Paving the way for progress can be sweet indeed

Who would think an "on the roads" column blurb could so quickly turn into an "off the diet" detour?

In a quest to give you the latest from the Algonquin Road construction zone, I set out from column headquarters to, literally, write on the road. But, faster than a Fox Valley traffic light turns red, I was off my diet.

Yes … again.

Blame Morkes Chocolates. There I was struck in traffic, trying to wade my way through the construction warning barrels crisscrossing Algonquin Road west of Randall Road when this mysterious, flashing "Chocolate Detour" sign appeared. What's a motorist to do?

Of course. Only a fool bypasses chocolate when stuck bumper to bumper.

Not that this shop wouldn't stop traffic on its own. Chocolate silk, fudge, caramels, toffee, peanut brittle, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and more. Which explains why a column item about road widening seems to have broadened the horizons of my hips. Wow, that's good chocolate.

Knowing any business in a construction zone faces big challenges, isn't it a columnist's duty to help a bit?

Consider stopping at one of the many construction-hampered Algonquin Road stores. Morkes, 2755 W. Algonquin Road, is about a quarter mile west of Randall on the south side of the road.

If you do it right, it sure makes for a sweet ride home.

On the roads

Oh, you want to know about that construction itself, do you? They're hauling out there, even on the rainy Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Crews are completing mainline paving from Randall to Frank Road as well as median work and shoulder construction for the westbound lanes.

Be safe

Speaking of traffic, if you're off to the airport or on the road for a turkey day visit, be safe, OK?

Fried birds

And, thinking of safe, Steve Gallegos of Algonquin wrote after my "don't do it" item about turkey fryers. Cary Fire Lt. Michael Douglas had asked for help warning people of the dangers of turkey fryers. Knowing the damage some of those have caused to homes and lives, I took it a step further and said "Just don't."

Steve says he's had great success frying turkeys but urges people to leave the six-pack alone and to take precautions. He puts a large piece of plywood on the ground, far from his home, to keep the fryer sturdy. He, like the fire folks, also says to make sure the turkey is not frozen and is completely dry. Follow the fryer instructions "to the letter," he adds.

I still say "just don't," but, if you must, that sounds like good advice.

Running red

Steve, the turkey fryer, by the way, has noticed more people running red lights now that he lives in Algonquin. It does seem more people are gunning and running, doesn't it? Or as he notes, gabbing on the cell phone as they hurtle through the intersection against the red.

I checked with Algonquin Police Chief Russ Laine, who confirmed Steve's concern. "That is an issue and it has been a big causation of accidents," the chief said. It's one reason Algonquin will likely soon be the next town to add red-light cameras.

Nice honor

The chief will soon get a nice honor. He'll receive a law enforcement award from the Illinois Council against Handgun Violence on Nov. 26 when the group also honors Sen. Dick Durbin with the Abraham Lincoln award.

The Algonquin chief said it is a nice honor that really belongs to the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which he represents.

"I really see it that I'm accepting it on behalf of all of these people," he said. "There's a lot of good people who've worked very hard on this issue."

And the chief in Algonquin is one of them. Congratulations!

Thankful

Smaller paychecks, bigger bills, health worries and more can quickly take a toll, making times tough for many people these days.

May trouble take a respite this day of thanks and may you have plenty of food, love, and memories to fill your bellies, your hearts and your souls.

Happy Thanksgiving!