The Soapbox
A flight of blather:
Please welcome our panel this morning for an endless discussion of the missing journalism on cable news. For the next several hours, we'll speculate on what happened, and if we actually get a new shred of information, we'll start the discussion all over again. Is cable journalism still alive or at the bottom of the ocean?
Line of duty:
Still recovering from being shot when he responded to a 911 call last December, Arlington Heights police officer Michael McEvoy deserved every cheer this week in the ceremony naming him the village's Officer of the Year. But he's not alone. His injury was a reminder of the unpredictable risks every cop faces daily. They all deserve applause.
Tackling a tough issue:
A group at South Elgin High School's BEACON Academy won second place this week in a statewide contest for their video aimed at preventing teen dating violence. Kudos to them and all the entrants. When a group of students takes up a cause that directly affects others their age, their peers are more likely to listen.
Bracket racket:
With two full days of NCCA men's basketball tournament action now complete, how is your Billion$Bracket sheet looking? Yeah, thought so. While the contest generated a lot of interest with Warren Buffett insuring the prize, it's a safe bet Buffett will keep his money. Why do we fall for this stuff?
Spring sports thaw:
Did you catch the story about White Sox grounds guru Roger Bossard and his colleagues being worried about getting their baseball fields ready for Opening Day? Their heated blowers and covered fields need more time and help to battle the dreaded permafrost below. Hey, forget the field, get some seat warmers ready.
Spring sports thaw II:
Meanwhile, our younger athletes fend for themselves. No blowers and tarps on their baseball/softball fields. No heaters on the soccer fields, running tracks and tennis courts. Just bundled up athletes from pee-wees to high school getting ready to play for the love of the game. Keep your mittens on and give them a warm round of applause.
Just drop it:
Illinois' "Drop It And Drive" campaign to end distracted driving is a welcome and noble idea. It's just too bad more people aren't listening. Texting and hand-held phone use (both against the law) still happen way too frequently. That's just too bad and, unfortunately, often too sad.
Connecting kids, jobs:
Teens thinking about summer work were offered a jump start at the 11th annual job fair this week in Naperville. It was sponsored by the nonprofit KidsMatter, and more than 40 potential employers attended. The Arlington Heights Youth Commission sponsored a similar fair, it's second, earlier this month. Such events are sorely needed in these times.
Remembering Artis Yancey:
Waukegan City Clerk Artis Yancey was widely considered a compassionate public servant. Yancey, 54, died Wednesday. A former cop, police chief and county coroner, he earned accolades from officials across Lake County. "He was a very good and righteous man," Waukegan Mayor Wayne Motley said. What better way to be remembered?