
Get ideas to soup up your car by browsing the latest racing technologies and products at the Race & Performance Expo 2020 this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $15 Saturday; $10 Sunday. (815) 727-1208 or raceperformanceexpo.com. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23.
The Lincoln State Cat Show returns to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22-23. - Daily Herald File Photo
The Lincoln State Cat Club's 59th Annual Cat Show features pedigree breeds competing for titles, plus other activities like a feline agility course, shopping and more this weekend at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $8; $6 seniors and kids 6-12. (630) 584-6926 or kanecountyfair.com or lscats.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22-23.
Drink up!
The Lake County Craft Beer Festival returns to showcase local, regional and national breweries, distilleries and wineries at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. $60 admission includes a souvenir glass and 25 sample tickets; $80 VIP early admission; $10 designated driver admission. Must be 21 or older. (847) 680-7200 or lcfair.com. 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 (VIP entry at 4 p.m.).
Scott Simon appears at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville on Sunday, Feb. 23.
Scott Simon, the host of NPR's "Weekend Edition Saturday," reads from and signs his new middle-grade mystery, "Sunnyside Plaza," at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Free admission, but a book purchase is required to join the signing line. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Four Naperville kids to appear on 'American Ninja Warrior Junior'

Jeremy Lauff did n't want any part of the other summer activities his parents came up with , so he tried a ninja class .
Emerson Hebel was bored one night after soccer season , so she asked her dad to turn the playground into a ninja course .
Now both are ninja pros -- two of four kids from the Ultimate Ninjas gym in Naperville who are contestants on Season 2 of `` American Ninja Warrior Junior , '' which premieres at 6 p.m. Saturday on Universal Kids .
Jeremy and Emerson , along with Neil Sekhri and Emme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the episodes in which they 'll show off the moves they 've learned as members of the elite team at Ultimate Ninjas Naperville .
Neil 's comes right away Saturday , in the second season 's first show -- available now online at universalkids.com -- but the others will have to wait several weeks .
The show challenges young participants in three age groups in head-to-head races to complete an obstacle course as quickly as possible .
It 's the same format as the grown-up version of `` American Ninja Warriors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japanese hit show `` Sasuke . ''
Jeremy and Neil compete in the 9- and 10-year-old group , while Emerson and Emme fall into the 11- and 12-year-old group .
The oldest competitors in the kids ' version of the show are 13 or 14 .
The competitors from Naperville are among 140 kids from across the country who will be featured in the show trying to surpass obstacles with quirky names such as `` Crazy Cliffhanger , '' `` Flying Squirrel , '' `` WingNuts '' and `` the Little Dipper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these kids say .
They describe it as a freeing , highflying , creative and fun sport with just as many successes as stumbles .
`` In any other sport , yeah , you can get better , but you kind of have to follow the rules , '' said Emerson , an 11-year-old who attends Jefferson Junior High in Naperville .
`` There 's only one way to play . ''
But in ninja competitions , she said , there are `` endless possibilities . ''
`` You get to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make it your own .
It 's OK if you ca n't do something because there 's always things you can do that somebody else ca n't , '' she said .
`` You keep getting better , no matter how many times you try .
You always can get better . ''
Both Emerson and Jeremy get better at ninja moves by practicing not only at Ultimate Ninjas Naperville , where the general manager is `` American Ninja Warrior '' star Jesse `` Flex '' LaBreck , but also in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is an architect .
He helped her father create a grid on the ceiling from which to hang trapezes , ropes , nunchucks and bookends .
`` Now we have a full ninja gym in our front room of our house , '' Matt Hebel said .
Jeremy 's parents ' basement flooded last summer , shortly before a trip to Los Angeles for five days of filming `` American Ninja Warrior Junior . ''
His mother , Lori Lauff , said the `` silver lining '' of the destruction was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ninja zone .
The basement now has 22 feet of monkey bars with peg boards and climbing holds for purposes of swinging and jumping .
There is a ring toss obstacle and cliffhangers and -- for safety -- mats on the floor .
Although he tried his first ninja class somewhat reluctantly , Lauff said , Jeremy quickly got hooked and applied his knack for memorizing numbers and statistics to last season 's `` Ninja Warrior '' shows .
`` He was very determined to try to earn a spot , '' Lauff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been determined not to spill the beans about what happens on the shows since they were filmed .
After one-on-one matchups and four wild-card races for each age bracket , one winner from each group will be crowned champion .
`` It 's hard to keep the secret .
This is a big thing !
I just competed on a TV show , '' Emerson said .
`` I 'm really excited to see how they air it . ''

Four Naperville kids to appear on 'American Ninja Warrior Junior'
Jeremy Lauff, 9, of Naperville, practices his ninja moves while in Los Angeles last summer for filming of Season 2 of "American Ninja Warrior Junior." Courtesy of Lori Lauff
Jeremy Lauff didn't want any part of the other summer activities his parents came up with, so he tried a ninja class.
Emerson Hebel was bored one night after soccer season, so she asked her dad to turn the playground into a ninja course.
Now both are ninja pros -- two of four kids from the Ultimate Ninjas gym in Naperville who are contestants on Season 2 of "American Ninja Warrior Junior," which premieres at 6 p.m. Saturday on Universal Kids.
Jeremy and Emerson, along with Neil Sekhri and Emme Smith, are awaiting the air dates of the episodes in which they'll show off the moves they've learned as members of the elite team at Ultimate Ninjas Naperville. Neil's comes right away Saturday, in the second season's first show -- available now online at universalkids.com -- but the others will have to wait several weeks.
The show challenges young participants in three age groups in head-to-head races to complete an obstacle course as quickly as possible. It's the same format as the grown-up version of "American Ninja Warriors," which itself is based on the Japanese hit show "Sasuke."
Jeremy Lauff, 9, is one of four contestants who train at Ultimate Ninjas in Naperville who will be featured on "American Ninja Warrior Junior" beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday on Universal Kids. - Courtesy of Lori Lauff
Jeremy and Neil compete in the 9- and 10-year-old group, while Emerson and Emme fall into the 11- and 12-year-old group. The oldest competitors in the kids' version of the show are 13 or 14.
The competitors from Naperville are among 140 kids from across the country who will be featured in the show trying to surpass obstacles with quirky names such as "Crazy Cliffhanger," "Flying Squirrel," "WingNuts" and "the Little Dipper."
Being a ninja is pretty great, these kids say. They describe it as a freeing, highflying, creative and fun sport with just as many successes as stumbles.
"In any other sport, yeah, you can get better, but you kind of have to follow the rules," said Emerson, an 11-year-old who attends Jefferson Junior High in Naperville. "There's only one way to play."
Naperville contestants, from top to bottom, Emme Smith, Neil Sekhri, Emerson Hebel and Jeremy Lauff are set to be part of "American Ninja Warrior Junior," whose second season begins airing at 6 p.m. Saturday on Universal Kids. - Courtesy of Matt Hebel
But in ninja competitions, she said, there are "endless possibilities."
"You get to change it however you want. You get to make it your own. It's OK if you can't do something because there's always things you can do that somebody else can't," she said. "You keep getting better, no matter how many times you try. You always can get better."
Both Emerson and Jeremy get better at ninja moves by practicing not only at Ultimate Ninjas Naperville, where the general manager is "American Ninja Warrior" star Jesse "Flex" LaBreck, but also in their own homes.
Emerson has a great-uncle who is an architect. He helped her father create a grid on the ceiling from which to hang trapezes, ropes, nunchucks and bookends.
"Now we have a full ninja gym in our front room of our house," Matt Hebel said.
Jeremy's parents' basement flooded last summer, shortly before a trip to Los Angeles for five days of filming "American Ninja Warrior Junior." His mother, Lori Lauff, said the "silver lining" of the destruction was a chance to renovate and give Jeremy a ninja zone.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Naperville's Emerson Hebel, 11, works out using baseballs and other objects to grab in her ninja gym, which her father built in the family's living room so she can improve her ninja competition skills.
The basement now has 22 feet of monkey bars with peg boards and climbing holds for purposes of swinging and jumping. There is a ring toss obstacle and cliffhangers and -- for safety -- mats on the floor.
Although he tried his first ninja class somewhat reluctantly, Lauff said, Jeremy quickly got hooked and applied his knack for memorizing numbers and statistics to last season's "Ninja Warrior" shows.
"He was very determined to try to earn a spot," Lauff said.
Naperville's ninjas also have been determined not to spill the beans about what happens on the shows since they were filmed.
After one-on-one matchups and four wild-card races for each age bracket, one winner from each group will be crowned champion.
"It's hard to keep the secret. This is a big thing! I just competed on a TV show," Emerson said. "I'm really excited to see how they air it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--New owner for Pheasant Run Mega Center?

New owner for Pheasant Run Mega Center?

While the owners of the Pheasant Run Resort were not successful in selling the financially struggling establishment through an online auction , the Pheasant Run Mega Center apparently will have a new owner .
`` The city is aware the property is under contract , but we are not at liberty to share additional information at this point , '' St. Charles City Planner Ellen Johnson said in an email .
Speculation is that a car dealership has purchased the 35,000-square-foot Mega Center , which opened in 1985 and served as an event space for Pheasant Run .
Pheasant Run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reservations on Feb. 29 and close its doors March 1 .
An online auction to sell the resort took place Feb. 10-12 .
The final bid was $ 6 million , which did not meet the minimum selling price established by the seller .
The auction did not include the sale of the Mega Center or the 18-hole golf course .
Colliers International real estate services and investment management company previously had listed Pheasant Run as being for sale on its website .
During the recession in 2011 , the 293-room resort at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A hotel investors group in 2014 bought Pheasant Run , which since then has been managed by Schaumburg-based Hostmark Hospitality Group .
Meanwhile , Zurko Promotions is now trying to find new locations for the shows that were set to take place at the Mega Center , including the Coin Op and Advertising Show set for Aug. 1 and 2 , the Chicago Pop Culture Con 2020 set for Nov. 28 and 29 , and the Holiday Horror Con 2020 on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 .
`` All they 're telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows at this time , '' owner Bob Zurko said .
Zurko Promotions has been putting on shows at the Mega Center for about three years .
`` It was a fabulous location , '' Zurko said .
`` It was easily accessible . ''
People can go to Zurko Promotions ' website at zurkopromotions.com to find out where the shows have been relocated .
Pheasant Run Resort generates between $ 500,000 and $ 600,000 in tax revenue for the city , St. Charles City Administrator Mark Koenen previously had said .
City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of revenue if Pheasant Run closed .
`` There would be a big hole in the budget , '' St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina has said .
`` You would have to find something to close that hole . ''
Rogina has said the city wants to work with the resort 's owner or `` any developer that comes in there to retool or restructure the property . ''
He noted that across the street from Pheasant Run , Fox Valley Volkswagen in recent years moved to the site of the former DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very nice conversion , '' Rogina said .

New owner for Pheasant Run Mega Center?
While the owners of the Pheasant Run Resort were not successful in selling the financially struggling establishment through an online auction, the Pheasant Run Mega Center apparently will have a new owner.
"The city is aware the property is under contract, but we are not at liberty to share additional information at this point," St. Charles City Planner Ellen Johnson said in an email.
Speculation is that a car dealership has purchased the 35,000-square-foot Mega Center, which opened in 1985 and served as an event space for Pheasant Run. Pheasant Run Resort is set to take its last reservations on Feb. 29 and close its doors March 1.
An online auction to sell the resort took place Feb. 10-12. The final bid was $6 million, which did not meet the minimum selling price established by the seller. The auction did not include the sale of the Mega Center or the 18-hole golf course.
Colliers International real estate services and investment management company previously had listed Pheasant Run as being for sale on its website.
During the recession in 2011, the 293-room resort at 4051 E. Main St. went into foreclosure. A hotel investors group in 2014 bought Pheasant Run, which since then has been managed by Schaumburg-based Hostmark Hospitality Group.
Meanwhile, Zurko Promotions is now trying to find new locations for the shows that were set to take place at the Mega Center, including the Coin Op and Advertising Show set for Aug. 1 and 2, the Chicago Pop Culture Con 2020 set for Nov. 28 and 29, and the Holiday Horror Con 2020 on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.
"All they're telling me is they are not scheduling any shows at this time," owner Bob Zurko said.
Zurko Promotions has been putting on shows at the Mega Center for about three years.
"It was a fabulous location," Zurko said. "It was easily accessible."
People can go to Zurko Promotions' website at zurkopromotions.com to find out where the shows have been relocated.
Pheasant Run Resort generates between $500,000 and $600,000 in tax revenue for the city, St. Charles City Administrator Mark Koenen previously had said. City officials have voiced concerns about the loss of revenue if Pheasant Run closed.
"There would be a big hole in the budget," St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina has said. "You would have to find something to close that hole."
Rogina has said the city wants to work with the resort's owner or "any developer that comes in there to retool or restructure the property."
He noted that across the street from Pheasant Run, Fox Valley Volkswagen in recent years moved to the site of the former DuPage Expo Center.
"It was a very nice conversion," Rogina said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Owners seek to disconnect Loeber Farm site from Schaumburg

For the moment , there seems to be little hope of a compromise or settlement that would keep a lawsuit seeking to disconnect the 33-acre Loeber Farm along Meacham Road from the village of Schaumburg from going to trial this year .
The Loeber family , which has owned the land since 1948 and also owns Loeber Motors in Lincolnwood , is seeking the disconnection out of what they describe as frustration with their inability to sell the land to a developer for the past 18 years .
And it is the village of Schaumburg 's development standards for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says is the reason no proposal during that time has proved affordable .
`` Schaumburg has made it so onerous and so difficult that no one can afford to build on it , '' the 88-year-old CEO of Loeber Motors said .
But village officials , who have a longtime preference for single-family homes there , have a different take on the matter , believing that the Great Recession has had at least as large an impact on keeping the site undeveloped .
The village board did approve Toll Brothers ' proposal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Dartmoor Homes later submitted a somewhat similar proposal in 2007 shortly before the recession 's devastating impact on the housing market , Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said .
But Loeber said even what the village approved earlier for Toll Brothers was n't achievable .
`` What they approved was something Toll Brothers could n't afford to do , '' he said .
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said the village is fighting the lawsuit because there is a recognized value in keeping the property in Schaumburg .
But his recent offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The property is bordered by the International Village apartment complex to the south , The Treehouse of Schaumburg apartment complex along some of its western edge , and single-family homes in the city of Rolling Meadows on the north .
Because the site is bisected by Salt Creek , Dailly suggested allowing townhouses on the south side that would border the apartment complexes , but only single-family homes on the north side near the existing Rolling Meadows neighborhood .
`` I think it would take just a little bit of flexibility on everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But while Loeber agreed that only single-family homes on the north side of the creek might be acceptable to the Rolling Meadows neighbors , he insists that only apartments or an assisted living facility would do for the south side .
Dailly insisted equally that assisted living would not be acceptable in that area .
Loeber said that if the land were disconnected from Schaumburg , a future buyer would have the option to develop it in unincorporated Cook County or Rolling Meadows , or to try to return to Schaumburg with greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wo n't ask another potential buyer to spend money developing a plan to run past Schaumburg first .
`` It comes down to him , '' Dailly said of Loeber 's role in working out a compromise .
`` He wants out of Schaumburg . ''

Owners seek to disconnect Loeber Farm site from Schaumburg
For the moment, there seems to be little hope of a compromise or settlement that would keep a lawsuit seeking to disconnect the 33-acre Loeber Farm along Meacham Road from the village of Schaumburg from going to trial this year.
The Loebers, which have owned the land since 1948 and also owns Loeber Motors in Lincolnwood, is seeking the disconnection out of what they describe as frustration with their inability to sell the land to a developer for 18 years.
And it is the village of Schaumburg's development standards for the site that Paul Loeber of Barrington Hills says are why no proposal during that time has proved affordable. "Schaumburg has made it so onerous and so difficult that no one can afford to build on it," the 88-year-old CEO of Loeber Motors said.
"Schaumburg has made it so onerous and so difficult that no one can afford to build on it," the 88-year-old CEO of Loeber Motors said.
But village officials, who have a longtime preference for single-family homes there, have a different take on the matter, believing that the Great Recession has had at least as large an impact on keeping the site undeveloped.
The village board did approve Toll Brothers' proposal for a 55-home development there in 2005, and Dartmoor Homes later submitted a somewhat similar proposal in 2007 shortly before the recession's devastating impact on the housing market, Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said.
But Loeber said even what the village approved earlier for Toll Brothers wasn't achievable.
"What they approved was something Toll Brothers couldn't afford to do," he said.
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said the village is fighting the lawsuit because there is a recognized value in keeping the property in Schaumburg. But his recent offer of compromise was rejected by Loeber.
The property is bordered by the International Village apartment complex to the south, The Treehouse of Schaumburg apartment complex along some of its western edge, and single-family homes in the city of Rolling Meadows on the north.
Because the site is bisected by Salt Creek, Dailly suggested allowing townhouses on the south side that would border the apartment complexes, but only single-family homes on the north side near the existing Rolling Meadows neighborhood.
"I think it would take just a little bit of flexibility on everyone's part," Dailly said.
But while Loeber agreed that only single-family homes on the north side of the creek might be acceptable to the Rolling Meadows neighbors, he insists that only apartments or an assisted living facility would do for the south side.
Dailly insisted equally that assisted living would not be acceptable in that area.
Loeber said that if the land were disconnected from Schaumburg, a future buyer would have the option to develop it in unincorporated Cook County or Rolling Meadows, or to try to return to Schaumburg with greater negotiating leverage. But he added that he won't ask another potential buyer to spend money developing a plan to run past Schaumburg first.
"It comes down to him," Dailly said of Loeber's role in working out a compromise. "He wants out of Schaumburg."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Daughter testifies against father in 2011 Glen Ellyn murder case

Curled up in an armchair , the 9-year-old answered an investigator 's question about how her mother , Nancy Bustos , and father , Juan Granados , got along .
`` They do n't get along .
He was hitting her .
All the time .
For no reason , '' she said .
She said Granados would drag her mother by her hair and that he hit her near her face with a shoe .
A video of that interview -- recorded 10 days after Nancy Bustos was strangled -- was played Friday morning at Granados ' trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal sexual assault in the Oct. 15 , 2011 , death of the Glen Ellyn woman .
Their daughter , now 17 , softly answered questions from prosecutors Thursday and Friday .
On several occasions she said she did n't remember some things she had said on the video , but she also said she had seen her father hit her mother at least once .
She said he tried to hit her once with a phone-charging cord , but her mother stepped in to block it .
`` Was your mom afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Attorney Jennifer Lindt asked .
`` I 'm not sure , '' she replied .
But Catherine Bustos , Nancy Bustos ' sister , said Nancy was afraid of her ex-husband , with whom she lived .
Their daughter had stayed overnight at Catherine 's house the evening before the fatal attack .
But when Catherine Bustos tried to reach Nancy the next afternoon , there was no answer .
`` I was scared .
Because she was having too many problems in her marriage ( relationship with Granados ) .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said Nancy covered up a facial bruise with makeup .
Nancy also told her that Granados once had hit her in the leg with a belt .
Under questioning by defense attorney Neil Levine , Catherine Bustos admitted she had never seen her sister bleeding , scratched , bruised or limping .
She also confirmed that after divorcing Granados in 2010 , Nancy had married another man to help him become a legal resident of the United States .
Nancy also had lied about her age .
The testimony from the daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Granados had intentions and `` propensity '' for violent behavior with Nancy .
On Thursday afternoon , a translation of a letter Granados had sent to his mother-in-law ( also named Nancy ) was read .
Prosecutors contend he sent it from Mexico in late October 2011 .
He wrote it in Spanish .
In the letter , he admits to killing his ex-wife as they argued about whether she was lying to him about having a boyfriend and whether he was going to go out with another woman : '' I swear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know what happened to me , all that depression that I had , all that anger that I felt .
Because I did n't have anyone to talk to , not even my mother .
`` They did n't know anything .
I felt like something came over me .
My vision became cloudy , like when it becomes night time .
I could n't breathe well .
My hands were shaking .
I felt something supernatural : I could n't think , I could n't remember anything until I began to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote .
`` If one of you wants to kill me : Tell me I will present myself : Without my Nena life means NOTHING . ''

Daughter testifies against father in 2011 Glen Ellyn murder case
Curled up in an armchair, the 9-year-old answered an investigator's question about how her mother, Nancy Bustos, and father, Juan Granados, got along.
"They don't get along. He was hitting her. All the time. For no reason," she said.
She said Granados would drag her mother by her hair and that he hit her near her face with a shoe.
A video of that interview -- recorded 10 days after Nancy Bustos was strangled -- was played Friday morning at Granados' trial. He is charged with first-degree murder and criminal sexual assault in the Oct. 15, 2011, death of the Glen Ellyn woman.
Their daughter, now 17, softly answered questions from prosecutors Thursday and Friday. On several occasions she said she didn't remember some things she had said on the video, but she also said she had seen her father hit her mother at least once.
She said he tried to hit her once with a phone-charging cord, but her mother stepped in to block it.
"Was your mom afraid of your dad?" Assistant State's Attorney Jennifer Lindt asked.
"I'm not sure," she replied.
But Catherine Bustos, Nancy Bustos' sister, said Nancy was afraid of her ex-husband, with whom she lived.
Their daughter had stayed overnight at Catherine's house the evening before the fatal attack. But when Catherine Bustos tried to reach Nancy the next afternoon, there was no answer.
"I was scared. Because she was having too many problems in her marriage (relationship with Granados). That's why," Bustos said.
She said Nancy covered up a facial bruise with makeup. Nancy also told her that Granados once had hit her in the leg with a belt.
Under questioning by defense attorney Neil Levine, Catherine Bustos admitted she had never seen her sister bleeding, scratched, bruised or limping.
She also confirmed that after divorcing Granados in 2010, Nancy had married another man to help him become a legal resident of the United States. Nancy also had lied about her age.
The testimony from the daughter and Catherine was designed to show whether Granados had intentions and "propensity" for violent behavior with Nancy.
On Thursday afternoon, a translation of a letter Granados had sent to his mother-in-law (also named Nancy) was read. Prosecutors contend he sent it from Mexico in late October 2011. He wrote it in Spanish.
In the letter, he admits to killing his ex-wife as they argued about whether she was lying to him about having a boyfriend and whether he was going to go out with another woman:
"I swear to the highest God that I don't know what happened to me, all that depression that I had, all that anger that I felt. Because I didn't have anyone to talk to, not even my mother.
"They didn't know anything. I felt like something came over me. My vision became cloudy, like when it becomes night time. I couldn't breathe well. My hands were shaking. I felt something supernatural: I couldn't think, I couldn't remember anything until I began to drive to my mother's house," he wrote.
"If one of you wants to kill me: Tell me I will present myself: Without my Nena life means NOTHING."
The trial continues Tuesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Famous Dave's parent company to own Real Urban BBQ in Vernon Hills

A familiar name in restaurants is making a comeback in Vernon Hills , but barbecue lovers likely wo n't notice the company is back .
Suburban Minneapolis-based BBQ Holdings Inc. , parent company of Famous Dave 's , is acquiring the assets of Real Urban BBQ , which opened in the Vernon Hills Town Center , 1260 S. Milwaukee Ave. , in 2012 .
The liquor license is being transferred and a closing on the deal is expected in coming weeks .
Real Urban BBQ will retain its name and menu .
`` Our location in Vernon Hills is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come visit us for the same great BBQ you 've enjoyed for the last 10 years ! ''
reads a notice on the website .
`` We are excited for this new partnership and we are happy to continue serving great BBQ to the community , '' said Christine Nelson , managing partner of the Vernon Hills location .
Jeff Crivello , CEO of Famous Dave 's of America Inc. and BBQ Holdings , said the menu and recipes wo n't change .
`` I live in Libertyville and it 's one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I really enjoy the food , atmosphere and service model . ''
Jeff Shapiro , a Lettuce Entertainment You restaurants veteran and award-winning barbecue circuit competitor , opened the first Real Urban BBQ in Highland Park in 2010 .
Vernon Hills was the second location , and a third opened in Oak Brook in late 2014 .
The Highland Park and Oak Brook locations closed earlier this year and are not part of the Famous Dave 's acquisition .
Last September , the board of directors of Famous Dave 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it became a wholly owned subsidiary of a new company , BBQ Holdings .
Acquiring other restaurants is part of the new company 's growth plan as a multibrand company , Crivello said .
On Feb. 13 , BBQ Holdings announced it would be purchasing the assets of Granite City Food and Brewery , a multistate casual dining chain with Illinois locations in Naperville , Schaumburg and Rockford .
A Famous Dave 's in Vernon Hills opened in 2000 at 99 Townline Road ( Route 60 ) .
The well-known spot lasted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2014 , village officials gave informal approval for facade renovations at the former Famous Dave 's .
It eventually was replaced by McAlister 's Deli , a fast-casual restaurant serving gourmet sandwiches , that opened in 2016 .
The Famous Dave 's in Algonquin closed in 2017 , but the chain still has seven locations in Illinois .

Famous Dave's parent company to own Real Urban BBQ in Vernon Hills
A familiar name in restaurants is making a comeback in Vernon Hills, but barbecue lovers likely won't notice the company is back.
BBQ Holdings Inc., parent company of Famous Dave's, is acquiring the assets of Real Urban BBQ, which opened in the Vernon Hills Town Center, 1260 S. Milwaukee Ave., in 2012.
The liquor license is being transferred and a closing on the deal is expected in coming weeks. Real Urban BBQ will retain its name and menu.
"Our location in Vernon Hills is still open! We hope that you'll come visit us for the same great BBQ you've enjoyed for the last 10 years!" reads a notice on the website.
"We are excited for this new partnership and we are happy to continue serving great BBQ to the community," said Christine Nelson, managing partner of the Vernon Hills location.
Jeff Crivello, CEO of Famous Dave's of America Inc. and BBQ Holdings, said the menu and recipes won't change.
"I live in Libertyville and it's (Real Urban) one of my favorite BBQ joints," he said. "I really enjoy the food, atmosphere and service model."
Jeff Shapiro, Lettuce Entertain You restaurants veteran and award-winning barbecue circuit competitor, opened the first Real Urban BBQ in Highland Park in 2010. Vernon Hills was the second location and a third opened in Oak Brook in late 2014.
The Highland Park and Oak Brook locations closed earlier this year and are not part of the Famous Dave's acquisition.
Last September, the board of directors of Famous Dave's of America Inc. approved a reorganization and it became a wholly owned subsidiary of a new company, BBQ Holdings.
Acquiring other restaurants is part of the new company's growth plan as a multibrand company, Crivello said.
On Feb. 13, suburban Minneapolis-based BBQ Holdings announced it would be purchasing the assets of Granite City Food and Brewery, a multistate casual dining chain with Illinois locations in Naperville, Schaumburg and Rockford.
Vernon Hills area patrons may recall the Famous Dave's, which opened in 2000 at 99 Townline Road (Route 60). The well-known spot lasted a dozen years before closing in 2012.
In 2014, village officials gave informal approval for facade renovations at the former Famous Dave's. It eventually was replaced by McAlister's Deli, a fast-casual restaurant serving gourmet sandwiches, that opened in 2016.
The Famous Dave's in Algonquin closed in 2017 but the chain still has seven locations in Illinois.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Rozner: It's no surprise that Rob Manfred thinks World Series trophy is a 'piece of metal'

He raised his voice , clearly irritated by the interrogation , gesturing dismissively as if he were somehow above it all .
When he was n't smirking , he was shaking his head in disgust and mocking the stupidity of those who dared to press him on anything , like a 5-year-old sticking out his tongue .
He occasionally traded this embarrassing behavior for a level of arrogance that was even more alarming , so unprofessional as to leave you wondering how he was hired to do anything .
No , these were n't reporters asking questions .
This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then a baseball labor lawyer and Bud Selig 's right-hand hatchet man -- sat with Selig in front of a House Oversight Committee and pretended to have never heard of steroids until five minutes before that hearing .
His behavior -- and sometimes a refusal to explain missing documents -- bordered on contempt of Congress and emanated from his contempt for everyone .
Rob Manfred was so ill-equipped to be commissioner of a sport that any baseball fan would have thrown a `` piece of metal '' through the television if told that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their beloved game .
Yet , after Selig collected hundreds of millions of dollars and profited off steroids more than anyone outside of a few players , he gifted the job to Manfred when he was not the choice of all baseball owners , including one very powerful voice here in Chicago .
Manfred somehow procured the job and then handed Selig a $ 6 million pension on his way out the door .
That 's probably just a coincidence .
Regardless , it has never once in all his years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the game , not before leaping into this job or since .
So what part of Manfred 's handling of this entire Astros cheating debacle comes as surprise ?
From the moment he announced the weak penalties on Houston last month , and tried to bury the story the afternoon of the national championship football game , he has made mistake after mistake .
Two weeks ago , amid the worst of the controversy , he leaked a playoff format alteration to try to change the story .
That lasted about 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Astros .
Teams began opening camps , players started arriving and nearly every team had players crushing those who cheated .
The commissioner , they said , is soft on crime .
Manfred should have been in Houston 's camp for that pathetic news conference when the players refused to answer questions , another act which has only extended the story and caused more resentment .
On the other hand , every time Manfred speaks he makes it worse , his hubris bleeding through every word , flowing through every sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame it on the players association , forcing the MLBPA to release a late-night statement a few days ago where it also looked foolish .
The opposition players are furious and never before have you seen baseball 's union members going after one another like this .
They 're not holding back and have no intention of stopping .
But the worst moment thus far was Manfred pushing back in an ESPN interview on the idea of stripping the Astros of their World Series title .
Said Manfred , `` The idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of metal back seems like a futile act . ''
He just ca n't help himself .
The commissioner of baseball admitted that to him the World Series trophy is nothing more than trash .
It 's that very arrogance that had members of Congress in 2005 wondering where this man came from , why he was sitting in front of them and what they should do about baseball 's joke of an antitrust exemption .
But the `` piece of metal '' was the ultimate in Manfred showing his assets , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's someone who has never played our game , '' said Cubs veteran Jon Lester .
`` You play for a reason .
You play for that 'piece of metal . '
`` If that 's the way he feels , he needs to take his name off his trophy . ''
Justin Turner , whose Dodgers lost to Houston in a now infamous 2017 World Series , was among many to hammer baseball 's blundering boss .
`` Calling the World Series trophy ' a piece of metal , ' I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissioner has ever won anything in his life .
Maybe he has n't , '' Turner said .
`` But the reason every guy is in this room , is working out all offseason and showing up to camp early , and putting in all the time and effort is specifically for that trophy , which , by the way , is called the 'Commissioner 's Trophy . '
`` So for him to devalue it the way he did tells me how out of touch he is with the players in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only thing devaluing that trophy is that it says 'Commissioner ' on it . ''
Once he realized he had stepped in it again , Manfred said , `` In an effort to make a rhetorical point , I referred to the World Series trophy in a disrespectful way .
It was a mistake to say what I said . ''
For those who had n't seen him for what he is , Manfred gave it all away in that one sentence .
Baseball does n't mean anything to him and now that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he find a new job .
He can take his rhetoric with him -- but leave the piece of metal .

Rozner: It's no surprise that Rob Manfred thinks World Series trophy is a 'piece of metal'
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has not had a very good off-season. Associated Press
Rob Manfred scowled a most unbecoming scowl.
He raised his voice, clearly irritated by the interrogation, gesturing dismissively as if he were somehow above it all.
When he wasn't smirking, he was shaking his head in disgust and mocking the stupidity of those who dared to press him on anything, like a 5-year-old sticking out his tongue.
He occasionally traded this embarrassing behavior for a level of arrogance that was even more alarming, so unprofessional as to leave you wondering how he was hired to do anything.
No, these weren't reporters asking questions.
This was March 2005 in Washington as Manfred -- then a baseball labor lawyer and Bud Selig's right-hand hatchet man -- sat with Selig in front of a House Oversight Committee and pretended to have never heard of steroids until five minutes before that hearing.
His behavior -- and sometimes a refusal to explain missing documents -- bordered on contempt of Congress and emanated from his contempt for everyone.
Rob Manfred was so ill-equipped to be commissioner of a sport that any baseball fan would have thrown a "piece of metal" through the television if told that 10 years later he would become caretaker of their beloved game.
Yet, after Selig collected hundreds of millions of dollars and profited off steroids more than anyone outside of a few players, he gifted the job to Manfred when he was not the choice of all baseball owners, including one very powerful voice here in Chicago.
Manfred somehow procured the job and then handed Selig a $6 million pension on his way out the door.
That's probably just a coincidence.
Regardless, it has never once in all his years in baseball seemed like Manfred had a passion for the game, not before leaping into this job or since.
So what part of Manfred's handling of this entire Astros cheating debacle comes as surprise?
From the moment he announced the weak penalties on Houston last month, and tried to bury the story the afternoon of the national championship football game, he has made mistake after mistake.
Two weeks ago, amid the worst of the controversy, he leaked a playoff format alteration to try to change the story.
That lasted about 15 minutes -- and then it was back to the Astros.
Teams began opening camps, players started arriving and nearly every team had players crushing those who cheated.
The commissioner, they said, is soft on crime.
Manfred should have been in Houston's camp for that pathetic news conference when the players refused to answer questions, another act which has only extended the story and caused more resentment.
On the other hand, every time Manfred speaks he makes it worse, his hubris bleeding through every word, flowing through every sentence.
The latest was an attempt to blame it on the players association, forcing the MLBPA to release a late-night statement a few days ago where it also looked foolish.
Yeah, it's a mess.
The opposition players are furious and never before have you seen baseball's union members going after one another like this.
They're not holding back and have no intention of stopping.
But the worst moment thus far was Manfred pushing back in an ESPN interview on the idea of stripping the Astros of their World Series title.
Said Manfred, "The idea of an asterisk or asking for a piece of metal back seems like a futile act."
He just can't help himself.
The commissioner of baseball admitted that to him the World Series trophy is nothing more than trash.
It's that very arrogance that had members of Congress in 2005 wondering where this man came from, why he was sitting in front of them and what they should do about baseball's joke of an antitrust exemption.
But the "piece of metal" was the ultimate in Manfred showing his assets, and the players reacted appropriately.
"That's someone who has never played our game," said Cubs veteran Jon Lester. "You play for a reason. You play for that 'piece of metal.'
"If that's the way he feels, he needs to take his name off his trophy."
Justin Turner, whose Dodgers lost to Houston in a now infamous 2017 World Series, was among many to hammer baseball's blundering boss.
"Calling the World Series trophy 'a piece of metal,' I mean, I don't know if the commissioner has ever won anything in his life. Maybe he hasn't," Turner said. "But the reason every guy is in this room, is working out all offseason and showing up to camp early, and putting in all the time and effort is specifically for that trophy, which, by the way, is called the 'Commissioner's Trophy.'
"So for him to devalue it the way he did tells me how out of touch he is with the players in this game. At this point, the only thing devaluing that trophy is that it says 'Commissioner' on it."
Once he realized he had stepped in it again, Manfred said, "In an effort to make a rhetorical point, I referred to the World Series trophy in a disrespectful way. It was a mistake to say what I said."
Sounds terribly sorry, doesn't he?
For those who hadn't seen him for what he is, Manfred gave it all away in that one sentence.
Baseball doesn't mean anything to him and now that it's obvious some players have suggested he find a new job.
He can take his rhetoric with him -- but leave the piece of metal.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Schaumburg man arrested on aggravated stalking charge

A 42-year-old Schaumburg man , who prosecutors say threatened a woman saying he would `` bulldoze '' her house and `` blow something up , '' was ordered held on $ 50,000 bail Friday on charges of aggravated stalking and violating an order of protection .
Paul Binkowski , of the 2200 block of West Weathersfield Way , was arrested about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday when Schaumburg police executed three arrest warrants and a search warrant with the assistance of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System 's Emergency Services Team .
Prosecutors say Binkowski was found hiding in a closet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure a peaceful surrender after Binkowksi failed to turn himself in to the department on numerous occasions .
A former girlfriend received an order of protection against Binkowski in late December that took effect on Jan. 7 , said Assistant Cook County State 's Attorney Loukas Kalliantasis .
Binkowski called her on Jan. 9 in the presence of her lawyer and hung up , Kalliantasis said .
He also called a few days later , Kalliantasis said .
From Jan. 17 to 27 , prosecutors say , the woman received 28 calls from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Feb. 11 , Binkowski left a message threatening to kill her , Kalliantasis said .
On Feb. 16 , he made statements via FaceTime about bulldozing her house and blowing something up , Kalliantasis said .
Prosecutors say Binkowski has a domestic battery conviction from 2008 involving a different woman .
He also spent four days in jail in 2007 for disorderly conduct , said prosecutors , who asked that Binkowski be held without bail .
Defense attorney Jeffrey Fagan said Binkowski 's accuser has been to his house several times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` no means to bulldoze a house or blow anything up . ''
Cook County Judge Samuel Betar ordered Binkowski have no contact with the woman , submit to GPS monitoring and adhere to a 24/7 curfew except for work purposes if he posts bond .
He next appears in court on March 12 .

Schaumburg man arrested on aggravated stalking charge
A 42-year-old Schaumburg man, who prosecutors say threatened a woman by saying he would "bulldoze" her house and "blow something up," was ordered held on $50,000 bail Friday on charges of aggravated stalking and violating an order of protection.
Paul Binkowski, of the 2200 block of West Weathersfield Way, was arrested about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday when Schaumburg police executed three arrest warrants and a search warrant with the assistance of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System's Emergency Services Team. Prosecutors say Binkowski was found hiding in a closet.
Schaumburg police said they requested assistance to ensure a peaceful surrender after Binkowksi failed to turn himself in to the department on numerous occasions.
A former girlfriend received an order of protection against Binkowski in late December that took effect on Jan. 7, said Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Loukas Kalliantasis. Binkowski called her on Jan. 9 in the presence of her lawyer and hung up, Kalliantasis said. He also called a few days later, Kalliantasis said.
From Jan. 17 to 27, prosecutors say, the woman received 28 calls from a number known to be Binkowski's. On Feb. 11, Binkowski left a message threatening to kill her, Kalliantasis said. On Feb. 16, he made statements via FaceTime about bulldozing her house and blowing something up, Kalliantasis said.
Prosecutors say Binkowski has a domestic battery conviction from 2008 involving a different woman. He also spent four days in jail in 2007 for disorderly conduct, said prosecutors, who asked that Binkowski be held without bail.
Defense attorney Jeffrey Fagan said Binkowski's accuser has been to his house several times. He also said his client has "no means to bulldoze a house or blow anything up."
Cook County Judge Samuel Betar ordered Binkowski have no contact with the woman, submit to GPS monitoring and adhere to a 24/7 curfew except for work purposes if he posts bond.
He next appears in court on March 12.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Lisle man faces charges after car, foot chase

A 54-year-old Lisle man faces numerous charges after leading police on a chase that began in a stolen car and ended on foot near Route 53 , authorities said .
Henry D. Lange , of the 4700 block of Winchester Avenue , was apprehended Wednesday and charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle , aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer , resisting a police officer , driving with a revoked or suspended license , reckless driving and illegal transportation of alcohol .
Lisle police said an officer came upon Lange about 5 p.m. Wednesday while investigating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Route 53 .
When the officer determined that the Pontiac G6 had been stolen from Lockport within the past week , Lange attempted to drive away .
Ignoring commands to stop , police said Lange drove south to Woodridge , where he began violating multiple traffic laws .
The officer followed at a safe distance before Lange crashed into the rear of a truck on the 8100 block of Route 53 and then ran into a wooded area on the east side of the road .
The Lisle officer , joined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who resisted but eventually was placed under arrest , authorities said .

Lisle man faces charges after car, foot chase
A 54-year-old Lisle man faces numerous charges after leading police on a chase that began in a stolen car and ended on foot near Route 53, authorities said.
Henry D. Lange, of the 4700 block of Winchester Avenue, was apprehended Wednesday and charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, resisting a police officer, driving with a revoked or suspended license, reckless driving and illegal transportation of alcohol.
Lisle police said an officer came upon Lange about 5 p.m. Wednesday while investigating a suspicious vehicle on the 5900 block of Route 53. When the officer determined that the Pontiac G6 had been stolen from Lockport within the past week, Lange attempted to drive away.
Ignoring commands to stop, police said Lange drove south to Woodridge, where he began violating multiple traffic laws.
The officer followed at a safe distance before Lange crashed into the rear of a truck on the 8100 block of Route 53 and then ran into a wooded area on the east side of the road.
The Lisle officer, joined by several Woodridge officers, caught Lange, who resisted but eventually was placed under arrest, authorities said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Urlacher's political future unclear after gambling indictment

Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher 's political future remains unclear a day after it was announced he and nine others were indicted on federal gambling , money laundering and conspiracy charges .
The Mettawa village board is n't scheduled to meet again until March 17 , and there is no posted agenda yet for that meeting .
Urlacher -- the younger brother of Hall of Fame Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher -- still has not been formally arraigned on the charges lodged against him by federal prosecutors Wednesday .
The next court date for Casey Urlacher and the other defendants has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal court website .
Attempts to reach Urlacher and his lawyer , Michael Gillespie , were not successful .
Court records indicate Gillespie made an appearance in federal court Thursday on Urlacher 's behalf .
Attempts to reach village officials and trustees were unsuccessful as well .
A link on the village 's website to its code of ordinances goes to a dead page .
Urlacher is accused of assisting Vincent Delgiudice , 54 , of Orland Park with running an illegal offshore gambling operation .
Prosecutors accused Urlacher of taking bets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement search of Delgiudice 's residence led to the seizure of more than $ 1.06 million in cash , silver bars and jewelry valued at $ 347,895 , and gold coins valued at $ 92,623 , authorities said .
He faces the same charges as Urlacher .
Urlacher denied any knowledge about the gambling investigation when contacted Thursday morning by the Chicago Sun-Times , saying he did n't know any bookie named Delgiudice .
`` I do n't know nothing about it , '' Urlacher said .
`` I do n't know who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other eight men charged are Justin Hines , 40 , of Algonquin and Todd Blanken , 43 , of Cary .
Court records do n't indicate they have yet hired attorneys to defend them .
They could not be reached for comment .
Also charged were : Matthew Knight , 46 , also known as `` Sweaters '' and `` McDougal , '' of Mokena ; Keith D. Benson , 49 , of Lemont ; Nicholas Stella , 42 , of Chicago ; Matthew Namoff , 23 , of Midlothian ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 10th defendant , Eugene `` Gino '' Delgiudice , 84 , of Orland Park , is accused of assisting in the collection or paying out of cash to gamblers recruited by Vincent Delgiudice .

Urlacher's political future unclear after gambling indictment
Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher's political future remains unclear a day after it was announced he and nine others were indicted on federal gambling, money laundering and conspiracy charges.
The Mettawa village board isn't scheduled to meet again until March 17, and there is no posted agenda yet for that meeting.
Urlacher -- the younger brother of Hall of Fame Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher -- still has not been formally arraigned on the charges lodged against him by federal prosecutors Wednesday. The next court date for Casey Urlacher and the other defendants has not been announced, according to the federal court website.
Attempts to reach Urlacher and his lawyer, Michael Gillespie, were not successful. Court records indicate Gillespie made an appearance in federal court Thursday on Urlacher's behalf.
Attempts to reach village officials and trustees were unsuccessful as well. A link on the village's website to its code of ordinances goes to a dead page.
Urlacher is accused of assisting Vincent Delgiudice, 54, of Orland Park with running an illegal offshore gambling operation. Prosecutors accused Urlacher of taking bets and funneling proceeds to Delgiudice.
A law enforcement search of Delgiudice's residence led to the seizure of more than $1.06 million in cash, silver bars and jewelry valued at $347,895, and gold coins valued at $92,623, authorities said. He faces the same charges as Urlacher.
Urlacher denied any knowledge about the gambling investigation when contacted Thursday morning by the Chicago Sun-Times, saying he didn't know any bookie named Delgiudice. "I don't know nothing about it," Urlacher said. "I don't know who you're talking about."
Among the other eight men charged are Justin Hines, 40, of Algonquin and Todd Blanken, 43, of Cary. Court records don't indicate they have yet hired attorneys to defend them. They could not be reached for comment.
Also charged were: Matthew Knight, 46, also known as "Sweaters" and "McDougal," of Mokena; Keith D. Benson, 49, of Lemont; Nicholas Stella, 42, of Chicago; Matthew Namoff, 23, of Midlothian; and Vasilios Prassas, 37, of Chicago.
The 10th defendant, Eugene "Gino" Delgiudice, 84, of Orland Park, is accused of assisting in the collection or paying out of cash to gamblers recruited by Vincent Delgiudice.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Schaumburg theater company helps special needs actors thrive

For four years , Natalie Tittle has played smaller , mostly nonverbal parts in a Schaumburg-based community theater 's productions .
The 20-year-old has major developmental delays and is happy just being included , said Natalie 's mother , Patricia Tittle of Hanover Park .
But seeing her potential , the UPS for DownS Theatre Company offered Natalie her first leading role playing Ariel in its upcoming production of `` The Little Mermaid Jr. '' '' She is so excited , '' Patricia Tittle said .
`` Natalie never auditioned to get any kind of major part .
She just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There 's no words to even begin to say how valuable this program is . ''
UPS for DownS ( United Parent Support for Down syndrome ) is a nonprofit providing a sense of community , support , education , and opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities , their families and friends .
Its theater company produces shows in partnership with Chicago-based E.D.G.E of Orion 's Constellation Project , giving children and adults with developmental challenges a chance to exhibit their musical and dramatic talents working alongside actors without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Area School District U-46 students with special needs -- Nico Ficarella and Ryan Hargett -- are part of the 70-member cast performing `` The Little Mermaid Jr. , '' Thursday through Saturday , Feb. 27-29 , in Schaumburg .
Demand to be part of the company 's productions -- now in its 13th year -- has increased so much , organizers capped the number of participants .
The group draws members from across the Northwest suburbs .
Beyond learning choreography , music , dance and memorizing a script , participants are gaining self-confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pazerunas of Inverness , an UPS for DownS co-chairwoman and theater program coordinator .
`` It gives them a tremendous amount of accomplishment and pride , '' she said .
`` We are a disability community who are putting it on , but we really strive to have community participants , friends , and peers .
We are trying to expand it to be more of an inclusive experience . ''
Organizers and parents agree there is a need for more theater programs that are inclusive of people with disabilities .
Tonia Ficarella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program has helped boost her son Nico 's confidence .
Nico , who is autistic , and Natalie are part of the transition program at South Elgin High School .
His interest sparked after watching Natalie perform on stage , Ficarella said .
Nico played the part of Simba in the group 's `` Lion King '' production four years ago .
The 20-year-old will play Flounder next week .
`` I never knew he was really interested in theater , '' Ficarella said .
`` He tends to be always by himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person when he is there .
He really enjoys it .
You just do n't know until you go see one of these productions just how amazing these kids are .
They are able to shine and show people what they are capable of doing . ''
Musical director Orion Couling said most of the cast is developmentally challenged .
The group has been rehearsing four hours weekly for six months .
The 75-minute version of the show is meant for middle school-level actors .
Roughly 20 staff members , including teaching artists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , speech pathologists , voice coaches and music instructors , are there to support the actors .
`` In my experience , it 's just a matter of creating an atmosphere where people can succeed , where they are positively supported , where their needs are addressed , '' Couling said .

Schaumburg theater company helps special needs actors thrive
Elgin Area School District U-46 students Natalie Tittle, Nico Ficarella, and Ryan Hargett will appear in the UPS for Downs Theatre Company's production of "The Little Mermaid Jr." next week in Schaumburg. This unique theater company produces shows that give students with special needs the opportunity to exhibit their musical and dramatic talents. Tittle, of Hanover Park, is playing the lead role of Ariel. Courtesy of Tonia Ficarella
The "flipper cast" of "The Little Mermaid Jr." includes Sarah Bak as Ursula, Jack Ford as King Triton, Nattalie Tittle as Ariel, Robbie Covarrubias as Prince Eric, and Meilyn Ward as Sebastian. The production features actors with special needs working alongside those without disabilities. Performances run Feb. 27-29 at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg. Courtesy of UPS for Downs Theatre
For four years, Natalie Tittle has played smaller, mostly nonverbal parts in a Schaumburg-based community theater's productions.
The 20-year-old has undiagnosed developmental delays and is happy just being included, said Natalie's mother, Patricia Tittle of Hanover Park.
But seeing her potential, the UPS for Downs Theatre Company offered Natalie her first leading role. She's playing Ariel in its upcoming production of "The Little Mermaid Jr."
"She is so excited," Patricia Tittle said. "Natalie never auditioned to get any kind of major part. She just wanted to be involved in this organization. There's no words to even begin to say how valuable this program is."
UPS for Downs (United Parent Support for Down syndrome) is a nonprofit providing a sense of community, support, education, and opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities, their families and friends.
Its theater company produces shows in partnership with Chicago-based E.D.G.E of Orion's Constellation Project, giving children and adults with developmental challenges a chance to exhibit their musical and dramatic talents working alongside actors without disabilities.
Natalie and two other Elgin Area School District U-46 students with special needs -- Nico Ficarella and Ryan Hargett -- are part of the 70-member cast performing "The Little Mermaid Jr." Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 27-29, in Schaumburg.
Demand to be part of the company's productions has increased so much, organizers capped the number of participants. The group, now in its 13th year, draws members from across the Northwest suburbs.
Beyond learning choreography and memorizing a script, participants are gaining confidence and developing lifelong relationships, said Sandy Pazerunas of Inverness, an UPS for Downs co-chairwoman and theater program coordinator.
"It gives them a tremendous amount of accomplishment and pride," she said. "We are a disability community who are putting it on, but we really strive to have community participants, friends, and peers. We are trying to expand it to be more of an inclusive experience."
Tonia Ficarella of Bartlett said the UPS for Downs program has helped boost her son Nico's confidence.
Nico, who has autism, and Natalie are part of the transition program at South Elgin High School. His interest sparked after watching Natalie perform, Ficarella said.
Nico played Simba in the group's "Lion King" production four years ago. The 20-year-old will play Flounder next week.
"I never knew he was really interested in theater," Ficarella said. "He tends to be always by himself. He's just like a different person when he is there. He really enjoys it. You just don't know until you go see one of these productions just how amazing these kids are. They are able to shine and show people what they are capable of doing."
Musical director Orion Couling said most of the cast is developmentally challenged. The group has been rehearsing four hours weekly for six months.
The 75-minute version of the show is meant for middle school-level actors.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Judge dismisses challenge to Buffalo Grove trustee election

The April 2019 Buffalo Grove trustee election finally has closure after a Cook County judge Friday dismissed a suit challenging the results .
Judge Patrick Stanton filed an order granting Trustee David Weidenfeld 's motion to dismiss the suit filed by Soojae Lee , who lost by two votes in his bid to gain one of the three seats on the village board .
Weidenfeld said : `` We 're done and I can get back to work .
I mean , I was doing that all along anyway .
`` He had the right to do what he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled , and that 's that . ''
Stanton wrote that the suit is moot because Lee failed to name the other winning trustee candidates as defendants .
Although Lee contended he was only seeking a recount between him and Weidenfeld , Stanton wrote , `` This argument misunderstands the nature of the election and of a recount .
Because Weidenfeld and Lee were not seeking a specific seat , but rather were contesting an at large election in which three seats were awarded to the top three vote getters , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weidenfeld and Lee in a vacuum .
Indeed , to , as Lee requested , declare him the winner of the third spot , the court must tally the votes for the first and second . ''
They `` have an interest in the outcome of the recount '' and `` are necessary and indispensable parties , '' leaving the court without jurisdiction , he wrote .
`` That 's the way this works , '' Weidenfeld said .
`` That in contested elections in a race , you have to sue every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because it 's not just changing the vote count between two particular individuals .
But the vote count could change for everybody , which is logical . ''

Judge dismisses challenge to Buffalo Grove trustee election
The April 2019 Buffalo Grove trustee election finally has closure after a Cook County judge Friday dismissed a suit challenging the results.
Judge Patrick Stanton filed an order granting Trustee David Weidenfeld's motion to dismiss the suit filed by Soojae Lee, who lost by two votes in his bid to gain one of the three seats on the village board.
Weidenfeld said: "We're done and I can get back to work. I mean, I was doing that all along anyway.
"He had the right to do what he did. He did it, the judge ruled, and that's that."
Stanton wrote that the suit is moot because Lee failed to name the other winning trustee candidates as defendants.
Although Lee contended he was only seeking a recount between him and Weidenfeld, Stanton wrote, "This argument misunderstands the nature of the election and of a recount. Because Weidenfeld and Lee were not seeking a specific seat, but rather were contesting an at large election in which three seats were awarded to the top three vote getters, it is impossible to recount the votes cast for Weidenfeld and Lee in a vacuum. Indeed, to, as Lee requested, declare him the winner of the third spot, the court must tally the votes for the first and second."
They "have an interest in the outcome of the recount" and "are necessary and indispensable parties," leaving the court without jurisdiction, he wrote.
"That's the way this works," Weidenfeld said. "That in contested elections in a race, you have to sue every person who ran in that race. Because it's not just changing the vote count between two particular individuals. But the vote count could change for everybody, which is logical."
Lee couldn't be immediately reached for comment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--Wood Dale woman pleads guilty to stabbing husband with pocketknife

A Wood Dale woman pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated battery for stabbing her husband six times with a pocketknife .
Margaret Cyran , 46 , agreed to a sentence of two years probation and 10 days in a work-release program .
She originally was charged with aggravated domestic battery for the May 19 , 2019 , attack .
Cyran 's husband was asleep on a couch , according to authorities , when a drunken Cyran woke him and stabbed him in an arm , a shoulder and his chest .
The wounds were not deep , requiring only staples and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is prohibited from drinking alcohol , using cannabis or taking illicit drugs .
`` Sounds like a bad situation .
And as is often the case , alcohol kind of fuels things .
So if you take that out of ( your ) life , it seems unlikely to occur again , '' DuPage County Judge John Kinsella told Cyran .
The victim agreed to the plea deal .
If she violates the terms of probation , Cyran could be resentenced to up to five years in prison .
She petitioned to divorce @ @ @ @ @ @

Wood Dale woman pleads guilty to stabbing husband with pocketknife
A Wood Dale woman pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated battery for stabbing her husband six times with a pocketknife.
Margaret Cyran, 46, agreed to a sentence of two years probation and 10 days in a work-release program.
She originally was charged with aggravated domestic battery for the May 19, 2019, attack.
Cyran's husband was asleep on a couch, according to authorities, when a drunken Cyran woke him and stabbed him in an arm, a shoulder and his chest. The wounds were not deep, requiring only staples and stitches.
While on probation, Cyran is prohibited from drinking alcohol, using cannabis or taking illicit drugs.
"Sounds like a bad situation. And as is often the case, alcohol kind of fuels things. So if you take that out of (your) life, it seems unlikely to occur again," DuPage County Judge John Kinsella told Cyran.
The victim agreed to the plea deal.
If she violates the terms of probation, Cyran could be resentenced to up to five years in prison.
She petitioned to divorce her husband in August 2019.