Saturday Soapbox
Swifter justice:
The six-month reviews are in, and they are generally positive for the Lake County Circuit Court's reorganization of its misdemeanor cases. Where misdemeanor cases used to be handled in just two courts, they now are bundled with DUI cases and spread out over five courtrooms, all of which are operating long days. The reorganization has carried a cost -- attorneys are stretched thinner than they used to be. But statistics show that cases also are being closed faster now. And because justice delayed is not good for any of the parties, the reorganization has to be considered mostly a success.
Thinking and acting locally:
Harsh experience, from 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina, has made it clear that local response will be absolutely critical in future disasters, whether they arrive in the form of natural disaster, illness epidemic or terrorist attack. One has to like, then, the kind of effort being initiated by about 60 public and private entities -- from fire departments to restaurant and hotel owners -- along the Lake-Cook corridor, from Long Grove east to Lake Michigan. Representatives are beginning to meet and explore how they can best assist one another in the event of a disaster. This appears to be a great idea, well worth others' attention as it develops.
No alcohol involved:
On one hand, it's comforting to know, from toxicology results this week, that alcohol played no role in the two-vehicle crash that killed 15-year-old Deerfield High School student Gina Bronge and injured six others. Neither of the teen drivers had been drinking. On the other hand, this finding, sadly, does not ease the pain for Bronge's family, friends and a school community that already has been through a lot with the traffic deaths last fall of two other Deerfield students and the subsequent trial and conviction of parents who hosted a party attended by the students killed in that crash.
Our warm thanks to BAAC:
The Barrington Area Arts Council contributed greatly to the community over the years, and it was sad to see the organization close its doors last week.
On guard against allergies:
Considering the rise in food allergies, prudent school districts will do what is currently under way in Gurnee-based Woodland Elementary District 50, where a committee will be formed to come up with consistent policies to be applied throughout the district on foods brought into the schools for student consumption.
The Sox make good on an old slogan:
Well, this year, the White Sox didn't win but with the trade deadline passed, they apparently decided to Dye trying.
The Cubs make good on the new one:
Meanwhile, the Cubs might have taken the Sox' latest slogan -- you know, that one about being Chicago baseball.
'Hey, I'm walkin' here!'
So shouted Ratso Rizzo, in "Midnight Cowboy" to a cabby who nearly bowled him over. This street hazard isn't exclusive to New York City. Extensive experience and numerous close calls lead us to conclude that suburban motorists fall into either of two categories: One, those who know that pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks respectfully extend that courtesy. And, two, those who make it their mission to gun through intersections and apparently view any pedestrian trauma as mere collateral damage.
Don't look now...
...but the sand is quickly slipping through the hour glass for school kids' summer breaks. Practices will open next week for several Illinois High School Association sports, which means opening-day school bells can't be far behind.