The Soapbox: County fair in DuPage, ice cream's back in Mundelein, a Rolling Meadows strip mall controversy and more.
Why they train:
The propane plant fire in Gurnee Thursday could have been a massive disaster. But through quick thinking, skill and the coordination of more than 30 suburban fire departments, the damage was contained and no one was hurt. It's nice when the news story is not that a disaster occurred but that one was averted. good work, first responders.
The county fair:
It's a great chance to enjoy local entertainment, crafts and more, and it's happening this weekend in Lake and DuPage counties. Grounds are open to 11 a.m. today and Sunday to close out DuPage's five-day event. Lake County festival lovers can enjoy livestock exhibits, rides, food and more through 6 p.m. Sunday. Get outside and have some fun close to home!
The ice cream man cometh:
The ice cream man is back in Mundelein. Ending a 53-year ban, the village board voted last week let the trucks roam village streets as in most other suburban villages. The village says it's encouraging small business. Supporters say it just adds to the Rockwellian small-town atmosphere they love. We just say, cool!
Study carefully:
Schaumburg officials will spend $150,000 to examine the feasibility of a theater near the village's convention center. We don't want them to rush to judgment, but the notion of more cultural opportunities in the suburbs is always nice to contemplate.
Lali's legacy:
One of Chelsea Laliberte's earliest victories came last September, when a push to improve access to heroin overdose drugs became state law. This week President Obama signed a federal version making funds available to local authorities to fight heroin deaths. 'Lali's Law' is named for Chelsea's brother Alex, who died of a heroin overdose. Good work, sis.
Drop it and drive:
Good advice from at least 11 Lake County law-enforcement agencies that launched a campaign this week to combat illegal texting and driving. Officers will be on heightened lookout through Sept. 5. Distracted driving is a preventable habit that can kill others. We'll echo the message - put down the phone while you are driving.
He's got game:
Congrats to Carlos Sainz Jr. of Elgin for winning the Illinois Open with a near-record performance in St. Charles this week. His five-stroke win was a huge confidence boost after losing his spot on the PGA Tour this season. Next on the agenda: rejoining the Canadian circuit, then a shot at the PGA's qualifying school in the fall. Good luck, Carlos.
Better than nothing:
Some folks in Rolling Meadows are disappointed that the city is poised to put a senior living complex on Kirchoff Road, where the shopping center anchored by the late, lamented Dominick's once thrived. Check that - everyone is disappointed that the city hasn't been able to lure retail to that site. But turning this opportunity down doesn't make sense.
Remembering Debby Miller:
Debby Miller never met a library she didn't like, and the Schaumburg Township District Library was her particular favorite. In more than four decades on the library board, she was an unflinching advocate of intellectual freedom and an enthusiastic supporter of the library's art collection. She died July 23, but her life and work will continue to be appreciated.