Town salutes 2 Elk Grove High School teachers

In a town that has given out just 10 keys to the village over two decades, this week seemed momentous in Elk Grove Village.

Trustees in one night gave out two keys to the village to Elk Grove High School educators who have made the village a better community.

Ken Rundquist, who first began teaching at the high school when it opened in 1966, will retire this year.

Mayor Craig Johnson, one of his former students, said Rundquist deserved praise for being the only remaining teacher who was there when the high school first opened.

He also called Rundquist the "coolest" teacher.

Johnson declared June 6 as Ken Rundquist Day.

Johnson also gave Jim Arey, who runs the school's public service program, a key to the village for his service.

Arey is leaving the program after this year.

In his honor, today is named public service day in Elk Grove Village.

Both Rundquist and Arey said it made them proudest to see their students progress to bigger things in life.

"I love you with all my heart," an emotional Arey said at this week's village board meeting.

Aldi, Dunkin' Donuts robber caught, police say: A 31-year-old Arlington Heights man accused in a string of 17 armed robberies around the suburbs is tied to two recent ones in Des Plaines, police said.

Piotr Jaworowski, of 1118 N. Dale Ave., Arlington Heights, was arrested last week after a robbery in Antioch.

Police said during questioning Jaworowski admitted to other robberies. Those included the robbery of an Aldi store, 1365 S. Lee St., last month and of a Dunkin' Donuts, 2120 Miner St., in March.

District 207 wins grant: Maine Township High School District 207 has won a $999,152 federal grant for a multi-year professional development program set to begin this summer.

The program is designed to improve teachers' knowledge and understanding of and appreciation for traditional U.S. history.

Moving to nationals: Elk Grove Village's Moving Force Dance Company has qualified for a national competition.

After participating in the DanceMakers Inc., regional competition in Schaumburg, the 18 member group, ranging in age from 8 to 18, placed high enough in six dances to be invited to the national finals. The competition will be held from June 22-26 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

With six first-place and eight second-place awards, this marked Moving Force's best showing.

Anyone interested in trying out for Moving Force can contact Chris Fearing at the Pavilion Dance Center, (847) 228-3519.