The Soapbox: Brief thoughts from Daily Herald editors on suburban topics of interest

Today's clippable quote

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." - Booker T. Washington

Must they vroom vroom by homes?

This time of year is a great time for hot cars, maybe with the tops down. But that leads to some drivers revving up the engines, apparently without mufflers, right in residential neighborhoods, slamming the gas after a stop sign to race down a little street - only to go around 30 mph for a few blocks. Really, is this the place for that?

Taking immediate action

Batavia officials are looking to improve safety at Route 31 and Union Avenue by having crossing guards at the intersection during certain times of the day. The move comes after a Batavia bicyclist died when hit by a car and a boy was seriously injured while crossing the road. Adding crossing guards will help until a permanent solution is found.

Be careful everywhere

The recent weather has been great for getting outside to ride bikes or take long walks. It's also led to a number of deadly accidents throughout the suburbs. With a long weekend approaching, let's all pay extra to attention to our surroundings when out and about - whether you're driving, riding or on foot. A little bit of caution can save a life.

Can we get some rain?

If you haven't noticed, we're in a drought right now. The lack of rain was great for youth sports season, but not so good for our lawns or water bills. Here's hoping we get some much-needed moisture before conditions start to threaten firework displays over Fourth of July weekend.

Schaumburg roadwork running ahead?

Lack of rain isn't good for our flora and fauna, but maybe it has helped roadwork in Schaumburg. The Bode Road and Springinsguth Road resurfacing looks done (the progress signs say 75% done) even with an August completion date. Good to have that done quickly. Now godspeed on the Salem Drive and Braintree Drive reconstruction projects.

Taking a stand on elections

Republican County Clerk Jack Cunningham has been running elections in Kane County without suspicion of fraud for more than 20 years. How sad that in today's America he has to stand up for himself, his county board and the integrity of the system in the face of unfounded accusations. But how refreshing that he does.

A tragic ending

The search for a submersible heading to the wreckage of the Titanic had all of us hoping for a happy ending. While the mission ultimately ended in tragedy, we thank the men and women who played a part in the round-the-clock efforts to save those on board the Titan. And we send condolences to loved ones of those lost.

Remembering Jim Goebbert

Jim Goebbert, who died this week at 94, built his father's one-time roadside vegetable stand into an iconic suburban farm and garden business. He is remembered for his family devotion and passion for life. And isn't it wonderful to consider that his legacy can be seen in the diverse and vibrant colors of plants throughout the suburbs? Our condolences to his family on his passing.

Remembering Eric Von Schaumburg

In nearly of decade of blogging about his illness, Eric von Schaumburg gained an appreciative audience for his positivity and courage. He died this week of complications from ALS at 39. What greater reflection is there on a difficult life - or any life - than that from his father, Bob: "This whole ordeal renewed my faith in humanity." We mourn his loss. Our condolences to his family and fans.