The Soapbox
Hands off, Chicago:
State Rep. Marty Moylan of Des Plaines filed legislation this week that would prevent a downtown Chicago casino from being built. Given that a project like that would have a devastating effect on the suburban Rivers Casino, we understand the gesture - and support it, even if only as a matter of record.
Craigslist comfort:
Nervous about making a Craigslist transaction involving high-priced goods? Following an idea that's popped up in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Kansas, Naperville may create a "Craigslist safe zone" that allows buyers and sellers to make the deals in the safety of the police station lobby. Great idea!
Elgin teen saves girl, Part 1:
The good news about Elgin teen Andrew Wilson saving a 7-year-old who had a seizure in a hotel pool was that he was trained in CPR and knew how to use it. He got the training in the Elgin Police Department's Explorer program. That's not only smart but also impressive, as was Andrew's calm when action was needed.
Elgin teen saves girl, Part 2:
The discouraging news about Andrew saving the 7-year-old was that other adults had to rush to the hotel lobby to ask for someone who knew CPR. It demonstrates the need for more of us to know those skills. Something can happen anywhere.
Blocking our view:
The deep freeze this week did little to get rid of an unsafe nuisance from the piled-high snow: treacherous parking lot driving. While we know there is very little snow-removal crews can do to with all that snow, it sure would be helpful if it weren't dropped in big piles at the worst spots for seeing oncoming traffic.
Panera giveth, Panera taketh:
At this week's Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Mayor Tom Rooney boasted about the new Panera Bread restaurant that's opened on Golf Road. Meanwhile, in neighboring Arlington Heights, Panera is closing its doors downtown. If that doesn't illustrate the competition between communities, what does?
A shining star:
Elena Delle Donne says her NBA All-Star Weekend highlight wasn't the fashion show she judged, nor the shootout competition she played in. It was taking part in the Special Olympics Unified Game. "I love this game, love the camaraderie you form among your teammates. Reminds me why you play sports and it's all for the love of the game."
And speaking of stars:
Former Stevenson High star Tamika Catchings, who is retiring after the 2015 WNBA season, also took part in the Special Olympics contest. As a veteran and superstar, she's going out in style.
And speaking of Special Olympics:
The Des Plaines city council looked bad this week, pulling the plug on the Feb. 28 Penguin Plunge, a Special Olympics fundraiser at Lake Opeka where people take pledges to dive into the chilly water. The council can repair its image by quickly finding another fundraiser to do in its stead.
Remembering A.J.:
Our condolences to the family and friends of 7-year-old A.J. Peterson, who lost his battle with brain cancer this week. We wrote about A.J., the son of former Bears running back Adrian Peterson, in January when Round Lake police and village officials presented him with a junior reserve officer badge to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer.