The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Off on the right foot
As Democrat J.B. Pritzker heads to Springfield it's nice to see him bring some Republicans on board. Former Gov. Jim Edgar is on the transition team, former Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont is on his budget team and departing Republican state Rep. David Harris of Arlington Heights helps lead the veterans advisory council.
In the headlights
Not sure what happened to autumn, which seemed to last about two weeks before winter set in, but it's still a good time for a safety reminder. With the days so short, be alert for crossing deer while driving through wooded areas such as nature preserves. It's a dangerous situation that requires undivided attention.
Nostalgia for sale
What's the price to save a little suburban nostalgia? If you want to buy the classic Dog n Suds drive-in in Grayslake, it's $850,000. You get the restaurant, a concession trailer and the look and feel of a reminder of carefree summer days and car hops taking orders. Owner Chris Beckord plans to retire but wants the business to stay the same. Wouldn't it be nice?
Santa's big stage
Congrats to Santa and Mrs. Claus - aka Pete and Barb Kovacevich of Buffalo Grove - who stepped into a big spotlight last week to help lead the parade at the 27th annual BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago. The Kovaceviches, who have portrayed the merry couple for years at suburban locations, were be part of large televised event.
104? Really?
Authorities say the driver who crashed into Arlington Heights' new police station had been driving up to 104 mph. It seems like we've had a rash of that kind of speeding on local streets. What possesses anyone to drive like that?
Beyond Black Friday
The holiday shopping season has begun. Enjoy!
Ringo at Ravinia
We're excited about Ravinia's announcement that Ringo will be part of next season's lineup. Partly because it's a thrill to have a Beatle visit the suburbs. But also because we've seen his act, and his All Starr Band really IS made up of all-star performers. Quite a show.
So much for honoring commitments
Eight days after State Comptroller Susana Mendoza thanked Illinois voters for re-electing her over former State Rep. Darlene Senger of Naperville, she announced her candidacy for mayor of Chicago. Quite a commitment to the people of Illinois, huh?
Grateful for Girl Scouts
Columnist Dave Heun reported this week that Girl Scouts from Geneva schools tidied up Wheeler Park as part of a vigil to honor three Scouts and an adult killed by a reckless driver while picking up trash in Wisconsin early this month. While the park is generally clean, it's the message the Geneva girls were sending that counts. Kudos to them and their leaders.
Celebrating a Blue Ribbon
Lombard's Butterfield Elementary School recently spent an entire week celebrating its designation as a National Blue Ribbon award winner by the U.S. Department of Education. The students, faculty and administrators earned it Butterfield was among just 24 Illinois schools selected for this year's recognition.
Kudos, Wildcats
With so many local players on the roster, including quarterback Clayton Thorson (Wheaton North), we have to send a shout out to the Northwestern football team on its Big Ten West championship. Good luck to the Wildcats in the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Go Cats!