Weekend in Review: Lombard president dies; strip club tax
How the emerald ash borer is changing the suburbs
In the next five to seven years, the tiny emerald ash borer will change the landscape of the suburbs, stripping parkways of their tree canopies, leading to flooding, higher utility bills. “This is a natural disaster in slow motion,” Scott Shirmer, emerald ash borer program manager for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said of the impact from loss of millions of trees that will die. Full story.
Wheaton volleyball standout killed in St. Louis
A 23-year-old Wheaton native who starred in volleyball at St. Francis High School before earning a scholarship to St. Louis University was killed Saturday while back in St. Louis for an alumni game. Megan Boken was remembered Sunday for her bright smile and magnetic presence. Full story.
Mueller, who 'cared deeply' for Lombard, dies at 76
Longtime Lombard Village President William J. “Bill” Mueller always had his hometown in his heart, on his mind, in his words, and even on his license plate, which simply reads “LOMBARD.” Mueller died after contracting West Nile disease during a battle with the cancer multiple myeloma. He was 76. “His license plate says it all. Bill was all about Lombard,” said Yvonne Invergo, executive director of the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Full story.
Illinois adds strip club tax
Strip clubs in Illinois will have to hand over a share of their revenues, starting in 2013, to help fund programs to prevent sexual assault and counsel victims under a law signed by Gov. Pat Quinn on Saturday. Full story.
Dog shot in head on mend at Grayslake clinic
A mother dog shot “right between the eyes” has been adopted by a woman determined to not only save the dog's life but give her the therapy needed to walk again. Joal Dauer, formerly of Lake Villa and Kildeer, has Sadie undergoing a litany of therapies that include acupuncture, holistic laser treatments and use of a vibrating device invented in the 1960s to help Soviet cosmonauts overcome the effects of space travel. Full story.
State report rips Antioch Rescue Squad
An informal report by the Illinois Department of Public Health says members of the Antioch Rescue Squad have intentionally irritated patients in order to restrain them, allowed EMS technicians to work their shift only hours after excessive drinking, and did not keep tabs on medicine. The group's president said the accusations are false. Full story.
Schools dodge pension costs again
With no action on pensions during Friday's special legislative sessions, suburban school districts have once again dodged a plan that would have them pay millions of dollars more a year for teachers' pensions. “At this point, until we actually see something firm, we're trying not to worry about it,” said Tony Sanders, chief of staff for Elgin Area School District U-46. Full story.
Million Day still packs them in at Arlington
While horse racing may be suffering, the sport still has its occasional days in the spotlight and for fans in the suburbs, that day is the annual running of the Arlington Million at Arlington Park. Thirty years in, the race is still filling the grandstands. Full story.
Teen bicyclist in critical condition after crash
A 14-year-old boy is in critical condition after he was struck by a van Saturday afternoon while riding his bicycle near West Chicago. The DuPage County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash, which occurred about 3:50 p.m. in the intersection of Donald Avenue and Prince Crossing Road. Full story.
Archers, fishers enjoy revamped Blackwell
Hundreds of people tried their hand or practiced their skills at archery Saturday at the grand opening of the renovated range at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville. Blackwell opened advanced ranges with 11 lanes, one of three spaces at the $504,000 archery range, funded in part by a $252,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program. Full story.
Hawthorn Woods women run to honor friend
After months of training, hours of running, swimming, and biking, two 44-year-old women will participate in an Ironman competition to honor their friend and local hero who died earlier this year. Hawthorn Woods residents Diane Peterson and Kristen David don't describe themselves as the most athletic people, but the recent death of a friend, Ruth Paul-Caudle, has given their athletic abilities a new life. Full story.
World & Nation
'Top Gun' director jumps to his death. Full story.
An in-depth look at key players in 2012 election. Full story.
Assange urges U.S. to end Wikileaks 'witch hunt.' Full story.
Social Security fixable; changes politically tough. Full story.
Many question life sentences for juveniles. Full story.
The demise of Groupon? Full story.
“Expendables 2” takes No. 1 at box office. Full story.
Looking to save on prescriptions? It's complicated. Full story.
Sports
Sox swept away by Royals. Full story.
Cubs lose to Reds. Full story.
Lake Zurich's Blanchard trying to make Bears. Full story.
Cutler and Co. cut through Redskins. Full story.