The Soapbox: A big raise for a Des Plaines official, an inspirational run in Naperville, drive-through liquor sales in St. Charles, a Grayslake mayor remembered and more.
Good move:
Des Plaines City Manager Mike Bartholomew appears to be doing a good job and may be entitled to his 14 percent raise, but it was good to see the city council Monday vote to roll back the ridiculous idea that the raise should be retroactive to April 2014.
Just Do It:
James Gilliard was one of 1,800 entrants in the Naperville Sprint Triathlon. But he was the only one who was legally blind. The Naperville man completed the event with the help of a guide. His lesson: "There's no excuse," he said. "You got to get out and just do it."
Locusts are a good sound:
It's time for the locusts to sound off in the suburban trees - haven't you noticed? They might get really loud at dusk or anytime during the day, but if they annoy you, remember this: When they're gone, summer's over.
It all starts at home
Sight seen in Schaumburg: A young family helping three baby squirrels who had fallen from their nest. Their mother never returned. The next day, the family told us that after many calls, they succeeded in finding a veterinarian who took in wildlife.
Back-to-school spirit part 1
Cheers to those who organize drives to help students start their school year off on the right foot. Among those are Hanover Township, which will be giving away stuffed backpacks, thanks to donors; and businesses up and down Randall Road that are in the midst collecting of supplies for kids in need.
Back-to-school spirit part 2
Some of us still recall the best back-to-school commercial. It's the one where the dad is dancing and snapping staplers down a store aisle as Andy Williams' "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" plays in the background.
Don't forget the judges:
We often worry about the safety of public servants who keep us safe. But what about judges, who aren't immune to threats from angry people they encounter in court? We advocate a safer place for DuPage County jurists who feel security isn't strong enough at a traffic court in a Downers Grove American Legion hall.
Top Talent:
The winner of Suburban Chicago's Got Talent will be crowned at the Taste of Arlington Heights today, capping a series of auditions and performances that revealed an amazing breadth of talent in this area. We salute the 10 finalists and look forward to seeing where the future takes them.
Pipes and drums:
Good luck to the Lombard-based Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band, which is traveling next weekend to Glasgow, Scotland, to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships.
Business-friendly in St. Charles:
The city council this week voted 7-3 to allow drive-through liquor sales. Class A license holders can apply for the privilege. Mayor Ray Rogina said the city is evolving in its way of thinking on certain matters. Let's hope it's a quiet evolution.
Solidarity among construction crews:
Seen on the Jane Addams Tollway: A construction worker in a pickup truck adhering strictly to the 45 mph speed limit while in a work zone - and being passed by impatient drivers doing at least 60. It was hard not to feel for the worker in the pickup and all his comrades.
Special honor for a friend:
It is with both smiles and heavy hearts that we thank Arlington International Racecourse for today's $100,000 Mike Spellman Memorial Handicap. Our friend and colleague died so very unexpectedly in January, and we still miss his positive presence. The track was one of his favorite stops, so again, thank you, Arlington.
Football, already?
Yes, high school football begins in earnest Monday with the first practices of the season. Before you know it, the season openers will be here - circle Friday, Aug 28 on your calendars.
Remembering Dick Welton:
We join the mourners at Wednesday's funeral in paying our respects to Richard Welton. who remade Gurnee into the Lake County powerhouse it is today during his 28 years as its mayor.