The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Details wanted
The archdiocese stripped Rev. Jack Plotkowski, former pastor of St. Zachary Parish in Des Plaines, of ministerial authority and ordered to move from the parish, citing material found on his personal computer. If there is a criminal investigation - which police would not confirm - where exactly should he move? And would a new parish be notified?
Oakbrook Terrace, Part 1
When Oakbrook Terrace Mayor Tony Ragucci resigned in the midst of a federal probe, the Daily Herald asked the city for a copy of his resignation letter. We were told we had to file a Freedom of Information Act request. Assistant City Editor Robert Sanchez submitted the paperwork on Jan. 21. This is transparency?
Oakbrook Terrace Part 2
Here is the city's response, six days later, its entirety: "I, Tony Ragucci, hereby resign the office of Mayor of the City of Oakbrook Terrace, County of DuPage, state of Illinois, effective Jan. 17, 2020, at 1159 p.m. I hereby deliver to the City Administrator for delivery to my successor in office upon his or her appointment to office, all property, books and effects in my possession belonging to the City of Oakbrook Terrace, County of DuPage, state of Illinois." Again, transparency?
Oakbrook Terrace, Part 3
So here's our question: Did we really have to wait six days for that? And if you were an administrator or an elected official in a city that was the subject of a federal probe into potential wrongdoing, wouldn't you want to give the public every indication you were cooperating instead of looking like you have something to hide? As we said, transparency?
Running for a cause
Kudos to runners and Barrington residents Mike and Kristin Kiss, who have created a one-day charity event called Miles for Smiles where athletes can log miles - running, cycling or swimming - to support underprivileged youths served by the Buehler YMCA. This is the second year for the event, which takes place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 22.
Neighbors, stars
It's award season on the big entertainment stages, and we tend to think that means red carpets, tuxedos and glitterati. Well, sometimes it just means we have talented neighbors - like opera singer and Des Plaines motor coach mechanic Andrew Craig Brown, who was surprised with a Grammy Award for his work on "Fantastic Mr. Fox."
And then some
And, of course, there's cellist and Neuqua Valley High School grad Kelsee Vandervall, who performed at the Grammy ceremonies in a 23-member orchestra of black women behind rapper-flutist Lizzo. World class talent abounds in the suburbs.
Support your favorite teams
As the calendar turns to February, the postseason begins in high school sports. Girls gymnastics teams are in regional competition next week, as are wrestling teams, with swimming, basketball and bowling not far off. Get out to a game or a meet and support our local student-athletes and teams. They've all worked incredibly hard.
Saluting Nicole Gaborek
Nicole Gaborek's spirit to help others extends beyond her role as a Lakemoor police officer. Gaborek, 27, donated one of her kidneys in December to a stranger after reading a radio station's Facebook post about the plight of Navy veteran Rachel Schultz of Belvidere. Today, both women feel great. Schultz has a new lease on life. Gaborek is a suburban hero.