The Soapbox: Keeping Ribfest in Naperville, a sticky situation in Mount Prospect and more.
Keeping Ribfest in Naperville
Nice to see Naperville officials and organizers of the Exchange Club's Ribfest at least considering the idea of shrinking the annual July 4 weekend bash as a way of keeping it in town. If the fest truly has to move, it has to move, but holding a traditionally Naperville celebration in another community just leaves a bad taste in our mouths.
Lucky Luka
A dog lover's tip of the hat to Des Plaines officer Jack Azar, who spotted a car that had been stolen and found a beagle inside. The dog, whose sitter owned the stolen car, had been missing for 10 days during which temperatures dropped to minus 23. It seems unbelievable, but Luka is safe and back with his owner.
Erring on the side of caution
People sometimes question why school districts are so quick to close schools or cancel events based on weather forecasts. Yes, weather changes and forecasts aren't always accurate, but school administrators have to consider that a class can be made up, just as games can be made up. Lives cannot.
Sticky situation with vehicle decal
Intended to honor local police, Mount Prospect's 2019-20 vehicle sticker included an American flag with alternating black and white stripes and one blue stripe. But white nationalists have co-opted the image and many residents were understandably offended by it. A car sticker should not be divisive; the village had little choice but to try again.
'Check, Please!'
Kudos to Arlington Heights' trattoria-inspired American restaurant Passero and chef Matt Peota, which was featured on WTTW's "Check, Please!" Friday night. Our guess is reservations will be in high demand following the showing. If you missed the original airing, you can catch it again at 430 p.m. today, 10 p.m. Sunday or 8 a.m. Monday.
Another legend in the making
With a 20-point win over Marist on Thursday, the Maine West Warriors girls basketball team did something not seen since coach Derril Kipp's 1987-88 Class AA state championship team - go 28-0 in the regular season. How sweet it is for this storied program to get another perfect season, this time under coach Kim de Marigny. Good luck to the Warriors in the regionals.
Landing strip plans up in the air
Two thoughts on complaints about a proposal to build a longer runway at Chicago Executive Airport: One, if residents want to be heard, pro or con, they should attend airport board meetings. Two, the publicly owned airport has a responsibility to show how its proposals benefits outweigh the harm to residents - and neighboring towns.
Call to arms
Forest preserve districts and other agencies want to enlist your help in the ongoing battle against European buckthorn, an invasive shrub that crowds out native wildflowers and other plants. Illustrated brochures with suggestions to replace buckthorn and other tips will be available at nurseries and other locations as the growing season nears. Lock and load.
Remembering Mark Dahlem
Funeral services are set for today for Mark Dahlem, a veteran Palatine police officer who died Tuesday from a rare form of brain cancer. Only a week ago, more than 60 colleagues visited Dahlem in hospice to recognize a "solid cop's cop" known for a "passion and dedication to serving others," in his chief's words. Officer Dahlem will be missed by his community and his family. We offer our condolences.