Remembering Wayne Duke and a longtime co-worker, Counting down to Election Day and more

The lasting impact of Wayne Duke:

We're blessed in the suburbs to rub elbows with greatness, neighbors who make transcendent marks on the world. One such neighbor was Wayne Duke of Barrington, the longtime Big Ten commissioner who was instrumental in the expansion of March Madness. Our condolences to his wife Martha on his passing. May he rest in peace.

Speaking of making an impact:

Here's to Connor Morrison of Arlington Heights who's generated millions of followers on Instagram with the help of Prospect High School's Entrepreneur class. He vets stories and videos for his pages, while working with advertisers, too - all this after a full day at school.

Yes, drive with care:

Recurring message on Schaumburg municipal sign: "Better late than never. Drive carefully." We commend the necessary reminders. And then there are drivers who invite danger by their actions. Put the phone down.

North Central Science Center a hit:

It's hard not to be excited when you check out North Central College's new Science Center in Naperville. The $60 million building will help the school blur the boundaries between core sciences and fields such as math, computer science and political science. And, oh yeah, the place looks really cool.

Best of luck to both:

With Opening Day just around the corner for both teams, we wish Rick Renteria greater success in black and white than he enjoyed in Cubbie blue. And we hope Joe Maddon just keeps working his magic. We can say this from the heart: The loyalties of the editorial board members are split down the middle.

Fast break:

In a busy high school sports spring season, the island of relative calm afforded by spring break is nearly over. We see nothing wrong with expanding the break to two weeks, at least when it comes to outdoors sports - in the name of better playing conditions, of course.

Campaign countdown:

Tuesday is Election Day. While local races don't garner the kind of headlines national campaigns do, they are vitally important. So do some homework this weekend. Then get out and vote.

Help all around:

A huge before-hours fire at the South Elgin KinderCare injured no one, so that's the best news. The spirit of cooperation in time of need was not only extended by area fire departments, but KinderCare is helping the families of 100 children find alternate placement while also placing teachers at nearby centers.

Worth rallying around:

Our hearts go out to Chelsea Black, 20, of Rolling Meadows, made a quadriplegic by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught up in one of so many senseless Chicago shootings. It's good to see her friends setting up a trust fund and holding fundraisers for her.

Remembering Brian Oldfield

We wish comfort to the family and friends of former Olympic shot putter Brian Oldfield, who died Sunday after an athletic career that brought fame not only to himself but also to his hometown of Elgin.

Remembering Elsie Weidner:

We lost one of our own this week with the passing of longtime editorial librarian Elsie Weidner. Though she retired some years ago, her passion and good humor are still a part of the place. She treated everyone like family. We send our condolences to hers.