The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Nellie's moving forward
News that Durty Nellie's in Palatine was on fire had us concerned last week. After all, the bar and music venue has been an important part of the suburban night-life scene for decades. But while the blaze destroyed the kitchen and the main pub area was damaged, owners are hoping to renovate and reopen soon. We wish them the best.
Like a rock
Kindergarten students at Lincolnshire's Sprague School decorated stones with animals, flowers, rainbows or hearts, then placed them around town with a note to share the moment via Facebook. "We are doing this to remind ourselves that everyone can make a difference," said teacher LeeAnn Delli. Thank you for making the world a little bit brighter.
Elgin police do it right
Kudos again to the Elgin Police Department and all the agencies around the suburbs this week who checked on the well-being of the homeless. Authorities and volunteers drove people to a warm place, including, in Elgin, the police station, which was open overnight. Cmdr. Frank Trost said, "We will be checking all the areas to make sure we don't miss anyone."
Forever at Schaumburg, Roselle roads?
If it seems like the work at the intersection of Schaumburg and Roselle roads in Schaumburg, to add a right-turn lane and new traffic lights, has been going on forever, it's because it started last spring and was supposed to be done in the fall, at least originally. The new traffic lights finally are up but not working yet.
But we must salute outdoor workers
We were surprised to see workers out at the intersection of Schaumburg and Roselle roads as the deep freeze was hitting. Even elevated, working on the new traffic lights. That's with metal and electric. A Polar Vortex salute to them and anybody who worked outside.
Here's hoping
The 15-year saga of what will replace a Dominick's in downtown Rolling Meadows continues after the latest developer dropped out. However, a new developer is submitting a revised townhouse plan that likely will be reviewed beginning in March. Let's hope it's the last in the long line of once-optimistic plans
Welcome home, Jalen
The NBA all-star game break will allow Stevenson High School to welcome home one of the best basketball players in its history. A celebration is planned for Friday, Feb. 15, when the Patriots host Warren. Jalen Brunson will be in town. He led Stevenson to a state championship, Villanova to two national titles and is now a rookie for the Dallas Mavericks.
Aurora mayor bobblehead
Congrats to Aurora's Richard Irvin, who is getting a rare honor for a suburban mayor: His likeness on a bobblehead. Naperville was one of the first to create a mayoral bobblehead during the late George Pradel's heyday. The Irvin figurines are sold by the Aurora Historical Society for $30 at aurorahistory.net.
If you don't smoke, don't vape
A British study suggests that vaping is twice as effective as nicotine patches and gum at helping smokers to quit. While that certainly is a boost for the vaping market, you should not read into it that vaping in itself is a healthy habit. If you don't smoke, don't vape.
Amazing newspaper carriers
Subzero temperatures chased most of us inside. And still the newspaper somehow got delivered. To all of the devoted carriers who found a way, we say, thanks, stay warm and stay safe.