Saturday Soapbox: Lake County
"Thanks"
That probably woefully understates the sentiment from Gurnee-area motorists to news this week that along-awaited reconstruction of Washington Street won't begin until a nearby road project is completed. That project is work to rebuild the Route 120 bridge over the Tri-State Tollway. For a change, common sense prevails in scheduling road projects because both of these are heavily traveled east-west arteries in the same area. To say tearing up both roads at the same time would likely cause a headache for motorists is like saying paying $3.80 a gallon for gas is high.
Hats off to Round Lake Beach police
Round Lake Beach police Chief Doug Larsson has come up with a great idea to help his department save money. Whenever possible, officers will turn off their squad cars to save gas. The department will also take a car off the streets for one hour each shift, or three hours a day. This will in no way impact public safety. Cars will still run during traffic stops and whenever their emergency lights and on-board computers need to be on. And clearly, if the out-of-service car is needed, it will be used. But during personal time or stops where it makes sense, officers won't let their cars idle. Larsson estimates the department might be able to save about $25,000 in fuel costs, and keep the budget intact so other areas don't get sacrificed to gas up the squad cars. It's a great idea -- one that other departments might want to consider.
A sign of the times
In an effort to improve college campus safety, the Illinois House voted this week to let all university police officers carry guns while on duty. The idea, which makes sense, gained momentum after the deadly NIU shootings in February. It moves to the Senate for consideration. The proposal does include certain safeguards. For example, only sworn, trained officers -- not security guards -- may carry a weapon. If nothing else, the extra measure of safety may give students a sense of security and offenders pause before they target our campuses again.
Just tell her -- better yet, go visit
Advertising everywhere reminds us Sunday is Mother's Day and we'd better hurry and buy jewelry, perfume and spa packages. But none of these offerings could ever be an adequate way to thank a mother for what she does best -- caring for her children with all her heart. It's sometimes hard to understand how important a mother is until you lose her. If you're lucky enough to still have a mother -- even if she drives you nuts half the time -- call her Sunday or get together in person. She doesn't need another pair of slippers. She wants to hear you appreciate all she's done for you.
Zero dollars per mile, redux
It's National Bike Month again, and, as we mentioned last year about this time … have you noticed gas prices lately? Who hasn't? They're a whole lot worse than they were a year ago. So again we offer this: May brings a reminder to get some exercise, help the environment a little and even save the wallet a little stress. Dust off the wheels, fill those tires, grab that helmet and head out into the fresh air. If it serves a dual purpose of getting you where you were going anyway, all the better.
Golden in the classroom
Congratulations to Lake Zurich Middle School North teacher Daniel Morvaji, for receiving the Golden Apple Award. This is one of the most prestigious honors that can be bestowed upon a teacher for excellence in the classroom. The Golden Apple Foundation lauded Morvaji for his hands-on teaching and methods of engaging the classroom.