The Soapbox: Inspiration in Itasca, be heard in Mount Prospect, shocking numbers in Kane and more.
The Daily Herald Editorial Board
A losing battle:
There was a recent disappointing, if not disturbing, report on police not being able to keep drivers from using their phones. "It's everyone, kids, older people, everyone," said one officer. "When I stop someone, they say, 'You're right. I know it's dangerous, but I heard my phone and I had to look at it." No. You don't.
Slow down, too:
By now, everyone should know school is back in session, and that one should drive 25 miles an hour in school zones where students are present. Still, we were recently passed by a driver in Schaumburg despite flashing crossing lights, signs in the middle of the street and a crossing guard waiting at the curb. Is the risk of hitting a kid worth that?
Inspiration on the links:
Talk about inspiring: Roughly 30 golfers gathered for a tournament last weekend in Itasca. Big deal? Yeah, it was, because all of them were amputees who participated in the 16th annual Midwestern Amputee Golf Association Scramble. All these folks overcame the loss of one or more limbs to continue playing the game they love.
Your chance to be heard:
Making crosswalks safe for pedestrians is a challenge everywhere, but the debate
over how to do that has been especially pointed in Mount Prospect since a 55-year-old woman was killed in one last June. People will have a chance to discuss the issue with IDOT representatives at 7 p.m. Monday at village hall. It's a good opportunity to be heard.
A welcome return:
News this past spring that Buffalo Theatre Ensemble would return to College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center was well-received by fans of the 30-year-old professional company. The theater made good on that promise this month with BTE's first new production since the two-year hiatus. Cue the applause.
Watch your purse:
Nearly every week, we have a police blotter item about someone stealing a woman's purse because it is hanging on the back of a restaurant chair or left momentarily unattended in the grocery cart. The lesson? Don't make it easy to steal! Put your purse on your lap, on the floor next to your feet, and in the store keep it on your arm or shoulder.
Rivalry time:
We're looking ahead to the most meaningful part of the high school football season, as many of the marquee matchups that will determine conference champions and the automatic playoff berths which accompany that distinction are just around the corner. If you've got school spirit, now's the time to be heard.
Shocking numbers in Kane County:
As Kane County weighs a bond issue that would cut pension obligation debt costs, we noticed these shocking numbers: Pension obligations are calculated to be paid off by 2188. Yes, the year in the late 22nd century. And the county hopes to save $160 million in that time with a $52 million bond issue today. Imagine what it still will pay in the end.
Numbers to be proud of in St. Charles:
With extra money from a fundraiser, students at St. Charles High School in 1994 helped the American Cancer Society. Since then, students at St. Charles North and East have raised $1 million for cancer research and patient care, aided by the annual Kick-a-Thon before the schools' varsity football game. Year 23 starts today. Doing good never goes out of style.
Remembering all 9/11's fallen:
Following up on our mention last Sunday of the Sept. 11 memorial at the site of the Twin Towers in New York City, a reader contacted us with the reminder that there also are memorials in Stoystown, Pennsylvania, related to the Flight 93 hijacking and in Arlington, Virginia, remembering the victims of the Pentagon attack.