The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Snow fooling
Given our first measurable snowfalls, a few friendly reminders: Don't shovel or blow snow onto the street. Remove snow from sidewalks. Clear a path for package deliveries and postal workers. Assist those nearby who might need the help.
Time to (really) Bear down
Good football teams don't lose six in a row. Still, the .500 Bears will be in a playoff game Sunday in New Orleans. Ten of the Saints' 12 wins came against teams with losing records. Another came in overtime against the Bears. Can underdog Chicago prevail? We have hope!
A sad milestone
COVID-19 infections in Illinois surpassed the 1 million mark Thursday - the same day state officials reported 177 additional deaths. There is a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel, but we have a ways to go. Mask up. Keep your distance. Wash your hands.
So long to Rickert
David Rickert resigned this week as Kane County treasurer after accepting a job as CFO for Winnebago County. Rickert, who lost hid bid to become county board chairman, served Kane County well for more than two decades.
Wise investment
To save a newsstand/convenience store at the downtown train station, Arlington Heights officials approved a lease with no rent through April and then rent one-third of what it was pre-COVID through 2022. This is a key amenity and it's good to see officials recognize that.
Leave 'em up
We've seen a number of Facebook friends suggest leaving those festive Christmas lights up just a little longer - to inject some hope into our challenging times. What a lovely idea.
Renewed appreciation
One plus side of not traveling in 2020 was the chance to explore our own suburbs. Among other local treasures, we rediscovered sunsets over Lake Zurich and Crystal Lake; the trails of James Pate Philip State Park, Buffalo Creek and the Cuba Marsh; and the pretty landscapes around Hawthorn Woods and Volo.
A place to start
Newly seated Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, a Naperville native now from downstate Oakland, committed two grave errors in her first days in office. She opposed certification of the voters' choice for president and she invoked Hitler's name in a reference to recruiting youthful followers. At least, she apologized for the latter.
A landmark passes
Another fond image of days gone by in the Fox Valley will fade into local lore Wednesday when Riley Drugs owner Tim Riley retires and CVS Pharmacy takes over the Geneva and St. Charles stores. Time marches on, but it's always sad to lose a business that's been part of town for more than half a century.
Remember posterity
Put last Thursday's paper in a footlocker for the grandkids' grandkids.
This week's Clippable Quote:
"About the only problem with success is that it does not teach you how to deal with failure." - Hall of Fame manager, Tommy Lasorda. RIP, Tommy.
Remembering Earl Meeske
It was sad news to learn of the death last month of Earl Meeske, 88. Meeske and his brother Fred, who died in 2015, operated the iconic Meeske's Market in Mount Prospect that their father started in 1926. It closed in 1984, but was long a focal point for the village's downtown. Our condolences to his family.