The Soapbox: Ideas for a Wauconda icon, passing a test in Palatine, cops as teachers in Mundelein and more.

The Daily Herald Editorial Board

A slide and a Bluesmobile

We're excited about the return of Wauconda's iconic Phil's Beach and have to hand it to the park district for collecting residents' ideas on what amenities it should have. The original was known for a huge J-shaped slide and a cameo in "The Blues Brothers," but you can head to a meeting Feb. 28 at the community center to give your wish list.

Boundary change debate

Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 officials have put the brakes on plans to change attendance boundaries - at least for the coming school year. Officials are wise to take more time to study all the options and then try to build support for the one or two that make the most sense to deal with current and projected overcrowding issues.

Up to the test

It's the law now, but Palatine Township Elementary District 15 officials deserve props for testing school water for lead even before the legislature passed a law requiring such tests. The testing found four problematic sources and quickly fixed three. The fourth is shut off until it can be cleared. Kids' safety first.

Super Bowl memory

John Goehrke of Vernon Hills will remember Super Bowl LI for more than the exciting outcome. The historic win scored the 20-year-old University of Missouri junior a date with tennis star Genie Bouchard. Goehrke responded to her premature tweet predicting a Falcons' win by betting a date on a Patriots' win. Never bet against Tom Brady.

Stay strong, Mike

As a football player, Mike Adamle was respected at Northwestern and in the NFL for his never-quit attitude. As we learned in his NBC 5 interviews, the TV sports anchor has a big challenge ahead in his battles with epilepsy, dementia, CTE and other health issues. He has our well wishes and our thanks for sharing a story that may help others cope.

Things are looking up!

It seems all the news out of the White House is controversial these days. Here's something no one will contest: The economy is on the upswing in the Barrington area. OK, so the White House in question is Barrington's refurbished historic community building, but we're still buoyed by the upbeat reports from nine regional mayors meeting there.

Class act

Especially in today's climate, police shouldn't miss any opportunity to build stronger relationships with the community they serve. So we laud the Mundelein Police Department for its new program in which officers serve as classroom teachers at Mundelein High School. The more non-adverserial contact between kids and cops, the better.

Remembering Don Tentler

By all accounts, Don Tentler of West Dundee was someone you'd love to have as a friend. An exemplary family man, he was involved in his church, scouts and other organizations. He was taken far too young, at 47, when he died repairing a sign at Geneva Commons shopping center. Our condolences to his family and many friends.

Remembering Alex Kube

Alex Kube was known as a giving person who just wanted to help young athletes become better. The honorary co-captain of the 2005 Daily Herald Fox Valley All-Area football team from Cary-Grove who went on to a fine career at Northern Illinois University, passed away this week from unknown causes at the age of 29. Our condolences to all who knew him.