Soapbox: Riding strong in Wheeling, the 'right crowd' in Dundee, ID cards for disabled and more
New ID card a big help ...
State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit and Sen. Linda Holmes successfully, and wisely, pushed to create an ID card to ease interactions between police and people with disabilities. The ID is free from any state's drivers facility for anyone 16 or older diagnosed with an intellectual, developmental or mental disability.
... to cops and those with disabilities
The new ID cards can be kept in wallets or taped to visible spots inside cars and will help police officers who make traffic stops understand what otherwise could be deemed unusual or even suspicious behavior. Thanks to the two Aurora legislators for a great idea.
Inclusive club
You might say the Wheeling Wheelmen never grow old. That isn't literally true, but for more than 20 years, the bicycle club has been holding rides for anyone interested. And some of those early riders are showing their longevity - e.g., the oldest member is Kilian Emanuel, 82, of Mount Prospect. It seems staying active helps the members stay young.
Six of one ...
With news that drivers are boycotting Route 390 tolls and creating traffic on local community roads, one has to wonder: Might it not be a more economical trip, both in time and money, to take the road less traveled? Cruising along and getting to a destiny quicker, along with better highway gas mileage, must offset the cost of the tolls in some way.
Crosstown Showdown
Congratulations to students and communities of Arlington Heights District 25's South and Thomas middle schools. With the 12th annual Crosstown Showdown charity basketball game, they brought their rivalry to a higher level, as the crowd of more than 2,000 raised $9,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Keep up the good work!
Last meals
Restaurant closures are all too common, but the news hits harder when you hear that longtime suburban eateries are leaving town. After nearly 48 years in Lake Zurich, Hackney's will close Sunday. And Splinters Sports Pub and Restaurant in Palatine will shut its doors on Monday after almost 28 years. We are sorry to see them go.
Finding a 'good crowd'
Tony Guevara Jr., of Carpentersville, was on a destructive path. Battling bullying and depression, he started running with what he called "a bad crowd." Then he found the folks Boys and Girls Clubs of Dundee Township. That crowd welcomed him and he flourished - even winning a $10,000 scholarship. An inspiring story.
Fremd's first
Whatever the outcome of today's high school boys basketball state finals in Peoria, Fremd is assured of a first. That is, the Vikings are the first boys hoops team from the Mid-Suburban League to take a spot in the Final Four since Illinois moved to a four-class format in the 2007-08 season. A state trophy, guaranteed? What a way to end a great season.
Northwestern's second first
The Wildcats have a big job ahead against No. 1 Gonzaga this afternoon, but they already notched some firsts of their own - one with the program's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament, another with its first victory in college basketball's Big Show, beating Vanderbilt Thursday. Can the Cats add another today with their first upset?