The Soapbox: An Elgin agency breaks through the state's political traffic jam, an adult Easter fundraiser in Lombard, a genius in Lisle, and more
Whatever it takes:
Message on local municipal sign: "Is it worth it? Don't drive distracted." As we continue to see drivers texting and such with their phones, we must ask, is that sign worth it? If it stops even one driver from picking up their phone, yes, it is.
Political traffic jam:
The casualties continue to pile up in the state budget impasse between Gov. Rauner and Democratic leaders. No license sticker renewal notices. No emissions test reminders. No punishment for test scofflaws. Over GOP objections, Speaker Madigan sends lawmakers home with no hope of budget action until at least April. Add "no shame," too.
Breaking through:
Some service agencies persist despite the state's inertia - thanks to the kindness of strangers. Donors stepped up to provide $39,200 for Elgin's Ecker Center home for the mentally ill. The money will keep the agency going until at least May, and it's applied for a loan from the city to help further. Too bad it has to come to this.
Weirdest political story ever?:
That's what we thought back in 2010 when former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who'd just been impeached, removed from office and indicted, was fired from "Celebrity Apprentice" by Donald Trump. Can we say this year (given the crowning glory of the two personalities involved) has been more hair-raising?
Stop us if you've heard this one before:
The two teams who last year competed for the Class 4A high school girls basketball state championship are at it again. Congratulations to both Fremd and defending champ Benet Academy on reaching the final stage of the season for a second straight year.
Adult egg hunt:
A tip of the Easter bonnet to members of Lombard's Lilac Parade Committee who decided to try a little something different to raise money this year: an egg hunt for adults. Folks 21 and older can chase after 1,500 eggs on March 12 at Lombard Common and then retire to Miller's Ale House for a more common adult gathering.
Meteorological spring?
So on Wednesday afternoon, the cellphone buzzed with a weather advisory - more snow on the way for Thursday. We're at the point of the season that unless it's more than 5 or 6 inches, we don't shovel, we don't wipe our car off. Besides - didn't they say it's supposed to be near 70 soon?
Yep, sounds like a genius:
Holden Mui, a 13-year-old Lisle teen who has won a national competition for composing music, weaves into his work mathematical concepts such as the Thue-Morse binary sequence. "Patterns are cool, but irregularity is good, or else it sounds too periodic," he said. It will take us a lot longer to get our head around it all than it will take this kid.
Can't blame the politicians?:
All three candidates vying to replace Republican Dan Duffy, of Barrington, in the state Senate say they're disappointed by the negative tone of the campaign, driven by PACs they don't control. Here's a thought: Tell your supporters, please stop. Wouldn't an issues-oriented campaign be refreshing?
Wonderful to see:
Matt Olson was visiting from Minnesota, playing hockey for the Cougars only since September, when he was paralyzed by a freak fall Feb. 21. His volunteer work in his short time here has inspired extensive fundraising on his behalf in a variety of corners. Even though he's not local, people have rallied to support his recovery.