The Soapbox: We salute Restaurant Weeks, Lake County bike trails, Eddie Lampert and more

Bon Appétit

Naperville Restaurant Week starts Sunday, Geneva's kicks off Monday and Chicago Restaurant Week - involving about 400 city and suburban eateries - begins Friday. And there are more. So make reservations, support local businesses and enjoy a discounted (and delicious) night out.

Tough decision

Prospect Heights officials were bound to get criticism for removing at least two beavers and the dam they've built on McDonald Creek because of concerns about flooding. That kind of heat that comes with the job, but we commend them for doing what they believe is right to protect the community.

Even better bike trails

Lake County wants to make its bike trail system more user-friendly through "wayfinding" - basically, steering people around the trails with better signs and coordination and integrating its own trails with individual suburbs' planned trails. Bravo to the county that's already ahead on this in the region.

Were you over election commercials?

You thought we'd be done with all the election commercials on TV after last November. Alas, it's a crowded race for mayor of Chicago, so a Feb. 26 primary is needed there - if you haven't noticed. If you watch TV at all, you're stuck hearing spin from the countless candidates. Sorry, suburbanites.

Safer crossings in Mount Prospect:

If you've walked around downtown Mount Prospect, you know how confusing crossing the street can be. The village is embarking on a number of fixes at three intersections that will make it less so while coordinating traffic and pedestrian flow. It's well worth the cost, especially near the train station.

People, let's be careful out there

If the weather forecast is proved correct, in order to be reading this Soapbox, you probably first had to squeeze your feet into boots, wrap a jacket around your pajamas and then hunt around in the snow for today's Daily Herald. Thank you for finding us worth it.

The wish in our Wish Book

Those of us who grew up with the Sears Wish Book and the days when Hoffman Estates' iconic brand owned the retail world wish Eddie Lampert well in his quest to save 126-year-old institution.

New sheriff in town

We're impressed by DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick's early determination to live up to his campaign promises. First, he doubled the jail's contribution to JUST of DuPage, an essential nonprofit jailhouse rehabilitation program. Second, Mendrick has taken major steps to improve communication with the public and media. Well done.

More tournament hoops

High school basketball doesn't take a break from tournaments in January. We've already had dozens of Thanksgiving and Christmas tourneys. Now, before state tournament play begins in February, treat yourself to MLK games. There are plenty of boys and girls matinees on today and Monday.

Cubs owners taking a break

The Ricketts family in past years has hosted a Q&A session at the annual Cubs Convention. They will not do so this weekend. We're impressed by the team owners' general accessibility to the fans, but convention Q&A carries special meaning. Here's hoping the Ricketts' past tradition of fun and accountability can resume next year.