A medical advance in DuPage, manners on Metra, helping artists in Elgin and more.
Slip-free zones
Here's a nod to our park districts that remove snow and ice from local walking paths. There are those of us who still enjoy our outdoor exercise, even in the cold, and would rather not take our chances on the roadways. Thanks for keeping us safe.
Stroke unit a major plus
Kudos to Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, which later this month will become the first facility in Illinois to offer a mobile stroke unit. Doctors say the unit will provide stroke patients with much quicker care that ultimately can save lives.
A holiday sports hurrah
We're just stopping for a moment to appreciate the fine play from our high school basketball teams over the holidays. Taking first in tournaments were the boys teams from Conant, Fremd, Geneva, Glenbard West and Jacobs, and the girls teams from Glenbard West, Maine West, Montini, St. Edward, St. Viator, Warren and Wheaton North.
Ethics under cover
Columnist Kerry Lester reported this week that Palatine's Alex Warshawsky was indignant when he could not get an answer from U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam's office on where the congressman stood on weakening the House Office of Congressional Ethics. We're disappointed the closed-door vote gave all suburban congressmen cover.
Metra manners
Peeved by some of the sights, smells and sounds your fellow Metra passengers accost you with occasionally? Let the rail line know and it may turn your complaint into a poster campaign encouraging commuter courtesy. Take the Metra survey at metrarail.com.
Schaumburg church takes a stand
Seen on the ever-changing, often-creative sign for the Church of Christ on Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg this week: "Doing the right things honors the nation." Simple but true.
Recycle, recycle, recycle
Jake Griffin's Suburban Tax Watchdog column this week looked at the sometimes high and sometimes hidden costs of providing residential garbage service. It reminded us how being halfhearted recyclers can have an effect on our wallets.
Artists helping artists
Side Street Studio Arts co-founder Tanner Melvin and his wife, Erin Rehberg, rented an adjacent space in downtown Elgin for an art supply store and lab, or shared work space, for artists. The lab will also be a place for mentorship as Melvin and Rehberg continue to make art more accessible to everyone. Bravo.
Doing it right
Northwest Suburban High School District 214's decision this week to move to later start times came after more than a year of study, including more than 6,500 responses to a community survey. District officials, who hope the change will improve student attendance and achievement, deserve credit for their thoughtful approach to the issue.
Call for vets
Veterans, are you looking to get back into a healthy lifestyle? Check out our Fittest Loser Challenge, where you will work out with trainers, discuss diet with a nutritionist and enjoy some friendly competition. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Jan. 9. Five contestants are chosen. To apply, go to http//events.dailyherald.com/fittest-loser/.