The Soapbox: We're basking in happy news this weekend
An encouraging sign:
"Two housing developments proposed for Palatine." Wow, it's nice to see headlines like that again. Six years after the Great Recession ended, maybe we really can put it in our rearview mirror.
Picture perfect:
James Harvey snapped photos all over Elgin, often working for free - until his camera died. The Elgin 360 Photography Club raised $2,500 to buy him a new one, and the professional photographer plans to document the community even more. Everyone wins, including future generations who'll see his legacy.
A message to this year's graduates:
Don't put limits on your aspirations.
Raising Metropolis from the deep:
"Good programming, like a high tide, raises all boats," Metropolis Executive Director Joe Keefe said, explaining how the struggling Arlington Heights performing arts center is reinventing itself. With shows like "Spamalot" and "Rent" coming, we think he's on to something.
Who are these guys?
Patient at the plate. Good speed on the bases. A bona fide leadoff man. A closer. Youth. Yes, it's early to go over the cliff with excitement for the 2015 Cubs, but isn't this team as much fun to watch as any you can recall?
Proper care:
Not so good for forest officials for having a policy that applied only to horses at Danada Equestrian Center. They're trying to fix that now so they can be assured older horses who are sold are properly cared for.
Out to pasture?
Good for DuPage County Forest Preserve officials for trying to find two older horses that had worked Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago to make sure they hadn't been purchased by someone who sends horses to slaughterhouses.
An inspiring achievement:
Congratulations to Bob Coniglio, the retired cop from Arlington Heights, who
won the Daily Herald's Fittest Loser Challenge this week by dropping 64 pounds in 12 weeks. Bob has an elevated diaphragm that leaves him winded during basic exercise. He's an inspiration to us all.
Speaking of inspiration:
The Lake Zurich girls lacrosse team's support for manager Michaela Cecala and her battle with leukemia and her quest to graduate with her classmates on May 31 is truly inspiring. Cecala's determination was matched by the love of her teammates and the support of her counselor.
Follow the Brits?
The official election cycle for the United Kingdom's parliament and prime minister just ended after only 38 days, and no television or radio campaign advertising was allowed. Can you imagine? Even some of our suburban campaigns last longer than 38 days and can be more sensational. Can we try the British election system?
Show care for road workers:
One of us drove in the 45-mph -lanes of the eastbound Jane Addams Tollway and found a semitrailer truck riding our rear at 65-70 mph. Even with workers present. Unfortunately, this isn't unusual. Obviously the "$375 minimum fine" signs aren't scaring everybody.
Remembering Joe Kozenczak:
The Des Plaines police detective who helped end John Wayne Gacy's string of murders died Wednesday at age 75. He was a good cop and we honor his dedication. By catching Gacy, he and his team of detectives saved lives.