The Soapbox: Judging Kane and Gliniewicz
The rush to judgment:
We all thought that Lt. Joe Gliniewicz was a hero. And that Patrick Kane was a villain. What's the lesson we all should learn?
Like father, like son:
He was a different type of entrepreneur from his famous son, but James P. Liautaud's enthusiasm clearly rubbed off on Jimmy John Liautaud, owner of the freaky-fast food chain bearing his name. “If you're going to do anything, do it awesome,” Jimmy John said of his dad. The elder Liautaud, owner and founder of several Elgin businesses, died Oct. 23 at 79.
Just right?
Mount Prospect taxpayers will add $25,000 to the $200,000 an Ohio company is investing to revamp the vacant former Blues Bar. Bar 145 is named for the supposed perfect temperature to serve a hamburger. Let's hope the new business gives a nice shot to the village's downtown.
Great weekend in Naperville:
This is a special time in Naperville. Thousands of American flags will fly through Nov. 12 along the Riverwalk as part of a Healing Field of Honor recognizing our troops. On Sunday, roughly 6,000 runners will compete in the Healthy Driven Naperville Marathon and Half Marathon. In honor of both events, the city already has switched on its holiday lights.
Moving the market?
We get the arguments about Wauconda's summertime farmers market hindering traffic, but the Main Street location sure adds to the fun. The downtown shops and restaurants make a great surrounding for the Thursday market booths.
Liquid gold:
Who knew craft beer would be the answer to financial prayers? It is to Gurnee American Legion Post 771. The village's first Legions of Craft Beer bash last month in the Gurnee Mills parking lot raised $17,500 to help Post 771 stay afloat. The village hit on the idea the struggling post's request for video gambling machines was rejected. Cheers.
Postseason is upon us:
The fall high school sports championships are in full swing. This weekend features the state cross-country meets, state boys soccer finals, girls volleyball supersectionals and, of course, the second round of the football playoffs. Student-athletes are having experiences they will remember for a lifetime. Best of luck to all.
Bullish on the Sears Centre:
Minor league sports teams have come and gone from Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre, but fans finally have hope for a team that might stick around. The NBA Development League team comes with the backing of the Chicago Bulls and a five-year lease that could extend another 15 years.
One Caputo's closes; another opens
Too bad Joe Caputo & Sons couldn't make its Arlington Heights store pay off, but we're anticipating the new Elk Grove Town Center store is going to be a huge draw. Moreover, we're happy that Caputo's is still planning to expand its Des Plaines operation to Lee and Oakton streets in Des Plaines, where it will definitely give new life to that corner.
Neighborly bonding:
The annual ritual of leaf raking is in full swing, with at least three more weeks to go before village trucks trade their vacuums for snowplows. Whether you rake the leaves or run an ear-thumping blower, it's also a chance to get outside and check in with your neighbors. Don't be shy if someone on the block needs some help. You'll be glad you did.
We toast you, Bill:
Congratulations to Bill Hicks of Carpentersville, the 2015 winner of the Daily Herald Cook of the Week Challenge. In fact, congratulations to all the contestants. It's a treat every year.