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Daily Archive : Monday May 12, 2014

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    The 2014 Zonta Club scholarship winners include, from left, Mayra Loera, Madeline Horton, Veronica Seawall, Alexis Guttilla, Monica Zimmerman, Kristin Burke and Hallie McQueeny. Not pictured: Danielle Brown and Anastasia Mistak.

    Zonta Club awards scholarships, service grants
    Submitted by Christina Plotzke
    The Zonta Club of St. Charles-Geneva-Batavia and Zonta West-Illinois distributed $17,000 in grants and scholarships at its annual awards banquet on May 6 at the Geneva History Center.

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    Third-graders from the Mill Creek Elementary School in Geneva joined GreenFields residents for “Readers are Leaders.”

    Students, seniors meet up in Geneva for ‘Readers are Leaders’
    Submitted by Ivy Marketing Group
    Third-graders from Mill Creek Elementary School walked from their school to GreenFields to meet Miss Lori, a favorite children’s entertainer from WTTW. At GreenFields, the stage was set for the kids as they joined residents for "Readers are Leaders." The spirited program encourages the two generations to bond, learn from each other and enjoy the music and merriment provided by Miss Lori...

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    St. Charles Swim Team gets ready for the 24-Hour Swim May 17 to support the new Ronald McDonald House near the Cadence Health Central DuPage Hospital Campus.

    St. Charles Swim Team’s 24-Hour Swim to support sick kids
    Submitted by B. Wilson
    Page 3St. Charles Swim Team will hold a 24 Hour Swim on May 17 as part of a five-year pledge to support the western suburbs first Ronald McDonald House located near the Cadence Health CDH Campus.

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    Irene Findley of Cary participates Monday in an On the Table event in Elgin. The breakfast was the first of a series of meetings throughout the suburbs facilitated by the Daily Herald Media Group to help come up with ways to improve our communities.

    On the Table Fox Valley: Community involvement is key
    By Elena Ferrarin
    Corporate America's investment — both human and financial — is crucial for any local community to thrive. The hard part, however, is persuading corporations that's what they need to be doing. That was among the main conclusions of a breakfast discussion Monday in Elgin, which launched a daylong series of meetings throughout the suburbs facilitated by the Daily Herald Media Group...

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    Daily Herald Lake County Editor Pete Nenni talks to a group of community leaders and local residents Monday during a round-table discussion at Dover Straits in Mundelein.

    On the Table: Building safe, strong Lake County
    By Russell Lissau
    Improving the lives of children — especially poor children — was one of the dominant themes of a round-table community discussion Monday night in Lake County. The gathering, facilitated by the Daily Herald Media Group, was part of a regional program called On The Table that was launched by the Chicago Community Trust, a charitable organization.

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    Union coalition seeks pension injunction
    Associated Press
    A coalition of unions is asking a Sangamon County judge to prevent a statewide pension overhaul from taking effect until its constitutionality is decided. We Are One Illinois filed a motion Monday in Springfield seeking a preliminary injunction.

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    Timothy Geithner

    Geithner's memoir blasts Kirk's comments on China
    Associated Press
    In his new memoir, former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner claims U.S. Sen Mark Kirk, of Illinois, advised Chinese officials in 2009 not to buy Treasury notes or other U.S. government debt. Geithner calls Kirk's fears “delusional” and ones that undermined American interests abroad.

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    Arson is suspected in a fire Sunday at the Elgin Tower Building, the building manager said. The glass front door was broken to gain access to the building, and items including a garbage can were on fire inside the elevator, fire officials said.

    Elgin Tower Building manager says fire appears to be arson
    By Elena Ferrarin
    It appears someone intentionally set fire in an elevator of the Elgin Tower Building Sunday night, the building manager said Monday. Neal Pitcher, who is out of town, said that's what he was told by firefighter on the scene who spoke with Pitcher on the phone Sunday night.

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    Jack Dorgan

    Illinois GOP leader Dorgan says he won't seek another term
    By Mike Riopell
    Illinois Republican Party Chairman Jack Dorgan of Rosemont won’t run for another term in the post and will back Cook County Board member Tim Schneider of Bartlett to replace him, he announced Monday.

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    Juvenile charged in fatal shooting of 15-year-old
    Associated Press
    Chicago police say they have charged a 15-year-old in connection with the shooting death of another 15-year-old boy on the city’s South Side.

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    Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. leaves federal court in Washington after being sentenced to 2½ years in prison for misusing $750,000 in campaign funds.

    Inmate writes about ex-congressman’s life in prison
    Associated Press
    A letter written by an inmate who shared time with ex-Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. at a North Carolina federal prison says Jackson is doing a “fastidious job” scrubbing toilets, showers, and sinks.

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    Lightning sparks Addison house fire
    By Sara Hooker
    An Addison home was damaged Monday evening after it was struck by lightning. Addison firefighters responded to the call at just before 7 p.m. for a home on the 1400 block of West Byron Avenue that had been struck by lightning, Addison Deputy Chief Scott Walker said.

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    Flooding hits Lake, Cook, Kane counties
    By Sara Hooker
    Storms that swept through the area Monday evening caused localized flooding in Lake, Cook and Kane counties, with hail and several lightning strikes reported. Lake County experienced localized flooding that closed several intersections, including at routes 45 and 137 and at routes 41 and 176. Cars became trapped in water at those intersections, but nobody was injured, officials said.

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    This remote camera photo taken May 3, shows the wolf OR7 in southwest Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. He may have finally found the mate he has trekked thousands of miles looking for.

    Wandering Oregon wolf may have found a mate
    Associated Press
    Oregon’s famous wandering gray wolf, dubbed OR-7, may have found the mate he has trekked thousands of miles looking for, wildlife authorities said Monday. It’s likely the pair spawned pups, and if confirmed, the rare predators would be the first breeding pair of wolves in the Oregon’s Cascade Range since the early 1900s.

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    Harper College President Ken Ender and Harper Board Chair Diane Hill are among those swinging sledgehammers into a wall to start construction Monday of the Hanover Park Education and Work Center.

    Work begins on job skills center in Hanover Park
    Daily Herald report
    About 75 people attended a ceremony Monday to mark the beginning of construction on the Hanover Park Education and Work Center. The center is intended to make education and job assistance more accessible to residents of the area. “This is going to improve the quality of life for the people who live here and the folks who need the most help,” said state Rep. Fred Crespo.

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    Pro-Russian armed men stand at the city hall in the eastern Ukraine city of Luhansk on Monday.

    Insurgents in eastern Ukraine declare independence
    Associated Press
    Pro-Moscow insurgents in eastern Ukraine declared independence Monday and sought to join Russia, undermining upcoming presidential elections, strengthening the Kremlin’s hand and putting pressure on Kiev to hold talks with the separatists following a referendum on self-rule.

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    Barlett firefighters fight a blaze on Monday on the 700 block of Holly Drive.

    Bartlett home damaged in fire
    Daily Herald report
    A fire fueled by natural gas did about $100,000 damage to a single-family home in Bartlett Monday, firefighters said.

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    This photo, taken from a video by Nigeria’s Boko Haram terrorist network, purports to show dozens of abducted schoolgirls, covered in jihab and praying in Arabic. It is the first public sight of the girls since more than 300 were kidnapped from a northeastern school the night of April 14 four weeks ago.

    Boko Haram demands release of fighters for girls
    Associated Press
    A video released by the group Monday offered the first public glimpse of what it claimed were some of the nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped a month ago. The girls’ plight has spurred a global movement to secure their freedom.

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    Dist. 158 to start offering middle school orchestra classes
    By Madhu Krishnamurthy
    Middle school orchestra classes are planned for the first time in Huntley School District 158, starting in the 2015-16 school year. Sixth graders at Marlowe Middle School in Lake in the Hills and Heineman Middle School in Algonquin will learn to play brass, wind, string and percussion instruments. “It’s exciting,” Chief Academic Officer Mike Moan said. “It’s a...

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    Golf course overhaul subject of special Mt. Prospect parks meeting
    By Matt Arado
    Residents of the Mount Prospect Park District will hear the latest Wednesday on the proposed renovation of the Mount Prospect Golf Course. Park district commissioners will hold a special meeting to review bids, talk about cost and may look at the plan hole by hole.

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    Waukegan bank robbed
    Daily Herald report
    A man robbed NorStates Bank in Waukegan Monday afternoon, police said.

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    Congressional candidate Keith Crisco, a North Carolina textile entrepreneur locked in a too-close-to-call Democratic Party primary with former “American Idol” singer Clay Aiken, died in a home accident Monday.

    Clay Aiken’s primary opponent dies at his home
    Associated Press
    The entrepreneur who was locked in a too-close-to-call Democratic primary with former “American Idol” singer Clay Aiken died Monday, his family said. Keith Crisco, 71, died “after an accidental fall” at his home in Asheboro, about 65 miles west of Raleigh, according to a statement from his family.

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    Elijio Martinez Jr.

    Aurora man with mental health issues missing
    Daily Herald report
    Aurora police want the public’s help in finding a missing 21-year-old man with mental health issues.

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    Dozens of state jobs involved in a dispute over whether they should be free of politics were filled by Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration with candidates who were politically connected or gave campaign money to the governor’s party.

    Report: Hires had political clout with Quinn, Democrats
    Associated Press
    Dozens of state jobs involved in a dispute over whether they should be free of politics were filled by Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration with candidates who were politically connected or gave campaign money to the governor’s party, an Associated Press review of state documents shows.

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    Sauter tribute this week in D.C.
    Daily Herald report
    The memory of Illinois State Police Trooper James Sauter will be honored in Washington D.C. this week as troopers from Illinois State Police District 15 participate in National Police Week.

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    IDOT to use more speed indicators in work zones
    Associated Press
    Speed-indicator signs now will be mandatory at every road construction zone in Illinois with lane restrictions and workers present.

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    David G. Knott

    Huntley man gets probation for 2-pound pot bust
    By Harry Hitzeman
    A 54-year-old Huntley man received two years of probation Friday after pleading guilty to felony marijuana charges from an October 2013 arrest. David G. Knott also must pay $5,500 in fines and court costs and could be resentenced to five years in prison if he violates probation. Authorities said he was arrested with 2.4 pounds of marijuana.

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    ‘Build a birdhouse’ in Hoffman Estates
    Daily Herald report
    Children are invited to “Build a Birdhouse,” in an event sponsored by the village of Hoffman Estates Sustainability Commission, from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Susan H. Kenley-Rupnow Public Works Center, 2305 Pembroke Ave.

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    Thieves targeting Walgreens totes
    Daily Herald report
    Thieves stole roughly 450 white or gray plastic totes valued at $8 each earlier this month from the rear of three Naperville-area Walgreens stores and may be targeting Walgreens in other towns as well, Naperville police said Monday.

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    MHS board meets:
    Daily Herald report
    The Mundelein High School board will meet Tuesday to discuss the progress of a student technology program, administrative staffing and other issues.

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    Students from Wheaton Warrenville South and Wheaton North high schools gather for their annual Relay For Life event in 2013. This year’s event will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday on the football field at Wheaton North. More than 550 participants are expected to attend the event, which has historically raised around $90,000 each year.

    Wheaton high schools prep for Relay For Life
    By Jessica Cilella
    Wheaton Warrenville South and Wheaton North high schools are hosting their annual Relay for Life event from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday on the Wheaton North football field. At least 550 students are expected to participate in the event this year, which has historically raised around $90,000 annually. "They love that there is a place to go where they are fighting cancer," said Keagan Castro,...

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    Garage sales start Friday in Des Plaines
    Daily Herald report
    The 10th Annual Community Garage Sale in Des Plaines kicks off Friday for households within ZIP code 60018.

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    Fox Valley police reports
    Ashley R. Sawall, 32, of Elgin, was charged Sunday with possession of a controlled substance containing hydrocodone, possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia, court records show.

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    Tri-Cities police reports
    Anthony N. Nanfria, 26, of Batavia, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to signal a lane change or turn, speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated assault and obstruction a peace officer, at 1:43 a.m. Sunday in the 0-99 block of North Batavia Avenue, according to a police report.

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    Barrington High School artists’ snow plow creations to be unveiled
    Daily Herald report
    Village snow plows painted on the theme “Environmental Preservation” will be unveiled at a luncheon Tuesday, May 18, in Barrington, celebrating National Public Works Week.

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    Charity lunch in the park to end Alzheimer’s
    Daily Herald report
    The “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” 9th annual charity luncheon is 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, at Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway (at Center Drive) Vernon Hills.

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    Route 21/137 project nearing an end
    Daily Herald report
    The ongoing Route 137/21 intersection and widening project in Libertyville is 95 percent complete. This week various lane closures will be in place for crews to finish removing temporary pavement markings and install permanent pavement markings.

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    Deputy voter registrars sought
    Daily Herald report
    Tenth Congressional District Democrats is seeking Lake County Democrats to serve as deputy voter registrars authorized to register voters.

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    Clarice Colangelo of Elmhurst blows out the candles while celebrating her 101st birthday Monday afternoon at Prime BurgerHouse at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin. She been coming to gamble at the casino every Monday and Thursday for about eight years.

    Elmhurst woman celebrates 101st at Grand Victoria Casino
    Daily Herald report
    Clarice Colangelo turns 101 on Monday. Clarice plays at Grand Victoria Casino every Monday and Thursday, so she celebrated her birthday at Prime BurgerHouse. The casino staff had a special cake and Clarice blew out the candles.

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    Joseph M. Perez

    Metra picks state police veteran to reform its PD
    By Marni Pyke
    Metra has hired an Illinois State Police official with experience in the field and as an administrator to fix its troubled police force.

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    Jeffrey Halen

    Lake Zurich ups fee for video gambling liquor license
    By Bob Susnjara
    Lake Zurich will charge 10 times more for a special video gambling liquor license than orginally planned for restaurants, bars and other establishments. Village board members recently approved a $2,500 fee for the annual gaming liquor license instead of $250. "This is one of those times where I don’t personally mind being at the high end,” Trustee Jeffrey Halen said

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    People stand Sunday outside burnt houses following an attack by Islamic militants in Gambaru, Nigeria. Many brutalized residents of the once bustling town of Gamboru said Monday they are moving across the border to Cameroon because they cannot trust the Nigerian government to protect them, after repeated attacks by Islamic militants, including an attack a few days ago that killed some hundreds of people with more than 1,000 shops, dozens of homes and 314 trucks and cars bombed and burned out.

    Nigerians attacked by militants leaving country
    Associated Press
    Brutalized residents of a once-bustling northeast Nigerian border town repeatedly attacked by Islamic extremists say they are moving across the border to Cameroon because they cannot trust Nigeria’s government and military to protect them. Their fears reflect mounting national and international outrage over failures of Nigeria’s government and military as 276 girls abducted by...

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    Comedian Guerterrius “T. Murph” Jackson, of Downers Grove, will appear on BET’s “Comic View.”

    Downers Grove barber becomes BET comic
    By Jamie Sotonoff and Dann Gire
    Comedian T. Murph, of Downers Grove, landed a highly coveted spot on BET's renowned, stand-up comedy show "Comic View," which he's watched since he was a kid growing up in Kankakee. “I literally broke down crying, I was so excited,” T. Murph said. “It’s pretty surreal.” The 29-year-old, whose real name is Guerterrius Jackson, was chosen from a pool of hundreds...

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    Feds ask 3rd parties to weigh in on college union
    Associated Press
    A labor agency has invited outside parties to weigh in on whether Northwestern football players should be able to unionize. The National Labor Relations Board posted a notice Monday asking groups not directly involved in the dispute to submit arguments for or against unionization by June 26.

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    NIU holds active-shooter training
    Associated Press
    Police at Northern Illinois University are training this month for active-shooter situations. The school was the site of a deadly campus shooting in 2008 when a gunman killed five people and injured more than a dozen others before killing himself.

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    Commission to plan Illinois bicentennial in 2018
    Associated Press
    Gov. Pat Quinn’s office said Monday that it has officially started planning for the state’s 200th birthday. The governor signed an executive order to create the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial Commission. The volunteer commission will plan and coordinate events.

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    Examples of hires’ political connections
    Associated Press
    Here are examples of state employees with political connections who were hired at the Illinois Department of Transportation under Gov. Pat Quinn.

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    Kevin Gillespie

    Negotiations continue in fatal Port Barrington crash
    By Lee Filas
    Negotiations are continuing between prosecutors and a defense attorney for an Island Lake man accused of being impaired when he ran over and killed an pedestrian lying in the roadway in unincorporated Lake County.

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    Tollway Director James Sweeney is also president of a union local that’s a significant contributor to the man who appointed him, Gov. Pat Quinn.

    Does tollway official have conflict over Quinn donations?
    By Marni Pyke
    An Illinois tollway director also heads up a union local that's a major donor to Gov. Pat Quinn, writing a $250,000 check in January. Is it a conflict of interest, given that the governor appoints tollway board members? Yes, said good-government experts, who suggest reforms. No, said a Quinn spokeswoman.

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    Naperville’s Ribfest will play host to its first Hispanic Day from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5, with Latino music, announcements in Spanish and food from Mexican restaurant Sergio’s Cantina of Geneva along with traveling rib vendors.

    Naperville’s Ribfest planning inaugural Hispanic Day
    By Marie Wilson
    Organizers of Naperville’s annual Ribfest celebration will reach out to a specific cultural group for the first time this year when they sponsor Hispanic Day on Saturday, July 5. The smaller of two stages will feature Latino music from noon to 10 p.m.; the Geneva Mexican restaurant Sergio’s Cantina will be added to the usual list of rib vendors; and announcements will be made in...

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    Members of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drums Corps march beneath the Washington Monument on Monday during a ceremony to celebrate its reopening.

    Washington Monument reopens after earthquake
    Associated Press
    The towering symbol that honors the nation’s first president reopened to the public Monday, nearly three years after an earthquake cracked and chipped the 130-year-old stone obelisk. After fences were dismantled and construction equipment removed, the Washington Monument drew a cross section of Americans who wanted to be among to first visit the newly reopened historic site.

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    How community colleges help the economy
    By Dr. Christine Sobek
    Recently, the American Association of Community Colleges reported for every $1 invested in America’s community college system, $25.90 will rebound to the U.S. economy during the working lives of those community college students.

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    The emerald ash borer has infected many trees in East and West Dundee at considerable cost to the villages.

    Dealing with the emerald ash borer in Dundee
    By Gerard Dziuba
    The emerald ash borer has burrowed into thousands of ash trees in East and West Dundee, infected them, and killed them. “We still have 223 trees to replace,” said Richard Babica, West Dundee Public Works director. “It’s a labor-intensive process, and it’s costly."

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    Peter Held, director of band, orchestra and choir at Christian Liberty Academy, works with the Prairie Brass Band as one of two finalists to be its new conductor.

    Prairie Brass Band in Arlington Hts. weighing 2 for conductor job
    By Eileen O. Daday
    Members of the Prairie Brass Band will be rehearsing before a concert next weekend. They rehearse in the 2nd floor music room. Our interest would be in the conductor (who also serves as music director at Christian Liberty) Peter Held, and the principal tenor horn player, Mary Gingrich, who also is in the running as the new conductor of the band.

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    Zhao Weiping, Chinese Consul General for the Chicago district, accepts an honorary citizenship certificate from Naperville Mayor George Pradel. The city welcomed Weiping in an effort to promote friendship and business growth through the Chinese Community Outreach program.

    Naperville grants Chinese leader honorary citizenship
    By Marie Wilson
    Naperville’s mayor and China’s Consul General for the Chicago consular district exchanged handshakes, gifts and statements of pride during a recent meeting in which the Chinese man was granted honorary Naperville citizenship. “We extend our friendship to you as we experience a spirit of mutual understanding and respect,” Naperville Mayor George Pradel said.

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    Joel Augustine

    State drops additional assault charges against child molester
    By Justin Kmitch
    A Carol Stream man who recently was convicted of sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s teenage daughter no longer faces charges of criminal sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse of the girl’s 14- year-old friend during an Aug. 24, 2012, sleepover. Prosecutors Monday dismissed the additional charges against Joel Augustine, 35, and asked that Judge George Bakalis take the...

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    This sketch shows the proposed bus shelter on Miner Street in downtown Des Plaines.

    Downtown Des Plaines getting new bus shelter
    By Christopher Placek
    Des Plaines will pay a portion of the costs of a new downtown bus shelter after all. The city council last week approved the purchase of a $17,567 shelter from Duo-Gard Industries in Canton, Michigan, with $3,904 of the costs to be covered by Pace. The city will pay its portion using funds from the downtown tax increment financing district.

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    Kathy Hendershott is the owner of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Geneva. She also owns a Hand & Stone in Wheaton, and hopes to open one in Naperville.

    Sit back and relax at new Hand & Stone in Geneva
    By Amy E. Williams
    A new business is open in Geneva along the Randall Road corridor aimed at helping you feel and look better. Hand & Stone opened May 3 at 1416 S. Randall, in the Randall Square Shopping Center, at the intersection of Randall and Fargo.

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    Vernon Hills Park District’s new parks maintenance facility in Century Park North.

    Open house for new parks maintenance facility
    Vernon Hills Park District submission
    The Vernon Hills Park District Board of Commissioners is inviting the public to an open house from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17, at the new park maintenance facility in Century Park North, 1400 Indianwood Drive.

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    Local author to be honored at nature symposium
    Brushwood Center submission
    Brushwood Center, formerly Friends of Ryerson Woods, will present its annual award for distinguished leadership in the world of nature to Joel Greenberg at the 31st annual Smith Nature Symposium to be held at Ryerson Woods on Saturday, May 17.

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    Marcos Huerta shows off his work at the Arts & Humanities Fair at Mundelein’s Carl Sandburg Middle School.

    District 75 artists and writers show talents at Arts & Humanities Fair
    By Mick Zawislak
    About 50 students at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein District 75 recently showcased yearlong art and writing samples for the community at the annual Arts & Humanities Fair.

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    Winners of the coloring contest include, from left, Amy Rupsis, third grade, St. Mary’s School; Regina Garcia, second grade, Tripp Elementary School; and Nagayuvan Ayyachamy, first grade, Tripp Elementary School. In back are Buffalo Grove Police Officer Michael Rodriguez and Mike Abruzzini from the Buffalo Grove Bank & Trust.

    Winners of Buffalo Grove bicycle safety coloring contest announced
    By Steve Zalusky
    May is national Bike Safety Awareness Month, and each year, the Traffic Unit of the Buffalo Grove Police Department conducts a coloring contest for schoolchildren kindergarten to third grade. One winner from each grade is chosen, with winners receiving a $25 American Express Gift card from Buffalo Grove Bank & Trust.

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    Minor flooding on the Mississippi; rain a worry
    Associated Press
    The Mississippi River is creeping up again, flooding some low-lying roads and agricultural land in parts of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.

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    Body found after Illinois apartment complex fire
    Associated Press
    Authorities say an autopsy is planned for a man who was found dead in a central Illinois apartment building by firefighters extinguishing a fire.

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    Cloud cover the sky at the west side of Chicago, Sunday, May 11, 2014. Thunderstorm warnings were declared for areas including Chicago, as well as Lake, McHenry, DuPage and Kane counties.

    Illinois storms spawn hail, winds, flooding
    Associated Press
    Parts of Illinois are cleaning up after storms caused golf ball-sized hail and flash flooding in some communities. The National Weather Service says hail was reported across northern, central and western Illinois on Sunday.

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    Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo y Marfil, second right, talks with Finland’s Foreign Minister Erkki Sakari Tuomioja, left, French Secretary of State for European Affairs Harlem Desir, second left, and Romania’s Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean during an EU foreign ministers meeting at the European Council building in Brussels Monday.

    Kremlin seeks talks for Ukraine, not annexation
    Associated Press
    The Kremlin made it clear Monday that Moscow has no intention of immediately annexing two regions in eastern Ukraine after a weekend referendum there showed most voters allegedly backing sovereignty. Ukraine’s central government and the West strongly criticized Sunday’s hastily arranged, unofficial ballot in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions— which together have 6.5 million...

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    People walk near teepees set up on the National Mall in Washington, looking toward the Capitol. Days after President Barack Obama touted executive actions aimed at increasing energy efficiency, a bill with similar goals is expected to fall victim to partisan gridlock in the Senate. A bipartisan bill to promote many of the same efficiency goals Obama touted May 9 in California is expected to go down in defeat May 12 amid a dispute over the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

    Keystone XL pipeline dispute holds up energy bill
    Associated Press
    Days after President Barack Obama touted executive actions aimed at increasing energy efficiency, a bill with similar goals is expected to fall victim to partisan gridlock in the Senate. A bipartisan bill to promote many of the same efficiency goals Obama touted Friday in California is expected to go down in defeat Monday amid a dispute over the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

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    Shoppers buy fresh vegetables in Jamila market in Baghdad. Fighting in Iraq’s western Anbar province, now in its fifth month, appears to have bogged down, with government forces unable to drive out Islamic militants who took over one of the area’s main cities. But the impact is being felt much further, with the repercussions rippling through the country’s economy to hit consumers and businesses. Fighting has also disrupted shipping, inflating prices of goods in Baghdad and elsewhere.

    Ongoing fighting in Iraq’s Anbar hits businesses
    Associated Press
    Fighting in Iraq’s western Anbar province, now in its fifth month, appears to have bogged down, with government forces unable to drive out Islamic militants who took over one of the area’s main cities. But the impact is being felt much further, with the repercussions rippling through the country’s economy to hit consumers and businesses.

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    Keith Vest competes in a disc golf tournament Sunday at Aggie Greens in Fort Collins, Colorado. Snow is expected to fall through Monday, with highs reaching the sixties later this week.

    Spring snows hit Rockies; Plains face high winds
    Associated Press
    Dozens of snowplows were taking to the slush-covered streets of Denver early Monday, after a powerful spring storm dropped heavy snow across parts of Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska, even as stormy weather moved into the plains states and drew warnings about conditions ripe for severe thunderstorm and tornadoes.

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    Falguni Soni is a chemistry and robotics teacher at Rosary High School in Aurora. “From childhood I wanted to be a teacher. I think that it is my thing,” Soni says.

    Rosary teacher Falguni Soni has a passion for science
    By Susan Sarkauskas
    Rosary High School teacher Falguni Soni is passionate about getting girls to consider a career in science. "I see my role not only as a teacher and a coach but also as a role model in the field of science," she says.

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    Metra reports delays on Union Pacific North line due to derailment
    By Lee Filas
    Metra delays are being reported on the Union Pacific North line after a derailment near Waukegan. Delays are down to 10 to 20 minutes following the overnight derailment.

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    Hull donates to Rauner’s gubernatorial campaign
    Associated Press
    Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner’s donors include millionaire businessman Blair Hull, who lost a 2004 Democratic U.S. Senate primary.Hull wrote an April check to Rauner for $5,000, but says the Winnetka venture capitalist who’s poured millions of his own money into his run doesn’t need it. Hull calls it “emotional support.”

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    State school-funding fix aimed at disparities
    By Kerry Lester, Associated Press
    The regional breakdown of impacts from a proposed overhaul of state school funding explains the divided and emotional reaction it has received among lawmakers and educators — and how difficult it will be to advance such a proposal during this election year.

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    Valparaiso University starts construction on new track
    Associated Press
    VALPARAISO, Ind. — Construction is underway at Valparaiso University on a new track and field complex for the northwestern Indiana school.Crews recently broke ground on an eight-lane track named for former college athlete and high school track coach Warren G. Hoger at Brown Field.

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    Boy found hiding in burning Fort Wayne house
    Associated Press
    FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Officials say Fort Wayne firefighters found a 4-year-old boy as he was hiding inside his family’s burning house.

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    Weather Service: Damage may top $100 million
    Associated Press
    BOONVILLE, Ind. — Hundreds of homes and businesses in southwestern Indiana were still without power Sunday following a powerful storm that caused more than $100 million in damage according to a National Weather Service estimate.

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    Indiana AG: State has $400M in unclaimed assets
    Associated Press
    INDIANAPOLIS — The state Attorney General’s Office is reminding Indiana residents that more than $400 million in money and property are sitting unclaimed.Attorney General Greg Zoeller is encouraging people to visit www.IndianaUnclaimed.gov to search for their name, their relatives, neighbors and friends’ names.

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    Residents complain about human waste fertilizer
    Associated Press
    MASCOUTAH, Ill. — Residents in a southwestern Illinois town are raising questions over the use of treated human waste as a fertilizer in a field near their homes, arguing that the pungent product could spread onto their property and contaminate drinking wells.

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    Moline to Chicago passenger rail planned for 2016
    Associated Press
    MOLINE — A passenger rail service connecting Moline and Chicago is scheduled to be up and running in two years. The (Moline) Dispatch reported Sunday that a $16.6 million rail station in Moline is set for completion in fall 2015. State officials expect to launch the rail service in 2016.

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    Peoria reacted swiftly to fake Twitter account
    Associated Press
    PEORIA — A published report shows a flurry of messages between Peoria city officials and authorities over how to handle a fake Twitter account mocking the city’s mayor.

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    Illinois nuclear power plant releases emergency plan
    Associated Press
    BYRON, Ill. — The company that runs a nuclear power plant in northern Illinois is releasing its emergency plans to people who live in the area.

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    Rural Illinois church celebrates 150 years
    Associated Press
    Rural Illinois church celebrates 150 yearsASHTON, Ill. (AP) — A rural Lee County church is marking 150 years with a celebration next month. The Reynolds United Methodist Church in Ashton was started in 1864. Church officials say that’s when church was an all-day affair and sermons sometimes lasted hours.

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    Illinois mother reunited with son after 44 years
    Associated Press
    ROCKFORD — An Illinois mom was reunited with her son on Mother’s Day weekend after being separated more than four decades, a surprise meeting she called a “marvelous blessing.”

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    Harley museum highlights road trips
    Associated Press
    MILWAUKEE — The Harley-Davidson Museum is highlighting the American road trip in a new exhibit this summer in Milwaukee.It features photographs, film footage, slide shows and vintage travel memorabilia that the museum says depict the evolution of the road-travel landscape in the United States.

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    Authorities ID toddler found in Wisconsin river
    Associated Press
    TOWN OF PELICAN, Wis. — Authorities in Oneida County have identified a toddler who died after being found in a river that runs along the child’s back yard.The sheriff’s office received a 911 call about 1:30 p.m. Saturday reporting a missing 15-month-old in the Town of Pelican.

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    Jennifer Garrison of Naperville keeps an early lead and eventually wins the Run Like a Mother 5K Hinsdale race with a time of 18:36. The run raises money to enrich the lives of children with Angelman syndrome.

    Dawn Patrol: Moms celebrate with 5K; Hawks take 3-2 series lead
    By Doug T. Graham and Lee Filas
    Moms celebrate their day with 5K; man accused of cheating Elgin, Aurora casinos dies; eighth-grade mentors steering children in right direction at District 116; driver injured when car strikes fuel truck in Elk Grove; fire at Elgin Tower Building; Blackhawks take 3-2 series advantage; Ventura’s frustration shows after White Sox loss; Cubs swept in Atlanta

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    Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke was in the suburbs Sunday scouting the Des Plaines Theatre as a possible location for a new production of “The Miracle Worker.” Local supporters of the historic theater hope the production could be a much-needed shot in the arm for the facility.

    Could Patty Duke work a 'Miracle' for Des Plaines Theatre?
    By Steve Zalusky
    Actress Patty Duke, who earned an Oscar for her portrayal of Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker,” could wind up working a miracle in Des Plaines — or least helping to leverage one. Duke is considering bringing a production of William Gibson's play “The Miracle Worker,” which she would direct, to the Des Plaines Theatre in an effort to give the historic showplace a...

  •  
    This fifth-grade general education class at Hillcrest Elementary School in Elgin has 34 students. According to a report this month from the Elgin Area School District U-46 Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Hillcrest is one of two schools in the district over capacity.

    U-46 to consider school closings, boundary changes
    By Madhu Krishnamurthy
    Elgin Area School District U-46 officials once again will be considering boundary changes, and perhaps even school closings, as student enrollment declines in some elementary schools, while others are increasingly overcrowded.

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    Violet Mustard, 4, of St. Charles, yells out to her mom to watch as she hangs upside down swinging on a playground zipline at Island Park in Geneva Wednesday. They were taking advantage of a nice day for a bike ride along with Violet’s twin sister Elie when they stopped to play.

    Images: The Week in Pictures
    This edition of The Week in Pictures features new bike trails, Golden Apple teacher award, and a police memorial.

Sports

  •  
    The Cubs’ Junior Lake watches his 3-run homer as Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina looks on in the second inning Monday night. Lake finished with 6 RBI.

    Quality starts but not quality finishes for Cubs
    By Bruce Miles
    Not capitalizing on quality starts by their pitchers has been a big problem for the Cubs this year. They didn't get one Monday night from Travis Wood, but they hardly needed one in a rollicking 17-5 victory over the Cardinals in St. Louis.

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    White Sox starter John Danks works against the Athletics in the first inning Monday night in Oakland.

    White Sox show some fight in ninth but fall short
    By Scot Gregor
    White Sox manager Robin Ventura called his players out for uninspired play during Sunday's 5-1 loss to Arizona. The Sox were flat again Monday night at Oakland before rallying for 3 runs in the ninth inning. It was too little, too late in a 5-4 loss to the A's.

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    Girls soccer: Monday, May 12 results
    Results of area high school giirls soccer games for Monday, May 12.

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    Softball: Monday, May 12 results
    Results of area high school softball games for Monday, May 12.

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    Boys volleyball: Monday, May 12 results
    Results for area high school boys volleyball games for Monday, May 12.

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    Boys tennis: Monday, May 12 results
    Results for area high school boys tennis meets for Monday, May 12.

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    Baseball: Monday, May 12 results
    Results of area high school baseball games for Monday, May 12.

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    Boys water polo: Monday, May 12 results
    Results of area high school boys water polo games for Monday, May 12.

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    Baseball / Lake County roundup
    Daily Herald report
    Ryan Noda struck again. The Grant senior got his ninth home run of the season to lead the Bulldogs to a 7-2 win over Prairie Ridge. It was a 3-run homer.

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    Elk Grove’s Adam O’Malley celebrates after belting a second-inning home run at Rolling Meadows on Monday.

    Storm spoils O’Malley big day
    By Dick Quagliano
    Adam O’Malley was having a career-day for Elk Grove on Monday. Unfortunately for the Grenadiers, it won’t end up meaning much. O’Malley had 3 hits, including a home run, and had driven in 5 runs. He also had pitched 1-hit ball through 4 innings at Rolling Meadows. The senior watched as his team built a 12-0 lead with two outs in the top of the fifth — when disaster struck for Elk Grove. The lightning detector sounded, and both teams retreated to safety as the storm clouds slowly moved in. After 20 minutes, a hard rain along with thunder and lightning began. About 15 minutes after that, the umpires called the game. That means it will have to be replayed, starting from the beginning, Tuesday afternoon in Rolling Meadows.

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    Softball / Northwest roundup
    Daily Herald report
    Erin Ward hit the first pitch of the game for a home run. In the second inning, she took it step better, belting a grand slam. Barrington’s senior shortstop ended up 2-for-2 with a sacrifice fly, 6 RBI and 3 runs as the Fillies blanked host Palatine 14-0 in the Mid-Suburban West softball game on Monday.

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    Bradley Wiggins of Team SKY, center, accepts kisses during the podium ceremony Monday after winning the second stage of the Amgen Tour of California in Folsom.

    Wiggins leads Tour of California
    Associated Press
    Bradley Wiggins of Britain, the 2012 Tour de France winner and Olympic time trial gold medalist, powered to a 44-second victory Monday in the Stage 2 individual time trial and moved into the race lead at the Tour of California.

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    Jim Tressel was forced out at Ohio State after players sold memorabilia for cash and tattoos. He’ll take over as president of Youngstown State on July 1.

    Tressel signs on as Youngstown State president
    Associated Press
    Former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel has signed on to be the ninth president of Youngstown State University, where he started his college coaching career. Youngstown’s board of trustees and Tressel on Monday signed a letter of understanding identifying key terms of a contract through June 2017. The deal calls for a $300,000 annual salary the first two years and a salary based on performance the third year.

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    Softball / Lake County roundup
    Daily Herald report
    Wauconda softball coach Tim Rennels put his head down and took a step toward his team’s dugout after Alyssa Wagner flailed at a strike-two pitch for seemingly the last out of the game at Grant. But while Grant began to celebrate, first-base coach Dave Mills told Wagner to run to first base, which she did, because Caitlyn Moran’s pitch bounced in. After the umpires talked about it, they ruled that Wagner was never tagged on the dropped-third strike and that she was safe at first base. Kayla Wedl then hit an inside-the-park home run, and Taylor McCarthy followed with a solo blast over the fence. When Wedl retired Grant in order in the bottom of the seventh, Wauconda had a shocking, 3-1 win Monday to remain undefeated in the North Suburban Prairie Division. Wauconda improved to 20-7 and 9-0 in the NSC Prairie.

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    Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell fights for the puck against Minnesota Wild center Mikael Granlund and left wing Zach Parise Sunday in Game 5 of round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center in Chicago.

    Blackhawks’ focus: Winning series in six
    By Mike Spellman
    The NHL announced Monday that the starting time for a possible Game 7 between the Blackhawks and the Wild would be 7 p.m. on Thursday. Perhaps the least interested group in hearing that news was the Blackhawks themselves, who have some business to take care of and would like to get it over and done with by late Tuesday night in St. Paul.

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    Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson was left off the 30-man roster of U.S. players who will begin training for the World Cup on Wednesday at Stanford University.

    Tough calls to make for U.S. soccer coach
    By Orrin Schwarz
    Jurgen Klinsmann has been making some difficult telephone calls the past week or so. “It hurts you because you know it hurts the players in that moment, but it’s something that a coach has to do,” he said after a conference call to announce the the 30-man roster of players who will start training for the World Cup.

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    Andrew Shaw, whose status is day to day because of a lower-body injury, brings a unique attitude and skill set to the Hawks when he is on the ice.

    Frustrated Shaw hardly enjoying his time off
    By Mike Spellman
    Although he won’t play in Game 6, the news on injured forward Andrew Shaw seemed to be better.

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    The Cubs’ Junior Lake watches his three-run home run during the second inning Monday, May 12 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

    Lake drives in 6 as Cubs rout Cards
    Associated Press
    Junior Lake homered, doubled twice and drove in six runs as the Chicago Cubs broke loose, routing the St. Louis Cardinals 17-5 on Monday night. The Cubs had totaled just four runs while getting swept in a three-game series at Atlanta over the weekend, and had lost seven of eight overall. Chicago has the worst record in the league but is 4-3 against the defending NL champions.

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    Baseball/DuPage County roundup
    Daily Herald report
    Baseball/DuPage County roundup

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    Elements intervene in as Catalano, Carli excel
    By Stan Goff
    Rain and lightning prevented the conclusion of Monday’s softball game between Glenbard South and Neuqua Valley, and the postponement also put an end to what was turning into a dandy pitchers’ duel. The visiting Raiders and the host Wildcats took a scoreless tie into the fifth inning before the game was delayed by lightning in Naperville. After waiting the required 30 minutes to resume play, more lightning was sighted in the area and the coaches decided to postpone the game. Before weather stopped play, Wildcats starter Kristin Catalano and Raiders starter Taylor Carli each tossed four scoreless innings in the nonconference battle. Carli held Neuqua Valley (15-10) to just two first-inning singles, while Catalano needed to work out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the top of the third to keep the score 0-0.

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    Valacak’s return a big win for Fremd
    By John Leusch
    When the softball game between Fremd and Schaumburg was suspended due to lightning on Monday, the Saxons were holding a 4-3 lead with the Vikings batting in the bottom of the seventh inning. The hosts had their catcher, Holly Straup, standing on second base after a leadoff double and there was one out when the home plate umpire halted the Mid-Suburban West softball contest. But no matter what the score ends up, the Vikings are not going to come out losers in this game. The best news of the day for them was seeing former assistant coach TJ Valacak in the dugout. It was his first time back on the diamond since he began battling Leukemia last fall.

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    Montini takes control of SCC Blue race
    By D.J. Wanberg
    Only the weather could put the brakes on the biggest softball series this season in the Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division. Although lightning delayed and then put an end to Monday’s St. Francis at Montini rematch, it was an official game and the first-place Broncos won 7-3 to take a two-game lead over the Spartans in the SCC Blue race and clinched at least a share of the league crown.

  •  
    Brian Moe is leaving his basketball coaching duties behind to focus on responsibilities as Grayslake Central’s athletic director.

    Moe takes lead role at Grayslake Central
    By Patricia Babcock McGraw
    Grayslake Central boys basketball coach Brian Moe is trading in his whistle after six years at the helm to become the school's new athletic director. He's hoping to help his coaches become important mentors in their athletes' lives.

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    Baseball: Fox Valley roundup Monday, May 12
    Daily Herald Report
    Fox Valley baseball roundup for Monday, May 12.

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    Kaneland’s Brittany Olson punches the ball away from Dekalb.

    Kaneland clinches share of Northern Illinois Big XII East
    By John Lemon
    To say goals are hard to come by when Kaneland and DeKalb’s soccer teams get together is a bit of an understatement.

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    Softball: Fox Valley roundup Monday, May 12
    Daily Herald Report
    Fox Valley softball roundup for Monday, May 12.

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    McHenry nips Huntley to take over 1st
    By Dave Hess
    It was an inning that proved to be fatal for Huntley and freshman pitcher Kateri Conklin. After Conklin blanked McHenry for four innings, the Warriors scored 3 in the fifth which was enough to produce a 3-1 win over the visiting Red Raiders in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division softball action in McHenry Monday.

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    Weather sends South Elgin, Neuqua home tied
    By Brian Schaumburg
    The players on the Neuqua Valley and South Elgin baseball teams passed the time playing Tic Tac Toe and having dance competitions. They were laughing and having a good time for a half-hour during Monday’s weather delay. Neither team had to worry about feeling disappointed after a loss as the game was called in the top of the seventh inning with the Wildcats up to bat with the game tied 3-3.

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    Benet completes perfect ESCC run
    By Mike Garofola
    Benet wrapped up yet another regular-season boys tennis conference title with its 4-1 win over St. Viator on a steamy Monday afternoon at the Forest View Tennis Club in Arlington Heights. The Redwings finished play in the East Suburban Catholic Conference with an 8-0-0 record, two wins clear of runners-up Marian Catholic and Joliet Catholic.

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    Judson falls at NAIA Opening Round
    Daily Herald report
    The Judson University baseball team couldn’t overcome a big early deficit Monday and fell to Point (Ga.) 11-4 in the first game of the NAIA Opening Round in Montgomery, Ala.

  •  
    Megan Sowa

    Warren’s Sowa is a hit at Drake
    By John Leusch
    Drake freshman Megan Sowa, a former Warren standout, was named to the Missouri Valley all-conference first team. Sowa has established herself at the plate and in the outfield for the Bulldogs in her first season. The freshman is hitting a team-leading .393 behind a team-high 55 hits and also leads the team in triples with two, on-base percentage at .469 and is second in steals with seven. She has started the last 47 games and appeared in 50 this season. She has flashed a solid glove in left field with just one error, 68 putouts and a stellar .986 fielding percentage.

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    Daily Herald File Hanna Lythberg, shown where will competing for Prospect, is now excelling at Winona State.

    Babicz brothers come up big for DePaul
    By John Leusch
    The DePaul track and field teams capped its 2014 Big East season in outstanding fashion on Sunday afternoon at Villanova University in Philadelphia. And two former Prospect standouts played their parts. The Blue Demon men posted 166 points to grab second place in the conference behind host Villanova. DePaul senior and Propect grad Matt Babicz was named the Men’s Most Outstanding Field Performer.

  •  
    Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, on the sideline during an Eastern Illinois game last season, was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round.

    Imrem has hometown pride in Jimmy Garoppolo
    By Mike Imrem
    All sports being local, it's cool to live in the same town as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The only thing cooler would have been if he were drafted by the Bears instead of the Patriots.

  •  
    Hawks goalie Corey Crawford blocks a shot by the Wild’s Zach Parise during second-round playoff action.

    Against Hawks, Wild proves games aren’t played on paper
    By Joe Aguilar
    Our Q-and-A series with Blackhawks broadcaster and former player Troy Murray continues: "I guess you would say overall, on paper, the Blackhawks have a better team, but the game’s not played on paper."

  •  
    St. Edward’s Allison Kruk celebrates the first of two first-half goals against Stillman Valley last year in a Class 1A sectional semifinal game in Harvard. St. Edward opens the postseason Tuesday against Elgin Academy at the Westminster Christian regional.

    Girls soccer: Scouting the Class 1A Westminster Christian regional
    By Steve Nichols
    Scouting the Class 1A Westminster Christian girls soccer regional.

  •  

    Girls soccer: Top 20 rankings
    Waubonsie Valley, Barrington and Buffalo Grove are the top 3 teams in this week's Daily Herald Top 20 girls soccer rankings.

  •  

    Baseball: Top 20 rankings
    Mundelein, Libertyville and Batavia are the top 3 teams in the latest Top 20 Daily Herald baseball rankings.

  •  
    In this image taken from video, Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, left, gets a kiss at a draft party in San Diego, before he was selected in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams in the NFL draft Saturday. The Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year last season came out as gay in media interviews this year.

    No hesitation for networks airing Michael Sam reaction
    Associated Press
    The handsome football player gets drafted by an NFL team, plants an emotional kiss on his sweetheart and gives sportscasts a feel-good video clip. It’s a scene that plays out for dozens of draft picks. But when a sobbing Michael Sam celebrated his selection by the St. Louis Rams by hugging and kissing his partner, another man, it made real and physical that an openly gay athlete had taken an unprecedented step toward an NFL career.

  •  
    Although he was not drafted, former Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent.

    Hard way the only way for Jordan Lynch
    By Barry Rozner
    The temptation will be to bet against Jordan Lynch again, but it's never a smart wager. Undrafted by the NFL, Lynch signed with the Bears as a free agent and will be given a shot at running back, special teams and possibly as a third- or fourth-team quarterback, Barry Rozner believes that if the Bears figure out a way to get the ball in Lynch's hands, he will make plays.

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    Mike North video: Hawks up 3-2 against Wild
    The Blackhawks came through again as they beat the Minnesota Wild to gain the edge on the series 3-2.

  •  

    Softball: Top 20 rankings
    Benet, Downers Grove South and Downers Grove North are the top 3 teams in this week's Daily Herald Top 20 softball rankings.

  •  
    This is the cover of a new biography on Bulls superstar Michael Jordan.

    Jordan bio will surprise even the most die-hard Bulls fan
    By Mike McGraw
    Author Roland Lazenby put impeccable research into his new biography, "Michael Jordan: The Life." The story essentially begins in 1891 with the tale of Jordan's great-grandfather and continues into present day. Lazenby's book is impressive in its research and has some details bound to surprise even the most die-hard Bulls fan.

  •  

    White Sox scouting report
    Scouting report: White Sox vs. Oakland Athletics

Business

  •  

    Companies named “Best Places to Work in Illinois”
    By Richard Klicki
    A total of 65 area businesses were recognized Monday for providing employees with a successful work environment as Best Places to Work in Illinois in 2014. More than 350 people were in attendance at the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook hotel to recognize the companies during the ninth annual event, conducted by the Daily Herald Business Ledger.

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    Spears Bourbon-Burgers-Beer, a new restaurant featuring gourmet burgers paired with craft bourbon and beers, opens Tuesday in Wheeling. The eatery is the creation of longtime restaurant entrepreneur Joe Romeo.

    New Wheeling eatery highlights burgers, bourbon and beer
    Daily Herald report
    Spears Bourbon-Burgers-Beer — a gourmet burger cafe with a bourbon and craft beer bar — will open Tuesday at 723 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wheeling. The restaurant is the latest creation of Joe Romeo, who has designed and marketed restaurants for 30 years.

  •  
    Tim Cook, left, and Steve Jobs lead a meeting at Apple in Cupertino, Calif. Since Jobs’ death, Apple’s pace of innovation has slowed.

    Apple CEO dares to be different from Steve Jobs
    Associated Press
    “Think different” became Apple’s creed during the late Steve Jobs’ reign as CEO. Now, chief executive Tim Cook is embracing the idea while making decisions that would have seemed crazy to his fabled predecessor. Apple’s pending purchase of headphone maker and streaming music company Beats Electronics for $3.2 billion is just the latest example of Cook’s deviation from Jobs, who saw little sense in spending large amounts of money on acquisitions.

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    U.S. stocks climbed Monday, pushing benchmark indexes to records, after Internet and small-cap shares rallied amid deals activity that boosted confidence in the world’s largest economy.

    Stock market touches another record
    Associated Press
    The stock market returned to record levels on Monday as investors regained their appetite for riskier stocks. After beating down Internet and small companies for two months, investors decided that those stocks had fallen enough.

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    ASSOCIATED PRESS Frozen food makers have seen a decline in sales, and they’ve launched a campaign to reassure consumers that many of their products are healthy and not loaded with sodium. The campaign is funded by the American Frozen Food Institute, which includes Nestle, maker of Lean Cuisine.

    Frozen food group goes on offense as sales lag
    Associated Press
    Frozen food makers plan to launch their first national TV ad in defense of their products on Tuesday as the category fights to boost slipping sales. The ad will include the tag line “Frozen: How Fresh Stays Fresh” and is intended to address negative misconceptions people have about frozen foods.

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    Hillshire Brands is buying Pinnacle Foods, whose brands include Duncan Hines and Aunt Jemima, in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $4.23 billion, the companies announced Monday. Hillshire Brands’ roster of brands include Jimmy Dean meats, Ball Park hot dogs and Sara Lee frozen bakery goods. The combined company will use the Hillshire Brands name and be based in Chicago.

    Hillshire looks beyond meat with Birds Eye, Vlasic
    Associated Press
    Chicago-based Hillshire Brands is pushing further outside the deli case with a deal to buy the maker of Birds Eye frozen vegetables, Duncan Hines cake mixes and Hungry-Man frozen dinners. The company, which makes Hillshire Farm lunch meats, Jimmy Dean sausages and Ball Park franks, said Monday that it would buy Pinnacle Foods in a deal valued at $4.23 billion.

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    Quiznos Corp., the Denver-based toasted-sandwich chain that entered bankruptcy in March, received court approval of a recovery plan that cuts debt by more than $400 million.

    Quiznos wins bankruptcy court approval of its recovery plan
    Bloomberg News
    Quiznos Corp., the Denver-based toasted-sandwich chain that entered bankruptcy in March, received court approval of a recovery plan that cuts debt by more than $400 million.

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    House prices climbed in fewer U.S. cities as recovery cools
    Bloomberg News
    Prices for single-family homes climbed in 74 percent of U.S. cities in the first quarter, fewer than a year earlier, as the nation’s housing rebound cools.

  •  
    Hillshire Brands is buying Pinnacle Foods, whose brands include Duncan Hines and Aunt Jemima, in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $4.23 billion, the companies announced Monday, May 12, 2014.

    Hillshire looks beyond meat with Birds Eye, Vlasic
    Associated Press
    Hillshire Brands is pushing further outside the deli case with a deal to buy the maker of Birds Eye frozen vegetables, Duncan Hines cakes mixes and Hungry-Man frozen dinners. The Chicago-based company said Monday that it would buy Pinnacle Foods in a deal valued at $4.23 billion.

  •  
    Rae Martin, co-owner of Naperville-based Russell Martin Carpet & Rugs, watches some Alpacas during a recent trip to New Zealand with her husband Dave Martin. They visited some farms to see how wool is sheered, gathered and selected for wool that goes into rugs and carpets sold in the United States.

    Martins learn about wool from pros in New Zealand
    By Anna Marie Kukec
    Kukec's People features Rae and David Martin, owners of Naperville-based Russell Martin Carpet and Rugs, who have returned from a trip to New Zealand after visiting farms to learn more about how wool is sheered, selected and used in carpeting and sold in their store.

  •  
    An assembly line worker builds a 2015 Chrysler 200 automobile at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich. Chrysler Group lost $690 million in the first quarter due to charges related to its merger with Italian automaker Fiat SpA.

    Chrysler reports $690 million first quarter loss
    Associated Press
    Chrysler Group lost $690 million in the first quarter due to charges related to its merger with Italian automaker Fiat SpA. Fiat paid $3.65 billion to acquire Chrysler’s remaining shares in January. As part of the deal, Chrysler agreed to pay $700 million to upgrade its factories.

  •  
    Members of election committee count ballots Sunday after voting closed at a polling station in Donetsk, Ukraine. Voters in two insurgent Ukrainian regions cast ballots Sunday on whether to declare their areas sovereign republics, a move denounced by the central government and likely to deepen the turmoil in the largely Russian-speaking east.

    Ukraine jitters push crude oil above $100 a barrel
    Associated Press
    The price of oil rose above $100 a barrel on Monday amid renewed tensions over Ukraine.By early afternoon in Europe, benchmark U.S. crude for June delivery was up 29 cents to $100.28 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Friday, the contract fell 27 cents to close at $99.99.Brent crude, a benchmark for international varieties, was up 65 cents to $108.54 on the ICE Futures exchange in London. Traders are worried about turmoil in Ukraine and the prolonged disruption of oil exports from Libya despite muted demand and plentiful supplies.Pro-Russian insurgents who organized divisive referendums in two regions of eastern Ukraine said about 90 percent of voters have backed their calls for sovereignty. The Ukrainian and Western governments have condemned the balloting as a sham and a violation of international law.There are concerns that Russian energy exports to Europe could be interrupted if further instability in Ukraine results in stronger Western sanctions. On Monday, Moscow said it had no intention to annex Ukraine’s eastern provinces, while the European Union added 13 people to its list of 48 Russians and Ukrainians punished with visa bans and asset freezes over the Ukraine crisis.For the first time, two companies will also face EU sanctions because of Ukraine, but tougher measures will not be implemented before the May 25 elections in the east European country.The referendum “is likely to contribute to the further escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia and between the West and Russia,” analysts at Commerzbank in Frankfurt said in a note to clients. “The risk of sanctions being extended at a later date to include companies from the Russian oil and gas sector has risen.”In other energy futures trading in New York: — Wholesale gasoline added 2.24 cent to $2.9184 a gallon. — Heating oil gained 1.84 cents to $2.9252 a gallon. — Natural gas fell 4.4 cents to $4.487 per 1,000 cubic feet.

  •  
    A demonstrator holds a Brazilian flag in front of a burning barricade during a protest in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil. In a poll last year, more than three-fourths of Brazilians said they’re certain corruption has infused the World Cup. Their anger fueled widespread and often violent anti-government protests last June that sent more than 1 million Brazilians into the street during FIFA’s Confederations Cup soccer tournament.

    High cost, corruption claims mar Brazil World Cup
    Associated Press
    The cost of building Brasilia’s World Cup stadium has nearly tripled to $900 million in public funds, largely due to allegedly fraudulent billing, government auditors say. The spike in costs has made it the world’s second-most expensive soccer arena, even though the city has no major professional team.

  •  
    Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of Nissan Motor Co., said that 2014 will be more robust than last year as Nissan targets a market share of more than 10 percent share in the U.S.

    Nissan profit rises as sales outpace industry
    Associated Press
    Nissan’s quarterly profit edged up nearly 5 percent as sales grew around the world and a favorable exchange rate helped earnings. Nissan Motor Co. reported Monday that January-March profit totaled 114.9 billion yen ($1.1 billion), up from 109.7 billion yen the year before. Quarterly sales rose more than 20 percent to 3.2 trillion yen ($31 billion).

  •  
    Dr. Keith A. Marcus injects Botox between a patient’s eyes at the offices of Marcus Facial Plastic Surgery in Redondo Beach, California. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. offered to buy Allergan Inc., maker of the Botox wrinkle treatment, in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $45.7 billion in the latest step of the Canadian company’s plan to become one of the world’s largest drugmakers.

    Allergan board turns down Valeant takeover offer
    Associated Press
    Botox maker Allergan spurned a takeover bid from Valeant Pharmaceuticals, saying that the unsolicited offer worth nearly $46 billion undervalues the company and carries significant risk. Shortly after Canada’s Valeant and activist investor Bill Ackman made their offer public last month, Allergan announced a so-called poison pill plan, a defensive tactic that makes a buyout prohibitively expensive.

  •  

    One question every start up entrepreneur must answer
    By Jim Kendall
    Regardless of the product or service, every starting-up entrepreneur must answer this question: Will someone write a check — actually buy the great idea you’re planning to bring to the marketplace?

  •  
    Diana and Jim Rudd own and operate Coffee Planet in Rolling Meadows.

    Coffee Planet offers array of specialty beverages in Rolling Meadows
    An interview with Diana and Jim Rudd of Coffee Planet in Rolling Meadows.

Life & Entertainment

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    The Woodstock Theatre and the Woodstock Celebrates organization host the Welles Film Festival, honoring Orson Welles.

    Weekend picks: Film fest celebrates Orson Welles
    By Scott C. Morgan and Laura Milbrath Stewart
    The Woodstock Theatre and the Woodstock Celebrates organization team up to present the three-day Welles Film Festival, honoring the late legendary actor and director Orson Welles. Food, carnival rides, concerts and more are part of the fun at the 34th Annual Taste of Glen Ellyn, running Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18, on Main Street, in downtown Glen Ellyn.

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    Eminem gave his estranged mom quite the Mother’s Day gift, releasing a music video for an apologetic song that depicts her struggles raising the rebellious rapper.

    Eminem releases new video on Mother’s Day
    By Chris Talbott, Associated Press
    Eminem gave his estranged mom quite the Mother’s Day gift, releasing a music video for an apologetic song that depicts her struggles raising the rebellious rapper. The Detroit rapper released the video for “Headlights” featuring fun.’s Nate Ruess on Sunday. The song, released on Eminem’s 2013 album “The Marshall Mathers LP 2,” is an extended apology to his mother Debbie for the difficulties he caused her over the years.

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    The Standard Hotel in New York City says it is investigating the leak of a security video that appears to show Beyonce’s sister, Solange, attacking Jay Z.

    Hotel decries video leak of Beyonce’s sister attacking Jay Z
    By Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press
    The Standard Hotel in New York City says it is investigating the leak of a security video that appears to show Beyonce’s sister, Solange, attacking Jay Z. Asked about the video on Monday by The Associated Press, the hotel issued a statement saying it is “shocked and disappointed that there was a clear breach of our security system.”

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    Hopvine Brewing Company Restaurant & Brewery in Aurora has a large selection of craft beers. They will showcase Illinois brews for Chicago Craft Beer Week.

    Suburban bars celebrate Craft Beer Week
    By Samantha Nelson
    During the fifth annual Chicago Craft Beer Week, Aurora's Hopvine Brewing Co. plans to dedicate all of its 32 taps to breweries from the state. “There are over 80 craft breweries in Illinois now,” said brewmaster Ken McMullen “It's not a big stretch for us.” That boom in local breweries is what the festival aims to nurture, while also introducing the area to craft beers from around the world.

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    Certain small steps - heating the pan properly, patting the meat dry before putting it in the pan - help ensure successful searing.

    Getting in touch with forgotten kitchen skills
    By Michele Kayal
    As cooking has been rendered optional — the victim of rising restaurant culture, myriad take-out options and supermarket sections packed with pre-cut vegetables, shredded cheese and prepared foods — cooking instructors and others say cooks are increasingly losing touch with skills considered basic, or even essential, just a generation or two ago.

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    Make entertaining easy with a weather-resistant mobile bar cart when space is tight outside and can’t accommodate console tables or sideboards.

    Ask a designer: The evolving outdoor kitchen
    By Melissa Rayworth, Associated Press
    For years, it was enough to park a barbecue grill next to a picnic table on a patio and call it an “outdoor kitchen.” But over the past decade, Americans have taken backyard cooking and dining to a new level, adding elaborate cooking islands, outdoor sinks and refrigerators, even outdoor TVs. Unless you have a really tall fence, this is the one “room” in your house that neighbors will see whether you invite them to or not, notes designer Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design for The Home Depot. That inspires many homeowners to pay extra attention to their outdoor entertaining area.

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    Dolly Parton creates her best album in a long time with “Blue Smoke.”

    Dolly Parton delivers best album in years
    By Michael McCall, Associated Press
    Dolly Parton, at age 68, creates her best album in more than a dozen years by returning to the bluegrass-flavored sound that worked so well for her at the turn of the century. “Blue Smoke” succeeds partly because the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s songwriting pen remains sharp. “Unlikely Angel” and the family melodrama “Miss You-Miss Me” join the three-part harmony of the title cut in adding to Parton’s considerable legacy as a songwriter.

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    Fox will break up its Sunday animation block by moving in the critical favorite “Brooklyn Nine Nine,” starring Terry Crews, left, and Andy Samberg.

    Fox unveils schedule, cutting back ‘Idol’
    Associated Press
    Fox will cut “American Idol” to one night for several weeks next spring, part of a reset for a struggling network that will have 11 new series in the coming year including the much-awaited “Batman” prequel “Gotham.” The network will also break up its Sunday animation block by moving in the critical favorite “Brooklyn Nine Nine.” It is replacing two of its Tuesday-night comedies with an unscripted show that imagines people setting up a new society in an undeveloped area.

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    “Turn Blue” is the eighth album released by The Black Keys.

    Black Keys retain their alt-rock crown
    By Matthew Kemp, Associated Press
    It’s been four years and several Grammy wins since the Black Keys’ breakthrough album, “Brothers,” and the kings of alternative-rock show no sign of letting their hard-earned crown slip. “Turn Blue,” their eighth album and follow-up to 2011’s platinum-selling “El Camino,” is arguably their best yet. Superproducer Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton is at the helm once again, adding layers of complex orchestration to singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney’s trademark blues-rock backbeat.

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    Debra Messing, top, portrays Laura Diamond in the new NBC series “The Mysteries of Laura.” Also in the series are Charlie Reina, left, as Harrison Diamond and Vincent Reina as Nicholas Diamond.

    Rebounding NBC adding 12 new series next season
    Associated Press
    NBC says it’s adding a dozen new series to its 2014-15 schedule, including dramas starring Katherine Heigl and Debra Messing. The network said Sunday that Heigl will play a CIA agent in “State of Affairs,” and Messing will star as a homicide detective and working mom in “The Mysteries of Laura.”

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    A Gallup poll found those workers who check their work email outside of normal working hours were more stressed than those who didn’t.

    Your Health: Yep, work email at home = stress
    Using your phones and tablet to access your work email outside office hours can dramatically increase your stress levels, researchers have warned, the Daily Mail reports.The Gallup poll found nearly half of workers who “frequently email for work outside of normal working hours report experiencing stress a lot of the day,” compared with the 36 percent experiencing stress who never email for work.

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    “Mad Men” actor John Slattery makes his directorial debut with “God’s Pocket,” a independent film based on Peter Dexter’s novel about overlapping working class lives, coming to the Music Box Theatre in Chicago on May 16. It’s also one of the final performances by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.

    John Slattery makes directorial debut with ‘God’s Pocket’
    Associated Press
    As the final season of “Mad Men” winds down, John Slattery has traded 1960s Madison Avenue for late 1970s Philadelphia. In “God’s Pocket,” the actor best known for his performance as the wry, apathetic Roger Sterling on the AMC drama makes his directorial debut. The film, which opens May 16 at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago and first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, is an adaptation of Pete Dexter’s novel about the overlapping lives of the working-class people of Philadelphia’s God’s Pocket neighborhood. Slattery directed and co-wrote the screenplay.

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    Nowadays the Langes are off the couch and on the floor doing pushups. “This truly has been a rebirth for me and my family,” says Tim Lange of his Fittest Loser journey.

    Lessons learned: Contestants reflect on their journey
    By Lisa Jones Townsel
    So what has the 2014 Fittest Loser Challenge meant to this year’s five contestants? Much more than weight loss. Sure, they’re ecstatic to have lost a heap of weight, but the lessons go much deeper than that. Here, they speak of new friendships, greater self-confidence, and success measured far beyond the scope of the competition.

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    Jill Micklow, Wellness Specialist at Assurance, demonstrates that modified push-ups can be done anywhere in the office.

    Fittest Loser Tip of the Week: Wave Goodbye to ‘Girl’ Pushups
    By Jill Micklow
    Each week, Assurance will be suggesting a few, simple at-work exercises that you can do anytime and anywhere. The Tip this Week: Wave Goodbye to ‘Girl’ Pushups

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    Elk Grove Village’s Team Fit punched it up at the Biggest Loser Resort’s boot camp.

    An amazing journey: Community members look back
    By Lisa Jones Townsel
    During this final week of the Fittest Loser Community Challenge, our corporate and park district team partners reminisce about a 12-week journey that has transformed their lives. “It’s truly amazing what 12 weeks — 12 short weeks can do,” says Amanda Seilheimer, a member of the Lutheran Life Communities’ Wellness Warriors. “It was an amazing experience, and I feel so blessed!”

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    Personal trainer and Push Fitness owner Joshua Steckler (black T-shirt), has been alongside Lisa the whole way, including running at her pace and encouraging her throughout the DuPage Human Race 5K in Downers Grove April 26.

    Focus trumps fear — and other lessons I learned along the way
    By Lisa Jones Townsel
    Trust the pros, Fittest Loser journalist Lisa Jones Townsel says. In her words: When I first met my Push Fitness trainer Joshua Steckler, I saw him as the epitome of fitness and figured he’d view me as the epitome of fat. But over the past 12 weeks, he worked me hard, respectably, but hard, and seemed to be concerned about my concerns every step of the way.

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    Margo Seibert and Andy Karl perform “Rocky,” a musical based on the iconic film, at the Winter Garden Theatre.

    Musical theater workshop becomes a Broadway engine
    By Mark Kennedy
    In a room in a lower Manhattan skyscraper, a musical is being born, song by song. Standing at a piano is an up-and-coming songwriting team, presenting a new tune called “Think of Cheese” from its fledgling show “Afterland,” which takes place outside post-apocalyptic Philadelphia. “See the cheese, see the cheese/See the Parmesan is snowing/On the trees,” sings Velez, as his co-writer Kathryn Hathaway looks on, somewhat nervously. The song over, it’s time for the young composers to face the music.

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    1970 Dodge Super Bee

    1970 Dodge Super Bee makes a black and yellow buzz
    By Matthew Avery
    Standing out isn’t always a bad thing. Dennis Szarzynski of Carol Stream separated himself from the four-wheeled pack by scooping up a 1970 Dodge Super Bee. He purchased it in 1979, not long after graduating high school. “Everyone I knew drove Chevys or Fords,” he said. “I wanted something different.”

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    John Leguizamo, left, Emjay Anthony and Jon Favreau star as food truck cuisine specialists in “Chef.”

    Favreau dishes on how to make a good foodie film
    By Jocelyn Noveck
    The way Jon Favreau sees it, the world is divided into people who are interested in food, and people who aren’t. “And I,” he declares, “am a member of the former category.” That will be obvious to anyone who watches this weekend’s new film “Chef,” which Favreau wrote, stars in, and directed, and which displays food in a luxurious, almost religious way. Critics have, perhaps justifiably, noted a lack of complexity in both plot and characters, and an overly sunny denouement. But one can’t deny the film’s appeal to the taste buds.

Discuss

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    Road crews leaving plastic clutter behind
    A Bartlett letter to the editor: I drive a lot, and occasionally see a plastic bag dangling from something. During those same trips, I have noticed much more plastic in road construction traffic cones and the orange warning lights on the saw-horses. So, the same governments that are limiting our freedom of choice in packaging are polluting our sightlines with plastic items.

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    Shift commercials to family-friendly programs
    A letter to the editor: Pedophilia, an adult’s sexual attraction to children and categorized as a mental disorder, is evil, degenerate, deviant behavior that should be deplored at all times. So why do McDonald’s and Fox TV want us to laugh about this?

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    Early education saves state funds later
    A letter to the editor: Continuous quality improvement helps create effective early learning programs. And research shows that early childhood education significantly improves the educational and life success of all children.

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    Marquardt increase cruel to taxpayers
    An Addison letter to the editor: Jake Griffin writes “Who raised property taxes?”(4/30/14) I know! I know! My local school Marquardt District 15 managed to slip a real big one behind our backs.

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    Help Sugar Grove library chart course
    A Sugar Grove letter to the editor: At the April 24 board meeting, the Sugar Grove Public Library Board voted to increase fees for the use of the meeting rooms in the library for all groups. This has already generated a clamor in the community.

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    Put government penalties where they belong
    A Hoffman Estates letter to the editor: We should tax yogurt in the same manner as tobacco and alcohol on the contention that it is a deadly and addictive product. How pretentious of me! Despite the fact that it is not my preference, how could something as innocent as yogurt be categorized with tobacco and alcohol?

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    Republicans can’t have it both ways
    A Libertyville letter to the editor: Once again, the American public is being treated to yet another hearing on Benghazi, led by the House Republicans. In spite of 13 hearings, 25,000 pages of testimony and over 50 witnesses, the Republicans are now claiming that this newly released email confirms their conspiracy theory about what the administration knew about the attack. They claim they are outraged.

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    Benghazi truth known; show action
    An Elmhurst letter to the editor: Why is it all I ever hear, of late, is that “this committee or that committee,” is to be assembled together to “further determine” what really occurred in Benghazi?

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    White House must reveal the truth
    A Mount Prospect letter to the editor: I know you don’t want to hear about Benghazi anymore, but when I heard this guy, a former spokesman from the Obama White House, call Fox News host Bret Baier “dude,” it just caught my attention. That’s how my kids talk!

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    Early information often incomplete
    A Bartlett letter to the editor: Letters to the editor reflect the short memories of many readers who want so badly to blame the first verbal responses from the administration for the tragedy at Benghazi instead of focusing on the attack itself.

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    Leave enforcement goals to local police
    A letter to the editor: We are writing this letter in opposition to SB 3411 and ask you to consider the following points regarding traffic enforcement and the positive effect it has on our communities. As police chiefs we have a duty to our communities to reduce crime and make our residents feel safe.

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