Soapbox: A WW I hero from Naperville, a recreation plan in Lake County, a beloved leader in St. Charles and more.
The soldier behind the sites
On the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, we wrote about Naperville native Oliver J. "Judd" Kendall, who was killed in France for refusing to disclose U.S. attack plans to the enemy. Though a century has passed, it's important to recall the deeds that led to Kendall being memorialized on a school, street and VFW post in his hometown.
Helping feed our neighbors
Subaru's efforts to give back to those in need recently paid off big time for two area food pantries. The Elmhurst-Yorkfield pantry received $100,000 and a slightly used van from Grand Subaru of Bensenville and the Aurora Area Interfaith pantry received $48,000 from Gerald Subaru of Naperville. Congrats all around.
Hopefully worth the wait
It's been almost 16 years since the Lake County Forest Preserve District dished out $13.2 million for a wooded 467-acre site near Antioch and named it Ethel's Woods. Now, finally, the district is moving on plans allowing the public to enjoy it. Officials will vote next week on a design contract for amenities to be ready by 2018. We look forward to it.
Props to pencils
Once a staple of communication, pencils don't get much respect these days. But Green Oaks Elementary District 68 Superintendent Lonny Lemon and his custodial staff are a big hit with a school in Puerto Vallarto for delivering an estimated 2,800 pencils this year. Lemon and the staff collect discarded pencils for less fortunate students in Mexico. Muy bueno.
Count us in
Count us in on the legislative proposal by State Rep. Kathleen Willis of Addison to reduce fire deaths by phasing in a requirement to install long-term, sealed battery smoke alarms in Illinois dwellings over the next five years.
Count us exasperated
Count us among the exasperated over Phil Collins' election to a 6-year term on the Harper College Board even though he's moving to Las Vegas. Yes, he may have decided to move too late to get his name off the ballot. But he owed the voters and the school better communication that if elected, he could not serve.
This week's elections
Thanks to all who ran. Thanks to all who did their homework and voted.
Remembering Jim Martin, Part I
It wasn't just the consecutive 1,031 St. Charles City Council meetings he attended. It wasn't just overcoming a bout of meningitis to attend by phone from a hospital bed. But perhaps it was the four generations of mayors who attended Jim Martin's funeral this week who told you all you needed to know about him.
Remembering Jim Martin, Part II
From the former mayors - Fred Norris: "Jim had an inextinguishable passion for his hometown." Sue Klinkhamer: "With Jim, everything was pure, everything was from the heart." Don DeWitte: "Jim Martin's fingerprints are spread over all of this community and will remain road markers for us for decades to come."
Remembering Jim Martin, Part III
Mayor Ray Rogina helped close the service by placing a folded Chicago Cubs "W" flag in the casket of Martin, who died at 83. "We are here today because we love Jim Martin," Rogina said. "We will miss your heart of gold. We will miss your kindness." We share the sentiment. Our condolences to his family.