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Saturday Soapbox Some opinions require lots of words and elaboration. Some don't. This is Saturday Soapbox, briefly stated commentary from the Daily Herald's editors.

Itasca Country Club staying put:

Amid fears that it might be dotted with condos or stores, Itasca Country Club instead appears headed for a sprucing up. A group of private investors stepped forward recently with plans to "invest significant time, energy and resources into revitalizing" the club. At a time when golf courses are hurting for business, that's welcome news.

Leadership, principles:

Scott Herr said he couldn't stand with fellow Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 school board members for a group picture following the district's selection for a state leadership award "we didn't deserve." Fellow trustees Gerard Iannuzzelli and Manjula Sriram joined the board boycott. Guess they demonstrated their point.

A long distance commitment:

Wheaton's Steve Spear says he hates running, yet he still ran 3,243 miles across America to raise awareness about the lack of clean water in Africa and to collect money to address the issue. And now he's done an Ironman triathlon and is organizing relay races to continue the fundraising. That's a rare commitment worth celebrating.

Tough decision:

Officials face a key decision on what to do with Long Grove's one-lane covered bridge. Do they completely replace the village's iconic image with funding help from the federal government? Or rehab the structure and pay the full cost? The 100-year-old structure is in poor condition so something must be done. Let the hand-wringing begin.

This is what nature does:

Lombard's public works department is addressing complaints that the Terrace View Pond has become unsightly after a $1.3 million pumping station was installed. Public works director Carl Goldsmith points out the new plant growth atop the water is really evidence of a healthy pond. Let's take heed of his advice: Please be patient.

As Kane County government turns:

Earlier this week, Kane County Coroner Rob Russell and board Chairman Chris Lauzen both said they'd prefer to avoid a lawsuit over $10,600 in fees to supply records needed by a consultant. But Friday, the two broke out into an argument while the media were present. So much for a glimmer of harmony.

Hand-held danger:

Kudos to the Lombard police force and any other municipality trying to battle cellphone misuse by drivers. But, when the maximum fine for first-time offenders ($75) is lower than for making a rolling stop at a red-light camera intersection, this is a small deterrent. This is an important law that too many drivers are ignoring.

No, this is not a war zone:

First, last week, a resident likened hearing O'Hare airplane noise to "living in a war zone." Then this week a volunteer likened a Palatine neighborhood hard-hit by last week's quick storm to a war zone. Especially in the week of Sept. 11 and with war veterans in mind, let's remember that even with all our troubles, we don't live in a war zone.

Well-deserved honor:

Our pride swells with the news that John Radtke, Fox Valley coordinator and prep sports online manager, will receive the Distinguished Media Service Award from the Illinois High School Association. He joins a select group that includes Bob Frisk, who spent more than 50 years covering high school sports for us. Their passion for high school sports is inspiring.

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