Pets will be allowed for one day at Street Fest
The discussion on whether or not to allow pets -- especially dogs -- at Street Fest this weekend was talked about at length during Monday's village council meeting.
Elected officials ultimately voted to ban pets Friday and Saturday, but allow them on Sunday, the day of a scheduled pet parade.
Jack Wagner, the councilman who put the ban idea forward, said he had surveyed 89 people about whether or not they liked the idea of dogs at the crowded festival. All 89 were unanimous in saying "no," he says.
Resident Sharon Johnson told officials that the ban was a bad idea.
"The police department doesn't have time to be chasing dogs," she said. "Most people who are normal won't bring their dogs after 6 p.m."
Various versions of a pet ban were talked about, such as saying no pets after 6 p.m. each night, not banning pets but instead discouraging them or waiting until next year to enact a ban.
What's going on at Jewel? If you've shopped at the Jewel on Plum Grove Road lately, then you know it's going through some renovations. I was curious what's happening, so I talked to Juanita Kocanda, the public affairs manager at Jewel-Osco's corporate office and here's what I learned:
•The store, which was built in 1962, is going through a complete remodel, although officials decline to say how much is being spent.
•Farm stand and floral departments will move to the front of the store.
•A fresh fish counter will be added, as well as a chopping block where people can get custom cuts of meat.
•A Wild Harvest aisle will be added, featuring natural and organic food.
Renovations are expected to be finished in December.
Charlie's turns to Pops: Charlie's of Palatine is under new ownership. The bar/restaurant at 19 N. Bothwell St., in downtown Palatine will change its name in the next week or two to Pops. New owner Peter Pinion has bought the business and says he won't change much. The Rolling Meadows resident is a friend and neighbor of current owner Charlie Springer. "He wanted out to pursue other interests," says Pinion, who has worked at several area bars. In the future, he looks forward to renovating the place a little. As a long-time customer himself, he makes one promise: "The hot wings aren't going anywhere."
First-time award: Congrats to Palatine resident James A. Jack who is the first recipient of the Palatine Pride Award. He is the author of a book called "Three Boys Missing," which tells the story of the attack and murder of three children from Chicago. Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins on Monday presented Jack, a 32-year Palatine resident, with the award.
Young scientists? Two Palatine middle schoolers are semifinalists in the 2007 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. They are Riki Patel, of St. Norbert School in Northbrook and Julie Prombo of Walter R. Sundling Junior High. The two are among 400 semi-finalists in the competition, who were selected from 1,960 formal entries.
In this year's competition, students will investigate climate change, global warming and eco-friendly initiatives.
The field of 400 will be narrowed Sept. 12 and only 40 will remain. Those students and their families will them travel to Washington, D.C., to take part in challenges to become the winner. The students will compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year."