The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Honoring Dallas and Nathanael
Our hearts go out to the Judson College family as they mourn the loss of students Dallas Colburn and Nathanael Madison, killed in a four-vehicle crash on April 20. A public memorial is set for Monday at Herrick Chapel. We wish comfort to all who knew them.
Oldie but goody
Not surprised to see a recurring message recently on the Schaumburg municipal sign outside the police and fire departments. It read: "phone in one hand, ticket in the other." Very important message for distracted drivers. Very unfortunate it still needs to be said.
Weather warning was right
We've gotten some weather warnings on those windy days about the risk of fire because the air's still dry. Lo and behold, a "spontaneous fire" erupted in a South Barrington landscaping company's mulch pile and spread to the nearby Spring Creek Forest Preserve. A forest fire in the suburbs? It's not California, but it still can be frightening.
If you say so about Libertyville complex
The village of Libertyville has decided to lease its Indoor Sports Complex to a Canadian operator. While the village has lost a million bucks a year on the complex, Canlan Sports leaders "thought we'd take it for a test run," according to a VP for the company. That sounds like they're not overly worried, and the village is happy; it's a win-win.
This week's Clippable Quote
"You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming." - Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
Another Clippable Quote
"People are obviously capable of handling the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But I don't know how many people have had to experience them within seconds of each other."
- two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip.
Will Bears replace horses?
It's happened before and can happen again: the Chicago Bears entertaining thoughts of moving to Arlington Heights. With Arlington Park almost certainly hosting its final horse racing season and the land up for sale, the time is right. No one is commenting publicly. But we hope Arlington Heights is thinking big.
Hope springs eternal
The roar could be felt throughout the suburbs when the Bears moved up in the first round of the NFL Draft to pick Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. Have the Bears finally found their franchise QB? At least there's a reason for optimism. Now, we just need Aaron Rodgers to leave the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field for the bright lights of "Jeopardy!"
Evening stroll
Starting next week, Cantigny Park in Wheaton will launch its "Stroll After Sunset" program and stay open late on Wednesdays. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the 500-acre park for up to an hour after sunset. Considering how beautiful Cantigny's gardens are during the day, it sounds like a great way to spend a summer evening.
Many happy returns
This weekend heralds the reopening of Navy Pier and the return of Arlington International Racecourse and the McHenry Outdoor Theater. We are all excited about expanding our entertainment options after the long winter and continuing pandemic, but don't forget to mask where needed and keep a safe distance. Enjoy!