Making a little noise

A civic organization focused on reducing noise from planes at O'Hare International Airport touted its accomplishments over 11 years Wednesday. The O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission has overseen more than $485 million in soundproofing work in homes and schools near the airport, with funds coming from the Federal Aviation Administration and ticket fees. Since beginning in 1997 with 26 towns and school districts, the group has grown to 43 municipalities and districts in Cook and DuPage counties. During the event, Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley were honored with service awards. Daley said it was fortunate the state of Illinois never got involved with the commission, otherwise it would be "continued chaos."