Cheers for suburban grounds crews as well as the Cubs, business news in Naperville, top cop in Batavia and more.
Let's keep them safe
As road work shifts into high gear in the warmer weather, it's high time to drive with caution in construction zones. Here's a good way to make sure you do: Imagine it's you in the shoes of those construction workers always wondering what might come next. Pay attention and obey speed limits; they're there for a reason.
Good business news
Some good business news in Naperville, where an Indian grocery chain - Patel Brothers - plans to open a store and develop spaces for 17 other shops along Ogden Avenue where the relocation of Menard's left a large empty storefront the city has struggled to fill since the early 2000s. A doff of the cap to the city for its efforts to fill the spot.
True blue
Congrats to the suburban Chicago Cubs fans who helped present players and coaches with their 2016 World Series rings this week at Wrigley Field. It's a wonderful way to kick off the season and reward fans who've waited a mighty long time for this history-making moment. Here's hoping they'll get another chance next year.
True blue, II
Hitting closer to home, a salute to the heroes of the spring high school sports season, the baseball and softball field maintenance crews. Especially in the month of April, it's a daily challenge for these folks. Their efforts add to the safety of players and the quality of the playing fields. They are deeply appreciated.
Irony for nature center
The Naperville Park District opened the Knoch Knolls Nature Center in October 2014 as a place where people could learn about the role of water in supporting life. So what bitter irony when a sewer backup flooded the facility, forcing it to shut down for weeks. It was humans' infrastructure steering water's power in this case, but still.
More irony for nature
Nicor is taking steps to clear easements so as to have better access to its natural gas pipelines in the event of an emergency. That means cutting down many century-old oaks in the Century Oaks West subdivision in Elgin. Doubly ironic, the residents' deadline to clear the easement is Arbor Day. Let's hope the spirit of that observance limits the losses.
Good luck with the new job
Batavia's new police chief is going to be Daniel Eul, who will replace Gary Schira, who retires May 3. Mayor Jeff Schielke decided to promote from within and looked to his deputy chief. The city council votes Monday on the 20-year police veteran, who also served 19 years as a commissioned U.S. Army Reserves officer. May he have more productive years ahead.
Power of print?
Yes, as seen in the donation of books to Round Lake Early Childhood Center as the power of compassion. Compassionate people like Shari Gullo, of Lake Zurich, who makes things happen for those in need. After reading a Daily Herald guest column, Gullo worked with Barrington publisher Cottage Door Press to have books donated to the youngsters.
Remembering Stu Paddock Jr.
Fifteen years ago today, we lost the third-generation patriarch of the newspaper. But 15 years later, we're still guided by Stu's vision, passion and warmth. He continues to be an inspiration.