The Soapbox: A decision on O'Hare security, a hero in Wheaton, a chicken thief in Hawthorn Woods and more.
When police are police
It's good to hear non-sworn O'Hare security officers won't be able to wear badges or patches identifying themselves as police, and sworn Chicago police will now handle disturbances at the airport. It stems from Dr. David Dao's much-publicized removal from a United flight, but is a sound approach under any circumstance.
A fitting honor ...
Sometimes we use the word "hero" too loosely. But sometimes the word doesn't seem to be enough, as in the case of Wheaton's Robert Miller. An Army staff sergeant, Miller saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and sacrificed his own nearly a decade ago when insurgents ambushed his team in Afghanistan.
... for a true American hero
Miller received the Medal of Honor posthumously. Now the College of DuPage has named its Homeland Security Center in his honor. Here's hoping generations of students learn of his courage and what it truly means to be a hero.
Well, there's that
The circumstances of the Haley Reinhart flap at Palatine's Lamplighter Inn remain to be sorted out. The incident no doubt was embarrassing for the one-time American Idol finalist, but it had to be some sort of consolation that she proved to be a big enough star to catch TMZ's eye. That's something, right?
Chicken thief
Hey, we understand the campy appeal of Reggie the Rooster, the 5-foot statue that stood guard at the Hawthorn Woods home of Richard Kirshner. Apparently, so did many others - until some selfish person stole it to keep for him- or herself. Come on, Killjoy, give back the bird.
Local lifesaver
We add our congratulations to Wauconda Police Officer Chris Gallivan, who was honored this week for saving a 28-year-old McHenry man following a fiery crash earlier this year. Gallivan received a medal and ribbon for his uniform and a standing ovation for saving David Morris, whose car went off the road and hit a tree.
WNBA's brightest stars
Congrats to Naperville's Candace Parker for her selection to the WNBA All-Star Game as a starter. It will be Parker's fourth all-star appearance, and she'll join two former Chicago Sky players in the game Washington's Elena Delle Donne and Minnesota's Sylvia Fowles. How many titles would those three have if they had joined forces in Chicago?
Responding to the floods, Part 1
Our thanks to the heroes among us who were out in force this week helping flood victims defend against the local disaster.
Responding to the floods, Part 2
We hear Mundelein issued phone alerts warning of the conditions, a constructive use of today's technology.
It's about time
Fixing the configuration of Cedar Lake Road through Round Lake has been talked about since Mayor Dan MacGillis' dad was in charge in the 1960s. Now, the son has a chance to see the father's vision come true. Lake County officials are starting work to realign the roadway in hopes of easing congestion and possibly spurring economic development.
Remembering Leo Vitali
People across St. Charles were saddened by the death at 87 of Leo Vitali, teacher and football/golf coach at St. Charles High School from 1965-1991. "He had a good camaraderie about him," said Mayor Ray Rogina. "People flocked around him. We'll miss him dearly. He was an institution." Our consolences to his family.