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The Soapbox

Oooh, that smell:

One suggestion for those who might be in the situation described by the neighbors of William Tinkler, the Elgin man who police say had been storing dead cats in a van for some time: If an odor is so bad you have to close your windows in the summer, call the city.

Here’s a shocker:

Not surprising that after contentious contract talks finally settled three months ago, the College of DuPage faculty and administration would find something new to argue about. The faculty senate claims the college spends too much on landscaping while neglecting the campus’s natural prairie areas.

Eye of beholder:

The college makes no apologies for having a beautiful campus. In fact, says President Robert Breuder, people are “overwhelmed” by the beauty of the campus. The faculty group says the money could be better spent in the classroom. And so on.

Best to be sure:

Following reports in the Daily Herald, the Illinois Tollway decided this week to rebid a $1 million consultant contract. The board wanted no doubt about the independence of the company evaluating work on the $12 billion Move Illinois project. Good. The new start will help ensure higher standards.

Adult education:

Lake Villa Elementary District 41 officials this week outlined a troubling situation: a $1.8 million deficit stemming from declining enrollment and state financial issues. This should be a call for residents to educate themselves about the issues by attending future forums and getting involved where they can.

Early education:

Four-year-old Livia Jensen’s emergency call this week in Aurora to help her mother, who had fallen to the floor in pain, is a reminder to parents that children learning their ABC’s are also capable of knowing what 911 means.

A tail-wagging event:

The Northern Illinois Police K-9 Memorial was unveiled in an emotional ceremony near Gurnee, capping a long effort to honor our four-legged crime fighters. The memorial features a granite statue and engraved tiles honoring 79 police dogs from departments north of I-80. It is a fitting tribute to the loyal service of these canine cops.

Location, location:

The Illinois attorney general’s office is offering six collection sites today for residents to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. A great idea, but there’s no drop-off site in the suburbs. Please, Lisa Madigan, remember the 4 million-plus suburban Chicago residents next round.

Shock absorbing:

It’s just a small patch of pavement among so many miles, but it’s always a relief when one of the worst stretches in the suburbs — in this case, Bode Road between Braintree and Springinsguth in Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates — finally is resurfaced. Little favors can bring great appreciation.

Her spirit is inspirational:

If you missed David Oberhelman’s story about 17-year-old Genevieve Cipriano’s return to Glenbard West gymnastics after losing her right leg and hip to bone cancer, you’ll want to read it online. Her courage, strength and outlook are inspiring. “I like who I am more as a person (today),” she said. We encourage you to join others in assisting her recovery.

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