Lake Zurich state Rep. Bos appointed to two task forces
State Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) was selected by Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin to serve on two state task forces - the Route 53 Expansion Land Alternative Use Task Force and the Protection of Individuals with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System Task Force.
The Route 53 Expansion Land Alternative Use Task Force, which was created through HJR 6, with Bos serving as a chief House sponsor, will determine how to use the various pieces of land that were acquired by the state over the years for the expansion of Route 53 now that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has determined the expansion not to be a viable project going forward.
"Regardless of where you fall on the issue of expanding Route 53, it's not happening," said Bos. "Now the issue is to determine the best way forward with the land to benefit the affected communities.
"Whether that means protecting certain areas for flood mitigation, creating park space, or other uses to create tangible economic benefits for the communities and their residents."
The Protection of Individuals with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System Task Force focuses on issues affecting disabled adults and children to ensure their rights, the public and the criminal justice system are protected.
"When it comes to working with youth interacting with the criminal justice system, especially those with a disability, it is typically difficult to recognize trauma that needs to be addressed. Crafting policies that help us address these issues and ultimately help keep youth from any future interaction with the criminal justice system should be the goal," said Bos.
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Des Plaines School District 62 named Gary Wheaton assistant principal at Chippewa Middle School, replacing Juliana Vissering, who was named principal of Chippewa Middle School in July.
Wheaton joins District 62 with 25 years of educational experience. He has previously served as a middle school band director, a dean and most recently as assistant principal in Lyons School District 103.
"I very much look forward to getting to know the Chippewa staff, students and school community," said Wheaton. "While I look forward to sharing my experiences and skills, I am sure that it will also be a learning experience for me as well."
Wheaton, a Chicago native, holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in educational administration from Governors State University.
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Charles Feng, a William Fremd High School student, recently participated in the 2021 International Taiji-Kungfu Tournament, winning three gold medals in empty-handed form and weapons.
The International Taiji-Kungfu Tournament, formerly known as the Golden State International Wushu Championships, has been held for 12 consecutive years. This year, a total of 953 athletes from more than 22 countries and regions competed in the tournament.
Feng has practiced Kungfu (Chinese Martial Arts) since age 5. He trains four days a week and is learning both traditional Shaolin style and contemporary Chinese Martial Arts. His weapon forms include long staff, broadsword, chain whip, double-edged sword and spear.
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Daniel C. Lee, Jr., a 2021 Hoffman Estates High School graduate, was honored with the rank of Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 290 in June. He was also appointed to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod and the board of trustees, during Daniel's Eagle Scout/West Point celebration, declared June 5 as Daniel C. Lee, Jr., Day to honor his achievements.
The first-year West Point cadet plans to pursue a medical degree and serve in the U.S. Army Medical Corp after graduation.
Lee attended John Muir Literacy Academy and Dwight D. Eisenhower Junior High School, both in Hoffman Estates.
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