The Soapbox
Closing credits:
College of DuPage announced it will end its relationship with Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, which had been performing at the Glen Ellyn campus for many years. BTE Artistic Director Connie Canaday Howard said the ensemble would regroup, and we hope that's the case. The theater company is an asset to the suburbs and would be missed.
Change for the better:
Sports columnist Marty Maciaszek wrote this week about the advances in scoring and statistics via the GameChanger system used by many high school coaches. One click and a player's stats are instantly updated. That's good for the game. If it also came with a mute button for some fans, games would be even more enjoyable.
You'd never know it's law:
Seen by an editor in just two days of driving around the Schaumburg area running errands: three texting drivers. The telltale signs were the same - driving slower than the speed limit, possibly a little weaving. Imagine how long the list would be if all of us at the Herald kept a log of such unlawful behavior.
Leaving legacies:
Two suburban educators and high school coaches, Dave Wurster of Prospect and "Spike" Grosshuesch of Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley, were profiled this week in stories documenting their contributions. They made a mark with their expertise and commitment, and we hope others carry on in the same manner with the same results.
On the sidelines:
And then there's Kevin Miller as well, the retiring band director at Schaumburg High School who was honored this week at the Schaumburg village board meeting with a proclamation and a surprise drum line performance. His final concert is Monday night.
A sweeping consequence:
It's nothing short stunning that a ventilation system malfunction in one room of one building could cause so much havoc nationwide. When the TRACON air-traffic workers in Elgin evacuated, hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed. It certainly gives credence to idea of "the butterfly effect."
Which raises the question:
Do these important facilities get the maintenance they need?
We've got game:
As the high school spring season closes, the suburban sports landscape shifts to summer play. The Chicago Sky opened the WNBA season on Friday, as did the Schaumburg Boomers baseball team. The Boomers host their home opener next Friday. Next up will be the Chicago Bandits fastpitch softball team, with its opener May 31 in Rosemont. Play on!
Downtown development:
After sitting vacant two decades, a two-story brick building on Main Street near downtown Wheaton may be sold to someone who wants to convert the ground floor for retail and the second floor to an office or residential unit. Prospective buyers were encouraged this week to view the site. We commend the city for its proactive approach.
To serve and protect:
Fifty-two years ago, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. He also proclaimed the week in which that date falls as Police Week. So as this week closes, if you haven't already, take a moment to appreciate just what our first responders do on our behalf.