Soapbox: Learn from a lucky break
Randall Visor should feel lucky. The Batavia man, who is responsible for the deaths of four people 10 years ago in a drunken-driving accident, and for driving without a license in 2006, caught a break. Why should Visor feel lucky? Because of his family, his victims' families and, by extension, his job. A judge did double Visor's jail time for driving without a license. But he also allowed Visor to leave jail to work and support his family -- and pay debts he owes to the victims' families. Waubonsie Valley High School students Jenni Linn Anderson, Allison Matzdorf and Jennifer Roberts, and Ana Pryor, a mother of three, were all killed in that crash. Visor avoided a tougher sentence for the 2006 incident. But with no room for error, let's hope he chooses to be responsible from now on.
Big bucks for over-budget building
One would think that $48.7 million is plenty of money to construct College of DuPage's new Technology Education Center. But officials at the Glen Ellyn college have learned that significant amount might not be enough. The project is over budget and on pace to cost taxpayers nearly $50.8 million. We know how easy it must be to spend money that's not yours. But to COD trustees: Do something to reel in the price of this building. Please.
But a good increase at COD
But it is good to hear that enrollment is on the way up at COD. Officials announced the student population grew by 1.4 percent for a total of 31,579 undergraduates. That's a relief after reduced interest in COD followed in the wake of the Glen Ellyn institution's switch from quarters to semesters.
Center relocation
Kudos to Scott Elementary School, which offered a trailer to house the Naperville Family Resource Center, an after-school program for low-income kids. The center operated from apartments in the Naper Trails complex, but owners chose not to renew its lease. Some discrepancies still need to be worked out, but we're thankful community leaders recognized the program's value and importance and sought ways to continue it.
Great day on gridiron
Kudos, too, to the Naperville Chargers, for its "Chargers Tackling Cancer" day at North Central College on Sunday. The youth football team hosted two families from Children's Memorial Hospital, and raised about $4,500 to help the hospital battle cancer. This is truly one of those games these kids should never forget.
Relevant discussion
Beginning Monday, North Central College's Office of Multicultural Affairs is hosting Anti-Hate Week, which will focus on increasing awareness and appreciation of diversity. This is an important discussion and particularly relevant given that just a few days back, racial slurs were found spray-painted on a home in Lombard. The family living in that home is black. Anti-Hate Week events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/x4080.xml, or call (630) 637-5156.
Astor deserves a memorial service:
Earlier this week, DuPage County lost a beloved sheriff's canine, Astor. For eight years, the German shepherd was a fixture in the courthouse. He and his handler, Deputy George Foy, accomplished so much during their time together. The bomb-detection dog had 42 actual finds of explosives and guns. Astor had to be euthanized Monday. He had cancer. He was 10. It seems only fitting that some sort of memorial service be held for this dedicated dog. He certainly earned it.