The Soapbox: Good citizens
Fearing retribution, witnesses sometimes keep quiet about gang-related crimes. Residents of an apartment complex in Prospect Heights deserve credit for steering police to three suspected gang members accused of firing guns midafternoon in a crowded parking area. “Many good citizens made us aware of what was going on and where people were running to,” police Chief Jamie Dunne said.
Changing landscape:
The written word is dear to our hearts, so we're sorry to say goodbye to a few of the Borders bookstores in our suburbs. At the same time, we welcome HHGregg, which plans to open 20 appliance and electronics stores in our area.
Hubble on the bubble:
The residents who say there's a rush to unload the long-shuttered Hubble School building in Wheaton are no doubt sincere. It has cost $227,000 to maintain the vacant building during the past 18 months. An argument might be made that the Wheaton Park District has been brushed aside, but putting the building up for auction seems to be prudent. Bidding opens at $10 million.
District 300 listens:
Carpentersville-based Community Unit District 300 faces a daunting task — trimming another $8.5 million from a budget that's already been sliced and diced. So when the district's Community Finance Committee — composed of teachers, parents and administrators — voiced disapproval over a plan to trim a number of nursing positions, the administration yanked the plan. It must be nice to be listened to.
Rolling Meadows digs winter:
It's one of only four towns in the area that picks up its own garbage. And Rolling Meadows residents' fierce loyalty to public works was reinforced after the blizzard: Snow was quickly moved off the streets, private driveway aprons where the plows dumped it, and even sidewalks. If the city ever wants to contract out for garbage service, this is one reason it'll be over the dead bodies of a whole lot of homeowners.
Where's the snow?
Didn't we have a blizzard of near-record-setting proportions a couple of weeks ago? How quickly things change.
Words into action:
Kane County leaders are looking at an energy proposal that could save $3.4 billion for the area over 30 years. They would target residents and businesses using grants and loan funds for conservations initiatives. People easily agree that green is good; the challenge will be getting them to move on it.
The whole forest in your hands:
The Lake County Forest Preserve is making sure it doesn't get left behind on technology. In fact, its new “Trail Map to Go” puts it ahead of the game. Outdoor enthusiasts can use their smart phones at information kiosks to scan a bar code that will bring up a digital map of the area. What better place to save a tree than in a forest?
Zero tolerance:
A new legislative proposal would give supervisors of school bus drivers authority to demand a drug test if they thought a driver was under the influence. Refusing a test could mean a three-year license suspension. As long as supervisors are properly trained, this is a reasonable safety step and a strong message to those transporting our children.