Dawn Patrol: Rolling Meadows grocery delay; race talk in DuPage
Rolling Meadows grocery store behind schedule
The timetable for Uncle Joe’s Fresh Tuscan Market, the store replacing the long-vacant Dominick’s in downtown Rolling Meadows, is experiencing some delays. Construction was expected to begin in May for an October open date. Plans for the store on Kirchoff Road have yet to be finalized and approved by the village. Full story.
NAACP event in Naperville provides frank talk on racial divide
Members of the DuPage County branch of the NAACP hoped to jump-start a “courageous conversation” on race last night by hosting a town hall-style event at Naperville’s North Central College. The session titled “Where do we go from here?” featured a panel that included a law enforcement official, a state representative and community members. Full story.
Schaumburg formally hires Townsend as new manager
Schaumburg trustees last night approved Brian Townsend as their new village manager, welcoming him back to where he spent seven years as assistant village manager before eight as city administrator of St. Charles. The village set the terms of Townsend’s $200,000-plus-per-year contract. Full story.
Sports fields revamp added to Batavia schools’ capital plan
A $13 million plan to revamp Batavia High School’s athletic fields gained yardage last night, as the school board agreed to add it to the district’s overall capital-improvement plan. But board member Gregg Hodge cautioned the public that the board has not yet agreed to enact any of it. Full story.
Quinn signs law ending benefits for transit boards
Following the ongoing Metra scandal, Gov. Pat Quinn yesterday signed legislation that would take away pension and health benefits for those serving on transit boards in the future. It affects Metra, RTA, PACE and CTA. The proposal follows the exit of former Metra head Alex Clifford, who left with a severance package worth more than $700,000. Full story.
Carol Stream considers alcohol sales at rec center
When Fountain View Recreation Center opens Labor Day weekend in Carol Stream, park district officials there are considering whether alcohol sales should be permitted at paid rental events and during adult softball tournaments. Park board leaders have expressed support for such plans, but the issue needs formal board approval. Full story.
Round Lake to remove, replace ash trees
Round Lake officials say they plan to remove about 500 trees blighted by the destructive emerald ash borer and replace them. The village board recently approved $91,000 for an urban forest management fund to help with the blighted trees. Full story.
Ill. coalitions want to raise taxes for road repairs
In order to help pay for the immense cost of the upkeep of Illinois’ roads, a coalition of business and labor groups want to raise more money for gasoline taxes and vehicle fees. Plans outlined would amount to an increase at the pump of at least 13 cents per gallon and a $15 increase to the cost of vehicle registrations. The current cost of vehicle registrations is $101. Full story.
Weather
Sunny, but unseasonably cool, with a high of 73 degrees expected later this afternoon. It’s only 62 degrees this morning. Temperatures are forecasted to dip into the 50s tonight. Winds will calm down later this afternoon. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on IL Route 62 between Pyott Road and IL Route 31/Main Street. Only one lane by in each direction through the next summer. More traffic.
Konerko: Drug testing system working
White Sox’ Paul Konerko says despite recent doping suspensions for MLB players, he thinks the drug testing system is working. Konerko has experienced drug testing as many as 10 to 12 times a season, as well during the off season. The number of times per year varies, as players are selected at random, he said. Full story.