The Soapbox: Belated honors for a Naperville war hero, transparency in Lakemoor, growth in Elk Grove Village and more.
War hero honored
Korean War veteran Peter Bury, 89, finally received the Bronze Star he earned for helping three comrades who were buried in a shelled bunker on the front lines more than 60 years ago. The medal was pinned to his chest during a ceremony at Edward Hospital in Naperville by U.S. Rep. Bill Foster. An honor well deserved, and too long delayed.
A win for transparency
Lakemoor Police Chief David Godlewski said last week that equipping his officers with body cameras isn't just a matter of evidence collection and officer safety - key factors, to be sure - but also one of transparency. "If there is an incident, the public has a right to know what occurred," he said. That's how to build ties between police and the community.
Who's pushing Route 53?
We've supported the Route 53 extension. Still, viewers should read the fine print on the pro-Route 53 TV ads playing in Lake County. They're paid for by the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, a lobbying group whose members would expect lucrative for building the controversial tollway.
The night disco died
The folks at the Elmhurst History Museum develop many imaginative and offbeat exhibits. This summer is no different. From June 9 through Oct. 8, the museum will host an exhibit called "Disco Demolition: The Night Disco Died," which recalls the 1979 event that went wildly astray at old Comiskey Park. For info, visit elmhursthistory.org.
These Bandits are good guys
While the National Pro Fastpitch league still has a lot of room for growth and development, it's still the only game in this country for young softball stars who want to play professionally. And the Chicago Bandits, the defending Cowles Cup champions are back for another year at The Ballpark at Rosemont. Check them out.
Winding down
As the high school sports year comes to an end, we want to send good luck wishes and congratulations to those teams still participating in the IHSA state final series in their respective sports. And, congratulations to those who have already completed their seasons. Play hard, play fair and have fun!
A great soccer move
Orrin Schwarz's story this week on Chicago Fire star Bastian Schweinsteiger respectfully called him a soccer nerd, someone who can't get enough of the game. After one practice ended, Schweinsteiger stayed to work with some women players on the Chicago Red Stars, who are second in the NWSL. That kind of sportsmanship never goes out of style.
Not a good sign for Bears
Last season, while they were headed for one of the worst seasons in team history, the Chicago Bears had 19 players end up on the NFL's injured reserve list. Now we learn that a backup quarterback (knee), and a wide receiver (thumb) were injured in the first workouts of the season. Fortunately, they'll be back soon, but this trend needs to stop.
A village always on the move
We can say this for Elk Grove Village, the town certainly doesn't sit on its hands. The first part of an ambitious $110 million plan to overhaul and upgrade its infrastructure will get going this summer, with a $6.6 million project to renovate the Biesterfield Road public works garage, adding a salt barn and even a nursery for plants.