The Soapbox

Not paying attention?

A 14-year-old brings a BB gun into his locker at Glenbard West High School. An 18-year-old shows off a bullet to classmates at Neuqua Valley. In this day of zero tolerance, drug-sniffing dogs and school lockdowns, what does it take to get the message across that weapons, or even their accessories, don't belong in school?

Steer clear of deer:

With suburban deer in their rutting period, it's a time of year when they are more hyper — and therefore more prone to cross roads that run through forest preserves and wooded areas. Motorists should be on extra alert, especially at dusk. Don't be caught with a deer literally in your headlights.

One-two punch for Elgin:

First, the Rivers Casino opens in Des Plaines, providing competition for Elgin's Grand Victoria. Then Elgin leaders learn the assessed value of most of the property in the city has dropped 20 percent, leaving the budget as much as $13 million in the red. Brace yourself for higher taxes and fees, Elginites.

Fan-friendly move:

Just in time for holiday shopping, the White Sox are set to open a two-story sports apparel store next month at U.S. Cellular Field that will offer merchandise from all the pro teams and a few college teams. That's good, because with 15,000 square feet, they don't need much room for the Adam Dunn and Alex Rios jerseys,

Where is the common sense?

Geneva resident Rich Hayhurst asked the Geneva school district how enrollment this year compares to last. It took the district five business days, 150 minutes of staff time, and almost an hour of attorney time to respond, at a cost of $311. Really? There has to be a smarter way.

Too close for comfort:

This week's exotic animals tragedy in Ohio may have had something to do with our own story of a Crystal Lake man with his own menagerie becoming one of the most read on our website. He was found to be keeping a 10-foot alligator and 9-foot python, among other creatures, in his basement. If you have neighbors like that, they owe it to you to let you know about their wildlife.

Now that's teamwork:

Cook County and the city of Chicago are getting into the act of cooperating to consolidate resources and cut costs. For their new “workforce development” program, they combine forces to provide “demand-driven” job training targeted for the specific needs of employers. More efficiency. Less cost. Somebody's thinking over there.

Busted — in a good way:

Here's to William J. Bauer, still working as a federal judge at age 85, with no sign of slowing down. Bauer, who began his judicial career in DuPage County, was honored this week with a bust in front of the Wheaton courthouse and congratulations from former Gov. James Thompson among other luminaries.

Kindness happens:

A letter writer who didn't want his name used told us how on his morning walks he passes the home of an elderly neighbor. Each day, he noticed, someone takes the woman's Daily Herald from her porch and places it on a ledge near her door so she doesn't have to stoop low to get it. As he is, we are touched by this little kindness.