Soapbox: Equine safety, government transparency, an ex-mayor's firing

State needs to act:

Kudos to owners of Sunset Hill Farm in Bartlett for doing all the right things to prevent the spread of deadly Equine Herpes Virus. But state law makes reporting voluntary, a loophole that needs to be closed.

Is this year next year?

Will the longest championship drought in sports history end this year? Columnist Burt Constable and other Cubs fans are hoping. The team starts the season Monday with a great deal of promise. So here's to ending the curse with a World Series at Wrigley Field. And maybe the White Sox can meet them there.

Is Helmer nervous about consolidation?

In firing Rodney Pace from the Chicago Executive Airport board over his support for The Initiative - a proposal to merge Prospect Heights into surrounding towns - is Mayor Nick Helmer betraying a bit of nervousness?

College of DuPage's Final Three:

The College of DuPage is down to three finalists - candidates for the school's presidency, that is. Here's hoping the frequently divided board can work as a team to come up with a quality leader to move the college forward.

A good first step:

BTW: It's encouraging that COD officials say they'll hold public forums to introduce the final candidates for president.

From state champ to national champ?:

A year ago, then-Stevenson senior Jalen Brunson led the Patriots' boys basketball team to the IHSA state championship. Now a freshman at Villanova, and already a major contributor, Brunson could become a national champion. Good luck this weekend, Jalen, and don't forget your roots!

Saving Wheaton's DMV:

Anyone who has used the secretary of state's express driver services facility in downtown Wheaton has to be doing the Dance of Joy after learning the owners of the building renewed the facility's lease despite the state's inability to pay rent.

The Web hasn't monopolized everything:

In the last week or so, both the Geneva and Fox River Valley libraries have announced they're a step closer to new buildings. Both entities are talking more space, upgraded technology and other 21st century offerings. The news bodes well for the future of an old institution.

Remembering all our veterans:

The Vietnam War ended 40 years ago, but the pain of the conflict still resonates. In a speech at the Vietnam Veterans Day, Medal of Honor recipient Allen Lynch said, "I look at what we've done and what we should be proud of." Let's keep all our veterans in our thoughts.

Here we go again:

Some kids from Buffalo Grove who attend Wheeling Elementary District 21 schools are making their way to classes without the benefit of crossing guards. Their districtmates in Wheeling may soon join them, if village officials there, can't work out a way to share the costs. Let's hope the adults can put kids first.

Finding a niche:

Officials at Lakeland Church in Gurnee found a way to celebrate Easter services with travelers, first-responders, restaurant workers and anyone else who couldn't make it to church on Sunday - they organized an Easter service on Monday night. An estimates 100 worshippers attended.

Love in the face of terror:

It was eerie receiving two Facebook safety check messages after the Brussels attack. What a great sense of relief to know that family members were safe.