The Soapbox
Wheaton sees the light:
Democracy clearly is alive and well in Wheaton. The city is taking a second poll to see what style of LED lights should line local streets. City leaders suggest residents check out the quality and color of light along Brentwood, Cheshire and Sheffield lanes. Then, complete an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/finalLED.
That's a strike:
We don't know who did it, but here's to whoever wrote a $1,500 check to Kristof's Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach so Special Olympics bowlers can play for free in the next eight-week session. The donor praised the bowlers and directed $1,000 for bowling and $500 for food and beverages. Special indeed.
And while we're on the subject ...
As a rule, we're not big fans of the Lottery, but if we have to have one, the Special Olympics sounds like a great beneficiary. The Illinois Lottery made it one this week with a new instant game expected to raise $2 million.
Long fight coming in Dist. 15:
Two Palatine Township Elementary District 15 board members in two weeks called the board's inability to fill the vacancy of Richard Bokor embarrassing. Two factions couldn't even agree on how to winnow down the 27 applicants. It appears the regional superintendent will decide. Who said only Congress sees political gridlock?
Voices of reason:
Many voices were raised after Little League International stripped the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars of their titles. We liked the reasoned perspectives from the suburban coaches in Jamie Sotonoff's stories: Alonso Ramirez, Peter Caliendo and Little League coach Tim Mahoney. Like many, they respect the game and the kids who play it.
Go Tiffany, go:
Whenever you're wondering about the strength of the human spirit, think of Tiffany Wallace. Thanks to the generosity of many, the 18-year-old Bartlett High School senior raised $20,000 in donations for a prosthetic leg to help her compete in athletics. Said Tiffany: "I hope that this can be something other people can look to ... to not let (a disability) stop them." Go Tiffany, go.
Count on it:
Nearly every day, our pages tell of people helping neighbors in need, like the concern and financial help shown for Wauconda resident William Kornfeind after a fall from a ladder paralyzed him. That kind of caring is a hallmark of suburban life, and we're grateful for it.
The future of Long Grove:
Long Grove trustees approved a $1 million deal with the Forsythe family for the sale of four Archer Road lots that could help expand the historic district's retail offerings. This after the Forsythe family bought 17 buildings in the downtown. How will Long Grove change, and will people from all over the suburbs still make it a destination? Stay tuned.
Two greats gone
First, veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent Bob Simon dies in a car crash in Manhattan. Then New York Times media columnist David Carr collapses in the newsroom and dies. In journalism circles, these two were lions. Their voices will be missed.